School to bar assault pupil

IT is unlikely that the student who attacked his teacher will be allowed to attend classes at his school in the run-up to his Leaving Certificate exams.

Last week, the parents of 16-year-old Steven Jacob were presented with an option by the school’s board of management that will allow him to complete his studies and sit the examination.

It is understood, however, that the student will not be allowed to attend the school’s mainstream classes.

Chris Gavin, 33, an English teacher in Deansrath Community College in Dublin, suffered a broken nose and had two of his teeth knocked out after being attacked by the teenager last month.

Mr Gavin has been on sick leave since the incident.

He was assaulted by the teenager following a row over the use of a mobile phone during class time.

Principal Maria Shannon suspended the pupil.

Chairwoman of the school’s board of management, Fine Gael Cllr Therese Ridge, said the board met last Wednesday and their decision was conveyed to the boy’s parents.

She expected that the parents would reply to the school’s offer today but would not comment further on the matter until then.

Sources have indicated, however, that an accommodation will be provided by the school so that the student can complete his studies and sit his examination.

The boy’s mother, Bernadette Jacob, admitted on RTÉ radio last month that her son’s actions were inexcusable and apologised to the injured teacher.

Ms Jacob, insisted, however, that her son, the youngest of six children, was “a very quiet boy” and said she was shocked when she heard about the attack.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) said training should be provided to deal with violent students, risk assessments of pupils carried out, and clarity provided about what reasonable force could be used in the class.