Earlwood Public School 396 Homer Street, Earlwood, New South Wales 2206

"Very nice school. You can see straight away that all kids are from good families with parents who care about the development and behaviour of their kids. Lots of green space to run around."

"I was constantly bullied by a person named Steven. Steven would tease and ridicule me, and I never understood why he was so mean to me. I tried to ignore him and focus on my own life, but the constant barrage of negativity and humiliation took a toll on my self-esteem and confidence. One day, I decided enough was enough. I confided in a teacher about the bullying and asked for their help. The teacher took swift action, speaking with Steven and his parents, and putting measures in place to ensure that I was protected. With the help of my teacher, I began to see that I was worthy of respect and kindness. I started to stand up for myself and no longer let Steven get the best of me. I made new friends who valued and appreciated me, and I found joy in activities I once thought I wasn't good at. I realized that Steven's behavior was a reflection of his own insecurities and issues, and I felt sorry for him. I decided to forgive him and even offered to help him, as I knew all too well how it felt to be on the receiving end of cruelty. In the end, I emerged from the experience stronger and more confident. I learned that it was important to seek help when faced with bullying and to stand up for oneself, and I lived happily ever after."

"This school has and will cost me and my family hundreds of thousands of dollars over my lifetime in medical bills. The trauma that I faced there from 2011-2013 was indescribable. This school allowed an abusive child, though I don’t blame them for they had ASD and were antagonised by the class assistant, to cause constant lockdowns and cause other students extreme fear and trauma - all the while not alerting any parents to the situation whatsoever. From this case, which went on for more than half a year, I developed extreme separation anxiety from my parents, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and had to see a psychologist… at the age of 7. I am turning 17 this year and I can tell you, it has not gotten better. I know have at least 3 more diagnosed mental illnesses and will face these struggles for the rest of my life, likely in addition to therapy and psychiatric medication, like the ones I am currently dependant on to function. I don’t know if they hav changed. I really hope so, but I wanted to get this story out and off my chest. Not only me, but 20 other people were in my class. I can’t imagine the things that they have gone through following this, for I am only one case among many. I hope those who experienced this, if they remember it, to know that they are not alone. I stand with you, and I hope you are doing okay. Maybe we should have a reunion someday, I’d love to see how we all turned out!"

"I love this school! I met a kid called Tommy Zhang on the basketball court once, and I broke his ankles and scored a wet shot on him. Truly inspired me. My career in basketball started in the very baskebtall court in this school."

"It was a religious school, but they didn't push religion onto other groups of kids who didn't join scriptures or anything. All my teachers left in 2013 (after my year graduated) had some ups and downs but overall had a fun time."