AUSTRALIA

Cardinal George Pell faces court over historical sex offences
Herald Sun wrote about Cardinal George Pell being swamped by crowds outside the Melbourne Magistrate Court after his court hearing, flanked by scores of Police.  Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to historical sexual offence charges. Cardinal Pell will have to reappear in Court in October.

Students at prestigious Melbourne school posts note explaining why she defecated on bathroom floor
News.com.au reported about a student at a Melbourne government school leaving notes as to why she defecated on the bathroom floor at the beginning of the year.  Also, the student allegedly had defecated on the floor of the bathroom and around the sink on numerous occasions.  In the letter, the student confirmed that it was not a random act but was a protest against, what she claimed was a poor educational standard at the school.  The school’s principal said that the school had become “aware of a student who was dissatisfied and we’ve reached out to offer her support and address her concerns.”

Victoria’s school drug law on thin ice as dealers dodge charges
According to the Herald Sun drug dealers dealing methamphetamine near schools are dodging strict new laws in Victoria, despite a Victorian Government promise to stop criminals dealing drugs to children.  According to the Herald Sun, three people or fewer have been charged under new legislation, which carries a maximum of 25 years jail if a drugs area dealt within 500 metres of a school.

Western Sydney school allows teenage students to smoke
9 News reported about a Western Sydney school allowing students as young as 15 to smoke cigarettes during breaks in an effort to stop them from dropping out.  The school is a specialist school which caters for students aged from 15 to 22 who have been rejected by mainstream education and lack the necessary qualifications to proceed to further education or gainful employment.

Melbourne Sikh family challenge 'inclusive' Christian school's ban on boy's turban
ABC News reported about a Melbourne family has commenced legal action against a Christian school for banning their son from wearing his traditional Sikh patka, a turban worn by children.  The patka does not comply with the Christian school’s policy prohibiting any students wearing any religious head coverings.  The Christian school claimed it was not breaching the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) as there is an exemption allowing it to enforce reasonable dress standards.

INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand: Former Auckland teacher who held fake exams found guilty of serious misconduct
Stuff.co.nz reported about a former deputy principal holding fake exams at an Auckland high school, then hiding the students’ answer sheets and lied about their whereabouts.  The former deputy principal was found guilty of serious misconduct. He was ordered to be deregistered as a teacher and to pay costs for the registration.

Canada: Funeral to be held Monday for Toronto boy who drowned on school trip
CTV News reported about a funeral for a 15-year-old boy who drowned on a school trip.  The boy drowned whilst swimming a in a Big Trout Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park.  The boy’s family is still struggling to come to terms with his death.  Ontario Provincial Police are investigating the boy’s death and the Toronto District School Board said that it is fully cooperating with Police.