Mar 18: School Governance Weekly Wrap

Australia 

WA parents ordered to pay security for costs in fees dispute

The parents of a WA private school student, who lost a previous court case over $40,000 in school fees but are appealing, have been ordered to pay $12,000 in security for costs. According to WA Today, the private school has sought the order in advance of the parents' appeal.

NSW petition calls for expulsion of student

There are reports of a petition that has been circulated that calls for a 'violent' NSW high school student to be expelled. The Daily Telegraph has written that the petition' claims the student has threatened to shoot others at the school, murder the family members of students and promotes racial discrimination'.

Vic primary school principals call for more powers to deal with bullies

According to 3AW, the president of the Victorian Primary Schools Principals Association has said that principals need more powers to protect students from bullies. The president is calling for powers to be able to provide for managing unruly students.

Qld teacher reportedly barred form teaching after affair with student

A 36-year-old teacher in Qld has reportedly been barred from teaching for six years after a Tribunal found that he had a relationship with 16-year-old student. The case involved an exchange of over 10,000 Facebook messages, according to 9News.

NSW school charged with $23,000 in park use fees, up from $75 three years ago

A school in NSW has been charged with $23,000 in fees for using a park for afternoon sport, after the park managers implemented a new fee structure. In 2012, the fees were apparently $75, according to the Daily Telegraph.

International

Viral Facebook fight video in US causes school investigation 

A viral video posted on Facebook of a school fight in the US, has upset parents who are reportedly disappointed that there was no teacher intervention.WSB-TV2 reports that school officials are now investigating.

UK school principal reportedly tells student she is 'phoning God' about bad behaviour

A Catholic school principal in the UK has reportedly told students that that she was phoning God about their bad behaviour. News.com.au reports that the incident was investigated by the school governors, but parents are still unhappy.

Forbes reports on the school that abolished homework

An article in Forbes tells of a school in the US that has abolished homework. The school in question has encouraged students to spend time on other productive activities.

UK parents protest lead and asbestos removal project whilst students at school

In the UK, there is controversy over a plan at a primary school to remove lead and asbestos while students are still on school grounds. According to theTelegraph, there is footage of skip bins being handled near students.