GETTING a class of teenage boys to sit still, let alone meditate, seems like a small miracle, but it's one the teachers at Toogoolawa School, Wickham, see every day.
The school caters to some of the region's most challenging 13- and 14-year-old boys and starts each day with meditation, which teachers say settles the students before class.
"Sometimes they're all working away and you can hear a pin drop," principal Neil Wales said.
Toogoolawa School is one of three non-denominational schools around the country founded by Queensland philanthropist John Fitzgerald that aim to give students with behavioural and emotional problems a second chance by building character alongside schooling.
The school has had a surge in inquiries and employed an extra teacher this year because of demand.
Teachers are realistic about results, with the main aim to get students back to high school.
Past students have gone on to finish year 12, complete TAFE and play representative sport.
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