Chaplain's Corner

Hi Everyone,                                  

I thought I would do a little research on the origins of Fathers’ Day. Interesting!  There were various ‘theories’.  The earliest I found was a claim that the tradition of Father’s Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon.  It has been recorded that a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life. 

Modern version of Father's Day celebration originated in United States of America in 1909. Sonora Smart Dodd’s father was a Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, a single parent from Arkansas who selflessly raised six children after the death of his wife during childbirth.  Sonora wanted to honour her father and acknowledge the role of fathers and all father-like figures on the date of her father’s birthday, which was June 5.  After eventually gaining much support, Sonora was successful but the celebration was eventually deferred to the third Sunday of June.

Of course, in Australia it is celebrated on the first Sunday in September.

I like to extend Father’s Day to those men in our lives who have been positive ‘Father figures’ for us and/or our children. As our children grew up our elderly neighbours were like ‘Grandparents’ to our children, as their Grandparents (our parents) didn’t live nearby. They received love and care from them and celebrated their milestones.

Father figures may be Granddads, Step Dads, Uncles, Coaches, Carers, to name a few. 

Speaking of Father figures, I know that many HAWTHORN players saw Alistair Clarkson as a positive ‘father figure’ – HAWTHORN, the family club.  Sorry, but I had to get that in! 

It is never too late to be the best Dad you can be for your precious children!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL YOU DADS AND FATHER FIGURES AS YOU DO THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILIES DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME OF LOCKDOWN!   I HOPE YOU RECEIVE THE APPRECIATION YOU DESERVE, NOT ONLY ON SUNDAY, BUT EVERYDAY!

Fathers’ Day can also bring sadness to those who no longer have their fathers; to those who never knew their fathers and to those whose memories are difficult ones.

I encourage you to think of a significant ‘father’ figure in your life, who shares or shared the ‘love and guidance’ of a LOVING FATHER.

To all our Fathers, Step-Fathers, Grandfathers and Special Father Figures in our lives!

 Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)

    robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au