School Furniture

Five vying for Victorian schools ultranet tender
Five software companies are vying for the $60.5 million Victorian Ultranet project. The Ultranet intends to enhance student learning, support the work of teachers and allow parents to become even more involved with their child's education at the click of a button. Premier of Victoria, 14 November 2008.

NSW to spend $11m improving HSC retention
The New South Wales Government is hoping to encourage more students to stay on to Year 12 by expanding a program that helps primary school pupils make the transition to high school. More than $11 million is being spent to allow every secondary and central school in the state orientation programs and 'taster' classes for children making the leap from Year 6. ABC News, 17 November 2008.

Domestic violence affects one in four young people
A new report says that a quarter of 12 to 20 year olds have seen an act of physical violence between their parents or step-parents. Dr Michael Flood, co-author of the report, said children exposed to violence often experience behavioural and emotional difficulties, and suggested school based educational programs about domestic abuse could prevent problems. WA Today, 17 November 2008.

Parental permission required to photograph children
Anyone who photographs children will need the permission of the parents before the pictures can be exhibited. The ruling is included in sweeping guidelines released by the Australia Council yesterday designed to protect children in the aftermath of the Bill Henson controversy. Sydney Morning Herald, 14 November 2008.

Outstanding response to Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has welcomed the response to Round One of the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program, with a total of 136 applications received from schools around the country. Expressions of Interest for Round Two are now open.Minister for Education, 8 November 2008.

Teaching crisis looms
Public education in NSW is headed for a crisis as skyrocketing birth rates look set to clash with teacher retirement figures. Sydney Morning Herald, 9 November 2008.

Sexual assault between school students being ignored
A new report has found sexual assault between school students is being ignored. The Australian Institute of Family Studies report says school children are often reluctant to report sexual assault from other students because they fear the social consequences. ABC News, 10 November 2008.

Emergency Management Ministers agree to share education programs
Australia's emergency services ministers have agreed to establish an internet database, hosted by the Australian Disaster Information Network, which will enable the states and territories to easily share knowledge about community emergency education programs. Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed the decision stating 'When developed the site will be an excellent resource for teachers, students and parents.' Attorney-General for Australia, 6 November 2008.

Schools unite to form learning community
Seventeen Government schools on the New South Wales far south coast are combining to form a learning community, in what is being described as a revolutionary education program. Coordinator Paul Morris says schools will be able to network using video conferencing and interactive whiteboards, allowing students and teachers to pool their collective knowledge. ABC News, 6 November 2008.

Family School Partnerships Framework
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced that all Australian schools and parent associations will soon receive a copy of the Family School Partnerships Framework. The Family School Partnerships Framework will help schools build effective partnerships with families and their communities. Australian Labor Party, 5 November 2008.