Why I Would Never Send My Child to a Catholic School
My experience at this school has been nothing short of terrible. I want to clarify that this is a fake account; I don’t want the school reaching out to me. My mental health deteriorated rapidly while I was there. The bullying I faced in Year 7, while it lessened over time, still lingers and has fundamentally changed who I am. My anxiety has escalated to the point where simply coming to school feels monumental.
During a school assembly, we were reprimanded about the uniform policy, with comments suggesting that dyed hair, piercings, and other violations were attempts to “stand out.” The message was clear: “Don’t stand out, fit in.” For a Catholic school, encouraging individuality seems to be absent from their ethos. At one point, they implemented a system requiring students to have their diaries signed to use the bathroom during class. When I didn’t have my diary one day, I was denied access. While some teachers show understanding, many only contribute to the negative environment that makes students despise this school. The school claims to be a bullying-free zone, but without genuine support for victims, the claim falls flat. Their advertisements paint a picture of a nurturing atmosphere where children can flourish, but in reality, only rule-following students seem to thrive.
This school prides itself on being “inclusive,” yet it effectively pushes every student toward conformity. I understand that private and Catholic schools come with their own set of rules, but enforcing regulations on sock length and hairstyle is simply absurd. Any trend deemed “inappropriate” is swiftly banned.
I’m currently hoping that this will be my last year (Year 10) before I transition to alternative education for my senior studies. When I mentioned this to one of my teachers, she insisted that this school is one that no one’s ever eager to leave.
As for personal expression, I have my helix and second piercings (the seconds I got done in the school bathrooms—what a story!). Unfortunately, my helix got infected, and because I couldn’t remove it in time, I received multiple demerits that day, which ultimately led to an after-school detention. Consequently, I missed my drama class due to this mandatory punishment.
Academically, this Catholic school performs mediocrely in the HSC, routinely achieving their best scores in religion and Catholic studies while neglecting to prepare students for other subjects.
Recently, they also banned fidget toys. I understand the reasoning behind this in younger grades, but in high school, it should be evident that those who possess them truly need them. When I brought it up, they claimed learning support had stated that nobody required them. Really? I’m anxious about school, and having something to fidget with helps me cope. I know I’m not alone in this; many students with disabilities or mental health challenges share my frustration over this rule.
Additionally, in Year 8, I learned that the mandatory software installed on our laptops—even the ones our families paid for—can access our passwords and reset our devices. This is a significant breach of privacy, but they justify it by making us sign an agreement in our diaries each year. It’s worth noting that this isn’t isolated to my school; all Catholic schools in our diocese use this program.
Young adults and teens should not have to learn in such an oppressive environment. It’s unhealthy, teaching them that there’s only one prescribed way to live and succeed.
If you’re interested in a part 2, let me know!
Thank you for sharing your experience so openly. It’s clear that your time at this school has been very challenging, and I completely understand your frustration. It’s disheartening to hear that instead of creating a supportive environment, the school seems to impose such strict rules that stifle individuality and creativity, especially when it comes to students’ mental health and personal expression.
Education should be a place where students feel safe, heard, and encouraged to be themselves, not a space that feels suffocating or judgmental. It’s troubling to know that bullying was minimized and that there seems to be a lack of support for victims. The policies around bathroom access and personal expressions like hairstyles and piercings seem outdated and counterproductive. In a time when mental health should be a priority, it’s concerning that schools wouldn’t be more accommodating, especially regarding fidget tools that can help students cope with anxiety.
Your experience with the privacy breach regarding the laptops is particularly alarming. Students should have a right to their privacy, and it’s crucial for schools to respect that. The focus should be on fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel valued for who they are rather than forcing conformity.
It sounds like pursuing alternative education could be a positive step for you, and I hope you find a place that supports your needs and allows you to thrive. Your voice is important, and sharing your story might resonate with others who feel similarly. If you decide to write a part 2, I’d be very interested to hear more about your experiences and insights!