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Geraldine, and Chris for their thoughtful feedback on parts of this book. Their support has been amazing.
Thank you to the staff and students of Banksia, Jarrah, and Marri Colleges who gave of their time and of themselves to make this study possible. Without their generosity, this work would have remained in the ether. In the current performative context in which schools find themselves, it takes a degree of courage to allow an outsider inside to conduct research. This work is intended not as a criticism of any school, staff, or students but rather as a critique of those policies and practices that have been taken for granted in most schools.
I am also indebted to Dr Paul Richardson, Toni Tan, and the staff at Cambria Press for their interest in this work and the professional way they have provided assistance throughout the publication process.
On a personal note, I could not have completed this work without the help of my family. My mother assisted with the transcription of the interviews, and my father and sisters helped with advice, words of encouragement, and often a kind ear. To my friends Tomaz and Anna, who were always prepared to discuss—sometimes even argue over—theoretical posturing and outlandish ideas, I salute your hospitality and your generosity. Lastly, but most importantly, I thank with all my heart my wife and best friend, Lisa, whose support cannot be measured and whose tolerance for the mess, the thoughtful silences, and the various frustrations born of this project can never be adequately compensated.