Australia 

Chemical leak in Vic hospitalises seven

Five students and one teacher in Vic have been hospitalised after a chemistry teacher mixed some chemicals, resulting in some students falling ill. The Herald Sun reports that all of these students, and the teacher, are in a stable condition.

Vic school principal convicted of indecent act with student

A school principal in Vic has been convicted of 'committing an indecent act with a child aged 16 or 17 when she was under his care, supervision or authority' in relation to a 17-year-old student. The Age reports on the details of the case, which includes an accusation that the principal told the student 'to put sleeping pills in her parents' tea and coffee' so she could leave and be with him.

Two charged over theft of computers worth $500,000

Two 20-year-olds have been arrested and charged following a spate of break-ins at several NSW private schools. It is alleged that computers and equipment to the value of $500,000 was stolen, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

WA teacher spared jail after sexual encounter with 14-year-old student

In WA, a mother-of-two teacher has been spared from jail after pleading guilty to charges relating to a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old former student. However, she received a suspended sentence sentence, with the judge remarking 'in my view she did not have authority or power over this young man', according to ABC News.

Academic calls for fewer selective schools

A Senior Lecturer in Education Policy and Comparative Education has called for fewer selective schools, arguing in an opinion piece that Australia should follow the Canadian model. The piece, published in The Conversation, argues that the stratification of schools can lead to poor outcomes.

International

NZ issues guidelines on inspecting smart device content

In NZ, new guidelines have been issued that allow teachers to request to see content on students' smart devices. 3 News states that the changes are targeted at cyber-bullying and are not in breach of privacy obligations.

UK article gives guide on how to complaint to schools

An article in the UK Guardian gives a guide to parents about how to complain to teachers. It goes on to say things such as 'don’t leave an answerphone message. Only messages from teachers pretending to have flu to avoid bottom-set year 9 are ever picked up by the office.'

Canadian students win court case against breathalysers

Two Canadian students have won a precedent-setting court case that has ruled that a principal may not administer an alcohol breath test at a high school dance. The Star further reports that the ruling was based on an expectation of privacy in the face of no reasonable grounds for the school to administer the test.

Strip searched Canadian girl to sue school

The family of a girl who was strip searched at a Quebec City high school, in Canada, have stated that they intend to take the school board to court. A government-appointed expert has been tasked with looking into cases of strip searches, according to The Star.

School criticised for failing to intervene in fight posted on YouTube

Teachers in a US school have been criticised for doing nothing, after video footage has emerged of a fight between students that had no teacher intervention. CBS DFW reports that school officials are investigating.