Kolbe Catholic College was delighted to welcome Year 8 grandparents and special family members for our annual Grandparents Day Mass and morning tea, held in anticipation of the 2026 Catholic World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated on the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.
The morning gave students a wonderful opportunity to honour the role grandparents play in their lives, celebrating the love, wisdom and faith passed down from one generation to the next. One of the most touching moments came towards the end of Mass, when students gathered before the altar to receive a flower before Fr Vijay invited them to offer a blessing over their grandparents. Each student then presented the flower to their grandparent as a simple but powerful gesture of gratitude and love. Following Mass, students and their guests enjoyed morning tea together, sharing stories, laughter and quality time with one another.
Students reflected warmly on the occasion. Charlotte shared, “It was a really fun way to connect with our grandparents”, while Oliver said, “I hadn’t seen my grandparents in a while, so it was great to share such a special morning.” Grandparents were equally appreciative. Noah and Beau’s grandmother said, “I thought it was really nice and very engaging. They made the grandparents feel really appreciated. I enjoyed the whole morning”, while another Kolbe grandparent, Lyn, described the morning as “very moving and meaningful.” Head of Year 8, Josh Flematti, reflected, “It was a special morning for me, allowing me to reflect on the important role my own grandparents have played in my life.”
As a Franciscan community, we give thanks for the generations who nurture, encourage and support our young people. Grandparents Day was a joyful reminder that faith, love and wisdom continue to flourish when shared across generations.
