Secondary school was a series of obstacles for Riley Kunziak. Now, as the 17-year-old sports fanatic embarks on his second year as a TAFE Gippsland general education student, his devoted mum Katie reflects on the struggles they’ve overcome in the past five years for him to get to where he is now.
“At the time I first reached out to TAFE Gippsland, Riley was a year 9 student at a secondary college nearing the end of the school year and I was deeply concerned about the lack of education he was receiving,” Katie said.
“Riley struggled through remote learning for the entire duration of years 7 and 8 and when he returned to school, there was nothing in place to help those kids who were left behind during Covid. I reached out to the school many times and was constantly handballed to someone else with no resolution or even a plan on how to support Riley. I enquired at different schools which caused Riley even more anxiety.”
As leisure and lifestyle team leader at an aged care facility in Morwell, it’s in Katie’s nature to nurture. With a son too young and unequipped to make well considered decisions about his own future, Katie’s parenting instinct kicked in and after doing some research, she came across our school leavers’ program. And, as they say, the rest is history.
“I sent an enquiry to TAFE Gippsland and when I received a call soon after, I was relieved to hear that the option of finishing his schooling at TAFE could very well be a possibility for Riley,” Katie said.
“While we came up against many obstacles from the school and Department [of Education], Gabby and Jackie went above and beyond to help make it happen and obtain all the necessary exemptions needed. At our enrolment meeting, I struggled to contain my emotions as I genuinely felt that this was the right path for Riley. Meeting people that truly wanted to help him was an amazing feeling.”
Riley’s teacher Jackie Thompson said this is a great example of a successful outcome for children who don’t fit the mainstream school system, but still have an opportunity to continue their education with TAFE.
“I spoke with Riley’s mum at the end of last year and we were both in tears of pride when he received his Certificate I in General Education in the mail,” Jackie said.
“It has been an absolute pleasure teaching Riley and I look forward to that continuing this year. Riley is an amazing young man who has thrived with us. So proud of just how far he has come.”
About to embrace his 2024 studies with gusto, Riley is enjoying the immersion that practical, real-world education brings, learning skills and knowledge that he will use in life and work.
Thrilled with Riley’s progress and also at the interest in he’s taken in disability work through his experience at Heritage Manor Aged Care where she works, Katie said it’s been the best step forward for his future.
“His attendance is near perfect, he never asks to have a day off, he has become more confident in his social skills and understands and is capable of doing the work on the curriculum,” Katie explained.
“I love that this opportunity exists at TAFE for kids like Riley. My advice to kids and parents of kids who are struggling at school or not receiving the education you want them to receive, do not hesitate to pursue alternative education and push for what is best for your child. Fight for what you believe in. I taught and showed my children that you do not need to finish VCE and go to uni to be successful. There are many different avenues and TAFE is definitely a great option.”