Nanaimo family seeks answers as 8-year-old son remains medically excluded from school

Luca MacDonald, an eight-year-old autistic boy from Nanaimo, has been medically excluded from school for over 60 days due to reported "Level 3 Behaviour. " His mother, Andrea MacDonald, claims the school district has provided little guidance on how to facilitate his return, despite multiple communications. The school cited incidents of biting and property damage, which prompted the exclusion. While the family has obtained letters from medical professionals stating Luca's condition is stable, the district insists on a specific medical certificate for his reinstatement. The family feels marginalized, as they were not invited to critical meetings regarding Luca's case, leaving them out of the decision-making process.

This situation has led to Luca experiencing boredom and depression from being kept at home. The MacDonalds stress that school is essential for his growth and social development. They continue to seek a resolution to reintegrate Luca into his Life Skills Program at Georgia Avenue Community School.