Morgen and Jo-Beth
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Morgen was suspended a few weeks after he started school at an independent school.
‘My child had been displaying what they coined as “violent” behaviours at school within the playground,’ his mother Jo-Beth told the Royal Commission.
Morgen had pushed another student who had pushed him first, and hit another student who had pushed him. He had also hit a student for no apparent reason.
The school demanded Jo-Beth sign a behavioural contract before they would allow Morgen to return.
Jo-Beth took Morgen couldn’t get an appointment with a paediatrician for several weeks.
She advised the school and requested a meeting to discuss the behavioural contract. She wanted to include reasonable adjustments to support Morgen.
Jo-Beth was surprised at the number of people at the meeting. Morgen was the only child in the room, surrounded by adults.
The school refused to provide reasonable adjustments. In the absence of a diagnosis, they believed the issue was ‘bad behaviour’.
A few days later, Jo-Beth was able to take Morgen to the paediatrician because of a cancellation.
The paediatrician diagnosed Morgen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He believed Morgen had another condition but needed more information from the school.
Jo-Beth tried to speak to the principal but they were not available. Jo-Beth left messages and sent emails.
A few days later, the school contacted Jo-Beth to collect Morgen. He had elbowed a student who refused to get out of his personal space.
‘This student’s parents were not called, and no injuries were sustained,’ she said.
The principal told Jo-Beth that Morgen was ‘no longer welcome’ at the school.
‘The Principal stated that he hoped that [Morgen] “sorted himself out” so these same issues don’t happen again. Then my child was told to collect what he had left at his classroom. It was such a traumatic experience for us both.’
The principal told Jo-Beth she could ‘voluntarily withdraw’ Morgen so it’s ‘not on his file’.
Morgen is now at a new school and is trialling ADHD medication.
His teachers say the medication is working well. His concentration has improved, he can complete tasks, is more organised and there is ‘less hands-on behaviour’ with other students.
‘I hope that children with additional needs are better supported and become visible. That children with additional needs do not continue to be suspended and expelled for their behaviour.’
Jo-Beth believes independent and private schools need to be held accountable for their choices and that they ‘stop picking and choosing who they want to educate’.
‘All children have a right to an education no matter what.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.