Chaplain's Spot
Top Tips for Fathers and Father figures
A few years ago, a group called ‘The Fathering Project’ created the above book to help Fathers and Father-figures to give children what they most need from male role models.
This was a handy and helpful book. Here are 10 of the tips they shared with us.
1] Saying ‘I love you’ to them: making eye contact, writing them notes, even when they don’t expect it.
2] Showing them you love them: by spending time with them, hugs, caring for them when they are sick.
3] Letting them know that your love is unconditional: it doesn’t depend on their performance or behaviour.
4] Help them feel special: about their personality, their talents, their creativity, don’t compare them to other kids.
5] Create special times with them: have Dad dates, movies, walks, shopping, camping.
6] Help them realise they have a special future: it will have ups and downs, but it will be their own unique journey.
7] Build their confidence: teach them to do things for themselves, encourage reasonable risk, no put downs.
8] Make use of time before or after school: drive or walk with them to school, take them out for breakfast, turn off the TV and play board games.
9] Weekends and holidays: attend sports, pancakes for breakfast, take them on surprise trips, create adventurous holidays.
10] Stimulate their curiosity: encourage imagination, take them to the museum, help them become interested in nature, interesting people and the world.
Have fun trying these out guys.
Here is a free event: Get ready to be inspired by stories of resilience and growth at the Youth in Focus event - it's all about helping young people thrive!
“Youth in Focus: Helping Young People Thrive”
For parents, guardians and families
Wednesday, 17 September 2025 7.00 to 8.30 pm
Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
To register, go to the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-in-focus-helping-young-people-thrive-tickets-1478917685609?aff=oddtdtcreator
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs before school in the SPC, open to all. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with our toast spreads.
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school.
I will create the Term 4 helpers roster before the end of the term, and put it in the newsletter. https://volunteersignup.org/3CFBJ
Uniforms: Thank you to families who have donated no-longer-needed items back to our school community. It makes a tremendous difference to many families, to be able to access uniform items in good condition for gold coins. Come and check us out on Tuesdays if you need any items.
Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above, or anything affecting your family. I am able to meet with students once, and for any further contact we ask parents/guardians to sign a Consent Form for an ongoing connection.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
