Hero dad making it work thanks to school’s support
The Lidcombe Public P & C president and Uniting Church caretaker said his children – Monalisa, 17 (Year 11), Elizabeth, 13 (Year 8), Tai, 11 (Year 6), Tania, 10 (Year 5), Sefo, 8 (Year 3), Silivia, 7 (Year 2), Eirenei, 5 (Kindergarten) and Lidcombe, 4 (preschool) – were sharing two phones and one laptop at the start of the pandemic when the laptop broke down.
“I contacted the school to see if they had a spare and they gave us three laptops and an iPad to borrow which has made a huge difference to their learning,” he said.
“I can’t thank Acting Principal Nicole Monk enough, she has been wonderful as have all of the children’s teachers who are in regular contact with them and give them portions of work throughout the day, right up until 3pm.”
Also taking care of his father Lolofie who lives with them, Bill has his children in a good routine and after dropping wife Susana off at work, the family goes through the school exercises on facebook in nearby Phillips Park.
Then it’s home by 9am to start lessons ahead of having a ‘crunch ’n sip’ break and more study up until lunch time.
“We have another fruit break in the afternoon and go back to the park for a run after lessons,” he said.
“I’m lucky the older children can help the young ones because I’ve also got cooking, cleaning and washing to do everyday.
“Life is hectic but I try to keep the positive vibes going, everyone’s happy and we’re making it work.”