Educators in schools where violent incidents occurred were feeling a “certain amount of apprehension”, teachers’ union president Marco Bonnici told Times of Malta.
He spoke to the newspaper after it emerged that, apart from the two incidents that made the headlines involving students, parents and school officials earlier this week, there were also at least two other similar cases that have since been reported to the authorities.
Though Mr Bonnici would not give details on the latest incidents, saying those involved did not consent to information being disseminated, he pointed out that the authorities were “aware of everything”.
The Malta Union of Teachers, he continued, was defending the rights of its members and representing them accordingly. In many cases, he added, “personal specific directives” had also been issued.
Teachers have complained that such incidents had gone from being a rare occurrence to becoming quite common occurrence and that, as result, they were dreading going to work.
Mr Bonnici noted that being apprehensive was only natural, especially in the schools where incidents occurred. However, the union had not yet received any specific reports of educators actually fearing going to school, he pointed out.
Priority should be ensuring security and safety
Since the two incidents reported by the press earlier this week, several teachers vented their frustration on social media, complaining about aggression in schools.
Some argued that instead of going to work and focusing on the education of their students they were often more preoccupied with ensuring such incidents are avoided.
Teachers have also warned in recent days that understaffing and trickle-down of institutional frustration was leading to growing tension between students.
Education Ministry sources expressed concern at the increase in the number of violent incidents occurring at schools, saying more teachers were reporting instances of aggression.
Two men were arraigned on Wednesday in connection with an incident at the Pembroke secondary school on Monday that allegedly occurred after a 15-year-old boy had to be hospitalised following an assault by another student. A student and a school official were involved in a fight at St Ignatius College secondary school, in Qormi, the day after.
Teachers’ union officials met with Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and made a series of proposals. These included stepping up security at schools, reviewing physical access and ensuring concrete intervention in situations caused by mental health issues and substance abuse, among other things.
The government has said it would be fast-tracking the introduction of harsher penalties for violence in schools. Fines could be as high as €5,000.
Asked whether the union was considering requesting “danger money”, additional pay for those working in dangerous situations, Mr Bonnici said priority should be on ensuring security and safety of schools that would benefit both educators and students and prevent cases and situations “which no amount of money can justify”.