Charlie Munday and inspirational teacher Brenda McKinnon. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Charlie Munday expected to be dead or in jail before reaching Year 12.
“I was the worst possible student and had no goals or aspirations. I didn’t care where I ended up. I was suspended several times; I once had police chasing me across town,” Charlie said.
“I was bullied a lot growing up and didn’t like mainstream schooling. I felt they were giving me work that was way too easy and not engaging my brain.”
After unsuccessful stints at Griffith High, Wade and then Hay Central School, the Whitton-raised student landed at Griffith’s alternative Western Riverina Community School in Year 9.
“At first, I was misbehaving here but halfway through last year I realised I was throwing my life away. The staff here made me realise that I’m the only person who can change this. They devoted so many resources to help me. All the teachers here have strategies to help kids focus better and achieve more.
“For the past year, I’ve gotten straight As and Bs. I used to get Ds and Es, but they help you more here than any other school I’ve attended.
“I’ve told so many of my friends, ‘If you hate school, come here’.'”
The 17-year-old is the school captain and next year will pursue an agricultural machinery mechanics apprenticeship at Hutcheon & Pearce. Region found out more about Charlie’s schooling life, views on the social media ban, transformation from wagger to model student and plans for 2026.
Name: Charlie Munday.
Age: 17.
Primary school: Hanwood Public School.
High schools: Griffith, Wade, back to Griffith, Hay then Western Riverina Community School from Year 9 to 12.
Reason for your success, hard work or natural ability?: It’s both. I knew I had the capabilities to succeed, but I’ve had a lot of mental health issues. But at this school they’ve had the resources to help me do so much and reach my potential.
P-plates were secured for Charlie this week. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Best memory of school: This year, at the athletics carnival, I just beat the principal David Martin in the relay race. I also appreciate all the friends, connections and life lessons I’ve made at this school.
Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: I was nearly expelled for bringing vapes to school. In Year 8 and 9, I’d outsmart the system. I’d show up at roll call, be marked as present for the day then break into Griffith High and hang out with my friends.
Teachers who inspired you: Brenda McKinnon, my maths teacher; I wouldn’t have made it to Year 12 without her. All the teachers here have strategies to help kids focus better and achieve more. But especially Brenda – I loved and hated her; she kept pushing me when I didn’t think I could do it.
One thing you’d change about the education system: Training teachers to support those who have been through traumatic events and how to connect with them. This school does that really well.
Opinion on the social media ban: I’m glad about it. Social media is horrible. I was on it so much as I was growing up, where I was bullied. I think the negative impact it has on kids greatly outweighs the positives. Kids in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s were going out and making friends, they didn’t just text people in another country. I try and stay off it.
Role models: Brenda and my brother Liam. He’s been expelled from a number of schools but came here and has turned his life around. He’s done construction projects and travelled all around Australia.
Famous person you most admire and why: I don’t really follow pop culture.
Plans for 2026: Complete my apprenticeship, do TAFE in Wagga, buy my first car and get my life on track.
Social issue you most care about: The war in Gaza. Western countries spend so much on war, they think people in developing countries are not on our level. But we can learn so much from them; as a group they’re often so much happier.
Special skills: Maths. I’m diagnostically minded; I like knowing how things work, which suits the career I want to pursue.
Dream career job: Agricultural mechanics or going out to work in the mines.
