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'Vile' Pupils Treated With Petting Zoo And Inflatables, Claims Union

A school paid for inflatables to entertain pupils while teachers were on strike over their poor behaviour, a union said - Wales news service

Pupils at a Welsh school were treated to a bouncy castle and a petting zoo while teachers were on strike over students' poor behaviour, a union has claimed.

Members of the Nasuwt teaching union at Ysgol Nantgwyn, a school for pupils aged three to 16 in Rhondda Cynon Taf, launched a two-day walkout earlier this month.

The union claimed deteriorating behaviour among students was affecting teachers' "health and wellbeing [and was] failing to be addressed by their employer".

Teachers have now accused the school of "rewarding bad behaviour" after pupils were offered a host of activities while 35 staff members were on strike.

Members of the Nasuwt teaching union at Ysgol Nantgwyn, a school in Rhondda Cynon Taf, launched a two-day walkout earlier this month - Wales news service

Sharron Daly, a national executive at Nasuwt, told Wales Online it included "a bouncy castle and assault course and a private company to run activities".

She said Sporting Marvels, a non-profit events company, and Mini Mayhem Soft, a bouncy castle hire firm, were brought in to entertain pupils on the first strike day of Oct 9.

Pupils were reportedly treated to armadillos, snakes and meerkats on the second day of the walkout after the school hired A&S Animal Encounters, a petting zoo company.

"The message to children is if you misbehave, you'll be rewarded with bouncy castles and an afternoon off the timetable," said Ms Daly.

Pupils were reportedly entertained by a petting zoo during the union walkout - Wales news service

It comes despite teachers complaining of "vile" behaviour by unruly students at the 1,000-pupil school.

One told Media Wales: "Being sworn at has become a regular occurrence. We've had thefts from staff bags by pupils, female staff have faced sexualised language from male pupils, and many staff and pupils have felt threatened and intimidated by other pupils."

Teachers claimed they have also had chairs thrown at them by pupils and been "circled" by older teenage boys during the school day.

The union said 'the message to children is if you misbehave, you'll be rewarded with afternoon off the timetable' - Wales news service

Nasuwt said on X, formerly Twitter, that "pupils shouldn't be rewarded for violence and abuse", adding that the union was helping teachers at the school "challenge poor behaviour management".

It has set four further strike days at Ysgol Nantgwyn for Nov 6, 13, 27 and 28 and said the union may hold an additional nine dates of action if the dispute goes unresolved.

A spokesman for Labour-run education authority Rhondda Cynon Taf council said on behalf of the school: "School leaders and senior council officers have been engaging positively and productively with Nasuwt and its members.

"It's disappointing that the dispute continues despite everyone's efforts to resolve it.

"The school has an existing behaviour policy in place, which has been the focus of consultation.

"Following feedback from Nasuwt on behalf of its members, proposed amendments to this policy have been undertaken to address issues of concern. We hope that following further consultation, any remaining issues are resolved."

It added that the school received a positive inspection in April 2023, with no major concerns about pupils' behaviour identified.

"It's important to recognise the positive behaviour and dedication of most students and the school's commitment to inclusive education. We will continue working with Nasuwt and its members to resolve all outstanding issues," the council said.

"The wellbeing of our learners and workforce is of paramount importance and the claim that Nasuwt members have been targeted is refuted in the strongest possible terms."

Ysgol Nantgwyn was approached for comment.

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Port Huron Halloween Stroll Featured Trackless Train, Magician, Petting Zoo, More

Port Huron's annual Halloween Stroll brought trick-or-treaters to Sanborn Park on Oct. 26.

"The Halloween Stroll is always a fun event regardless of the weather conditions, but this year the weather was fantastic — not too hot or too cold — and the sun was shining," Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department Marketing and Communications Coordinator Brittany Bezrutczyk said. "At this annual event, trick-or-treaters dress in costumes and walk through the woods at Sanborn Park to collect candy from about 30 community organizations. All of the organizations decorate their stations in Halloween décor and many have photo opportunities or games for the children to play."

At the event, trick-or-treaters dress in costumes and walk through the woods at Sanborn Park to collect candy from about 30 community organizations. (Courtesy of Brittany Bezrutczyk)

In addition to collecting candy, the recreation department provided donut holes for participating trick-or-treaters from Chef Shell's Restaurant and Catering and the Lions Club purchased and handed out apple cider.

"Union Properties LLC, who has been a continuous sponsor of the Halloween Stroll for a few years, also makes freshly popped popcorn onsite to give to the participants," Bezrutczyk said.

She said that with the support of Thorpe Printing Services, organizers brought back Josh Sawdon, a local magician of Sawdon Magic and Hypnosis.

Josh Sawdon, a local magician of Sawdon Magic and Hypnosis, was in attendance. (Courtesy of Brittany Bezrutczyk)

"It's always fun to see the children react to Josh's magic tricks," she said. "Some kids feel the need to investigate, while others are totally amazed."

"Other great staples at this event are the petting zoo, sponsored by Union Properties LLC this year, and the trackless train," she added. "The train is one of our most popular activities at the stroll, partly because train cars are large enough to fit adults inside. It's also a fun experience to have with your little one and ride around the park."

The trackless train is one of the most popular activities at the Halloween Stroll. (Courtesy of Brittany Bezrutczyk)

New this year, at the entrance to the stroll, there was a balloon arch accompanied by a fall-themed display with pumpkins and hay bales set up for families and children to take photos.

"It was great to see it being used so often," Bezrutczyk said. "Sometimes there was even a line to take photos at it."

She said that the total number of trick-or-treaters this year was 728 children.

"This number was expected compared to the past two years," she said. "For the past couple years, we've had 700 to 740 trick-or-treaters who attend. We also count the number of adults who accompany the children, too, and there were 748 adults. With so many adults who also attend, this tells us they enjoy the event as much as the children."

Bezrutczyk said that she always has a great time working at the Halloween Stroll.

"I'm not sure what I enjoy most about this event, but it's always fun to see the costumes," she said. "I especially love seeing families where parents, grandparents and children all dress in a theme."

A petting zoo was available. (Courtesy of Brittany Bezrutczyk)

The Halloween Stroll took place from 10 a.M. To 12:30 p.M. Tickets were available to purchase at the event, but Bezrutczyk said most purchased tickets beforehand. Tickets purchased ahead of time are priced at a reduced rate of $8 for city residents and township partners and $10 for nonresidents.

"The recreation department would like to thank our sponsors of this event, Thorpe Printing Services and Union Properties LLC, and the organizations who donate candy and their time," Bezrutczyk said. "These organizations really make this event — they definitely bring the Halloween spirit."

Sanborn Park is located at 1919 Sanborn St. In Port Huron. For more information about the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department, visit porthuronrec.Com.

Originally Published: October 31, 2024 at 1:12 PM EDT

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