AUSTRALIA

NSW teacher accused of sex offences
Sky News reported about a teacher who had sexual relationships with one male student and two female students.  The teacher appeared in the New South Wales District Court and pleaded not guilty to aggravated indecency, multiple counts of aggravated sexual intercourse and sexual intercourse with a person under care. Date for trial is yet to be set.

School volunteering is no longer just the job for mums
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote about how dads are stepping up to fill volunteering positions in schools.  With mums just as busy, dads are now contributing to these roles to assist schools.

School bans 'dangerous' cartwheels
Perth Now reported about a Bunbury primary school, Western Australia, banning cartwheels and handstands because these activities were deemed “too dangerous.”  Parents were bewildered by the school's decision to restrict children to do these activities.

Cyclone Debbie: Will students lose out from school closures?
ABC News reported about the disruption Cyclone Debbie caused for students and schools.  Due to the extreme weather conditions in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, schools in effected regions are closed and which will further impact student learning outcomes as well as numeracy and literacy rates in these areas.

Teachers dipping into own pockets to pay for basic classroom supplies
The Courier Mail reported that teachers are personally funding classroom supplies and schools are turning to fundraising to cover classroom essentials.  According to a national Australian Education Union survey, teachers are spending on average $500 per year on stationary, books and stickers, to help assist with students' learning.

Asbestos still widespread in SA schools as latest register shows 55 have contamination
According to The Advertiser, an asbestos government register has revealed that 55 Adelaide schools contain asbestos in their buildings.  Despite the register calling for the removal of asbestos material at the schools, the South Australian Department of Education and Child Development has denied there is any risk to schools, students and staff.

INTERNATIONAL

UK: Teacher suspended after posting ‘provocative’ selfie on Facebook
Metro News wrote about a school teacher who was suspended after a “provocative” photo was posted on Facebook.  The photo shows the teacher on the edge of her bed in a white dress.  Students have launched a petition to lift the teacher's suspension.

USA: Girl suspended from school for playing with a stick
9 News has reported about a five-year-old girl from North Carolina, who was suspended from school when she was playing with a stick that looked like a gun.  The girl was playing a game with friends which involved the stick that looked like a gun where she pretended to shoot an "intruder."  The girl was sent home with a suspension notice from the school saying the shooting motions "were a violation of school policy."

USA: Teacher arrested for shoving, spitting on student during class
According to ABC Action News, police have arrested and charged a teacher with child abuse after an incident with a 12 year old student.  The teacher allegedly had a verbal altercation with the student then spat in the victim’s face, grabbed student by the throat and shoved the victim on the desk.