Australia 

WA moves to ban corporal punishment

WA has moved to ban corporal punishment in schools, closing a loophole that has exempted non-government schools. The West Australian reports that this change will occur early this year.

School chaplains to be funded by WA government

Also in WA, the State government has moved to fill a shortfall in funding for the Federal school chaplains program. According to the West Australian, this will allow another 71 schools to have chaplains.

Former Tas teacher faces possible prosecution

A former Tasmanian teacher who was the subject of claims in Child Abuse Royal Commission hearings, and who is now living in New Zealand, may face extradition and prosecution to Australia. This is according to the New Zealand Herald.

NSW anti-truancy orders increase by half

The Daily Telegraph reports that the number of compulsory attendance enforcement orders issued by NSW courts has increased by 50% to 619 in 2013. These court orders are designed to combat truancy.

NT Department of Education apologises after employee impersonates teacher on Facebook

The NT Department of Education has apologised for one of its employees who imitated a school teacher on Facebook. According to Yahoo News, the employee went to great lengths to set up a Facebook profile with a fake email and fake photographs.

International

NZ study finds school culture impacts LGBT student's mental health

Radio NZ News reports on a study that finds that school culture is critical to the mental health of LGBT students. Supportive school environments 'made a clear difference to students' mental health',

£171,000 in fines issued for unauthorised leave by students

The UK's Express and Star reports that £171,000 worth of fines have been issues for unauthorised absences during school term. These fines follow a change in that law that does not allow teachers to have discretion in granting leave.

US student wins right to have gun photo in yearbook

A US student has won the right to include a photograph of her with her gun and dog in her high school yearbook. She is quoted by news.com.au, she is quoted as saying 'and I was like, "Why?" And they are like, "Because there’s a gun in it." And I’m like, "But it’s a hunting rifle. I’m wearing camo. I have my dog with me."'

Alleged kidnapping in US foiled by bus driver

A US bus driver has apparently thwarted and alleged kidnapping after recognising a passenger as a wanted child abductor. 9News reports on the Christmas Eve incident.

Sexual misconduct on the rise in NZ schools

In NZ, the number of primary school children being 'stood down' for sexual misconduct has increased by 31% in the period of 2000 to 2013. Numbers for secondary school students rose 21% in that period, according to stuff.co.nz reports.