NEWS DESK
School apology for course ‘error’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A SYLLABUS mix-up at Peninsula Grammar School, Mt Eliza had the community buzzing on Friday. Principal Stuart Johnston said he “unreservedly apologised to students and their families” over the error, uncovered in October, in which material taught in two units of a VCE subject was not part of the official course. In a statement, Mr Johnston said the school had “identified differences in cross-marked grades awarded to students of the visual communications design course offered by the school”. “These errors were due to both teacher error, and failures in our oversight processes in the faculty,” Mr Johnston stated. “We deeply regret the circumstances which have led to this issue, and their unintended impacts on the 27 students involved. “A thorough review of our school-wide policies and procedures has begun to ensure this does not happen again at any year level.” Mr Johnston said the school had immediately notified the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority which conducted an independent and objective assessment of each student. “From the moment we became aware of this error, the best interests and welfare of our students have been paramount in every action we have taken,” he said. “On 7 December, VCAA advised the school that they had undertaken a thorough analysis of all student results. On 12 December, VCAA
further advised … that they had taken steps to ensure no student [was] disadvantaged, and all students [had] received a fair outcome. “Each student has been awarded a VCD study score accordingly. These outcomes have been incorporated in the VCE results released today, Friday 14 December 2018.” An action plan “tailored to each of these students” earmarks a range of future interventions and assistance, including advocacy by Mr Johnston at universities and TAFEs; additional written references for each affected student and sent on their behalf in advance of university offers; careers counsellor support on call, in person or by telephone, and individual one-on-one support from the principal … for all students and families through to the start of next year. Speaking on Radio 3AW Mr Johnston said the students’ final results were not affected. “Things go wrong in schools,” he said. “When they do, there’s a provision within the handbook that you contact VCAA when this happens, and you’re honest about the problem. “They do the best they can to support the students so they’re not disadvantaged. “It’s devastating. We’re incredibly upset, very remorseful and very sorry.” Mr Johnston said both the teacher of the subject and the school’s oversight processes were at fault. “There will be consequences for those involved,” he said.
Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn and Steve Taylor
Successful search
School zone crackdown
A SEARCH warrant has allowed Frankston police to recovery the majority of items allegedly taken from a home on Settlers Way, Frankston. Police said the home was robbed on the weekend from 29 November to 2 December. The owner was away and returned to find their place had been “cleaned out”. Police said among the stolen items were most valuable from inside the house, and 15 cactuses from the front yard. The neighbors took down the registration of the vehicle allegedly used in the robbery, which police said was vital in the investigation. A search warrant was executed for a house on Warrain Street Frankston, where items were recovered. A 51-year-old Frankston female has been charged with burglary, theft, and possessing proceeds of crime. She was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on 26 April 2019. Police would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and take note of suspicious activity happening around neighbouring homes. If residents spot suspicious unknown vehicles parked nearby, or if they see items being taken too and from vehicles by unknown people, police ask that they note they registration, colour, and make of the car.
FOUR motorists were fined for speeding outside Mt Erin High School, Robinsons Road, Frankston South, and two for speeding past Mornington Primary School, Tanti Avenue, last week. The drivers travelling 10-24kph over the limit were each fined $322 and lost three demerit points. Somerville Highway Patrol warns motorists that its members and council officers are keeping an eye on school zones in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas after receiving complaints about a range of incidents – mainly speeding. “Most people do the right thing, however some drivers are committing offences with little regard to the safety of children, parents and other road users,” Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe said. Applicable fines include: Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10kph, $201 fine and one demerit point; exceeding the speed limit by 10-24kph, $322 and three points; exceeding the speed limit by 25-29kph, $443 and three months licence suspension.
Near fatal incident A MAN has come close to death after a stabbing on Nepean Highway, Frankston, Tuesday, 11 December. A man was stabbed in the neck and hand at around 9.20pm. He ran from a McDonalds on Nepean Highway to Frankston Police Station. He said that he had been in an altercation with a man known to him and a nearby vacant premises. The man was transported to the Alfred Hospital with initially life threatening injuries.They were later downgraded to not life threatening Frankston CIU are appealing for witnesses around the Nepean Highway McDonalds or the CBD.
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Frankston Times
18 December 2018
THREE men have been charged after a series of alleged bike thefts in the Carrum area. Kingston Crime Investigation Unit charged the men after incidents on 11 October and 19 November. Three men were arrested. A 19-year-old of no fixed place of address was charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, obtain property by deception and multiple counts of theft. A 39-year-old, also of no fixed place of address, was charged with theft-related offences. A 43-year-old Carrum man was charged with handle stolen goods and possess a drug of dependence. The Carrum man was bailed to appear before Frankston Magistrates Court on 30 November. The other two were remanded to appear at court at a later date. Police are also appealing for the owner of a red Polygon men’s mountain bike found in Carrum to come forward. Anyone with information regarding the bike is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Charged of alleged sexual assault A 35-YEAR-old Mordialloc man has been charged with a number of serious crimes after an alleged sexual assault of a woman in her seventies. The alleged incident occurred at a Mordialloc property at 3am, 2 November. The man has been charged with aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, four counts of stalking, assault with a weapon, two counts of threats to inflict serious injury and unlawful assault. The man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Wrong-way driver POLICE are searching for the driver of a red Holden utility that was driven erratically on the wrong side of Dunns Road and MorningtonTyabb Road, Mornington. They said the ute could have collided with oncoming vehicles. The VY or VZ model sped off along the wrong side of the road and onto MorningtonTyabb Road towards Moorooduc Highway, 8.50pm, Friday 30 November. Police are calling on drivers travelling along Dunns Road or Mornington-Tyabb road who have dash cam images of the ute to contact Leading Senior Constable Ron Trainer, at Mornington police, on 5970 4900.
High alcohol level A MORNINGTON man allegedly caught drink-driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.203 per cent will face Frankston Magistrates’ Court in April. Acting Sergeant Hugo Baard, of Mornington police, said the 27-year-old was picked up in Waterloo Place, 1.20am, Sunday 18 November. He was seen driving erratically and charged with exceeding 0.05 per cent. His licence was immediately suspended and his car was impounded with a $950 release fee.
Carpet theft THIEVES stole a trailer containing 10 rolls of green bowling carpet (pictured) from Bittern, over the weekend Friday 23 November- Monday 26 November. The blue tri-axle trailer has Bioscapes Group cut into the jerry can holders on the sides. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to crimestoppersvic.com.au
The stolen carpet and trailer: Police hope someone recognises them and knows their whereabouts.