AUSTRALIA

State government scheme to fix woeful maths results by increasing specialist teachers has failed
The Daily Telegraph reported about a failed NSW Government plan to increase the number of specialist math teachers in public schools after only scoring 11 per cent of its target.  The plan was to lift NSW science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by training 320 ordinary primary school teachers to become STEM specialists.  After 18 months, only 11 teachers have completed the STEM course to become specialists.

Perth teacher jailed over sexual relationship with 15-year-old student
ABC News reported about a former teacher who was sentenced to two and a half years jail for having a sexual relationship with one of her students.  The former teacher, who was 25 at the time of offending, pleaded guilty to two counts of repeated sexual offending.  During sentencing, Judge Schoombie of the West Australian District Court said that the teacher’s crimes were particularly serious as the offender was in a position of authority and trust at the time.  Judge Schoombie explained further that if a teacher became sexually involved with a student, jail must be the consequence, to ensure parents could be confident their children were being properly cared for while they are at school.

Victorian schools ahead of rest when it comes to being SunSmart
According to the Leader, a Cancer Council survey shows that Victorian primary schools have the best sun protection in Australia.  Every school surveyed ensured broad-brimmed, legionnaires or bucket hats were worn outside during warmer months, compared to 95 per cent of other schools in other states and territories.

Queensland school allows Sikh parent to carry ceremonial sword on to grounds
The Courier Mail wrote about how the Queensland Department of Education back flipped on comments made about religious daggers being allowed in Queensland schools. The comes after the Courier Mail revealed that the father and son, of Sikh faith, was allowed to bring a kirpan (a religious ceremonial sword) to school, only if he covered it up.  However, the Queensland Department of Education said it was the wrong decision, as a kirpan is classified as a knife under the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld) and therefore illegal on school grounds.

Perth girl wins campaign for all students to be able to wear shorts
According to 9 news, an 11-year-old girl has won her campaign for female students to have the right to wear the same the same shorts to school as her male counterparts.  The girl wrote letter to the WA Education Minister, which led to an overhaul which will ensure the state's government schools now have "non-discriminatory" dress codes for students.  Government schools in WA will no longer be able to limit female students to wear dresses, skirts or skorts.

Male teachers still the minority in Canberra schools
The Canberra Times wrote about how male teachers are in the minority in Canberra schools.  The number of men in Canberra Government schools is around 22 per cent since 2012.  The figure is marginally higher in non-government schools, sitting around 30 per cent. The ACT Education Directorate could soon be organising a recruitment drive aimed at getting more men teaching in Canberra schools.

INTERNATIONAL

New Zealand: Teacher struck off for swearing at pupils
The Otago Daily Times reported about a teacher who was struck off after repeatedly swearing at students. Complaints from students and their parents from 2010.  Last year a student recorded her on video belittling a student.  The teacher appeared in front of the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal, was struck off and was ordered to pay $4733 in costs.