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September 22: School Governance Weekly Wrap

21/09/16

AUSTRALIA

Deadly asbestos left in 10 WA schools for up to a year

Perth Now reports that potentially deadly asbestos was left in 10 WA schools for up to a year after it was discovered. Education authorities are being asked to explain. Adding to the concern, toxic materials have still not been removed from four schools. The WA Education Department identified the asbestos-containing materials last year during visual inspections. Sue Ellery, Labor education spokeswoman said that the government must provide an explanation for the oversight. However, the representation from the Education Department, John Fischer, said that the asbestos removal timing was assessed on a case-by-case basis, ordinarily during school holidays.

Unravelling Gonski: The school funding fight is on again

The Financial Review reports that infighting over school funding is building again. Federal, State and  Territory education ministers meet on Friday to discuss the federal government schools contribution. The new agreement will start in 2018 to replace the four-year deal Labor signed in 2013 in its attempt to implement the Gonski review before the Liberal party was elected. The Gillard Government accepted many compromises to make the deal. The result of these debates will unfold in the coming month.

Former Trinity Grammar School teacher Neil Futcher guilty of 22 child sex offences

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Neil Futcher of Trinity Grammar School NSW has been taken into custody. People were heard crying in the court as he was found guilty of 22 child sex charges. The trial heard that he had abused six boys between the ages of 12 and 15 while a teacher and swimming coach between 1974 and the early 1980's. It brought welcome closure to former student of the school and abuse victim Robert Anderson who has been in talks with Police since 1990. A sentencing hearing will be held on October 28.

Australia's education system: how do we compare with the rest of the world?

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the OECD has released its education report on school systems and higher education in 35 advanced economies. Australia is the OECD's 10th biggest spender, well above average. The Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said that it has shown more money does not improve results. He believes it showcases Australia's world-class education system. However, Australia is lagging behind in classroom sizes.

Victoria failed children: abuse inquiry

News.com.au reports that the Royal Commission has found that children were subject to cruel and inhumane punishment in Victorian youth centres. The State failed to protect them from sexual abuse. Those who spoke out about the abuse were not believed or punished. Thirteen survivors of abuse from youth centres reported on the abuse by staff, social workers and other residents between the 1960s to early 1990s. The training of staff was found to be inadequate. In fact, there was a culture among mid-level staff that prevented reports being escalated or reaching police. Some children were contained in solitary confinement as a punishment. Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Families and Children Victoria says that there are now safeguards in place to protect children from abuse.

INTERNATIONAL

UN questions New Zealand over narrow focus on vulnerable children

Stuff reports that the UN has interviewed the New Zealand Government over its new Ministry of Vulnerable Children. The UN thought that the focus on vulnerable children was misguided and that the focus should rather be on all children. Social Development Minister Anne Tolley told the committee targeted vulnerable children specifically and that this was necessary, calling it 'unashamed'. She informed the committee that a social investment approach would be used "to ensure that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need when they need it". In October, the UN Committee will release its final observations of New Zealand's child rights policies and procedures.

Kids as young as nine addicted to drugs

The National reports that Children in New Zealand's Rotorua are committing criminal acts alongside their substance addictions. Students are being found at schools with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Some of the children are under 10. Rotorua's Principal's Association president says that counselling services are important for children under 13. Police are hoping to assist, identifying this as a problem for the region. However, Government ministries are pulling back from assistance; they believe it is not significant enough to substantiate a formal assessment. The Ministry of Education show 20.8 percent of total suspension cases last year were due to drug and substance abuse issues.

International community should not fail children

Al Jazeera reports that global leaders must invest in education because it is the most cost-effective, anti-poverty instrument we have. The number of primary-age children out of school is greater than it was five years ago. The current statistic suggests that 61 million children between the ages of five and 11 have yet to be enrolled in school. The promise of a universal right to education is enshrined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. According to the article, by putting focus on delivering high quality education to the world's children, we can move to a time where every child goes to school.

 

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