AUSTRALIA

Thousands of Australian computer log-ins up for sale on dark web

ABC News reports that thousands of Australian computer log-in details have been accessed and put up for sale on the dark web. Schools are among the institutions and companies that have been affected. Kapersky, a global leader in internet security and anti-virus software, has released a report revealing more than 70,000 computers from around the world have been hacked. Tim Wellsmore, Director of Threat Intelligence at cyber-security firm Mandiant and former manager at the Australian Cyber Security Centre, told ABC that hackers might also have "access to whatever is on that computer system." This comes after the fall-out from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' census night, where their website was attacked, blocking users from logging onto the site.

Commissioner for South Australia’s children to be appointed by parliamentary committee

The Advertiser reports that there are plans to put changes to State Parliament next month to see the appointment of a Commissioner for South Australian Children by a parliamentary committee, not a minister. These amendments have been spurred on by the Layton and Nyland inquiries into the State's child protection system. A bill put forward by Child Protection Reform Minister John Rau may see a commissioner investigate the systemic issues of child sexual abuse arising from the enquiries. Rather than be a ministerial appointment, the commissioner's post will be filled by Parliament's cross-party statutory Officers Committee, as is done with the Ombudsman and the Electoral Commissioner.

School reportedly sends out newsletter labelling IVF as a 'sin'

Ten News reports that a Catholic School in New South Wales has published a newsletter that includes comments, which suggest that children conceived by IVF are 'born out of sin'. Reportedly, the school sent a newsletter to families making the claim, that appears to have come from a Murrumbidgee school's priest. Education Minister Adrian Piccoli has said that there was at least one family at the school who had used IVF after failed attempts to conceive naturally. This comment follows the remarks of Reverend Fred Nile who said that children would not need to be concerned about dressing up for a gay rights event in Catholic schools because it would never happen.

Could gay-straight alliances reduce school bullying?

The Conversation reports that one in five children are still bullied at school. Gay, bisexual, and transgender students are 91 per cent more likely to be bullied than their straight classmates. Students who face homophobic bullying are more likely than others to develop depression or suicidal thoughts from these experiences. Gay-straight alliances allow for students of all sexual persuasions to come together and support one another. They are student led, and currently there are 4000 chapters of these clubs within the United States. The Conversation analyzed data from 63,000 students, finding that those who were part of a gay-straight alliance were less likely to face bullying.

INTERNATIONAL

If California wants better compliance from charter schools, it must fix its oversight system

Los Angeles Times reports that California needs well-enforced rules for charter school oversight. This comes in the wake of a recent report issued by the Southern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and nonprofit law firm Public Advocates. The study determined that charter schools may have violated State law due to their potentially discriminatory admission policies. The article argues that the way forward is to develop a structural change in oversight processes. The approval of charter schools and the monitoring process is broken up over distinct tiers of Government. This means that the process is overly complex and convoluted–a patchwork of different standards and practices. Clarifying the State rules that govern admission at all schools should be the next step.

'No Excuses' Amistad School Teaches Joyless Compliance

Hartford Courant reports that in May, Amistad School's students denounced compliance and marched to protest the Schools racism and discipline system. They protested the lack of minority teachers and lack of dignity they claimed they received from their teachers more broadly. Administrators met with students as protests unfolded and commended them for speaking up. But the merit system, to which Amistad is bound, and the draconian rules that have been related to Communist China, are still in force. Despite the fact that the School focuses on 100% college acceptance on graduation, students' wellbeing is often put last.

Schools put school sport exchanges on hold blaming new health and safety laws

Stuff reports that following bold new health and safety laws, schools in New Plymouth and Rotorua, New Zealand, have halted their school sports exchanges. It is expected that other schools will follow. Reportedly, this may mean the end for exchanges for many New Zealand schools. Deborah Epp, principal of Mokoia, has said that the decision, based on the Vulnerable Children Act, will go hand in hand with health and safety legislation. Teachers and principals are responding to the changes, ensuring they are putting students' health as top priority.

Giving low-income schools washing machines solves one of their biggest problems 

Business Insider reports that one of the unspoken reasons of absenteeism is that students who do not have access to clean clothing are too embarrassed to show up to class in dirty school-wear. According to the article, six million children miss at least 15 days of school per year. Whirlpool's solution is to provide schools with washing machines. The Care Counts program has seen the implementation of washing machines are dryers to 17 schools in Missouri and California. Results have shown that 90 per cent of students in these schools have shown improved attendance since the program's inception.