Newsmonth: August, 2012

newsmonth newspaper of the nsw/act independent education union [vol 31 #7] november Newspaper of the NSW/ACT Independent Education Union (vol 32 #5) August 2012

Print Post: 225007/0002 – ISSN: 0728-4845

Fighting back on workers comp P2

We Connect wrap-up P12-13

Spotlight on clearance checks P5

KU breakthrough a step in the right direction Negotiations with the largest employer of early childhood teachers in NSW are close to finalisation with KU offering a 14.5% pay increase over three years, backdated to August 2011.

Successful negotiations will also see a substantial increase in the director’s allowance, an increase to 2.5 hours per week of programming time for teachers and other improvements in conditions.

KU and the IEU are continuing discussions on how 15 hours of preschool education can be delivered without having a significant impact on teachers workloads.

The increases will put KU teachers’ salaries 5% behind the current pay of school teachers.

A KU four-year trained preschool teacher at the top of the scale will earn

$88,412 at the end of the agreement as compared to the current salary of $86,878 per annum for a four-year trained teacher in a Catholic or DEC school.

“KU has always felt strongly that teachers are teachers and that they play a pivotal role in the leadership of the learning programs in our services,” Christine Legg, KU CEO, says.

“For several years, we have advocated strongly for pay parity between teachers in the early childhood sector with their colleagues in schools.

“We are incredibly proud to be taking a leadership role in narrowing this gap

as well as introducing a Responsible Person allowance.

“We value the relationship and support provided by the IEU as together we take a proactive role in raising the status and standing of teachers in the early childhood education sector,” Chris says.

The IEU is also in negotiations with Big Fat Smile (formerly Illawarra Children’s Services), who have offered a 15% pay rise over three years.

KU and Big Fat Smile have been strong supporters of the IEU’s Teachers are Teachers campaign, which calls for pay parity between early childhood and school

“This shows a strong commitment by these employers to address the pay parity issue.”

teachers. Both employers supported Blue Day, a campaign event last year, and other Teachers are Teachers activities.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction and shows a strong commitment by these employers to address the pay parity issue, Early Childhood Education Industrial Officer Verena Heron says.

“It shows the campaign is bearing fruit, and members' hard work is worthwhile.

“We will continue to keep fighting for more improvements.”

Later this year the 12,000 signature petition collected by members calling for pay parity will be tabled in State Parliament.

The Union is still awaiting the release of the preschool funding review.

IEU survey: Members pinpoint Institute concerns Cumbersome requirements, not enough time, too expensive and a hard time accessing professional development. These are among the most common comments provided to the IEU’s survey of member attitudes and experiences of the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Other responses pointed to difficulties navigating the Institute’s website, a lack of input into the choice of mentors, concerns

over accreditation being misused by employers or delayed, a desire for more support and guidance from the Institute and a need for professional development that is better tailored for specific requirements, for example additional needs education. Not all responses were negative, with some expressing appreciation for additional exposure to genuinely helpful professional development and good experiences with mentors.

Comments snapshot: “Does this process make me a better teacher or am I just a more exhausted teacher with less energy to spend on the kids – which is where I need it, I assure you.”

“I am very lucky to be at a school that is very considerate about giving my mentor and I all the time out that we need.”

“The biggest issue I have is trying to find time to complete all the requirements.”

“We need to ensure that schools support staff by offering inservices. It is very hard to find inservices that are Institute registered and even harder for teachers to get permission from their schools to attend inservices.”

Analysis and next steps, p3

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Your rights under attack Gloria Taylor IEU Deputy Secretary As foreshadowed in the last Newsmonth, the rights and benefits of injured workers have been severely slashed with the passage of the O’Farrell Government’s new workers compensation legislation in June. The changes are retrospective and wide reaching.

The new laws will reduce payments to some injured workers in the first 26 weeks and restrict workers compensation payments to most injured workers to five years regardless of their state of health at the end of the period.

Medical expenses for most injured workers will cease 12 months after they return to work, that is, 12 months after weekly payments cease.

This will lead to hardship for injured workers who have returned to work but still have an injury that requires delayed or ongoing treatment.

Examples include the need for fusion surgery and hip and knee replacements as well as replacement of prosthetics and hearing devices.

Some workers require ongoing treatment to maintain the capacity to work with examples including pain injections, physiotherapy or exercise and access to a psychologist.

The changes deny adequate compensation for permanent injuries for many workers by significantly increasing lump sum thresholds for injured workers. Death benefits are also reduced.

Journey claims are also limited with the laws essentially abolishing claims to and from work.

A further change yet to be proclaimed involves legal costs for disputed claims. This issue is of great concern to the Union as we have challenged hundreds of rejected workers compensation claims over the years and each year the IEU refers 60 new claims on average to our workers compensation solicitors.

The change appears to mean that a solicitor cannot be paid legal costs by an employee in relation to a workers compensation claim, although insurers may continue to pay their solicitors. A lack of clarity in this provision has probably been responsible for the delay in proclamation. Whatever occurs in the end, the IEU is committed to making any necessary changes to our current arrangements to ensure our members receive support with their cases.

What can we do about these changes?

The IEU is taking part in the Unions NSW campaign to make the public aware of the impact of the legislation and to take action to reverse these unfair laws. For more information on the details of the legislation and what you can do visit http://nswforall.org.au or the Unions NSW website.

The IEU is also putting a claim on employers (see below) to ensure injured workers receive appropriate support and benefits.

IEU Officers joined 3000 activists at Newcastle’s Civic Park recently to protest the changes to Workers’ Compensation law.

Claim for extra workers compensation insurance Carol Matthews IEU Assistant Secretary At Newsmonth deadline the IEU Executive was due to consider a claim for employers to provide assistance to employees in light of the recent workers compensation changes by the NSW Government. The claim will have two elements: 1. Employer payment of additional workers compensation insurance The insurance will be to cover: • journey claims from home to work - that is medical expenses and lost wages as a result of injuries occurring on the way to work, and • medical expenses to continue beyond the new statutory cut-off date of 12

months after weekly payments cease (in most cases, unless the employee is very seriously injured, five years after the injury).

2. Make-up pay while on workers compensation The Executive will also consider a claim for agreements to include make-up pay – so that employees on workers compensation may take sick leave or long service leave to cover the difference between the rate of pay on workers compensation and pre-injury earnings. This provision has been included in the teachers’ agreements applying to teachers in Catholic systemic schools but not in other agreements applying to support staff in Catholic schools nor in agreements applying to teachers in Catholic independent schools.

Pay rise for support staff in Catholic schools Most support staff in NSW and ACT Catholic diocesan schools received an interim 2.5% pay rise from the first pay period after 1 July 2012. The pay rise reflected increases that have occurred in NSW Government schools and was limited to 2.5% because of the NSW Government’s policy of limiting pay rises to public sector workers which is now part of the NSW Industrial Relations Act. The increase was in response to a claim by the Union for the same increase to apply in Catholic schools as was awarded by the Industrial Commission to NSW public sector workers.

The interim increase will apply to employees in diocesan schools employed pursuant to the following agreements: • the School Support Staff (Archdiocese of Sydney and Dioceses of Broken Bay and 2

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Parramatta) Enterprise Agreement and the School Support Staff (Country and Regional Dioceses) Enterprise Agreement • *the Maintenance and Outdoor Staff (Catholic Schools) Enterprise Agreement, and • the School Employees (Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn - Catholic Diocesan Schools) Collective Agreement.

The interim pay rise will also apply to maintenance and outdoor staff employed in Catholic independent schools (most other support staff in Catholic independent schools received an interim increase of 2.5% at the beginning of the year).

The Union is continuing to pursue a claim for additional increases for all support staff in those Catholic independent schools where teachers have received increases in excess of 2.5% under agreements negotiated with the Union.

Workload agreements to be revisited

IEU Council endorsed a claim in August last year for a review of work practice agreements applying in Catholic diocesan schools to ensure that there was regulation across the state of the basic components of teachers‘ work.

Although there are comprehensive agreements negotiated with the Union applying in the larger dioceses, in some country dioceses the agreements have not been reviewed for many years. The IEU will be seeking to negotiate new agreements directly with these dioceses.

The Union is also seeking a common standard of a maximum requirement of 10 hours of compulsory meetings per term for all teachers. This is common in secondary schools but a number of dioceses require primary teachers to be available for 15 hours per term of principal directed meetings. Regulation on the number of hours of meetings is crucial to assist teachers in managing the competing demands on their time as teachers work is becoming ever more demanding.

Details on the claim will be sent to chapters in coming weeks.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Deeply felt and widely held John Quessy General Secretary Since the last edition of Newsmonth the Union has conducted an online survey of members’ attitudes and experiences of the NSW Institute of Teachers accreditation process.

The 561 responses confirm that teacher concerns are deeply felt and widely held.

Almost 90% of respondents identified as New Scheme Teachers and the statistical responses can be found on the IEU website.

While we will not publish the ‘free response’ comments these will be provided verbatim to the Institute and to employing authorities, as the IEU seeks meetings to discuss the results of the survey with these organisations.

There were positive and constructive comments made by members but also a lot of venting, clearly displaying the level of teacher and mentor frustration with certain accreditation processes and the Institute itself.

Certainly the Institute has a ‘hard sell’ ahead to demonstrate value, relevance and usefulness to its members based on many experiences.

There is a general acceptance that no government is going to repeal the Institute of Teachers Act and that accreditation of some form is here to stay.

Most are also aware of developing national standards and a push at a federal level for a single nationwide accreditation policy.

That said our members are clearly

or appropriately resourced and knowledgeable mentors, are reoccurring reproaches.

The plight and difficulties experienced by distinct groups such as casuals, temporaries and teacher librarians are also referenced in the comments.

The survey provides instructive comment on the current format for both

“Our members are clearly telling us that if teacher accreditation is to be a positive and credible phenomenon it has some way to go to achieve that.” telling us that if teacher accreditation is to be a positive and credible phenomenon it has some way to go to achieve that.

Our members are extremely critical of the level of service (or lack of it) provided by the Institute which some describe as just another ‘tax’.

Failures within individual schools and some systems to provide mentors,

initial accreditation and maintaining accreditation.

Members point to cumbersome processes and paperwork, inadequacy and expense of accessing useful and relevant PD (and recording of same) as well as stress and frustration at what many see as bureaucratic processes taking valuable time and effort away from core teaching and preparation tasks.

The data and the comments (both the positive and negative) from the survey are informative and helpful because they provide concrete examples of the experiences and attitudes of our members particularly those who are Institute accredited.

This evidence informs the conversations and negotiations we have with those in a position to make changes and assists us as a Union to better direct our resources.

These issues around teaching standards and accreditation impact on the whole teaching profession not merely those currently ‘caught’ by their own accreditation requirements.

Increased and increasing demands for various forms and levels of ‘accountability’ create new work demands on our members in schools and can only be managed by either reducing other work or injecting new resources.

Some of the issues relating to work intensification for accredited teachers, their mentors and supervisors will be addressed in a forthcoming NewsExtra.

Healthy hip pocket tips for members How is your hip pocket? Have you lodged your tax return and are you keeping your new financial year resolutions? For those looking for inspiration, here are a few ways members can get the most out of the previous financial year and, even more importantly, your future financial wellbeing.

• Make sure you don’t miss out on all the benefits that IEU membership affords, including the support of your Union on industrial matters, agreement negotiation, personal advice on employment issues and entitlements, access to professional development and a range of other services … including Newsmonth! Check out the IEU Membership Benefits booklets for a range of additional savings and deals.

To ensure you stay eligible, update your details with the IEU when you move house, start a new job, adjust your employment arrangements (the less you earn the less you pay) or change your name. And remember to claim

your Union fees as a tax deduction.

To update your details or request a statement, contact membership at membership@ieu.asn.au or 9779 3200.

• Follow the NGS Super recommendations for maximising your superannuation by: consolidating your superannuation into one account, thus saving on fees and ensuring you don’t lose track of your money; get advice about the right investment options for your circumstances; understand what you’re superannuation insurance covers you for and that you have an appropriate level of cover; get some financial advice that takes into account your individual needs; and put aside some extra money for your retirement. Did you know you can contribute up to $25,000 a year into your super? This means you’ll also see the tax benefits when completing your tax return next year.

See www.ngssuper.com.au.

• Get smart with the Australian Security and Investment Commission’s

invaluable Money Smart website, promising “simple guidance you can trust” and listing a broad range of resources and information regarding money management, calculating your credit card repayments, avoiding scams, finding unclaimed money and providing a range of tools for balancing your budget.

See www.moneysmart.gov.au • Find out how a price on pollution impacts your cost of living and what it will achieve. While you are there, consider additional ways you can reduce your load on the environment while saving cash. (You can even do it without leaving facebook.)

See www.yourcarbonprice.com.au.

• Check your pay slips to ensure they reflect your salary scale, any allowances and pay rises, leave accrual, and superannuation deductions. Keep a close eye on these and each time your circumstances change make sure your bank account and the information on your pay packet reflect this. If

something doesn't make sense, ask for an explanation. If you're still not satisfied or it doesn't add up, contact your IEU Organiser. Issues around incorrect pay are more common than you might think and they tend to be easier to rectify when caught sooner.

• If you are yet to lodge your tax claim, the ATO’s website is always a good source of motivation and direction, with its publication tailored especially for teachers. Download online to get abreast of the latest list of deductions.

See http://www.ato.gov.au/ content/00313566.htm • Here’s one for the students. Help empower young people to take control of their own financial future with the ATO’s Tax, Super + You curriculum resource.

See www.taxsuperandyou.gov.au.

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Fighting on all fronts IEU Organiser Karen Reid has resumed work at the IEU after the battle of her life, writes Newsmonth Journalist Sue Osborne.

Karen was a finance administrator and IEU Rep at Oxford Falls Grammar School on the Northern Beaches in 2004 when she noticed an organiser’s vacancy advertised by the Union.

“I had worked as an organiser for the Financial Services Union. I was across agreements for teachers and support staff in my role as finance administrator and rep, so it was a good fit.

“I was looking forward to a new start in my working life.

I wanted to be out there visiting members in schools.”

Karen was thrilled to be offered the position in late 2004 to start in February 2005.

But in December Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery followed almost immediately.

“I was absolutely devastated. This was my dream job about to start and I thought I might not be able to do it.”

However, former IEU General Secretary Dick Shearman told Karen: “We’ll wait for you”.

Karen started her job in February as planned, taking every third Friday off for chemotherapy.

“I would do all my school visits for a fortnight, then leave the chemo week for administration.”

As Support Staff Organiser in the Ku-ring-gai area, Karen covered schools such as Abbotsleigh in Normanhurst, St Pius in Chatswood and St Joseph’s in Hunters Hill, as well as all the Catholic systemic schools and early childhood centres in the area.

“We were right in the middle of support staff award negotiations and we achieved great results, particularly with the Catholic systemic schools and with Christian schools.

“I also had some success with individual members and their disputes with their employers.

“The more wins I had with the Union, the better I was feeling with my treatment. It gave me confidence.” In 2007 Karen transferred to the IEU’s Parramatta office.

“I started covering more schools out west, and I enjoyed that challenge.”

In late 2009 Karen began suffering back pain, and thought she had a slipped disc.

At her annual check-up with the oncologist it was recommended she have a bone scan. Two days later she was back in hospital.

“It looked like someone had thrown black smarties at my spine.”

Scans revealed she had cancer in her spine, pelvis, skull, ribs, heart, liver and lungs. The prognosis was not good.

“I’d done this once before. I believed I could beat the odds. I have a personal belief in a divine being that is greater than me.”

Reluctantly Karen had to stop work, as the treatment required was so intense. The Union kept her job open. She says the support of IEU staff and members helped her through.

Karen battled on for three years, and despite the intensity of her treatment, she undertook a counselling degree and volunteered for Canhelp.

After convincing her doctors to allow it, Karen returned to work at the IEU two months ago in a part-time capacity.

She is doing research on various member issues.

“The IEU has been very supportive and I am ready to support the members in my work at the IEU. “My aim is to be back at work full time in the New Year. Since I’ve been back to work my cancer markers have gone from a thousand to 600. It’s my therapy. I aim to be at zero next year.

“I don’t give cancer life – I live life as if I never had it. You just get on with it and live to the full.”

“The more wins I had with the Union, the better I was feeling with my treatment.”

2012 IEU Race Day Wednesday, 26th September, 2012 at Canterbury Park Racetrack The NSW/ACT Independent Education Union invites members and friends to once again join us for our race day.

As is tradition, the entire seven-race program, including the IEU Cup, will be sponsored by affiliated organisations only.

Organise a group from your school, education facility or organisation. Group bookings are available for tables of 10 or more but any seating configuration can be arranged.

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The cost of $65 per person includes: Admission, members’ stand tickets, race book, buffet luncheon and drinks (wine, champagne, soft drinks and beer) served during the lunch period (2.5 hours) Buffet Menu Hot and cold entrees, quality buffet meats, chicken, salads, bread and a choice of desserts and cakes with tea, coffee.

Vegetarian options available

If you haven’t already been a part of the IEU race day, then you don’t know what you’re missing!

It’s a great fun day for members with prizes for both men and women, including best dressed, best hats, best ties and shoes. Talk to your colleagues and arrange a table.

Contact Helen Gregory 9779 3200 on 1800 467 943 toll free or email: helen@ieu.asn.au immediately to reserve your place. Confirmation and tickets will be forwarded only on receipt of payment.

Credit card payments are accepted by telephone.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Clumsy approach to child protection

The IEU is lobbying politicians for a more reasonable approach to clearance checks for those in childrelated employment.

The Union says it is insulting and inconvenient to require all school staff to travel to RTA offices and pay an $80 fee for their own identity checks, particularly for those in rural and remote locations.

The IEU has written to NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli and met with senior representatives of the Commission for Children and Young People to outline concerns.

While there are some benefits to the new legislation, including access to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal if members fail to get a clearance, the Union says it is cumbersome to require all employees to get the clearance within the

next five years under the new system.

Issues outlined include: • The imposition of a fee for employee clearance for child related employment.

Teachers and other education staff have committed their working lives to the education and care of children and are advocates of child protection measures. They also have significant responsibilities in relation to child protection legislation. They are willingly compliant. It is offensive, however, to now impose a clearance fee to work with children.

• The fee will pose financial hardship for many seeking child related employment and may deter them from seeking such employment. In the non-government education sector this would be a

potential hardship for those on low wages (eg teacher aides including those working with children with disabilities; indigenous education workers, childcare workers). Many of these positions are part-time and/or casual adding to the financial issue. Fees could also provide a hardship for those just completing their studies and entering the workforce for the first time.

• For those entering teaching they must join the NSW Institute of Teachers and pay a fee of $100 per annum. They are exposed to two fees and multiple processes around approvals to teach and continue teaching.

• Processes are also clumsy. Employes will be providing proof of identity for clearance with the CCYP as well as with employers and the Institute.

• The CCYP Act was enacted in 1998 and 100-point identification has been done on every existing employee working in schools and early childhood services since that time. The Union is aware of no incidents of identity fraud in the education sector.

• The use of Motor Vehicle Registries is an unreasonable imposition and a very difficult one in some country/regional areas. No full list of registries is currently available on the website.

Many more remote areas have no local MVR and it would be very difficult for a non-driver with a low income to access a Motor Registry for an identity check. There would be many other viable options if identity checks are required.

Dad and partner pay The IEU has welcomed the recent introduction of ‘dad and partner pay’ by the Federal Parliament, writes IEU Assistant Secretary Pam Smith.

Legislation passed by the Federal Parliament on 27 June will give fathers access to two weeks’ government-funded ‘dad and partner pay’ at the rate of the national minimum wage ($606 a week before tax) from 1 January next year.

The Paid Parental Leave and Other Legislation Amendment (Dad and Partner Pay and Other Measures)

Bill 2012 expands the Australian Government’s current Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Scheme with dad and partner pay – a dedicated payment to give fathers and partners financial support to stay at home for two weeks with their new baby.

Dad and partner pay will be available to eligible fathers and partners, including adopting parents and parents in same-sex couples.

Similar to PPL, it will be available to full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, contract and self-employed workers

who have worked at least 330 hours (just over one day a week) in 10 of the 13 months before the birth of their baby and who earned $150,000 or less in the previous financial year.

To receive dad and partner pay, a person must be on unpaid leave or not working for that period.

A family will be able to receive dad and partner pay either on its own or in addition to PPL or other family payments such as the baby bonus and family tax benefit.

Since the Government’s PPL scheme

began on 1 January 2011, more than 160,000 new mothers, including many IEU members, have applied for up to 18 weeks of PPL. The IEU and other unions will contribute to a review of the national PPL scheme by the Government in 2013 in regard to a range of eligibility and administrative areas.

Members with inquiries about PPL or any parental or carer’s leave issue are welcome to contact the IEU for advice.

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Yad Vashem the international school for holocaust studies The IEU was recently part of a delegation which attended the Eighth International Conference on Holocaust Education held in Jerusalem, writes IEU Assistant Secretary Mark Northam.

The program involved an intensive tour of the museum, lectures, tours and importantly a broad range of self selected presentations.

From an educational perspective; the museum,

resources, learning centre and the International School for Holocaust Studies are outstanding.

The conference was titled – Telling the Story, Teaching the Core. The focus was on educational challenges, making sense of the holocaust and methods of imparting existing knowledge. Of particular significance were survivors recounting their experiences.

The IEU has a catalogue of resources which covers

kindergarten to high school and beyond. Should members wish to access this they should contact zuzana@ieu.asn.au and request the relevant section.

See also www.yadvashem.org.

History teachers in particular may find the Holocaust Survivors Memoirs Project of considerable interest.

The goal is to publish memoirs in English. The project aims to collect, preserve and make available autobiographical accounts of Holocaust survivors.

Present Tense ELICOS News Kendall Warren IEU Organiser From 1 July, the increases stemming from the most recent minimum wage decision took effect. These increases will be equivalent to 2.9% across all award wage levels. In the private college sector, this will see the salary rates in the modern award increase from the current $40,250.29 to $41,417.55 at Level 1, and from $52,683.52 to $54,211.34 at Level 12 (with similar increases at all other levels).

Most English colleges in NSW are subject to the transitional arrangements for salary rates pursuant to the Fair Work Act. Under these arrangements, the old State award rates (which were higher) can be progressively ‘adjusted’ (ie, reduced) by 20% of the difference between the two award rates as it was 6

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when the modern award took effect in January 2010 (roughly about $1400 per annum).

The latest increase from Fair Work Australia (FWA) brings the two rates into rough alignment, and so all teachers in all colleges will see regular mandated pay rises from July, 2013 (and each July thereafter), in line with the minimum wage increase given in that particular year.

It is possible to negotiate increases in excess of the minimums given as part of the national wage case, through negotiating an enterprise agreement at your college.

The IEU has recently begun negotiations with several colleges. The most advanced of these negotiations is with Navitas English Pty Ltd (formerly known as ACL), where the Union and

staff representatives have been meeting fortnightly with management for the last few months.

These negotiations are now at the ‘pointy end’ of salary claims. It’s safe to say that the parties are still some way apart, but the Union is hopeful that we will agree to terms in the next few months.

Negotiations have also started at UWS College (in conjunction with the NTEU and the CPSU), UoW College (in concert with the NTEU) and Macquarie Community College. These negotiations are still at the early stages, as the parties have only recently exchanged Logs of Claims. Bargaining will start later in the year at Insearch, and the various members of the EPIA group of colleges.

The Fair Work Act contains provisions for “good faith bargaining”, whereby if a majority of employees wish to start

bargaining with their employer, then the employer must do so, and in good faith.

To find out how these provisions might be used at your college, contact the IEU. In most cases, a college will agree to start bargaining once enough of its teachers sign a petition to that end, but occasionally, the Union has had to seek the assistance of Fair Work Australia (FWA). As was outlined in a recent column, one such college is ILSC (formerly PGIC), who have fought their teachers’ desires to negotiate an agreement every step of the way. The IEU took the matter to FWA earlier in the year, but were unsuccessful, as not enough teachers took part in the ballot.

The IEU then went through the process again, and the matter was still to be decided by FWA as Present Tense went to print.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Rep Spotlight|Sue Marsden

July 2012

Labour Bites

The IEU websites (www.ieu. asn.au) carries regular updates of local and international news with a trade union flavour. IEU General Secretary John QUESSY reproduces below some recent items.

Join the race to the bottom Unions representing police, fire and public workers in Scranton, Pennsylvania, have filed three lawsuits after the city defied a judge’s order and paid 398 city employees at the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour rather than their proper rate.

The lawsuits filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act accuse the city of failing to pay wages on time and failing to pay overtime. Another lawsuit seeks to hold the mayor in contempt for violating a judge’s order. Yet another alleges that benefits for disabled police and firefighters were cut without a hearing.

Scranton’s mayor and the city council have been locked in a dispute over how to raise money in a city that has steadily lost population over the past 50 years and has been hit hard by the real estate slump and the great recession that followed. Mayor Doherty has argued that the city needs to increase taxes, but council members want to find other ways to raise money. (Source: NBC)

Woman to lead TUC Great Britain is to have its first female Secretary of the Trade Union Council (TUC). Elected unopposed, Frances O’Grady has every intention of using her background to help modernise and expand a trade union movement that faces one of its sternest tests of its mettle yet in an era of austerity.

O’Grady, who raised her two children as a single parent, said: “I do know what it’s like to be running around early in the morning, trying to get one kid to nursery, another kid to school and then getting to work. “I know how difficult that is and I won’t forget it. And I know what it’s like now as a middle-aged woman to have adult children and also to have an elderly mother – I know what it’s like to be that generation of women too. So I will bring some of that perspective.”

O’Grady acknowledged that unions face a recruitment challenge as official figures published this week show trade union membership in the UK fell for the third successive year in 2011-12. But the former shop steward insisted that unions are more relevant than ever despite the decline, and stressed that boosting membership will be a central aim of her tenure – although she admitted that a prolonged economic downturn already made stabilising the decline a “worthy aim”. (Source: The Guardian)

Demountable heaven Cleaners at London’s Olympic Park are being housed 10 to a room at a huge temporary compound. The campsite in East London, hidden from public view, has 25 people sharing each toilet and 75 to each shower. They sleep in portable cabins, some of which have been leaking in the rain.

Hundreds have come from abroad to work at the Olympics despite promises that the jobs would go to Londoners. On arrival, some were horrified to be told there was no work for two weeks. But despite this, they were made to pay the cleaning company £18 a day ‘rent’ to sleep in the overcrowded metal cabins.

Two girls have left already because they did not want to sleep in a room with men they didn’t know. Workers at the camp have signed gagging orders preventing them from talking to the press and have been banned from having family and friends visit ‘for security reasons’.

A spokesperson for the Olympic Organising Committee said "Cleanevent [part of Spotless] have assured us that the accommodation they are providing their workers is of a suitable standard."

(Source: Daily Mail)

Occupy Hong Kong eviction HSBC has asked a court in Hong Kong to let it evict protesters at its Asian headquarters who have been there for nine months. Protesters have pitched about 20 tents in an alleyway on the ground floor of the HSBC building.

The protest is inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, which began in New York and is aimed at highlighting inequality. HSBC says it owns the property and intends to use it for community events.

The demonstrators did not comply with an earlier request by HSBC to voluntarily pack up and leave the building. (Source: BBC)

Preserving a legacy

When asked what inspired Sue Marsden to put her hand up for the Rep role at St John The Evangelist Primary School, Wollongong, she has no hesitation in citing the legacy of the previous Rep, writes Newsmonth Journalist Tara de Boehmler.

Though she has been the school’s Rep for more than five years, Sue finds the work of her predecessor, Mary Powell, to be an ongoing inspiration.

“When Mary was nearing retirement I started going to South Coast Branch meetings with her and was elected when she stepped down as I showed the most interest.

“She was an absolutely amazing Teacher and Rep, who managed to build up membership to around 90% of teachers and school support staff.

“I didn’t want to see all of that slip away.”

Although Sue doesn’t consider herself to be of the same calibre as Mary – “I really haven’t had to do that much but I’m in there and trying,” she says – Sue is glad to have developed a style that puts respect and professionalism first.

“The members know I will investigate and do what I can for them to the best of my ability but that I never take things further without people’s permission.

“Sometimes things happen that you want to do something about but

if people just want to talk you need to respect what they want you to do.”

Sue says she also has respect for the school Principal and ensures he is kept up-to-date with Union advice.

“I listen to people and always check my facts with our IEU Organiser before I tell anyone anything.

“I’m an even-keeled person so I don’t go off ranting half-cocked. That approach gets you nowhere and it gets people’s back up.”

Sue says the best thing about her role is the “trust people have in me and that they find me easy to approach”.

She also appreciates the efforts of her IEU Organiser in supporting her work as school Rep and the overall support she provides to members at the school.

“Our Organiser is the greatest thing since sliced bread – she is undoubtedly the most supportive, approachable person you could imagine and I cannot speak highly enough of her.

“There are so many benefits to belonging to the IEU. There is always someone there to advise you and we wouldn’t have anything like our current wages and conditions without the work of the Union.

“I wouldn’t be without membership and the safeguard it provides for me, my children and my students.” newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Strength in numbers Forming a network has proved an enormous source of strength for directors and teachers at 11 different preschools in the Junee region, writes IEU Journalist Sue Osborne.

The Junee Area Network Group (JANG) was inspired by a speech from IEU ECS Vice President Gabe Connell, speaking at a seminar on national regulations, in which she discussed another network formed by preschools in the Albury area.

The Albury preschools have used their network to formulate a joint agreement.

While JANG has not gone that far yet, Coolamon Preschool Director Christine Knox said its members were sharing information and support.

They get together once a month in Junee, and share emails about changes to the national regulations, the Nationl Quality Framwork (NQF), National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) “All the preschools are quite isolated and rural. We cover a 150km radius – some people have to drive 100ks to come to our network meetings,” Christine says.

Each of the 11 preschools’ committees has contributed towards the employment

of a consultant to help them cope with the introduction of the NQF, doing the groundwork and research for all the preschools.

That consultant’s role is now finished, and JANG is looking for someone else to help them with the documentation.

“We all felt so isolated and overwhelmed by the introduction of the NQF. We needed to know we were not going through this on our own.”

Apart from enabling them to employ a consultant, the network allows the group to maintain a list of casual staff they can call on, and share professional development.

“If one of us does training or an inservice, we let the others know so we can

all share that information.

“One of the preschools has just had their first assessment for the NQF, so we can find out exactly what sort of things the Children’s Services assessor is looking for - it’s very useful.”

The preschools are varied, but most are small with only one university trained person on staff.

Christine has been the sole qualified person as Director at Coolamon Preschool for 33 years, and an IEU member for most of that time.

“You feel so much more supported and confident when you have others to talk to,” Christine says.

Christine has been a supporter of the IEU’s Teachers are Teachers campaign,

“We all felt so isolated and overwhelmed by the introduction of the National Quality Framework.

We needed to know we were not going through this on our own.”

and believes pay parity with school teachers is the only way forward.

“My own daughter has just completed a Certificate 3 and she’s really interested in early childhood, but I can’t encourage her to go into it, which is very sad.

“All the good graduates are going to opt for schools in the future, unless we do something.

“I think JANG would certainly consider campaigning as a group in the future.”

Junee Area Network Group Centres Adelong Ardlethan Ariah Coolamon Cootamundra Ganmain Gundagai Junee Lockhart Temora Tumut

What happens when the wise ones are gone?

Noelene Scully says she’s no longer the “dinosaur in the village”.

Thanks to her vast experience in early childhood, she’s now considered a “wise woman”.

Noelene may have been making a joke but it’s clear that this teacher is worried about what is going to happen to the early childhood profession when all the ‘wise women’ retire.

This concern around pay equity and the profession’s future prompted her in mid July to host politicians, a student teacher and the IEU’s Verena Heron and Mark Northam at St Andrew's Church Community Preschool in Newcastle as part of the Teachers are Teachers campaign.

Politicians Andrew Cornwell, MP for Charleston and Sussan Ley, Federal Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Learning listened to Noelene talk about the pay equity issue and the reality of what it meant for her service.

“I’ve been working in early childhood for 30 years and I’ve seen my wage slip behind that of my colleagues in schools. I 8

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believe we’re now around 23% behind in many cases,” Noelene said.

Alex Brisley, a second-year Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood) student was also part of the group and was able to share some of the hurdles facing early childhood teaching students.

For example Alex has a double whammy HECS debt by choosing to do both primary and early childhood practicums. The incentive to study early childhood is low, she says, particularly when students have to carry a larger debt for much lower pay than their counterparts in primary teaching degrees.

Alex talked about the stigma attached to becoming an early childhood teacher and how pay equity would go a long way to building respect for the profession.

During the meeting key points were clarified and it was a valuable opportunity for the early childhood representatives to make their case about the fallout low pay was having.

After the meeting Newsmonth

Journalist Suzanne Kowalski-Roth caught up with Noelene Scully to find out why she urges other teachers and directors to get onto their local MPs immediately to organise a meeting at their service to talk about the pay equity issue.

Newsmonth: Noelene, how hard was it to arrange a meeting?

Noelene: it took me a couple of months to get the meeting organised because we were hosting the Shadow Minister but it was easy organising and hosting the meeting.

Newsmonth: Did you feel daunted?

Noelene: Initially I did because I haven’t hosted politicians before but then I thought ‘Well, they’re just people’.

Newsmonth: Why were you keen to take the extra step?

Noelene: I’m passionate about what I do and I love working with young children and their families. I believe early childhood is all about growth and partnerships with children and the community. I’m particularly concerned about our wages. My other big concern is that a lot of us are going to retire soon. I

met a teacher the other day who said she was leaving and a friend of mine who is 15 years my junior is leaving because she couldn’t cope with it anymore.

Newsmonth: What would you say to early childhood colleagues in other services about hosting their local MP? Noelene: Give it a go! It’s not as hard as what it seems and you’ll find the politicians are interested. Once you get them onside and give them information then they run with it. They are quite surprised about how poorly paid we are.

Newsmonth: What are you thoughts on how the early childhood profession promotes itself?

Noelene: We need to be respected and valued for who we are and unless early childhood teachers stand up and do something then we’re not going to be respected and we’re not going to get pay equity. We have to promote ourselves as professionals. We’re just as knowledgeable as the doctor and lawyer but we do need to get out there and make people aware of us.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

What’s early childhood education funding like in Queensland?

While early childhood teachers in NSW continue to fight for pay parity with their teacher colleagues in schools, in the first of a series of articles Newsmonth Journalist Suzanne Kowalski-Roth explores how early childhood education is funded in other states in Australia.

Does every state have the same struggle? Are early chilldhood teachers valued elsewhere with better pay?

In NSW preschools have battled funding freezes for decades, broken finally with a one-time boost in 2009 and a one-off teacher costs contribution payment in 2011.

NSW long day care services have faced threats to viability and fluctuating levels of federal government funding focused on parents.

Queensland’s funding model offers far more security for community based services than the scrappy model in NSW, with a poorly funded sector having to battle continuously for meagre handouts that do not value the contributions of early childhood teachers.

Queensland funding more secure

The Queensland Government guaranteed that the minimum level of funding assistance from 2011 would be based on the salary levels of the service’s teaching staff in December 2010, which included mandated increases.

The Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme provides funding via a standard subsidy per enrolled child who is at least age four by 30 June. Different subsidies exist for preschools and long day care to acknowledge the fact that long day care attracts subsidies for parents from the Commonwealth government.

Funding is available to services providing kindergarten programs like community kindergartens, kindergartens run by non government schools and long day care services that offer an approved kindergarten program.

Kindergarten programs are the equivalent to our preschools offering programs to 4-5 year olds.

The funding is indexed annually. Subsidies to attract and retain teachers in remote and lower socio-economic areas are also available. This subsidy also ensures that cost is not a barrier to families accessing the program.

The service provider receives the subsidy directly rather than it going to families and it is “designed to assist services to offset the cost of implementing and operating a kindergarten program”.

Real funding guarantee

What’s interesting in Queensland is the Government’s acknowledgement of the proud 100 year tradition of community kindergarten services (community based preschools).

These are known as legacy services and have a real funding guarantee – ie. funding is indexed annually until 2014 when they become eligible for more funding under the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme.

What is clear is that community based services are more clearly cherished as an inherent part of Queensland’s culture.

Early childhood is respected more in Queensland than in NSW if funding levels and approach are the indicators.

Services can feel more secure than those in NSW knowing that their funding levels are far safer and indexed annually.

Wage comparisons: Queensland top level teacher Band 3 Step 4: $77,768.60 and with a director’s allowance of over $4000 per annum the wage is $81,898.35, plus a teacher may be eligible for other entitlements.

NSW top level teacher Four-year trained teachers step 9: $68,653, and with a director’s an allowance of $5631 per annum (current rates in NSW) the wage is $74,284.

Source: http://deta.qld.gov. au/earlychildhood/service/ access-kindy/kindy-fundscheme.html

“Queensland’s funding model offers far more security for community based services than the scrappy model in NSW.”

“Unless early childhood teachers stand up and do something then we’re not going to be respected and we’re not going to get pay equity.”

Newsmonth: Anything else you’d like to add?

Noelene: The EYLF’s says that we need to develop secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships. We’re expected to develop that with children and families so the government needs to do that with us.

Have you thought about raising the profile of your service with your local MP and advocating on behalf of your profession and the Teachers are Teachers campaign? We can help you! Email suzanne@ieu.asn.au or call 1800 467 943

Above: Standing left to right: Mark Northam, Verena Heron, Sussan Ley MP, Andrew Cornwell MP, Noelene Scully and Alex Brinsley. newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

e v a h t a h W s r e h c tea to e n do e v r e s e d ? n r o c s s i h t

This article first appeared in The Drum on 18 July is 2012 and is reproduced here with kind permission.

Visit The Drum online at http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed Author: Ned Manning

BAND 3

2013

What's that sound?

Oh, it’s teachers banging their heads against white boards wondering what on earth they have done to be singled out for an attack

by Christopher Pyne.

I’m not sure how much time Pyne has spent in front of a Year 9 class, but if he really believes it makes no difference whether there are 25 or 40 of them in a classroom at any one time, then I can hazard a guess.

He’s supported in this theory by Barry McGaw, Kevin Donnelly and other educational ‘experts’, none of whom, I would suggest, have done any face-to-face teaching in the past decade. And that’s being generous.

Let’s see why everyone who has excreted blood, sweat and tears in a classroom in this country is tearing what’s left of their hair out.

Mr Pyne wants us to “improve teacher quality”. This presupposes that teacher quality is in need of improving.

It is gobsmackingly insensitive to the thousands of teachers who put their hearts and souls into a profession that is constantly under attack. Not only that, but it misses the point entirely.

He asserts that, “students choose teaching because they consider it to be

10

a cheap and easy degree”. He goes on to assert that it doesn’t attract “high achievers”, whatever that might mean.

There is only one thing that will ever, and has ever, attracted people to teaching, and that is a deep-seated desire to help young people find their way in the world.

No one in this country has ever gone into teaching for the money or the status, let alone because it is a soft option.

Teaching, a soft option? You’ve got to be kidding! If students are choosing a teaching degree because it’s a soft option, then those students will soon find out that there is nothing soft about the job itself.

Imagine spending 28 classes, each 40 minutes, with 25 teenagers who are just like the ones you wrestle with at home, and you might get some idea of what I mean. That’s 25, not 40.

The “high achiever” might be good at exams, but can they pass that test?

Pyne then asserts that we need to get rid of “underperforming teachers”.

Who are they exactly? Teachers whose students don’t make it to the merit lists so sensitively published by our newspapers?

What about the teacher who helps a student for whom English is a second language but manages to conquer a myriad of challenges? What about the teacher who offers help and guidance to a student

from a family that is struggling to keep it together? What about the teacher who helps a student deal with their parents breaking up? And so on. And on.

Do statistics really tell the whole story when it comes the true nature of education rather than ‘educational outcomes’?

Then there’s the spurious comparison currently in vogue that asks us to compare our schools with those in 'East Asia' and Finland. The argument being that we’re falling behind them both.

'East Asia'? Are we still part of the Empire? Are we still dealing with the East Asia Trading Company? 'East Asia' is made up of a lot of independent countries, many of which have a rather different attitude to things like self-expression and discipline. That’s not to take issue with what they do; it’s just to make the point that the comparison is, at best, odious.

As for Finland, suddenly we are holding it up as the exemplar of all things educational. Great. Good luck to the Fins.

The thing is, like 'East Asia', Finland has a slightly different culture to ours. And a different cultural mix.

They don’t have the same level of disadvantage in their outlying suburbs as we do. They don’t have country schools that are isolated and disadvantaged by geography and neglect. They don’t have

an Indigenous population which has been denied the particular support a dispossessed people might need.

Finally, Barry McGaw is quoted as saying that statistically it has been proven that reducing class sizes has no impact on student learning.

Sure.

Just imagine you have 40 teenagers chafing at the bit in your class. What chance is there that you’ll be able to identify, and help, that student who needs a bit of TLC? Is anyone seriously suggesting that offering the kind of pastoral care that can change a child’s life is going to be as easy in a class of 40 as it might be in a class of 25?

And isn’t that really what teaching is about? Offering support, boosting selfesteem, helping a student feel good about themselves? Of course, achieving good marks is important, but it doesn’t tell the whole story, and the sooner we recognise that, the sooner teachers can stop bashing their heads and tearing out their hair.

Ned Manning is a writer, actor, and teacher who has worked in classrooms around Australia for the past 40 years. He has written a book on his experiences in the classroom called Playground Duty.

The AIS are now accepting applications for Band 3 2013.

Eligible members must apply by 21 September 2012.

Contact Elizabeth Finlay for further information: elizabeth@ieu.asn.au

newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

IEU Term 3 PD and Training Calendar Wk 5: 13 Aug – 17 Aug 13 Aug: PIP – Cyber Savvy, Narromine 14 Aug: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Nyngan 15 Aug: PIP – Camps and Excursions, Castle Hill 16 Aug: AEW Seminar, Sydney 17 Aug: Women’s Conference, Mercure Hotel, Sydney

Wk 6: 20 Aug – 24 Aug 21 Aug: PIP – Work Health Safety, Gymea 22 Aug: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Lismore 23 Aug: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Tweed Heads 24 Aug: IEU Reps Training, Systemic Reps, Sydney

Wk 7: 27 Aug – 31 Aug 27 Aug: PIP – Cyber Savvy, Tamworth 29 Aug: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Newcastle 31 Aug: IEU Reps Training Day, Independent and Systemic Reps, Dapto

Wk 8: 3 Sept – 7 Sept 3 Sept: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Bega 4 Sept: PIP – Cyber Savvy, Pambula 5 Sept – PIP – Cyber Savvy, Cooma

Wk 9: 10 Sept – 14 Sept 11 Sept: PIP – Work Health Safety, Revesby Heights 12 Sept: PIP – Maintenance of Accreditation, Armidale 14 Sept: IEU Reps Training Day, Independent Reps, Sydney

Term 4 PD and Training Calendar Wk 3: 22 Oct – 26 Oct 25 Oct: PIP: Maintenance of Accreditation, Cootamundara

Key:

Secure your spot:

Italics denotes a NSW Teachers Institute registered course PIP = Pedagogy in the Pub WHS (OHS) Seminars: Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice for NSW/ACT Non-Government Schools.

WHS for ECS Seminar: You, Your Centre & WHS. IEU Reps Training Day: New and experienced IEU Reps can develop their knowledge

• You must register for all IEU courses.

Note: Funding for WHS training provided by WorkCover NSW through the WorkCover Assist Program.

• Please contact Kayla Skorupan on 02 9779 3200 (1800 467 943) to register and to get updated information on venues and dates.

• Can’t find a PIP near you? Contact your organiser and ask about the possibility of a PIP coming to a place near you!

• The IEU is a NSW Institute of Teachers’ endorsed provider of Institute Registered professional development for the Professional Teaching Standards of Elements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 at Professional Competence.

• The dates included in this calendar may change for unforeseeable reasons.

Indigenous education - putting the rhetoric into practice

Indigenous Conference call for submissions The IEU’s Indigenous Education Conference is on Friday, 15 March, at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney.

The focus on national teaching standards: 1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Students, and 2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

If your school has programs that address one or both of these standards we would like to hear from you.

Showcase your school in a workshop at our Indigenous Conference.

Contact Diat Callope (IEU Indigenous Advisor) diat@ieu.asn.au (02) 9779 3200.

This will be the focus of the NSW/ ACT Independent Education Union’s Indigenous Conference to be held in Sydney at the Mercure Hotel on 15 March, 2013, writes IEU Organiser Jackie Groom.

Over the last 30 years there have been a number of systemic programs developed to enhance learning opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal students.

However the national picture indicates that many Aboriginal students are underachieving.

The aim of the Conference is to increase the capabilities of teachers and school leaders to meet the standards 1.4 and 2.4 of the national professional standards for teachers.

All teachers, regardless of whether they teach Indigenous students or not, will be required to address these standards.

Standard 1.4 • Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students • Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

• Design and implement effective teaching strategies that are responsive to the local community and cultural setting, linguistic background and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

• Provide advice and support colleagues in the implementation of effective teaching strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students using knowledge of and support from community representatives.

• Develop teaching programs that support equitable and ongoing participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by engaging in collaborative relationships with community representatives and parents/carers.

Standard 2.4 • Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians • Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.

• Provide opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.

• Support colleagues with providing opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages. Lead initiatives to assist colleagues with opportunities for students to develop understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages. newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

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We Connect Conference

Learning

with a

playful

spirit

It is predicted that by the year 2023, computers with intelligence equivalent to a human’s will be available for $1000. Are we properly preparing our students for such a future, asks Quantum Victoria educator Adrian Camm.

Adrian was the keynote speaker at the IEU’s We Connect Conference held in Sydney in June, attended by more than 100 members.

Associated with La Trobe University, Quantum is a provider and leader of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Adrian has a particular interest in gaming in education.

“Human activity has been revolutionised, yet we have not seen comparable changes in the way we help our children learn,” Adrian said.

“Education may be infected by a resilient parasite . . . the idea that learning only happens in schools and that standardised testing is a good measure of student learning.”

Adrian said parents and teachers needed to inspire change so children were prepared to interact with future advances in technology.

Seeing computer games as educational was one way of inspiring students.

A simple game like Angry Birds could be used to study maths and physics.

Activities around angles, velocity and trajectory using video analysis could be devised with this game.

“Imagine the learning possibilities from more complicated off -the-shelf video games.”

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Adrian said the educational game Portal 2 was “one of the most compelling online spaces for teaching maths and technology” currently available.

“Game-based learning suffers from a perception that games are easy and homework is hard – too many adults are dismissive, when games can be incredibly complex.”

Of commonly held views that games encouraged violence or zombielike states, Adrian compared media coverage to the “moral panic” accompanying the growing popularity of rock and roll music or the Dungeons and Dragons board game in the past.

“The lecture is as old as time. We have to rethink how we can extend teaching with technology, including using games.

“Let’s allow teachers to become elearning designers.”

Allowing a spirit of playfulness into learning, making it pleasurable and rewarding, would inspire and encourage more students with varying abilities, Adrian said.

news on their smartphones.

Robert Beerworth, director of Wiliam, is developing the new website on behalf of the IEU. He gave conference attendees a preview of the website and discussed some innovations in the design.

Attendees were also entertained, and in some cases flummoxed, by Virgil Hazzard, Director of the Youth Cybercrime Prevention Unit, Department of Homeland Security, Washington (aka Sydney comedian Rodney Marks).

Adrian’s talk and a range of workshops were registered for accreditation with the NSW Institute of Teachers, with workshops including: apps for learning, Scootle, cybersafety, and technology for students with special needs and young children.

“Let’s allow teachers to become elearning designers.”

Changing times The IEU itself is embracing new technology, and now communicates with members via Facebook and Twitter (see p21).

Soon the IEU will launch its state-ofthe-art website, which will also allow members to keep up-to-date with union

Teachers talk technology IEU Rep and Online Learning Coordinator at McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains, Keith Heggart is undertaking doctoral studies at the University of Technology. He is also an Apple distinguished educator, a Google certified teacher and a Glogster ambassador. He presented a workshop on using TPACK and SAMR, Google apps, McMoodle and smartphone apps in the classroom.

“I talked about the point of technology and why it is important to change with it as an educational model.

“It’s very difficult for teachers to keep up

with all the changes that are happening.

“It’s great for them to get opportunities like the We Connect Conference to stay on top of things. And to hear what other teachers are doing.

“I think this is key: communicating with other teachers and finding out what works and what doesn’t.

“Teacher organisations have to spend money providing the best possible professional development, as all the evidence points to teachers being the crucial factor in children’s education.”

Keith has been the school’s IEU Rep for nearly two years and is a delegate from Penrith/Blue Mountains branch to IEU Council. He first became involved in unionism when he was teaching in England.

"Unions have an important role to play … and unions have to use technology too.

I can’t wait to see the IEU’s new website.”

Classroom integration Josef Dabbs is an IEU Rep and Teacher at independent Taylors College in Sydney, where he teaches Years 10-12.

“I came to this conference because there’s an increasing emphasis on providing an online presence for students, through things like Moodle, and a will to increase the multimedia aspects of our classroom teaching,” Josef said “I don’t actually feel that confident in it – the kids are always using their mobile phones, ipad and laptops, but how well we’ve integrated that into the classroom is difficult to say.”

www.ieu.asn.au feature

Beyond the Conference Making the most of ICT in education is clearly a popular topic and the IEU is considering holding further workshops around NSW and the ACT on specific items of interest to members.

But in the meantime, many presenters provided links to their blogs, resources or presentations for those wanting to stay in touch or find out more.

Gita Mathias and Lisa Nash from the Aengus Kavanagh Education and Equity Centre at Mt Druitt, Sydney, presented a workshop on digital accessibility and resources for students with special needs, particularly those with vision impairment, using iPads and apps.

They recommended a number of apps and useful links. For instance, apps to support diversity in the classroom could include: • Verbally • Dragon dictate • Qwiki • Life Skills sampler • ProloQuo2go • Sight Words Gita and Lisa provided links recommended by the Parramatta Diocese plus a few of their own, including • Learning and teaching with ipads http://learningwithipads. blogspot.com.au • iPad lesson ideas: www.scoop.it/t/ibooks-for-schools • A quick guide to using iPads in learning: www.learningwithipads. blogspot.com.au/2012/04/quick-guide-to-using-ipads-for learning.html • Apps in education: www.appitic.com • iPads apps by Blooms Taxonomy: www.schrockguide.net/ bloominapps.html • Teach with your ipad: www.teachwithyouripad.wikispaces.com • Their We Connect presentation is at: www.learningwithipads. blogspot.com.au/2012/06/utilising-ipads-to-support-diverse.html

Follow and find out more about We Connect speakers: Follow Michael Beilharz on Twitter at www.twitter. com/MikalB. We Connect keynote speaker Adrian Camm writes at www.adriancamm.com.

Read more about 2011 Keynote Speaker of the Year Rodney Marks (AKA Virgil Hazard) at www.comedian.com.au.

Visit Keith’s Heggart’s website at www.mrheggart.com and access his full We Connect presentation at http://prezi.com/ydfi6s3wuipa/ best-practice-technologyintegration.

Keith Heggart (above) and Josef Dabbs (left).

Denise McHugh likes using Edekit’s to create, edit, share, and manage programs, resources, assessment tasks and more. See www.edekit.com.au.

“Technology is just space.

Space is about relationships” says Director of Innovation at Northern Beaches Christian School, Stephen Collis. Read his blog at www.happysteve.com.

Education Services Australia Director of Technology Development, Preety Agarwal, treated Conference participants to a lowdown on Scootle.

See www.esa.edu.au/Scootle.

Kellie Britnell and Naomi Raiz the Australian Communications and Media Authority impressed and inspired with Cybersmart’s considerable wealth of teacher resources. See www.cybersmart.gov.au/ Schools/Teacher%20resources.aspx.

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Exchange positions available for 2014 Applications for exchange positions for 2014 are now invited from interested applicants.

Teacher exchange positions will be available in the United Kingdom, all provinces in Canada, international schools in Europe, and Colorado in the USA (and other states by negotiation, writes IEU Exchange Coordinator Helen Gregory.

To be eligible for the one-year exchange, you should have a minimum of five years teaching experience at the time of exchange (although this is negotiable in some provinces in Canada and the UK). Six months exchanges are also popular. An exchange is the direct swap of the teachers’ positions and must include either an exchange of accommodation or other agreed arrangements.

Exchanges to the UK and Canada have been part of the IEU’s program for many years and account for the greatest number each year. The United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Canadian provinces include Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and beautiful British Columbia.

Exchanges to the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado will also be available. Exchanges to other states are also possible, ie if you were lucky enough to find your own exchange partner.

International schools teach in English, which opens up this exciting possibility for our teachers. These positions are more difficult to find, although the exchange authorities are happy to advertise on their website. The following two exchanges to Germany are still available, starting either January 2013 or August 2013:

Annegret is a PE teacher at the International School of Hamburg and has been teaching there for 18 years.

She has previously been on exchange to Wollongong and wants to return there for another great exchange experience, or to Sydney or its surrounds. She is married with two children and has a beautiful and big four-bedroom/three bathroom home (with a sauna) on a 1200m property just on the outskirts of Hamburg, surrounded by nature reservation areas and the River Elbe.

Zenia teaches Grade 4 at the same school and is married with two children and has a four-bedroom home with a lovely garden available for exchange. Her home is seven minutes drive to school or a 15 minutes bicycle ride and is 10 minutes from the Elbe River.

The International School of Hamburg was the first International School in Germany and is very supportive of the teacher exchange program. There will be free tuition at the school for two of the incoming teacher’s children; and no school uniforms.

Union members pay a registration fee of $80 and a confirmation fee of $80. Non-union members can apply and pay a registration fee of $110 and a confirmation fee of $220.00; although by joining the Union, applicants can take advantage of the lower teacher exchange program fees.

For more information, call me on 9779 3200 or 1800 467 943. An application form can be downloaded from www.ieu.asn.au (click on teacher exchange). Read the most commonly asked questions about exchanges.

If possible, all completed application forms should be sent to the IEU by late November of each year, although late applications are accepted.

Feel like a change of pace?

How does 12 months in London sound?

Tel (02) 9779 3200|Fax (02) 9261 8850 176-182 Day Street, Sydney NSW 2000 14

newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

www.ieu.asn.au feature

Exchange on song It was the “thrill of a lifetime” for Canadian exchange teacher Andrew Stickings when he got to have a “cup of tea” with Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett at Canberra recently, writes IEU Journalist Sue Osborne.

Andrew is a long-time fan of Mr Garrett’s music and a follower of his environmental activities.

But Andrew got a big surprise when he opened his first edition of Newsmonth to discover that Mr Garrett is now Australia’s Education Minister.

“It was kind of neat, me being a teacher and a big fan of his. It put a smile on my face,” Andrew says.

Since January Andrew has been teaching Year 4 at Canberra Grammar School while Anna Fox has taken his role at Ecole Grosvenor Wentworth Park School, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Garrett meeting came about because Andrew’s parents are friends with a family that took in an Australian exchange student a few years ago.

That exchange student Kirsten Livermore is now Labor MP for Capricornia in Queensland, and she helped set up the meeting.

Andrew was the recipient of two teaching awards in Canada in 2011 – the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Governor General’s Award.

His project Reel Student Productions saw his students making films about their local area’s history.

“Kirsten passed this information on to Garrett’s office and he wanted to meet me to talk about history and congratulate me for the awards.

“I took along an album for him to sign and we chatted about his Canadian connections, and the similarities in

the Canadian and Australian education systems, and a bit about music.

“It was short but sweet and I’m thrilled he made the time to meet me.”

The two country’s similarities have made for a smooth transition for Andrew. Teaching style, planning and curriculum delivery are more or less the same, although some things in Australia may give “a glimpse of the future”, he says.

Andrew’s two young children are attending the local primary school where his wife, a librarian, is volunteering.

Braving the cool Canberra mornings is no challenge for them, as back home they cope with -10 to -15 degrees and shovel snow out of the way to get to school.

Andrew says he would recommend the exchange experience for any teacher.

“It’s been fabulous and the process was much simpler than I expected. The support from the IEU is great.

“We’ve made lots of friends and things are happening socially. Another teacher from Canada is nearby.

“My dad is a retired principal and his one regret is that he never did a teacher exchange. I’ve been listening to that all my life, so I had to do it. Now I’m wondering where to go next.”

In fact he’s so busy he hasn’t been able to attend all the exchange functions organised through the Exchange Teachers League.

“Helen says that shows we’ve really immersed ourselves in the culture.”

Helen Gregory is the IEU’s Exchange Coordinator.

If you are interested in a teacher exchange in 2013, contact her at helen@ieu.asn.au.

“I took along an album for him to sign.”

Andrew meets his idol Peter Garrett.

Michelle Nightingale and family make the most of the Canadian experience.

Seize the chance I had one awesome year in Ontario, Canada as part of the Teacher Exchange Program run by Helen Gregory at the IEU, writes IEU Member Michelle Nightingale, St Thomas Aquinas School, Springwood.

To the uninitiated, the teacher exchange program offers Australian educators an opportunity to live, breathe, work and learn in another environment for 12 months.

In 2010, I was offered an amazing opportunity to swap job, house, staff

room and teaching buddies to experience life as a Catholic educator in a suburb of Toronto, Canada.

My two children (aged 10 and 8), my husband and I boarded a flight in December 2010 and spent a white Christmas in Toronto, before I began teaching at St Helen’s Catholic Elementary School in early January.

Every weekend was spent exploring the new surrounds and meeting other Aussie exchange families. There is a framework of support every step of the way, starting with Helen in Sydney, Carol

Wilkins in Canada, and all the wonderful ex-exchange teachers who help incoming exchange teachers by arranging gettogethers and excursions to facilitate learning about your temporary home.

If you have heard about this program previously, but dismissed it as too fanciful, too hard or too scary I urge you to reconsider and look at the many benefits that such an experience offers, not just for the teacher involved but also for families and partners.

The benefits far outweigh the minor inconveniences you may encounter. In

my brief and magical experience, I have learnt that our planet is incredible, teachers share the same dreams for their students no matter what continent they are on, children are always a source of inspiration, and life is meant to be lived.

In the words of an inspirational teacher on the Hollywood big screen: carpe diem – seize the day [Dead Poet’s Society].

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Struggling cleaners target Colonial First State The location of IEU’s Day Street office in Sydney, directly opposite the headquarters of the Commonwealth Bank, proved useful for United Voice’s Clean Start campaign.

Clean Start aims to achieve justice and respect for cleaners across shopping centres in Australia.

Commonwealth Bank is one of the largest owners of shopping centres through its retail arm, Colonial First State.

The company makes an annual profit of nearly $650 million just from its shopping

centres. Yet cleaners in these centres are struggling to get by, living on the minimum award wage—less than $36,000 a year before tax—and being forced to put bills on credit or turn to family members for financial assistance, to make ends meet.

Gamal Babiker, a cleaner at Chadstone's, the 'Fashion Capitol', owned

by Commonwealth Bank, explains why he needs a Clean Start: “Without weekend shifts, I can’t survive. I do a lot of overtime. Any time they ask me to work I go, because I need the money. I used to go fishing. I used

The Clean Start banner at the IEU’s Day Street office. to go to community meetings. I stopped doing that. I am tired because most of the time I’m doing overtime.

“Even so, 25% of my income goes to tax; 25% goes to rent. I have a car loan, credit card, and I have to support my son.

Sometimes when I get paid, there is just $20 or $50 left. My daughter helps me, and I have to let her help.”

Because of the hardships faced by poverty line wage earners, cleaners are standing together and asking Commonwealth Bank to do more— including taking responsibility for the

Never too old to learn The First Grader, a film collaboration between the BBC and National Geographic, is based on a true story.

It’s set and filmed in Kenya, using a cast of predominantly Kenyan actors.

The film starts at the beginning of the school year in 2003. A radio announcer states that the Kenyan Government is providing free primary school education to all.

School populations swell as young children enrol. In a remote community, one new applicant tries to enrol but is denied entry based on his age.

He is Maruge, an 84-year-old man who fought for the liberation of his country and now wants the chance to have an education.

He wants to learn to read. He wants to be a ‘first grader’.

Numerous obstacles are placed in front of him by the principal and the education department. He fought for freedom for his country and is now fighting for the basic right to an education.

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His perseverance prevails and, over time, he is granted his wish, but he still faces opposition from some in the community.

His story is uplifting as he faces the challenges of the classroom. Humour allows the viewer to connect to the characters. The story is interspersed with flashbacks showing the horror of war.

These flashbacks explore the man’s personal contribution to the war and highlight the trauma experienced by the Kenyan people, and provide the context for his desire to learn.

Although at times graphic, the movie presents a powerful story of the importance of education.

This film will challenge the viewer’s perception of the treatment of others and of the life-changing effect of education. It shows the importance of standing up for what is ‘right’ and supporting the causes that others may not be prepared to support.

Reviewed by IEU Member Kim Stutchbury, St Joseph’s Catholic College, Albion Park.

situation cleaners are in. Cleaners around the country haven’t just stopped with a banner. They’ve been holding rallies at Commonwealth Bank headquarters and some branches around the country.

It is the goal of cleaners to raise the profile of the crisis in retail cleaning—a crisis created by shopping centre owners like the Commonwealth Bank squeezing cleaning contracts.

Details: www.cleanstart.org.au

www.ieu.asn.au overview

Wizard of IT – Daniel Long

Turn your photos into chocolate It’s not quite the religious miracle some were hoping for, but it is a creative, technological twist on contemporary confectionarymaking techniques.

The picture-coated chocolate bars are aptly known as ‘cocoagraphs’ and will

turn your overexposed and 70s looking instagram/Facebook pictures into edible Willy Wonka styled creations.

The magic, it seems - is all to do with the printing process - which features edible paper pressed onto the chocolate bar.

Although edible paper has been around for years, this may be the first instance of high-quality photo realistic edible paper being used in a commercial sense.

The possibilities for creativity are endless: birthdays, weddings, etc. In

a classroom setting, it could make for a special end of term treat, by having class pictures made into (hopefully) delicious chocolate bars.

Details: Cocoagraph.com

Is Facebook spying on you?

By now, regular readers of Newsmonth will probably be aware that there is nothing particularly private about the use of social media – though it can offer benefits when used correctly.

Facebook, which recently listed on the New York stock exchange – has much to gain from keeping us in the dark when it comes to privacy changes. Recent security analysis has revealed that Facebook appears to be reading and scanning through our personal message and chat history and there’s not much we can do about it.

Facebook employs systematic scanning software that is programed to search for particular phrases and words, in addition to red-flagging suspicious chat exchanges, which are automatically sent to Facebook HQ for further analysis by Facebook employees.

Of course, the scanning is done under the guise of ‘security’, like most corporate and government moves to ‘nanny’ us into further controls and restrictions. And while we believe in making the web safer for our kids and the community, the

Music for the blind

Traditionally guide dogs and walking canes assist the blind, but there is a new high-tech tool that may become just as invaluable: visual-musical translation.

Take for example a blind person trying to make sense of a busy supermarket. Deciphering individual labels on items such as soup cans or sauce jars would be impossible.

This new assistive technology, called ‘Eyemusic’, uses a head-mounted device that comprises a camera and headphones attached to a pair of high-tech glasses. When the wearer views a particular item, each colour corresponds to a type of musical instrument, which is converted into soundwaves, helping to provide an audible translation of the visual world.

The idea is to train the brain into making sense of the musical cues, just as one would relate musical melodies to a particular thought process or emotion.

For example, it’s possible that a can of tomato soup could resemble a violin playing an E-major, where as a peanut butter jar may resemble an oboe in the key of an E-flat, in addition to other more complex orchestrations which are based on how the visuals are uniquely mapped

security measures are open to abuse. There is no way of knowing how long our data is stored internally by Facebook and exactly what kinds of privacy controls are employed.

Furthermore, it isn’t much of a stretch to imagine a future where the same internal scanning procedures could provide Facebook advertising partners with lucrative market research leads and data analytics. The more Facebook can learn about their users, the easier it is to sell ad space.

Online security presentation for schools Speaking of social media privacy issues, a new non-profit called ThinkUKnow is offering teachers and parents the chance to learn more about the online world, exploring the many possible threats and improved ways to stay safe online.

The 90-minute presentation is a partnership between Microsoft and the Australia Federal Police (AFP). Schools can book a presentation by using the resource link below.

Details: ThinkUknow.org.au

Like us on Facebook to win Join us in our Facebook community bigger and better. Get involved and participate at the IEU’s official Facebook page for a chance to win the educational, Learning in a Changing World series.

The series is a fitting prize for our Facebook users, given that it explores how learning has evolved over time and the different teaching strategies educators can use to take advantage of new media and technologies.

This is also the type of book that can help educators understand more about social

networking, considering that from time to time (as is evident in I.T Wizard Instalments), we like to point out some of the security flaws in using social media. This is a service we also provide via facebook alerts, along with a range of posts to inform, inspire and promote discussion among Facebook members.

To win, all you need to do is ‘like' us on our Facebook page.

Details: Facebook.com/ieunswact

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

Supporting community development since 1984

An image from our Timor-Leste projects Members of the remote mountainous community in Fahisoi work together to build a water tank for their terraced vegetable plots Photo: Scott MacKinnon

You can help support over 60 training projects around the world.

Become a Global Justice Partner today.

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Union Aid Abroad APHEDA

The overseas humanitarian aid agency APHEDA of the ACTU

The overseas humanitarian aid agency of the ACTU

www.apheda.org.au

www.ieu.asn.au overview

Make the most of opportunities Chris Wilkinson President Term Three is a busy term and one good thing is the days begin to get longer and spring is approaching. A beautiful time of the year.

Branch meetings have begun. I encourage you all to attend your branch meeting where you have the opportunity to meet other members, network and voice your concerns and ideas.

Check with your rep or organiser as to when and where your meeting will be held.

There are also many opportunities to attend some of the professional development on offer this term.

PIP events are being held in many regions with some interesting topics, reps’ training continues. The annual Women's Conference is later this month and the Early Childhood Conference in September.

Excellent speakers and workshops will be on offer at both conferences, so make it your year to attend if you have not yet done so.

I am sure you will be very pleased you made the effort.

It is difficult to comprehend that in some schools our

workers still suffer forms of bullying and harassment.

Contact your organiser to seek advice about how to approach the problems or people who are making your workplace uncomfortable and causing undue stress.

I would also like to welcome our newly appointed General Secretary, John Quessy, to the role. John has the full support of all Executive members and we are confident that he will continue to lead the IEU forward with the support of Gloria Taylor and Carol Matthews along with Pam Smith, Liam Griffiths and Mark Northam in their newly appointed positions.

I am certainly looking forward to working with John and I am sure the next few years will be exciting times for the IEU. Enjoy your term and I hope to meet you at Branch meetings and the upcoming conferences.

Let’s treat our graduate teachers fairly Michelle Omeros Vice President, Non-Systemic Schools

Shorts • www.savewater.com.au is a website that offers great ideas for schools to save water along with ideas for teachers to incorporate environmental sustainability into programs. Teachers’ notes are available for Water Savers (Years 5 to 8); Carbon Tradies (Years 7 to 9) and Climate Change – The cold hard facts (Years 9 to 10). You can also win $1000 for your school just by registering for your free copy of the Teachers’ Guide.

• The Premier’s Council on Active Living (NSW) has a section promoting healthy living for children.

There are programs and ideas for primary and high schools as well as sections on nutrition, physical activity and sports rules. It’s well worth checking out for useful tips and ideas. http://bit.ly/MVpAN5 • Prepare to be excited. Issued under a creative commons licence are a whole lot of cutting edge visuals available for download. celebrating the multidimensional work of teachers. Prepare to be uplifted with quotes like “A teacher affects eternity: He can never tell where his influence stops” (Henry Adams). http://inspireteachers.org/ • Looking for resources like lesson plans, databases, themed activities and software suppliers?

You’ll find a whole lot of Australian teacher resources to explore here that cross curriculum areas. http://bit.ly/OarJZ5

The NSW Institute of Teachers has increased workloads and stress levels for New Scheme Teachers, mentors and supervisors. Many schools have not allocated adequate, if any, release time for this accreditation process to be carried out. Teaching is a demanding job, yet our New Scheme Teachers are required to prove themselves, not only after graduation, but indefinitely throughout their careers.

Mentors and supervisors are often faculty coordinators who are already inundated with work and are required to take on this important job with very little time to complete it effectively.

New Scheme Teachers should have input into who their mentor will be. After all, a mentor is someone they should be able to talk freely to about their positive and negative experiences.

They shouldn’t feel threatened by their mentor, as they are meant to guide the New Scheme Teacher through strategies that will enable them to develop their teaching practices positively. Every effort should

be made to provide constructive advice, rather than negative remarks that can make a young teacher feel inadequate.

New Scheme Teachers should be the ones who invite their supervisor into their classroom for observation visits. They should never just drop in. A more effective approach is for the New Scheme Teacher and the supervisor to sit together and plan the elements that will be observed and decide which lessons will be viewed.

Any areas that need improvement should be worked through as they arise, so that the New Scheme Teacher’s accreditation is not delayed.

It is important to minimise the amount of evidence that is supplied, as only one piece of evidence is required per element. Annotation just needs to briefly justify the evidence in relation to the elements.

Schools need to work more closely with their New Scheme Teachers to assist them with this accreditation process. They must remember that these teachers are qualified to teach and not treat them as student teachers completing their practicum.

Russell retires after years of dedicated service IEU General Secretary John Quessy and President Christine Wilkinson recently attended the Central West IEU Branch meeting to present retiring Teacher and long-serving Rep Russell Warfield with a certificate of appreciation.

Russell has been an active Union member for 38 years.

Simon Dundon, Vice President of the Central West Branch, says Russell has acted as rep, vice president and delegate to state council.

“During this time he has helped a large number of IEU members negotiate the difficulties of our workplace and the changes and

battles that the job as Rep entails,” Simon says.

“Over the years Russell has been dedicated to this profession. He has also been organiser of the Bathurst CSIRO Double Helix Club, arranging numerous activities and outings for budding geniuses at our schools.

“At a personal level I would also like to thank him for his camaraderie and friendship.

“He has acted as a wonderful sounding board to help me manage the intricacies of my involvement with school, staff and the workplace, and, I know I am not alone in being helped this way.”

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Pursuing agreements Louise Glase South Coast Branch President Following the Term 2 Branch meeting held at Shellharbour on 23 May, the IEU met with Wollongong CEO on 16 July to pursue issues raised by Branch members.

Items on the agenda for discussion with the CEO included: • Support Staff Review and staffing formula issues • WHS training and implementation in schools • Operation of PPT in primary schools to ensure that it is teacher directed time, and • CEO update on the PHRIS payroll system.

The IEU has also continued to pursue enterprise agreement negotiations with CatholicCare, Aspect and with early childhood employers such as Kindergarten Union.

The IEU has also commenced preliminary discussions in regard to a new agreement for Big Fat Smile (formerly Illawarra Children’s Services) centres.

In the Catholic independent sector, the IEU is supporting members at

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Edmund Rice College in Wollongong (list C) and St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown (list D) to achieve salary increases similar to those in comparable schools. Several well attended meetings have already been held in these schools, with members unanimously voting to support the IEU’s ongoing efforts to gain salary increases.

South Coast Branch members are invited to participate in the IEU’s Women’s Conference on 17 August, the Early Childhood Conference on 8 September (both at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney) and to register for reps’ training at Dapto on 31 August.

The Term 3 South Coast Branch meeting will be held at Campbelltown RSL on 8 August.

Plenty of chances to meet Sidonie Coffey IEU Principals’ Branch President The IEU looks forward to a range of opportunities to meet with its principal members, with forthcoming principals’ gatherings including: • Wilcannia-Forbes on 29 October in Forbes • Wagga Wagga on 31 October • Bathurst on 1 November Other principals’ meetings can be arranged in response to needs, including support for early career principals and those in small schools.

The joint CCER/IEU Leadership in

Catholic Schools Working Group was due to hold its first meeting on 1 August, with further meetings scheduled for 24 August and 25 September. It is understood that there will also be opportunities for the working group to consult with principals at diocesan levels.

Negotiations are continuing with Aspect for an Enterprise Agreement for principals which will seek to maintain an appropriate salary nexus with Department of Education principals in special schools.

Term 3’s IEU Principals’ Branch meeting will be held at the IEU’s Parramatta office on 8 September.

IEU Assistant Secretary Mark Northam (right) and IEU Member Bruce Paine (left) welcome Canadian exchangee Renee Shevalier-Lavin from St Laurence's Dubbo to Central West Branch.

www.ieu.asn.au overview

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Now on DVD The IEU Sustainability Guide For Schools and Centres Practical tips for a better tomorrow Have you ever considered using rainwater tanks? Solar power?

Recycled paper? Banning plastic bottles? In this informative educational resource guide, environmentalist and Planet Ark co-founder Jon Dee, in collaboration with the Independent Education Union, will help prepare your school or center for a greener, cleaner and healthier future.

Find out how others have made the move towards sustainability and are already saving thousands of dollars a year and explore the benefits of becoming more sustainable through the use of practical, smart and easy-toimplement ideas that compliment the environment.

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  

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Nothing like a kerosene piquancy

s • By M

Guests for dinner in the depths of winter should never be a challenge for either the food or the wine.

A first course of Thai fish cakes with a chilli, cucumber and coriander dipping sauce was matched perfectly with a Tim Adams 2012 Riesling ($22) from the Clare Valley.

Only just bottled, I had the good fortune to sample this direct from the holding tank in early June. It was magnificent then and it is now. Almost clear with just a hint of green, the aromatics are of lime and lemon, with maybe a hint of grapefruit. The first taste is lemon sherbet masking a greater complexity of richness. All the fruit flavours and the fresh zesty acid concentrate in the centre of the tongue in a dead straight line, hardly touching the sides. In its youthfulness the acid finish is bracing, a terrific contrast to the food. Beautiful now but the winemaker points to this with serious cellaring potential for those who like the kerosene piquancy (yes I’m serious) Riesling develops with long ageing.

Our main course, a rich and hearty beef ragout with pappardelle needed a big bold but flavoursome wine to set it off. Peppertree 2009 Elderslee Rd Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon ($35) was an inspired selection. Wrattonbully is a wine region on

the edge of the Coonawarra and produces some fruit of outstanding quality. A deep and vibrant purple with plenty of blackberry and cassis on the nose, these ripe flavours predominate the hints of chocolate and spice.

There is 5% Shiraz hidden here given a little pepper lift and sweetness. It’s a robust and rich wine with great structure, soft tannins and a rich long finish. A generous companion to the slow cooked meat.

A desert of rhubarb crumble with a sour cream filling provided the opportunity to ponder choices. Earthy rhubarb would go so well with Grenache but I don’t often get a chance to sample the semi-sweet whites. The final choice was a Two Hands 2009 Cane Cut Semillon ($35). Also called Condon Cut, this is a process whereby the vine branches are cut when the fruit is ripe but the grapes stay on the vine dehydrating slightly to concentrate the sugars and the flavours. This results in a lower yield but intense essence of the fruit.

This wine is a stunning golden colour showing lifted aromas of honeysuckle and stone fruits with a touch of toffee. Apricot and tropical fruits compete for attention in a fine balance between sweetness and acid. The wine has a touch of cedar spice and a velvet feel in the mouth. There is residual sugar but the finish is clean and persistent. Good drinking.

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

Bernard O’Connor NGS Super

Saving in this great recession Fortunately the lucky country has escaped the brunt of this great recession, but that does not mean that Australia is immune from worldwide financial trends.

Our share market has suffered greatly since the global financial crisis and both bonds and cash are providing ‘modest’ returns at best.

The ASX 200 has not yet returned to the levels it had reached in 2007 and shares continue to flutter on any whisper of bad news from Europe, China or the USA. It is safe to say that there has been no real recovery since the fall of the Lehman Brothers Bank signalled the beginning of the global debt crisis as unemployment in Europe and the USA remains unacceptably high. The human tragedy in terms of lost hope and social alienation is profound, especially for the unemployed in many of the EU countries and America.

So looking at the new financial year, how can we adjust to these market conditions and maximise superannuation savings?

The first consideration must be the new $25,000 concessional caps on super contributions. It is no longer possible to ‘top up’ super in a significant manner as you approach retirement, because the caps limit how much you can put in via salary sacrifice with a 15% contributions tax.

Now that this benefit has been removed, many savers will have to reduce their super contributions with their pay office to ensure they are not over the cap. The contribution limit includes employer compulsory contributions as well as salary sacrifice.

Many savers may be forced to consider other forms of investment with bricks and mortar being a perennially popular one.

In theory the reduction of pretax contributions into super should spur younger workers to aim for the $25,000 cap each year as that is the best way for them to build their retirement nest egg.

However, experience has shown that the focus on super sharpens significantly with age and in spite of all the cogent arguments in favour of the benefits of compound investment earnings, many younger workers keep super at the back of their minds.

It is still possible to make after tax contributions to superannuation subject to a $150,000 cap per year.

There is no contribution tax for this type of deposit because income tax has already been paid.

This is still an effective savings mechanism because the interest earned on these contributions is paid by the super fund and is taxed at 15% rather than the individual’s marginal tax rate. However, these contributions are locked away until a condition of release is met and cease once an individual reaches age 65 unless a ‘work test’ is met. This involves working 40 hours during any one month period. It is likely that after-tax contributions will increase for those who are intent on saving for their retirement as a form of ‘topping up’ in lieu of salary sacrifice.

So with deep seated economic and social problems in Europe, an upcoming American election and fears of a slowdown in China, volatility remains king on the Australian share market. It may be an appropriate time to reassess, reconsider and reinvent a savings plan to ensure you have adequate savings for a comfortable retirement. A financial plan may be in order to point you in the right direction under the new rules. No one really knows how long this great recession will last so it is important to obtain professional advice to maximise your super savings as we live through it.

If you would like to make an appointment with an NGS Super financial planner, call 1300 133 177.

Bernard O’Connor: NGS Super

Newsmonth Newsmonth is published eight times a year (two issues per term) by the NSW/ACT Independent Education Union.

Executive Editor: John Quessy (General Secretary) for and on behalf of the

IEU Executive and members.

Managing Editor: Tara de Boehmler Journalists: Suzanne Kowalski-Roth, Tara de Boehmler,

Sue Osborne and Daniel Long.

Graphic Design: Chris Ruddle Contributions and letters from members are welcome. These do not reflect endorsement if printed, and may be edited for size and style at the Editor's discretion. They should be forwarded to: Newsmonth GPO Box 116 SYDNEY NSW 2001 The IEU office is located at: 176-182 Day Street, Sydney Telephone: (02) 9779 3200 Toll free: 1800 467 943 Facsimile: (02) 9261 8850 email: ieu@ieu.asn.au On the net: www.ieu.asn.au

Advertising inquiries Chris Ruddle on 9779 3200. Such advertising is carried out to offset production costs to members and at commercial rates. It does not in any way reflect endorsement by the NSW/ACT IEU.

NSW/ACT IEU Executive John Quessy General Secretary Gloria Taylor Deputy General Secretary Carol Matthews Assistant Secretary Mark Northam, Assistant Secretaries Chris Wilkinson President St Joseph’s Catholic College, East Gosford Michelle Omeros Vice President Non-Systemic St Euphemia College, Bankstown Bernadette Baker Vice President Systemic St Columbkille's Primary School, Corrimal Carolyn Collins Vice President Support Staff St Michael's Primary School, Nowra Gabrielle Connell Vice President ECS Albury Preschool Kindergarten

General Executive Members John O’Neill Carroll College, Broulee Ann Rogers ASPECT South Coast School, Corrimal Pat Devery St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney Marty Fitzpatrick St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Ballina Ralph Hunt The Armidale School, Armidale Denise McHugh McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth Peter Mullins St Francis Xavier College, Florey Patricia Murnane Emmaus Catholic College, Kemps Creek Kevin Phillips St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton Michael Hagan Mater Maria College, Warriewood

Francis Mahanay Vice President, ACT Holy Family School, Gowrie Peter Moore Financial Officer De La Salle College, Cronulla Marie MacTavish (Important information: The information in this article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a financial decision, please assess the appropriateness of the information to your individual circumstances, read the Product Disclosure Statement for any product you may be thinking of acquiring and consider seeking professional advice.)

Financial Officer St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland

newsmonth - Vol 32 #5 2012

23

www.ieu.asn.au giveaways

Giveaway 1

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The First Grader DVD Rated M A Justin Chadwick Film Roadshow Entertainment

Three copies to giveaway A member who was moved by it and thought other teachers would appreciate it recommended this movie to Newsmonth. The story is about a remote primary school in Kenya and the attempt by an 84-yearold man to gain the education he missed out on by joining six year olds in the classroom. The story follows the opposition he encounters and is “a triumphant testimony to the transforming power of education”.

Deception: The true story of the international drug plot that brought down Australia’s top law enforcer Mark Standen Charles Miranda Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 978 1741 759648 Three copies to giveaway This former top man in the Australian law enforcement world had a spectacular fall from grace when he was arrested as “the mastermind behind one of the country’s biggestever drug-smuggling plots”. Read about this man and what drove him in an account written by a man who had exclusive access to the DutchAustralian operation.

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The Good Life: The moral individual in an anti-moral world Cheryl Mendelson Bloomsbury

ISBN: 978 1408 833674 Three copies to giveaway How does the political right hijack and corrupt ideas around morality in the US? How does the fringe political left abandon the moral outlook?

What does impact does this have on American democracy? Described as a “bracing polemic”, this book promises “an education in what it means to be moral in an anti-moral world”.

For your chance to win the complete ‘Learning in a Changing World’ series, simply ‘Like’ the IEU on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ieunswact.

One package to giveaway.

Publisher: ACER Press The Learning in a Changing World series addresses how the process of learning is evolving – including the array of resources available in the digital age, changing curriculum, and the different teaching strategies needed in order to use new media and technologies.

The series presents core areas for teacher librarians and school leaders to consider: the digital world, virtual worlds, curriculum integration, resourcing, and the physical environment.

Put your name, membership number, address and the giveaway you are entering on the back of an envelope and send it to Newsmonth, Giveaway 1, 2 or 3, NSW/ACT Independent Education Union, Level 2, 12-14 Wentworth St Parramatta, 2150 by Friday, 21 September.

Thinking about your finances?

Do you know what kind of lifestyle you want in retirement, how much you need, or how to get there?

NGS Financial Planning can help you to achieve your financial objectives – whatever they may be.

For further information or to make an appointment please call 1300 133 177.

We’re here to help you!

This information is general information only. You should read the Member Guide (Product Disclosure Statement) before making a financial decision.

NGS Financial Planning Pty Ltd (NGSFP), ABN: 89 134 620 518, is a corporate authorised representative #394909 of Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd (MFA), ABN 76 153 168 293, Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence #411766, Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) Licence L0000819.

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