Featuring:

Host: Natasha Siryj, Board member, School Can’t Australia

Speakers:    Marie Piu,  CEO, Tandem Carers

                       Tiffany Westphal, Board member, School Can’t Australia

Lived and Living Experience Panellists:          

Dr Rachel Leslie, Researcher & academic

Tiffany Westphal, Social worker & SCA board member

            Emma Patten, Home educator & former lecturer

All three panellists are parents of children/young people who have experienced school can’t.

Some of the key take aways viewers shared after watching this presentation:

“Be nervous system aware” don’t gaslight young people for acknowledging and voicing the cues their nervous system is sending them”

“Look harder into why student does not want to be at school”

“I have lots, that I will share with my colleagues. especially moving away from the idea of 'school refusal' to 'school can't'.”

“The isolation and lack of support is felt widely”

“School can't t is an isolating experiencing - shaming and blaming children only harms them”

“That everything I've explained to the school, that everything in my gut about my son's state has been true. Esp the trust between child and parent - how important that is! And I've promised him never to break that, that I have his back!”

“That more schools and teachers need to be educated on providing a safe space for ALL children.”

Viewer responses:

“Lived experience stories were enlightening and raw, authentic and honest”

“I left feeling more empowered”

“Thank you ever so much for putting this together. Schools kinder and childcare need to hear directly from you. Thank you!”

Distressing content:

Please note that you may find that listening to others talk about their experiences may cause you to feel distressed.  Please look after yourself and practice self-care.  If you find yourself distressed by the content please reach out to talk with a friend or support person.  You may also contact Life Line on Ph 13 1114 if you are in Australia.