Australia

$7.4 million in WorkCover payments to teachers in Vic

Figures revealed by the Herald Sun show that $7.4 million in Vic WorkCover payments have been paid to teachers. These payments include compensation for mental health related injuries, physical injuries and exposure to workplace hazards. Unusual claims include being bitten by animals and being trapped by moving machinery.

Teachers in NSW now subject to performance reviews

The NSW Education Department has announced that teachers will undergo performance reviews, in a move that complements additional professional development training. The Sydney Morning Herald has also stated that the changes include arrangements for removing under-performing teachers from classrooms within 10 weeks.  

Royal Commission hears Perth 'school did not have a child protection policy'

ABC News has reported that the 'Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse hears that a school did not have a child protection policy in place'. The hearing centres on alleged incidents from 1999 at a Perth school that cannot be named.

50 Qld public schools to become independent

The Courier Mail reports that 50 Queensland schools will become 'Independent Public Schools' under a scheme announced by the State Government. The scheme aims to convert 150 schools by 2017.

Study finds school uniform alterations can reduce skin cancer risk in Qld

A study of 100 schools in Qld has shown that alterations to school uniform could reduce the risk of skin cancer by over 9 percent. ABC News reports that such alterations include lengthening the uniform to cover the knees and elbows. Skin cancer rates in Qld are the highest in the world.

International

UK headteacher faces hostility for teaching anti-homophobia program

A primary school headteacher in the UK has faced hostility from parents about teaching a program called 'Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools'. The Guardian reports that the parents protesting against the program are supported by 'Safe at School', a campaign run by the anti-abortion group the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

Charges laid over asbestos at NZ school

In NZ, charges have been laid against a demolition company for endangering its employees and children at a nearby school. Radio New Zealand News reports that a parent took his own samples to test, and then altered authorities.

Canadian school bankruptcy leaves parents out of pocket

A Canadian school has become bankrupt, leaving parents as unsecured creditors who will have to await the results of a liquidation in order to recover their debts. According to the Calgary Herald, there are allegations of government incompetence as funds paid to the school that were intended for repaying parents did not eventuate.

NZ teacher's registration cancelled over failure to disclose drink driving convictions

A teacher in NZ has had her teaching registration cancelled after she failed to disclose a drink driving charge. The NZ Herald reports that the teacher had also appeared before the tribunal over other offences.