School Dads

Newcastle Herald

Thursday September 28, 2006

By MICHAEL HARWOOD, SARAH HANNA and MORGAN SERRANO

THE Fathers in Schools project is an initiative run in conjunction with the Department of Education and the University of Newcastle's Family Action Centre.

The project's aim is to increase fathers' involvement in schools and classrooms.

According to John Andriunas and Dave Turnidge, from the University of Newcastle's Family Action Centre, research has shown that a father role model within the school community helps with children's discipline and learning skills.

This means better outcomes for students.

Maryland PS and five other schools in the area have been involved in the project.

Maryland recently invited fathers to a before-school breakfast and sharing session where the children hosted fathers in activities in the classroom and on the sporting field.

"It was great to be able to have dad at school and show him what I've been doing," said Luke Pitts, a year 5 student.

The project leaders have surveyed fathers and male caregivers on ways they could be involved in the school.

They have formed a data base of these skills and interests and can now call upon people to share their skills and experiences in traditional subjects or other projects around the school.

In the future schools will be acting on many more ideas to encourage children's involvement with their dads within the school.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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