Remi Poliquin
Counsel
JRHS High Tea Connects Generations, Builds Community
by Julie Liebman
Last April, for the third year in a row, John Rennie High School welcomed over 200 seniors from across the Pointe-Claire community for its Annual Senior High Tea. It was held over two days and was a gathering of celebrations, connections, and conversations.
Guests from local residences, the City of Pointe-Claire Day Centre, and community organizations enjoyed an elegant experience complete with sandwiches, scones, desserts, and live entertainment by the school’s Jazz Band. With fascinators and fancy hats on full display, the event brought a touch of classic charm to each seating!
With hats and smiles all around, the mood was light and fun.
Students played a central role, serving guests and creating meaningful moments of connection—highlighting the importance of building relationships across generations.
“To see what the seniors’ life experiences are and to see our students sit down and listen to them is so unique. We do speak about these things in the classroom, but nothing beats a one on one conversation and that’s very special,” says Sonja Vann, JRHS Social Work Technician.
The event was created after the COVID pandemic after organisers noted a generational divide in the community.
They greeted seniors who were bussed in from the Wellsley, the Maywood, the Cambridge, the Estérel and the Vermont residences, as well as participants of the Pointe Claire Day Centre for Seniors and two church congregations. Guests arrived to JRHS by bus and were invited to choose a fancy hat or fascinator for the special occasion.
“The goal is really to build the intergenerational gap, bringing together the young and the old for the betterment of the community,” says co-organiser, Beverly Landry. “We are in our third year, and the event keeps getting more and more popular. “We not only even have a waiting list from our seniors, but also from students who want to participate and volunteer. To see the young generation learning and appreciating what they hear from our guests is truly priceless. Both sides are eager, passionate, and dressed in their Sunday Best to impress!”
