Private school fees rising faster than inflation

A report has found that between 2005 and 2011 Catholic school fees increased by 24% and independent school fees increased by 23%. The Financial Review reports that these statistics indicate that private school fees are rising faster than the rate of inflation, which has only experienced a 20% increase in that period. The Australia governments’ expenditure report also says that this growth in non-government school revenue has added to the significant growth in Federal Government spending on schools.

85,000 SA child abuse hotline calls go unanswered

The ABC reports that over the past four years, 85,916 phone calls to the Families South Australia’s Child Abuse Report Line went unanswered. This appears to be another example of a state child protection agency’s poor resourcing. Families SA is already subject to inquiry under the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission launched by SA Premier in August 2014. The Commission’s reporting date has been extended to 31 May 2016.

Schoolboy treated for asthma died of anaphylactic reaction

An eight-year-old boy tragically died this week at a Sydney after-school care facility. The boy began gasping for breath after playing sport and was known to have asthma and a peanut allergy. After receiving unsuccessful treatment for an asthma attack it was discovered that a food-related anaphylactic reaction had claimed his life. The SMH reported that the boy’s father has voiced support for the National Allergy Strategy which recommends all staff in schools and childcare facilities have anaphylaxis management training.

‘Flirty’ student teacher overcomes teaching ban

The Daily Telegraph reports that a female student teacher who became ‘too friendly’ with Year 12 male students while completing her practical experience at a Sydney school was banned from the classroom by the Department of Education. The woman successfully appealed to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to have her ban from working with children lifted. The Tribunal found that she had behaved unprofessionally, but did not pose a real risk to children.

Victoria funds LGBTI mental health grants for schools

Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a $160,000 round of small grants for support projects for LGBTI students. The announcement of the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) grants marked Wear It Purple day which is about providing respect and support for LGBTI youth. Schools can apply for HEY grants ranging from $10,000 – $40,000 for innovative projects to support the health and wellbeing of LGBTI students.

Victorian primary school students educated in dog safety

As of this week, two million primary school students in Victoria have been educated in safety around dogs and what it means to be a responsible pet owner. The program has been well supported throughout the State and due to its success, is being implemented in NSW and South Australia. The announcement comes two months after three children were injured in a dog attack at a Melbourne primary school.

Royal Commission commenced Geelong Grammar public hearing

The Royal Commission’s public hearing to inquire into the experience of former students of Geelong Grammar School, Victoria began this week in Melbourne. The Commission will hear submissions from former students about the response of the school council, principals and other members of staff to concerns raised about inappropriate conduct or complaints of child abuse. The past and current policies in place at the school will be examined.

International:

UK girls’ schools wants more women in the curriculum

A group of the top girls’ schools in Britain have launched a campaign to ensure important women in history, science and the arts are included in the curriculum to challenge a ‘default to men’ attitude in schools. Reuters reported that the campaign began with a student’s petition calling for more female composers on the music syllabus after realising that none of the 63 composers featured on her A-level course were women.

New York teacher keeps his job despite being late 111 times

A New York elementary school teacher was late 111 times in a two year period. The New York Post reports that the teacher has been given a 90-day suspension without pay but, to the outrage of parents at the school, will return to earning $90,000 a year at the school in January 2016.

Research reveals 45% of students are bullied every day

ITV News reports that research conducted by The Diana Award charity revealed that 45% of young people in the UK are bullied at school each day. Head of the charity Alex Holmes has said that the ‘research shows that schools are failing to keep young people safe and happy’ and that ‘research seems to suggest that the largest amount of bullying is verbal and face-to-face but that bullying now continues online.’