Read With A Mate
Our literacy based program in schools has been widely acclaimed by school communities. Using Penrith players and co-operative teaching staff, these one-off events in schools have resulted in very positive feedback from the 200-plus participants in each school.
A package has been developed to stage a school based evening event in cooperation with nominating schools. Penrith players, Prowl staff and schools host Literacy and Learning evening with a resource for each parent to take away. This program targets fathers and father figures in the school community. The aim of the program is to raise awareness of the importance of engaging fathers in the education of children.
The school first registers its interest in the program by contacting the Program Manager. A Panthers on the Prowl representative will then attend the school at an agreed time (usually a staff meeting) and provide a short PowerPoint presentation on the initiative.
The literacy event is based on Newcastle University's FAST (Fathers and Schools Together) program, which is compliant with NSWDET K-6 English curriculum and contains stage based literacy actvities. Panthers supply each school with a copy of the manual from which the activities for the evening are chosen.
The agenda usually involves the following;
A BBQ/ Sausage sizzle
An assembly after the BBQ where invited guests speak briefly and several Panthers players attend. One player addresses the gathering on the importance of reading with children
Some simple door prizes are drawn and photographs are taken with the players
Children and parents retire to stage based activity sessions accompanied by teachers
Players visit each of the rooms for photos, joining in activities and signatures
The Program usually lasts from 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Schools wishing to conduct a Read with A Mate event should contact Richard Booth at Panthers on the Prowl 0247 256420
