AUSTRALIA

Taxpayers foot the bill as teachers wag school in record numbers

According to The Daily Telegraph, a record number of teachers are being caught by principals wagging school and leaving classrooms in disarray.  Attendance of high school students is improving, but 8385 NSW teachers were under suspicion of skipping school.  Principals were ordered to investigate after teachers took more than five individual absences without a medical certificate.  The main reason for these absences is believed to be an ageing workforce.

The WA Government has backed down on a plan to move Perth Modern School to a high-rise location in the city amid a community backlash

ABC News reported about the WA State Government backing down from its plans to build a high-rise school in the Perth CBD after community backlash.  Instead the WA State Government has announced plans to build a school at the Kitchener Park in Subiaco, adjacent to Subiaco Stadium.

Domestic violence education flipped on its head in Darwin schools

ABC News reported about a group of schools in Darwin's northern suburbs are working together to teach students about domestic and family violence by flipping the topic on its head.  Instead of focusing on the what abusive and violent behaviours are, the schools teach their children about healthy relationships and the importance of self-respect.

Teacher relocated 900km claims SA Education Department is denying him access to appeal case evidence

The Advertiser reported about a teacher that has been forced to relocate 900km to another school, after being accused of making numerous unsubstantiated complaints about colleagues, and claims that the Education Department is denying him access to evidence needed for his appeal against his transfer.  The teacher has brought a claim to an industrial tribunal, seeking access to information, including details of his former colleagues’ exit interviews and copies of any complaints made against him.

INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand: No classrooms, lessons or homework: New Zealand school where children are free to roam

The Guardian reported about a New Zealand alternative school where there are no classrooms, no homework and no exams.  The students are allowed to explore the New Zealand bush land, learn how to light a fires, fish and hunt and trap possums.  Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and are not forced to learn.

UK: Sunday school teacher directed sex offences via internet from 7,000 miles away

The Telegraph reported about a Sunday School teacher jailed for life after a string of sickening child sex offences against girls as young as four in the Philippines.  The British teacher has admitted to 30 child sex offences.