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(THEME MUSIC PLAYS)
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MUM: Why is that?
I don't know.
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REPORTER: These children
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REPORTER: These children
are now being referred to
as 'school refusers',
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are now being referred to
as 'school refusers',
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a perhaps crude term
for kids in emotional stress
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a perhaps crude term
who can't face
being in the classroom.
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who can't face
being in the classroom.
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It's honestly like a zoo.
Like, that's how crazy it is.
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It's honestly like a zoo.
And I just couldn't cope.
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And I just couldn't cope.
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ETHAN: I got bullied every day.
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My old school made me feel
ETHAN: I got bullied every day.
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My old school made me feel
like I was locked up in a cage.
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My old school made me feel
It's become such a big issue
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It's become such a big issue
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that a parliamentary inquiry's
underway
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to look at how to address
that a parliamentary inquiry's
the problem.
underway
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to look at how to address
the problem.
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Our children are not robots,
they are people.
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Our children are not robots,
Come on, mate. We have to try, mate.
they are people.
We try every day.
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Come on, mate. We have to try, mate.
We try every day.
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Freddy, it's time to go.
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Come on, let's do it.
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Sausage, come on,
Come on, let's do it.
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Sausage, come on,
can you please hop out?
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Sausage, come on,
We've really got the perfect storm -
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We've really got the perfect storm -
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adolescent mental-health issues
on the rise,
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adolescent mental-health issues
a teacher-workforce crisis
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a teacher-workforce crisis
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and we've just come out
a teacher-workforce crisis
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and we've just come out
of COVID lockdowns.
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HAYLEY: I had my parents
coming, yelling at me,
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telling me that I'm lazy,
I need to get out of bed.
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All of my energy
was just focused on staying alive.
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What have we got here?
Mention of suicidal ideation.
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Trigger warnings.
Self-harm. Suicide.
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Trigger warnings.
"Oh, they just need tough love."
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"Oh, they just need tough love."
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If that worked,
"Oh, they just need tough love."
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If that worked,
my child would be at school.
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If that worked,
(GIGGLES, YELLS PLAYFULLY)
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(GIGGLES, YELLS PLAYFULLY)
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Argh!
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(SCREAMS PLAYFULLY)
(LAUGHS)
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(SCREAMS)
Oh, no. Fred. Fred...
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(SCREAMS)
(SCREAMS)
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(SCREAMS)
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I'm sure that there will be people
there saying to their TV,
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"That woman
just needs to grow a backbone
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"and tell her kids what's what."
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Before it happened to me,
I was one of those parents.
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Argh!
(CHILD GIGGLES)
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It's not like I just want
to live my life as a disappointment.
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Like, I love learning.
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Every child is worth something.
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We really need to address it
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before we lose a whole lot
of kids from the education system.
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(CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
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(HUBBUB)
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MUM: Freddy, it's time to go now.
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Come on, mate, hop up, please.
It's time to go.
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Frieda?
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Chicken?
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Hey, come on, darling.
Please, hop up.
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Mate, it's time to go to school.
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It's a good day today
to be at school.
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Mum, stop talking about school
so much!
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Mum, stop talking about school
so much!
Ow! Ow! Please don't kick me!
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Ow! Ow! Please don't kick me!
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Oo-ah!
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You're like jelly today.
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Come on, darling.
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No.
Let's go. Freddy. Come on, darling.
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No.
Mate.
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Mate.
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We've got to get going, honey.
Come on.
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We've had lots of time this morning
to get ready. Now it's time to go.
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Try, alright?
Can you bring your bag in case?
We've had lots of time this morning
to get ready. Now it's time to go.
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Try, alright?
Can you bring your bag in case?
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Can you carry this one then, please?
Can you bring your bag in case?
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Can you carry this one then, please?
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Freddy!
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Fred, come on, dude.
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Come on, mate. We have to try, mate.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
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Come on, mate. We have to try, mate.
We try every day.
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We try every day.
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That's the deal. Come on.
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That's the deal. Come on.
Let's go, please.
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Let's go, please.
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(GROANS)
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Freddy, come on.
(MOANS)
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OK.
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OK, we're out of the car.
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Darling, what's going on?
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I can't do it.
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Why is that?
I don't know.
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Fred! No! No, no, no!
Mate, it's time to go up to school.
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Fred! No! No, no, no!
Frieda!
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Frieda!
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Dude.
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Fred, please,
Dude.
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Fred, please,
don't take your shoes off.
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Fred, please,
We're going up to the classroom.
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We're going up to the classroom.
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Honey, I need to go to work.
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Freddy.
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Can I just talk to you for a sec?
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(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
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I feel like this is probably not
going to happen today, is it, mate?
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No!
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Alright, well, let's go home,
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but I have to do some work
for a while when I get home, OK,
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because it's really late,
it's, like, 10 o'clock already.
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There's nothing I can do!
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Mum, I'm bored.
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I wish I could play with you,
chicken,
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I wish I could play with you,
but I just have to get this done.
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but I just have to get this done.
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There's other people
waiting on my work.
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Hey, please,
don't pull on my chair, mate.
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Come!
I get a bit frustrated
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when you pull on my chair.
So, I just have to do this, OK?
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I want to sit on your lap.
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Yeah.
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Hm!
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Hey, hey, hey. I need my mouse.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
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Not fair!
I need that to work, chicken.
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Not fair!
(HUFFS)
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(HUFFS)
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(SNIFFLES)
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Ideally, I would be
sitting down with her
(SNIFFLES)
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Ideally, I would be
sitting down with her
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Ideally, I would be
and doing some educational stuff,
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and doing some educational stuff,
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but I don't have capacity
to do that.
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So, she's basically left
to her own devices, you know?
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I'm trying to keep my job here.
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I've thought a lot about having
to do homeschooling with Fred,
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I've thought a lot about having
but I can't afford to.
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but I can't afford to.
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It really...
It started in kindergarten.
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Fred was having trouble, like,
going into school.
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Some days we couldn't
even get out of the house.
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Some days we would get
as far as the footpath
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Some days we would get
and then she couldn't go in.
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and then she couldn't go in.
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And then sometimes
you would just run away, hey, Fred?
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And...
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..one term she got down to, I think
it was less than 20% attendance.
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It was very low.
She was having a lot of trouble.
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Partly because Frieda
masks her autism,
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she does appear like a model student
in the classroom.
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But the days that she did end up
staying at school,
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she would get home
and just fall apart.
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In the early days
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I would drag her
to the classroom door
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and then her teacher would literally
drag her inside and shut the door
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and then her teacher would literally
so she was trapped in there.
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so she was trapped in there.
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And I'm talking, like,
a five-year-old child
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And I'm talking, like,
being bodily pulled
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being bodily pulled
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by a full-grown adult
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and then separated from their parent
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with a door that's locked.
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And that traumatised her so much.
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Like, I'm ashamed of that.
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And I didn't know better.
I didn't know any better.
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"Oh, they just need tough love."
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If that worked,
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my child would be at school.
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You try the reward charts,
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you try making home boring
so they don't want to be here.
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None of the stuff that the experts
say you should do works.
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None of the stuff that the experts
Look, this is my crab.
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Look, this is my crab.
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Oh, now you're a crab like that.
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I haven't seen you do the crab dance
for a while, actually.
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(LAUGHS)
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Oh, my God, kiddo.
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You make me laugh every single day.
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(LAUGHS)
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You see other families, their kids
just happily going to school
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and getting to know each other at
school drop-off and school pick-up,
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and you feel like you're just
in this complete other world.
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That's a really lonely
and confusing and shameful world
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because you assume
that you're the problem
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because everyone tells you
that you're the problem.
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And, Fred, you know,
you said to me a few times,
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"I just don't know
why it's so hard for me.
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"I wish it was easy for me
like the other kids."
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And that's what you've said
all along -
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"Not that I don't want
to go to school,
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"Not that I don't want
"I can't."
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"I can't."
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It's boring
when I don't go to school
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It's boring
and that's why I get a bit upset
200
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and that's why I get a bit upset
201
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when I usually
don't make it to school
202
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when I usually
don't make it to school
'cause I really want to,
203
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'cause I really want to,
204
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but somehow
I don't know how to get there.
205
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but somehow
Yeah.
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Yeah.
207
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The Department of Education
talks all about inclusive education,
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every child's entitled
to an education,
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but, you know,
they don't seem to understand
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what autistic kids need,
what ADHD kids need.
211
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We found that individual teachers
are wonderful
212
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We found that individual teachers
and they try really hard,
213
00:08:49,580 --> 00:08:50,980
and they try really hard,
214
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but schools,
they seem to only really cater
215
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to this fairly narrow range
of brains and kids, right?
216
00:08:59,540 --> 00:09:02,940
And that's a real shame.
217
00:09:04,180 --> 00:09:09,140
I would much rather her be well
than be at school all the time.
218
00:09:09,140 --> 00:09:09,380
I would much rather her be well
If her having perfect attendance,
219
00:09:09,380 --> 00:09:11,620
If her having perfect attendance,
220
00:09:11,620 --> 00:09:11,860
if the cost of that
If her having perfect attendance,
221
00:09:11,860 --> 00:09:15,140
if the cost of that
is her mental health,
222
00:09:15,140 --> 00:09:15,380
if the cost of that
it's not worth it.
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00:09:15,380 --> 00:09:17,180
it's not worth it.
224
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It just isn't worth it.
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(KIDS CHATTER AT PLAY)
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GLENN MELVIN: This might sound
a little controversial,
227
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you might think I've got it round
the wrong way,
228
00:09:43,660 --> 00:09:46,940
but why would kids
bother coming to your school?
229
00:09:46,940 --> 00:09:50,700
In a time when attendance
has really shot down...
230
00:09:50,700 --> 00:09:50,940
After COVID we've seen sort of
In a time when attendance
has really shot down...
231
00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:53,220
After COVID we've seen sort of
232
00:09:53,220 --> 00:09:55,980
rates really kicked down
last year...
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00:09:55,980 --> 00:09:56,260
rates really kicked down
last year...
When a school-attendance problem
is emerging,
234
00:09:56,260 --> 00:09:58,940
When a school-attendance problem
is emerging,
235
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we don't necessarily know
what type it is.
236
00:10:01,900 --> 00:10:05,660
Maybe it's school refusal,
maybe it's school withdrawal.
237
00:10:05,660 --> 00:10:05,940
We certainly know
from young people we work with
Maybe it's school refusal,
maybe it's school withdrawal.
238
00:10:05,940 --> 00:10:09,060
We certainly know
from young people we work with
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00:10:09,060 --> 00:10:13,700
that they talk about the importance
of belonging.
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00:10:13,700 --> 00:10:13,980
that they talk about the importance
of belonging.
What we were finding
is that more and more young people
241
00:10:13,980 --> 00:10:17,140
What we were finding
is that more and more young people
242
00:10:17,140 --> 00:10:17,380
What we were finding
weren't attending school,
243
00:10:17,380 --> 00:10:19,140
weren't attending school,
244
00:10:19,140 --> 00:10:19,340
and we were trying to work out why.
weren't attending school,
245
00:10:19,340 --> 00:10:21,020
and we were trying to work out why.
246
00:10:21,020 --> 00:10:21,260
and we were trying to work out why.
And it's not
just an Australian problem,
247
00:10:21,260 --> 00:10:23,740
And it's not
just an Australian problem,
248
00:10:23,740 --> 00:10:26,260
this is something
that is happening internationally
249
00:10:26,260 --> 00:10:28,500
and it has been researched
internationally.
250
00:10:28,500 --> 00:10:28,740
and it has been researched
(LOUD CHATTER)
251
00:10:28,740 --> 00:10:32,540
(LOUD CHATTER)
252
00:10:40,620 --> 00:10:43,700
We really don't know how many
children and teens in Australia
253
00:10:43,700 --> 00:10:43,940
We really don't know how many
are refusing school,
254
00:10:43,940 --> 00:10:45,860
are refusing school,
255
00:10:45,860 --> 00:10:47,700
and there's been a lot of concern
256
00:10:47,700 --> 00:10:47,900
in the community
and there's been a lot of concern
257
00:10:47,900 --> 00:10:48,940
in the community
258
00:10:48,940 --> 00:10:51,060
that rates have really skyrocketed
259
00:10:51,060 --> 00:10:52,180
since the pandemic.
260
00:10:52,180 --> 00:10:52,420
since the pandemic.
Departments of Education
don't routinely collect this data,
261
00:10:52,420 --> 00:10:56,180
Departments of Education
don't routinely collect this data,
262
00:10:56,180 --> 00:10:57,660
but this is critical data.
263
00:10:57,660 --> 00:11:01,740
It might be that the problem
is much larger than we expect.
264
00:11:20,700 --> 00:11:22,180
I sometimes think of it like
265
00:11:22,180 --> 00:11:22,420
school refusal
I sometimes think of it like
266
00:11:22,420 --> 00:11:25,500
school refusal
is a child waving a big flag.
267
00:11:25,500 --> 00:11:28,740
They're saying, "I'm not managing.
I'm not coping."
268
00:11:28,740 --> 00:11:28,980
They're saying, "I'm not managing.
And for some
269
00:11:28,980 --> 00:11:30,100
And for some
270
00:11:30,100 --> 00:11:33,940
their methods of showing
their distress can be quite extreme.
271
00:11:33,940 --> 00:11:34,180
their methods of showing
And I've worked with parents
272
00:11:34,180 --> 00:11:35,420
And I've worked with parents
273
00:11:35,420 --> 00:11:35,660
who've had knives pulled on them
And I've worked with parents
274
00:11:35,660 --> 00:11:37,460
who've had knives pulled on them
by their kids
275
00:11:37,460 --> 00:11:40,500
who are so desperate,
so anxious in the morning
276
00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:40,740
who are so desperate,
to avoid going to school.
277
00:11:40,740 --> 00:11:42,620
to avoid going to school.
278
00:11:42,620 --> 00:11:44,140
The main reason kids miss school...
279
00:11:44,140 --> 00:11:44,380
This isn't isolated kids
The main reason kids miss school...
280
00:11:44,380 --> 00:11:46,980
This isn't isolated kids
here and there,
281
00:11:46,980 --> 00:11:49,980
it's in every school
around Australia,
282
00:11:49,980 --> 00:11:53,180
from private schools,
Catholic schools, public schools.
283
00:11:53,180 --> 00:11:53,420
from private schools,
It's across the spectrum.
284
00:11:53,420 --> 00:11:54,980
It's across the spectrum.
285
00:12:06,620 --> 00:12:08,420
Keep going.
286
00:12:09,500 --> 00:12:11,260
Keep going.
287
00:12:15,540 --> 00:12:17,740
I could find it on my phone.
288
00:12:18,780 --> 00:12:20,580
Oh, there we go.
Ah, there we go.
289
00:12:22,620 --> 00:12:26,500
So, there's 2,199 member requests
waiting.
290
00:12:26,500 --> 00:12:26,740
So, there's 2,199 member requests
Yeah.
291
00:12:26,740 --> 00:12:27,500
Yeah.
292
00:12:27,500 --> 00:12:30,740
What's the longest person
who's been waiting?
293
00:12:30,740 --> 00:12:31,980
15 weeks.
294
00:12:31,980 --> 00:12:34,940
16 weeks!
16 weeks even.
295
00:12:34,940 --> 00:12:37,460
I feel a lot of pressure
to let them in
296
00:12:37,460 --> 00:12:40,940
because, you know, there's some
quite desperate parents in there
297
00:12:40,940 --> 00:12:42,780
that really need the support.
298
00:12:42,780 --> 00:12:45,380
We had lots of distressed posts
coming through
299
00:12:45,380 --> 00:12:45,620
We had lots of distressed posts
and lots of distressed parents.
300
00:12:45,620 --> 00:12:49,500
and lots of distressed parents.
301
00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:53,580
So much of what actually
is underlying that parent frustration
302
00:12:53,580 --> 00:12:55,580
is, essentially, a lot of fear.
303
00:12:55,580 --> 00:12:57,740
I know, certainly in New South Wales,
304
00:12:57,740 --> 00:13:00,580
for us it was a feeling
of almost desperation
305
00:13:00,580 --> 00:13:00,820
for us it was a feeling
to get your child to go
306
00:13:00,820 --> 00:13:02,620
to get your child to go
307
00:13:02,620 --> 00:13:02,860
because you knew
to get your child to go
308
00:13:02,860 --> 00:13:05,780
because you knew
that it was actually a legal matter -
309
00:13:05,780 --> 00:13:09,500
"Oh, my God, it's the law.
I'm going to get in big trouble."
310
00:13:21,180 --> 00:13:23,380
Mm. Amazing.
311
00:13:24,660 --> 00:13:26,700
Um... What have we got here?
312
00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:29,420
Mention of suicidal ideation.
313
00:13:29,420 --> 00:13:32,140
Trigger warning. Self-harm. Suicide.
314
00:13:32,140 --> 00:13:33,700
Heartbroken.
315
00:13:33,700 --> 00:13:36,180
Ooh, something to do
with legal threats as well.
316
00:13:37,060 --> 00:13:39,300
It's just nonstop
seven days a week.
317
00:13:39,300 --> 00:13:41,540
The posts come through
where people are just feeling
318
00:13:41,540 --> 00:13:43,060
a real sense of urgency about
319
00:13:43,060 --> 00:13:45,620
"I've got to be at work
and my child won't get out of bed.
320
00:13:45,620 --> 00:13:47,580
"He's saying he's feeling
like ending his life.
321
00:13:47,580 --> 00:13:48,860
"Oh, my God, what do I do?"
322
00:13:50,260 --> 00:13:52,540
I just find it absurd
323
00:13:52,540 --> 00:13:54,900
that the greatest support
that the community has out there
324
00:13:54,900 --> 00:13:56,140
for this kind of issue
325
00:13:56,140 --> 00:13:57,780
is a Facebook group.
326
00:13:57,780 --> 00:14:00,420
I just actually don't know
how long we can sustain it
327
00:14:00,420 --> 00:14:04,380
because we all are carrying
a huge personal load ourselves
328
00:14:04,380 --> 00:14:06,180
and we're working around the clock.
329
00:14:08,140 --> 00:14:10,380
And I know,
certainly with my own experience,
330
00:14:10,380 --> 00:14:13,700
that it's not just the children
that end up isolated,
331
00:14:13,700 --> 00:14:14,940
it's actually the parents as well
332
00:14:14,940 --> 00:14:18,860
because quite often you have to quit
working to look after your child.
333
00:14:18,860 --> 00:14:22,100
So, all of a sudden
your world gets very, very small.
334
00:14:22,100 --> 00:14:24,380
But to be able
to step into this arena,
335
00:14:24,380 --> 00:14:25,620
where it's like, "Oh, my goodness,
336
00:14:25,620 --> 00:14:27,860
"there's thousands and thousands
337
00:14:27,860 --> 00:14:29,780
"of other people
that are going through this,"
338
00:14:29,780 --> 00:14:30,020
"of other people
it's amazing.
339
00:14:30,020 --> 00:14:31,620
it's amazing.
340
00:14:31,620 --> 00:14:32,860
You alright, Jake?
341
00:14:34,220 --> 00:14:35,940
You OK?
342
00:14:44,940 --> 00:14:47,420
Can you read it for me as well?
343
00:14:47,420 --> 00:14:52,020
Um... (READS) "The background
to the Gaza-Israel conflict."
344
00:14:52,020 --> 00:14:52,260
Um... (READS) "The background
What are the religions involved?
345
00:14:52,260 --> 00:14:53,980
What are the religions involved?
346
00:14:53,980 --> 00:14:58,780
I'm pretty sure Jewish, Muslim
and...what was the third one?
347
00:14:58,780 --> 00:15:00,500
They're the two main ones.
Yeah.
348
00:15:00,500 --> 00:15:00,740
They're the two main ones.
That's the Gaza Strip there.
349
00:15:00,740 --> 00:15:02,220
That's the Gaza Strip there.
350
00:15:02,220 --> 00:15:04,300
And you're going to start writing
351
00:15:04,300 --> 00:15:04,500
with your subheadings
And you're going to start writing
352
00:15:04,500 --> 00:15:06,260
with your subheadings
353
00:15:06,260 --> 00:15:06,500
and eventually
with your subheadings
354
00:15:06,500 --> 00:15:10,060
and eventually
you're going to become diplomats
355
00:15:10,060 --> 00:15:15,460
and representing the two different
groups that are mainly involved.
356
00:15:15,460 --> 00:15:19,220
So, I want best efforts
with your writing...
357
00:15:19,220 --> 00:15:19,500
So, I want best efforts
with your writing...
William's reaction
to having to go to school every day,
358
00:15:19,500 --> 00:15:23,020
William's reaction
to having to go to school every day,
359
00:15:23,020 --> 00:15:24,660
it was so extreme.
360
00:15:24,660 --> 00:15:27,460
Lots and lots of crying, begging.
361
00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:31,980
His body would just shake
like a terrified puppy.
362
00:15:31,980 --> 00:15:35,340
He would try
and jump out of the car.
363
00:15:35,340 --> 00:15:39,820
He was putting himself in some
very, very dangerous positions.
364
00:15:41,380 --> 00:15:43,820
Jake, on the other hand,
he was more silent.
365
00:15:43,820 --> 00:15:46,940
Hiding the uniform,
hiding the schoolbag.
366
00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:48,220
I remember... (CHUCKLES)
..at one point
367
00:15:48,220 --> 00:15:52,900
finding him trying
to set his uniform actually on fire.
368
00:15:52,900 --> 00:15:55,420
I just could not believe
that this was happening.
369
00:15:55,420 --> 00:15:59,420
Because I had wonderful memories
from primary school
370
00:15:59,420 --> 00:16:00,980
and the sort of kid that, you know,
371
00:16:00,980 --> 00:16:02,820
I ended up being, like,
school captain,
372
00:16:02,820 --> 00:16:03,060
I ended up being, like,
and then going to high school
373
00:16:03,060 --> 00:16:04,420
and then going to high school
374
00:16:04,420 --> 00:16:07,060
and, I mean, I went to uni
for nearly 10 years.
375
00:16:08,140 --> 00:16:10,620
You have all sorts of wild visions,
like, "Oh, my God,
376
00:16:10,620 --> 00:16:13,740
"I'm going to end up with these
adult sons living in my basement.
377
00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:16,860
"They're going to be gamers and on
the dole for the rest of their life.
378
00:16:16,860 --> 00:16:18,700
"What's going to become of them?"
379
00:16:19,660 --> 00:16:22,660
Would you like a peanut butter
sandwich or cheesy mac or something?
380
00:16:25,420 --> 00:16:31,380
William - he's autistic
and has ADHD and huge anxiety.
381
00:16:31,380 --> 00:16:34,140
He's also tested
as intellectually gifted.
382
00:16:34,140 --> 00:16:34,380
He's also tested
So, he was a very bright child.
383
00:16:34,380 --> 00:16:36,620
So, he was a very bright child.
384
00:16:37,580 --> 00:16:40,500
From kindergarten
it was already just, like,
385
00:16:40,500 --> 00:16:46,860
30 kids all in one classroom,
one teacher screaming, the smells.
386
00:16:46,860 --> 00:16:49,100
In the bathrooms, like,
it just is crazy.
387
00:16:49,100 --> 00:16:52,260
Like, people are just, like,
vandalising it,
388
00:16:52,260 --> 00:16:53,740
like, throwing toilet paper
everywhere.
389
00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:53,980
like, throwing toilet paper
It's honestly like a zoo.
390
00:16:53,980 --> 00:16:55,380
It's honestly like a zoo.
391
00:16:55,380 --> 00:16:56,940
Like, that's how crazy it is.
392
00:16:56,940 --> 00:16:58,620
And I just couldn't cope.
393
00:16:58,620 --> 00:17:00,220
And I was just like, man, like...
394
00:17:00,220 --> 00:17:04,460
I honestly can't do this
for 13 more years every day.
395
00:17:04,460 --> 00:17:04,700
I honestly can't do this
I don't know how to explain,
396
00:17:04,700 --> 00:17:05,940
I don't know how to explain,
397
00:17:05,940 --> 00:17:08,420
but I'd put on, like,
this fake personality
398
00:17:08,420 --> 00:17:11,740
where it looked like I was enjoying
it and it looked like I was fine,
399
00:17:11,740 --> 00:17:14,500
but deep down inside, like,
it was just physically draining
400
00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:17,220
and just mentally, like...
I just hated it.
401
00:17:20,340 --> 00:17:23,980
Square, hexagon,
quadrilateral, pentagon.
402
00:17:23,980 --> 00:17:27,620
Do you remember what the tool was
that we used to measure angles?
403
00:17:27,620 --> 00:17:30,700
So, I guess it is somewhat
a little bit lonely.
404
00:17:30,700 --> 00:17:34,380
I do respect school and, like,
the whole social thing, but...
405
00:17:34,380 --> 00:17:38,580
If there was a school that, like,
suited to my needs, and, like...
406
00:17:38,580 --> 00:17:39,900
..I reckon
I definitely could go back,
407
00:17:39,900 --> 00:17:43,420
but just, like, the way the school
system is in, like, Australia,
408
00:17:43,420 --> 00:17:43,660
but just, like, the way the school
it's just...I can't.
409
00:17:43,660 --> 00:17:44,700
it's just...I can't.
410
00:17:47,140 --> 00:17:49,140
Oh!
411
00:17:49,140 --> 00:17:50,580
(CHUCKLES)
412
00:17:50,580 --> 00:17:52,420
I'm not going out there now...
413
00:17:52,420 --> 00:17:54,900
We had tried everything
at this stage.
414
00:17:54,900 --> 00:17:57,820
We had a psychiatrist on board,
psychologist, OT,
415
00:17:57,820 --> 00:17:58,060
We had a psychiatrist on board,
every professional under the sun.
416
00:17:58,060 --> 00:18:00,300
every professional under the sun.
417
00:18:00,300 --> 00:18:04,300
And the teachers at his school
were so lovely.
418
00:18:04,300 --> 00:18:07,140
Like, everybody
was trying their best.
419
00:18:07,140 --> 00:18:10,820
But still my son's attendance,
it dropped to a certain point
420
00:18:10,820 --> 00:18:14,300
where it seemed like it must be
out of the hands of the school.
421
00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:17,180
So, then the Department
actually then handed us a letter
422
00:18:17,180 --> 00:18:17,420
So, then the Department
threatening legal action.
423
00:18:17,420 --> 00:18:18,700
threatening legal action.
424
00:18:46,780 --> 00:18:49,420
So, in the end our hand was forced
425
00:18:49,420 --> 00:18:52,140
and we had to withdraw
and start homeschooling.
426
00:18:52,140 --> 00:18:56,420
And this is something that we hear
in the School Can't group
427
00:18:56,420 --> 00:18:57,340
all of the time,
428
00:18:57,340 --> 00:19:00,940
families feeling like they are kind
of forced into homeschoolings.
429
00:19:00,940 --> 00:19:03,900
When I think about it,
it really pisses me off,
430
00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:06,420
thinking, "Why should MY children
be excluded?"
431
00:19:25,140 --> 00:19:27,620
SYMONE WHEATLEY-HEY: I'm always
running behind on everything.
432
00:19:28,580 --> 00:19:31,060
There we go. Fred!
433
00:19:32,020 --> 00:19:34,260
What?!
Breakfast!
434
00:19:34,260 --> 00:19:36,140
(MOANS)
435
00:19:36,140 --> 00:19:37,780
I'm giving you five minutes' warning
436
00:19:37,780 --> 00:19:38,020
that we're going to go to the park
I'm giving you five minutes' warning
437
00:19:38,020 --> 00:19:41,180
that we're going to go to the park
in five minutes.
438
00:19:41,180 --> 00:19:41,420
that we're going to go to the park
Do you understand me?
439
00:19:41,420 --> 00:19:42,420
Do you understand me?
440
00:19:42,420 --> 00:19:45,020
Help, help, help, help.
441
00:19:45,020 --> 00:19:48,100
"Help, help, help," he says,
while eating a waffle.
442
00:19:49,060 --> 00:19:51,580
Alright, get ready
and then we're going.
443
00:19:53,180 --> 00:19:55,820
Laminate these
and we'll take them with us
444
00:19:55,820 --> 00:19:57,420
and see if we have any luck.
445
00:19:57,420 --> 00:19:59,460
So, it's just a scavenger-hunt list
446
00:19:59,460 --> 00:20:01,700
and it'll be
with their different senses.
447
00:20:01,700 --> 00:20:01,980
That covers, like, health,
that covers ethics,
and it'll be
with their different senses.
448
00:20:01,980 --> 00:20:03,900
That covers, like, health,
that covers ethics,
449
00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:05,460
that'll cover STEM.
450
00:20:05,460 --> 00:20:07,500
We'll be able
to bring in literacy and numeracy.
451
00:20:07,500 --> 00:20:07,780
We'll be able
to bring in literacy and numeracy.
So, yeah, that's the plan for today.
We'll see how we go.
452
00:20:07,780 --> 00:20:11,140
So, yeah, that's the plan for today.
We'll see how we go.
453
00:20:11,140 --> 00:20:11,380
So, yeah, that's the plan for today.
OK, that's the final thing.
454
00:20:11,380 --> 00:20:14,460
OK, that's the final thing.
455
00:20:15,660 --> 00:20:17,620
It's very, very child-led.
456
00:20:17,620 --> 00:20:20,340
For Henry, it's dinosaurs.
He's really interested in them.
457
00:20:20,340 --> 00:20:23,100
So, I try and source
dinosaur-themed activities.
458
00:20:23,100 --> 00:20:24,740
Whereas for Fred,
459
00:20:24,740 --> 00:20:27,420
he's really into insects
at the moment.
460
00:20:28,540 --> 00:20:30,780
Fred, we're putting our sneakers on
in one sec.
461
00:20:30,780 --> 00:20:32,220
Please, finish your level.
462
00:20:32,220 --> 00:20:33,500
A-h-h-h-h-h-h-h...
463
00:20:33,500 --> 00:20:34,980
Oh, I know.
464
00:20:34,980 --> 00:20:36,780
Mum!
465
00:20:36,780 --> 00:20:38,340
H?
466
00:20:38,340 --> 00:20:39,820
(GIGGLES, YELLS PLAYFULLY)
467
00:20:39,820 --> 00:20:40,980
Argh!
468
00:20:40,980 --> 00:20:43,060
(SCREAMS PLAYFULLY)
(LAUGHS)
469
00:20:43,060 --> 00:20:47,060
(SCREAMS)
Oh, no. Fred. Fred, stop.
470
00:20:47,060 --> 00:20:50,580
So, I have Henry, who is 10,
471
00:20:50,580 --> 00:20:52,980
and I have Freddie, who is six.
472
00:20:52,980 --> 00:20:55,420
A-a-a-a-a-a-gh!
(SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
473
00:20:55,420 --> 00:20:55,660
A-a-a-a-a-a-gh!
Ow! (SCREAMS)
474
00:20:55,660 --> 00:20:57,620
Ow! (SCREAMS)
475
00:20:57,620 --> 00:20:57,860
Argh!
Ow! (SCREAMS)
476
00:20:57,860 --> 00:21:00,100
Argh!
(GIGGLES)
477
00:21:00,100 --> 00:21:01,780
Right, let's go see
what Henry needs.
478
00:21:01,780 --> 00:21:02,020
Right, let's go see
Let's go. Off to the park.
479
00:21:02,020 --> 00:21:04,260
Let's go. Off to the park.
480
00:21:04,260 --> 00:21:08,100
Both of my kids
are autistic and ADHD.
481
00:21:09,060 --> 00:21:11,700
Stop. Stop. Because he's on my back.
482
00:21:11,700 --> 00:21:13,740
Can I have... Stop.
483
00:21:13,740 --> 00:21:16,100
Let go. Let go. Walk ahead.
484
00:21:16,100 --> 00:21:17,220
Walk ahead.
485
00:21:17,220 --> 00:21:20,420
They are homeschooled children.
486
00:21:21,900 --> 00:21:25,620
Hey, guys, I think there's daycare
kids on the flying fox. Hang on!
487
00:21:25,620 --> 00:21:31,540
And it is not something
that any of us want to be doing.
488
00:21:31,540 --> 00:21:31,780
And it is not something
So, guys, listen to a bird chirp.
489
00:21:31,780 --> 00:21:36,140
So, guys, listen to a bird chirp.
490
00:21:36,140 --> 00:21:38,860
OK? So, we've got to be silent
when we listen for a bird chirp
491
00:21:38,860 --> 00:21:39,100
OK? So, we've got to be silent
so we can tick that off.
492
00:21:39,100 --> 00:21:40,820
so we can tick that off.
493
00:21:40,820 --> 00:21:41,060
Tell me who... You heard one?
so we can tick that off.
494
00:21:41,060 --> 00:21:42,940
Tell me who... You heard one?
Yeah!
495
00:21:42,940 --> 00:21:46,020
OK. You can tick that section
when we're off the swings.
496
00:21:46,020 --> 00:21:48,220
(BIRD TWITTERS)
Oh, I heard it too, H.
497
00:21:48,220 --> 00:21:48,460
(BIRD TWITTERS)
Your hearing's better than mine.
498
00:21:48,460 --> 00:21:50,260
Your hearing's better than mine.
499
00:21:50,260 --> 00:21:52,580
I was so reluctant and I still am.
500
00:21:52,580 --> 00:21:55,060
I don't like doing it.
It's exhausting.
501
00:21:55,060 --> 00:21:56,820
I want to be at work.
502
00:21:56,820 --> 00:21:59,060
I want to be contributing
to society.
503
00:21:59,060 --> 00:22:00,660
I want to be earning an income
for my family.
504
00:22:00,660 --> 00:22:03,380
I want to be setting an example
for my kids.
505
00:22:03,380 --> 00:22:05,900
It says 'tactile'.
Do you know what 'tactile' means?
506
00:22:05,900 --> 00:22:08,660
And yet I don't
have any other choice.
507
00:22:08,660 --> 00:22:10,380
There's nowhere
for my children to go
508
00:22:10,380 --> 00:22:11,900
that I can drop them off
in the morning
509
00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:14,820
and be confident that
they will be OK when I pick them up.
510
00:22:14,820 --> 00:22:17,460
What is another opposite?
Let's try and think of one.
511
00:22:18,420 --> 00:22:21,180
Look, I'd rather have a kid
who is out of the school system
512
00:22:21,180 --> 00:22:23,700
and a kid
that I'm having to homeschool
513
00:22:23,700 --> 00:22:25,740
than a kid who is no longer alive.
514
00:22:25,740 --> 00:22:27,940
And that was the point we were at.
515
00:22:27,940 --> 00:22:30,940
What's it off?
Can you tell what kind of bird?
516
00:22:32,860 --> 00:22:34,580
That means you get it forever.
517
00:22:34,580 --> 00:22:34,820
That is about
That means you get it forever.
518
00:22:34,820 --> 00:22:37,300
That is about
all of the formal education
519
00:22:37,300 --> 00:22:39,180
that I'm able to get done
with my kids
520
00:22:39,180 --> 00:22:39,420
that I'm able to get done
on a day when it's not a great day.
521
00:22:39,420 --> 00:22:41,660
on a day when it's not a great day.
522
00:22:41,660 --> 00:22:45,060
And there are many, many, many
days like today
523
00:22:45,060 --> 00:22:47,300
where what we get done
is just the bare minimum.
524
00:22:47,300 --> 00:22:47,540
where what we get done
And that's part of my worry.
525
00:22:47,540 --> 00:22:49,820
And that's part of my worry.
526
00:22:49,820 --> 00:22:52,580
It is nowhere near enough work
that they're getting done.
527
00:22:52,580 --> 00:22:55,580
There is nowhere
near enough learning going on.
528
00:22:55,580 --> 00:22:57,220
I'm thirsty!
529
00:22:57,220 --> 00:22:58,780
OK!
530
00:22:58,780 --> 00:23:02,380
And I really worry that, as they
get older, the longer we homeschool,
531
00:23:02,380 --> 00:23:04,300
they're going to fall
more and more behind.
532
00:23:04,300 --> 00:23:06,260
And then
that's going to make it harder
533
00:23:06,260 --> 00:23:09,340
for them to re-transition
back into the school system,
534
00:23:09,340 --> 00:23:09,580
for them to re-transition
which has always been the goal.
535
00:23:09,580 --> 00:23:10,820
which has always been the goal.
536
00:23:10,820 --> 00:23:12,140
This has never been
537
00:23:12,140 --> 00:23:14,340
the, "We're gonna homeschool
their whole school lives."
538
00:23:14,340 --> 00:23:17,220
It's always been
an emergency for-now measure.
539
00:23:17,220 --> 00:23:17,460
It's always been
It just doesn't seem to have an end.
540
00:23:17,460 --> 00:23:19,180
It just doesn't seem to have an end.
541
00:23:32,060 --> 00:23:36,340
That's Fred
in his uniform at school.
542
00:23:36,340 --> 00:23:40,860
And, obviously, we can see,
when Fred finds it hard at school,
543
00:23:40,860 --> 00:23:41,100
And, obviously, we can see,
that's the sort of thing we get.
544
00:23:41,100 --> 00:23:42,780
that's the sort of thing we get.
545
00:23:42,780 --> 00:23:47,980
Poor Fred. Like, you can't suspend
five-year-old kids. It's ridiculous.
546
00:23:47,980 --> 00:23:50,500
What on earth
is that going to achieve?
547
00:23:50,500 --> 00:23:56,460
This was Henry the last year
that he attended school.
548
00:23:56,460 --> 00:23:56,700
This was Henry the last year
It's sad.
549
00:23:56,700 --> 00:23:57,700
It's sad.
550
00:23:57,700 --> 00:24:00,420
Probably the last school photo
he'll ever be in.
551
00:24:02,020 --> 00:24:08,580
Henry has not been at school
since June of 2021.
552
00:24:08,580 --> 00:24:08,820
Henry has not been at school
Do you remember this?
553
00:24:08,820 --> 00:24:10,820
Do you remember this?
554
00:24:10,820 --> 00:24:12,500
I dropped him off at school one day
555
00:24:12,500 --> 00:24:15,620
and he just broke.
556
00:24:15,620 --> 00:24:15,860
He was clinging to me,
and he just broke.
557
00:24:15,860 --> 00:24:19,260
He was clinging to me,
he was refusing to go in.
558
00:24:19,260 --> 00:24:19,500
He was clinging to me,
Science...
559
00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:20,540
Science...
560
00:24:20,540 --> 00:24:25,060
And his behaviour escalated
to the point that it was unsafe.
561
00:24:25,060 --> 00:24:25,300
And his behaviour escalated
He was in complete and utter crisis.
562
00:24:25,300 --> 00:24:27,780
He was in complete and utter crisis.
563
00:24:27,780 --> 00:24:29,300
Do you want to read it to me?
564
00:24:29,300 --> 00:24:31,300
There was no-one
on the student services team
565
00:24:31,300 --> 00:24:34,140
who was there that day, so,
no social worker, no youth worker,
566
00:24:34,140 --> 00:24:34,380
who was there that day, so,
no case manager for Henry,
567
00:24:34,380 --> 00:24:35,540
no case manager for Henry,
568
00:24:35,540 --> 00:24:35,780
no school psychologist,
no case manager for Henry,
569
00:24:35,780 --> 00:24:37,420
no school psychologist,
no school counsellor.
570
00:24:37,420 --> 00:24:37,660
no school psychologist,
There was no-one.
571
00:24:37,660 --> 00:24:39,300
There was no-one.
572
00:24:40,260 --> 00:24:41,460
River rapids.
573
00:24:41,460 --> 00:24:43,740
And he was removed by ambulance.
574
00:24:43,740 --> 00:24:46,220
And it was absolutely
heartbreaking.
575
00:24:47,060 --> 00:24:48,460
Genius.
576
00:24:49,420 --> 00:24:50,780
Guys?!
577
00:24:50,780 --> 00:24:52,700
(YELLS INDISTINCTLY)
578
00:24:52,700 --> 00:24:56,780
So, when you put in
your registration paperwork
579
00:24:56,780 --> 00:24:58,020
for home education,
580
00:24:58,020 --> 00:25:02,820
you get sent out
this auto-reply email explaining,
581
00:25:02,820 --> 00:25:07,380
"Moderators are appointed
to evaluate the educational program,
582
00:25:07,380 --> 00:25:11,020
"evaluate whether the student
is making satisfactory progress."
583
00:25:11,020 --> 00:25:12,980
Ah, and here we go - "Concerns...
584
00:25:12,980 --> 00:25:14,940
"Section 53...
585
00:25:14,940 --> 00:25:18,780
"..provides for a cancellation
of home education registration
586
00:25:18,780 --> 00:25:22,940
"if the child's educational progress
is not satisfactory."
587
00:25:22,940 --> 00:25:23,940
(KNOCKS SOFTLY)
588
00:25:23,940 --> 00:25:25,020
What?
589
00:25:25,980 --> 00:25:26,980
What?
590
00:25:26,980 --> 00:25:27,220
Hey, we're going to do something
What?
591
00:25:27,220 --> 00:25:29,540
Hey, we're going to do something
for homeschool,
592
00:25:29,540 --> 00:25:32,540
so, have a think if you would like
to read a book together
593
00:25:32,540 --> 00:25:35,460
or if you would like to do
a science experiment.
594
00:25:35,460 --> 00:25:35,700
or if you would like to do
Agree?
595
00:25:35,700 --> 00:25:36,780
Agree?
596
00:25:36,780 --> 00:25:38,380
N-o-o-o-o-o!
597
00:25:38,380 --> 00:25:39,500
But...
598
00:25:40,460 --> 00:25:41,660
OK...
599
00:25:41,660 --> 00:25:42,660
Help!
600
00:25:42,660 --> 00:25:44,820
A-h-h-h-h-h-h!
601
00:25:44,820 --> 00:25:46,300
Mate.
602
00:25:46,300 --> 00:25:49,780
Ow! Ow! Ow!
OK! OK!
603
00:25:49,780 --> 00:25:51,820
I will come back and check...
Help! Help!
604
00:25:51,820 --> 00:25:53,620
Would you like me to stay
with you or go away?
605
00:25:53,620 --> 00:25:53,860
Would you like me to stay
A-a-a-a-a-gh!
606
00:25:53,860 --> 00:25:55,460
A-a-a-a-a-gh!
607
00:25:57,620 --> 00:25:58,580
(PUFFS)
608
00:25:58,580 --> 00:26:00,420
So, that went well.
609
00:26:03,140 --> 00:26:07,420
It's been a difficult week because
I put my formal paperwork in.
610
00:26:07,420 --> 00:26:08,900
Like, it wasn't that long ago.
611
00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:11,180
Yeah.
And all of a sudden,
612
00:26:11,180 --> 00:26:14,260
like, this massive load of anxiety
comes on.
613
00:26:14,260 --> 00:26:14,500
like, this massive load of anxiety
Stop. OK?
614
00:26:14,500 --> 00:26:16,780
Stop. OK?
615
00:26:16,780 --> 00:26:17,020
Don't say the word 'homeschooling'
Stop. OK?
616
00:26:17,020 --> 00:26:20,260
Don't say the word 'homeschooling'
out loud this week.
617
00:26:20,260 --> 00:26:20,540
You have those moments when you go,
"Oh, gosh, I haven't done anything,
Don't say the word 'homeschooling'
out loud this week.
618
00:26:20,540 --> 00:26:22,900
You have those moments when you go,
"Oh, gosh, I haven't done anything,
619
00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:25,700
"I'm not teaching them,
they're not learning."
620
00:26:25,700 --> 00:26:25,980
"I'm not teaching them,
they're not learning."
And now you've received a letter
that says,
621
00:26:25,980 --> 00:26:29,700
And now you've received a letter
that says,
622
00:26:29,700 --> 00:26:31,540
"If you don't do it right,
623
00:26:31,540 --> 00:26:33,020
"you're coming back here."
624
00:26:33,020 --> 00:26:34,900
And it also says, like,
625
00:26:34,900 --> 00:26:38,940
"You thought you got away.
Look - fist is still here.
626
00:26:38,940 --> 00:26:40,980
"We can still control you."
627
00:26:40,980 --> 00:26:42,500
At the end of the day,
628
00:26:42,500 --> 00:26:43,980
you have plenty of evidence
629
00:26:43,980 --> 00:26:46,460
that shows you're doing
the right thing for your kids.
630
00:26:46,460 --> 00:26:48,340
Thank you.
Go and have a rest,
631
00:26:48,340 --> 00:26:48,580
Thank you.
be with your beautiful kids,
632
00:26:48,580 --> 00:26:50,140
be with your beautiful kids,
633
00:26:50,140 --> 00:26:52,540
and I'll see you soon.
634
00:26:52,540 --> 00:26:54,740
(SIGHS HEAVILY)
635
00:26:58,780 --> 00:27:01,460
(CRIES)
636
00:27:09,820 --> 00:27:11,500
(QUIETLY) Oh, fuck.
637
00:27:11,500 --> 00:27:12,740
I'm so scared.
638
00:27:12,740 --> 00:27:15,460
Like, what if I fuck this up?
639
00:27:15,460 --> 00:27:18,500
(KIDS YELL AT PLAY)
640
00:27:19,860 --> 00:27:22,860
PENNY ALLMAN-PAYNE: I think it's fair
to say that the education system
641
00:27:22,860 --> 00:27:23,100
PENNY ALLMAN-PAYNE: I think it's fair
is in crisis.
642
00:27:23,100 --> 00:27:24,220
is in crisis.
643
00:27:24,220 --> 00:27:27,460
We've seen a consistent decline
of student results.
644
00:27:27,460 --> 00:27:30,700
We're also seeing attendance
rates go down.
645
00:27:30,700 --> 00:27:33,260
And we're seeing teachers
leave the profession in droves.
646
00:27:33,260 --> 00:27:33,500
And we're seeing teachers
And for many of them it's because
647
00:27:33,500 --> 00:27:35,380
And for many of them it's because
648
00:27:35,380 --> 00:27:38,620
you feel like you can't
help the students in front of you.
649
00:27:48,540 --> 00:27:50,020
This is certainly an issue
650
00:27:50,020 --> 00:27:51,820
that's really close to my heart
651
00:27:51,820 --> 00:27:52,020
that's really close to my heart
as a teacher of nearly 30 years.
652
00:27:52,020 --> 00:27:53,420
as a teacher of nearly 30 years.
653
00:27:53,420 --> 00:27:55,340
There will be some in society
that will just say,
654
00:27:55,340 --> 00:27:55,620
"The kids just need a kick
in the pants to get to school."
There will be some in society
that will just say,
655
00:27:55,620 --> 00:27:57,940
"The kids just need a kick
in the pants to get to school."
656
00:27:57,940 --> 00:28:01,140
All the kicking in the pants
isn't going to make any difference
657
00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:01,420
All the kicking in the pants
isn't going to make any difference
because the behaviour is out
of the child's conscious control.
658
00:28:01,420 --> 00:28:04,980
because the behaviour is out
of the child's conscious control.
659
00:28:04,980 --> 00:28:05,220
because the behaviour is out
of the child's conscious control.
There were times during the inquiry
660
00:28:05,220 --> 00:28:07,100
There were times during the inquiry
661
00:28:07,100 --> 00:28:07,340
that I found listening
There were times during the inquiry
662
00:28:07,340 --> 00:28:11,140
that I found listening
to the testimony really difficult.
663
00:28:11,140 --> 00:28:11,380
that I found listening
(CRIES)
to the testimony really difficult.
664
00:28:11,380 --> 00:28:12,620
(CRIES)
665
00:28:12,620 --> 00:28:15,380
Would you like us to take a minute?
666
00:28:15,380 --> 00:28:15,620
To know there are times
when you've actually failed students
Would you like us to take a minute?
667
00:28:15,620 --> 00:28:18,980
To know there are times
when you've actually failed students
668
00:28:18,980 --> 00:28:19,260
To know there are times
when you've actually failed students
because you haven't had a fuller
understanding of the issue...
669
00:28:19,260 --> 00:28:21,780
because you haven't had a fuller
understanding of the issue...
670
00:28:21,780 --> 00:28:22,060
I think it's really difficult
for a school education system
because you haven't had a fuller
understanding of the issue...
671
00:28:22,060 --> 00:28:25,500
I think it's really difficult
for a school education system
672
00:28:25,500 --> 00:28:25,740
I think it's really difficult
to understand that it causes trauma.
673
00:28:25,740 --> 00:28:28,380
to understand that it causes trauma.
674
00:28:28,380 --> 00:28:28,580
to understand that it causes trauma.
Right or wrong,
675
00:28:28,580 --> 00:28:29,380
Right or wrong,
676
00:28:29,380 --> 00:28:29,620
and no-one intentionally
Right or wrong,
677
00:28:29,620 --> 00:28:32,060
and no-one intentionally
meant for that to happen,
678
00:28:32,060 --> 00:28:32,300
and no-one intentionally
but it has occurred.
679
00:28:32,300 --> 00:28:33,340
but it has occurred.
680
00:28:33,340 --> 00:28:35,540
We heard today
that one in four students
681
00:28:35,540 --> 00:28:38,060
has some sort
of mental-health challenge.
682
00:28:38,060 --> 00:28:41,420
You know, increasingly our classrooms
are becoming more and more complex.
683
00:28:41,420 --> 00:28:41,700
Meeting the needs
of individual students
You know, increasingly our classrooms
are becoming more and more complex.
684
00:28:41,700 --> 00:28:43,660
Meeting the needs
of individual students
685
00:28:43,660 --> 00:28:49,500
doesn't always have to be a
complicated and expensive exercise.
686
00:28:49,500 --> 00:28:51,780
What's clear
is that there is no consistency
687
00:28:51,780 --> 00:28:54,620
in how wellbeing and mental health
is addressed
688
00:28:54,620 --> 00:28:56,620
in schools and within curriculums.
689
00:28:58,180 --> 00:29:01,580
We pretty much have
a one-size-fits-all education system
690
00:29:01,580 --> 00:29:01,820
We pretty much have
at the moment.
691
00:29:01,820 --> 00:29:02,660
at the moment.
692
00:29:02,660 --> 00:29:02,900
You know,
at the moment.
693
00:29:02,900 --> 00:29:04,420
You know,
this is the model of education
694
00:29:04,420 --> 00:29:04,660
You know,
that we had over 100 years ago.
695
00:29:04,660 --> 00:29:06,900
that we had over 100 years ago.
696
00:29:06,900 --> 00:29:09,100
The world is very different now.
697
00:29:09,100 --> 00:29:10,980
Young people are very different now.
698
00:29:10,980 --> 00:29:11,220
And, so, as long as we continue
Young people are very different now.
699
00:29:11,220 --> 00:29:15,580
And, so, as long as we continue
to do education the way we are,
700
00:29:15,580 --> 00:29:19,460
large numbers of students
just sitting at desks in classrooms,
701
00:29:19,460 --> 00:29:22,940
I think we're only going to see
this problem increase.
702
00:29:47,820 --> 00:29:51,380
The good news is that we know
that there ARE things that work.
703
00:29:51,380 --> 00:29:51,620
The good news is that we know
Early intervention.
704
00:29:51,620 --> 00:29:52,780
Early intervention.
705
00:29:52,780 --> 00:29:54,300
Smaller class sizes.
706
00:29:54,300 --> 00:29:56,700
Flexible campuses.
707
00:29:56,700 --> 00:29:58,140
Interest-led learning.
708
00:29:58,140 --> 00:29:59,660
All of these things work
709
00:29:59,660 --> 00:30:03,140
to engage young people
and get them back in to education.
710
00:30:03,140 --> 00:30:03,380
(BIRDS SQUAWK)
to engage young people
and get them back in to education.
711
00:30:03,380 --> 00:30:07,180
(BIRDS SQUAWK)
712
00:30:14,700 --> 00:30:18,260
Morning, Jack! How are you feeling?!
It's great to see you!
713
00:30:18,260 --> 00:30:18,500
Morning, Jack! How are you feeling?!
It's great to see you!
Thanks for coming to school!
714
00:30:18,500 --> 00:30:20,420
Thanks for coming to school!
715
00:30:20,420 --> 00:30:22,180
Good to see you.
716
00:30:22,180 --> 00:30:23,460
Good morning, Harley!
717
00:30:23,460 --> 00:30:25,860
Great to see you, mate!
718
00:30:25,860 --> 00:30:27,620
Alright, let you in.
719
00:30:27,620 --> 00:30:30,300
Oh, you've got a new backpack!
720
00:30:31,260 --> 00:30:33,780
Is Matty there
to open the gate for you?!
721
00:30:38,860 --> 00:30:41,980
Morning, Fan! Morning, Daniel!
722
00:30:41,980 --> 00:30:42,220
Welcome to school!
Morning, Fan! Morning, Daniel!
723
00:30:42,220 --> 00:30:43,980
Welcome to school!
Thanks for coming in!
724
00:30:43,980 --> 00:30:45,620
Morning!
Hi, Jack!
725
00:30:45,620 --> 00:30:47,340
Morning, Jack.
Lovely to see you, mate.
726
00:30:47,340 --> 00:30:47,580
Morning, Jack.
Thanks for coming to school.
727
00:30:47,580 --> 00:30:49,060
Thanks for coming to school.
728
00:30:50,020 --> 00:30:51,460
Oh, here comes Ethan.
729
00:30:51,460 --> 00:30:53,180
Oh, Ethan's just walking up.
Here comes Ethan!
730
00:30:55,100 --> 00:30:56,780
Good morning, Ethan!
Good morning.
731
00:30:56,780 --> 00:30:57,020
Good morning, Ethan!
So good to see you, mate!
732
00:30:57,020 --> 00:30:58,620
So good to see you, mate!
733
00:30:58,620 --> 00:31:00,380
Yeah.
Looking forward to school?
734
00:31:00,380 --> 00:31:02,900
Yeah.
Yeah?
735
00:31:02,900 --> 00:31:08,540
I've worked in alternative education
for about 12 years.
736
00:31:08,540 --> 00:31:08,820
I mean, I'm just
deeply, deeply passionate
I've worked in alternative education
for about 12 years.
737
00:31:08,820 --> 00:31:11,980
I mean, I'm just
deeply, deeply passionate
738
00:31:11,980 --> 00:31:14,900
about ensuring that every single
child has access to an education.
739
00:31:14,900 --> 00:31:15,140
about ensuring that every single
child has access to an education.
Alright, we'll go this way.
740
00:31:15,140 --> 00:31:17,420
Alright, we'll go this way.
741
00:31:18,340 --> 00:31:20,940
We have 80 students enrolled.
742
00:31:20,940 --> 00:31:22,700
We only have eight students
per class.
743
00:31:22,700 --> 00:31:26,780
So, we're incredibly lucky
in terms of how we're resourced.
744
00:31:26,780 --> 00:31:29,500
Alrighty! Good morning, Matty!
How are you feeling?
745
00:31:29,500 --> 00:31:31,180
And we do have a waitlist
at the moment.
746
00:31:31,180 --> 00:31:34,220
It is very large.
Up to about 100 on the waitlist.
747
00:31:34,220 --> 00:31:34,460
It is very large.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
748
00:31:34,460 --> 00:31:37,020
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
749
00:31:38,940 --> 00:31:41,180
Because what we do, I think,
first and foremost
750
00:31:41,180 --> 00:31:43,860
is create an environment
of physical and emotional safety,
751
00:31:43,860 --> 00:31:46,780
which really enables them
to create the building blocks
752
00:31:46,780 --> 00:31:49,380
that they need
to succeed academically.
753
00:31:49,380 --> 00:31:52,260
And no child can learn
if they don't feel safe.
754
00:31:52,260 --> 00:31:54,980
TEACHER: So, what sound
are we listening for?
755
00:31:54,980 --> 00:31:56,300
STUDENT: A.
A.
756
00:31:56,300 --> 00:31:56,540
STUDENT: A.
R-ai-n.
757
00:31:56,540 --> 00:31:58,780
R-ai-n.
758
00:31:58,780 --> 00:32:00,420
Rain.
759
00:32:00,420 --> 00:32:03,180
Who would like to come and do that?
760
00:32:03,180 --> 00:32:06,260
Ethan, can you come and point
to the sound?
761
00:32:08,300 --> 00:32:09,500
A.
That's right.
762
00:32:09,500 --> 00:32:09,740
A.
One sound. Good job.
763
00:32:09,740 --> 00:32:12,300
One sound. Good job.
764
00:32:12,300 --> 00:32:15,260
Everyone say the sounds
as you write them.
765
00:32:15,260 --> 00:32:15,500
Everyone say the sounds
When Ethan first started
766
00:32:15,500 --> 00:32:17,300
When Ethan first started
767
00:32:17,300 --> 00:32:18,580
he was quite low
768
00:32:18,580 --> 00:32:20,540
in all areas
of the curriculum.
769
00:32:20,540 --> 00:32:20,780
in all areas
You know, he couldn't read.
770
00:32:20,780 --> 00:32:22,260
You know, he couldn't read.
771
00:32:22,260 --> 00:32:24,980
You know, quite low in Maths
as well.
772
00:32:24,980 --> 00:32:30,420
ALL: M-ay. May. W-ait. Wait.
773
00:32:30,420 --> 00:32:33,260
You are quick, this morning, Eth.
Good boy.
774
00:32:33,260 --> 00:32:33,500
You are quick, this morning, Eth.
TEACHER: He was afraid of work.
775
00:32:33,500 --> 00:32:35,740
TEACHER: He was afraid of work.
776
00:32:35,740 --> 00:32:37,500
There was a fear of failure.
777
00:32:37,500 --> 00:32:37,740
And that's actually common
There was a fear of failure.
778
00:32:37,740 --> 00:32:39,980
And that's actually common
amongst many of our children
779
00:32:39,980 --> 00:32:40,260
because they've experienced
so much failure.
And that's actually common
amongst many of our children
780
00:32:40,260 --> 00:32:42,580
because they've experienced
so much failure.
781
00:32:43,340 --> 00:32:45,460
He would literally beat himself up.
782
00:32:45,460 --> 00:32:47,700
He would bite or pull his hair
783
00:32:47,700 --> 00:32:49,660
and he would say, "I'm so dumb."
784
00:32:49,660 --> 00:32:52,060
That's the thing that upset him most
785
00:32:52,060 --> 00:32:54,620
was that he thought he was stupid.
786
00:32:54,620 --> 00:32:54,860
Eth, can you collect these for me,
was that he thought he was stupid.
787
00:32:54,860 --> 00:32:58,060
Eth, can you collect these for me,
please, darling?
788
00:32:59,660 --> 00:33:02,660
Alright, excellent. Let's go!
789
00:33:03,620 --> 00:33:06,060
Our goal is for them
to be able to transition
790
00:33:06,060 --> 00:33:06,300
Our goal is for them
back into a mainstream school,
791
00:33:06,300 --> 00:33:08,660
back into a mainstream school,
792
00:33:08,660 --> 00:33:12,620
and we'll help him
go down that path.
793
00:33:18,340 --> 00:33:19,860
Can I have a go?
794
00:33:20,820 --> 00:33:22,460
Bu-kaw!
795
00:33:22,460 --> 00:33:24,980
I just patted a chicken!
796
00:33:24,980 --> 00:33:25,220
ETHAN'S MUM: Ethan's attendance
I just patted a chicken!
797
00:33:25,220 --> 00:33:28,460
ETHAN'S MUM: Ethan's attendance
attending mainstream school
798
00:33:28,460 --> 00:33:28,700
ETHAN'S MUM: Ethan's attendance
wasn't great.
799
00:33:28,700 --> 00:33:30,260
wasn't great.
800
00:33:30,260 --> 00:33:32,060
The struggle started
from grade prep.
801
00:33:32,060 --> 00:33:32,300
The struggle started
I actually went in one day
802
00:33:32,300 --> 00:33:33,860
I actually went in one day
803
00:33:33,860 --> 00:33:34,100
and observed
I actually went in one day
804
00:33:34,100 --> 00:33:37,580
and observed
what was happening in the classroom
805
00:33:37,580 --> 00:33:37,860
and I was just shocked with
how he was treated from the others.
and observed
what was happening in the classroom
806
00:33:37,860 --> 00:33:43,980
and I was just shocked with
how he was treated from the others.
807
00:33:45,420 --> 00:33:48,660
He was kind of pushed to the side.
808
00:33:48,660 --> 00:33:48,900
So, instead of sitting there
He was kind of pushed to the side.
809
00:33:48,900 --> 00:33:52,820
So, instead of sitting there
and writing a sentence
810
00:33:52,820 --> 00:33:53,060
So, instead of sitting there
like the other children were doing,
811
00:33:53,060 --> 00:33:54,500
like the other children were doing,
812
00:33:54,500 --> 00:33:56,980
they just said,
"Oh, just draw a picture."
813
00:33:56,980 --> 00:34:01,020
It pushed him further and further
away from being able to learn.
814
00:34:01,020 --> 00:34:02,380
Good job, Seb.
You can do a bit more.
815
00:34:02,380 --> 00:34:04,900
He was becoming
more and more disengaged.
816
00:34:04,900 --> 00:34:07,340
So, he would go around,
he would kick windows,
817
00:34:07,340 --> 00:34:10,220
he would break things,
he would throw things.
818
00:34:10,220 --> 00:34:13,580
There were times where he even
threatened to harm himself
819
00:34:13,580 --> 00:34:13,820
There were times where he even
because he didn't want to be there,
820
00:34:13,820 --> 00:34:15,060
because he didn't want to be there,
821
00:34:15,060 --> 00:34:18,020
he didn't want to be around
that environment anymore.
822
00:34:18,020 --> 00:34:18,260
I refused to go to my old school
he didn't want to be around
that environment anymore.
823
00:34:18,260 --> 00:34:20,420
I refused to go to my old school
824
00:34:20,420 --> 00:34:23,100
because it wasn't safe for me.
825
00:34:23,100 --> 00:34:23,300
because it wasn't safe for me.
I got bullied every day.
826
00:34:23,300 --> 00:34:25,180
I got bullied every day.
827
00:34:25,180 --> 00:34:30,140
My old school made me feel
like I was locked up in a cage.
828
00:34:30,140 --> 00:34:32,180
You know how I used to say to you...
Yeah.
829
00:34:32,180 --> 00:34:35,300
..that everyone has to go to school
when you used to fight back a lot?
830
00:34:35,300 --> 00:34:35,540
..that everyone has to go to school
Yeah.
831
00:34:35,540 --> 00:34:36,300
Yeah.
832
00:34:36,300 --> 00:34:39,220
And you used to say, "I don't want
to go. I don't want to go."
833
00:34:39,220 --> 00:34:42,540
And then after COVID
it became harder, didn't it?
834
00:34:42,540 --> 00:34:42,780
And then after COVID
Yeah.
835
00:34:42,780 --> 00:34:43,820
Yeah.
836
00:34:43,820 --> 00:34:45,100
So, then it got to a point
837
00:34:45,100 --> 00:34:47,820
where he was kind of, I suppose,
838
00:34:47,820 --> 00:34:51,580
put in the too-hard basket
in a sense, and...
839
00:34:52,860 --> 00:34:55,660
..they said, "Well,
we don't know what else to do."
840
00:34:57,820 --> 00:35:00,580
I was really scared for his future.
841
00:35:00,580 --> 00:35:05,100
You always imagine what your child
can be when they get older,
842
00:35:05,100 --> 00:35:07,340
and I was kind of at a point
where I don't know where
843
00:35:07,340 --> 00:35:09,620
he's going to be.
(ETHAN WHISPERS)
844
00:35:09,620 --> 00:35:11,860
How did you feel
about going down the wrong path?
845
00:35:11,860 --> 00:35:15,620
I felt like I wouldn't actually
get a job when I get older.
846
00:35:15,620 --> 00:35:18,340
I would be homeless, sleeping
on the side of the road.
847
00:35:19,300 --> 00:35:20,620
That's all.
848
00:35:20,620 --> 00:35:22,140
What about now how do you feel?
849
00:35:22,140 --> 00:35:22,380
I feel like I got hope.
What about now how do you feel?
850
00:35:22,380 --> 00:35:26,140
I feel like I got hope.
I got more hope in myself.
851
00:35:30,180 --> 00:35:33,100
(KIDS CHATTER AT PLAY)
852
00:35:37,100 --> 00:35:38,780
The mainstream schooling system
853
00:35:38,780 --> 00:35:42,980
just isn't designed to meet the needs
of diverse children and young people.
854
00:35:42,980 --> 00:35:46,740
And then how a student interprets
that is "They don't want me here."
855
00:35:47,700 --> 00:35:50,820
And, so, it sort of starts this
cycle, I guess, of disengagement.
856
00:35:51,780 --> 00:35:55,820
Then their risk of other pathways
increases significantly.
857
00:35:56,780 --> 00:35:59,260
Their risk of ending up
in youth justice
858
00:35:59,260 --> 00:36:00,900
with significant
mental-health challenges.
859
00:36:00,900 --> 00:36:04,620
And there's research to show
that the cost of that
860
00:36:04,620 --> 00:36:08,620
is far greater than the cost of just
investing in a child's education,
861
00:36:08,620 --> 00:36:11,820
even if it does cost more
than the average student.
862
00:36:11,820 --> 00:36:12,060
even if it does cost more
(BANGING OUTSIDE)
863
00:36:12,060 --> 00:36:14,100
(BANGING OUTSIDE)
864
00:36:14,100 --> 00:36:16,140
I might need to go deal with that,
Sascha.
865
00:36:19,300 --> 00:36:21,580
If he goes, he'll really go,
so, I might move you.
866
00:36:21,580 --> 00:36:23,140
Have we locked the front door?
Mm-hm.
867
00:36:23,140 --> 00:36:23,380
Have we locked the front door?
OK, cool.
868
00:36:23,380 --> 00:36:24,580
OK, cool.
869
00:36:24,580 --> 00:36:28,060
Maybe just come out here
because we might break a window.
870
00:36:28,060 --> 00:36:30,740
I would love to just go out there
and give him a really big hug
871
00:36:30,740 --> 00:36:33,540
because sometimes what they're
telling us they need in those moments
872
00:36:33,540 --> 00:36:33,780
because sometimes what they're
is just a little bit of extra care.
873
00:36:33,780 --> 00:36:36,060
is just a little bit of extra care.
874
00:36:37,100 --> 00:36:38,740
No matter what students do,
875
00:36:38,740 --> 00:36:42,180
we know that's not a representation
of who they are.
876
00:36:42,180 --> 00:36:42,420
we know that's not a representation
ETHAN: Hi.
877
00:36:42,420 --> 00:36:43,460
ETHAN: Hi.
878
00:36:43,460 --> 00:36:45,340
TEACHER: Hi!
Hi.
879
00:36:45,340 --> 00:36:46,660
How are you?
Good, thanks.
880
00:36:46,660 --> 00:36:46,900
How are you?
Billie's very excited to see you.
881
00:36:46,900 --> 00:36:48,940
Billie's very excited to see you.
882
00:36:48,940 --> 00:36:51,700
Is she nice and soft?
Yeah.
883
00:36:51,700 --> 00:36:55,300
So, dogs can't tell us with
their words how they're feeling.
884
00:36:55,300 --> 00:36:57,700
They can tell us more
with their body.
885
00:36:57,700 --> 00:36:57,940
They can tell us more
ETHAN'S MUM: 'No Child Left Behind'
886
00:36:57,940 --> 00:36:59,180
ETHAN'S MUM: 'No Child Left Behind'
887
00:36:59,180 --> 00:37:01,300
is definitely not a reality,
I wouldn't say,
888
00:37:01,300 --> 00:37:01,540
is definitely not a reality,
because Ethan was left behind.
889
00:37:01,540 --> 00:37:03,780
because Ethan was left behind.
890
00:37:03,780 --> 00:37:05,740
Billie, shake.
891
00:37:08,140 --> 00:37:10,340
Ethan, you know, when he came here,
892
00:37:10,340 --> 00:37:13,860
he couldn't read, couldn't write,
couldn't do anything,
893
00:37:13,860 --> 00:37:15,060
and now...
I couldn't even spell my name!
894
00:37:15,060 --> 00:37:15,300
and now...
Couldn't even spell your name.
895
00:37:15,300 --> 00:37:16,620
Couldn't even spell your name.
896
00:37:16,620 --> 00:37:21,140
But now he's taking on board
the learning that he has
897
00:37:21,140 --> 00:37:26,260
to the point where he can go back
to mainstream school next year.
898
00:37:26,260 --> 00:37:28,140
I'm proud of myself.
899
00:37:28,140 --> 00:37:31,060
Every child is worth something.
900
00:37:31,060 --> 00:37:34,340
And they will bring that to society
when they get older.
901
00:37:34,340 --> 00:37:36,700
I mean, goodness knows
what would've happened,
902
00:37:36,700 --> 00:37:39,100
you know,
if Ethan had not come here.
903
00:37:50,180 --> 00:37:52,540
I have the urge
to just scream into it.
904
00:37:52,540 --> 00:37:55,860
Why would you do that?
That is so weird.
905
00:37:55,860 --> 00:37:57,900
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
906
00:37:58,980 --> 00:38:01,220
Morning! How are you going?
Hi.
907
00:38:01,220 --> 00:38:03,460
So good. Loving life.
908
00:38:03,460 --> 00:38:03,660
So good. Loving life.
It's a wonderful day.
909
00:38:03,660 --> 00:38:05,260
It's a wonderful day.
910
00:38:05,260 --> 00:38:07,180
100%.
100%
911
00:38:07,180 --> 00:38:07,420
100%.
110%, actually.
912
00:38:07,420 --> 00:38:09,460
110%, actually.
913
00:38:16,380 --> 00:38:18,060
Hi, Christopher.
914
00:38:18,060 --> 00:38:20,460
Morning, honey buns!
915
00:38:20,460 --> 00:38:24,500
Hayley, would you like to bring
your daily planner and a pen?
916
00:38:27,900 --> 00:38:29,660
Alright. Welcome.
917
00:38:29,660 --> 00:38:31,820
And we are halfway
through week four.
918
00:38:31,820 --> 00:38:33,540
It's week four?
Mm.
919
00:38:33,540 --> 00:38:33,780
It's week four?
Damn. I knew that.
920
00:38:33,780 --> 00:38:35,580
Damn. I knew that.
921
00:38:35,580 --> 00:38:35,820
It's gone super quick.
Damn. I knew that.
922
00:38:35,820 --> 00:38:37,580
It's gone super quick.
Yeah, I knew that.
923
00:38:37,580 --> 00:38:39,660
Alright, I wanted to touch base
with both of you
924
00:38:39,660 --> 00:38:42,500
around what this term's project's
going to be.
925
00:38:42,500 --> 00:38:44,340
I'd really like to get
all of these...
926
00:38:44,340 --> 00:38:47,620
I've been going here...
so, almost a full year.
927
00:38:47,620 --> 00:38:49,700
I was very excited
about starting here
928
00:38:49,700 --> 00:38:54,420
because I didn't want
to have to drop out of school.
929
00:38:54,420 --> 00:38:57,660
I had, like,
a massive plan for my future.
930
00:38:57,660 --> 00:39:01,980
But then it was, like, all ripped
away from me because I got unwell.
931
00:39:01,980 --> 00:39:02,260
Here I got, like,
a second chance, I guess.
But then it was, like, all ripped
away from me because I got unwell.
932
00:39:02,260 --> 00:39:05,860
Here I got, like,
a second chance, I guess.
933
00:39:06,820 --> 00:39:09,780
We get to, like,
personalise our space.
934
00:39:09,780 --> 00:39:11,540
We get, like, a desk
in, like, the wall.
935
00:39:11,540 --> 00:39:15,380
Here I have a picture
of a cow on a skateboard.
936
00:39:15,380 --> 00:39:15,620
Here I have a picture
(CHUCKLES)
937
00:39:15,620 --> 00:39:16,740
(CHUCKLES)
938
00:39:16,740 --> 00:39:18,180
It's very relaxed here.
939
00:39:18,180 --> 00:39:18,420
You can, like,
It's very relaxed here.
940
00:39:18,420 --> 00:39:20,940
You can, like,
just show up in pyjamas,
941
00:39:20,940 --> 00:39:21,180
You can, like,
which I have done a few times.
942
00:39:21,180 --> 00:39:23,100
which I have done a few times.
943
00:39:23,100 --> 00:39:26,460
But we don't just come here
and get to do whatever we want.
944
00:39:26,460 --> 00:39:26,700
But we don't just come here
We do actually have to do work.
945
00:39:26,700 --> 00:39:29,180
We do actually have to do work.
946
00:39:29,180 --> 00:39:29,420
Alrighty, so, in relation
We do actually have to do work.
947
00:39:29,420 --> 00:39:32,460
Alrighty, so, in relation
to empirical reasoning,
948
00:39:32,460 --> 00:39:34,980
you're looking at research
in colour-theory experiments.
949
00:39:34,980 --> 00:39:35,220
you're looking at research
Do you have any sort of hypothesis
950
00:39:35,220 --> 00:39:36,420
Do you have any sort of hypothesis
951
00:39:36,420 --> 00:39:39,220
about what you think might
be the outcome of that research?
952
00:39:39,220 --> 00:39:40,540
Um...
953
00:39:40,540 --> 00:39:43,020
We do project-based learning.
954
00:39:43,020 --> 00:39:46,540
So, it's all based
around my interests.
955
00:39:46,540 --> 00:39:50,380
And we have to show that we've hit
every part of the curriculum
956
00:39:50,380 --> 00:39:51,780
in that project.
957
00:39:51,780 --> 00:39:56,300
And I do love learning and
it's helped me get back into that.
958
00:39:56,300 --> 00:39:59,540
I'm just going to paint this term.
959
00:39:59,540 --> 00:40:01,780
I really like realism.
Yep.
960
00:40:01,780 --> 00:40:04,260
Are there any different mediums
you're thinking about exploring
961
00:40:04,260 --> 00:40:05,460
or just painting this term?
Clay?
962
00:40:05,460 --> 00:40:06,460
Clay?
Yeah.
963
00:40:06,460 --> 00:40:06,700
Clay?
Yeah, definitely.
964
00:40:06,700 --> 00:40:07,460
Yeah, definitely.
965
00:40:07,460 --> 00:40:07,700
At the start I would come for, like,
Yeah, definitely.
966
00:40:07,700 --> 00:40:10,540
At the start I would come for, like,
a few hours a day
967
00:40:10,540 --> 00:40:10,780
At the start I would come for, like,
and not every day a week.
968
00:40:10,780 --> 00:40:11,980
and not every day a week.
969
00:40:11,980 --> 00:40:14,460
And now I show up
pretty much every single day.
970
00:40:14,460 --> 00:40:15,380
Next year.
What?
971
00:40:15,380 --> 00:40:17,180
Oh, yeah.
For school.
972
00:40:17,180 --> 00:40:19,420
It's only going to be, like,
two weeks.
973
00:40:19,420 --> 00:40:24,380
Well, in primary school I was
in the top classes for everything,
974
00:40:24,380 --> 00:40:24,620
Well, in primary school I was
but I started getting depressed.
975
00:40:24,620 --> 00:40:26,540
but I started getting depressed.
976
00:40:26,540 --> 00:40:32,380
Like, Year 5 I started not going
to school, and then I dropped down.
977
00:40:32,380 --> 00:40:33,940
You're so weird. Oh, my God.
978
00:40:33,940 --> 00:40:35,220
It kind of got worse.
979
00:40:35,220 --> 00:40:38,820
I'd start having, like,
a few weeks at a time off school.
980
00:40:38,820 --> 00:40:41,900
Then last year, Year 9,
my attendance was terrible.
981
00:40:41,900 --> 00:40:43,140
It was at 7%.
982
00:40:43,140 --> 00:40:49,020
I would just miss
pretty much every single day.
983
00:40:49,020 --> 00:40:49,260
I would just miss
And I really wanted to get there,
984
00:40:49,260 --> 00:40:51,220
And I really wanted to get there,
985
00:40:51,220 --> 00:40:53,180
but I couldn't get out of bed.
986
00:40:56,140 --> 00:40:58,940
Most days I'd lie in my room,
987
00:40:58,940 --> 00:41:00,860
like, just in my bed,
988
00:41:00,860 --> 00:41:03,260
in the dark doing nothing.
989
00:41:03,260 --> 00:41:06,260
And then I had my parents coming in,
like, yelling at me,
990
00:41:06,260 --> 00:41:06,500
And then I had my parents coming in,
telling me that I'm lazy,
991
00:41:06,500 --> 00:41:08,260
telling me that I'm lazy,
992
00:41:08,260 --> 00:41:11,540
I'm not doing enough,
I need to get out of bed.
993
00:41:11,540 --> 00:41:15,180
I got the light turned on,
like, the blinds opened,
994
00:41:15,180 --> 00:41:17,420
the bed sheets pulled off,
stuff like that.
995
00:41:19,860 --> 00:41:22,300
Just going back to the start. Oops.
996
00:41:23,780 --> 00:41:25,260
Um...
997
00:41:25,260 --> 00:41:27,060
"Unjustified absence..."
998
00:41:27,060 --> 00:41:30,660
"Your daughter
has been marked absent from school."
999
00:41:30,660 --> 00:41:30,940
"This episode is being recorded
as unexplained or unjustified."
"Your daughter
has been marked absent from school."
1000
00:41:30,940 --> 00:41:34,380
"This episode is being recorded
as unexplained or unjustified."
1001
00:41:34,380 --> 00:41:34,620
"This episode is being recorded
as unexplained or unjustified."
"Please explain this absence."
1002
00:41:34,620 --> 00:41:36,140
"Please explain this absence."
1003
00:41:36,140 --> 00:41:40,460
But you see, like, 21 November,
22 November, 23 November.
1004
00:41:40,460 --> 00:41:42,980
So, you're just getting it
every day.
1005
00:41:42,980 --> 00:41:45,220
And I was thinking
she was just being lazy at first.
1006
00:41:46,380 --> 00:41:48,300
And there were definitely times
when I said to her,
1007
00:41:48,300 --> 00:41:50,820
"You just need to go to school
because I need to go to work."
1008
00:41:50,820 --> 00:41:53,220
I was a single dad, two kids,
you know,
1009
00:41:53,220 --> 00:41:55,220
and you're only human
and sometimes, you know,
1010
00:41:55,220 --> 00:41:57,820
you lose your temper or you yell
or, you know...
1011
00:41:57,820 --> 00:41:58,060
you lose your temper or you yell
..or, actually, which is worse -
1012
00:41:58,060 --> 00:41:59,100
..or, actually, which is worse -
1013
00:41:59,100 --> 00:42:02,940
a couple of times she seen me cry,
and I think that's even worse
1014
00:42:02,940 --> 00:42:07,220
because then the guilt that she gets
is a lot worse.
1015
00:42:08,300 --> 00:42:11,260
My school
didn't react very well to it
1016
00:42:11,260 --> 00:42:15,740
and they started, like, threatening
fining us and stuff like that
1017
00:42:15,740 --> 00:42:17,260
and "If you don't pay these fines,
1018
00:42:17,260 --> 00:42:19,740
"then you're going
to have to go to court."
1019
00:42:19,740 --> 00:42:23,820
Yeah, I think they told us it was,
like, a $10,000 or $11,000 fine.
1020
00:42:23,820 --> 00:42:26,100
I think they were trying to
scare Hayley a little bit into
1021
00:42:26,100 --> 00:42:27,340
"You have yo come to school."
1022
00:42:27,340 --> 00:42:29,020
It put a lot of pressure on us,
1023
00:42:29,020 --> 00:42:31,500
because we were then trying to push
her, "You just have to turn up."
1024
00:42:31,500 --> 00:42:33,420
Like, "You have to show
you're trying."
1025
00:42:33,420 --> 00:42:35,660
I just wanted to focus
on getting better
1026
00:42:35,660 --> 00:42:39,940
and getting better enough
to want to live.
1027
00:42:39,940 --> 00:42:44,860
But I couldn't because
school was such a big pressure.
1028
00:42:44,860 --> 00:42:48,180
And she sort of said, "I just can't
do it. I can't get out of bed."
1029
00:42:48,180 --> 00:42:49,780
And she started telling me why
1030
00:42:49,780 --> 00:42:51,740
with a lot of tears
because we'd had a big fight.
1031
00:42:51,740 --> 00:42:55,100
And then all of a sudden I'm like,
"Oh, my God, this is depression."
1032
00:42:55,100 --> 00:42:58,140
You know,
I'm a mental-health nurse by trade
1033
00:42:58,140 --> 00:42:59,980
and I've done mental-health nursing
for years.
1034
00:42:59,980 --> 00:43:01,860
I couldn't believe
I hadn't picked up on it.
1035
00:43:02,820 --> 00:43:04,660
So, that's when we got psychologists
1036
00:43:04,660 --> 00:43:07,940
and eventually a psychiatrist
and all that sort of thing.
1037
00:43:07,940 --> 00:43:10,860
But it took a long time.
1038
00:43:11,820 --> 00:43:15,100
To the school's credit, we started
talking to the deputy principal,
1039
00:43:15,100 --> 00:43:15,340
To the school's credit, we started
and she was excellent,
1040
00:43:15,340 --> 00:43:17,060
and she was excellent,
1041
00:43:17,060 --> 00:43:17,300
so, she put a plan in place
and she was excellent,
1042
00:43:17,300 --> 00:43:19,540
so, she put a plan in place
with Hayley,
1043
00:43:19,540 --> 00:43:21,780
and she said, "Oh, no, you're doing
everything that you need to do,
1044
00:43:21,780 --> 00:43:22,020
and she said, "Oh, no, you're doing
"there's no way you get fined."
1045
00:43:22,020 --> 00:43:23,620
"there's no way you get fined."
1046
00:43:33,940 --> 00:43:36,140
I found out she was cutting herself.
1047
00:43:36,140 --> 00:43:39,220
So, I saw some scratches
to start with on her arms.
1048
00:43:39,220 --> 00:43:43,020
But then she started
really prolifically cutting.
1049
00:43:43,020 --> 00:43:46,060
That crushing weight
of having to be at school
1050
00:43:46,060 --> 00:43:49,140
really made it hard, you know.
1051
00:43:49,140 --> 00:43:51,980
Having a child...
1052
00:43:51,980 --> 00:43:55,300
..doing that to themselves
is really hard,
1053
00:43:55,300 --> 00:43:59,580
and working in the industry,
knowing what the outcomes can be...
1054
00:43:59,580 --> 00:44:03,380
You know, we don't report youth
suicide rates for a good reason,
1055
00:44:03,380 --> 00:44:03,620
You know, we don't report youth
but they're huge.
1056
00:44:03,620 --> 00:44:05,140
but they're huge.
1057
00:44:05,140 --> 00:44:07,060
So...
1058
00:44:07,060 --> 00:44:11,100
You know, I think most people think,
"Oh, no, that can never happen."
1059
00:44:11,100 --> 00:44:13,060
I know it does, so...
1060
00:44:13,060 --> 00:44:15,300
..that...that was very hard.
1061
00:44:19,620 --> 00:44:23,580
Ah, yeah, well, she'll be coming out
in about two minutes.
1062
00:44:23,580 --> 00:44:25,900
It's nice being able
to come and pick her up from school
1063
00:44:25,900 --> 00:44:26,140
It's nice being able
and, yeah, have her attending.
1064
00:44:26,140 --> 00:44:28,020
and, yeah, have her attending.
1065
00:44:28,980 --> 00:44:33,260
And I can see a future for her well
and truly because of this school.
1066
00:44:34,460 --> 00:44:36,100
Hi!
Bottle's about to fall out!
1067
00:44:40,300 --> 00:44:42,340
Oh, did you get your results back
for your tests?
1068
00:44:42,340 --> 00:44:44,780
Minimum standards?
Yeah, the minimum standards.
1069
00:44:44,780 --> 00:44:48,100
Yeah. I got four in both of them,
which is the highest mark.
1070
00:44:48,100 --> 00:44:48,340
Yeah. I got four in both of them,
Oh, you got... Oh, excellent.
1071
00:44:48,340 --> 00:44:50,180
Oh, you got... Oh, excellent.
1072
00:44:53,020 --> 00:44:54,820
Bye!
OTHERS: Bye!
1073
00:44:59,940 --> 00:45:03,700
You could say that, yes, there's a
lot more money spent on these kids,
1074
00:45:03,700 --> 00:45:03,940
You could say that, yes, there's a
I suppose, for this special school.
1075
00:45:03,940 --> 00:45:06,780
I suppose, for this special school.
1076
00:45:08,340 --> 00:45:11,140
It's a hell of a lot more money
if she goes to hospital.
1077
00:45:17,780 --> 00:45:20,620
E, A, D, G, C.
Oh, yeah, E...
1078
00:45:20,620 --> 00:45:23,060
If schools like this
can help get kids well
1079
00:45:23,060 --> 00:45:25,660
and they're productive members
of society,
1080
00:45:25,660 --> 00:45:25,900
and they're productive members
that's really good.
1081
00:45:25,900 --> 00:45:27,740
that's really good.
1082
00:45:27,740 --> 00:45:30,820
I know Hayley hates the term
'school refusal'.
1083
00:45:30,820 --> 00:45:32,060
And I agree with her.
1084
00:45:32,060 --> 00:45:34,020
You know, she was never refusing
to go to school.
1085
00:45:34,020 --> 00:45:34,260
You know, she was never refusing
She just couldn't do it.
1086
00:45:34,260 --> 00:45:35,260
She just couldn't do it.
1087
00:45:36,220 --> 00:45:39,660
My attendance is at 85% now.
1088
00:45:39,660 --> 00:45:42,620
I feel very optimistic
about my future.
1089
00:45:42,620 --> 00:45:45,140
I know I'm going to be
a psychologist.
1090
00:45:45,140 --> 00:45:48,260
I know I'm going to get
a little cottage house
1091
00:45:48,260 --> 00:45:50,140
and have two cats and a dog
1092
00:45:50,140 --> 00:45:51,820
and a bird
1093
00:45:51,820 --> 00:45:54,580
and hopefully a goat.
1094
00:45:56,220 --> 00:45:58,980
Yay!