BAILEY DEFIES FEES ROW FOR ONE DANCE WITH JENNA
AFTER being denied a ticket to his formal because of unpaid school fees, Bailey ThompsonRowsell was so desperate to dance with his long-term girlfriend he snuck into the event.
On Wednesday, the Year 12 Keebra Park High student attended his graduation ceremony with Jenna, dressed in formal wear thanks to his aunt and uncle. He then chaperoned Jenna to the celebration.
But instead of leaving his girlfriend alone for the night, the 17-year-old made a lastminute decision to sneak into his formal. His mother said he just wanted to have one dance with Jenna. It’s understood his mates kept him hidden from staff throughout the night.
Bailey’s mother said she spoke up about her son’s situation because she didn’t want others to go through what he had to endure.
The single mum admitted she was years behind in her school fees but had only just secured 23 hours of work a week and was trying to pay back massive debts acquired over the years due to a series of unfortunate events.
Nerang Community Centre co-ordinator Vicky Rose said every day community centres across the Gold Coast were contacted by parents asking for money to pay state school fees.
“A lot of people don’t actually realise public high schools aren’t free, parents must pay hundreds in resources fees every year and most require kids to have an iPad or laptop.”
It’s understood Keebra Park High School has in the past approached Bailey’s mother to help her find a way to pay fees.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Education and Training said parents who chose to join the student resource scheme could approach the principal to request a payment plan or fee waiver in cases of financial hardship.
“Parents can also approach the school to discuss any difficulties paying other fees and charges; for example, for extraor non-curricular activities,” she said. “In some instances, and only after all reasonable steps have been undertaken to assist parents to resolve outstanding debts, principals have the option to exercise their discretion to prevent the participation of students in optional, non-curricular activities, eg, formals.”