News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 30th August 2018

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PAKENHAM OFFICER

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

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Kaelyn’s a world star By Rowan Forster Pakenham’s Kaelyn Coker has taken the world by storm, crowned International Junior Miss Pre-Teen in Texas. Her passion for fashion saw her represent Australia at the 2014 International Junior Miss Scholarship Program’s International Finals in Virginia Beach, USA - but she was unable to break into the top 15. Determined to try again, Kaelyn brought

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The mother of an autistic Pakenham teen who suffered a concussion after a vicious schoolyard beat-down has pleaded with the State Government to address the “scourge” of bullying plaguing Victoria’s education system. Amanda Orbitani’s son Laurent is refusing to attend Pakenham Springs Primary School due to fears for his safety. It comes on the back of damning allegations surrounding a culture of bullying at Pakenham Secondary College. According to Ms Orbitani, the violence culminated in Laurent being rushed by ambulance to Casey Hospital with palpitations, dizziness and severe pain. She claims the children are participating in a brutal version of the game ‘Tiggy’, whereby players must knock the other person to the ground and stand on their backs - often escalating to pupils being targeted and assaulted. “He’s had students knock him down and steal his belongings, a sucker punch to the temple straight in front of the teacher that bruised and hurt for weeks, a split lip and numerous other incidents of bullying often centring around him being called gay,” she said. “At one point we had a particular student corner him and bully him for nine days in a

row, coming after him each time he told the teachers what had happened. “All we get told is that leadership has “dealt” with it - but how (they do) is unclear and certainly does not seem very effective.” She acknowledged the issue is widespread and not specific to Pakenham Springs, with parents sharing their horror stories from schools across the state. “I have lodged complaints with the Department of Education but am looking to address the issue within the wider community as well because I know my son’s case is not an isolated incident.” The Department of Education maintains it does not comment on specific incidents due to privacy obligations, but it has outlined a number of measures to combat school bullying. “There is no place for bullying or aggressive and threatening behaviour in our schools,” a spokesman said. “We work with children and young people to prevent violence and address the underlying causes, including trauma, mental illness, drug abuse and behaviour disorders. “In February, the Victorian Government launched a new $8.9 million Protective Schools Package to give our schools the support they need to create a safe environment for students and teachers.” 12386172-EPJ18-18

By Rowan Forster

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