The Parents and Friends Association have initiated three guest speakers as parent forums for 2012, the most recent of which was Jonathan Doyle, an education and leadership communicator with a professional background in educating boys.

The Newington P&F Executive sees itself as a body to be included as partners with the College when the agendas for the development of the boys are discussed and set. We seek opportunities and initiatives to provoke parents to consider and share aspects of their parenting; to acknowledge the challenge and commitment it takes to step up and critically evaluate the day-to-day interactions, limitations and expectations we set (or don’t set) for our children.

In particular, Jonathan’s address touched on false measures of manhood that include risk taking behaviour, avoidance of serious commitment and a desensitisation to the needs of others. He made it clear that fathers must not just ‘model’ their expectations of their boys from afar, but openly discuss masculinity, affection, sexuality and respect to ensure the right messages come from family values and not popular media or other influences in their son’s lives.

This week in the Chaplain’s report, Rev David Williams addresses some of the areas Jonathan covered in more detail. For more information access Jonathan’s website and blog which provide specific reading and presentation materials.

Mr Andrew Hine
President, Newington Parents and Friends Association