From weeds to high ATARs: The super principals fixing underperforming schools
The Age reported about a school principal who has transformed a school that was underperforming and in a state of disrepair. Families in the local area were losing confidence in the school and despite a booming community population, the school was losing 100 students per year. Now the school has drastically improved, with enrolments up 30% and students achieving high ATAR scores.
Schools gear up to thwart cyber bullies
The Mercury reported about a $3 million Tasmanian Government funded program aimed at stamping out bullying, with a particular emphasis on the growing problem of cyber bullying. Experts have reported that children aged 10 and younger are now using social media leaving them at risk of being exposed to bullying outside the school yard and inside their own homes.
SA high school students to get free meningococcal B vaccine despite worldwide shortage
According to The Advertiser, 60,000 South Australian high school students will receive a free first dose of the Meningococcal B vaccine from April, as part of a new study which is being carried out despite worldwide vaccine shortages. If successful this will create a “herd immunity”, which means vaccinated children will protect the others from getting, carrying and spreading the bacteria to other people.
Packed lunch fail: Mum’s shock at child’s choice of drink
The Courier Mail reported about a mother who received a very concerned phone call from a teacher after she accidently packed an alcoholic frozen treat in her child’s lunch box. When the mother realised her mistake, she made light of the situation and apologised for not sending enough for all the teachers.
Vic students allowed to choose 'gender X'
According to Sky News, senior students in Victoria are now allowed to choose "gender X” in official documents. The Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority have made the changes to their forms, after pupils and schools made requests for changes.
New Zealand: 'It could jeopardise teacher safety' - concerns over new laws guiding when teachers can intervene in school fights
TVNZ News reported about new laws proposed in New Zealand for more teacher intervention, which are being reassessed after a spate of student-on-student assaults. In one recent case, a student was knocked unconscious and left with a few chipped teeth. In 2016, the New Zealand Ministry of Education released guidelines regarding the use of physical force in certain situations, which is now on track to become law. This has raised concerns by teachers for their own health and safety.
New Zealand: Students still caught up in illegal tenancies
According to The Otago Daily Times boarding students are being caught up in illegal tenancy agreements. Boarding house landlords are requiring students to sign fixed-term agreements. This is a widespread practice and under New Zealand law is illegal, giving the tenants the right to terminate their tenancy in 48 hours.
USA: White powder delivered to Buena Vista elementary school found to be harmless
The Saskatoon Star Phoenix reported on the delivery of a package containing a suspicious white powder to a South Carolina school. When the envelope was discovered, staff evacuated students in an orderly fashion and emailed and text messaged parents and students that “white powder was delivered to the school. Students are safe and being evacuated to safe site”. The Saskatoon Police later released a statement that the suspicious substance was tested and found to be harmless.
UK: Principal speaks out after parent gives child ‘cold McDonalds’ for a packed lunch
News.com.au reported of a principal who spoke out about students at his school being packed McDonald’s Happy Meals and other junk food products for lunch. The principal stated: “While extreme and funny to read on paper, I must make this clear THESE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE examples of a balanced packed lunch. Children work very hard at school and a balanced meal at lunch time helps provide concentration for the afternoon”.