Community Engagement Celebrating the role of ‘dad’ on Father’s Day On the first Sunday of September, we celebrate and give thanks for the dads, grandads, family members and special friends in our students’ lives, including those wonderful father figures no longer with us. ‘Father’s Day gives us a strong reminder about what we are trying to achieve at Trinity – to grow good men,’ Principal Adrian Farrer said. ‘The joy of fatherhood can be balanced by the challenges at times, so while Father’s Day can be seen as a commercial event in this era, it is valuable nonetheless to take the time to reflect on, simply, being a good father.’ To bring some TGS spirit to the at-home celebrations this year, the Community Engagement team shared a set of recipes from The Mitre Cookbook for families to create and enjoy together. The Junior School also provided some beautiful
Trinity cards for students to colour in and gift to their loved ones. The role of ‘dad’ looks different for every family, which is part of what makes it so special. Junior School Captain Sidney Johns, who lives with his two mums, has a very special relationship with his dads. ‘Whether it is kicking the football with you, or assisting you with homework, dads are always there supporting you, commonly with some advice,’ he said. ‘I don`t live with my dads, but they have still managed to share their love of biking and food with me, and most importantly, they have shared their dedication to the North Melbourne Football Club. No matter what impact dads have on you, big or small, they are always there to encourage and support you.’ Mark Toner, father of School Captain Will Toner, feels that his role is ‘forever in transition’.
Junior School Captain Sidney Johns with his dads, Andrew and Paul
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‘Those earlier years when we were idols to our kids, they’d literally believe anything we told them. They were fully dependent on us, for their wellbeing, entertainment and love. In those mid-teenage years, the word “dad” is often synonymous with “taxi” (to basketball, footy or a friend’s house) and “money printer” (for the orthodontics, school fees and the latest Apple i-whatever). And now in these early adult years, we become a driving instructor, a friend and mentor.’ ‘It’s the perfect role and I wouldn’t swap it for any other,’ he said. Copies of The Mitre Cookbook can be purchased for $25 (or two for $40) via www.trybooking.com/YIOL All proceeds go to the Trinity Parents’ Association for distribution to the Mito Foundation, which supports people affected by mitochondrial disease.
School Captain Will Toner with his dad, Mark
