Councils slam move to allow non-government schools to become developers
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that NSW non-government schools are to be allowed to build classrooms, childcare centres, gymnasiums and lecture theatres as high as 22 metres on their grounds under a fast-track development process. Critics say the process lacks transparency and accountability. This reform will allow non-government schools to absorb some of the overcrowding in government schools and accommodate 170,000 students.
News.com.au reported that a teacher has been found guilty of having sex with three students between 2007 and 2013. The teacher faced the Downing Centre Court and was found guilty of 19 sexual intercourse charges. The jury deliberated for eight days and was unanimous on 16 of the teacher’s 19 counts. The remaining three were delivered by an 11-to-one majority. The teacher was taken into custody after the verdict. The matter is due back in court on 21 July.
Funding surge for high-fee schools
The West Australian reported that some of WA’s non-government schools are getting millions of dollars in extra funding under new “needs-based” funding model. High-fee independent schools in Perth’s western suburbs will be receiving funding increases under the new Gonski reforms because the schools are currently under funded.
Mum wins fight for daughters to wear pants and shorts at school
9 News reported that a mother has won a battle for her daughters to wear shorts to school. It started when the mother sent her daughters to school in shorts and the school would not allow it. The determined mother did not like the school's answer and decided to take her fight to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board. After much deliberation the school agreed to change the uniform policy to allow female students the choice of wearing trousers and shorts as well as tunics and summer dresses.
'It is a lonely experience': the students barred from camps and excursions
The Age reported that an autistic student has been excluded from excursions due to his disability. Around one in three students with a disability have been excluded from events or activities at school including excursions and camps. Students are often told that they are excluded because they are too disruptive and the school does not want to be held accountable for their behaviour.
UK: Teaching assistant stole primary school's charity money to pay off son's drug dealer
The Telegraph reported that a teaching assistant in the UK stole money intended for charity to pay off her son’s drug dealer. The teaching assistant admitted to stealing £287 raised for the British Heart Foundation. The teaching assistant’s actions could have resulted in her being struck off the teaching register, however, the disciplinary panel decided that she will be allowed to return to the classroom.
Canada: Pregnant teen is a 4.0 student, but her school won’t let her attend graduation
TheStar.com reported that an 18-year-old Canadian student was not allowed to graduate, not because she was pregnant but, because she was “immoral”. Despite a public outcry and growing pressure from national anti-abortion groups to reconsider their decision, the student has been barred from graduating.
USA: Teachers in trouble after student named 'most likely to become a terrorist'
Newshub.co.nz reported that several teachers at a Texan school are in trouble after a 13-year-old student was handed a certificate saying she was "most likely to become a terrorist”. The awards ceremony was meant as a joke, and a number of teachers laughed as students were given mock awards. The local education authority said the teachers were being disciplined, and is still investigating the incident.