Newsmonth, November 2012

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

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

Respect wins at race day p12

The year in focus p16

Thanks for your support, now show us the money Teachers are Teachers campaigners gather on the steps of NSW Parliament House.

There were mixed feelings outside NSW Parliament House following the debate on pay parity for early childhood teachers, Newsmonth Journalist Sue Osborne writes.

While Teachers are Teachers campaigners were happy to receive bipartisan support for their pay equity claim, they were disappointed there was no dollar commitment from the Government.

Following the collection of a petition with more than 12,000 signatures, NSW MPs debated the call for pay equity for early childhood teachers with primary school teachers on 25 October.

About 30 teachers, employers and IEU representatives gathered at Parliament House to hear the debate.

Opposition Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt introduced the petition, saying

the wages being paid to early childhood teachers were a disincentive, “making it harder and harder to recruit teachers”.

“I know this issue will be expensive to resolve, but I hope it will not be added to the too-hard list by the O’Farrell Government.”

Ms Tebbutt also called on the Government to release the long overdue funding review of early childhood education by Professor Deb Brennan, sentiments echoed by IEU General Secretary John Quessy.

“The Government has been sitting on this report for too long,” Mr Quessy said.

Kiama Liberal MP Gareth Ward said the report had not been released because “arrangements were still being negotiated with the Federal Government”.

Mr Ward acknowledged that he had been visited by teachers from Kiama

Exchange bound and up for adventure p19

“When we have to negotiate with an employer we are negotiating with parents and it’s coming out of their pockets, unless the Government puts more money in.”

Preschool, where he was once a student.

Camden Liberal MP Chris Patterson said “ the determination of wages and conditions is properly a matter between employers and employees, with Fair Work Australia involved when necessary.

“The NSW Government does not set working conditions for early childhood teachers and educators.”

Balmain Greens MP Jamie Parker said the Government had an opportunity to “say very strongly that it was not just a matter of principle and to put some money on the table to bring the State and Federal Governments together to try and deliver an outcome”.

KU CEO Christine Legg said it was great to get bipartisan support for the campaign but disappointing that NSW was unable to do what other states did.

Motions have been sent to all Catholic and independent schools for members to vote on actions associated with the IEU’s Don’t Freeze our Future campaign against the O’Farrell Government’s funding freeze for non-government schools.

Motions include: calling on employers to maintain “a vigorous campaign aimed to reverse the Government’s decision”; asking the Union to conduct an ongoing campaign, including the possibility of industrial action in 2013, to force the NSW Government to reverse its decision; and insisting that all employers abide by their industrial

“The difficulty with leaving it up to the employer is that that obviously gets passed on to parents, and our fees are already too high in NSW.” Jacaranda Preschool Teacher Louise Murfet said she was disappointed that the Government did not understand that the employer was the parents.

“When we have to negotiate with an employer we are negotiating with parents and it’s coming out of their pockets, unless the Government puts more money in to stop the drain on our families.”

Antonella Panuccio, Teacher at Abbotsford Long Day Care Centre, said it was “wonderful we’ve had the opportunity to be heard in Parliament, however there’s a lot of uncertainty”.

“The fight can’t and won’t stop here as we deserve pay parity.”

and legal obligations to consult with the Union about restructuring or other proposed changes which may have significant effects on employees and “to make every attempt to minimise adverse impacts of such changes”.

Visit the campaign section of the IEU website at www.ieu.asn.au for updates, lobbying activities and other actions you can take.

More • Threat of redundancies growing p2

• Inside the gate? p4

• Failing on all fronts p3

• Insight into a freeze p7

• The year in focus p16

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Reform must improve outcomes for students with disability Gloria Taylor IEU Deputy Secretary The IEU and other stakeholders have lobbied long and hard in support of improved resources for students with disabilities. Current federal initiatives offer some promise of addressing long-term concerns.

The Schools Disability Advisory Council (SDAC) was established as a Commonwealth consultative body providing advice to the Federal Government on matters affecting schoolaged students with disability, their families, teachers and carers.

The purpose of this advice was to strengthen school education reforms to improve educational outcomes, social inclusion and the wellbeing of students with disability.

IEUA Federal Secretary Chris Watt represents the IEU on the Council. The Union supports a number of reforms that hopefully will be recommended to and accepted by the Government in legislation applying to students with disability as part of the National Plan for Schooling.

The IEU holds the strong view that any new school funding model should ensure there is sufficient funding for all schools to implement effectively the Disability Standards for Education 2005 to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1982. All children with disabilities should be fully funded irrespective of their school – government or non-government.

The Union supports the need for a holistic focus on the reform agenda, including equity and portability of funding. This involves recognition and resourcing of the individual learning needs of students with disability.

The IEU believes that the legislation should contain references to a disability

loading to ensure that funding for students with disability is guaranteed into the future.

The IEU supports the view that any recommended loading be attached to target group spending with guaranteed provision, but is opposed to a voucher-type system that is attached to the student. Loading attached to target group spending enables effective planning and a level of flexibility in meeting the needs of students. The Union is now optimistic that the above issues will be given consideration by the Government.

There has already been some new investment by the Government under The More Support for Students with Disability Initiative ($200million), but the real difference in funding would

“Loading attached to target group spending enables effective planning and a level of flexibility in meeting the needs of students.”

occur if the Gonski recommendations are implemented. The best possible scenario is in 2015 because of the work still underway in validating nationally comparable data on the needs of these students.

A major obstacle, however, is the education funding cut debacle being played out in NSW. Any successful implementation of the Gonski recommendations is dependent upon the state governments both retaining their level of funding effort and, in all likelihood, needing to increase it.

The O’Farrell Government has decided instead to decrease funding thus putting at risk the promise of improved services for students with disability. We have already seen the downgrading of service provision to students with disability in some NSW schools or education sectors as a result of funding cuts. At a time when there is opportunity to improve the learning experience for some of our most vulnerable students, this is wholly unacceptable.

Threat of redundancies growing Carol Matthews IEU Assistant Secretary The Union has written to members in all schools calling on IEU chapters to meet to condemn the NSW O’Farrell Government cuts in funding to education.

The cuts and the freeze of state funding to non-government schools will have long term effects because the reduction will also impact on federal funding to schools, which is based on the average cost of educating a child in a government school.

The Union has called on employers to recover at least part of the loss in

funding by increasing fees and has called on employers to actively campaign for a reversal of the cuts in funding.

The Union is anticipating an increase in redundancies in independent schools even before the freeze takes effect as schools move pre-emptively to make savings.

We are also anticipating that Catholic dioceses may also seek to reduce services provided to support teachers in schools and make other changes to cut costs.

We have written to each diocese seeking meetings concerning the impact

of the cuts and any proposed changes.

All employers must consult with the Union and employees if they have made a decision to implement changes that may have a significant effect on employees.

Significant effects include termination, redeployment, alteration of hours of work and the need for retraining or transfer of employees to other work.

Employers are also under an obligation to consult on measures to minimise the adverse effects on employees.

This can include offering voluntary redundancies, inviting expressions of interest in leave without pay or part-time work or redeployment to other positions at the school (or other schools in the case of a system).

Ensure you contact your IEU organiser immediately if you are informed that restructuring might be occurring in your school.

Parramatta CEO declares ‘positions vacant’ The IEU was advised late on Friday, 19 October that Parramatta Catholic Education Office had decided to restructure close to 100 positions in Student Services (student counsellors, psychologists, speech pathologist, etc) in the CEO office.

Staff were advised the day before, on 18 October, that all positions were to be declared vacant and that employees needed to lodge expressions of interest for the new positions within seven days.

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In some cases the new positions had salaries many thousands of dollars below the existing salaries.

The Union had a brief meeting with CEO representatives at 5pm on Friday, 19 October. We subsequently sought in writing from the CEO further details of the restructure, including details of the new positions (for example the position description, full-time equivalent workload, salary, conditions, work location).

We sought details and a delay in the timetable (employees were originally

given only a week to apply for a new positions) and discussion of measures that could be taken to avoid or mitigate the adverse impact on employees.

When this information was not provided the Union notified a dispute to Fair Work Australia. The matter was listed before Commissioner Roberts of Fair Work Australia on 30 October.

The Commissioner confirmed that the Union was entitled to full details about the restructure and the CEO has now agreed to provide much more detailed

information to the Union and has agreed to discuss the issues in detail.

The Union will continue to consult with members in Student Services and has asked for support for the IEU position from all IEU chapters in the Parramatta Diocese. Many chapters have already met and voted to express concern about the lack of consultation by the CEO with the Union and affected employees.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Failing on all fronts John Quessy General Secretary

The decision by the O’Farrell Government to strip $1.7billion from school education in this state is regressive, wrong minded and will do irreparable damage to the education opportunities for a generation of our students.

This policy is opposed by the IEU and will I believe be identified by clearthinking people as deficient public policy based on disordered priorities.

Catholic and independent schools are to have their funding frozen which means an immediate cut of at least 3% and potentially much greater cuts because reduced state government spending on education feeds through to the measures used by the Commonwealth to fund our sector.

Whatever the claim about financial circumstances, the core responsibilities of state governments are health, education and public safety.

The O’Farrell Government is failing on all fronts.

Claims by some local Liberal and National Party MPs that Catholic and independent schools have not had funding cut must be exposed for the lies that such statements are. Claims also that ‘front line’ services will not be affected are also simply not true; and to suggest that removing or reducing support for teaching and learning will not have a serious impact can only be

in insecure work, wage cuts or the deterioration of the conditions under which we work.

Nor will we discount our reasonable expectations for wages growth in coming years. We intend to stand up against this freeze on funding and against cuts to education spending and we expect every employer in our sector to stand with us.

If Catholic and independent employers

“The IEU calls on all school employers to recoup at least some part of revenue lost through increased school fees and to identify this increase on fee accounts as an O’Farrell levy.” made by those who live in a fantasy land.

Our members will not accept becoming the victims of this absurd action by the NSW Government. We will not tolerate widespread job loss, an increase

do not join this fight, fight hard and fight to the finish, they will send a very clear message to the community that they do not really need their current level of funding and can be content without it.

The IEU calls on all school employers to recoup at least some part of revenue lost through increased school fees and to identify this increase on fee accounts as an O’Farrell levy to remind parents of the contemptuous action by the Government.

In the meantime we have reminded employers of their duty to consult with the Union where decisions have been made to make changes that will have a significant effect on employees.

Our AGM in late October (see p16) resolved that the IEU would have a zero tolerance for any employer who disrespected the Union in this regard, who attempted to avoided their responsibilities or who sought to misuse the funding freeze to their own ends.

This is only the beginning of a long campaign to overturn these decisions and if the O’Farrell Government does not act immediately to reverse these cuts we are prepared to continue our fight to the next election and beyond.

Welcome to the new IEU Website

Come and visit your Union’s new website at www.ieu.asn.au. Have a look around and let us know what you think.

This website has been designed to deliver an optimum user experience for members, who can now manage their membership, events and campaigning

activities online. Non-members can easily join online by clicking the ‘Join Now’ tab on the top right and left hand sides of the homepage.

To access your log-in details, please contact laura@ieu.asn.au.

To provide feedback on the IEU website please contact ieu@ieu.asn.au. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

New building to provide better facilities for members

The development application from Sydney City Council for the refurbishment and fit out of the IEU’s new Wattle Street office in Ultimo, Sydney, was approved in September, IEU Assistant Secretary Mark Northam writes.

The IEU has been at Day Street, Sydney, for 26 years.

Work has commenced in earnest with a planned handover of keys in midDecember. The Wattle Street building will provide enhanced facilities, a much larger square metreage, additional parking and upgraded training facilities for members.

The building is heritage listed and while this has meant certain constraints, it will also provide many benefits in terms of aesthetics and the rewarding blend of old and new.

The builder is aiming for a carbon neutral project. The carbon footprint will be monitored carefully throughout the work by measuring specific items, such as type and quantity of materials used and type of waste that is produced and removed from site.

The IEU understands an independent accredited third party will provide the final certification.

The revamped building at Wattle Street will stand the IEU in good stead for many years to come.

Inside the gate, outside the gate and buckets of money Anyone wishing to gain an insight into how schools are managed and funded at a state level might consider grappling with the 43-page General Purpose Standing Committee No 2: 10/10/12 – an examination of proposed expenditure for the NSW education portfolio, IEU Assistant Secretary Mark Northam writes.

The document shows how Education Minister Adrian Piccoli was held to task by the Committee for his recent decision to ‘trim’ $1.7billion from the state education budget.

The terminology became the subject of some considerable scrutiny from the outset. If one was “inside the school gate” they were generally safe from cuts. However the lack of clarity as to what was “inside the gate” was stark.

The list of possible employees “outside the gate” and therefore vulnerable, appears to include cleaners, support staff, regional office staff and a range of special programs.

While the above relate more directly to our state school colleagues, it is a simple exercise to translate the impact of a ‘freeze’ on funding to the non-government sector. It is pertinent to include a brief extract from the committee at this point: The Hon Paul Green: On exactly that point, Minister, Dr [Dan] White goes on further to say – I think you are familiar with Dr White, a credible source?

Adrian Piccoli: I am, yes.

Paul Green: (quoting Dan White) “History tells us that any cuts to education usually affect specialised education such as refugee, transitional, Indigenous, disability and special needs children.”

Given your comments, what are you going to do to protect that group? Their extra programs that a school is offering seem to be, from his experience, the first to be cut?

Adrian Piccoli: I presume he is talking about the Sydney Diocese and I would be very disappointed if those people he described bore the impact of any changes it made to meet its budget, whether because of State changes or changes to Commonwealth funding. I do not run the Catholic education system but I would be very disappointed if they bore the impact of any of those changes.

The Hon Greg Donnelly: You cut it.

Chair: Order!

Paul Green: I note that Dr White’s comments are probably in favour of the Catholic system, but I am trying to pick up that it potentially affects every student in NSW, given the fact it is through the education system. He further notes another concern, that we are not content with freezing cuts. [Dan White] says: “This will compound the interest and cause accumulative effects which schools cannot absorb. It means cutback on staffing or increasing schools fees and it will push families out of Catholic schools into government schools, which will cost the Government more.”

Have you thought that impact through?

The examination of Mr Piccoli continues and traverses much territory including recurrent funding, interest rate subsidies, ECS funding, TAFE cuts and vocational education.

Sadly, the answers to questions of some considerable gravity were lacking in detail. Certainly, no impact studies of such decisions were referred to. IEU members will be requested to join a protest campaign which will be by necessity lengthy.

Defending conditions once assumed to be concreted in place will become the norm in coming years, as fiscal constraints colour all judgements.

While the analogy of ‘gates and buckets’ may be a useful rural analogy to employ it will never replace sound planning, good public policy and the certainty which schools need.

To understand the context and why the O’Farrell Government’s decision creates the perfect educational storm, members can read the full transcript at http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ budgetestimates.

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Blurring the lines

“I was encouraged by the inclusiveness of the IEU.”

After a quarter of a century at The Armidale School, Meg Sadler still loves every minute of her job, Newsmonth Journalist Sue Osborne writes.

Although she’s now “trying to work part-time”, Meg is still doing database work and assisting with keeping track of the ‘old boys’, which she loves.

Meg started at The Armidale School in 1987, having previously worked on a hospital reception desk in Melbourne.

Initially she was in a temporary position, supporting the fundraising campaign manager, but she soon moved into a permanent position as Administration Officer in the reception office.

Over the years she has fulfilled a number of roles including working as the Academic Secretary supporting the

Director of Studies, managing facets of the database and school records for old boys and current students.

She was the first person to operate a computer at the school in 1987, something she “took to straight away”, with the support of the IT Manager.

Having initially worked off site, it was when she started in reception, working closely with teachers, students and parents, that Meg realised how beneficial the job was for her.

“Working with teachers, children and their families has been a wonderfully enriching experience for me,” she says.

Meg was a member of the Clerk’s Union, as were all administrative staff in schools at that time.

She joined the IEU as soon as support staff were able to, in 1994.

“I was encouraged by the inclusiveness of the IEU. Before the IEU included support staff in its membership, there had been a definite distinction between academic and support staff.

“The IEU membership helped. As support staff had to become more technical and I learned more about processes such as the HSC and the Board of Studies, it blurred the lines.

“I like the idea that everyone is in one Union supporting each other. We’re all part of the education of the children, and support staff play an important role in that as well as the teachers.”

Recently Meg attended an IEU Women in Education forum in Armidale, organised by the Union, and she sent an email around to her colleagues to share the good news.

“I felt they missed out in not going. I’m not a believer in pushing a hard line but I wanted them to be aware of what benefits they get by being in the Union.

“I shared with the other women on the support staff because they need to know the Union is not just for teachers.

“I would assume the teachers would be members, but sometimes support staff are more reluctant, or not as aware of what the Union can do for them.

“The Union fought so hard to get wages that reflected our work and responsibilities, I’ve been forever grateful, especially as my husband works at the school too.”

Meg’s husband was Housekeeping Manager and now works in the printing department.

Present Tense ELICOS News Kendall Warren IEU Organiser

Booming membership in international sector IEU membership in the international college sector has skyrocketed in 2012 and as of September stood at 848 members in all colleges (an increase of 178 members since January), and 305 in ELICOS (an increase of 87).

Given the sluggish state of the industry in recent years, these are excellent figures, and demonstrate the growing importance that many put on union membership in difficult times.

Of course, there is always room for more, so do encourage your colleagues to join. As most of you know, there are many benefits to IEU membership, including access to industrial advice and assistance (including around unfair dismissal action), Union training, Union publications, as well as many consumer benefits.

IEU rules prohibit the Union from giving assistance to non-members

(or new members with pre-existing problems), so make sure you tell people to join now, before anything goes wrong.

Union fees are tax deductible.

Keep in step All teachers in the private college sector would have come across the situation where an employer informs them that they will only pay them at a particular step, or won’t employ high step teachers. This is of course illegal, if difficult to police, though the IEU has recently taken some action in the Federal Court around such a matter.

Teachers’ salaries are regulated by the industry award, the Educational

Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award 2010. The Award lays out the required qualifications and experience, and teachers are placed on a step level commensurate with this. It is unlawful for parties to ‘contract out’ of an award (or other industrial instrument) and agree to a lower step than what is mandated by the Award.

If you find that you are being paid at a lower step than that to which you are entitled, you may be able to lodge a claim for back pay. Sometimes these claims can run into many thousands of dollars. The IEU is able to claim underpayments like this on behalf of members. Contact the Union if you feel you have a case.

To lodge a back pay claim, the Union

“The IEU can claim underpayments on behalf of members.”

will need all of your pay slips. This is especially true in ELICOS and other private colleges, as employees’ hours tend to vary frequently. In essence what we do is work out what you should have been paid, what you have been paid, and claim the difference. If you do not have your payslips you can ask your employer to provide them.

A back pay claim also needs proof of your prior employment. Every time you finish a job, you should ask for a Statement of Service (as is your right). A good Statement of Service should include the total number of hours or days, the dates you were employed, and a basic overview of the classes and levels that you taught. Statements of Service are not only important for underpayment claims, but as proof for future employers so that they can place you on the correct step in the first place. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Vote for RESPECT The IEU’s packed AGM on 20 October saw delegates cover a wide-ranging agenda.

They voted for action on the O’Farrell funding freeze, and called for more respect for the Union by employers.

There was discussion on the Gonski review, the Australian Curriculum and other topics.

Guest speaker Greg Combet MP (pictured top left with General Secretary John Quessy) reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to implementing the Gonski recommendations, with the caveat that money was tight.

“Company profits and company tax revenue have slowed significantly... we have to find huge savings in the budget,” Mr Combet said.

“Making huge reforms to education funding in that environment is not easy and we’re going to have to do it over a period of time, but we are fundamentally committed to it.

“Labor people are deeply committed to making sure people have opportunities to get the best possible education they can.

“You don’t have a democratic society otherwise, as far as I’m concerned.”

Mr Combet outlined some of Labor’s other achievements, including tax reform which he said favoured lower and middle-income earners, the introduction of the parental leave scheme and raising the compulsory superannuation guarantee to 12%.

He also explained the carbon pricing policy, saying since its introduction

three months ago power stations were producing 8% less pollution.

IEUA Federal Secretary Chris Watt spoke on Gonski as well, reiterating the point that the commitment from the Government had not yet been backed up with dollars, and that individual independent schools remained concerned they could end up worse off.

The IEU’s nominee on the Board of Studies Larry Grumley spoke positively about the Board’s new ‘e-syllabus’, an online resource to assist teachers with planning and programming for the Australian Curriculum.

He encouraged IEU members to continue “feeding into the Board” with their views on the Curriculum.

Delegates heard reports from all the Union’s branches and updates on other Union actions, and watched a professionally produced video on the Teachers are Teachers campaign.

They also saw a video and photos of the Union’s new offices at Wattle Street, Ultimo.

More • The year in focus AGM report p16

Victim of O’Farrell’s cuts

A broken ankle was not enough to dissuade Corinne HenrySchlentrich from attending the IEU’s AGM. Corinne represented Mid-North Coast Branch, despite the inconvenience, as she wanted to fly the flag for independent schools.

A teacher at Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton, she is also IEU Rep for the junior campus.

“My branch has quite a few Catholic school members so I was elected as delegate to the AGM this year so someone from another sector could attend,” Corinne said.

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“It was a good opportunity for me to mix with a broad range of members. The AGM is very informative and it’s good to have face-to-face contact with the Executive and hear stories from other schools.

“You can find out ways you can collaborate and be proactive.”

Corinne broke her ankle on the way home from work.

“I decide to leave early as a New Scheme Teacher had asked me to do some observations. I hadn’t had a lot of time so I put it on my agenda.”

While she was on her motorbike a large dog came from nowhere and attacked her.

She went over the handlebars, sustaining

the broken ankle, whiplash, bruising and a bump on the head.

“It’s lucky I had all my protective gear on or it could have been worse.”

During discussions at the hospital about workers compensation, Corinne learned she would not be eligible due to limitations to journey claims recently introduced by the O’Farrell Government.

She is now in discussions with IEU Organisers Steve Bergan and Mark Northam to work out how the Union can assist.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Rep Spotlight

Insight into a freeze Towards the end of Term 3, IEU Support Staff Rep at Trinity Catholic College Lismore John Morabito sent an email to all support staff stressing the importance of strong Union membership and urging them to join the IEU. Within 24 hours, staff received another email that made it look like he had Nostradamuslike insight, writes Newsmonth Journalist Tara de Boehmler.

Following the O’Farrell Government’s announcement of cuts to non-government school funding John, who is a Learning Enrichment Assistant at the College, sent his colleagues the following email: In this period of uncertainty as a result of State Government funding cut proposals, it’s probably a good time to reflect on the benefits of Independent Education Union membership: 1) If loss of hours or conditions are a concern for you, you might need to think about whether it would be good to have support in the case of concerns becoming a reality.

2) If you ever have concerns that a student or staff member might make an allegation against you, you might want to consider how much better it would be to have support or legal representation to help you deal with the situation. As I’ve indicated before, non-teaching staff, working with young people in varying degrees, are incredibly vulnerable, particularly in this new cyber-age, where so much libelous and mostly untrue gossip is being circulated by people by way of social media: Facebook, Twitter etc. (I went to a Cyber-safety seminar at the end of last term and was gobsmacked by the number of staff having to fight for their positions/careers/social standing as a result of damaging cybercorrespondence.)

3) IEU representation ratios make such a difference in retaining our conditions.

For those who claim that unions are a waste of time and money, the following conditions were attained and continue to be retained, by efforts of workplace unions and in Catholic independent schools, by the IEU, funded by the IEU members who contribute fortnightly: • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

long service leave penalty rates paid public holidays wage increases maternity/parental leave annual leave leave loading protective clothing and equipment workplace health and safety workers comp occupational superannuation right to be consulted about changes at work family leave awards ensuring minimum rates, and paid sick leave.

All these benefits were not gained by employer groups getting together and pondering ‘guess we have to pay these people, what other nice things can we give them?’ If you don’t mind the possibility of

progressively losing these benefits in the future, don’t worry about joining.

Teachers are pretty smart about protecting themselves - that’s why their IEU membership ratios here are three times greater than ours. When I first took over the role, I think we had 8% membership, now close to 30%, still way too low to not be worried about the future for IEU members.

For all the reasons outlined above, I am also worried that so many of you do not have protection in a school context.

Sometimes it also annoys me, particularly when I am approached by non-IEU members wanting me to help find solutions for their workplace problems.

These days, I am simply way too busy and I need to focus on the students I support and IEU members exclusively.

(Abridged) While John was drafting his email, unbeknownst to him, a message from the Principal was being developed, which arrived in colleagues’ inboxes soon after his own.

It said that in response to the cutbacks, the College board had asked the Principal to look at reducing the number of nonteaching staff in order to sustain school fees at present levels while ensuring the “high quality of the College’s educational program will not be affected”.

The email said that, as a result, the Principal was seeking expressions of interest from non-teaching staff for voluntary redundancy or a reduction in hours.

“It would appear that if no expressions of interest are received, then the College will be compelled to cut back staff or hours at their discretion,” John says.

With the letter received just before the end of Term 3, John and many of his colleagues were in a state of uncertainty as they headed into school holidays.

“We appreciate the College’s commitment to open dialogue and we want this to continue.

“Naturally a lot of people were going home scared in their boots – uncertain about their future. The situation has created a lot of anxiety as they’ll now be wondering if their department is to be targeted,” John says.

John was also concerned that his scheduled annual leave meant he couldn’t be there for his colleagues when they returned for Term 4.

Fortunately he was able to hand over to another member of staff who assists his role as Rep and was prepared to field member queries while John was away.

Their IEU Organiser also visited the school, to brief them on the implications of the NSW funding freeze and to echo John’s timely sentiments about the importance of building union density among school support staff.

Support Staff Rep at Trinity Catholic College Lismore John Morabito

Position Vacant

IEU Organiser Newcastle The Union is currently seeking applications for a part time 0.6 - 0.8 (negotiable) Organiser to be based in Newcastle. The successful applicant will ideally commence duties in Term 1, 2013. Members from all sectors of non-government education are invited to apply.

Duties Duties will include school visits, industrial representation of members and the implementation of IEU campaigns. The capacity to engage with the Union’s growing PD program is also desirable.

Some weekend and evening work will be required. Overnight travel will also be necessary and a current driver’s licence is essential.

Conditions The successful applicant will be appointed under contract by the Executive of the Union and accountable to the General Secretary in the first instance.

Salary will be in accordance with the NSW/ACT IEU Organiser’s salary scale that has links to the Sydney CEO teachers’ and advisors’ rates.

Starting salary is usually one incremental step above that which a member would earn in 2012.

IEU Organisers retain their membership of the Union and are non-voting members of IEU Council.

Appointment Applications must be made in writing, setting out background, qualifications, experience and other relevant material that might support the application and forwarded to: The General Secretary NSW/ACT Independent Education Union GPO Box 116 SYDNEY NSW 2001 Email helen@ieu.asn.au All applications must be received by close of business Thursday 16 November. Interviews will be held 19 and 20 November.

To arrange a visit from your IEU Organiser, contact the IEU on 9779 3200 or toll free 1800 467 943. To keep up-to-date with your Union’s campaign against the funding freeze, visit www.ieu.asn.au. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

“I come from a family background where university wasn’t really considered, so I find it easy to relate to many of the kids at this school.”

Above:Dan Chapman Left: Students take part in Reflection Day

Reflecting a community need Many people would associate the WEA with evening or community classes aimed at retirees, but times are changing, Newsmonth Journalist Sue Osborne writes.

The Alesco School, run by the Workers Education Association (WEA) in Newcastle provides an alternative path for 15-18 yearolds who have dropped out of mainstream education for a variety of reasons.

Alesco also offers an afternoon ‘flex’ program for 18-24 year olds which engages in online and more self-directed learning.

Alesco (Latin for growth and maturity) is a unique school in that it aims to cater for the demands of its community.

The Newcastle school, opened in

2002, was the first of its kind, but other Alesco schools are opening in a number of locations, and each offers a slightly different curriculum to cater for its community.

The schools are funded the same way as any other non-government school.

IEU member and Head Teacher Dan Chapman came to Alesco after he retrained following a career as an electrician.

Newcastle University offered an accelerated two-year degree in Design and Technology for tradespeople.

“I was looking for a career change. You get a bit sick of crawling through roofs and under houses,” Dan says.

“I come from a family background where university wasn’t really considered,

so I find it easy to relate to many of the kids at this school, who come from a similar background.”

The design and technology and maths Teacher joined the IEU as soon as he started his teaching career because he believed Union membership would help him navigate the unfamiliar world of education.

“It gives you that added bit of protection.”

Dan says the satisfaction he gains from seeing students achieve success tops anything he did as an electrician.

“There’s a stigma associated with some of these kids, as being ‘behaviour students’ so when they achieve it’s really great.”

Recently the students organised a Reflection Day to show the community

what what they could do. They prepared and presented a number of lessons and served lunch for guests.

Dan wrote a piece about it for the Newcastle Morning Herald which said in part: “It was great to see the honesty, bravery and appreciation expressed by the students themselves at the opportunities Alesco has given them.

“The success of Reflection Day was attributed to the hard work and the self-belief that students develop through the positive and caring environment at Alesco.”

With the booming mining industry on their doorstep, the future looks bright for Dan’s charges.

Teacher Performance and Development Framework - no implementation agreed The AITSL Teacher Performance and Development Framework was endorsed by state and federal education ministers in August, the IEU’s Rep on the NSW Institute of Teachers Quality Teaching Council, Sandra White, writes.

However, at the meeting, ministers added a statement to their endorsement

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saying that implementation was entirely a matter for individual jurisdictions to decide.

You might not think this was the case after listening to some comments

by Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett, but he is wrong.

Teacher appraisal processes form part of industrial agreements, and any review

or change to current procedures must be discussed and negotiated with the relevant Union.

Our Union expects that NSW nongovernment school employers will discuss any proposed changes to teacher appraisal processes with the IEU before any change is made. If this were to prove otherwise, members should contact the

Union immediately. Teachers should not participate in a new or added appraisal process until genuine consultation with their industrial representative has been held, in which they have had a chance to be involved.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Pay parity for Victorian early childhood teachers NSW children are the poorest funded in Australia

As NSW early childhood teachers take up the fight to get pay parity with teachers in schools, Newsmonth Journalist Suzanne Kowalski-Roth discovers, those in other states fare much better.

Victoria spends $266 per child, according to the Productivity Commission’s 2012 figures.

NSW in comparison spends $190 per child. That means Victorian children receive 71% more funding than NSW children, the poorest funded in Australia by their state government.

In Victoria, kindergartens attract a range of subsidies.

Most relevant is the Early Childhood Teacher Supplement. This supplement is available to all employers (except those at independent schools) and enables them to claim an annual payment if they employ teachers.

The level of subsidy is dependent on the qualification and experience of the teachers as set out in the relevant award and is paid to the centre for each child taught by a teacher.

Victorian teachers are accredited and have a different classification system, however the higher subsidies can be compared to a four-year trained teacher at the top of the scale.

What does this actually mean in cold, hard cash?

Depending on the classification and experience of the teacher the employer receives either $140/$350 (standard setting), or $174/$434 (rural setting) or $254/$635 (small rural setting). This amount is paid per child per year.

Additionally kindergartens have per capita grants which range from $2024 for a standard preschool through to $3693.

Victorian kindergartens also attract

a cluster funding of $7902 every six months. Clusters must have three services in a rural area or five in a metropolitan region to be eligible. Recently the DET announced that they will trial cluster management in NSW. Finally, services access a kindergarten fee subsidy per child to attract eligible children to kindergarten free or at low cost. This subsidy is indexed annually. It is currently is $872.

This is a clear commitment to the importance of quality teaching and it is this commitment that NSW does not have despite the rhetoric – the true test comes in the resourcing. Questions must continue to be asked of the NSW Government as to why it refuses to fund its children less than those in other states.

Wage comparisons Victorian top level teacher $81,806 There are two awards in Victoria covering teachers – the Local Government Early Childhood Employees’ Agreement 2009 and the Victorian and Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants Agreement (VECTAA).

NSW top level teacher Four-year trained teachers Step 9: $68,653.

Source: Victorian Kindergarten policy, procedures and funding criteria 2010-12 and supplement to the Victorian kindergarten policy.

Preschool built on positive relationships wins award A preschool that has been successful in encouraging Aboriginal families to participate in early learning has won the 2012 HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Award for Advancing Practice.

Director and long-time IEU member Louise Simpson initiated the Buninyong Preschool in 2010, and accepted the $10,000 award on behalf of the “whole team” that makes the preschool possible.

Buninyong Preschool is about 5km from Dubbo and District Preschool, which Louise also directs, and was set up by Dubbo Preschool to provide a free service for low income and/or Aboriginal families.

Since the Preschool’s establishment it has seen a doubling of enrolments and increased its opening days. This has translated into increased enrolments of school-ready children at Buninyong Public School.

Louise says the ultimate aim of the initiative is to increase exposure to preschool education within the local Aboriginal community and build a positive relationship between the two.

“Before we began this initiative, many Aboriginal children in the area were unlikely to have any schooling experience prior to kindergarten, largely

thanks to barriers such as cost,” Louise says.

“We work with the children and Buninyong Public School, and build our curriculum around the identified needs. In doing so, we build the child’s sense of belonging at the Preschool, which has positive long-term results for future education.

“Children who have graduated from Buninyong Preschool have demonstrated improved transition to school, higher confidence in their abilities and higher attendance rates.”

The judges commended the nomination for taking a proactive approach toward tackling real social issues.

The facility hopes to expand in the future by sourcing capital funds to extend the building and further engage with parents and guardians, and the local Aboriginal community.

As Director of the two preschools, Louise has more than 180 children a week in her care, more than many primary schools, yet her pays is less than a school teacher’s, let alone that of a principal.

For this reason, Louise is an advocate for the IEU’s Teachers are Teachers campaign, petitioning and encouraging her management committee to be aware of the pay inequities.

“We build the child’s sense of belonging at the preschool, which has positive long-term results for future education.”

Louise Simpson accepts her Award at the Early Childhood Australia Conference dinner.

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Women too often carry the burden of social inequities.

These women are working to change that.

APHEDA: shape a better future Vigilance, unity and motivation to meet our humanitarian obligations were the calls at Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA’s annual dinner this year, IEU Organiser Michael Bracken writes.

Each year the friends and supporters of this fine organisation gather to celebrate the achievements of the year and fundraise to support on going campaigns and programs.

As the overseas aid agency of the ACTU, APHEDA plays a vital role in promoting solidarity and friendship throughout the world.

Their programs are based on building self-reliance among impoverished communities, thus helping them escape the cycle of dependence on charity.

APHEDA programs enhance justice and welfare while providing the needy with support and confidence as they try to shape a better future.

The event was a huge success. The keynote address was delivered by Dave Oliver, Secretary of the ACTU. Dave called for vigilance and unity as we face

the likely prospect of more conservative governments in Australia and the threat to workers’ rights and condition this presented.

After dinner, Dave joined the IEU delegation to the dinner and reminisced about his own days as a student in the non-government sector and happily acknowledged that Marist College Pagewood, his alma mater, was still providing a great education to its students.

Two important messages came out of the dinner. Firstly, we cannot afford to be complacent in the shadow of the hardline industrial relations policies of the Coalition parties.

Secondly, we must never forget how lucky we are to be born in Australia.

Our future is bright but we all have a humanitarian obligation to help those who lost out in the ‘birth’ raffle. We have an obligation to share the wealth with those whose need is both dire and immediate.

“We must never forget how lucky we are. Our future is bright but we all have a humanitarian obligation to share our wealth with those whose need is both dire and immediate.”

For more information or if you wish to make a donation visit www.apheda.org.au

Clockwise from above: Jessica Sequeira, Abelita da Silva, Ricar Pascoela, Henyta Casimira and Ana Filomena Mariano - some of the founding members of the Working Women’s Centre Timor-Leste. Photos by Shabnam Hameed.

Of the world’s poorest people, it is estimated that 70% are women.

With the support of Australian unionists and unions, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is working to redress this appalling gender imbalance.

Almost three-quarters of our projects are aimed at improving opportunities for women and, by doing this, improving their families’ lives too. In Timor-Leste, we are supporting women like Jessica, Abelita, Ricar, Ana and Henyta in a vital poverty reduction initiative.

These community-minded women helped form the Working Women’s Centre Timor-Leste, which is working to increase women’s workforce participation and improve incomes and working conditions.

Your solidarity will make a difference.

You can support initiatives like this by becoming a Global Jusice Partner.

Visit www.apheda.org.au or call 1800 888 674 to learn more.

Union Aid Abroad APHEDA

The overseas humanitarian aid agency of the ACTU

No accreditation, no job Teacher members should be mindful of continuing to meet NSW Institute of Teacher requirements to ensure they don’t lose accreditation to teach, IEU Organiser Ann-Maree McEwan writes.

Loss of accreditation means loss of your licence to teach in NSW and other states that have agreements with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

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Grounds for which your teacher accreditation authority can revoke provisional, conditional accreditation and accreditation at professional competence range from being a ‘prohibited person’ or being found guilty of a serious offence to failure to comply with an accreditation condition.

This could be due to a failure to pay the annual fee, not providing mandated reports by the deadline or failure to

meet the standards. Even seemingly minor matters such as notifying the Institute of changes to personal contact details, employer details and qualifications are mandatory conditions of accreditation that could technically result in revocation of accreditation if not complied with.

The ceasing of the relevant period for provisional or conditional accreditation of three or five years, depending on how

your employment began, can also mean a teacher’s accreditation can cease.

The Union is currently assisting members whose accreditation is under threat.

Once accreditation is lost there is no way to regain it, although it is possible to apply to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal for a review of the decision to refuse or revoke accreditation.

www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Teachers need grassroots support as Australian Curriculum kicks in The Union recently wrote to all diocesan directors, the Association of Independent Schools and the NSW Board of Studies (BoS) to ask what support and resources will be available to teachers in NSW schools who are expected to commence curriculum planning next year for the Australian Curriculum in English, maths, science, and history K-10, IEU Education Committee Convenor Sandra White writes.

Why did the Union write to these bodies and why do we expect that they should have resources and support in place?

Because the AIS, the Catholic Education Commission (on behalf of NSW Dioceses) and the BoS are all signatories to letters sent to NSW school principals this year and last year, taking responsibility for decisions about the new curriculum and for the 2013-2016 implementation schedule.

It is therefore reasonable to expect that they will also take responsibility for ‘delivery’, and that means supporting teachers on the ground, who get to do the grassroots work of ‘delivering’ the curriculum.

A response was received from the Chair of the Diocesan Directors Conference, Alan Bowyer, on behalf of all the dioceses. It said that at their September meeting, the NSW and ACT Catholic systemic directors endorsed a recommendation to adopt a cross-diocesan approach to Australian Curriculum implementation.

Mr Bowyer told the Union that a working party has been established for that

specific purpose, which will continue into 2013. He said the working party has begun scoping work on resource-sharing and implementation approaches.

Not a lot of detail there, but good to know that Catholic employers recognise the need, that work has started, and that there will be sharing across the dioceses.

The BoS responded to the Union, asserting a commitment to support school sectors and teachers during the Australian Curriculum implementation.

The BoS went on to provide specifics, saying they are developing an interactive online format for the new syllabuses, to be available also in print. They expect this will enable teachers to customise views of the syllabuses to best suit their programming needs, and allow efficient access to support materials and online resources.

The BoS described initial support materials under development that will be available with the release of the new syllabuses. For example:

• K-6 and Years 7-10 subject specific guides • a K-10 parents’ guide • advice about assessment, and • navigation guides for the interactive online syllabuses, highlighting features of the online format and ways the syllabuses can be viewed.

Additional support materials will be provided in December 2012 including: • • • •

sample scope and sequence plans sample units of work advice on programming, and further advice on assessment.

The Board said they are developing an online program builder to make it easier for teachers to prepare scope and sequence plans and units of work. The program builder will be available in Term 1, 2013.

Life Skills support materials including Life Skills Years 7-10: Advice on Planning, Programming and Assessment will undergo revision to align with the new syllabuses.

The Association of Independent Schools responded that it will offer a range of

“Our members want and expect a provision of resources to do the additional work that will be required to introduce the Australian Curriculum in our schools.”

• a guide for schools that introduces and explains features of the new syllabuses, implementation, and what’s new and different

professional support for schools, including a consultancy service, and the following courses and conferences will be offered either via face to face or through video conferencing facilities: • AIS Conference: The Australian Curriculum in NSW K-10 • planning for implementation • syllabus familiarisation – English, mathematics, science and history, and • programming and planning using the Australian Curriculum in NSW – English, mathematics, science and history.

The AIS course information and online registration will be available soon on the AIS website www.aisnsw.edu.au.

While this support is welcome news for teachers preparing for a heavy year ahead, the question of time release to undertake professional development and plan the new curriculum remains unanswered.

Our members want and expect a provision of resources to do the additional work that will be required to introduce the Australian Curriculum in our schools.

School authorities should plan to use the PD days at the commencement of each term, as well as provide additional release time, especially in primary schools.

The Union expects school authorities to come good with support and resources for their frequently stated goal to give priority to teaching, learning and student achievement.

Return visit IEU President Chris Wilkinson, New Zealand Independent Schools Education Association President Malcolm Walker and IEU Organiser Sandra White met in Sydney in September to continue discussions and share experiences of union work, especially regarding membership recruitment and teacher appraisal.

IEU Executive member Ralph Hunt and IEU Organiser Marilyn Jervis visited ISEA in New Zealand earlier this year. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au feature

IEU Race Day Winners, grinners and a whole lot of respect

Paula and Lesley from Xavier High School, Albury, with Steve, CEO Sydney

Members turned out in force at Canterbury Race Track in September, to enjoy a superb lunch, fine company, the usual promenade of glamorous track wear and the running of the IEU Respect For Teachers Cup.

Steve: I was a teacher before moving into the area of family therapy and psychotherapy and I have the greatest respect for teachers and what they do. It is amazing to see the complexity of families, and teachers deal with all of this along with the diverse learning needs of their students.

Lesley: For me, respect is a two-way relationship. It’s about having respect for others as well as being respected.

Marie Marist College Eastwood I am new to teaching in Australia and I heard Race Day was a great day out for IEU members. Marist College, Eastwood, has two tables here today and we got to sash the winning horse.

It’s excellent to be here without our students, so we can get to enjoy another aspect of our colleagues. It’s also great to have respect for teachers and to see that this is recognised in the naming of the IEU Respect for Teachers Cup.

James St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School Marrickville I think it’s very important to raise awareness regarding respect for teachers and the important role they play in the community. There is room for improvement, politically.

Shorts Paid to sustain •

How much is that super likely to bring you in retirement? What will your savings be worth?

This compound interest calculator will help you understand the role of inflation and compound interest www.inspiredtosave.com.

• Can you see a future in schools where paid sustainability coordinator positions become the norm? Did you know many schools are embedding sustainability into the curriculum rather than having it as a separate activity?

Some schools have already created an environmental science subject taught by a sustainability coordinator. Why are teacher champions continuing to lead the way?

For a wrap on how sustainability education is looking, case studies and factors that make it easy or hard check out the newly released (and free) Guidebook on Conversations on School-Community Learning Parnterships for Sustainability http://bit.ly/OUBJcE. • Racebook was Aboriginal artist Raymond Zada’s response to racist Facebook pages 12

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liked by thousands. His artwork won the Work on Paper award at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Award. Details: http://bit.ly/OUZGQY.

• If you’d like to encourage reconciliation at your school but don’t know where to begin, a school RAP may be just the thing you need. It’s all about turning good intentions into actions to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. A school RAP is a simple plan of activities that you can download from Reconciliation Australia. http://bit.ly/PZr8Yp. •

Action against bullying has never been more needed but it can be hard to find resources.

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is happening on Friday, 15 March 2013. www.bullyingnoway.com.au is a website that has activity based student resources as well as whole school strategies.

www.ieu.asn.au feature

Christine, Sue, Michele and Karen from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington, with Cathy (in yellow) from St Clare’s Waverley Christine: I picked a trifecta and I feel like I have won $1million. It’s pretty exciting when you see the numbers come up on the screen. I’m not a gambling person but this is a relaxed and comfortable environment … and I do like winning.

Michele: Today is great value for money. We get a race book, entry, nice lunch and a relaxing day with friends.

Carmel, Margaret, Charise and Julie, St Dominic’s Centre for Hearing Impaired Children, Mayfield Carmel: Regarding respect for education, our school is very challenging and we’ve been quite proactive in writing to politicians about the how funding cuts are going to affect students with high needs. It also makes people feel insecure about their jobs and makes it harder for teachers who rely on teachers aids. Today, we are enjoying catching up with colleagues and friends from other schools. And we love the fashion. We have a staff of 13 and many wanted to come.

We’ve never been before so we all just got on a train and came along to have a good time.

St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School, Regents Park Barbara: We’ve been coming for years, for the chance to socialise and have fun with our colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a well-organised day and you get the full package: you can see everything, it’s an opportunity to dress up and wear a hat and you can enjoy the horses.

Michael St Columbas High School Springwood The IEU Respect For Teachers Cup is very appropriate and every teacher deserves to win money on that race. The horses sense this and generally students follow suit. Politicians should have respect for teachers too.

Public service cuts protest

Thousands gathered in central Sydney to protest the O’Farrell Government’s vicious cuts to the public sector, IEU Organiser Michael Bracken writes.

Speaker after speaker told the crowd the cuts will result a loss in the number and quality of services to those most in need.

Representatives from the various service providers such as nurses, childcare workers and community services, outlined how the cuts would make their working life harder.

The negative consequences of the recent changes to Workers Compensation were also highlighted as another attack on working people by the NSW Coalition Government.

“Shame Barry, shame” echoed around Sydney Square as the crowd committed to keeping up the fight against these outrageous cuts.

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www.ieu.asn.au on the ground

Labour Bites LabourStart.org and LabourStart.org/australia carry regular updates of local and international news with a trade union flavour. IEU General Secretary John QUESSY reproduces some recent items below.

Is your iProduct made by 14 year olds?

the Government does not meet their demands. (Source: saudigazette.com.sa) Sick leave in New York

Taiwan’s Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, has admitted using student interns as young as 14 in a Chinese factory.

This is in breach of international law and employment rights activists have accused Foxconn and other big employers of using young student interns as a cheap source of labour.

Foxconn is Apple’s largest manufacturing partner and makes products for Dell, Sony and HewlettPackard among others.

Foxconn and Apple have been forced to improve working conditions at Chinese factories that make most of the world’s iPads and iPhones after a series of suicides in 2010 and reports of employment abuses, such as excessive overtime, threw a spotlight on conditions inside the plants.

The company defended its intern program, saying the workers made up only 2.7% of its workforce in China. Internships could be longterm or short-term, carried out in co-operation with vocational schools and other educational institutions.

The average internship lasted three and a half months, it said. (Source: guardian.co.uk)

Victoria shines a light on lung cancer

The arrival of flu season is a reminder that New York City has no law requiring employers to provide paid sick leave and that the City Council should pass one. Some other states and cities require paid sick leave from most companies with more than 50 employees. Seattle, San Francisco and Washington all require employers to provide sick leave, and workers in New York deserve the same benefit.

The main obstacles to a sick leave bill are politicians who argue that such a change should not be required during bad economic times, even though there is little evidence that sick leave requirements have hurt job markets elsewhere. Most business advocates are strongly opposed. Their voices are being heard over those of the 1.2 million workers who would benefit. (Source: New York Times) Striking for human rights

Palestinian education sector paralysed

The education sector in Palestinian territories was paralysed after teachers went on strike over their unpaid salaries and other demands.

Mohammed Sowwan, of the Secretary General of Teachers’ Union, said that the 38,134 teachers held a general strike “to pressure the Government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to pay their unpaid September salaries and negotiate their administrative demands”.

The Palestinian Finance Ministry announced that it could not pay full September salaries for it 145,000 civil and military employees. And that it will pay part of the September salary before the Eid al-Adha holiday because of “the failure of donors, including our Arab brothers, to fulfill their financial aid”.

It added that the tax revenues that Israel transferred to the Palestinian authority “does not cover the salaries bill”.

The Union warned that they will hold strikes and other measures if 14

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Outside Amnesty International’s main offices in London, the world’s most polite picket line was taking a stand. Human rights activists were on strike, the first industrial action at the organisation for 20 years, arguing that cuts to the British office were putting its future at risk.

There was no chanting, no loud hailers, just a few placards carrying the phrase ‘Workers Rights = Human Rights’, as employees stood sipping tea and eating cake.

But there was no lack of anger and disappointment, said one employee who has worked at the charity for 15 years. ‘’None of us want to damage this organisation, we care too much about it,’’ she said.

“But when you see the whole thing being damaged, it really feels like there is no alternative.”

The battle between Amnesty’s management and its British workers stems from a decision last year to restructure, opening more offices in remote areas, using local workers.

The British section, one of Amnesty’s biggest offices and fund-raisers, will have to provide 40% of its income to global operations, up from 30%. The London management argues that to do this, cuts must be made. (Source: The Guardian)

Two years ago IEU member Victoria Taber was about to jet off on exchange to Canada, when medical checks revealed she had lung cancer. This November she is thanking her lucky stars for an early diagnosis and doing all she can to promote Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Newsmonth Journalist Tara de Boehmler writes.

In 2010 Victoria enjoyed a wedding, a honeymoon and was weeks away from embarking on a year-long teacher exchange, when she was told that the routine medical tests she undertook as part of the exchange process had resulted in a lung cancer diagnosis.

Now the St Matthews Primary School, Page, Teacher was facing a whole new set of challenges – treatment, the removal of a lung and the big question of ‘why?’ She was also feeling incredibly grateful.

“I was never a smoker,” Victoria says. “I was a fit and healthy 29 year old. It’s not widely talked about, so many just assume it is smoking-related. But lung cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither should we.”

It is a little known fact that lung cancer has the highest death rate of all cancers, in part because it is typically diagnosed late, Victoria says.

“I am very thankful for the exchange opportunity and also to the stringent Canadian medical tests which include a test for tuberculosis.

“We still haven’t been on exchange yet as I needed to stay nearby for specialist appointments, but we did get to meet up with the family we were going to swap with, when they successfully arranged an exchange the following year.

“I’m going really well at the moment. I’m back at work and enjoying all the usual stresses of teaching.

And we do look forward to going on exchange some time in the future.”

In the meantime, Victoria is urging members to complete a lung health check and get behind Lung Cancer Awareness Month throughout November.

“Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither should we.”

To find out more, visit http:// www.lungfoundation.com.au

www.ieu.asn.au feature

Making the right connections Allan Perry draws on his 20 years experience running his own business to prepare students for the real world, Newsmonth Journalist Sue Osborne writes.

The IEU Rep at Singleton Christian School has developed a unique program where students from the local Catholic and public schools come to Singleton Christian School to benefit from the top notch electro technology facilities Alan has helped develop at the school, and his years of experience.

In turn, students from the small Christian school travel to the Catholic school for agricultural instruction and the public school for hospitality trades. Some students also go to the TAFE college for automotive trades.

“It’s a mutually beneficial program,” Allan says.

“The government was offering an incentive program to promote trades education and we got together with the other schools and decided to share resources.

“The government funded our facility here. This program gives students more career opportunities.”

Alan says his electro technology students are being snapped up in Years 11 and 12, not just by the local mining industry but local tradespeople.

“They go into trades other than electrical too, because they have that background in how to operate in a trade.”

Allan’s business in the Singleton area was well known but when he heard Newcastle University was offering tradespeople the chance to become Design and Technology teachers through a two-year accelerated degree, he jumped at the chance (see also story page 8).

“Before I ran my own business I worked at the power station on the rescue team which involved teaching first aid. I ended up teaching a bit of first aid at TAFE and that got me interested.

“It’s a huge lifestyle change, as running your own business means horrendous hours and paperwork, although there’s plenty of paperwork in teaching as well.

“It’s nice to have that guaranteed pay coming in every week, which wasn’t always the case in business.”

Allan passes on his skills to his students with the aim of making them job-ready.

“I know what the end game is, so I look to equip my students for later life by showing them examples of real life situations, so they

“I know what the end game is, so I look to equip my students for later life by showing them examples of real life situations.”

can be successful in society.”

Becoming IEU Rep was part of an education process in itself for Allan.

“I was at a NSW Institute of Teachers training course where they were talking about negotiations for a new agreement which I was in the dark about.

“I decided I ought to find out more and rang the Union. It turned out we were due to negotiate a new award at the school and the Union Organiser came to the school, and I became the Rep.” Singleton Christian School has about 50% IEU membership. In Christian schools there is sometimes a hesitancy among staff to join the Union, but Allan says he “sings off the rooftops about it”.

“Christian school staff have a high level of trust with their employer, but Union membership can offer individual teacher legal protection in case something goes wrong with an interaction with a student or a parent.

“It’s a safety net you can only get from joining the Union.”

Blooming beautifully Students at St Francis Xavier’s Primary, Ballina, learn about sustainability from the ground up, with their above-ground vegetable plots watered and weeded by Year 5. IEU member and St Francis Xavier Teacher Sue Core says students with special needs also enjoy the experience. Parents approached local businesses to donate a range of resources, including besser blocks, soil, seeds and seedlings. The garden has provided fresh lettuce for the school canteen, with carrots on the way.

The school also has a worm farm and plans for more above ground plots, fruit trees, and perhaps some chickens.

Tell the IEU about your school’s environmental initiatives and see what you can do to support sustainability education in NSW at www.ieu.asn.au.

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

The year in focus

In this abridged extract from General Secretary John Quessy’s speech at the IEU AGM, he outlines the significant events and achievements that have shaped the Union’s year.

“We will not accept our members, their jobs and conditions, becoming wholesale victims of these cuts.”

Since coming to office in March 2011, the O’Farrell Government has led a steady attack on workers in NSW and on the industrial processes which have operated for many years.

In the period from our last AGM, the Government has removed from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission the power to independently determine wages and salaries by introducing an artificial 2.5% wages cap beyond which the Commission cannot award. While aimed principally at public sector workers, the salaries of teachers in Catholic schools are caught by this due to the traditional nexus which exists between their salary and that paid to teachers in public schools.

Support staff are similarly caught.

By way of curtailing opposition to their agenda, they have introduced legislation to increase fines for taking industrial action from $10,000 per day to $110,000 per day.

Government amendments to the Workers Compensation Act have seen dramatic cuts to the support and compensation to injured workers, the abolition of journey claims, of compensation for pain and suffering and dismantling the process by which legal and medical costs could be recovered in 16

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disputed cases. The appeals and costs issue remain unresolved.

Intent on shifting as many expenses as possible away from itself, the Government has deviated from the traditional neoliberal philosophy of ‘user pays’ to insist that those in child-related employment pay for their own ‘working with children check’ when the user and beneficiary of this system is the community not the worker.

At a time when the Federal Government have encouraged Australians to participate in a Gonski conversation, challenging the community to find ways to invest more in education, especially school education, the O’Farrell Government in NSW has taken their wrecking ball to the education budget stripping $1.7 billion dollars from it over the next four years.

For Catholic and independent schools, funding will be frozen at mid 2013 levels which means an effective cut of at least 3% annually from state revenue and the double whammy of potentially greater cuts as slashed state spending filters through to Average Government School Recurrent Costs (AGSRC), the measure by which the Commonwealth funds our sector.

All of this done with absolutely no attempt to study the potential impact and with complete disregard to electoral

promises and the Education Act 1990, which stipulates per capita funding to non-government schools at 25%.

At a Federal level, education continues to be a contested policy area although the opportunity for edifying public debate arising from the Government’s response to the Gonski recommendations seems to have deteriorated into yet another round of ‘teacher bashing’. Increased investment in schools is conditional, says Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett, on a range of things including “lifting the standard of teachers” and introducing “annual teacher appraisal” while the alternative Minister Christopher Pyne says that “in every staff room, five to 15% of the teachers are not up to scratch”.

Also at a national level, the trade union movement has been in the spotlight as various reports and investigations into the Health Services Union reveal allegations of serious wrongdoing from past and perhaps contemporary officials. Largely a 'distraction' campaign, these accusations have been used by politicians and commentators to imply corruption within all unions.

Whatever the truth of the matter, the fallout for the labour movement is and will continue to be greater levels of accountability and transparency and

even stricter planes of regulation. Should an Abbott Government be elected, we can expect nothing less than a royal commission into the operation, finances and activities of ALL unions.

Lest all this begin to sound like a neverending tale of woe, I continue to believe that in terms of governance, especially financial governance, our Union can be considered the poster child of governance best practice. In regard also to the negative behaviour of governments, the IEU has and will see every attack on our members as an opportunity to fight back and to campaign to preserve our rights and conditions.

On public sector cuts and the erosion of workers compensation benefits, we continue to work with other unions through Unions NSW to reverse the worst aspects of these proposals and as is likely necessary, we will take this fight to the next state election.

In relation to the funding freeze, we will not accept our members, their jobs and conditions, becoming wholesale victims of these cuts. We have made it clear to employers that at present, the State Government is the ‘enemy’ but that position can shift very quickly in relation to any employer who tries to manipulate these cuts to their own ends.

www.ieu.asn.au overview

“The Union has recovered over $4.5million on behalf of members” New agreements The Union achieved new agreements in some Catholic independent schools in late 2011. Despite difficulties in the negotiations, acceptable pay increases with protected conditions eventually prevailed. To date however, support staff in most of these schools have not received pay increases beyond 2.5%.

The Christian Brothers schools (EREA schools) have also reached an acceptable settlement for teachers (10.5% over three years) after protracted negotiations. The agreement was voted on against the backdrop of the funding cut announcements and was certainly not universally supported in all workplaces.

The Union will now press the case for increases beyond 2.5% for support staff.

The struggle to break out of the 2.5% cap continues in some other Catholic independent schools (Oakhill College Castle Hill and St Gregory’s College Campbelltown).

AIS schools where wages are largely settled for the period 2011-2014 now find their rates well ahead of the norm, but facing threats of redundancies following cuts to funding.

Agreement negotiations continue with Christian schools where membership is steadily increasing. The low density of support staff membership in Christian schools hampers Union capacity to achieve industry standards.

In the ACT, protracted negotiations for a new agreement for teachers and principals was successfully completed following a protected action ballot towards the end of last year. Aspects of that agreement are currently in dispute and have been referred to Fair Work Australia. An agreement, the first of its kind to cover CEO staff, has been settled in regards to staff employed by the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

This agreement was not easily achieved and it is proving so with negotiating a similar document for the 100 plus members employed by Parramatta CEO as administration staff, professional officers and business managers.

The Union has recovered over $4.5million on behalf of members which is a tad short of double the figure for 2011.

In the ECS area, we now have agreements covering over 500 services including some 200 individual community-based enterprise agreements.

This is relentless work and some of the earliest agreements are almost due for renegotiation. These agreements all improve on the NAPSA pay rates and some like the recently completed KU (14.5%) and soon to be completed Big Fat Smile (15%) go a long way towards parity with teachers in schools.

Seeking to close the parity gap has been the focus of the Teachers are Teachers campaign which began at the ECS Conference in 2010, and will come to a climax with the petition-initiated debate in the Legislative Assembly.

Education issues It is clear that the local implementation of the Australian Curriculum (in its second year of rollout in the ACT), National Teaching Standards (and their intersection with those operating in NSW) and teacher registration bodies and processes have again dominated the agenda. It seems that we are well on the way to the nationalisation of all aspects of education which would auger badly if there were to be a change of government during 2013.

The IEU submission in response the NSW discussion paper ‘Great Teaching, Inspired Learning’ was informed in part through workshops at August Council and I recommend its close reading and a careful study of the recommendations.

ELICOS The ELICOS and private college sector of our membership has seen significant growth to over 1100 members. This increase of 265 members represents almost a 30% gain in an area notoriously difficult to unionise, but demonstrates what can be achieved where the Union has a real and credible presence around the city.

Principals Our only branch not limited by geography, the Principals Branch, has again had an active year including professional development opportunities, international connections and negotiations through a joint (employer and IEU) working group on behalf of Catholic systemic principals, and the rather protracted dialogues with ASPECT. Growing concern Unlike most unions, the IEU is a story of growth and although a modest 2% in the past 12 months, membership continues in the right direction. I’ve earlier commented on the numbers in the post-secondary sector, but it is worth a comment in passing that teachers in Catholic systemic schools, longest the greatest single block of members, are once again in the ascendency, topping 45% of our membership for the first time in nearly a decade. It demonstrates how the nature and make-up of our membership is constantly but subtly changing.

Training days Some 15 Reps training days were held throughout the year with the vast majority in regional areas. Almost 200 Reps attended training with about 30% being new Reps. We are currently considering a residential training course for activists in 2013 and a Reps Conference for 2014.

It is well worth noting how regional forums for women members have taken off in the past few years, with over 100 participants at the Newcastle forum in May. Such forums are an excellent way for the Union to take its issues to potentially hundreds of members and to listen to the issues they want to raise with us.

Indigenous issues We also seek to maintain a national focus in respect of Indigenous issues, participating in the ACTU Indigenous Committee and various forums. Our involvement in a range of other activities local to NSW and the ACT, included our own training and workshop held in the lead up to the Women’s Conference.

Planning for the inaugural Indigenous Education Conference to be held on 15 March 2013 is well underway.

WHS The IEU has become one of two unions accredited to deliver WorkCover approved training to elected health and safety representatives. This allows us to run both the full five-day course for new HSRs and the shorter refresher course. This is a new area for the Union to branch into and it is important and significant that we provide training appropriate to our members’ work and their work settings. It will also be a source of potential income, but it is an adjunct to our work, not our core work and we will be cautious with our offerings.

I give this report on behalf of the officers, Executive and staff of the Union and acknowledge with gratitude that for the eight months following the 2011 AGM the IEU was led with integrity, intelligence and dignity (as it had been for 23 years) by Dick Shearman. The smooth, seamless transition of leadership since June Council has been possible only due to the willingness and support of those same people.

Finally on behalf of us all, I thank our Chapter representatives and all those who are active in the various forums of our Union for the selfless work they do to better our circumstances.

Federal action As the NSW/ACT branch of the federal union, we play an active role in its deliberations and activities. The key issue of 2012 has been the focus on the Gonski report, its recommendations and the attitude of the Government (and Opposition) to those recommendations. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

Using a deed of release: a double-edged sword

As employers become more adverse to risk in the workplace, their reliance on legislation is increasing, IEU Industrial Officer Stan Koulouris writes.

More members are approaching the IEU after being asked to sign a deed of release by their employers.

What is this deed of release and why do teachers need to know about it?

Usually these are succinct, but carefully targeted documents used to finalise a dispute or prevent one from arising. They can also be used to demonstrate the terms of settlement between parties.

The IEU recommends that if members are presented with a deed of release, they should never sign it without first consulting the Union.

A standard deed of release will usually describe how one party to the agreement undertakes to pay a certain amount or to do specific acts, and the other party undertakes to make no further claims against the first party.

For example, such an arrangement may arise during the course of a dismissal.

The employer may undertake to pay the dismissed employee severance payment, including accrued entitlements and

provide a reference, and in return the employee may discontinue any action with Fair Work Australia and undertake to make no further claims against their former employer.

By signing the deed of release the employee would be legally barred from taking any further action against their employer.

The deed of release also contains a number of other key elements that staff need to be familiar with, such as the ‘confidentiality’ clause, which is designed to prevent either party from disclosing aspects of the negotiation, deal or even

the dispute to other third parties.

Another major provision is the ‘nondisparagement’ clause, which like the confidentiality clause, is designed to prevent either party from making adverse statements against the other, such as a providing a bad reference.

Deeds of release often reflect the negotiating power of the parties and can be designed to be favourable towards one party at the expense of the other. As the law can enforce these documents, it is imperative that employees are familiar with these elements before signing anything.

Union officers can assist with this.

IT Wizard

teachers to trade up, when similar amounts of money could be better spent on a larger, more traditional iPads and laptops.

New iPads launched As reluctant as this reviewer is to report yet more Apple news (as though the brand needs any further help in its hunger for worldwide domination), it does seem particularly relevant to the education community, that two new iPads have been launched.

The first is the iPad Mini, Apple’s latest tablet – which as the name suggests – is actually smaller than the regular sized iPad, measuring 7.9in.

Apple’s worst kept secret may still turn out to be a big hit in schools. The size and specs make it lighter than the regular iPad. Students will naturally gravitate to technologies that are easier to carry in their backpacks.

Personally, I find the mini tablets a little too small.

They don’t quite serve to display an entire web page and the extra screen real estate for viewing videos and typing is missed.

Google has already launched a 7in Android-powered tablet in 2012 (the Nexus 7), so there is a precedent for these ‘mini’ devices.

Although it is served with a much-updated processer and better WiFi specs, the mini styling is a difficult sell on its own and one that may not convince parents and

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But wait, there’s more To make things even more complicated, Apple has also refreshed their iMac brands, as well as releasing the fourth-generation iPad (or iPad 4).

So the ‘new iPad’ is now the ‘not-so-new iPad’ and the mini iPad becomes the new iPad and an even newer iPad takes the place of the new, but now old iPad, essentially rendering all iPads before it obsolete.

Confused? Good, so are we.

Only months ago, the iPad 3 was released, offering the increased screen clarity of a ‘retina’ display as its biggest selling point. Just a few months later, it’s going to be hard to see why people should care about yet another iPad refinement.

If you’re still looking for value, the iPad 2 is currently the best tablet on the market, purely on a price to performance ratio. Big department stores such as Target and Big W have recently started to undercut Apple’s own online store price and the iPad 2 can be had for under $380 if you shop around.

The iPad mini by comparison will launch at $367 (inclusive of GST) when it goes on sale soon. Although the mini price is slightly cheaper, expect further heavy discounting of the iPad 2. The majority of apps will work perfectly on the older iPad, and I find it hard to believe that most people will be able to tell the difference between the screen displays when using regular apps.

Students and parents now have more choices than ever to pursue their child’s e-learning options. As for teachers, you are also in a tech quandary. Don’t feel pressured to have the latest iPad. You will not be missing out. Apple will quietly continue to support older iPad models for some time to come.

The best thing you can do with new technology is to…

Wait.

Wait for all the bugs to be ironed out.

Wait for the ‘early adopters’ to figure out the quirks and better still, wait for the discounting on older products to commence. Then, go grab yourself a bargain.

Microsoft’s upgrade dilemma Continuing on the path of technological stalemate, the same can be said of Windows 8. Microsoft’s new operating system may be of interest to those schools and IT coordinators who are eager to play with new toys in the sandpit.

Unfortunately for Microsoft and their ongoing profitability though, many of us will be reluctant to upgrade. Why? Because, we really don’t need to.

Until now, Windows 7 (and XP to a further extent) has been rather comfortable, reliable and easy-to-use.

It’s the standard in education computing. And the need to adapt to a new system that builds on key touchscreen and capabilities may not appeal to as many as Microsoft may have hoped.

Windows 8 is unlikely to be adopted quickly.

Microsoft is the victim of its own success: why pay to abandon the comforts of something that works, just in order to access an unknown product with a completely distinct and unusual visual interface?

www.ieu.asn.au overview

Beth Worthy

Hamish and Stephanie Meagher

Ann-Marie Kelly

Kim Pidcock

Kevin Devine

Ready for adventure Ashes cricket, European history and a return to the classroom are among incentives encouraging this year’s crop of exchange teachers to wave goodbye to Australia and head overseas for a year.

The NSW/ACT IEU exchange program will see 10 teachers go to Canada, three to the UK and one to Germany in 2013.

An exchange conference, held recently in conjunction with the Department of Education, gave outgoing exchangees the chance to network and prepare for their overseas adventure.

Ann-Marie Kelly from San Clemente High School in Mayfield will swap roles with Austin Cavanagh, of Wallace High School, Stirling, Scotland.

She will teach history in Stirling, and admits her knowledge of Scottish history doesn’t extend much past Braveheart.

“I grew up in America and all I learnt was American history, and in Australia in Years 9 and 10 we hammer home so much Australian history, it will be nice to extend my knowledge.

“Half the fun is a new challenge, it’s learning for the teacher too.

“I think everyone here today aims to get out of their comfort zone. It’s fascinating to hear about the world’s other countries.

I’ve never been to Europe before so it’s like going to the ‘Mecca of history’ for me.

“I’m looking forward to sitting in the pub and watching the world go by too. I’m going to try haggis, and I’ve told Austin to try vegemite.”

For Beth Worthy it’s the thud of the ball on wood that she’s really looking forward to.

Beth is a science teacher at Sapphire Coast Anglican College, South Bega, and she is swapping with Andrew Stirrup, who also teaches science at Windsor Park Church of England Middle School, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, UK. “I’ve been wanting to do an exchange for 10 years but there always seemed to be some reason why I couldn’t do it, so I thought ‘now or never’.”

An exchange teacher from the UK, Nicola Bromley, came to Sapphire Coast Anglican in 2009 and she and Beth became good friends.

“Nicola really encouraged me to get over there.

“At the moment I teach Years 10-12, so it will be a lovely change to go to a middle school and teach Years 5-9.

“It will be challenging teaching in a different system and learning new technologies and ways of teaching.”

Beth is also a passionate cricket fan and is thrilled that she will get a “double dose” of Ashes matches, both in the UK and in Australia when she returns.

Hamish and Stephanie Meagher are in the happy situation of doing a double exchange.

Stephanie, of St Thomas More’s Primary School, Campbell, ACT, will swap with Meghan Enga of Banting Middle School, Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Husband Hamish of Holy Trinity

Primary School, Curtin, ACT, will swap with Lawrence Holbrook of Hillcrest Middle School, also in Coquitlam, about 10 minutes away from Stephanie’s school.

“We got married about a year and a half ago and thought before we settled down and have kids it would be nice to go overseas and have that experience together,” Hamish says.

“We have friends on exchange in America and Canada and they’ve raved about it, so we thought ‘why not’?”

Stephanie says it would be nice to gain new skills in a new setting.

“We can see what we actually do really well here and maybe not so well and pick up some things to bring back – maybe broaden the mind a little.”

Kim Pidcock is an IEU Rep so he has heard plenty of exchange success stories while attending union events.

He is a science teacher at St Peter’s Anglican College in Broulee, and will be swapping with Julie Kleuskens, also a science teacher at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, London, Ontario.

Kim says he’s looking forward to seeing how his own children, aged 12 and eight, handle the overseas experience.

“I’ve been teaching 23 years, nine at this school, so it will be good to do something different.

“I’ve taught in different states in Australia so the idea of going somewhere new isn’t too difficult for me.”

Kevin Devine’s exchange is unusual as he is a principal. Usually it is not possible

for principals to exchange, but Kevin has elected to take a year of leave and go back into the classroom.

He’s leaving the principalship at St Clare’s Catholic School, Narellan Vale to teach a class of six and seven year olds at Blessed Kateri Elementary School, Edmonton, Alberta.

His exchange partner Delia De Sousa will take a teaching role at St Clare’s, while an up and coming principal is seconded into Kevin’s role for the year.

“I’ve wanted to teach overseas for years, and sometimes you just have to take a punt and do things.

“My son will be four so it’s a good age for him. He’s excited although I don’t think he fully realises what a year overseas means.

“It’s good I have a four year old, as I’m going back into the classroom for the first time in 10 years to teach a young age group.

“A lot of stuff has happened in education in the last 10 years so it will be great for me to get a teacher’s perspective again and find out what it is really like working with technology.

“I’ll be doing the things that I expect others to do, so this will give me an opportunity to know what teachers face.

It will be interesting what tools work and thinking about how to progress kids with technology.”

Thinking about an exchange for 2014? Check out the IEU website www.ieu.asn. au or contact helen@ ieu.asn.au or 9779 3200. newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

A productive year

Reverse the attack on schools

Marty Fitzpatrick North Coast Branch President

Louise Glase South Coast Branch President

The North Coast has had another productive year and our Union staff in the Lismore office continue to do a great job.

We have had well attended Branch meetings this year and have welcomed senior IEU Executive and staff to these meetings. All members are invited to attend Branch meetings and to continue networking, over dinner, with the other members present.

A few regional highlights from this year: •

•

North Coast Women in Education Forum and dinner in October at the Lismore office PIPs courses are proving popular, enlightening and are accredited

•

with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

We have held courses with good attendance by New Scheme teachers in the area, and A Work Health and Safety Seminar was held in Ballina.

We encourage all members to attend Branch meetings in Lismore. Attending Branch meetings helps our members to be informed, share common concerns and network with each other.

Members are also encouraged to log on to the IEU website and view the latest news, resources and information.

The North Coast 2013 AGM is at the Lismore office at 5pm on Wednesday, 20 February 2013.

NSW and national issues Sidonie Coffey IEU Principals’ Branch President Recent IEU principals’ meetings have focused on the increasing impact of NSW and national issues on the work of principals and their schools, including the Australian Curriculum, NAPLAN, the NSW Institute of Teachers and AITS’s, Great Teaching, Inspired Learning report and the threat arising from the NSW Government’s funding cuts.

The Union thanks principals Margaret Hogan from Sacred Heart Primary School at Cabramatta and Briony Scott from Wenona School for their appearance on an IEU video expressing concerns about the impact of the funding cut on schools.

Term 3’s Principals’ Branch meeting was held at the Union’s Parramatta office on 8 September with input from IEU Organisers Sandra White and Liz Finlay on the Union’s educational and professional agenda. Principals have welcomed the IEU’s initiative to enhance ease of registering school level

professional development with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Recent IEU principals’ meetings, including a teleconference for independent school principals on 17 September and a meeting of Parramatta Diocese principals on 11 October, have highlighted increasing workload pressures on principals from national, state and system compliance demands.

The role of principals and the ever increasing demands on their time has also been a major focus of the joint CCER/IEU Leadership in Catholic Schools Working Group. Following three recent meetings, the Working Group will develop recommendations in relation to future directions for principals in Catholic systemic schools.

On 21 November principal members Jenny Stirling (All Saints Catholic Girls College at Liverpool) and Yasmin Gamieldien (Australian Islamic College of Sydney at Mount Druitt) will contribute to an IEU Women’s Forum in Parramatta.

Concerns about the NSW Government’s funding cuts to schools are a major priority for South Coast Branch members, with many contacting their State MPs to express concern about the likely impact on their schools and associated services.

Union officers undertook a range of media interviews about the funding cuts and the IEU will continue to engage with NSW and Federal MPs, employers, other unions and the community to seek to reverse this attack on the resourcing of schools.

The IEU supports the funding framework proposed by the Gonski review of school funding, including an enhanced focus on special needs support, and IEU Organisers participated in a Throsby electorate Politics in the Pub debate on Gonski hosted by Stephen Jones MP at Berkeley on 6 September.

Industrial matters continue to be significant for the South Coast Branch, with a range of issues progressing. Recent developments include: •

•

•

In the early childhood sector, a new agreement was reached with Kindergarten Union and University of Wollongong UniCentre, with positive discussions held with Big Fat Smile (previously Illawarra Children Services) Teachers in Catholic systemic schools have been meeting to discuss the IEU’s Managing PD Toolkit Newsextra with a focus on ensuring that increasing school based professional learning is consistent with the current Work Practices Agreement and that such PD is registered as appropriate with the Institute of Teachers After two years of negotiations,

and active engagement by members, an agreement is close to finalisation with CatholicCare which will provide salary increases and improvements in conditions for CatholicCare staff, including counsellors in Catholic schools in the Wollongong Diocese • Successful negotiations for members at Edmund Rice College and other EREA schools have achieved 3.5% per annum salary rises for teachers and a similar claim is in place for support staff • Teachers at St Gregory’s College at Campbelltown have endorsed a resolution to seek a ballot for protected industrial action to seek salary increases similar to those in similar Catholic independent schools, and • Well attended meetings have been held in Christian schools to discuss the IEU’s claim for improvements in salaries and conditions in the next Christian sector agreement.

The IEU thanks those members who serve on the Wollongong CEO’s Equal Opportunity Committee, including contributing to the IEU’s own Guide to Parental and Carer’s Leave publication and the CEO’s Working Parents Toolkit. Dr Rae Cooper from Sydney University is currently undertaking research with Wollongong CEO and the IEU in relation to access to flexible work and family arrangements.

On 1 November, the IEU hosted a breakfast meeting for principals at Campbelltown in conjunction with a CEO meeting that day. The Union thanks John Walsh, Principal at Good Samaritan Primary School at Fairy Meadow, for serving as Rep to Principals’ Branch and for his support for principal members.

Term 4’s South Coast Branch meeting will be held at Woonona-Bulli RSL on Wednesday, 14 November.

North west women celebrate achievements

Gathering in Armidale on 13 September, this year’s IEU North West women’s forum highlighted the strengths and achievements of members in their schools and communities.

The forum was hosted by IEU Executive members Denise McHugh and Ralph Hunt, with the assistance of St Mary’s Primary School Armidale Rep Belinda Burton, and featured input from local women activists and from IEU officers Pam Smith and Amy Cotton.

Judy Muldoon, also from St Mary’s Primary School, delighted and inspired participants with her recount of her 2011 teacher exchange to Wales, including 20

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the diverse experiences of herself and her family in dealing with local village life, sporting activities, and even close encounters with the royal family.

Regina Menz from O’Connor Catholic High School in Armidale enthralled the forum with her approach to science education and her special passion for involving girls with science from an early age. She demonstrated several techniques using communications technology in the classroom and engaging students in practical and enjoyable science activities.

Denise McHugh, IEU Executive member and HSIE Coordinator at McCarthy College in Tamworth,

presented an overview of Edekit, a valuable online curriculum resource which provides access to units of work which have been developed by teachers as a practical resource for their colleagues at school level and beyond.

An update on the IEU’s women and equity agenda was provided by the Union’s Women in Education Committee convenor Pam Smith, including the Federal Government’s Workplace gender equality legislation and the implications for diocesan and independent school employers.

Amy Cotton from the IEU also reported on the Union’s commitment to supporting early career teachers in

gaining and maintaining accreditation with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

The IEU is a registered provider of professional development for Institute purposes and regularly holds Pedagogy in the Pub (PIP) sessions in rural and suburban areas and can also conduct PIPs at school level.

Regional women’s gatherings are a vital aspect of the IEU’s equity agenda and provide a valuable opportunity for the Union to engage with local issues and concerns and to celebrate local women’s achievements. Upcoming events include Canberra, 13 November and Parramatta, 21 November.

www.ieu.asn.au overview

Executive spotlight

A voice for non-systemic schools In this occasional series, Newsmonth finds out a bit more about the dedicated members of the Union’s Executive. This week it’s Non Systemic Schools Vice President Michelle Omeros.

Michelle teaches in one of only three Greek Orthodox schools operating in Sydney – there are only seven in Australia.

She’s been at St Euphemia College in Bankstown in Sydney’s west for 20 years, where she is now TAS Faculty Coordinator and Design and Technology, Food Technology, Textiles & Design, Hospitality, Tourism and PDHPE Teacher. She is also the Year 11 Coordinator and VET Coordinator.

The school was founded as a junior school in 1989, but Michelle started when the high school opened in 1993.

The other two Greek Orthodox schools in Sydney are All Saints Grammar in Belmore and St Spyridon College in the eastern suburbs.

“People think we teach in Greek but of course we don’t. It’s just normal curriculum with the Greek language taught until Year 10 and the Greek Orthodox religion taught as a subject, “ Michelle says.

While most of the students are from a Greek Orthodox background, many are Serbian Orthodox and there are also a couple of Islamic students, as well as Anglo and Asian background students.

Lots of action, signifying nothing

Michelle became the IEU Rep in her first year at the school and it was challenging, being the lone female Union Rep going up against the all-male board.

She says staff in small independent schools can benefit from joining the IEU to gain a sense of belonging, and feel supported.

“I became the Union Rep as there were some situations that need to be dealt with.

“I found I enjoyed helping people sort things out and finding a solution between staff and employers.

“If you’re doing the right thing in your job then employers need to do the right thing by you.

“People in small independent schools need to be confident about standing up for their rights.”

Union membership for non-systemic schools members provided the chance to network with the wider school community too.

“I like finding out what’s going on in Catholic systemic schools at Union events, and other independent schools.

“It underlines the commonality between Jewish and Islamic schools and Orthodox schools when you met people from these areas.”

Michelle says she would particularly encourage staff working in small schools to join the Union to have their voices heard.

Fighting to the final round

Gabe Connell Vice President, Early Childhood Services Last week the State Education Minister Adrian Piccoli announced a $33million injection of funding into early childhood in NSW. This was the underspend from 2011-12.

It mainly targets children from disadvantaged families and areas as well as some money for cluster management and transition to school statements, and scholarships for Diploma qualified people to upgrade to teaching qualifications.

This seems to be a great start and wonderful for children from disadvantaged areas.

However it still doesn’t address the following major issue facing early childhood at the moment.

• Staff shortages: Wages are still so low that there is little incentive for Diploma qualified people to spend the time studying to gain a teaching qualification. Beginning teachers who do this course to get a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood earn less than an experienced Diploma as a starting salary. Good people are still leaving the sector because of the wage inequities and new graduates are choosing primary education.

• Fees: Increasing drastically again – we are in another funding freeze. How can the average family who does not qualify for fee relief afford up to $50 a day for preschool? Many rural areas do not have a long day care option • preschools are their only services so there is no fee relief at all for them.

These children should also be entitled to 15 hours a week of early education in the year before school.

•

•

Transition to School Statements: living on the border we meet regularly with our Victorian colleagues and they talk about the huge amounts of work involved in these. I thought the implementation of the EYLF and the documenting of children’s development through the five Learning Outcomes would be well and truly adequate. Staff are time poor, struggling with all the new changes and then we may have something new again. Why something else?

Being recognised through the Institute of Teaching: Again this is a good incentive but have you seen the documentation required? Where is the time for this? We will see people / leave the sector again.

We have all lived through ‘great plans, new strategies and programs’, the PIRP, the Preschool Growth program etc and yet children are still missing out.

It’s simple – the Government needs to value education more, especially early childhood education, and invest properly and sensibly.

Funding wages would significantly reduce fees but best case scenario is that early childhood education should be free for all children as it is in other states and other countries around the world.

From this latest cash injection it would appear that most services will receive nothing, fees will continue to rise, qualified staff will become more scarce and children will continue to miss out on what should be their right.

Chris Wilkinson President As we approach the end of another year, our fight is about to begin. Put your boxing gloves on and prepare yourself for a long and difficult battle.

I am sure that you are all aware of the announcements made by the O’Farrell Government of the funding cuts to education. These cuts, to the tune of $120 million from Catholic and independent schools over the next four years, are going to effect each and every one of us – our jobs, our children and our grandchildren. It will also mean: • larger class sizes • restricted subject choices for students in our secondary schools • job losses in teaching and support positions • reduction in curriculum and other support for classroom teachers, including students with special needs • reduction in professional development for all staff • increases in school fees • the delivery of the VET curriculum in schools and also the access and delivery of TVET courses, and • resources in school will be limited or not replaced.

Do you want this to happen to you and your school, your students, your children or your grandchildren?

I am sure the answer is no. So we need to stand up and fight this decision. Let this Government know that we are talking about the future of our country and the education of our children.

Let your voice be heard. Visit your local member, write letters, sign petitions, hold chapter meetings and talk to parents. This is a fight that has not yet begun. It is up to all of us to get behind this campaign.

Next year will require your commitment and drive to send a strong message to Barry O’Farrell and his Government.

Teachers are Teachers While we are in the fighting mood we need to also lend our support to the Teachers are Teachers campaign to achieve pay parity for early childhood teachers.

You can assist by visiting your local member, writing letters, displaying posters in your school, and making chapter members aware of this campaign.

In NSW most early childhood teachers earn 20% lower wages than teachers in primary schools. It is time that early childhood teachers earned the same as teachers in infant and primary schools. Research has shown that these early years of a child's education are very important to their later education.

So why should they receive less pay than everyone else?

We are going to be busy over the coming months, but let's hope that our voices will be heard in Macquarie Street.

newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au overview

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Pink, bubbly & lovely

• By M

In the spirit of Pink Ribbon Day on 22 October, this helping of Magnum focuses on offerings from the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale in South Australia and a blend of grapes from Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

First up is the Ballabourneen Moscato Blush 2012 ($21).

Moscato are characteristically light bodied, low alcohol, slightly sparkling (frizzante) wines intended for immediate consumption and best served chilled.

This example is rose petal pink with an obvious spritz. Delicate floral aromas of raspberry and roses play prelude to the Turkish delight palate. There are some strawberries and cream hints but the predominant flavours are raspberry and rosewater.

Some fresh acidity and the delicacy of the bubble finish the taste sensation wonderfully.

The second wine comes from the Hunter, with fruit sourced from the Kywarra Vineyard in Orange. Winemaker Steve Langham has made this rosé style the Rosed Pork 2012 ($24) from Cabernet Sauvignon.

The colour is a stewed rhubarb pink and the nose is aromatic and full of sweet, almost tropical fruits. There is an underlying sweetness as well but the principle experience is of crisp fruit and red berries with a confectionary edge.

This is an adult rosé and there is enough lingering tannin to balance the residual sugar. It would match an Indian curry extremely well.

Another interesting rosé style is the Chapel Hill il Vescovo

The Get Ahead Start home loan option allows parents to use some of the equity in their own home to guarantee part of a home loan taken out by their children. This gives the children the ability to borrow more, or borrow up to 100 per cent of the value of the property plus stamp duty and other upfront costs. It can also help avoid the cost of mortgage insurance that applies to high LVR loans.

Sangiovese Rose 2011 ($23).

Sangiovese is demonstrating its remarkable versatility in Australia and this use just adds to its credits.

A pale strawberry or sunset pink with aromas of cranberry and cherry, these savoury flavours carry through to the palate with cherry and other red fruits. It is soft and elegant, rich in the fruits but very dry.

Finally, the Chandon Rose NV ($28) a ‘method traditionnelle’ sparkling brut for the lovers of real fizz. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this wine is a rich salmon pink that reveals citrus, peach and piecrust aromas with strawberry and raspberry flavours.

There is a creamy mouth feel and a pronounced bead. The wine has a long crisp finish with plenty of nougat appeal from the yeast. Good Drinking.

Allows you to maximise the amount you can borrow – up to 100% of the purchase price, plus associated costs.

Avoid paying thousands in mortgage insurance (normally payable on loans that exceed 80% of the value of the property).

Gets you into your home faster, with help from your family!

Allows guarantor to nominate a specific amount the guarantee is limited to.

Once the loan is reduced or the property increases in value the guarantee can be released.

Helping your adult children purchase a home without having to provide cash for the deposit!

SGE Credit Union Limited. ABN 72 087 650 637, Australian Credit Licence Number 238311. Eligibility criteria for loans, terms & conditions and fees & charges apply.

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newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

www.ieu.asn.au overview

Bernard O’Connor NGS Super

MyBus, MyTrain and MySuper Statistically eight out of 10 Australians remain in their superannuation fund’s default option and do not exercise a choice of investment. With the passage of the Stronger Super legislation this year, the Government aims to improve the retirement savings of the 80% who do not choose an investment by compelling super funds to provide a new ‘default’ product called MySuper.

Superannuation funds will be able to offer MySuper from 1 July 2013 as the default product for those members who do not make a choice; from 1 January 2014 employers must pay contributions for members who do not make a choice into a MySuper product.

In essence, many members who are placed in a MySuper option are indicating that they do not have the expertise or desire to actively choose an investment option. They would prefer the Trustee of their super fund to perform that function on their behalf as a trusted fiduciary. Additional regulatory requirements will be in place in order to ensure that the trustee is working in the member’s best interest by ensuring that fees are kept to a minimum with a clearly articulated investment target.

How will my super differ from the current default option?

MySuper will be a simple, costeffective product with a diversified option designed to cater for the vast majority of Australian workers.

It will be designed to suit the best interests of members and will have a transparent fee structure which will make it easier to compare funds’ fees and returns. Since all large funds will offer a MySuper product, there will be a homogenous basis for comparing fees and net returns to members which will hopefully lead to better member outcomes based on choice of fund.

So when a worker begins employment and does not select a super fund, he/she will automatically be placed in a MySuper product. In order to offer a MySuper product, superannuation funds will have to apply to the regulator (APRA) for authorisation and APRA will ensure that the enhanced trustee regulations are met to provide the best result for members. Importantly, trustees will be required to stipulate the targeted rate of return along with the level of risk considered appropriate for members.

The provision of automatic death/ total and permanent disability insurance can be included in the MySuper investment offering, but new rules will require enhanced vigilance for trustees who design this product.

All MySuper insurance products must allow members to opt-out within 90 days of joining the fund and members who select this product will be able to apply to increase or decrease their cover without leaving the MySuper option. Income Protection insurance will not be required to be offered, but the trustee may choose to offer it in the new option.

NGS Super has been working to design its MySuper product and will submit its application to APRA shortly.

Following approval, all members in the current Diversified option will be consolidated into the MySuper option which will operate according to the rules outlined above. The Diversified investment option will remain unchanged, but the new compliance regime will ensure that the member’s best interest test is met by the trustee in terms of investment objectives, fees and insurance with the introduction of MySuper for the majority of members who do not exercise investment choice.

Bernard O’Connor (boconnor@ngssuper.com.au) NGS Super

(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.)

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 Secretary 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 ACT 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 Financial Officer St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland

newsmonth - Vol 32 #7 2012

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www.ieu.asn.au giveaways

Giveaway 1

Giveaway 2

The One Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared Author: Jonas Jonasson Allen & Unwin ISBN:9781743311271 Three copies to giveaway This highly reviewed book is the story of a man waiting for his 100th birthday party, which he doesn’t want. He escapes out his bedroom window.

And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving a suitcase full of cash, a few thugs, a very friendly hot-dog stand operator, a few deaths, an elephant and incompetent police. This book is billed as “charming, witty and funny”, interweaving history and politics.

Giveaway 3

Fallout from Fukushima Richard Broinowski, Scribe ISBN: 9781922070166 Three copies to giveaway It’s hard to comprehend what happened in Japan in March 2011 when a massive earthquake destroyed thousands of lives, villages and caused explosions and meltdown at Fukushima’s nuclear power plant. Former diplomat to Japan Richard Broinowski visited the irradiated zone to speak to people affected and to find out why authorities delayed warning the public about the severity of the radiation. Professor Ian Lowe calls this “the definitive analysis of the Fukushima accident ... if you are tempted to see a role for nuclear energy, you should read this book”.

Amore and Amaretti: A tale of Love and Food in Tuscany (ebook) Author: Victoria Cosford Wakefield Press ISBN: 9781862548879 Three ebook copies to giveaway This book follows the story of the author who visited Florence to study Italian as a young woman and ended up being swept off her feet by a charming Italian chef. He takes her to visit the kitchens of his Tuscan restaurants and teaches her to cook. Twenty years later she leaves her unfulfilled life in Australia to return to cook for the volatile Gianfranco. This book follows the author’s long love affair with Italy and is “seasoned with the mouthwatering recipes she has mastered along the way”.

To enter one of these giveaways put your name, membership number and current address on the back of an envelope addressed to ‘Newsmonth Giveaway 1, 2 or 3 - NSW/ACT IEU GPO Box 116 Sydney 2001 by Friday 7 December. Please note envelopes received that have not been clearly marked with which giveaway they are entering will be disqualified.

NGS Super is a leading super fund in Australia We have many reasons why, but here are just a few: Q Listed in the “top ten” best value-for-money super funds in Australia in 2012* Q Top award ratings from SuperRatings and Chant West Q Winner of Money magazine’s Best of the Best award for “Best-Value Insurance in Super” in 2012 For more reasons, visit www.ngssuper.com.au

www.ngssuper.com.au

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*SuperRatings

NGS Super Pty Limited ABN 46 003 491 487 AFS Licence No. 233 154 the Trustee of NGS Super ABN 73 549 180 515

24/08/12 5:12 PM