Australia

Parents use fake addresses to get children into top performing NSW schools

An article in the Daily Life details how parents are going to extraordinary lengths to produce fake addresses that will allow them to enrol their children in top performing public schools. Other family members’ addresses, sham leases and other false documents are among the methods being used by parents. Popular schools have had a surge in enrolments recently, with some schools now beyond capacity.

Child in NT forgotten and left unsupervised as class attended an excursion

The NT News has written that a four year old student was forgotten and left behind whilst the rest of her class embarked on an excursion. The incident apparently happened when a student left to go to the toilet at the last minute. The school has changed its supervision strategies in response to this, and the child and her family have been offered support.

Man attempts to abduct child on school trip in VIC

Nine News reports that a man has attempted to abduct a child who was on a school trip at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. It was reported that a supervising teacher intervened to stand between the child and the man, who left and quickly boarded a tram. Police are investigating the incident.

Religious instruction in QLD schools being given without permission

Queensland school principals are being accused of ignoring policy over religious instruction in schools. The Australian reports that although many students have specified ‘no religion’ on their enrolment forms, they are still participating in religious instruction. Freedom of information figures show that the percentage of students who specified ‘no religion’ on their enrolment forms was 75%.

Freeze on hiring teachers in WA

In WA, the West Australian reports that the freeze on public sector hiring has lead to confusion in schools, which have been unable to hire teachers through normal processes. The public sector hire freeze was initiated by treasurer Mike Nahan. Teachers’ Union representatives have said that the freeze could be disruptive for student learning.

International

62 students at New Jersey school arrested after pranks.

In New Jersey, USA, 62 students have been arrested during a night of senior class pranks. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that this occurred after a burglar alarm was set off at the school. It is alleged that hot dogs were taped to lockers, door knobs were greased, and silly string and balloons were strewn across the school.

German high school student expelled from NZ school for smoking marijuana

According to the NZ Herald, a German international student has had his enrolment terminated after confessing to smoking marijuana in a park. The actions of the school have been labelled excessive, as the boy was apparently told that nothing would happen to him if he told the truth. The school has a zero tolerance policy for drugs.

Two school girls in the UK arrested for murder plot against teacher

In the UK, the BBC reports that two schoolgirls have been arrested for allegedly plotting to murder a teacher. They have been permanently excluded from the school and have been granted bail. The chair of governors acted quickly, issuing a statement saying ‘there are clear measures, policies and protocols in place to ensure that everyone is safe and everyone knows how to report any concerns’.

US school considering a dedicated dean of discipline

A middle school in Chicago is considering hiring a dedicated Dean of Discipline, according to the Chicago Tribune. The move follows a spate of incidents including a sexting episode, and a bullet shell casing being found on school grounds. School management have stated that they spend too much of their time dealing with disciplinary issues at the school.