In the land of fluorescent lights and endless meetings, in 2016, there we were, sitting in front of a formidable figure in a state department of education. I was presenting our groundbreaking mission on education services for sick kids who miss school. My proposal was sleek, my words were polished, I was angling for an “A”. But my confidence was, well, premature.
“Thank you for meeting with us,” I began, my voice rising. “As we know, many children miss school due to critical or chronic illnesses,” … “and this disrupts their education and social connections,” our co-founder, Cathy, ad-libbed alongside.
The official, let’s call her Ms. Department (for reasons that will soon become apparent), nodded curtly, her expression unreadable.
“And that’s why we want schools to have systems where learning can reach these kids right at their homes … it’s already happening in parts of Europe!” I declared, getting ready to overshare the potential.
Ms. Department leaned forward, her eyes pinned. “Look, my friend,” she said, in a too-calm tone. “Schools are designed to deliver education in the classroom, at scale. You’re never going to get that up.”
The room went silent. You could have heard a pin drop. Or in our case, the sound of our dreams shattering. Cathy looked madder than I felt.
I choked down hard, trying to maintain my composure. “But, Ms. Department,” I said, “the current system doesn’t cater to the education and social needs of some 60,000 sick children (the national number, back then). Surely there’s a way—”
“No,” she repeated, her voice resolute. “It’s not feasible. Schools are designed to deliver education in classrooms.”
That was the moment I felt a surge of rage. How could she dismiss our work so abruptly? I mean, we were mothers who’d been to hell and back. We just wanted it done.
But right then I saw what I could never unsee—she was right. The audacity! The nerve! Ms. Department had voiced what no one else would admit.
And I realised something. This blunt truth-telling was exactly what we needed. It was a wake-up call, the proverbial slap in the face. No one was running to rescue us.
The rest of the meeting was a blur. We left replete with righteous indignation, but a newfound determination. If the traditional system was unmovable, then we needed another way. Time to head outside the box.
Months of brainstorming budgets, daily coffee binges (that wasn’t new!), and a few questionable Google searches later, an earlier idea took hold. Robots! Why not use robots to bridge the gap? These kids could have a telepresence in the classroom, controlled from their homes. Like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory, but with less money and more work.
Fast forward a year later, and there it was—the See-Be Robot Service. It was a hit! Kids could attend classes remotely, interact with teachers and peers, and keep up with their learning and fun while stuck at home or in hospital.
Here’s the thing. The solution sat at the centre of that very uncomfortable conversation. It wasn’t easy—and, sure, we had to cool our jets—but it was important … and catalytic.
Looking back, I can’t help but laugh. That conversation, which felt like a punch in the gut at the time, turned out to be one of the most important moments in my life. And, to this day, I have Ms. Department to genuinely thank.
So, here’s to the truth-tellers, the dream-crushers, and the Ms. Departments of the world. Without them, there would be no robot army… I mean, service. And even that is now evolving into a new era, something so much more.
But, seriously, challenging conversations are never going to be our favourite. We’ve all had them, and we will again. So, this week’s newsletter has some “tough conversation” helpers to tide you over, or sweep you along, before the moment of breakthrough (hopefully) emerges. You’re not alone. Which leads us into celebrating World Blood Donor Day: We really love your type.
“Failure shows us the way—by showing us what isn’t the way.” ~ Ryan Holiday
Power In Restoration
Have you ever had a difficult conversation and it’s gone completely wrong, ending up in conflict and disconnection from the other person? We’ve been there! Michelle Stowe is a former teacher, now restorative practitioner and trainer, who specialises in re-culturing schools and cultivating a restorative shift that honours community. Using classroom examples, her TED Talk points to using empathy and restorative practice to navigate difficult conversations with connection. WATCH HERE
Ask The Right Questions
When a student has complex attendance and health challenges we often hear that “the school provides work”. But, learning – indeed education – is about so much more than completing worksheets or learning alone. Asking the right questions to make sure the national standards are being understood and applied, can feel tricky. We’ve developed guidance and questions to help schools and families build common understanding and agree on practical steps to keep learning alive for students from anywhere. FIND OUT MORE
Do Difficult Differently
Difficult conversations about school can arise from differing views between school staff and parents. Schools base their positions on beliefs, policies, and guidelines, considering the needs of the student along with the whole class or school. Parents focus on their child’s individual needs, influenced by advice, beliefs, and personal experiences. Both perspectives are valid (but often differ significantly) leading to heightened emotions due to the importance of the conversation. Here is help for parents. READ MORE
Wow! World Blood Donor Day
Every year, countries celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary donors for their life-saving gifts. Safe blood is vital for an effective health system. The global theme of WBDD changes annually to honour incredible donors. Shout out to blood donors! Safe blood saves lives. If you’re curious about donating, or want to give again, find your nearest Australian Red Cross Lifeblood centre. Love your type! GIVE BLOOD
At MissingSchool, we believe in the power of community. Together, we can create environments where every child feels like they belong.
It would be impossible for us to stay the course without your incredible support. There are many ways to help:
- follow along and cheer us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- share this newsletter with your family, friends, or colleagues so we can support more kids, and
- donate towards getting kids with complex conditions back into their classroom.
Every action moves us closer to the finish line: a world where every child is seen and heard at school. Where ‘learn from anywhere’ is universal.
Let’s keep connecting,
Megan
CEO & Cofounder
