Teachers demand action to stop attacks by pupils [Independent.ie]
- Published: 01 December 2010
It has become an occupational hazard for teachers. In some schools they face the threat of assault by pupils, and even parents.
Last week's attack on a primary principal in Limerick showed that this violence can even occur at primary level.
Geraldine Wallace, principal of St Mary's Boy School, suffered a broken nose after she was headbutted by a pupil.
The boy was suspended, and Ms Wallace was treated in hospital. Gardai were called in but they cannot prosecute the boy because he is under age.
The incident again highlights the threats faced by some teachers as they go about their work. Attacks in primary schools are much rarer than at second level, but there have been a number of violent incidents in recent years.
"Fortunately, this was an isolated incident,'' said Sean Cottrell, director of the Irish Primary Principals Network.
"Cases do arise from time to time.''
The IPPN director said recently there had been another incident where a parent hit a principal.
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