View values at PM’s old public school

A documentary series focussing on Canterbury Boys High School has begun airing on ABC-TV.

The remaining three episodes of Our Boys will air on Tuesdays at 8pm until March 8.

Canterbury Boys High School is located in south-western Sydney and it has a rich mix of nationalities -- 90 per cent of the boys come from non-English speaking backgrounds. Many students are refugees or come from disadvantaged homes.

It is also the school Prime Minister John Howard attended.

Director Kerry Brewster said filming took place in the 2002 school year and the stories of Filipe Mahe, Frank Mainoo, Roni Ishow, Mohamed Yassine and Thong Le are included in the series.

"Their personal stories, at times heartbreaking, unfold over the school year. These are kids with real problems and real talents," Ms Brewster said.

"At the heart of each episode is the school's welfare system, whereby the boys are monitored, counselled and supported through difficult periods.

"What impressed us was the school's indefatigable spirit despite the obvious daily frustrations of managing a school with a budget stretched as tight as a drum. Principal Anne Martin encourages the expression of all cultures and religions and its staff take pride in a philosophy of peaceful coexistence."

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February 2004 contents