Introduction  In this article, I have used the title “School Attendance” as an overarching theme to address the conversation. I deliberately avoided the term “school refusal,” which I believe inaccurately describes the experiences of some parents and children. In many cases, the child is simply unable to attend school rather than outright refusing to…

Learn how to stop this unhelpful pattern of behaviour. There are better ways to communicate.  The hamster wheel  A conversation with your teen can sometimes feel like you are running on a hamster wheel. You feel like you are going around in circles, getting nowhere. As your stress levels increase, so does the intensity of…

Three things to try when faced with an emotional or anxious teen.  A time of profound change  Adolescence is a time of profound physical, social, and emotional change. Teens are grappling with a myriad of challenges, including peer pressure, academic stress, physical changes, and their search for identity. They are, in effect, experiencing an existential…

You and your child are not the same. This powerful tool will help you better understand your teen.  What is a ‘beginner mind’?  The concept of beginner mind originates from Zen Buddhism and refers to approaching life with an open and fresh perspective, much like that of a beginner. It involves letting go of preconceptions,…

The transition from high school to university is undoubtedly a major turning point in a young person’s life. As your child stands at this juncture, the decisions made will significantly impact their academic trajectory and personal growth. Understandably, as parents, you play a pivotal role in this journey, offering guidance, support, and perspective. This comprehensive…

A note from the VPC:  Throughout this article and the Senate’s report summarised below the issue at hand is referred to as “School Refusal”. The VPC would like to acknowledge that this term may not fairly represent the experience of some parents and students as in many cases students are unable to attend school, rather…

THE QUESTION OF A SCHOOL’S POSITION ON ENGAGING FAMILIES  As parents embark on the journey of selecting the right school for their child, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the school’s commitment to family engagement. Research consistently shows that a strong partnership between families and schools contributes to improved student outcomes and overall well being.…

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is responsible for ensuring only qualified and suitable persons are registered to teach in a Victorian school or early childhood service.  To provide for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, the VIT assesses the information it gathers and receives about teachers’ conduct to help inform applications…

Children have a right to feel safe and be safe. Organisations have a responsibility to protect children from harm. About the Commission  The Commission for Children and Young People (the Commission) promotes the safety, wellbeing, and rights of Victorian children and young people. We have a unique bird’s-eye view of the systems that work to…

The VRQA is Victoria’s education and training regulator. We are an independent statutory authority that works to assure the quality of education and training in Victoria. This includes the  regulation of Victoria’s schools, school boarding premises, home schooling, international secondary student education, vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships and traineeships. Every school and school boarding…