Anita and Ryan are not coping well with the 4am wake up calls from baby James. Jeff feels bad — he came here to help the kids through the HSC but he seems to be making things harder for them. He has a decision to make — either stay and jeopardise the kids HSC or take Sharon and the baby back to Newcastle ―, what will he decide?
Kurt, worried by his father's drinking habits, drives him to work everyday so he doesn't drive drunk and is furious when he inadvertently discovers Barry lost his job several weeks ago. In an effort to placate Kurt, Barry promises to change his ways but Kurt is disappointed once again when Barry arrives to Parent/Teacher night intoxicated.
Mai, desperate for a story for the school paper, gets an idea when she hears Nikki complaining about being short of cash after busking all morning. The paper is released with an article about struggling students. Nikki furiously confronts Mai about invading her privacy but Mai is adamant — kids should not be ashamed of their financial situation.
