Kids vaccine mandate: Gold Coast parent in ‘fear’ contemplating homeschooling

An educator setting up a new venture for homeschool students says interest is increasing from parents in “fear” of being forced to vaccinate their kids.

PARENTS in “fear” of being forced to vaccinate their kids are increasingly contemplating homeschooling, says an educator setting up a new venture for those who do.

In comes as community opposition has squashed plans for the establishment of a Steiner school – which focus on more “experiential” learning – at the site of the old, unused and historic school at Beechmont.

Due to open in 2022 for students from prep to Year 3, Evergreen Steiner School founder Sarah Richards said she was now searching for a new site.

Evergreen Wonderland founder Sarah Richards – with her children

“At this stage, our school plans have been delayed due to some unfortunate issues with our location – community issues, not building issues,” the Tallai teacher mother of three said.

“We are now looking for a new and suitable site for our school location. We are working with a town planner and once we have a site we will reapply for accreditation to open our school.

“The good news though is this whole journey has made us very aware of how many Gold Coast families are seeking an alternative education for their children.”

Ms Richards said since the vaccine mandate was announced for teachers, she had been getting a lot of sudden interest, with families worried.

“Parents are contemplating homeschooling and also seem fearful of vaccine mandates for children,” she said. “I genuinely think the numbers of families who choose to homeschool from 2022 is going to jump more than ever before.”

Ms Richards said to help Gold Coast families, she is busy setting up Evergreen Wonderland, “a nature infused homeschool education provider offering enchanting daily experiences with a sprinkling of Steiner/Waldorf magic”.

“These sessions will be guided by experienced educators and will provide support for homeschooling families to confidently provide an enchanting education for their children,” she said.

“We have some incredible experiences planned that simply cannot be offered within the confines of a classroom. We also plan to offer these across a variety of locations to provide a wider community offering.”

Ms Richards said families would be able to view a timetable and book into sessions that suited them – with parents and carers able to drop and go, or stay.

In term, Monday activities will be based at Currumbin Creek at Gecko house, the old Currumbin school, while Tuesdays will be based at Country Paradise Parklands.

“There will be farm days, and we have something extra special planned on Fridays, we will meet our indigenous guides at Runaway Bay where they will take us via boat across to Stradbroke Island,” she said.

“We will then spend the day immersed in nature, learning how to build shelters, find and dig for water, track animal markings, forage for food, identify flora and fauna, while learning about Aboriginal customs, the Yugambeh Language and so much more.

“As we are a registered charity, we plan to fundraise so we can also offer these special experiences to children that ordinarily may not get to attend.”