AUSTRALIA

Primary kids get higher education as a 10-story school in the sky opens in CBD

The Age reported that a Melbourne School opening its doors to a 10-storey campus in Melbourne’s CBD.  The school can accommodate for pupils from kindergarten to year 9 and its facilities include an indoor running track, cafeteria open to the public and a rooftop terrace.

Seven students injured after tree falls in playground of Sydney high school

9 News reported that seven students were injured from a falling tree.  Of the seven, four school girls have been taken to the hospital suffering back and head injuries.

Year one students may undergo compulsory skills tests, Education Minister says

ABC News reported that the Federal Government is considering introducing mandatory phonic testing for Year One students, to help improve Australia’s international education ranking.  The phonic tests are used to indicate what skills children are behind on.

Labor's plan to scrap City Beach High School for a CBD high-rise public school, criticised by Premier

ABC News reported on Labor to scrap plans for a beach side high school in City Beach and proposal to build a school in Perth's CBD.  Perth opposition leader Mark McGowan unveiled the $45 million pledge to build a new school located at the Perth City Link development.

Controversy over emojis used in NAPLAN practice questions

According to News.com.au, high school students are being made to analyse text messages as a part of their NAPLAN testing.  The tests show screenshots of a text messages and tell students to analyse them.  People are querying the value of such education.

Asbestos found on kinder site sparks tests on Chelsea Primary School

The Herald Sun reported that air quality has been tested following discovery of asbestos on land where a kindergarten is proposed to be built.  The Victorian Building Authority conducted precautionary tests at a nearby school and no airborne asbestos fibres were detected.  The Kingston Council has discovered that isolated areas of the land, where the kindergarten is proposed to be built, contained asbestos and heavy metals in the surface fill material.  Kingston Council said the cost of the clean-up is estimated at $813,500.

Back to school: What it’s like being six years old in a wheelchair

ABC News reported about Madeline Luk, a six-year old girl with a rare form of dwarfism, going to schools and not allowing her disability to get in her way.  Madeline’s mother, Mrs Luk, stated that the most important tip she had for parents with children in wheelchairs was to have continuous communication with the school.

INTERNATIONAL

UK: Schools relax term time holiday rules as one father's case goes to the Supreme Court

The Telegraph reported about a father challenging a fine at the UK Supreme Court after taking his daughter on a holiday without school permission.  The father was originally issued with a £60 fine for taking his daughter out of school without the school’s permission and after refusing to pay the fine, the penalty doubled to £120.  After the father's refusal to pay, the council and the Department of Education decided to prosecute.

USA: Teachers keep teens learning on cyber snow days

NPR news reported on students still learning at home on days when schools are shut down.  Last year, Barren County High School in Glasgow, Kentucky, implemented at-home learning day programs when the school was closed due to heavy snowfall or extreme winter weather.

USA: Does your school arrest students?

NPR news reported of a student being arrested after refusing to hand over her own mobile phone.  Schools across the United States of America have reported of more than 69,000 arrests at schools, for various reasons, between 2013-2014.

Canada: High-tech special needs school in northwest Calgary a hit with kids principal says

CBC news reported of a special needs school, helping those with developmental disabilities.  The school comes with high tech facilities to help accommodate for student needs.

France: Stressed French teacher in trouble for taping naughty pupils to chairs

The Local reported that a French teacher in the village of Lapeyrouse-Mornay, has been suspended after being accused of binding naughty students to their chairs with sticky tape.  It has also been reported by parents that tape was put over children's mouths.