Renfrey highlighted the positive impact of Pavilion School’s model, which includes a teacher, teacher’s aide, and wellbeing worker in each class, on students like her son. The Pavilion School has a campus in Epping, Melbourne Polytechnic, with a lease that expires on July 1. The Education Department has offered to cover 50% of the rent for an additional 12 months in the same building, although they are exploring other accommodation options for the school’s Epping campus. Another permanent campus is located in Preston. The Link Centre Foundation, a registered charity, has shown interest in contributing to the costs of a new permanent campus in Epping after the closure of a school they previously ran in the western suburbs.
Paul Bridgeford, chair of the Link Centre Foundation, has been campaigning for a new, permanent campus in Epping. Despite his efforts to secure funding for Pavilion Epping from education bureaucrats, his requests have gone unanswered. The responsibility for Pavilion Epping falls under Charles La Trobe College, and Bridgeford has been unsuccessful in attempts to meet with principal Mark Deverall. His main concern is for students on the waiting list who may not attend school at all, potentially leading to involvement in the youth justice system. He emphasizes the importance of providing education to these young people to prevent them from facing further challenges down the line.
Pavilion’s flexible learning options have benefited students like Connor, who saw an improvement in attendance and behavior in year 10. Connor received an Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award for his progress. Heading into year 11 at Pavilion, he will begin a course specializing in sport and recreation. Connor expresses his desire to finish high school, albeit not in a mainstream school environment. The supportive and individualized approach at Pavilion has allowed him to thrive academically and personally, setting him up for success in the future.
Renfrey, the parent of a student at Pavilion, expressed gratitude for the support her son received at the school, acknowledging that it has been a lifeline for him. She fears what his situation might be if not for Pavilion. The model at Pavilion, with a strong focus on teacher support, wellbeing services, and individualized attention, has proven to be effective in helping students like Renfrey’s son succeed academically and emotionally. The positive impact of Pavilion’s approach on students who may struggle in mainstream educational settings is evident through success stories like Connor’s, highlighting the importance of alternative options in education.
The Link Centre Foundation’s involvement in advocating for a new campus for Pavilion in Epping reflects a broader concern for educational opportunities for vulnerable youth. By offering to contribute financially to the development of a permanent facility, the foundation underscores the urgency of providing quality education to students who may otherwise fall through the cracks. The ongoing efforts to secure funding and support for Pavilion Epping demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to a supportive and nurturing educational environment, regardless of their individual challenges or circumstances.
In conclusion, the Pavilion School in Epping has provided a lifeline for students like Connor, offering a supportive and individualized approach to education that has helped them thrive academically and personally. The efforts by the Link Centre Foundation to secure funding for a new campus in Epping underscore the importance of alternative educational options for vulnerable youth. The ongoing collaboration between stakeholders, educators, and parents in advocating for the needs of students who may struggle in mainstream educational settings highlights the commitment to providing quality education and support for all young people, ultimately setting them up for success and preventing potential challenges down the line.
