By JONATHON HOWARD
AS SCHOOL enrolments get underway for next year, a Noosa mother has revealed her family’s private struggle to find the right school for her young son and how listening to a child’s needs can go a long way.
Sue Horne said the issue arose about 12 months ago when her son had started Prep at a local Noosa school.
“Being our first child to start school, there was great excitement surrounding this milestone,” she said.
“But it quickly fell apart when he suddenly changed from a happy, outgoing boy to sad, angry and introverted.”
Mrs Horne, and her husband Bill, knew there was something more to the issue and they started seeking answers.
“In April 2013, our son was privately assessed and diagnosed with a learning difficulty,” she said.
“The assessment stated he is an intelligent child that learns differently.
“Not having experience with schools, we assumed that once the report was given to the school he would receive the support he needed to learn and his emotional wellbeing would improve.
“Unfortunately, this was not the case and sadly the following seven months were soul destroying.”
Mrs Horne said her son ended the year “none the wiser” and had “lost most of his self esteem”.
“For a parent of a six-year-old it was devastating to watch,” she said.
“After attending the end of year meeting with the school, it was made clear to us that things were not going to improve for our son in that environment.”
The family agonised over what to do during Christmas of 2013 and even considered moving.
“In the last week of the school holidays, I found myself meeting with the principal of Federal State School north of Cooroy,” she said.
“From the moment we arrived at the school, it felt like home. We were welcomed into the school community and nothing has been ‘too hard’ since.”
Mrs Horne said the small school of 93 students was ideal.
“Every teacher knows and cares about every child,” she said.
“Every child is treated as an individual and not a number.
“The school is in a beautiful relaxing environment and the teachers are the most dedicated, professional team of educators and are genuinely passionate about teaching.”
Mrs Horne said her son was now blossoming and thriving.
“He has gone from not knowing his alphabet to reading fluently in less than 12 months. He is happy, outgoing and involved. As a family, we couldn’t be happier,” she said.
“The one thing that we have learnt from our experience is to listen to your child and if your child’s needs are not being met, do whatever it takes to find the right fit for your child.
“School is a springboard for the rest of their life.”
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you have a story to share with the community? Or maybe you overcame a difficult time, thanks to some local support. Send us your letters and comments to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
