Mowbray College students Olivia, left, and Amber. 82281 Picture: NATALIE GALLENTI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
STUDENTS and parents from Mowbray College were in shock last week after a meeting with the outgoing board revealed a staggering debt would lead to the school’s closure.
The news resulted in families scrambling for placements at nearby schools – many of which are full.
Star believes parents were asked to donate $4500 to the failing school just to keep it afloat until the end of the month.
Mother-of-two Vicki Pek is just one parent facing a restless wait to find out the future of her children’s education.
Mrs Pek recently moved from Singapore with her husband and two children and was shocked to hear the school could be closing.
The Caroline Springs resident was even more astounded after first learning of the news on television, before being notified by the school.
“I heard it through the grapevine and then it was on the news. Then I finally received an email from the school,” she said.
She said the school had told parents “not to panic” but that she had anticipated the closure.
The worried mother had already contacted four nearby private schools but all had said they would not be taking enrolments until next year.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said.
Another worried parent who did not want to be named said she was concerned for the children’s mental well-being and just wanted to see an end to “car park innuendo” with definite answers and a solution.
The mother of a Year 10 student said she had witnessed many students break down at the thought of finishing school mid-year and having to leave friends behind.
“The Year 12’s are just shattered,” she said.
“I’m really concerned for the mental welfare of the students. They have enough stress with their studies, as if they need this on top of it.”
Mowbray Action Group member Nat Murphy said the school had provided a nurturing and caring environment for her five-year-old daughter.
“The school is like a family. It is really so sad,” she said.
Year 10 students Olivia Ciberlin and Amber Leiva said they were concerned about their future and didn’t know what would happen if the school closed.
Ms Ciberlin said the school had always offered its students a “family” environment and it would be devastating to have to leave it all behind.
“Everyone is so stressed. Our future is up in the air and at risk.
“Where is everyone going to go?”
