Nick sets out to win Jodie back before she leaves for the States. To no avail, Roberto tries to get Nick to drop out of his forthcoming professional bout. After his talk with Yola, Rose's father agrees to let Jack be involved in his daughter's life.

George, Nick, and Effie are devastated by Ireni's sudden and tragic death. Steve's disclosure to Nick of information regarding his mother's car accident leads Nick down a path that ends with him assaulting a police officer.

While serving as acting principal, Southgate institutes a series of strict policy changes as a means of preventing the possible closing of the school. Steve learns of Nick and Danielle's blossoming relationship while on a school trip and lands in hospital after a scuffle with Nick.

Southgate has taken up a new job running his own school which leaves Rivers less than happy and Yola with a big decision to make

While trying to earn some extra money, Rivers unknowingly buys some stolen car parts through Con, then refuses to name his supplier when the police charge him.

Con pressures Jodie into entering a televised rising stars ""StarQuest"" contest but then must come up with a new act when she refuses to perform. A bet with Steve drives Rivers to break in to the school to steal an exam. Danielle applies for a job at a gym hoping to please Nick.

Hurt by his parents' divorce and their apparent disregard for him, Steve decides to move out and get an apartment with Rivers and Jodie. Christina makes a decision about Mack's invitation to join him in working overseas.

Sam and Rivers continue their affair despite warnings from Yola and must eventually pay the price when their romance is made public. Nick agrees to let Leo Fine manage him as a professional boxer but he loses Jody when she calls an end to their relationship. Sam is forced to leave her job at Hartley.

The burden of her family responsibilities cause Chaka to behave erratically at school but attract the attention of her friends who rally to support her. Marco presses Christina to set a wedding date.

Verbal and physical harassment over a misconstrued encounter with a young student causes Graham to have doubts about continuing to teach at Hartley. Chaka's father speaks to the students about oppression and violence. Chaka makes the difficult decision about whether to remain at Hartley or move north to Darwin with her family.

After leaving home following an argument with his father, Nick moves in with Jodie and begins looking for a job so that he can drop out of school. A record company executive takes an interest in Jodie and offers her a job with a rock band in Melbourne. Christina reproaches Marco for his constant unannounced and inconsiderate drop-ins, reminding him that she lives with Yola, not him.

Low morale threatens to destroy the school's poorly performing soccer team until Christina seeks help from George, a former professional player, who is reluctant to become involved. Hartley's new debating team, composed of Rose, Con, and Chaka, debate another school on the merits of Australia becoming a republic.

Con tries to get new uniforms for the soccer team in time for their last match while his mother arranges for a woman to help out at the Poulos' home. Steve is forced to miss rugby training to sit an exam, a decision that upsets Southgate and threatens Steve's spot on the team.

Southgate decides to resign after he reacts violently during a confrontation with Katerina. Yola's involvement with a married man bothers Christina. Con heads up the effort to make a video clip for Jodie's latest song.

Con is discovered to have drugs in his possession when the police raid a party at the warehouse. Rivers' relationship with Sam moves into dangerous territory. Nick makes his amateur boxing debut against Tony at the Shark Pool and wins by knockout. Con's friends try to prove his innocence.

Nick refuses to believe that his relationship with Jodie is over. Deloraine's office is trashed and Rivers is quickly picked as the likely suspect.

With the class dealing with a major loss life seems to be difficult for a new student and a new teacher

Christina Milano, Hartley High's young new English and history teacher, has difficulties gaining control of her first class until a brawl in the schoolyard gives her the opportunity to win the respect of her students. New student Jodie Cooper catches the eye of Nick Poulos.

After Rose announces that she is pregnant, she moves in at the Poulos's until her father, who does not want her to keep the baby, allows her to come back home. Stella teaches George to dance when he agrees to accompany her to a party. Jodie's producer tries to move Con out of the way as he makes his move on her.

Steve, angry after learning that he was adopted, is caught stealing from his employer and the police are called. Danielle and Jodie fight over Nick. George quits his job at the factory.

Lucy encourages Steve to continue searching for his birth mother even though contact is prohibited by law. Rivers' father convinces him to return to school. Effie contemplates dating an unpopular classmate. Nick accepts a rematch against Tony.

As Southgate and Danielle's mother get close Rivers feels a bit lonely with his birthday approaching and no one seems to remember

The head gardener at the nursery where Nick and Danielle are participating in a work experience programme has a heart attack. Con arranges for Jodie and himself to work at a recording studio and lands her a job singing jingles. A lack of attention from their respective partners helps to bring Nick and Dani together.

Jack and Rose rekindle their love and make plans for their future while Yola worries about motherhood Joe runs into trouble at work

Nick spends the night with Jodie, causing his parents to worry about his absence. Southgate helps Rivers deal with the cops when they want to question him about a stolen car. Chaka worries about her presence in the stolen vehicle being revealed to the police.