"So, Ms. Stapleton Smith," she began rather brashly, "I have a few questions that the guidance counsellor told me I should come to see you about."

My eyes widened with nervous anticipation. She took a long deep breath in and said:

"Is Jesus Christ really the Son of God? How can he be the Father and the Son at the same time? Is there a heaven? Is there a hell? Is Satan really the fallen angel? How did he get to be like that?

"Are we born as good people or as evil people? Would I be here if it wasn't for Jesus? Would God forgive the Devil if the Devil asked for forgiveness? Is Jesus going to come back to earth? When?

"Why do we need churches if Jesus wasn't a priest? Also, this whole Adam and Eve thing - explain that."

I sat there utterly perplexed. Continue reading.

Meg Stapleton Smith is Director of Campus Ministry and a Theology teacher at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She graduated from Boston College in 2013 with a B.A. in Theology.

Source: Daily Theology

Image: Santa Clara University

School refusal can occur at any time during a young person's schooling, however it is more likely to occur during high school. An Australian study prepared by Youth Support Coordinators highlights the increased likelihood of school refusal during periods of transitions, such as the move from primary to high school or the move from one school to another (2009). Australian research suggests that up to 9% of school population may experience school refusal at some point in time (Withers, 2004).

There can be multiple factors contributing to school refusal among children. Two significant factors appear to be experiences of anxiety and bullying (Kearney, 2007). Anxiety often manifests as physical symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, which can make it difficult for parents to distinguish whether their child's complaint is medical or psychological in nature. Seeking medical advice and monitoring the timing of physical complaints can help discern the nature of the complaints. Being bullied at school is also another major contributor to children becoming fearful of school and thus attempting to avoid school (The Monash School Refusal Program). Other common factors include:

• Difficulty in peer relationships
• Fear/difficulties with teachers
• Transition to high school
• Family stress
• Traumatic life event
• Academic problems

Warning signs that may indicate school refusal

At school

• Frequent and unexplained absences from school
• Frequent lateness to school
• Absences on significant days (e.g., days on which tests or specific classes are scheduled)
• Frequent requests to go to sick bay
• Frequent requests to call home or to go home during the day

In the home

• Complaints of physical symptoms when getting reading for school, e.g. headaches
• A reluctance or refusal to get dressed for school
• Negative comments about school
• A reluctance to talk openly about their experiences at school Continue reading

Sources

• Essential Kids
• Image: Herald Sun