'Fathers and sons' night draws praise

by Chau Ho 16 April, 2011

Seventy-five dads and their children from  Holy Rosary Primary School, Woodlands, spent a night camping on the playing field of the school last night.

The principal, Darryl Winsor, said that this event named “Dads and Kids Camp Out” encouraged dads’ involvement in their children’s education.

“We all gather together, spend time with the children, play a little bit of football or cricket or whatever they want, then set up the tents, and share dinner,” Mr Winsor said.

"We then put on movies for the kids, and when that is over, the children go to beds, dads can sit around and talk for a while,” he said.

Mothers didn’t take part in this event.

“Traditionally, dads are not as involved as moms in school from day to day with their children’s education.

“It’s a way to get dads involved and to build the community.

“They enjoy each others’ company, too,” said the principal.

Mr Winsor said that the event last night was unique to his school.

“It was unique to my last school.

“I brought the idea here. Now there are two schools doing it.

“And I have spoken to another principal who ran it for the first time last year as well,” said Mr Winsor.

Simon Dima, father of four-year-Joseph, said the evening was fantastic.

"The idea is to become socialised, to have a night away from home and to help kids become more independent as they are growing up,” Mr Dima said.

Another father, John Della, said the event is not for mothers because during the week mothers come to a lot of school functions, to attend assembles and so on.

“The camping night is held at the weekend so that the fathers can come, see the school and see all the other fathers as well.

“It’s good for kids to have fun and to meet up with friends outside school time,” Mr Della said.

“We’ve been playing a game, Zombie, and we’re trying to get the Zombie," said Joseph.

“But then Lucas went out and Zombie goes into the zoo, but then there is a word and it says ‘Eat!’, so the Zombie is eating the house,” Joseph said.

 This event has been an annual activity for three years since Mr Winsor came to the school.