As a high school teacher with a decade of experience teaching Year 10, you have seen many students come and go. Among them is Ren, your quietest student, who often arrives with fresh wounds, particularly after receiving poor grades.

It’s 9am on a Monday morning when Ren walks into your classroom. The first thing you notice are the fresh bruises on his face and a deep gash on his cheek. A wave of worry washes over you as you wonder what could have happened to him this time.

You recall the numerous times you’ve seen Ren with similar injuries, each instance more troubling than the last. Despite your attempts to reach out, Ren has always been reluctant to open up about his situation. Today, however, the severity of his injuries compels you to take action. You decide that you cannot let this go unnoticed any longer. As the class begins, you find it difficult to focus on the lesson. Your mind keeps drifting back to Ren, seated quietly at the back of the room, his eyes downcast.

Halfway through the lesson, you realize you can’t concentrate anymore. The concern for Ren is too overwhelming. You decide to let the students go to break almost 40 minutes early, hoping to find a moment to speak with Ren privately.

With the classroom empty, you approach Ren gently, hoping to convey your concern without making him feel pressured. The safety and well-being of your students have always been your top priority, and you know that Ren’s situation requires immediate attention.