Fathers of students who attend CedarBridge Academy joined their kids for a special Father's Day Luncheon yesterday.

The luncheons began when principal Kalmar Richards took over at the school. She said it is a way to show that there are positive male role models and the reponse to this year's luncheon shows that there are fathers who care.

Mrs. Richards said the annual event is growing as there appeared to be more fathers this year than the previous year.

She added: "The children are more excited. They have been hovering around the front door waiting for their fathers. There is something special when a man makes his presence on school grounds."

Many of the fathers agreed this was an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between them and their child which they could not pass up.

Cal Grimes spent his lunch hour with his daughter Calte.

He said: "I think it's great, because you get to share time with children and you also get the opportunity to share with teachers."

Mr. Grimes noted that this helps fathers create a positive image of fatherhood for their child and their child's friends.

Calte said the lunch meant a great deal to her.

"It shows the parents' responsibility. They enjoy spending time with us. Every child needs a father figure in life."

Leading by example, Ms Richards' own father showed up and had lunch with her as the other fathers congregated in the cafeteria. They had the option of either bringing a packed lunch or purchasing food at the school.

Nigel Pemberton seized the opportunity to have lunch with his son Luke and said it was especially important to come as it was held in a school setting.

He said: "It's important to look at parents, especially the fathers who don't stay with their children. Things like this help fathers to develop a bond outside of normal circumstance. More initiatives like this should happen."

There is another dynamic at play, Mr. Pemberton said. People who work at the school will recognise the children's fathers so any time their child does anything wrong, they hear about it.