AS the Catholic primary school calendar concluded last year an “agonising decision” awaited a Brisbane principal.
But his deliberations weren’t about filling teacher vacancies or class arrangements for 2011 – it was one that tugged at the heartstrings.
Principal at St Pius’ Primary School, Banyo, Peter Surawski and his wife Jenny, a teacher at St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket, had watched their son Joe, who has Down Syndrome, evolve into “the confident, happy and reasonably well adjusted boy that he is”.
Joe was nearing completion of Year 6 at St Joseph’s Primary School, Bracken Ridge, on Brisbane’s northside and they were advised a Special School placement would be beneficial “sooner rather than later”.
“Brisbane Catholic Education and St Joseph’s have done amazing things for a little boy with very high needs,” Peter said before the 2010 school year ended.
“Considering that he enrolled as a non-verbal, non-toilet-trained preschooler we are ecstatic with our happy, confident young man who clearly knows what being accepted, loved, valued and cared for feels like.
“This is much more than many people are able to experience in their whole lives.”
In pregnancy the family were advised of “anomalies” in Joe’s genetic make-up.
At the time Peter was acting head of primary at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, and one of their other children Breanna, now 14, was on the scene.
Following Joe’s birth they later welcomed Rebecca, now nine.
Realising that remaining near family “was very important”, the Surawskis stayed in Toowoomba until a Perth placement emerged.
In 2003 and with extended family in Brisbane, Peter accepted a role at St Joseph’s, Bracken Ridge, the Surawskis living locally to this day.
“A beautiful young man”, also with Down Syndrome, prompted discussions about Joe’s enrolment at that time.
“Sam Kelly was a much loved member of their community in their Year 6 when Joe started preschool at St Joseph’s in 2004,” Peter said.
“Sam had forged the way for Joe and from day one he was accepted with minimal fuss but amazing love and care.”
Then appointed on staff at Our Lady of the Assumption, Enoggera, in 2007 the change to Banyo presented itself that same year.
While their careers took them to various school settings, Peter and Jenny, who will celebrate 20 years of marriage next year, were adamant St Joseph’s was Joe’s “home”.
“Joe has not just been accepted but really become part of the school family,” Peter said.
“To watch them watch out for him, care for him, include him and encourage him is very special.”
Part of the framework of support and someone who has been “coming to collect Joe ever since he was in preschool” is his godfather and Christian Brother Tim Scott.
“I have been moved by the great love shown to Joe by staff, students and parents from every class,” Br Scott wrote in a letter to the school.
“I look forward every week to sitting on that wall and watching that beautiful, grinning face come down the steps and the wave and then the big hug.
“I have never seen a student ignore Joe and many go out of their way to give him a high-five or a greeting, as do all the staff and many parents who pass him.
“In religious life we take vows and one is to promise not to marry (and) we therefore promise not just to love one person but to love all.
“Each time I go to St Joseph’s you all encourage me in this vow by seeing this thought in action and you inspire me to continue in the footsteps of Edmund Rice (founder of the Christian Brothers).”
Knowing all this, the “agonising decision” about Joe’s schooling future loomed – the family assuming time was on their side with another year at St Joseph’s.
Instead, they came to realise the benefit of moving him to a Special School sooner rather than later, prompting an emotional farewell just over a month ago.
“As Joe gets older the development gap gets larger,” Peter said.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the school to make relevant curriculum connections for him – although not through any lack of willingness to do so.
“It’s only when we try to be objective and take the emotion out of our decision that we acknowledge that we really need to consider this (Special School) option.”
Peter and Br Scott both said St Joseph’s has lived up to the school motto of seeing “Jesus in each other” and that view goes both ways.
“I’m sure the school is a better place for Joe being there, too,” Peter said.
“He brings out the best in people.
“I’ve always believed that you end up where you are for a reason and Joe is where he needs to be and I could never speak highly enough of his Catholic school experience.”
All this experience ensures this northside principal offers an empathetic ear to other parents – especially those of children with special needs.
“It’s my hope that all parents of schools that I am privileged to lead have the same sense that their child is unique, loved and accepted,” he said.
“(And) that they are a part of a community that journeys together to bring each student to their fullest
potential.”
