A Tomaree High student who feared he may not be able to stay in his school’s special education unit because of a lack of spaces is “very happy” after being told another class will be established next year.
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The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Natalie Thomas was investigating distance education for her son Will, 14, who had attended the unit full-time – despite not having a formal placement – for about a year and the emotional disorders class since the start of this year.
The school made a formal application for Will to be given a permanent place after he received his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but Ms Thomas said the department had told the school there was no room. Ms Thomas said her family was “relieved” to learn the school would establish a second emotional disorders class and Will and five other students who needed a place in the class could stay.
“I’m pretty excited and very happy for Will that he doesn’t have to stress about us finding somewhere else for him to go,” Ms Thomas said.
“Will is really happy he can stay with his friends, where he is comfortable and can still have that social outlet.
“I’m so relieved for all the kids involved – they’re all really happy they can stay.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said the department had “considered the need for special education at Tomaree High School in 2017 and established a class for students with emotional disorders”.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
