Published on: 8 June 2017







Over 200 Year 9 boys and their fathers gathered in the School Refectory last month for the inaugural Year 9 Father/Son experience, a special opportunity for fathers to discover new ways to build healthy, strong relationships with their boys.

Facilitated by adolescent development expert, Dr Arne Rubinstein and hosted by The Wynne Centre for Boys’ Health and Wellbeing, the interactive evening was designed especially for our Year 9 boys and their fathers/male mentors.

Throughout the evening, Dr Arne shared guidelines and practical solutions to support fathers and sons in building strong healthy relationships and explored topics such as the impact of technology, how to grow your relationship as he becomes a young man, the importance of independence and resilience, and the need to create appropriate coming of age ceremonies.

“It was such a privilege to see so many fathers/male mentors and sons connecting so authentically, showing a commitment to their relationship and the importance of working on this into the future. Family is important to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people”, said Director of The Wynne Centre for Boys’ Health and Wellbeing, Liam Casson.

“Research shows that young people who experience a nurturing environment and are provided with emotional, social and physical support are most likely to experience positive wellbeing and reach their full potential.”

As part of Personal and Spiritual Development (PSD), the boys consistently explore the concept of positive relationships and the evening provided a great supplement to this course.

Following the event, Year 9 fathers and boys are being encouraged to support one another, understand each other’s world, the challenges that each face, and embrace the responsibility each play as we strive to develop good young men.

Dr Arne Rubinstein has over 30 years’ experience as a doctor, counsellor, mentor and workshop facilitator, and is author of The Making of Men.