For kids used to school bells, homework, and playground chatter—not the smell of antiseptic or the rhythmic beeping of drip machines—a hospital school can be a lifeline.
I’ve seen parents do everything they can to keep their kids’ spirits up, but kids in hospital miss home and siblings, friends, school, and their routines. Let’s be honest, a hospital stay can be terrifying.
Days, weeks, and sometimes months are measured by painful procedures, medication schedules, and doctors’ rounds.
Asking “How about school today?” becomes a question of hope, even when — as I’ve seen firsthand — the child’s answer is a resounding, “No!”
Hospital school teachers don’t just bring their skills; they bring positive expectations. They focus on what kids in hospital can do, not what they can’t, and seeing them as learners, not patients is invaluable.
Adding learning as part of a prescription to healing, is A-OK.
Normalcy pinned with a badge of bravery.
Imagine if every hospital were a place where young people found more than just medical care, but also practised pathways to resilience while recognising it’s hard.
Revisiting a project with our hospital school partners in 2014 for this newsletter made me wonder—do our education systems appreciate how important hospital schools are?
So, today we put hospital schools in the spotlight, the hidden heroes in healthcare, juggling complex medical routines and frontline efforts to keep kids learning and playing.
We hope you find something useful in this week’s newsletter, our first one back from mid-winter school holidays.
“Because cognitive processes are inextricably linked in the brain to emotional ones, social connection is a necessary precondition for learning and wellbeing.” ~ Claire Chuter
Hospital Schools Mean Hope
Just as the new school term begins, we want to draw attention to some very special educators whose work with students in very special circumstances takes place in hospital schools. These exemplary schools, characterised by exceptional commitment and specialised expertise, play a fundamental role in supporting students with medical and mental health conditions to continue their learning journey during hospital stays and healthcare transitions. Inspired by the vital work of these educators, we celebrate our partnership. FIND OUT MORE
It’s Time To Listen Here!
It’s so important to listen to the voices of students with complex attendance and health challenges so we can understand how they feel about missing school. In 2014, we created the “Listen here!” project to present kids’ voices at the Linking Up for Kids Conference. Using Post-it® Notes, kids connected with collaborating hospital schools shared their feelings and thoughts on missing school. These contributions were showcased in a short video linked on our blog about the project. WATCH NOW
New Royal Children’s Hospital School
Yalingbu Yirramboi – Royal Children’s Hospital School is now officially open, offering kids with chronic and acute health issues a chance to continue their education. Thanks to a $3.6 million investment by the Victorian Government, the school will provide a complete education from Prep to Year 12. It ensures that children spending extended periods in hospital stay on track with their learning and have the opportunity to reach their full potential, also offering remote learning. FOLLOW THIS
Social Connection In Schools
We came across this article from our friends across the ditch about how vital social connections are for our health and wellbeing. COVID gave everyone that memo. Here, NZ Education Hub nails it—it’s not about having tons of friends or hanging out with them constantly, but feeling integral in important relationships. The article highlights how strong social ties help students learn better and manage stress. Our data agrees, especially for kids isolated in attendance and health challenges. READ MORE
National Pain Week
National Pain Week 2024 is Australia’s annual awareness event for chronic pain. Each year, Chronic Pain Australia draws attention to the experience of people living with chronic pain and, by doing so, helps reduce the social and other barriers related to living with and managing chronic pain. We acknowledge the challenge of chronic pain among school age kids with health conditions and the impact it can have on school attendance. Pain relief is life-changing. Let’s celebrate the painchangers! ADD YOUR SUPPORT
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
