Grand-friends Day: Celebrating Learning and Connection

On Friday 04 September, our Junior School students welcomed grandparents, grand-friends, aunties, uncles, neighbours and special friends onto campus for our inaugural Grand-friends Day – a special morning celebrating connection, community and the joy of learning together.

A smiling student in uniform stands next to an older woman in glasses and a brown skirt outside a pink wall with IGS and International Grammar School signage, capturing the spirit of connection on Grand-friends' Day. Several people engaged in learning and conversation sit on a nearby bench.

A woman in a blue dress talks to an older woman with a patterned bag and shawl on a city street, highlighting a moment of connection as others stand nearby and a red car is parked in the background.

Elderly woman with white hair and a red cardigan smiles while holding a handbag, standing in a crowd outdoors. She wears a sticker that says I VOTED, radiating the spirit of connection on Grand-friends Day. Several people are visible in the background.

Two older adults at an outdoor event table connect with someone handing out leaflets, sharing a friendly moment. The woman wears a sunhat and orange scarf, while the man dons sunglasses and a cap. People are gathered in the background on a city street, enjoying Grand-friends Day and celebrating connection across generations.

Two older adults stand outdoors, smiling and talking, enjoying a moment of connection. Both wear YES stickers. The man holds a newspaper, and the woman carries a booklet and wears a red and black jacket. The background shows a blurry city street, hinting at the vibrant atmosphere of Grand-friends' Day or another community event dedicated to learning and togetherness.

The day began with a music assembly for Kindergarten to Year 3, before visitors gathered for morning tea in the Bibliothèque alongside the Book Fair, which raised funds for the IGS Foundation through the School’s Library Fund.

In welcoming our Grand-Friends Sarah Herbert, Deputy Principal Junior School, reflected on the importance of connection and the relationships that make a school community strong: “One of the wonderful things about IGS is that we are a community. And communities are made stronger by the relationships we build with one another. Today is about celebrating those relationships and giving our special visitors the opportunity to see a little of what makes our school such a special place.”

A school band performs on stage with a conductor, whilst an audience of pupils watches, fostering learning and connection. A screen behind them displays Grand-Friends Day with colourful graphics.

Children in school uniforms sit in chairs playing wind instruments during a band performance, highlighting the connection between music and learning. A conductor stands in front, and other musicians are visible in the background.

A man and a young girl stand at a podium with a purple IGS International Grammar School sign, speaking on stage in front of large white letters and black curtains. Their smiles reflect the spirit of Grand-friends’ Day, celebrating the importance of connection and learning across generations.

A group of young children in school uniforms stand on bleachers, raising their hands and looking forward, possibly participating in an assembly or performance that celebrates connection and learning—perhaps even a special Grand-friends’ Day event.

A school choir sings on stage as a conductor leads them, fostering connection and learning among pupils. The audience sits and watches, some taking photos to capture the special Grand-friends Day event. A screen in the background reads Music Performance, and the stage is decorated with musical instruments.

Children play musical instruments, including flutes and saxophones, in a school band. A colourful cartoon flower backdrop is behind them as they celebrate Grand-friends Day. An adult conducts the group, fostering learning and connection among pupils and their special guests.

A young girl plays the French horn on stage next to a large white letter S, with other children and a man nearby, celebrating Grand-friends' Day. Audience members watch from the foreground, highlighting the special connection and shared learning between generations.

A man in a blue suit and red tie speaks at a podium labelled IGS International Grammar School, highlighting the importance of Learning and Connection. Large, white letters are in the background, and children are seated below the stage.

Grand-friends and special visitors then had the opportunity to visit Early Learning to Year 6 classrooms and see students in their learning environments. From projects and presentations to classroom activities, students guided their visitors through the learning they had undertaken throughout the term.

A highlight of the morning was hearing students explain their learning in their own words. As they demonstrated skills, answered questions and shared their thinking, students took ownership of their learning and had an authentic opportunity to reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements.

For our visitors, Grand-friends Day offered a glimpse into the rich learning experiences taking place across the Primary School. For our students, sharing their learning with people who are important in their lives made the experience particularly meaningful.

The morning concluded with a Year 4 to Year 6 assembly, bringing students and visitors together once more to celebrate the achievements and talents of our Primary School community.

A teacher sits with young children in a classroom circle, fostering connection as they greet each other. The group faces a screen displaying a Good Morning Report with various flags, ready to start another day of learning. Colourful art and educational materials decorate the room walls, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for occasions like Grand-friends Day.

Smiling grandparents and a child pose together behind a colourful frame that reads Grand-Friends Day, surrounded by illustrated flowers—a joyful celebration of connection and learning across generations.

Children’s plant journals with colourful drawings, painted cups, and clay models are displayed on a table, showcasing their learning and creativity. Kids sit behind the table, partially visible, highlighting the special connection they share during Grand-friends’ Day. Each journal page features handwritten names alongside bright, imaginative artwork.

A young boy shows a handmade craft to three adults who are watching and smiling in a brightly lit classroom, celebrating Grand-friends' Day and highlighting the special connection formed through shared learning experiences.

A woman leans in to listen to a young boy speaking at a classroom table, fostering a sense of connection and learning, whilst another child stands nearby. Educational posters and bookshelves fill the background, capturing the spirit of Grand-friends' Day.

Two children stand by a colourful diorama on a classroom desk. The background shows alphabet letters and posters on the windows. Both kids seem engaged in learning as they look at the project, highlighting the connection fostered during Grand-friends' Day activities.

A man takes a photo of two smiling boys displaying a colourful diorama project in a classroom, capturing the spirit of connection and learning, with books, posters, and other pupils visible in the background.

A teacher sits on a stool in a classroom, making a gesture with her hands near her face while young children sit on the floor and watch her, fostering connection and learning amid colourful books and wall decorations.

Two boys stand behind a colourful diorama in a shoebox, featuring small trees and objects. Both boys wear navy shirts and are looking at something out of the frame, appearing focused and engaged—a clear display of their learning and connection as they share this creative moment together.

A diorama with a paper tree, a clay animal resembling a sloth, and a model snake on yellow ground, set inside a box with blue paper walls and a drawn sun, celebrates learning and connection—perfect for sharing creative moments on Grand-friends’ Day.

A young girl in a school uniform sits holding a transparent ruler, while an older man—perhaps her grand-friend—leans over to observe her, highlighting their connection during Grand-friends’ Day. Other people are visible in the background, contributing to the atmosphere of shared learning and togetherness.

An elderly woman shows a large sheet of blue paper to a young child, while a bearded man stands behind them, watching. Sharing this special moment during Grand-friends’ Day, they are in a classroom setting with bookcases and supplies in the background—an environment that fosters learning and connection across generations.

Three people pose together and smile indoors, celebrating Grand-friends Day. An older woman in a teal dress with glasses hugs a smiling child, while another woman in a black floral jumper stands next to them. Their warm connection shines through as all wear name badges, highlighting the joy of learning and sharing special moments across generations.

A classroom table with colourful children’s drawings, labelled papers, and a paper cup. The artwork features bright, abstract vases of flowers that celebrate learning and creativity. Folders are visible in the background, reflecting the special connection shared on Grand-friends’ Day.

The morning was also an opportunity to reflect on what it means to belong to a School community across generations. Speaking to our visitors, Julia Glass, herself a former IGS student, a parent of a Kindergarten student and Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager at IGS, shared her perspective on seeing the School from both sides and the importance of helping it flourish for generations to come.

Julia spoke about the IGS Foundation and its role in sustaining and strengthening the School into the future, including the Foundation Library Fund. Grand-friends and special visitors were invited to make a donation towards new books for the Bibliothèque, with the option of dedicating a bookplate to their grandchild or special friend, who can be the first to borrow the book.

Drawing on the image of planting a tree, Julia reflected on how a small act today can create something that benefits others well into the future – a fitting message for a day centred on generations coming together.

An older woman reads a book to a young child with blonde hair, highlighting the special connection they share. The woman wears an orange skirt and checked shirt, while the child wears a white t-shirt and green patterned trousers. They sit together in a cosy indoor setting, making moments of learning and warmth—perfect for celebrating Grand-friends Day.

A group of people gather in a brightly lit library, chatting and eating as they celebrate Grand-friends’ Day. Some are seated, and others stand among bookshelves filled with colourful children’s books, enjoying moments of connection. Large windows let in natural light, creating a warm atmosphere ideal for learning and friendship across generations.

An older woman with short grey hair sits on a wooden bench reading a book, holding a beige jacket on her lap. A turquoise water bottle is on the floor nearby. As others stand and talk in the background, she enjoys a quiet moment of learning and connection—perhaps celebrating Grand-friends' Day in her own way.

A woman in a floral dress stands at a lectern labelled IGS International Grammar School, speaking or presenting on a stage with black curtains and large white props behind her, fostering connection as she celebrates learning during Grandfriends’ Day.

People browse books and gather around tables in a brightly lit library with large windows. On Grand-friends’ Day, children and adults connect as they interact—some reading or eating—while books fill bins and shelves throughout the room, creating a warm atmosphere of learning and togetherness.

People gather indoors at a community event for Grand-friends Day. Three adults in the centre talk, one holding a book, as others browse or converse in the background. Books are displayed on tables along the windows, highlighting opportunities for connection and learning. The mood is lively and social.

A group of people gather around tables with snacks and drinks in a library or community space, celebrating Grand-friends Day. Some are serving themselves while others connect through conversation or hold plates, creating a warm atmosphere of learning and friendship. Bookshelves and green plants are visible in the background.

Two children sit at a table eating pasta, with water bottles and snacks. Bookcases are in the background, and other people are also seated at the table. The girl appears to be laughing or talking animatedly, highlighting a moment of connection as they share this joyful mealtime together.

Five people sit around a table in a library, talking and eating. Three girls are engaged in conversation, while an older woman and man eat—an atmosphere that captures the spirit of Grand-friends’ Day. Surrounded by bookcases, the group enjoys meaningful connection and learning across generations.

Two students sit at a table in a library, eating and talking. Bookcases are in the background and food items are on the table. Both wear dark blue uniforms, enjoying learning together and fostering a sense of connection.

Thank you to all our grand-friends and special visitors for joining us and helping make our inaugural Grand-Friends Day so memorable. Thank you also to everyone who generously donated at the Book Fair.

Thank you also to everyone involved in organising the event, for their vision, care and work in bringing this new event to life and creating such a meaningful opportunity for our Junior School community to come together across generations.

It was a wonderful celebration of the connections that support our students today and help build a strong community for generations to come.

In Other News

On Track for Success

Seeds of Curiosity: Science Week at IGS

Year 5 Students Shine in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee

Directory