Making Memories at the Father & Son BBQ
The unseasonably cool spring weather did little to dampen the spirits of the more than 500 members of the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) community who came together on Saturday, May 2, for the annual Father & Son BBQ.
Hosted in partnership with the SMCS Parents’ Association, the event welcomed current students and their fathers or significant male role models for a fun-filled day of celebrating our community and school spirit. Guests enjoyed a variety of friendly activities, shared a BBQ lunch, and gathered for the annual group photo on the field, marking another cherished SMCS tradition.
In their own words, here are some personal reflections from the day:
“A great day and a great opportunity to spend time with my son, along with the other dads and students. Gives us a unique time to bond and make memories. A great reminder that we are a community and, more importantly, as dads, a reminder of the responsibility we have to love, train, and ready our young sons for the future. Proverbs 22:6” – Kevin Joachim
“I had a great time; I come every year, and it is a wonderful chance to get to bond with my dad and meet my friends’ dads! It goes to show the St. Mike’s bond runs deep because I’m talking to my friends’ dads as if they’re just one of the guys!” – Edmond Mao, Grade 12
“Today I spent time meeting new kids and making friendships for next year.” – Owen Bjarnson, Prospective Student
“The day is a great way to connect with other peers’ dads. This is something my dad and I look forward to every year.” – Thomas Hamilton, Grade 12
“This is a great activity not just for fathers and sons, but also a wonderful opportunity to meet any children’s friends and their dads. It means a lot to me because my son is the one who asked me to come with him, especially since this is his last year at St. Michael’s. Thank you for organizing the event.” – Eduardo Umali
“It’s been a pleasure to spend the day with Lucas and reflect on a great start to his academic journey at SMCS.” – Alex Galante
“It was a really fun time playing basketball with my brother and eating. I had a really fun time here and met one of my old friends, so today is a really fun day.” – Jimmy Wang, Grade 7
“Today is our first barbecue at SMCS. Jesse will be entering Grade 9, his first year in the school. He was excited to meet new friends and hang out with his dad for the day.” Joseph Ramni ’93, SMCS Alumnus
“I have enjoyed playing sports and seeing my future school with my dad.” – Kane Linton, Prospective Student
“My dad is very shy, so it was great getting us to socialize with my friends and other families.” Lucas Umali, Grade 12
Here are some tributes that the students were asked to write to their dad when arriving at the event. All tributes were posted for everyone to read.
“My dad is my role model because he always pushes me and makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.”
“To my dad, thank you for enrolling me in SMCS. I’ve made so many friends and memories already, and I can’t wait for what’s next. Thank you for supporting me in photography. It helps me know to always try to do better.”
“Thank you, Dad, for inspiring me to pursue my love for engineering.”
“I love how my dad is so brave for me, and when he helps me out when I am feeling down.”
“Thank you for supporting me in my life.”
“My dad is my role model because he always pushes me and makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.”