The Power of Connection: Billy's Story

Billy came to us at Cresso from Woorabinda. The Deputy Principal had asked if I would be available to attend Billy’s enrolment interview, as it was identified very early that Billy is a young person that would thrive on connection.

Billy has a very complex family dynamic, and had not had a very positive school experience prior to attending Crescent Lagoon State School, with an overall attendance of less then 10%. He is currently operating at an academic level much lower then his age due to his low attendance.

The school put in a place a transition plan around part time attendance to ease Billy in to regular attendance, which I as the ARTIE mentor was able to support. This involved classroom check ins, and giving breaks from the classroom dynamic. Billy and I would read books, or play games while we got to know eachother. Billy was initially reluctant to participate in our boys NAIDOC project, which involved dance and didgeridoo playing, despite his amazing shake a leg! Ultimiately Billy became an incredibly engaged and integral part of our group of boys who performed for NAIDOC.

Billy’s attendance since his enrolement began earlier this term, is an incredible 98% (as of week 8).

I am very proud of the dynamic I have been able to build with Billy as a part of my role as ARTIE Mentor. Isaac Smith ARTIE Mentor