General News
19 October, 2023
Issabella ticks off education goals with school support
Balancing the demands of Year 12 while being a parent to a newborn is no small feat, but with exceptional support from her school, a local student has managed it all. Maryborough Education Centre’s (MEC) senior classes for the past couple of...
Balancing the demands of Year 12 while being a parent to a newborn is no small feat, but with exceptional support from her school, a local student has managed it all.
Maryborough Education Centre’s (MEC) senior classes for the past couple of months have looked different — nestled between desks, chairs and the whiteboard, it’s not unusual to find a pram cradling 18-year-old Issabella Boulton’s daughter, Paisley.
Born in November 2022, when Issabella was finishing Year 11, Paisley, who is now just weeks away from turning one, has become a regular fixture at the school — with the institute ensuring that Issabella didn’t have to choose between motherhood and her education.
“Last year, after I had Paisley, we contacted the school about me coming back and I don’t know what I was expecting, I did think they wouldn’t be as interested in having me back but that was not the case at all,” Issabella said.
“Everyone at MEC took it really well and accommodated us really well. We discussed the different alternatives I had — some options included being in a separate class by myself, including online lectures, or just normal classes with other students, which is what I chose.
“I’ve had a lot of support since I came back, from my teachers and my friends, it feels really good.”
With all Year 12 students at MEC attending school for the final time yesterday, Issabella is already looking into the future — with Paisley in tow, she’ll be off to university to pursue a degree in nursing.
“I think because the school’s been so progressive, it has helped a lot of people realise that having a baby when you’re young doesn’t mean your life has to stop — it’s really important to remember that,” Issabella said.
“Having Paisley helped me discover what I wanted to do after school and now I’m excited to get my diploma.”
Issabella’s determination and drive is an admirable quality, according to her teacher Sally Wigney.
“Izzy is such a great role model for her daughter,” Ms Wigney said.
“When she reached out to us and told us she wanted to come back, everyone was absolutely on board. No one questioned it — we just started brainstorming solutions because we thought if this is what it takes to get Izzy through, we’ll make it happen. She’s entitled to a future just like any other kid.
“Paisley has also been a dream baby to have, you wouldn’t even know if she was in class and everyone really likes her. It just goes to show what you can achieve when you’re open-minded.
“We really want the best for our students and it’s also sending that message that you don’t have to put all your dreams away because with a little bit of support, great things can happen.”