Mikhail’s Story
Mikhail is 10 years old, and a Year 5 primary student at St Gabriel’s.
“No diagnosis can encapsulate the challenges that Mikhail faces every day.”
“He was born without eyes and with only one ear, resulting in him being completely blind and hearing impaired,” explains mum Marina. “He has never seen before, and together with his intellectual disability, he has a different understanding of the world. Not only is he missing two senses, but his brain also has difficulty interpreting the remaining senses correctly.”
She adds, “But what causes Mikhail the greatest frustration of all, is his severe communication difficulties. His brain knows what he wants to say, but he has difficulty getting the words out and often cries in frustration that he is not being understood.”
“I’ve never met anyone like Mikhail.”
“Not only is he unique externally because of his facial features, but he is also unique internally,” adds Marina. “Mikhail doesn’t have eyes like you and I do, but he has a different way of seeing and connecting, and that is through his heart.”
“Like most 10-year-old boys, Mikhail loves to have fun outdoors and is so curious about the world around him,” she explains. “Music is his passion, and he listens to any genre, from rock to hymns. Mikhail’s perfect day would include a lot of music, a garden swing, and some sunshine on his face as he flies high through the air.”
“I am in awe of him every day. He is so incredibly brave, and despite how challenging life is for him, he can double over in beautiful and endless laughter, and he squeals with pure and absolute delight.”
“We chose St Gabriel’s with confidence, and we couldn’t be happier. Mikhail goes to school with a smile on his face every morning.”
“Finding the right school for Mikhail was one of the most important decisions we made for him,” says Marina. “We searched far and wide to find the right school and when we met the staff at St Gabriel’s, we knew we had found that place for Mikhail. Like for all children, we wanted a school that could meet Mikhail’s learning needs, but also his social and spiritual needs.”
“The staff at St Gabriel’s are both experienced and enthusiastic about working with Mikhail’s unique needs and can see his potential, despite his complex disabilities, and they teach him in a way that works for him.”
“At St Gabriel’s, Mikhail loves being one of the kids,” Marina explains. “He is supported to interact socially with his peers, by building friendships and being included in all parts of school life.”
“Mikhail is learning about God, not only through the lessons in the classroom but also by the example of love and assistance he receives from the children and the staff on a daily basis.”
“We feel blessed to be part of such a supportive and pioneering school. We know our child is a valued and loved member of this community.”
