The guest speaker for the meeting was Terry McAleenan.Terry works for the Fathering Project, a not for profit organisation which promotes the importance of fathers and father figures positively engaging with their children. The Project was founded by Professor Bruce Robinson who was named the West Australian of the year in 2014.The Project draws on educational research which outlines the benefits of parents effectively engaging with their children and particularly supports schools to identify ways to involve fathers and father figures in schools.

 

Terry has been able to respond to his own feelings about not being initially comfortable in the setting where his daughters went to school. He pointed out that parent involvement in schools is often more geared to mothers and saw a need to support schools in exploring ways to engage fathers. The initial launch of the project in schools takes advantage of the children inviting their fathers or father figure to the school for a meal or a joint activity. The usual schedule involves two family sessions and two adult sessions each year. Activities are always practical, kite making and gardening were mentioned as examples.

 

Terry's presentation prompted lots of questions from members. In particular they were keen to explore ways in which the Club could partner with The Fathering Project to support the Lightning Reef School Community. The support materials members asked for can be sourced as follows:

There was a real sense that the Club could make a meaningful connection with the Fathering Project through Terry. We thank him for his very well researched and engaging presentation.It was heartening to hear that this very worthwhile approach has been initiated in a significant number of schools in the Bendigo area.