The large class sizes and rigid structure of mainstream schooling did not suit 15-year-old Xander Hughes.
Xander has a range of complex diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facial blindness, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD).
The teachers in mainstream schools did not have the resources to educate and support her son, his mother Michelle said.
"The teachers, as much as they did their very best, they are not equipped, they don't have the training, they don't have the time — they've got 30 other kids to work with too," she said.
Xander had been expelled from two schools and was spending a lot of time at home when Michelle found Ohana College, a school with an alternative approach to education.
When he interviewed to enrol at the college, Xander felt it was the right place for him.
The Year 10 student has found new friends by joining clubs and societies at the school.
"Everyone in the club was welcoming and talkative and made me feel like I had a place there," Zander said.
New partnership to cement pathways for students
Ohana College is a small independent school based in Browns Plains, supporting its current cohort of 91 students through years 7 to 12.
Established in 2016, the school was designed for students who had disengaged from mainstream schooling; for instance, if they had family or social issues, medical diagnoses that prevented them from accessing a typical school, or other health issues.
Ohana chief executive Aaron Devine said demand for enrolment in the school was "significant" and growing as more families sought specialised support.
A new partnership between Griffith University and the independent Logan school for disengaged students will, it is hoped, offer those teens better pathways into learning or careers.
The college is projected to expand to more than 300 students in the coming years, and has struck an agreement with Griffith University to move onto the university's Logan campus, offering Ohana College students placements within the university and research opportunities.
"We're eager to partner with Griffith University," Mr Devine said.
"We've worked with them to get access to some land on their Logan site.
Students can envision a future career
On their first day at the school, Xander's sibling Riley was "nervous" about attending a non-mainstream school, but it wasn't long before they realised it was a good fit.
"There are many amazing aspects of this school, such as prepared foods, classes which cater to your needs, and all the staff and students make you feel like you're always included," they said.
"My favourite part is clubs and societies — being able to join a club that you like and becoming friends with people who share similar interests is exciting.
Logan growth
Griffith's Logan campus is based in Meadowbrook and caters for about 2,000 students.
A school campus is now being constructed for Ohana onsite, with the school expected to shift from Browns Plains in time for next year's first term.
Ohana College has small class sizes of about 15 per class, with a teacher and teacher's aide in each.
The school also employs psychologists, guidance officers, welfare workers and youth workers to support students throughout their time.
And nearly all the students are on individual curriculums tailored to their specific needs.
Students are also given breakfast, morning tea and lunch at school as part of Ohana's welfare program.
"Food is an important part in supporting them in their learning and making sure they're ready to learn," he said.
The college is sister to Arcadia College on the Gold Coast, which has a similar partnership with Southern Cross University.
Ohana's first cohort of years 11 to 12 students graduated last year, with the school hoping the Griffith University partnership will give those students a chance to explore what they want to do next.
'Vibrant, exciting place'
Griffith vice-chancellor and president Carolyn Evans says the university is keen to work with Logan's young people.
"As part of the collaboration, Griffith will host an onsite research centre at Ohana College, which will embed existing university research programs with a focus on health, social welfare, secondary and teacher education aimed at delivering impactful outcomes," Professor Evans said.
"This is another step in Griffith's plans to ensure that we work with partners to make the Logan campus a hub that supports local communities and serves their needs."
Mr Devine said Ohana would grow to about 116 students next year, meeting demand from the Logan community.
"It’s an exciting location, there is really significant growth in that community in everything – education, health, everything," he said.
