Carinthia adds support for suspended pupils after misconduct

Carinthia is introducing support for pupils suspended after violence or serious misconduct as the new school year begins with fewer students but enough teaching staff, ORF reports.

Under the new programme, suspended pupils will continue receiving support from specialist staff and take part in discussions to prepare them for returning to their classes. The measure follows a significant rise in suspensions.

Carinthia has 67,435 pupils this year, around 400 fewer than last year. About 5,250 children will start school for the first time on Monday. All advertised class-teacher positions have been filled.

Robert Derhaschnig of the education directorate said recruitment had been more difficult at remote schools and for rare combinations of subjects. However, no compulsory transfers were needed because teachers had volunteered to work at the schools, he said.

A headscarf ban will also take effect on Monday. State Councillor Peter Reichmann said it affects 47 pupils in Carinthia. Talks with religious communities were scheduled for Tuesday.