“A day to remember.” These words came from one of the first grandparents to arrive, setting the tone for the day. He added, “I am a Collegian, and I am here to see my granddaughter. She is just loving St Paul’s, and I am so proud to see her at my old school.”
More than 800 grandparents made their way onto campus, cars slowly lining the drive, including a couple of classic beauties, all eager not to miss a moment of this special occasion. Guests were welcomed with gift bags, with one delightfully remarking, “Ooh, my new St Paul’s shopping bag.”
Grandparents’ Day at St Paul’s is an important tradition. Even as the school grows and the number of grandparents who attend increases, the St Paul’s Foundation, which organises the event, ensures it remains on the annual calendar. The reason is simple: we must thank the grandparents. Our grandparents support our students in multiple ways, whether through family dinners, expert advice, or assistance with school fees. Acknowledging them is the way we say, ‘Thank you.’
As the Grandparents’ Day Chapel service began, Year 9 student Meg Hunter had everyone smiling as she shared a memory of her poppa. “He taught me that gratitude for a good meal is shown by licking your plate clean!” Laughter rippled through the Chapel as grandparents recognised the values they had passed on to the next generation. The school choir performed a Neil Diamond medley, with many of the guests tapping their feet along to the beat.
After the service, grandparents were taken on personal tours with the best guides they could ask for – their own grandchildren. From classrooms to boarding houses, and stepping into innovative spaces like the Hive, it was wonderful to see grandparents holding hands with their grandchildren, pausing to chat and marvel at how the school had grown.
Meanwhile, more than 700 cups of coffee were poured, and 1,000 freshly baked cookies were munched as families caught up and shared stories. Photographers moved among the crowds, capturing the smiles, the hand-holding, and the pride in both the grandchildren’s and grandparents’ eyes.
As one grandparent later reflected: “We felt privileged to be part of such a lovely day and felt so proud of our beautiful grandchildren.”
It was a sentiment echoed across the school. By the end of the day, the queues had long since cleared, and the coffee cups emptied, but for grandparents, parents, and students alike, it was a day to remember.
View the photos from the day here.
