John and Doni of Gove, ex teachers, Reader's Comment 74 of 81, Spear threat to NT teacher, Nigel Adlam, NT News, 24 January 2012: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/01/24/285031_ntnews.html Historical link preserved from the original page.
Northern Territory: students seem to enjoy the power of fear they hold over teachers.
Serious assaults on teachers by students in Northern Territory schools happen every week and are routinely covered up, the Australian Education Union says. Historical link preserved from the original page.
Australian Education Union NT president Matthew Cranitch, who had worked with Mr David Arnold on the teachers' union executive for several years, said David's case (see story below) was symptomatic of the deep-seated violence in Territory schools. Historical link preserved from the original page.
I have got concerns that the assault on David was not directed to police, given the seriousness of the injuries to David, " he said.
Mr Cranitch said the violence in Northern Territory schools was widespread and systemic.
Just last week at the Centralian Middle School in Alice Springs, a rock was thrown at a teacher, which caused quite an extensive injury, " he said.
Murray Waycott, a former teacher at Katherine High School who befriended Mr Arnold, said many students "enjoyed the power of fear they held over adults by the violence".
Violent assaults on NT teachers 'covered up', Michael Owen, The Australian, 7 February 2012: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/violent-assaults-on-nt-teachers-covered-up/story-fn59nlz9-1226264144551 Historical link preserved from the original page.
Katherine High School: special education teacher allegedly assaulted by students - teacher's leg to be amputated.
David Arnold was a 64-year-old Northern Territory Teacher of the Year award winner.
He had been working in Katherine High School's special education unit since 2003.
One day in April 2008, David was preparing his classroom before his first lesson of the day.
A student asked to be allowed into the classroom to play on the computer before class began.
When David turned his back the boy opened a sliding door and let two other students into the room.
David told them all to leave.
The students, aged 13 and 14, allegedly assaulted David, jumping and stomping on his leg.
David has since had nine operations to try to save his leg.
The operations have failed.
David's leg will be amputated on Monday 6 February 2012.
The school did not report the alleged assault to the police and so the matter was not investigated by the police.
No charges have been laid against the students.
Teacher to lose his leg after assault, Michael Owen, The Australian, 1 February 2012: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/teacher-to-lose-his-leg-after-assault/story-e6frg6nf-1226258822071 Historical link preserved from the original page.
The Northern Territory: teachers burned out and distressed by their work in remote Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.
... She looks a little anxious and fidgets. As soon as I ask the first gentle question, the remote schoolteacher starts sobbing, shoulders shaking, holding her face in her hands.
The words, once they start, come spilling out.
As a GP, I think, "Oh no, here we go again. "
... Another sick certificate or period of stress leave. Another professional, whether nurse, teacher or doctor, burned out and distressed by their work in a remote Northern Territory Aboriginal community.
The undermining of self-confidence and self-worth associated with a sense of failure is profound.
... This epidemic is kept a secret - don't let the romantic vision of the red earth and deep culture fool you. Yes, it can be an adventure and a life-changing experience, but the costs can be high.
We may start out thinking we may be able to contribute, to be part of the solution for the appalling health status, the low literacy levels, the violence, the alcoholism.
The bright, dedicated professionals for whom high standards and ethical practice are core values tie themselves in knots trying to provide the best care for their charges.
Challenging the managers and administrators of the system, who often have dubious qualifications and skills, added to the burden of isolation, difficult living conditions and lack of support, takes its toll.
There is a pervasive culture of bullying, a lack of accountability and a laissez-faire "she'll be right, mate" attitude.
After all, this is the Northern Territory...
Ameeta Patel, this (burned out) life, Lifelines, P.4, Review, The Weekend Australian, 25-26 June 2011: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/this-burned-out-life/story-e6frg6zo-1226081152142 Historical link preserved from the original page.
Kormilda College, Darwin: teacher assaulted twice by student.
An indigenous education teacher at Kormilda College, Darwin, has been punched in the ribs by a student.
A teacher said a student punched teacher Vicki Bourke in the ribs because he didn't want to do his work.
The Kormilda teacher said there was a second instance where a student knocked Ms Bourke's glasses off her face, causing some bruising around the eye.
She said the two instances were unrelated.
Editor's comment: You have to wonder how many more times this student is going to be allowed to assault this teacher.
School punch anger, Meagan Dillon, 6 April 2011: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/04/06/222791_ntnews.html Historical link preserved from the original page.
The Northern Territory: 60-year-old relief teacher punched in the face in front of the class, and then stabbed a number of times.
Michael Bell, a 60-year-old relief teacher was in his first week at Nightcliff Middle School.
A 14-year-old boy had heated words with Mr Bell during class, then allegedly went back to his desk and pulled out a knife.
Then, in front of the class, the student allegedly punched Mr Bell in the face before stabbing him a number of times in the arm and once in the leg.
Mr Bell was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital about midday
Sources said the boy had a history of "concerning" behaviour at Nightcliff Middle School.
It isn't the first incident that he's been involved in... he's apparently smashed windows and thrown chairs around the room before.
On a weekly basis at the union we're getting calls from concerned teachers worried about students exhibiting behaviour that's not consistent with a normal mainstream class environment, " NT education union boss Mathew Craitch said.
Student stabs teacher in class, Alyssa Betts, NT News, 23 March 2011: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/03/23/219661_ntnews.html Historical link preserved from the original page.
NT schools are safe, despite stabbing, AAP, The Courier Mail: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/nt-schools-are-safe-despite-stabbing/story-e6freonf-1226026976221 Historical link preserved from the original page.