AUSTRALIA

Education Department blocks Prospect Council’s pigeon cull at Nailsworth Primary School

The Messenger reported of the culling of pigeons at a suburban primary school being blocked because the Education Department insists that less extreme measures be used to eliminate the potentially disease ridden avian species. The local council has already shot 150 pigeons under a $5000 extermination plan, but the Education Department refused the council entry to infested properties it owns.  The cull was undertaken after residents became concerned about potential health issues from the pigeons.

Tasmanian Minister says debt collector threats over school fees 'not policy'

ABC News reported about Tasmania’s Education Minister ordering an investigation into claims that children are being excluded from school activities for outstanding fees and debt collectors being brought in.  The Opposition Leader is citing school newsletters that warned parents that “all outstanding debts will be placed in outside hands for collection on 1 June.”  The Education Minister said any action is unacceptable and contrary to government policy.

Lunchbox policing: WA schools crackdown on unhealthy food

According to WA Today, Perth parents claim that schools are increasingly policing students’ lunchboxes, confiscating sugary items and replacing with health alternatives.  One Perth teacher said it was necessary to police student's lunchboxes in early primary school, as high sugar foods could have a real impact on their learning capacity inside the classroom.

Canberra Grammar students to attend Apple Worldwide Developer Conference

The Canberra Times reported about a five Canberra Grammar students who received a scholarship to attend Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference in the Silicone Valley.  The Canberra Grammar students impressed judges by creating apps that gave information about themselves.

Student stabbed in classroom fight

Perth Now reported how a student was allegedly stabbed in the leg after getting into a fight with another student during a cooking lesson.  The alleged attacker has been charged with one count of unlawful wounding.  The Department of Education WA declined to comment as the incident was an ongoing police matter.

Muslim students 'told to leave' Convention Centre for making patrons 'uncomfortable'

WA Today reported about a group of Muslim school students on a school excursion to the Career Expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre who were allegedly forced to leave after onlookers felt threatened by their attire.  Some people complained the school children's hijabs were "making them feel uncomfortable after what happened in Manchester" and asked staff to have them removed from the venue.

INTERNATIONAL

USA: Education council member caught flipping the bird

The New York Post reported about a newly elected member of the Community Education Council in Harlem being caught on camera making a rude gesture. A Department of Education spokeswoman said that the member showed “a lack of professionalism and respect for this council.”

UK: 'Teachers are attacked, criticised and micro-managed ─ it is no wonder that their mental health suffers'

In an Opinion piece, the TES writes about how teachers, in particular female primary school teachers are more likely to commit suicide than the average woman.  Teachers are being attacked by the government, criticised by parents and micro-managed every minute by school management.  Due the stresses of teaching, this has prompted many teachers to leave the education industry and move to other jobs.