BY DAKOTA TAIT
A Hunter father has launched a petition, after learning a support class for students with mild intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and communication difficulties at Islington Public School is likely to be dissolved next year, if class numbers don't improve.
It's the only class of its type in inner-city Newcastle.
The Department of Education told parents in private meetings they should consider enrolling elsewhere or risk missing out on a place.
It's understood, while the kids could stay at the school in a mainstream class, they didn't qualify for funding for additional support in that setting.
Nick Pringle says his son is flourishing at school, and there's no alternatives if he has to move.
"The two IM classes that are even within cooee of Islington Public School don't guarantee a place next year," Mr Pringle said.
"That's quite aside from having to uproot the child, take him out of his social setting, all of his mates and his local community."
"In a year where Dylan Alcott can win Australian of the Year, where we're looking at diversity and disability support, it just seems absolutely counter-intuitive and counter-good practice to be making an early support intervention disappear."
More than 400 people have now signed the petition to save the class.
Mr Pringle hopes the support from the community will be enough to convince the Department to extend a lifeline.
"It's been really heartening, it's been quite touching, a little bit humbling, actually, how quickly people have come forward," Mr Pringle said.
"Now I hope we can carry that over, so the Department of Education are listening."
