Brusjesdag

Every year we have in Term 4 ‘Brusjesdag’ on the RLO calendar. This year many colleagues have asked me: “what does Brusjedag mean?”.

Well, this is where it comes from: My oldest son, Theo, has autism and he joined the special educational needs primary school PI de Brug when he was 7 years old. (PI stands for Pedagogical Institute). At that moment I had also joined the parents council of his school.

More than 80% of the kids come every day with special busses and taxis to this school. Therefore the brothers, sisters, parents and other family members of these kids do not get to see very often the school, the teachers and other kids and parents. The school tries to organize events where the school community gets to know each other better so that they can share their experiences. One of these activities is Brusjesdag (siblings day). The name comes from combining broertje (younger brother) and zusje (younger sister).

When the parents council of PI de Brug organized Brusjesdag for the first time, we were a handful of people that tried to do everything. The day was a success but it was very tiring. After that I have realized that our RLO students could help us, as part of their SA and CAS portfolios. Since then, every year circa 50 students from MYP and DP are helping out with Brusjesdag. Some help with the organization of the day itself, some help with the catering, other play typical Dutch games with the kids: Schminken, Springkussen, Sjoelbak, Zaklopen, Ringwerpen, Blikgooien, Spijkerbroek hangen, Ei op lepel, Ratten slaan, Koekhappen, Spijkerpoepen, Ezeltje prik.

My son Theo turned 20 this year and I have not been part of the parents council of PI de Brug for the last eight years, but although this event asks quite a bit of energy, time and planning, it is so nice to see how much our RLO students enjoy helping out and how grateful the kids, parents and teachers of the school are for being given this opportunity to have a fun evening. Some of the MYP students already registered to help again next year!

Florentina Rsc