Love of grandparents

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."

Written By

St John's Primary School Riverstone
www.stjohnsriverstone.catholic.edu.au

23 Sep 2026
From Facebook
A little change in how we share our St John’s story in order to protect our students.

18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
On Monday, seven of our Year 6 students represented our school at the Socktober launch and soccer gala day held by Catholic Mission, CSPD and the Wanderers soccer club. They had a great day of playing soccer with other schools in the diocese. They also spent some time learning about the country of Malawi and difficulties faced by many of its citizens. The students also learnt how to make soccer balls out of recycled materials. This year, Catholic Mission is raising funds to build a school in Malawi to provide education to 800 students. St John’s will be supporting Catholic Mission’s appeal early next term with a fundraising initiative led by the Year 6 students who attended the Socktober Gala day and other volunteers from our Mini Vinnie’s team. If you would like to contribute to our school fundraising page earlier, please click on this link. https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/stjohnsriverstone/socktober-2026 Keep a look out for our Term 4 Faith In Action initiatives which we will be sharing shortly. Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts for Catholic Mission and the Socktober appeal.