Bullying, racism and lack of support at Redbank State High School — anyone else?
My family moved here in April, and we’ve found the neighbourhood lovely. Our experience with the school, however, has been incredibly disappointing.
From what the children in my family have experienced and reported, bullying and racist ridicule are recurring problems. They describe being mocked for their ethnicity and background, and feeling that nobody really gives a shit. No child should have to accept racism as a normal part of going to school.
What makes this worse is the apparent lack of support from teachers. One example we’ve been told about is an English teacher responding to requests for help with words to the effect of, “The information is on the board,” or “I’ve already read it to you. Don’t ask me any more questions.” How are students supposed to learn if they feel they can’t even ask for clarification?
I can’t speak for every teacher or student, but what my family has experienced raises serious questions about whether children’s safety, wellbeing and education are being taken seriously.
Do our kids not deserve a good education? Does living in a lower-income area somehow mean they should settle for less support, lower expectations and an environment where they don’t feel safe or respected?
Have other parents or students experienced anything similar? Has anyone managed to get bullying or racism properly addressed, either through the school or by escalating it further? I’d really like to know what has actually helped.