Two Pandemic Babies from Graceville Prepare to Attend School

Graceville
Photo Credit: Supplied

Two young boys who entered the world amidst the chaos of the 2020 pandemic are preparing to take their first steps into school life at Graceville State School next Tuesday.



Graceville
Photo Credit: Supplied

Four-year-old Mack Finlayson and his friend Rohaan Ratnam-Elmore, born two months apart at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane, are among the thousands of Queensland children starting Prep this year.

Their journey to this milestone has been unique, marked by lockdowns and restrictions that shaped their early years.  Born in March 2020, Mack was almost twice the size of Rohaan, who arrived prematurely on Mother’s Day.  Their mothers, who first connected at a local library when their daughters were babies,  recall the difficulties of navigating parenthood during a global crisis.

Mack’s mother, Anna Finlayson, recounted the challenges of lockdown with a newborn, a toddler, and a husband working in construction. Hospital visits were restricted, making it impossible for Mack’s older sister, Billie, to meet him until he was brought home. Despite the hardships, she expressed gratitude for the extra time she could spend with her son.

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Graceville
Photo Credit: Supplied

Rohaan’s father, Craig Elmore, also shared his experience as a second-time father to a premature baby.  With their daughter Isla unable to visit the hospital, the family relied on video calls to stay connected. He described the period as a challenging juggling act, compounded by the anxieties of the pandemic.

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With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the boys eagerly anticipate their first school day. Mack is excited about making new friends, exploring the classroom toys, and learning to read. Rohaan looks forward to wearing his new school shoes and joining his sister at “big school”.



Their story reminds us of the resilience of families and the enduring power of friendship, forged even in the most trying of times. As they embark on this new chapter, both boys carry the unique experience of being “pandemic babies,” a testament to the extraordinary times in which they were born.

Published Date 15-Jan-2025