Episode 4244

Australian Air Date: 3rd August 2006

Matilda makes a drastic decision in a bid to overcome her problem. Kim collapses with a mystery ailment. Sally is shocked by the identity of Summer Bay High’s new principal.

Extended Summary

Lucas arrives home and is stunned to find Matilda curled up on the floor sobbing her poor little heart out. Lucas races to her side, wrapping his arms around her and offering all the comfort he can. Beth and Tony appear and are immediately concerned when they see Matilda upset. Beth embraces Matilda, as she finally breaks down and admits she needs help. In the mean time, Robbie races next door to find Rachel. Rachel tends to Matilda, who is still recovering from her breakdown. Rachel recommends Matilda seek more intensive counselling sessions and suggests the name of retreat, especially designed for teenagers dealing with similar problems. It’s a big step for Matilda, and whilst she is apprehensive at first, she eventually decides she is willing to give anything a go to make her better.

Matilda, Tony, Beth, Robbie and Lucas arrive at Boronia Valley Retreat and met with the counsellor, Mel. Whilst Beth is relieved Mattie is getting the treatment she needs, she is sad that it has come to this. Matilda is full of nerves but Lucas takes her hand, reassuring her they will get through this no matter what. Mel, the head counsellor begins showing her around the retreat and introduces Matilda to Dean, another retreat attendee. Matilda is overwhelmed with emotion when the time comes for her to say goodbye to her family. As she watches them drive away, the challenges she must now face becomes reality. Matilda begins to settle in with the help of two other retreat attendees, Dean and Vanessa. Matilda begins to unpack her things, when she notices a letter in her bag from Lucas. Enclosed is a special, heartfelt message reiterating how amazing she is. Matilda’s given a new sense of hope and motivation to overcome the challenges ahead.

Rachel and Sally are in the Diner discussing the position of school principal when Sally reveals she has an appointment with the education department rep. Sally is quietly confident she has the job.

Kim is hard at work putting the bowls ladies through their gym training session. Tara, a vivacious young woman arrives for the class but thinks there must be a mix up – these women are all oldies. Kim urges her to stay but as the class continues, Kim doesn’t realise that Tara has her eyes firmly set on Kim. Tara is doing her best to flirt and something suggests she’s after a whole lot more than just a gym lesson! Kim’s energy begins to wane as he assists Colleen with an aerobic move. Suddenly, Kim struggles to find his breath and collapses. Tara races into the Diner and finds Rachel. By this stage Kim has come to but Rachel insists he be checked out properly. Back at home, Rachel reveals to Kim he has mumps. Kim is surprised by his illness but jokes that he will now get to enjoy being doted on!

Sally nervously awaits the arrival of the education department rep. Finally, their meeting begins and Sally is absolutely stunned and disappointed when she receives the news she has not been chosen as Summer Bay High’s new principal. The rep explains a more experienced candidate came up at the last minute – but who? Sally hears a familiar voice at the door and she is shocked to see Brad Armstrong – the new principal!