Elders don’t need gifts – they need our time
SANDTON - Bryanston Primary School recently went on their annual visit to the Lodge Retirement Village in Bryanston as an act of goodwill.
The prefects of Bryanston Primary School recently went on their annual visit to the Lodge Retirement Village in Bryanston as an act of goodwill as part of their 67 minutes for Mandela Day.
The residents bubbled with energy and enthusiasm as they smiled and hummed in tune to the music of a ukelele, guitar, piano, flute and the school song brought on by the students.
While enjoying some delicious treats with tea served by the prefects, the elderly residents engaged in joyous interaction and shared special stories and experiences, which proved to make quite an impression on the young minds in attendance.
Everyone was captivated with Nora Derbyshire, a 92-year-old resident who wrote a special poem for the occasion that she read out to the children, which resulted in an emotional response from everyone who shared the special time together.
Liana Bezuidenhout, head of the Bryanston Primary prefects said, “Our school believes in giving first-hand experiences to our learners and as part of the school’s initiative to sensitise our young leaders to the aged and the needy, we visit the home annually. These visits have a deep impact on the children, teaching them respect and care for their parents and elders.”
Norah’s Poem:
Year after year they visit us anew
They arrive at our ‘Home’ like the fresh morning dew.
Bringing their cheerfulness, their youth and their joy
Looking resplendent – each girl and boy.
How refreshing it is in this day and age
To witness such thoughtfulness as we turn over the page.
Such generosity of heart and of mind
We thank you and praise you – you are one of a kind.
What treasures outreaching in time and in grace
What joy you bring with your smiling face.
Waiters and waitresses, refreshments galore
A party to remember as we are three scores and more.
Thank you to your parents for their generosity and kind
Their home bakes, I am sure, are the best that you could find.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and your spirit of glee
Bringing your smiles for each one to see.
Thank you, thank you, prefects one and all
We appreciate your generosity as you heard the call.
You have brightened our day, another memory to share
Go forth as examples that you really do care.
You did your very best and you pleased us all
Thank you, thank you, you may all stand tall!
