Father’s Day is a special day in the Pymble community as we celebrate the incredible dads, dad-figures and men in our lives and families. In the lead up to Father’s Day this Sunday, we are thrilled to share some of the wonderful fathers of our Pymble staff members.
Gabriella and Dean
Meet Gabriella Gunson, Pymble Junior School teacher, and her father Dean.
What is your earliest childhood memory of your dad?
My earliest memory with my dad is from when I was four years old, just after my sister was born. We had planned an adventure, for the two of us, from Paddington to Taronga Zoo. I was incredibly excited to go to the city and catch the ferry. It was supposed to be a beautiful, sunny day, but when we woke up, it was pouring with rain. Instead of postponing, Dad bundled me up in my raincoat and gumboots, and we explored the city and the zoo. At the end of the day, Dad treated me to my favourite treat—an enormous scoop of chocolate ice cream. I feel very lucky because Dad took amazing photos that captured every special moment of our day together.
What are three words to describe your dad?
Three words that best describe my dad are supportive, loving and reliable.
What do you admire and love most about your dad?
There are many things I admire about my dad. He has always supported my sister and me, no matter the situation, and approaches every challenge with a positive attitude. He is incredible at helping you see perspective in challenging situations. I am grateful for his love for our family and the sacrifices he has made to be there for us. Dad is an amazing role model, showing me the importance of hard work, patience, and compassion.
What’s one thing you and your dad have in common or love doing together?
One thing my dad and I have in common is our love for music. We often spend hours together listening to our favourite albums and discovering new artists. Some of my favourite moments are when we sit on the couch listening to music, sharing stories and memories associated with different songs. It’s a wonderful way to connect, and it always brings us closer together.
What is a valuable life lesson you have learnt from your dad?
A great life lesson I’ve learned from my dad is the importance of always giving it your all. Whenever I struggled, whether in school or other parts of life, he would remind me that trying your best is what really matters, no matter the outcome.
Nick and Brad
Meet our dynamic Pymble father son duo, Nick Lees, Logistics Manager and Brad Lees, our Facilities, Services and Contracts Manager. Nick shares some special memories with Brad below.
What is one of your favourite childhood memories of your dad?
A favourite memory of my dad would be when I was very young we used to go out motor-cross riding on his dirt bike. I would sit on the front of his seat/fuel tank and we’d ride for hours together.
How would you describe your dad in three words?
Three words that best describe my dad are kind, loving and genuine.
What do you admire and love most about your dad?
I love and admire his work ethic and the love and care he has for his family.
What’s one thing that you love to do together?
I would say there are a few things we like to do together but a favourite is our fishing and camping trips.
What is a valuable life lesson you have learned from your dad?
Dad has taught me many valuable lessons but the most significant would be to work hard for what you want in life and the importance of honestly and respect for other people.
Jamie and Tony
Our final father in the spotlight is Tony Batton, father of Dr Jamie Batton, Science Teacher at Pymble. Jamie describes his father as brilliant, selfless and irreplaceable and particularly admires his devotion to their family.
What is your earliest childhood memory of your dad?
One of my earliest childhood memories with Dad is an evening where I was quite sick with food poisoning. I was vomiting regularly late into the night, which wasn’t pleasant, but Dad stayed up and kept me company. We watched some old movies on Fox Classics together; I distinctly remember singing along to Singin’ in the Rain’ and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It helped me feel much better despite the nausea and has become a treasured memory.
What are three words to describe your dad?
My dad in three words – Brilliant. Selfless. Irreplaceable
What do you admire and love most about your dad?
What I admire and love most about Dad is his devotion to his family. Even as a child, I could see that every decision Dad made and every action he took was for the benefit of our family, especially my younger brother and me. He worked very hard, sacrificing his time, energy, and personal happiness at times to ensure that we had the very best education and life experiences he could provide. I am forever grateful to Dad for the opportunities he’s given me to become who I am today and hope to emulate his example with my own family.
What’s one thing you and your dad have in common or love doing together?
Dad and I share many common passions. One that has developed in recent years is a shared love of wine. We enjoy tasting a wide variety of wines, testing different food pairings, discussing flavour and aroma notes, going along to wine dinners, and visiting wineries. In another life, Dad says, he could have been a winemaker or viticulturalist. That life may lie in my future.
What is a valuable life lesson that you have learned from your dad?
I’ve learned so many life lessons from Dad that it’s very hard to choose just one! Since I have to, I’ll go with the lesson to never give up and persist with every opportunity you can. Give everything a go and give your best effort; you never know where some doors may lead!
