By Shelby Gurney
Saint Anthony’s Catholic Primary School recently held their first after school event for kids, fathers and father-like figures, Handball and Hotdogs.
The event is designed to bring dads together into the school setting where they are able to feel comfortable in becoming part of the school community.
The children involved were excited and wore some dressed up in funky outfits ready to play handball with their fathers.
Handball and Hotdogs is designed to bounce out the notion that mothers are more likely to be involved with a child’s education, either by attending school activities or helping in the classroom.
By running the event once every term, the goal is to get dads more involved moving forward.
Principal Mick Roach has two children who were also joining the event, in Year 3 and Year 1.
The fathering program is based on research that shows how important it is to have a parental figure involved in a child’s education, while creating a definite time and space for dads and kids to do something together while in the company of their peers.
Danny Ryan, father to children Blake and Eli, was one of the many fathers who attended the event.
Danny regularly travels to Brisbane for his job and takes any opportunity when he’s back in Rockhampton to help out with the kids and school activities.
Often helping out with school sports, awards, assemblies, school pickups and everything else that goes with it.
“I just think it’s good to get everyone together, when Mick started speaking about the reasons for the program it all made sense and got me pretty keen to get involved,” Danny said.
Danny said they will have to see what the future holds as it was the first event, but everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun.
“Handball is something everyone can get involved in, and who doesn’t love a hotdog,” Danny said.
Danny has reached out to a few of his friends to get involved and help out in the program and activities.
“What resonated with me the most was that the wives usually create their own community when their kids come to school and fathers typically bury themselves in their work,” Danny said.
He noticed it was happening with himself and decided he wanted to take a more active role with the children and the school.
Mr Roach said in the future, he would like to have another event just for dads, where they can come and chat about various topics and what it’s like being a father.
He hopes that having these groups will create a stronger support system for parents and children.
“At Saint Anthony’s we’re always looking for ways to engage parents more in the everyday running of the school community, not just coming to events but also taking part in the child’s learning,” Mr Roach said.
The program is in place to create an environment where kids can see the best aspects of their dads.