Thank you for taking the time to "try to help Berengarra." Berengarra school has been in existence for 32 years. The succress rate is quite extraordinary.

The students are of normal intelligence but suffer social and emotional issues.

I would like to share with you some of the issues that students present with.

One student alone lacks the skills to function successfully in mainstream school. She requires and individualised supportive program. She is at risk of developing significant mental health isssues if not managed properly.

Some of her issues are, fails to develop appropriate relationships, fidgets, fiddles, annoying others reacting impulsively acting without thinking interrupting, short attention span, disruptive, difficultiy following instructions, annoying othersteasing, bullying, destroying property, lying, setting fires, blames others for her mistakes, anger, resentfullness, oppositional, aspergers, ADHD,cries easily, self harming and feeling of hopelessness - she is 13. Her future is bleak if Berengarra is not available to her.

She was expelled. Big question, will her school take her back? No. 38 students, similar, some worse. PLEASE HELP,PLEASE

Yes.... PLEASE ,PLEASE HELP. The Government should have many such schools across Melbourne, but doesn't. So why can't it support this school and these kids who deserve a chance as much as anyone? If you would like to do more...please contact Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education... http://www.bronwynpike.com//index .php?categoryid=10 and Maxine Morand, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development and Member for Mount Waverley ...maxine.morand@parliament.vic.g ov.au

I feel it is a huge misjustice by the government if it doesn`t seriously stop the closure of Berrengarra School. The kids at these schools are far to often put into the too hard basket. Without this school they have even less chance in life and more importantly, having the skills and oppurtunity to enter mainstream schools once Berrengarra has worked with them first. I am sure if any of the people making the final decision and it was there child with the problems it would be a totally different story. Every child born in this world deserves every chance in life regardless of their issues or learning difficulties. IT SHOULD NOT BE ANY DIFFERENT FOR THE CHILDREN AT THIS SCHOOL. In fact they should be given more help guidance and life skills. This is not an unreasonable demand !!!