Deputy Principal

Role Models

Leaving our Father's Day Mass last week, I found myself reflecting on Fr Geoff Plant's homily. He spoke about our sons as seeds that need to be watered so they can grow into fine young men. While we play an important role in shaping them, our task is not to create clones of ourselves. Each boy is unique, blessed by God with his own gifts, talents and potential. As parents/carers, our responsibility is to nurture those gifts so they can flourish and be shared with the world.

The recent loss of my father-in-law also prompted me to reflect on my own father, who I am fortunate to still have in my life. Growing up, my father worked two jobs to provide for our family. His sacrifices ensured we always had a roof over our heads and the opportunity to attend a Catholic school. While much of the day-to-day parenting fell to my mother, who did an extraordinary job raising us, I now recognise the immense love and commitment my father demonstrated through his willingness to sacrifice for his family.

Much has changed over the years, and I would argue that many of those changes have been for the better. In many families today, both parents work and the responsibilities of parenting are shared more equally. Fathers are often more hands-on in the everyday lives of their children, and I see this as a positive development. Our children benefit from seeing cooperation and mutual respect modelled at home. I want my son to see that I can cook, wash clothes and help keep the house running. Equally, I love that he sees his mother assembling furniture, fixing things around the house and tackling challenges with confidence and skill. In our family, there are no designated "male" or "female" roles. We simply work together, and in doing so, we hope to teach our children that contribution, respect and responsibility belong to everyone.

This brings me back to the image of watering the seeds. We nurture our children in countless ways: through our words, our actions, our encouragement and our example. Most importantly, we must help them become the best version of themselves, not a reflection of who we want them to be. They need the freedom to discover their own path, pursue their own passions and learn from their mistakes. Growth often comes through challenge, and resilience is built through experience.

Above all else, our children need to know they are loved. Every time I speak to my son on the phone (as he lives in Newcastle), I end the conversation the same way: I tell him that I love him. It is a simple gesture, but one I hope reminds him that no matter what successes or setbacks life brings, he is valued, supported and loved unconditionally. Perhaps that is one of the most important ways we can water the seeds entrusted to our care.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, grandfathers and significant male role models in our community. Thank you for the many ways you help our young men grow, flourish and become the people God calls them to be.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal