The ‘sick note’ to get kids out of school for the climate strikes

A sick note that gets you out of school, so you can attend the national climate strike? It may sound far-fetched, but for these students and academics, it’s a no-brainer.

The National Schools Strike 4 Climate will take place on Friday, marking the fifth year students around the country have skipped school to demand the government end coal and gas in Australia.

Sydney student Owen Magee, 17, says he’s determined to join his peers on Friday to demand stronger climate action.Credit: Louise Kennerley

But this year, three leading climate professors Dr David Karoly from the University of Melbourne, Dr Lesley Hughes, Pro-Chancellor at Macquarie University, and Dr Nick Abel have pre-signed climate doctor’s certificates which can be personalised for students who attend the climate strikes across the country.

Karoly said while the sick notes had not been signed by medical professionals, they were an innovative way to raise awareness about the implications that climate change will cause for the coming generation.

He said the main thing driving inaction was apathy from older generations.

“Young people are going to be more affected by the effects of climate change. This includes increasing extreme weather events, the changes in the economic system and energy generation system, which we are already starting to see,” he said.

“People, like myself, and the current generations need to make choices between living in the current or planning for the future for our children and grandchildren because they will bear the brunt of the impacts and the costs.”

He added that peaceful demonstrations were a healthy way for students to engage and learn about democracy outside the classroom.

However, education departments across NSW and Victoria say they expect students to attend school as usual on Friday, and notes not signed by a medical practitioner will not be accepted.

“It is not a legitimate medical certificate and would not be accepted by schools,” a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said. “Students should be in class during a regular school day.”

On department websites in both states, justified reasons for student absences included being sick, a recognised religious holiday, or exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

But the education department’s stance is not stopping students. Sydney student Owen Magee, 17, said even if the department wouldn’t accept his sick note, it meant more that scientists and climate doctors backed their cause.

He has taken to the streets every year since 2019 and said there has been very little climate action, with the government still approving coal mines. He added despite COVID impacting the climate justice movement, he’s sensed a rebuilding of momentum.

“This is not just about my future: there are so many different people across the board at the frontlines of the climate crisis,” he said.

Magee, a year 12 student, said his parents understood his decision to sacrifice a day at school for his future.

“For me to use my education in my future, I need to have a planet,” he said. “It’s frustrating to keep doing [protesting], but I know it’s important we don’t give up.”

Melbourne student Joey Thompson, 16, was among a group who hung banners and sang songs in Victorian parliament on Tuesday ahead of the climate strike, said nothing would deter him from Friday’s event.

“Nothing is going to stop us getting onto the streets because we have to,” he said. “[The government] is still approving new coal and gas projects, and that is going to make climate disasters like bushfires, heatwaves and floods worse.

“It is important and every young person comes together because we can make changes happen.”

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