Dear Parents and Carers,

I have reproduced this rather lengthy article about the role of the modern dad. I think it’s worth a read, as the role of fathers has never been more important and yet more complex. Dads deserve all the support that can be mustered.

Happy Father’s Day on Sunday!

In praise of fathers: the place of the modern dad
Fatherhood has been transformed from the breadwinner and disciplinarian role of the past to a far more complex framework. Here’s how:

Diversity rules
A look at different cultures even within our shores shows there’s no one ‘right way’ to be a dad. Fathers have a strong biological urge to ensure their children’s survival, which drives dads to be protective, some to have high expectations and others to promote self-sufficiency. Fathers may differ in how they parent, but ultimately, we all belong to the same valued club. Fathers almost universally want what’s best for their child.

Recognising dads
Being a dad is not given the same attention as motherhood. The parenting advice industry is often skewed toward mothers as the direct or primary carers. The lack of recognition can also at times be seen in the mental health field. It’s now recognised that men experience heightened anxiety at all stages of fatherhood, however, most simply suffer in silence because ‘that’s what men do.’ The recent advances in mental health promotion still have some way to go when it comes to fathers.

Playtime is crucial
Fathers have long been seen as the kings of play. Science now shows that play is a critical part of the fathering toolkit. Whether it’s engaging in rough and tumble play with toddlers, sharing pizza night with primary-school kids or laughing with teens over the latest cat video, dads bond best with their children through play. Oxytocin, the bonding chemical that promotes strong relationships is released most intensely for men when playing with kids. On the other hand, oxytocin spikes for women are prompted by affectionate activities such as stroking, cuddling and talking softly to kids. Activity is at the heart of effective fathering as it’s through play that many men do their best fathering work.

Part of team parent
‘I wish my partner raised children like me’ is a common parent comment. While usually uttered out of sheer frustration this comment misses the point that evolution dislikes duplication. Put simply, if one parent is the disciplinarian the family doesn’t need another. Better for the other parent to focus on nurturing, teaching, or arranging daily timetables. In busy families it’s better to ensure all the parenting bases are covered rather than duplicating roles and leaving out important functions. Working together as one part of team will ensure that most of the needs of a child are met. Alternatively, if you are parenting a child on your own stay connected with other families and reach out for assistance when required.

The school of dad
Traditionally, fathers have been heavily linked with children’s learning, but not necessarily of an academic kind. The reinforcement of values, real-world problem-solving and teaching for self-sufficiency have been the usual domain of dads. Recent studies show that dads can also positively impact their children’s academic achievement, but in different ways to mothers. While mothers are more likely to be involved in at home learning activities such as hearing children read and supervising homework, fathers are more likely to positively impact their children’s attitude to learning. According to American educational researcher William Jeynes, dads focus more (than mothers) on moulding and modelling correct mindsets and behaviours, which provide the foundation upon which children and teens can build their academic journeys. It’s this bigger picture focus where fathers can do their best work, particularly changing boys’ attitudes to women and giving their daughters the confidence to stand up and be heard.

Dads and kids’ development
If a father wants to positively influence children and teenagers, it’s important to ensure that their relationship is warm and supportive. While this may be at odds with men’s natural tendency to push children’s developmental boundaries, fathers should lean on their well-defined ability to relate to their kids through play. As Australian educational leader Dr Tim Hawkes noted in his book Ten Conversations You Should Have with Your Son dads who engage in banter and fun are better placed to discuss issues of real substance with their children.

Dads and resilience
Fathers who promote children’s self-sufficiency are well placed to develop resilience in their children. In fact, a key role for modern fathers is to ensure, as part of team parent, that their children can confront and overcome the hardships, frustrations, and difficulties that life throws at them. This is done less by adopting tough, hard-nosed tactics, and instead allowing kids to take physical and emotional risks in the knowledge that they can return to a warm and secure base.

Dad is a social role
With children growing up in step, adaptive, single parent and same sex families, fatherhood has become less a biological and more a social role. As society changes and assisted parenting techniques continue to advance, whoever answers to father takes on importance in a child’s life. This is not denying the rights of a biological father, but rather acknowledges that for many children the person who shows up whether stepfather, relative or family friend, or even a single parent doing both roles, is the social father for a child.

In closing
As society changes the role of fathers is also shifting as well. While the place of a father in a child’s life has always been important, there’s never been a greater need for fathers to be supported in their role and to widen our view of what it is to be a dad.

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas

May God bless you and your families

Graham Pollard

Principal

Another in a series of recollections from past pupils and families as we begin preparations to celebrate our 50th Anniversary next year……

This week we have received contributions from Scott Lilley, partner of Barnett Lilley & Associates Pty Ltd and Jenny Williamson proud Auntie of Sophie (Year Six).

• Attending St Matthew’s between 1975 -1980 was an important time in my life. For some students it was a fun and exciting time, for others it may have seemed a boring daily routine. For me it was one of the best times of my life!
• My Kindergarten and third grade teachers, Mrs Robinson and Ms Dempsey, were the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. 

 Scott Lilley (1975 - 1980)

• First thing that came to mind about my primary school years at St Matthew’s was remembering that I didn’t cope with the move from Aranda Primary to St Matthew’s.  I would put my pyjamas back on and go back to bed in the morning.  Poor mum, I remember her dragging me screaming up the hill to school one morning and I had to go to class.  I didn’t try it again and have no recollection how the rest of the day went.  It was probably fine.
• When I was 7,   I was running around the corner of the school near the Kindy classrooms and ran smack right into Stephen W who was running from the other corner! A big collision:  Stephen got a black eye and my head was split open needing stitches – just another time for poor Mum to nearly faint while her kids were repaired at the doctors.  And I still have the scar today!!
• I remember in Year 6 that we would spy through the grates into the storeroom that came off the tuckshop – oops should I say? (that was where the kids would kiss)
• I really was a good student but obviously school was tricky at times; I do remember trying to run away from school once.  I got ALL the way to the top of Stutchbury Street (a long way for a young child) and then……. came back.   Fail.
• I really liked my teacher Mrs Blinksell in year 3/4.  She had an effective way of dealing with the naughty boys in the class - pinching their earlobes with her very long nails. Fortunately, she liked me.
• I remember Liturgical Dancing - that was so big in the 70s & 80s!  And also hand making religious banners - cutting out the felt letters and pictures was fun.  I still remember the lettering that they used – and used it to make a Confirmation banner for my daughters in recent years at Star of the Sea College in Melbourne.  Who would have thought that skill would come in useful 40 years later!
• In year 6 I had Sister Robyn who was very nice.  She talked a lot about the missions and also Callings which I thought sounded wonderful - its such a romantic notion

( I loved reading a lot too).  Anyway I came home and told Mum and Dad that I thought I had a calling to the missions.  They listened and were encouraging but soon after Dad put a stop to that thought! He told me there would be no electricity for my hair dryer.  Any calling has been dead to me since.

• And lastly, I loved the handball competitions that we had in the little courtyard at the top of the school near the basketball courts - it was perfect with 4 squares - so much fun. My gorgeous niece, Sophie tells me the year 6’s still use the courts today!  Very cool to hear some past times have continued throughout the 50 years of the school!

I wish you all a Happy 50^th Birthday for next year and many happy memories.

Jenny Williamson (1972-1979)

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Krajacic family on the safe arrival of Elliana Mae. Elliana was 3.15kg and 47cm.

Mum and Bub are doing great.

Happy birthday wishes to Ava S, Rosie M, Esther R, Callum T, John M, Ethan S, Tivani X, Ethan E, Lilly Rae C, Archie M, Abigal M, who recently celebrated birthdays.