It’s been hard to miss the coverage on ‘school can’t’ in the media this week. We know it’s tough to see students, parents, siblings and teachers struggling with such complexity from our screens, and we’ve been moved by the personal accounts of each family’s experience, and their individual brilliance.
It’s why we are on a mission to solve school isolation. We work with schools and families every day to help students with complex medical and mental conditions and chronic school absence stay connected. What gives us hope is that students who are missing school don’t have to be left behind. Through technology, they can be connected to school today, even if they can’t physically attend. So much can happen when pupils are present.
As we gently but purposefully step into May, we are making a fresh commitment to being more intentional in acknowledging and helping raise awareness of the various conditions that can lead to students missing school, the many people who are impacted, and the amazing organisations that are supporting them.
This week, as we draw attention to coverage of chronic school absence, we highlight how (not-to-be-forgotten) siblings need support, and spotlight Crohn’s and Colitis Australia and the great work they do to support young people.
“Evidence shows that social connection is a force for health, wellbeing and economic good.” ~ World Health Organization
School Can’t Front and Centre
This week, ABC’s Four Corners aired ‘The Kids who Can’t Go to School’, focusing on families and schools dealing with emotionally based school avoidance. On the same day, The Guardian’s Sarah Martin discussed how the rise of autism, ADHD and disability diagnoses are affecting Australian schools. All of this is why we’ll keep working for policy and practice change, and adoption of learn from anywhere school technology for children’s educational and social continuity during absences. VIEW MORE
Siblings Are Also Missing School
It is easy to understand that a student with a complex medical or mental condition may have their education impacted. Siblings of these students often miss school too, and are easily overlooked. They can face challenges resulting in emotional, social and academic impacts. Their connections with family and with their school might be compromised. Read more about how siblings are affected, and what you can do to support them. LEARN MORE
Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month
May is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month and this year’s focus is on young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a lifelong chronic condition, and the burden of disease is significant for young people. The great folks at Crohn’s & Colitis Australia provide support and resources on their website to help students with IBD, including tips on accessing support, creating a supportive school environment, and a useful student health support plan. #SavingKidsGuts READ MORE
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
