SCHOOLS across the region opened their gates to dads, grandfathers and father figures recently, creating an opportunity for families to step into the school day and spend time together.
Father’s Day breakfasts, gift stalls, games and classroom activities gave children the chance to celebrate the people who encourage, guide and support them, while giving dads a glimpse into an important part of their children’s lives.
At Medowie Christian School, hundreds of fathers, grandfathers and father figures gathered for bacon and egg rolls, conversation and some friendly competition.
Staff traded the classroom for the barbecue, while families enjoyed lawn games, UNO cards, handball competitions, and board games.
Student Cassidy said the simple experience of sharing breakfast was a highlight.
“My favourite thing about Father’s Day breakfast was sitting down and eating the food the teachers made with my dad! I liked relaxing with him in the morning!”
For Teix, having Dad at school meant sharing a little of everyday classroom life.
“I was so excited to show my dad the writing we had been doing in class, but my most favourite thing about having dad come to school in the morning was playing board games with him and my friends. It was a lot of fun!”
The celebrations also prompted students to reflect on what their fathers and father figures mean to them.
“What I love about my Dad?” one wrote.
“I love everything about my Dad, but my favourite things about him are that I love how he is funny and always knows how I am feeling.”
For father Jason, being invited into the school helped build connections beyond individual families.
“It means a lot to me for Medowie Christian School to open its gates and host us for Father’s Day,” he said.
“It really brings the community together. I love to bring my own board games and play with the other fathers and children at the Father’s Day breakfast.”
Principal Daniel Weeks said bringing fathers into the school created an important opportunity for connection.
“It is such a privilege to be a dad, to invest in your children and to share time with them,” he said.
“But we don’t always get the opportunity to be with our children at school. This event is really special.”
Across local schools, the opportunity to share breakfast, play a game or simply sit alongside a child offered a reminder that sometimes showing up is what children remember most.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
