Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of Chisholm Catholic College,

“Nothing could better express the pride and emotion a father feels when he has handed down to his child what really matters in life: a wise heart.” (Pope Francis)

Yesterday morning, we hosted our Father’s Day Breakfast for our Year 12 students and their fathers or significant father figures.

It was wonderful to see so many dads accompanying their children to school and sharing breakfast together at the College. The occasion provided an opportunity for our young people to acknowledge the important role their fathers have played in their lives and to begin what we hope will be a memorable Father’s Day weekend. My sincere thanks go to Mr Glover, our Canteen Staff and the many others who contributed to the morning’s success, some beginning their day as early as 6.00am.

Fathers and father figures have an extraordinary capacity to shape the character of their children. While words of advice are important, it is often the virtues that are consistently modelled that leave the deepest and most lasting impression. Integrity, honesty, faithfulness and perseverance are values learned not simply through instruction but through example. In the everyday moments of family life, children observe and absorb these qualities, carrying them long into adulthood. There can be few greater rewards for a parent than seeing their children grow into confident, compassionate and purposeful individuals, or as Pope Francis shared: to possess “…what really matters: a wise heart”.

Parenting of course, is rarely straightforward. Every generation faces its own challenges and there can often seem to be a gap in understanding between parents and their children. American clergyman Charles Wadsworth captured this reality when he observed, “By the time a man realises that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son [child] who thinks he is wrong”.

Perhaps the lesson for all fathers is that perfection is neither possible nor expected. Rather, it is the countless moments of love, guidance, presence and encouragement that leave a lasting legacy. As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, may all the fathers and father figures in our community be reminded of just how valued they are and of the profound difference they make in the lives of their families each and every day.

“The just who walks in integrity, blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

God bless.

Mr Simon Harvey
Principal