SUMMER SCHOOL ROUND-UP

First, I helped care for the Junior Singers at a Weekend Workshop. The two days passed in a sleep-deprived flash, but I experienced a taster of what Choir is about and why it is so good for our sons, got to know some boys, parents and teaching staff, and exchanged cooking and home domestic tasks for a couple of days in the bush. But it was the singalongs I loved most. Listening with awe as boys as young as seven learnt a new song and could sing it in harmony with their senior counterparts in the space of half an hour.

I spent three days at my first Summer School, and I will never forget them. I made friends with other parents, planned and problem-solved as part of a dedicated and committed team, shared many laughs, handed out stickers to boys doing well, comforted and encouraged those who needed support, got plenty of encouragement and support myself from the experienced Carers, learnt new skills, was well fed, and had front-row seats to top-notch performances.

This year, at my second Summer School, I met some of our newer Tyros and saw how boys I have cared for previously have grown into new roles. Some are now in the Kelly Gang or Cambiata; some have just made it to Chorister, and, incredibly, two of them are now tutors. I was reunited with past Carers and met some fantastic new parents who I now count as friends. And, of course, there was the singing.

As I now adjust to being back in the real world, away from the daily rhythms and melodies of Summer School, I am reflecting on what it means to be a Carer. To me, it means being fully part of a community that is constantly evolving, each of us contributing our unique gifts, all dedicated to the growth and flourishing of our children. We are the village raising the child. In our ordinary lives of busy-ness, work, school, domestic activities, paying bills, shopping and socialising, this is a rare and joyous thing to experience.

Written by Jo Bowers