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Vancouver Teacher Cited Before For 'Kissing Game' Suspended Again

Vancouver Teacher Cited Before For 'Kissing Game' Suspended Again
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A Vancouver elementary school teacher previously cited for inappropriate behaviour including conducting a "kissing game" and hitting students on the behind has had her qualification certificate suspended.

Chung Yuk (Joan) Ma was a teacher at Dr. George M. Weir Elementary School when she was seen at a school assembly in 2010 bouncing two Grade 4 students up and down on her lap, according to a decision posted this month by the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch. Neither student was in her class.

Ma had previously been suspended three times for "inappropriate behaviour," according to the consent resolution.

She was first suspended in January 2008 for five days for hitting children on the head and behind, and tugging or lifting students' shirts. She also discussed personal information with students, coached them on sensitive subjects, and used unsuitable language.

In May 2009, she was suspended for seven days after dressing up as Cupid for Valentine's Day and playing a "kissing game" with the kids. She would shoot the students with a Cupid's arrow, and then they would have to kiss her or she would have to kiss them, according to the disciplinary document.

Then in June 2010, Ma was suspended for 10 days after teaching a Grade 3 class the song "Bad Romance." The hit by Lady Gaga has inappropriate lyrics for children that age, said the decision. After that incident, Ma was also required to take a workshop on boundary violations.

About one month after bouncing students on her lap, Ma went on medical leave and has not taught since; in November 2011, the Vancouver School District terminated her employment.

This year, her certificate of qualification was suspended and will remain that way "until she satisfies the Director of Certification ... that she is able to carry out the professional duties of a teacher."

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