The Fishvember event has been running for four years and aims to get children and parents away from the stresses of modern life and into the great outdoors.
“Fishvember is designed to encourage families to spend time in the outdoors together and also to build our school community,” said Chris Franklin, the Assistant Principal at Holy Cross. “Some groups took three generations fishing together in Fishvember.”
Just sixteen families participated when the event first ran in 2013, but since then, interest has grown and this year 96 families took part.
Families registered at the beginning of the month and were given a Fishvember tag, which they held in photos of themselves taken while fishing. The photos were then entered into a prize draw, which was drawn at a family barbeque at the beginning of December.
“What a terrific way to encourage families to get out and about together!” said Charles Wheeler, whose son Freddie is in Kindergarten at the school. “We had a top afternoon today… Very low tide and a bit windy, but there were some little whiting and bream biting. Next, Freddie felt something big on his rod. Between the two of us we got it in and it was a ray – quite a large one! Very exciting for Freddie!”
Ken Sharp, the grandfather of Blake in Year 1 at Holy Cross, held a fishing masterclass in the school library to teach families about ethical fishing and technique.
“It’s always a great event,” said Mr Franklin. “No doubt this year was our biggest yet.”