Case Study – Angie

‘Angie’
Angie had always been outspoken, and was widely acknowledged as a very bright student and capable of excellent results. By Year 9 her ‘outspoken’ manner bordered on outright rudeness—more than just attention-seeking or a form of assertiveness. She was commonly perceived as a bully and many other students were openly wary around her. She could be extremely vicious verbally, and fellow students were afraid of being publicly humiliated by her or even physically hurt by her.
Angie was out of control at home as well. She was known to have dabbled in drugs. This made her noticeably paranoid at school and detrimentally affected other aspects of her behaviour. Unfortunately, though unsurprisingly, she become even more aggressive.

By Year 10 she was truant on a regular basis and was extremely uncooperative with her teachers and coordinators. Expulsion was the next step if measures were not taken.

Her parents were desperate to have her working effectively at school, so with Angie’s consent, it was collectively decided that the HOL program would provide an avenue to help her repair a damaged sense of self and purpose. She participated in the program for two years. During this time Angie was enthusiastic and her behaviour improved markedly. She forged strong connections with some of the adults involved. The HOL team helped her to re-model her behaviour in positive, co-operative and well-intentioned ways. Her rebelliousness was channelled into the sense of collective fun that the HOL team enjoyed and she emerged through this process a better-adjusted young adult.

Angie’s teachers have also consistently reported a complete ‘turnaround’ from the reputation she had earned in her earlier years of schooling. Her parents remain appreciative.

Angie successfully completed  her year 12 studies at Frankston High School.

Angie is doing community care work with intellectually disabled adults while completing her diploma in a related field. She remains in regular contact with the HOL team.

Extract from notes made by Mrs. Hogg, FHS Deputy Principal.