Grandparents have a very special place in the lives of their grandchildren at St John's Primary providing day-to-day care and emotional support.
In some instances grandparents are the primary-carers and use their time wisely to boost the wellbeing of their grandchildren and support them in their studies.
Some even pay school fees while others pay excursion costs.
The lives of children are enriched by having loving grandparents to share together life's joys, hurts and family stories and traditions.
Grandparents can and do provide additional support to the family but particularly to their grandchildren with whom they share a special relationship.
St John’s Riverstone principal Patricia Charlton is a grandmother herself with nine grandchildren and understands the connection that happens.
“At school events It is heartwarming to see the special bond that exists between our grandparents and their grandchildren; to hear their unique stories. There is a special kind of love they get from their grandparents,” she said.
Our grandparents all agree It is a wonderful role being a grandparent.
“As a grandparent you are able to 'spoil' your grandchildren; give them the little extras; take their side when there are little disagreements with parents; share interests and hobbies and have more time to take their grandchildren on extra outings.
“I have a saying that my grandchildren can and do quote - "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's."
St John's Primary School Riverstone
www.stjohnsriverstone.catholic.edu.au
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02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
Latest News More news
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated Harmony Day! Our students looked absolutely magnificent in their cultural dress and orange. 🧡 A special mention to our students who shared their cultural talents - you did an amazing job.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 students at school did their own walk for water ending at the Kitchen Garden to water our plants.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 leaders are participating in Walk for Water today in Parramatta with lots of other schools in the Parramatta Diocese. Meanwhile at school, our Year 6 students participated in a shorter 30 minute walk in solidarity with people suffering around the world. It’s not too late to donate, we are very close to our target!! - https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/StJohnsPrimarySchoolRiverstone?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Mark Taylor Shield Cricket match between St John’s and St Andrew’s is postponed on Monday 9/3 due to wet weather - new date TBA.
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning we welcomed Warren Kirby MP Member for Riverstone to share and see our musical garden. Mr Kirby supported St John’s with a community grant as part of bettering community facilities and our students have loved using the garden each day. Thank you Mr Kirby for supporting St John’s and improving our playground facilities. 🎶
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our students are ready to swim fast today at the Hills Zone swimming carnival. 🏊
25 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What a great day of learning we had! We have some very tired stage 2 students. Due to traffic we will be late arriving back. Please see compass for updates.