Australia 

School Shades seeks to roll out sunglasses as part of school uniform

A primary school teacher in NSW has founded School Shades, a company that will manufacture sunglasses for students as part of a school's uniform. According to the Daily Telegraph, this initiative is designed to assist with sun-safe policies.

Non-government schools dominate academic rankings in WA

ABC News reports that private schools dominate the top of academic rankings in WA. Nine of the top 10 schools were non-government schools.

Qld school bus driver convicted of allowing 14-year-old to drive

A school bus driver in Qld has been convicted of the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle after he allowed a 14-year-old girl to take total control of the bus, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily. Footage of the incident was apparently taken by a passenger.

Vic teachers sue school over employment contracts

In a case brought in the Federal Court, teachers at the Australian International Academy are claiming that the Vic school hired teachers on illegal contracts and falsified paperwork. This was reported in The Age. The case is currently continuing.

Lecturer argues that spelling ability doesn't affect teaching

A senior lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland has written that a teacher's spelling ability does not affect their teaching ability. Writing on the website The Conversation, he writes that the proposition that a teacher's spelling affects their ability to each literacy is not supported by the evidence.

International

NZ principal convicted of slapping student

A NZ principal has admitting to slapping one of his students, according to the NZ Herald News. Charges of common assault have been brought, and he is currently awaiting sentencing.

Canadian small town school implements gender-neutral bathroom

A school, described by the Toronto Sun as small-town, has created gender-neutral toilets for its students. This was prompted by the needs of one student. A school official is quoted as saying 'it affords what I would call dignified options for everyone'.

Allegations that US 4th graders planned to kill teacher with hand sanitiser

In the US, it is alleged that a group of 4th graders had planned to kill a teacher with hand sanitiser. According to WGRZ, the police report indicated that the students knew that the teacher was highly allergic to the substance.

US school boy killed by 50kg table

A boy in the US has been killed by a nearly 50kg bench, which collapsed on him according to ABC News. Grief counsellors are attending the school and investigations are continuing.