Education Ministry allegedly calls teacher’s partners in ‘data breach’

Sep 29 2021

The Malta Union of Teachers filed a formal complaint with Malta’s data protection commissioner after the Education Ministry committed an alleged data breach. The MUT said it was clear that the ministry was ‘in a state of panic’ and resorted to calling teacher’s partners in order to update them about last-minute changes to the upcoming scholastic year. The MUT complained to the Data Protection Commissioner, saying that the ministry should not have any such access to these contacts.

As state schools open their doors for returning students, the MUT and the Education Ministry have been engaged in a dispute about shortage of teachers. The ministry has been called out by the union over last-minute transfers, peripatetic teachers being asked to teach classes they are unqualified for and even leaving classes allegedly without teachers. The situation, mainly caused by COVID-19 regulations, is still ongoing, with many worrying about the education kids are receiving.

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Photo Source: Science Friday, Forbes

Sex Education is doing what teens feel their educators never did

Sep 29 2021

It’s no wonder that Netflix show ‘Sex Education’ blew up in terms of popularity. But its main appeal right now is how perfectly it weaves learning about relationships, sexuality and coming of age better than what many are saying their parents or educators ever did. Taking place in a fictitious town, the characters of the series tackle everything from coming out, dating away from heteronormativity and how to properly engage in sexual activity safely and consciously.

Social media, most prominently Twitter and Instagram, are blowing up with youth, and even some adults, praising the show for moving society forward. Outdated views about sex are being challenged with a newer intensity and as many struggle to figure out where they fit in the world, the show has provided a glimpse into how a sexual life can be healthy and fun. And although it should not become the primary substitute for proper education, many are calling for adults to take a page out of the series’ book and amend their approach.

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Photo Source: Digital Spy, Netflix

Kids might not get their Pfizer jab until November

Sep 29 2021

With the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer submitting research to the US Food and Drug Administration on the effectiveness of its COVID jab, it has been suggested that the shots for children may not be available until November. The company stated on Tuesday that health regulators had been provided with data from a. Recent study of its vaccine in children between 5 to 11 years of age. Officials previously stated that they would file an application with the FDA to authorise use in coming weeks.

Evidence will be reviewed and consulted with advisory committees once the company files its application. This will determine if the shots are safe and effective for recommended use. Depending on how quickly the FDA acts, jabs might be available earlier in November. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech say that they expect to request emergency use authorisation of their vaccine in the age group in the coming weeks. The companies also plan to submit data to the European Medicines Agency and other regulators.

Two-shots of the Pfizer vaccine is currently available for those 12 and older. Around 100 million people in the US have been fully vaccinated with it, according to the CDC. Pfizer tested a lower dose of the shots in children, with the drug maker saying last week that the vaccine developed corona-virus fighting antibody levels in kids which were just as strong as those found in teenagers. Moderna is also currently studying its shots in elementary school aged children.

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Photo Source: Wall Street Journal

FC Sheriff shock Real Madrid with last minute winner

Sep 29 2021

Last night, Moldovan team FC Sheriff shocked Spanish giants Real Madrid and narrowly beat them 2-1 scoring the winner in the 89th minute. This came as a shock to every football fan and even more so considering the game was being held at Real Madrid’s home, Santiago Bernabéu.

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The score line did not represent the match stats, as according to the stats Real Madrid should have easily won. Los Blancos had 31 shots to Sheriff’s 4, 76% possession of the match and passed the ball 705 times in comparison to Sheriff’s 237 passes. They were still the losing team come the end of the match.

The first half started the way Real Madrid wanted it, attacking the Sheriff goal and coming close to finding the back of the net. In the 25th minute Sheriff scored their first chance of the game, from a well worked header by Uzbekistan striker Jasurbek Yakhshiboev. The first half continued the way how it started with Real Madrid looking for a goal but this time Sheriff looked more confident attacking.

The second half was very similar to the first, as both teams were looking for a goal or more. Real Madrid started the half in good fashion, which resulted in a penalty in the 65th minute which was coolly slotted home by Karim Benzema. Now that the game was again back in a stalemate, it was a race against time for the two teams to find a winner. Surprisingly the Moldovan side won the race late on in the 89th minute. The superb goal by Sébastien Thill was what broke Los Blancos hearts.

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Sheriff’s next game will be a trip to San Siro to play against Italian champions Inter, whilst Real Madrid will have a tough task in Ukraine against Shaktar Donetsk ahead of them.

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