ID :
170247
Wed, 03/23/2011 - 12:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/170247
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NT schools safe, despite stabbing:minister
SYDNEY, March 23 (AAP)-The stabbing of a relief teacher by a 14-year-old boy has prompted a guarantee from the Northern Territory Government that students and staff in public schools are safe.
NT Education Minister Chris Burns on Wednesday said the stabbing was a serious but isolated incident.
"Violence in our schools is completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Darwin.
"Even the possession of a knife is not on in our schools.
"We will ensure the safety of our students and staff."
It is alleged that just before noon (CST) on Tuesday the boy punched a 60-year-old teacher in the face before producing a knife.
When the teacher tried to take the weapon from him, he allegedly stabbed the man in front of a classroom of students at Nightcliff Middle School, in Darwin's northern suburbs.
The teacher was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he was treated for knife wounds to his arm and leg.
Dr Burns said he had a meeting with staff at the school and that the teacher involved was back at work on the following day.
Asked how he could ensure safety was maintained in NT schools, Dr Burns repeated his earlier comment that it was an isolated incident and that "trouble makers were dealt with appropriately".
He said that in the 2010 school year there were just four incidents in public schools in which students assaulted teachers. The NT school system has about 33,000 students, he said.
"I commend our teachers for the difficulties they encounter with behaviour ... they deal with them well.
"I want an atmosphere in classrooms where kids can learn."
Dr Burns would not give details about the 14-year-old's mental and physical health, nor about his past behaviour or personal background.
"This student has received support for behavioural problems in the past and he will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary channels within our school system, but also this matter has been placed with the police."
The chief executive of the education department will decide whether the student, who was immediately suspended following the incident, will be removed from mainstream schooling and placed in an alternative learning centre.
Dr Burns said volatile behaviour among children was often the result of events happening outside the classroom or school.
"I think that may be what's happened in this case, but we need to find out more."
NT Education Minister Chris Burns on Wednesday said the stabbing was a serious but isolated incident.
"Violence in our schools is completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Darwin.
"Even the possession of a knife is not on in our schools.
"We will ensure the safety of our students and staff."
It is alleged that just before noon (CST) on Tuesday the boy punched a 60-year-old teacher in the face before producing a knife.
When the teacher tried to take the weapon from him, he allegedly stabbed the man in front of a classroom of students at Nightcliff Middle School, in Darwin's northern suburbs.
The teacher was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he was treated for knife wounds to his arm and leg.
Dr Burns said he had a meeting with staff at the school and that the teacher involved was back at work on the following day.
Asked how he could ensure safety was maintained in NT schools, Dr Burns repeated his earlier comment that it was an isolated incident and that "trouble makers were dealt with appropriately".
He said that in the 2010 school year there were just four incidents in public schools in which students assaulted teachers. The NT school system has about 33,000 students, he said.
"I commend our teachers for the difficulties they encounter with behaviour ... they deal with them well.
"I want an atmosphere in classrooms where kids can learn."
Dr Burns would not give details about the 14-year-old's mental and physical health, nor about his past behaviour or personal background.
"This student has received support for behavioural problems in the past and he will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary channels within our school system, but also this matter has been placed with the police."
The chief executive of the education department will decide whether the student, who was immediately suspended following the incident, will be removed from mainstream schooling and placed in an alternative learning centre.
Dr Burns said volatile behaviour among children was often the result of events happening outside the classroom or school.
"I think that may be what's happened in this case, but we need to find out more."
