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January 12: School Governance Weekly Wrap

11/01/17
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AUSTRALIA

Teachers face extra scrutiny on safety as child protection beefed up

The Daily Telegraph reported on the introduction of new child protection checks in NSW. The checks are mandatory for anyone employed/engaged in child-related work, and are aimed at increasing safety for students in the State. While school volunteers will not have to pay, teachers will be charged $80 to obtain their check, which must be renewed every 5 years. Child safety has been made a priority in NSW following recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, including expansion of the categories of people who need a working with children check.

Camera found in toilet cubicle at Durack Primary School

The NT News reported on the discovery of a camera in a toilet block in a Northern Territory primary school. The camera was discovered during after-school-care by a seven-year old girl, who noticed the camera hidden by toilet paper and reported it to educators on duty. Quality Education and Care NT (QECNT) and the principal have reportedly been in contact with the girl’s family, and QECNT has commenced an investigation. The school’s students have been reminded of the technology policy and the importance of respecting others.

Taste of other languages for 30000 children through play-based program

The Herald Sun has written on the Early Learning Language Australia Program, a play-based app funded by the Federal Government. Preschool children are able to learn one of seven languages – including Mandarin, Spanish and French - using tablet apps and interactive games. Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the program will give children skills and boost overall school performance. While Chinese is the most popular language, Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations’ Anne-Marie Morgan praised the addition of Spanish to the curriculum.

Elite private schools spend millions on 'wellness' centres

According to The Australian, elite private schools in Australia are introducing ‘wellness centres’, as part of efforts to combat growing concerns about mental health issues among young people. The infrastructural developments come as schools shift focus from traditional pastoral care to multidisciplinary programs combining sports, meditation and counselling with classroom studies in order to foster resilience. The centres have cost as much as $23 million, and include yoga studios, reflection areas, as well as spaces for ‘mindfulness, meditation and counselling’.

Student assaults against teachers on rise

A PerthNow article details the alarming rise in student violence by WA students, with ‘physical incidents’ against teachers tripling over the past three years. Education Minister Peter Collier suggested changes to assault reporting could explain the increase in cases. Other changes include establishment of engagement centres, increase in school psychologists, and staff training to prevent and de-escalate incidents of student aggression. The teachers’ union has said the measures are ‘drastically inadequate’, with the Opposition labelling the incidents a ‘failure’ to protect teachers.

INTERNATIONAL

UK: Schools warned about cyber scammers who demand thousands in ransom from headteachers

The Telegraph has reported on an alert by Action Fraud, the UK’s cybercrime and fraud reporting centre, warning teachers about cyber scammers. Cold-callers have been posing as officials from the ‘Department of Education’, asking for the personal email of teachers, claiming they need to send over sensitive information about mental health or exams. The scammers then send a virus and demand thousands of pounds in ransom to unlock the device. Tim Smith, partner at an insurance law and risk firm, said schools are targeted because they are ill-equipped to spot cyber fraud.

China: Schools to get domes to keep out the smog

The New Zealand Herald has reported on the installation of huge domes at several schools in northern China. The domes, which resemble inflatable greenhouses and use air filtration systems, are intended to provide an area where children can play and exercise during recess while protecting them from the smog outside. The popularity of the domes increased after images surfaced of one school making its students take an exam in the playground amid heavy smog. Concerned parents in Beijing have also demanded schools install air purifiers in classrooms.

UK: School clamps down on tardy parents

In a News.com.au article, a principal of a UK primary school has threatened to fine parents for student lateness, using laws introduced by the Labour Government in 2003. Parents could receive fixed penalty notices of $100 per parent, per student, if the children arrive after 9am and miss registration. Some parents have criticised the move as being a ‘step too far’ and a ‘money making opportunity’, while others have praised the move and suggested there is no excuse for lateness. A source has suggested that penalties will only be used as a last resort.

UK: Students demand Plato, Descartes and other white philosophers be dropped from curriculum

According to the National Post, a London university’s students are demanding certain ‘white’ philosophers be dropped from the curriculum. The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)’s student union is insisting the majority of studied philosophers should be from Africa and Asia. UK government reforms have aimed to focus on student satisfaction, but critics fear it could undermine academic integrity. While a member of SOAS said the union’s viewpoint was ‘ridiculous’, a university administrator has emphasised the importance of critical debate about the curriculum.

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