Passing down family values, culture and life lessons

For many families in the Junior School, the bond between children and their grandparents is woven into everyday moments, shared stories and the lasting connections that help shape family life. 

For the Sim and Slater families, the relationship between children and grandparents is more than special: it is a source of joy and guidance across generations. They are present at drop off and pick up most days, providing the opportunity to talk, debrief and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

“We delight in watching them gain confidence, mix well with friends and see them grow well academically, socially and emotionally,” says Clara Sim. 

Clara and Linson Sim have taken care of their grandsons, Ryan (Year 6) and Alexander (Year 1), since they were very young.

“We are actively involved in our grandsons’ lives by spending quality time with them, supporting their interests, attending their activities when possible and encouraging them in learning and personal growth,” they explain. 

The Slaters are a “very tightknit family”. Charlie in Year 2 shares a special bond with his grandfather, Robert Christie (OTG 1967). 

“The Trinity connection is special to me, as I have very fond memories of school,” explains Robert.  

“I tell Charlie all about what it was like in my day going to school, from uniforms, school buildings and how lucky he is to have all these latter improvements.” 

Robert joined Trinity in 1960, at age 10, and his first classroom in Year 5 was almost in exactly the same position as Charlie’s current Year 2 classroom. 

Charlie finds this connection with his grandfather’s school significant and likes that he was a part of the Trinity community before him. 

“He tells me stories about his time at Trinity and reminds me how I am very privileged to go to a great school,” says Charlie.  

“When he (Robert) was here, school was stricter and you had to tuck your shirt in all day. We have to tuck our shirt in a lot now, but my grandpa even had to tuck his shirt in at recess and lunch!” 

Ryan and Alexander also share a very close bond with their grandparents, Clara and Linson.

“I feel a different kind of connection with them that I don’t share with my parents,” says Ryan.

His brother, Alexander, thinks his grandparents are really kind. 

“They are different because my grandparents cook more food than my mummy and daddy,” Alexander says. 

The Sims hope to teach their grandsons the importance of faith, kindness, respect, perseverance and maintaining strong family relationships. 

“The connection is very important because we as grandparents help to pass down family values, culture and life lessons,” observes Linson. 

For the students, they each reflect on elements of time spent with their grandparents that they most value. 

“I love watching TV with my grandpa, especially sports. We both like soccer. I also like playing down ball with him and we often play soccer,” says Charlie. 

While for Alexander, “I like playing with them and I just like having fun with them”. 

Ryan enjoys chatting and spending time with his grandparents. A highlight is seeing his grandparents after school. 

“I feel like all of my problems lift away,” he says. 

Clara and Linson, along with Robert, agree that the being involved with their grandchildren is one of the most important aspects in their lives. This involvement provides the opportunity to help guide and mentor their grandchildren, supporting all of their endeavours. 

“We are involved in our grandchildren’s activities almost every day, in one form or another,” Robert says. 

“Be present in your children and grandchildren’s lives and show unconditional love, be patient and create lasting memories together,” Clara concludes.