As is custom at Saint Philip the Apostle School and many other Catholic schools, when May comes around, a “May Crowning” is celebrated. This is when Mary, the Mother of God, is crowned with flowers, and a prayer service is held. At St. Philip, the 8th grade class participates in the activity of crowning Mary, with the aid of one of the first grade girls. This also happens to be one of the main events at Grandparents and Special Friends Day, which is held on the same day as the May Crowning. This gives the kids and their companions a chance to see the crowning together, and has always been a very enjoyable event for all.

After the May Crowning has come to a close, the Grandparents/Special Friends will be showed to their children’s classroom for an activity. The activity can be anything from a craft to a board game, but no matter what it is, the grandparents/special friends will be included. If the grandparent or special friend should have more than one child with them, the process is still similar. They may go from one classroom to the other with their kids, to do both activities. The kids are allowed to stay with their grandparent/special friend after the May Crowning service, even if they are in different classes/grades. Once the activities have been completed, the grandparent/special friends are allowed to take the children home, as it is they will have a half-day. The grandparent/special friends are actually able to leave whenever they please, so long as they sign their child out at the appropriate classroom. This ensures that no children get lost, and therefore eliminates confusion about where the child is.

After the May Crowning, there will also be a bake sale going on in the courtyard, which is held by the 7th Grade. There, the grandparents, special friends, and kids have the opportunity to buy some yummy baked goods.

This Grandparents and Special Friends Day, let’s remember to enjoy the company of whoever we find ourselves with, and to honour Mary, who is our Immaculate Mother.