Toormina schoolgirl falls sick, barred from Dreamworld trip

A 14-year-old girl tried to battle through a flu, knowing that if she missed going to school it would cruel her chance of going on a theme park rewards trip. Now her grandmother is calling out Toormina High over its policy.

A Coffs Harbour woman is aghast after her granddaughter was punted from a school excursion because she fell sick and didn’t meet the attendance benchmark to go on the trip.

Julie Ward blasted Toormina High School’s student rewards’ policy on social media, and started an online protest petition which gained almost 200 signatures.

Ms Ward said the school had used a trip to Dreamworld as a carrot to boost student attendance - and if children hit 90 per cent or better they could pack their bags.

But her 14-year-old granddaughter who she cares for fell ill, and has missed the boat.

Julie Ward: “Most parents and carers are too scared to speak up.”

Ms Ward argues the school’s policy is flawed as it penalises children who get sick, especially at a time when influenza and Covid are rife.

“If I see an injustice I’m going to speak up,” Ms Ward said.

“It’s a kick in the teeth for her because she tries so hard. Kids who are attending to the best of their ability and trying academically shouldn’t be penalised.”

Ms Ward said her granddaughter had a “really, really bad flu” - and had kept going to Toormina High until the day she was so ill she gave up on making the trip and stayed home.

“Following feedback from the community, the program will be reviewed.” Picture: Chris Knight

An Education Department spokesperson said Toormina High had initiated the rewards program to encourage “consistent attendance as part of its improvement plan for 2022”.

“Attendance is defined as being present at school or learning remotely in isolation as a close (Covid) contact.

“Following feedback from the community, the program will be reviewed when the current term ends.”

Part of Julie Ward’s post to the Toormina/Coffs Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page.

Ms Ward said after meeting with the school’s senior leadership, it was explained that it was too late to pull the rug on the rewards adventure to Dreamworld - which leaves on Friday, the final day of term before the July holidays.

“And I accept that it’s too late,” Ms Ward said, “but this shouldn’t happen again.”

Ms Ward said the school had acted only when she went public with her beefs on a Facebook community page, and started the petition.

“Most parents and carers are too scared to speak up,” she said.

“But after it got going on social media they (the school) just went into panic and meltdown.”