Australia

Year 11 student penalised in exam after haircut

A year 11 student in NSW has suffered a 20% penalty for sitting an exam late after he was sent home after breaching the school's uniform policy on haircuts. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the student put in hours of study to lift his grades before sitting the exam.

VIC principal resigns after asbestos incident

The Age reports that a VIC principal has been told to resign after a Department of Education investigation found that he was negligent in handling an incident where students and staff were possibly exposed to asbestos. According to the article, the report stated that 'the school's asbestos register and risk-management plan appeared to be substantially out of date and the classroom was reopened before appropriate clearance had been given'.  The resignation direction was given despite 500 people signing a petition calling for his reinstatement.

WA parents warned about vaporisers in schools

WA parents and students have been warned about 'shisha pens', which are vaporisers similar to e-cigarettes. The West Australian states that schools are warning parents because although the smoke does not contain nicotine, the vaporisers could encourage smoking.

Police step up patrols at QLD school

A string of stranger-related incidents at a QLD school has led to increased police patrols, according to the Courier Mail. The school is also using a notification system call Skoolbag to send notifications to parents.

NSW school menaced by men in car

Students and teachers at Sydney Christian College have been the subject of abuse and threats. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that men in a car shouted the abuse whilst driving past, with a black flag hanging out the window. Witnesses have stated that the people in the car threatened to 'kill the Christians'.  A 14 yeard old boy has been charged in relation to the incident.

International

NZ school makes sunglasses part of the uniform

A school in NZ has become the first in the country to include sunglasses as part of its uniform list, according to TVNZ. The school has been praised for its policy, which is aimed at protecting the health of children's eyes.

UK schools criticised for administering STD tests

Schools in the UK has been criticised for offering Sexually Transmitted Disease tests in to 15 and 16 year olds. According to the Telegraph, parents report that students were humiliated after being made to swab themselves in school toilets.

US school sued for action over nude photo

A school in the US is being sued after disciplining a student over a nude photo by transferring him to an alternative school. The incident involved a nude photo sent to the student. The Clarion Ledger states that suit claims damages for the detriment to the student's education, and the infringement of his free speech rights.

UK student barred from school because of full-face veil

A student at a UK school has been barred from attending over her choice to wear a niqab (a full-face veil). The Daily Mail reports that according to the headmistress, the full face covering is not allowed under school rules.