Volume 49.4 June 2020
The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)
ET See:
Face-to-face training is back pg. 24
sstuwa.org.au
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Frank has been in the industry for 10 years, Ryan 2 years, and Llane and Garrick just shy of 2 years. With a background in football, they all share a ‘team first’ focus. This means everything they do gives them an advantage as they share ideas and vehicle pricing to find you the best deal possible. This has also built camaraderie over time and they appreciate the fact that they can rely on each other and motivate each other, which only makes them stronger. "Welcoming new clients into the Fleet Network family is always enjoyable. Seeing a client of ours in the workplace and having them tell their colleague how enjoyable their experience was is always satisfying” says Ryan. Frank, Ryan, Llane and Garrick are happy to take calls outside of work hours and are willing to help clients as much as possible. “Constantly striving to get the best result is at the core of Fleet Network. Providing highly personalised service for all our clients is what we pride ourselves on” says Frank.
Features
Volume 49.4 June 2020
In this edition Correspondence:
The Editor, PO Box 212 West Perth WA 6872 editor@sstuwa.org.au | Ph: 9210 6000
Member Assist:
Ph: 9210 6060 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au Print post publication 100004470 | $4.95 ABN: 544 780 946 35 Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 James Street, Northbridge WA. June 2020. Cover: Face-to-face training is back at the SSTUWA. Read more on page 24. To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, visit: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher
Find us on Facebook facebook.com/sstuwa
In this edition
Members vote in favour for Schools GA.....6 Guaranteed preschool funding call............8 New TAFE GA secures big wins..................9 Making the most of your membership.....10 New educator self-care............................11 Q&A with Member Assist .........................12
2020 Publishing Dates Deadline Distributed 25 November 17 January
Staff self-care tips....................................14 School leaders battle work stress and violence.....................................................16 Don’t let politicians interfere in the
28 January
21 February
3 March
4 May
4 May
23 June
8 June
10 July
13 July
7 August
From the General Secretary.......................7
17 August
11 September
Education and Training.............................28
21 September
16 October
Member Benefits......................................30
19 October
27 November
Classifieds.................................................32
Dates are subject to change
classroom.................................................20
Regulars From the President.....................................5
Noticeboard...............................................34
Advertisements in Western Teacher are the responsibility of advertisers. While Western Teacher makes reasonable efforts to ensure that no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility is not accepted by The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) for statements made or the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)
Western Teacher is the official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)
We've got them covered And we've got you covered, too. Welcome to all our new members who have joined since January, and congratulations to the winners of our We've Got You Covered competition: First
New member: Lana Winfield Encourager: Samuel Charles
Second New member: Bree Landrigan Encourager: Sheena Chaplin Third
New member: Olivia Petrou Encourager: Bronwynn Davies
Fourth New member: Linda King (self motivated)
Western Teacher
June 2020
3
Educating on values crucial
From the President
By Pat Byrne President
Abraham Lincoln, a man of many memorable quotes, once said “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next”. If he was right we teachers have some work to do. During first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was perhaps easy to gloss over some of the actions of the federal government when it came to education. In the areas where the Commonwealth held sway, the contempt for higher education was obviously concerning. Universities and their staff were pretty much abandoned by Scott Morrison and company. Of course, we are in familiar territory with the Coalition’s view of TAFE. Its ongoing contempt for the nation’s most respected training provider has been evident for some time. On a national level $3 billion has been cut from TAFE and training, widespread skills shortages have emerged, and 140,000 apprentices and trainee places have gone. In WA, under the Barnett Government, we saw $110 million stripped from the system, course fees rise by 650 per cent in some courses and student enrolments plummet. The Morrison Government also allowed its true face to emerge from behind the Morrison mask of ‘typical Aussie dad’ when it used blackmail and bribery to try and bring private schools into line by threatening them with the withdrawal of funding if they persisted with online delivery, no matter what the risk may have been in opening schools.
This is a government that likes to use funding as a power mechanism. We have already seen that with community groups. Here on full display was “do as we say or your funding gets cut” in the education sector. The Prime Minister’s passive aggressive speech to teachers about schools reopening barely concealed his frustration at not being able to take his standard bullying approach into the state sectors. It took a pandemic for our Prime Minister to suddenly discover face-to-face teaching is important for anyone attending a government school. Both he and the federal education minister blatantly ran lines of equity, fairness and access, as a strategy to pressure states and territories into a full return of students, despite overseeing possibly the most unjust funding system in the world. It reminds us that in Australia we have a serious problem when it comes to political support for public education. A series of decisions from politicians and comments from the media tended to suggest few of them have, or have had, any level of interaction with the state school system. This Prime Minister, a now ardent supporter of kids being in the classroom (well not his own, but that’s a different story) leads a government that has long abandoned any pretence on equity in funding and indeed – through the current schools funding model – allows the WA and ACT governments to actually slash funding to state schools, while leaving in place protections for private school funding. Billions are allocated to private school funds that the state system cannot touch. While Olympic-sized pools and performing
arts centres go up in some schools, teachers in the state system are using their own money to buy basic materials for their students. Throughout this pandemic, not a single additional dollar has been allocated to public schools by the federal government, while tens of millions of extra dollars have gone to private schools. Sadly, the major political party that should be shouting from the rooftops about the benefits of public education, and putting forward an aggressive policy position in support of it, remains embarrassingly silent. Yet again, this debate is left to be carried by educators and parents in an environment where the social, cultural and democratic purposes of education – are overlooked in a system which is overwhelmingly skewed towards individual and economic purposes. To make sure this generation of students and their parents know why fighting for fairness in education funding is so crucial, we need politicians, educators and community leaders who care about equity and understand the importance of the public good. The article on page 20-21 shows us what can occur when we don’t have that support and understanding. We must value, defend and improve our public institutions, including maintaining a strong public curriculum. Educators – especially those in public schools – are of critical importance in ensuring this happens. It is a fight we cannot afford to lose. Western Teacher June 2020
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2019
General Agreement 2019 Schools
General Agreement
Members vote in favour for Schools GA The member vote on the 2019 Schools General Agreement has concluded, with about 85 per cent of members who voted in favour of accepting the agreement.
“It gives a really good structure to guide your planning. That should actually reduce people’s workload in terms of them having to re-invent things.”
A total of 3,107 people voted. Of those 84.76 per cent voted in favour, 14.4 per cent against and 1.1 per cent abstained.
Mr Bridge said the addition of an extra 30 minutes of primary DOTT time was also big win for members to allow them more school time for preparation, while the new conditions around parental leave superannuation and short leave afforded more flexibility for members.
The voting process of this GA was remarkable in the aspect that it was predominately conducted online in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank all our members for their patience and efforts in participating in online voting. The Agreement has now been registered with the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC). This will form members conditions of work and salary for two years, with salary increases backdated to 6 December 2019. Highlights of the 2019 Schools Agreement include more primary DOTT time, greater short leave flexibility and support for curriculum planning. School leaders are also winners in the new General Agreement with the creation of Collegiate Principal positions and induction program for new school leaders.
He said a standardised performance management template would streamline and clarify the performance management process. There will now be a process to introduce these gains into schools, with the union having input with the Department of Education on those materials and those processes. Meanwhile the SSTUWA is working on publishing a new Red Book outlining your rights and entitlements contained in the 2019 Schools General Agreement. The union would like to acknowledge its Executive and the negotiating team, who worked to draw the bargaining process to a successful conclusion as everyone’s attention and efforts were being drawn to dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
He said it would entail a half day of professional learning, with relief cover if needed, in which teachers would be taken through the curriculum planning tools and shown how to incorporate it into their own teaching and learning lessons.
2019
“For a teacher, that’s a huge support,” Mr Bridge said. 6
Western Teacher June 2020
SCHOOLS
GA GA
SSTUWA Senior Vice President Paul Bridge said the win on curriculum planning would ensure all teachers had clear outlines of the teaching and learning required over a set year level or period.
2019
From the General Secretary
Appreciating the public service By Mary Franklyn General Secretary
The Public Good
One of the few positives to be taken from the COVID-19 pandemic has been the higher regard for public servants such as teachers, nurses and police, whose dedication to duty has been key in helping contain the virus and keep life as normal as possible. It is appropriate timing therefore for the announcement of a UnionsWA campaign – The Public Good, which seeks to further educate the community about the vital role public servants play in their lives. The long-standing campaign will also hold governments accountable between election cycles. The McGowan Government has been far from perfect when it comes to the public sector – 3,000 redundancies and a wage cap of $1,000 being the most obvious examples, as well as some misguided cuts to education. Pre-COVID there were signs of a welcome change of course, especially in the area of TAFE, where fee cuts the SSTUWA had long campaigned for were being introduced. We also saw some important services brought back under government control, promises on not privatising other industries were honoured and a program that saw casual and contract staff, including those within TAFE, converted to permanency. Behind those who work in wards, on the streets or in classrooms there are many more public servants who make their jobs possible, whether it be education assistants, administrative staff, those working in procurement, payroll or other support services. We need the public to recognise how important that work is for The Public Good. This will be crucial in avoiding the appalling decisions seen in New South Wales and Queensland to freeze public sector wages. In WA we need a sensible plan for sustainable investment to rebuild the state’s economy. Read more on page 8.
GA 2019
April went into a prize draw. We gained 1,260 members in that time. A list of the winners is on page 3. Thank you to all who participated. The more members we have, the louder our voice.
While 85 per cent of members supported the deal nearly all did so with considerable reservations because of the $1,000 cap.
COVID-19
The $1,000 pay cap was the most commonly commented on aspect of the General Agreement 2019 offer we put out to members for vote.
Some member comments suggested there is a need to better explain the impact of industrial laws that constrain union action in response to governments capping wages or even freezing salary increases. Members have recognised the need for restraint in the public sector, but felt singled out as carrying the debt can, with rises lower than the rate of inflation leaving them worse off in real terms. Like the police and nurses before them, teachers have reluctantly accepted this salary suppression. They won’t do so for much longer. The SSTUWA did secure a number of significant wins for members including an additional 30 minutes of primary DOTT time, flexibility around short leave and greater support for primary and secondary curriculum planning. The creation of Collegiate Principal positions, an induction program for new principals and a commitment to increased movement between schools for school leaders will all greatly assist leaders. As one set of negotiations end the next phase will be upon us. This time issues around salary will a major focus. Members will be looking for acknowledgment of their sacrifices in recent years and their efforts in keeping public schools open throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
We’ve Got You Covered
In January the union began its We’ve Got You Covered campaign to raise member numbers. Every member who joined us between then and the end of
Thank you to all members who completed our COVID-19 workplace surveys. The information gathered allowed us to lobby successfully for proper cleaning in schools, the provision of hand sanitiser and soap, the suspension of large gatherings such as staff meetings and the introduction of testing across selected schools as a priority. We successfully assisted many members who were at high risk and took many calls and emails from those angered at the initial lack of concern for and acknowledgment of the safety fears of teachers. The facts provided through a series of surveys were crucial in getting those issues addressed. The union also used the results to lobby for a greater recruitment of casual and relief staff to fill obvious gaps in the system and reduce workload on those being asked to teach in more than one way.
Vale
I would like to note the passing of four members over this last year. Our profession loses those who have contributed to public education in schools and TAFE and hundreds of students. I wanted to specifically pay respect to four of our members who show the diversity of members’ time and work: Rae White, Brookton District High School principal and a member for 46 years passed away late last year; Victor Dale, North Metro TAFE Balga member; Andrew Butcher, who joined in 1981, a teacher who spent much time in the North West and was a long serving State Council delegate, and Toby Chapman, who joined in 2017 from Carnarvon School of the Air. Our condolences to their family, friends and colleagues. Western Teacher June 2020
7
Issues
Guaranteed preschool funding call A call to lock in five years of Commonwealth funding for guaranteed access to preschool is welcome recognition of the critical role that Early Childhood Education (ECE) has in providing equity of opportunity for all children to get the best start to their education.
investment in the future of our children,” she said.
According to media reports, the Nous Group review of the Universal Access National Partnership for the COAG Education Council has said that short term renewals of preschool funding every year had “adversely” affected the strategy.
“The skills and abilities children develop in preschool lead to stronger academic performance through school and a greater likelihood of undertaking further education.”
This created uncertainty for the sector, leading to high staff turnover and hindering preschools' ability to plan and invest effectively. AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said that guaranteeing funding for ECE was an essential step in ensuring children’s school readiness and in providing the foundational knowledge and skills that enabled children to succeed. “Guaranteed funding for our early learning sector is a critically important
“The Universal Access to Preschool program has directly benefited more than two million children and over a million families by providing equity of access and opportunity for all children.
Ms Haythorpe said preschool also improved cognitive, social and emotional outcomes, and was important in providing a strong foundation for learning. “Yet the Morrison Government has failed to guarantee funding for this program past 2021. This is unacceptable and creates great uncertainty for the sector,” she said. “It is impossible for ECE providers to plan for the future when there is no guarantee of Commonwealth funding from one year to the next.
Recognising the public good UnionsWA, in collaboration with key public sector unions in WA and community supporters, has launched The Public Good campaign. It will have a major focus on promoting the important role of public services and the public sector workforce leading up to and beyond the 2021 WA state election. UnionsWA Secretary Meredith Hammat (pictured) said that during the pandemic WA’s health workforce, teachers, cleaners and working people in essential services
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Western Teacher June 2020
faced risks to keep us safe. “Much of the heavy lifting in the WA government’s budget repair has been done by the majority of our public sector workforce whose pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living,” she said. “The Public Good is also about making sure that public sector workers are valued and fairly rewarded for the work they do.” For more information visit: www.thepublicgood.com.au
“The Nous Group preschool funding review for the Education Council highlights the negative consequences of failing to lock in ongoing funding for preschools and for parents. “The Prime Minister has described Early Childhood Education as valuable for the children of essential workers during the COVID-19 shutdown, but he has failed to understand the importance of the role it plays in starting a child’s formal education and for providing continuity and familiarity in these unsettled times. “There are also strong economic arguments for investing in ECE. A recent report by Price Waterhouse Coopers has shown that for every dollar invested in Early Childhood Education, Australia could receive two dollars back through higher tax revenues, higher wages and productivity and lower spending on welfare and criminal justice. “The benefits of a structured early childhood education program for our children are compelling and proven. It’s time for the Morrison Government to make this ongoing commitment for our children and families.”
New TAFE GA secures big wins
TAFE
By Minh Lam
Greater access to job permanency and improved leave conditions are some of the significant wins gained by the SSTUWA in the 2019 TAFE General Agreement.
More TAFE GA gains
An agreement in principle has been reached and TAFE members can vote on the agreement via electronic ballot until 4pm, 30 June.
Other highlights of the 2019 TAFE General Agreement in principle are:
The agreement contains a new provision that stipulates any fixed term contract lecturer can be considered for permanency regardless of stated reason for the contract, with permanency being able to be made at any time from the date of the initial contract. A lecturer employed through a merit selection process, where the job was advertised with the possibility of further fixed term appointment (including a pool recruitment process), will not be required to reapply for the same full-time contract position. Furthermore, breaks between fixed-term contracts of up to six months will not break continuity of service for the purposes of personal and long service leave (LSL). But they will not count towards accruing personal leave and LSL entitlements. Gains have been secured on other forms of leave provisions, including bereavement, carers and cultural leave. Bereavement leave has been extended from two days to three, while its definitions have been broadened. Personal leave has been amended so that an individual no longer has to be the primary carer to take personal leave to provide care or support for a family member. Up to two hours leave is available to any employee to donate blood or plasma. The provision is for each instance of a donation. A new clause now provides for up to five days (paid, non-cumulative) cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. There will be pay rises of $1,000 – the first one backdated to 15 December 2019. A second $1,000 pay rise will operate from 15 December 2020. SSTUWA TAFE organiser Ramona Mitussis said the negotiating process for the new agreement in principle had been exhaustive and partially slowed due to the COVID-19 crisis, but the gains had been worth it. “We ticked off some really good items from our log of claims,” she said. “People on contracts won’t have to go for their jobs again, which gives them peace of mind, and the commitments around reviewing class sizes and the allocations of student curriculum hours are critical to sort workload issues. “It will make lots of people’s lives better and there are lots of things in there that are better for the future.” Visit sstuwa.org.au/TAFEGA2019 for more details about the electronic vote and stay tuned to eNews, the SSTUWA website and Facebook page for further updates.
New Union Branch Representative Time Allocation Policy to be inserted in list of SSTUWA-TAFE Employee Relations Committee (STERC) policies. This will allow for an allocation of teaching hours to union representatives. New sub-clause making reference to a STERC working party that will examine nominal hours of delivery having regard to the allocation of teaching hours. This will provide for a review of student curriculum hour allocations. New sub-clause that stipulates that Clause 18 must be read in conjunction with the STERC Fixed Term Contract Policy. This strengthens the link between Agreement and Policy provisions. Sub-clause amended so that progression is now: one increment above appointment grade after 12 months service, subsequence increments after completion of Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with no further bars to progression. Drafting changes to allow for the removal of the salary bar. In relation to the provision of activities relating to delivery (ARD) off-site for part-time lecturers the following words have been inserted: “This applies to both full-time and part-time lecturers. The maximum 7.5 hours of ARD is not to be applied pro rata to parttime lecturers.” Additional wording to make current provision clearer. New provision that allows for an employee or eligible casual employee, who is entitled to unpaid parental leave, to have superannuation contributions made for a maximum of 12 weeks. Inclusion of Recognition of Prior Learning in lecturing duties and Recognition of Prior Learning – administrative work in Professional Activities time.
Western Teacher June 2020
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Growth Team
Making the most of your membership By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator
Everyone who joins the SSTUWA does so for their own reason. Many people join to be part of a collective voice, to stand in solidarity and to ensure industrial and professional rights are upheld at their worksite. Others join because of their passion for public education, to ensure that proper funding and resources are available for all public education facilities. For many though, the reason for joining is a lot more personal. Our members often tell us they join for peace of mind. If a problem ever arises at their worksite, they know the SSTUWA has got them covered. Whether they need to ask a question or seek advice from our Member Assist Team, need one-to-one support from a case manager, or assistance from our legal advocates, members know they are supported and protected when they need us the most. Joining the SSTUWA means access to high-quality learning opportunities. All courses through the Education and Training Centre (ETC) are developed and delivered by highly-skilled, passionate and experienced educators.
significant discounts on the standard legal fees? Some of the legal services you receive as a financial member of the SSTUWA include a free consultation with Slater and Gordon in relation to any matter connected with your employment or your professional registration, advice and representation in performance and conduct matters; a free 30-minute consultation with Tehan Legal regarding criminal law or restraining order matters and a free simple will from Eureka Lawyers, where a simple will is appropriate to your circumstances. The SSTUWA will cover the cost of the will and, if a more complex will or a will for your partner/spouse is required, the union will contribute $150 towards your total costs. A large number of other benefits and discounts are also available to members of the SSTUWA. These range across areas such as financial advice to shopping and entertainment. Some of the more popular benefits include: •
Great savings at Accor hotels.
•
A 5-10 per cent discount at the Teacher Superstore.
•
Online access to live discounted pricing on the Good Guys’ full range.
•
A 20 per cent discount off flowers and gifts from Petals Flowers and Gifts.
To find out more, turn to page 28 of this Western Teacher or visit sstuwa.org.au/training
•
Up to an extra 10 per cent off any print and digital magazine subscription at isubscribe.
As a financial member of the SSTUWA, did you know that you have access to a wide range of legal services that are provided at either no cost, or with
•
If you are moving house or need a rental car, Thrifty Car and Truck Rental offer a 10 per cent discount on vehicle hire in Australia.
After being impacted by COVID-19, ETC face-to-face courses are resuming. There are also a range of popular online options. Union rep and women’s contact officer training courses will be the first ones to return, with these events scheduled to take place towards the end of this term.
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Western Teacher June 2020
A range of member benefits can be found on page 30, with more details at sstuwa.org.au/benefits Being a member of the SSTUWA also provides you with the opportunity to join Teachers Health. Teachers Health provides cost-effective private health insurance for union members in the education industry and their families. With options for both hospital and extras cover, they have a reputation of providing excellent benefits at competitive rates. Find out more at teachershealth.com.au The SSTUWA has also secured exclusive coverage for leader members that sees workers’ compensation payments for physical injuries topped up to match your actual salary, including allowances, over and above the current weekly minimum. This is essential cover for those on salary level 4.3 and above who would previously have been as much as $672.45 a week out of pocket if on workers’ compensation. And finally, another important benefit for financial SSTUWA members is journey cover. If you have an accident whilst travelling to, or from, work that results in your inability to work, you may be entitled to a benefit for lost income. Workers’ compensation does not cover accidents to and from work. Your SSTUWA membership is also tax deductible. You will be receiving a statement of contribution shortly, so don’t forget to include this with your deductions this year and remember to make the most of your SSTUWA membership, because after all, we’ve got you covered.
New educators
New educator self-care By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator
Commencing your teaching career is challenging enough without the complexities of COVID-19, but that is how some of our newest members have embarked on their teaching journey. A few weeks into a new school year and we were all faced with the virus that came to dominate every aspect of life and turned classrooms upside down. We were quickly faced with uncertainty about what the educational landscape would look like, finishing Term 1 with a variety of plans to deliver content via multiple modes of delivery. Many of you would have spent time planning over your holidays and being ready for anything when Term 2 commenced. Parental choice led to further confusion and heightened anxiety as many students tentatively returned to the classroom for the start of a new school term. Throughout weeks of rapidly changing advice and information, trying to alleviate concerns for both parents and students in our classrooms and for many, lots of sleepless nights, our COVID-19 case numbers have continued to drop and restrictions slowly eased. Attendance numbers in schools have begun to rise and some sense of normality is beginning to return. There is now some time and space available to stop and reflect upon a very stressful period. As educators around our state are pausing to reflect and continue to follow the road out of COVID-19, it is vital you take care of yourself. Remember to recharge, stay connected to others, support those who are important to you and above all, access personal support if you need it. There is no shame in reaching out for help, talking to someone outside your usual support network of close family and friends, seeking advice from a trusted professional or having a phone conversation with someone in the know. The Employee Assistance Program, PeopleSense, provides confidential counselling services for employees.
These services can be accessed for personal or work-related issues and are designed to provide short-term psychological assistance for employees and their immediate family in need. Department of Education employees can access up to six sessions each year, all of which are confidential and free of charge. Further information about PeopleSense can be found by visiting peoplesense.com.au or by phoning 1300 307 912. Lifeline also supports the community, offering a range of ways to get in touch, as well as other helpful resources. Over 47,000 Western Australians call Lifeline WA every year. You can access 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST). There are a number of additional avenues where you can access support and advice if you need to talk to someone. A list of these organisations can be found on the Department of Education website: bit.ly/2yB7bdx
There are loads of other actions you can do to look after both your mental and physical health. Here are some ideas from Beyond Blue: •
Stay active.
•
Go for a walk each day.
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Spend time with a furry friend.
•
Get out in your garden.
•
Sign or dance to your favourite song.
•
Eat healthy foods or even create something.
Other activities, such as yoga and mindfulness, can also assist in reducing stress and help people to cope with tough times. Remember, we have all been through a very complex and worrying time. Be kind to yourself. Your students will thank you for it. Western Teacher June 2020
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QA
Members’ matters
and
The team in Member Assist answers some of members’ most commonly asked questions
I am the new union rep at Member Assist Qwith my school. Do I get time off from my work to represent members?
A
The employer must recognise the authorisation of the SSTUWA and Principals’ Federation of WA representatives in the department and must provide them with the following:
a) Paid time off from normal duties to perform their functions as a union representative such as organising, recruiting, individual grievance handling, collective bargaining, involvement in the branch and to attend union business in accordance with this clause and the department’s Industrial Relations Advice 6 of 2009 (see opposite page). The department will consult with the unions regarding any proposed changes to this Industrial Relations Advice.
I have a family and Q domestic violence issue ongoing. What steps can I take for assistance?
A
Recommended steps:
Know Your Rights
KYR
1. Nominate and inform a support person, such as the women’s contact officer or union representative.
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with Member Assist
2. Consider applying for a violence restraining order. Visit bit.ly/VROapplication or search Violence Restraining Order application at: magistratescourt.wa.gov.au 3. Meet with the school leader and the support person and provide information and some evidence of the family and domestic violence issue. 4. Request any adjustments needed in the workplace. (The police can give advice on this.)
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 9223 1188 | 1800 007 339 Free 24-hour support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence. Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 9223 1199 | 1800 000 599 Free 24-hour telephone information, referral and counselling service for men to help them change their violent behaviour towards their partner.
5. Give as much notice as possible when taking leave.
Kids Helpline
6. Meet periodically with the support person.
Free, confidential 24-hour telephone and online counselling service for five to 25-year-olds in Australia.
Resources 1800RESPECT If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence:
1800 55 1800
Women’s Council on Family and Domestic Violence www.womenscouncil.com.au
Call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au
Youth Say No
Police (non-emergency)
Australian Human Rights Commission
131 444
Fact Sheet: Domestic and Family Violence – a Workplace Issue, a Discrimination Issue bit.ly/DomesticViolenceFactSheet
Emergency only 000 Crisis Care 9223 1111 | 1800 199 008 Free 24-hour telephone information and referral service for people in crisis needing urgent help.
www.youthsayno.wa.gov.au
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 | www.ntv.org.au For men dealing with family and domestic violence matters.
Further queries and support
Have a question? A full compilation of Know Your Rights information sheets are available on the SSTUWA website and app.
• Speak with your union representative or women’s contact officer.
Schools: sstuwa.org.au/schoolsKYR | TAFE: visit sstuwa.org.au/TAFEkyr
• Contact Member Assist: (08) 9210 6060 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au
You can also speak with your union rep and contact Member Assist: (08) 9210 6060 | 1800 106 683 | memberassist@sstuwa.org.au
Western Teacher June 2020
• Visit sstuwa.org.au
Members’ matters
Guidelines - Union Representative Time Allocation Industrial Relations Advice Number 6 of 2009
Western Teacher June 2020
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Self-care
Staff self-care tips Promoting the wellbeing and mental health of all staff in Australian Schools We all know that a focus on self-care and wellbeing has untold benefits for the success of a school community. The health, wellbeing and safety of Australian school staff underpins their performance, capability, satisfaction and engagement. This is even more relevant during this current period in time when the world is grappling with the COVID-19 crisis. School staff have rewarding roles that involve complexities and challenges that may impact health, wellbeing and safety. National mental health agency headspace has a number of self-care
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strategies and approaches school staff can use to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, engagement, connection, help seeking, and gain early access to support. A school community, especially its staff, can create a culture of self-care by making it an explicit focus. Whilst individuals may differ in what strategies work for them, support for self-care from school leaders can strengthen this culture. This might mean prioritising time, resources, and a small budget towards staff self-care.
The benefits of self-care are invaluable and some of the best ideas can be free. The following tips may seem simple, but can make a big difference to the overall health and wellbeing of school staff. With practice and integration of these small strategies into every day routine, self-care can become part of an individual’s life and a school’s culture. Benefits can include feeling calmer, clearer, more energised and focused, and this may increase contribution, performance and productivity. Here are some suggestions.
Clock off time In Australia we find it difficult to find the right work/life balance. Many of us struggle to fit our workload into the day. We arrive early, leave late, skip lunch, and work on the weekends. Make the decision as a team to leave on time on the same day every week for the month. No one has a chance to feel guilty because we have all committed to it, even the principal.
Mindfulness meeting Mindfulness has enjoyed a surge of popularity in recent years in schools – and with good reason: research and evidence into its benefits are clear. As a team commit to starting every staff meeting with a quick mindfulness session; only three to seven minutes can do the trick. Simply download an app such as Smiling Minds, Calm or headspace and enjoy a few minutes of stillness before the meeting commences. For some of us, it may be the first time that week that we have sat still, and it really is a gift.
Self-care
3
Celebration and gratitude meeting Choose a time this month to sit together as a group and engage in positive reflections on what has been achieved by teams and individuals through the previous school terms. We get so busy and bogged down we often forget to sit and take pride in the immense effort and contributions people make.
4
Art therapy sessions
5
Check-in sessions
6
15 minute favours
There is something relaxing and calming about painting, drawing and colouring in. For a simple session as a team, photocopy some mindfulness colouring pages and have them on the staff room table with coloured pens and pencils. Encourage people to come together during break times and sit and create together. You may also like to find a local artist or arty parent to come and run an arts therapy session with the team.
One of the most important things we can do for staff self-care is give individuals and teams the chance to stop, reflect and talk about their experiences. Each school community will have local counsellors or practitioners who you can hire for a day or two so everyone has access to an individual check in session. It’s a great way to get a sense of how individuals are travelling and to explore your experience this year. It’s also a really critical behaviour to role model and develop. Help seeking is something we all need to feel more comfortable in doing. Showing vulnerability, the capacity to develop emotional tools, and the ability to talk openly with someone independent of the school is one of the best investments school leaders can make.
This is a rewarding activity to do as a collective team. You create a space in the staff room where there is going to be a “15 minute favour” noticeboard. Each staff member writes down a small task, job or something they have been avoiding doing or don’t have the skills to do. Each staff member chooses something on the noticeboard that they have skills in doing and the 15 minute favour is offered. It might be: do duty for someone, help someone clean out a cupboard, help mount some art, help tidy a shed, help type up some documents, help move some furniture, or help run a class.
This is an edited version of an article from headspace. For more information visit headspace.org.au
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Issues
School leaders battle work stress and violence By Minh Lam
Nearly a third of school leaders – a record number – face stress and burnout from their jobs as they battle high levels of threats and physical violence from parents and students, an annual school leader well-being survey has found. The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2019 has revealed school leaders are also increasingly concerned for the mental health of their staff and students, more so over the past 12 months than any other year. But the researchers behind the report, from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Deakin University, believe the disruptions to school and home lives due to COVID-19, could have a beneficial effect in raising the awareness and appreciation in the community towards the challenges facing school leaders. It recommends that employers should reduce job demands and/or increase resources for staff, while the community needs to promote social capital to stop offensive and violent behaviour towards educators. The report surveyed almost 2,400 school leaders from across the country in all education sectors, and has been running since 2011, with more than half of the nation’s school leaders participating during that time. The project was led by Professor Herb Marsh and his team from the ACU’s Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, and Deakin University school of education Professor Philip Riley. The 2019 survey revealed school leaders were reporting an average working week of 55.2 hours during the school term, with about 97 per cent reporting more than 40 hours a week and 72.4 per cent working more than 50 hours a week. “School leaders continue to report sheer quantity of work, lack of time to focus on 16
Western Teacher June 2020
teaching and learning, and student mental health, as their main sources of stress,” the report stated. One WA respondent to the survey stated: “I love my job, I love what I do however, this same job creates a high level of stress, brings with it a level of abuse I have previously not experienced and makes me anxious.” The 2019 survey found that, compared to the general population, a higher percentage of school leaders reported being subjected to threats of violence – 51 per cent, compared to 7.8 per cent. Over 42 per cent of school leaders reported actual physical violence, compared to the general population’s figure of 3.9 per cent. WA had some of the country’s highest figures in this area, as seen in Table 1 (on page opposite). A WA secondary school leader reported: “My job has become more stressful over the last 12 months. A big increase in levels of violence and drug use among students, with a small group developing a gang mentality. Increasing amounts of time for me and my leadership team are spent dealing with extreme violent and abusive/aggressive behaviour from students, to the detriment of long-term planning and curriculum focus.” Almost 38 per cent of school leaders reported bullying, compared to 8.3 per cent of the general population, while the comparative figures for gossip and slander were 50.9 per cent versus 38.9 per cent. “Last year school leaders told us they were struggling from many serious workrelated issues including stress caused by parents, burn-out from the sheer quantity of work, employer demands and student and staff mental health issues,” Professor Marsh said.
“The combined impact of record levels of heavy workloads and offensive behaviour by parents and students is a risk to school leaders’ long-term health and even their life expectancy.” Professor Riley said school leaders were overwhelming in their feedback that a line in the sand had to be drawn to end violence in schools. He said the sudden changes to education delivery prompted by COVID-19 restrictions required an unprecedented response by school leaders to roll-out remote learning opportunities for their students. “We know from anecdotal evidence that many parents, although impacted themselves, are deeply appreciative of this work by principals and educators,” Professor Riley said. “We hope this points to a future in which there is greater awareness and acknowledgement of the many stresses and challenges that principals face on a regular basis as they lead their students and staff.” Other findings of the 2019 study were that more than 70 per cent of school leaders were over 50 years old, with a quarter over 60 and nearing retirement. “It should be no surprise that fewer educators are willing to step up and take on the increasingly-complex role of school principal,” Professor Riley said. “The low replacement rate for retiring school principals tells a truly dire story about our education system which should concern us all and needs further investigation.” One of the report's key recommendations is that “the Australian education system would benefit from stable policies that transfer with changes in government.”
Issues
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
ACT
NT
General Population
Sexual Harassment
2%
2%
1%
2%
1%
6%
0%
2%
2.9%
Threats of Violence
49%
46%
52%
54%
55%
57%
57%
62%
7.8%
Physical Violence
37%
41%
45%
40%
50%
41%
49%
60%
3.9%
Bullying
28%
19%
22%
33%
19%
33%
24%
22%
8.3%
Unpleasant Teasing
6%
5%
4%
4%
3%
10%
5%
7%
8.3%
Conflicts and Quarrels
34%
37%
37%
48%
33%
47%
38%
31%
51.2%
Gossip and Slander
36%
32%
37%
32%
37%
41%
38%
18%
38.9%
Source: Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2019 Systemic changes implemented by the government to improve the work situations of school leaders should be supplemented by greater personal resources to help deal with a such a
naturally complex occupation. “Countless studies show the
serious about the key role of education in the growth and development of Australia,
transformative nature of education and
we simply cannot ignore school leaders’
school leadership. If we, as a nation, are
cries for help,” Professor Riley said.
The SSTUWA response SSTUWA President Pat Byrne said the serious problem of violence in schools was ongoing due to funding cuts that left schools insufficiently resourced to address the issue. “There needs to be an increase in the provision of targeted specialist programs for disengaged students, as well as staff to deliver them; greater availability of appropriate professional learning for teachers and better access to counselling services for those students who need them,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“There is a strong lack of mentorship across the system. Personal friendship groups and some networks work very well but there is no sense of system leadership in this area, something which is felt by both principals and teachers. “Successive budget cuts over many years have meant that these kinds of initiatives are not prioritised, despite being acknowledged as critically important to the health and well-being of staff.”
Ms Byrne said the Let’s Take a Stand Together 10-point plan by the state government was a good start but addressed the most extreme examples of assaults in schools. “What is needed now is an early intervention and prevention strategy,” she said. “Significantly more resources are needed to enable schools to extend their capacity to do this.”
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COVID-19
Hope in a time of COVID A new children’s book, Hope, Where Are You? has been launched to give children and families hope amidst the COVID-19 crisis and school closures. The free downloadable book was written by globally recognised teachers and follows the story of six children around the world experiencing school closures during the pandemic. Volunteer educators worldwide have joined the cause, helping to translate the text into over 30 different languages. The book was written by two awardwinning teachers, Armand Doucet (pictured below, right) from Canada and Elisa Guerra (pictured below, far right) from Mexico. It aims to nurture social and emotional development by changing the narrative around COVID-19 from one of fear, to one of hope. Each story about the children tells a similar narrative of their frustrations, challenges and their ability to find optimism and spread it to others. “The book aims to portray the voices of children and their particular stories during the pandemic,” Ms Guerra said. “It showcases how we face different problems amidst the pandemic and how human connection brings us closer to finding hope. A teacher, a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a friend, a neighbour, and even yourself: there is always someone that can help you get through difficult times.” The book also includes a parent/educator guide on how the resource can be used to support children’s social and emotional skills as well as provide context for discussion. Along with this, a range of play experiences, based on the characters in the book, provide additional learning activities for children. “We are hoping that teachers can use this book to help have those difficult discussions, start a conversation of hope, talk about global citizenship in relation to their own personal stories, hope for their community and so much more,” Mr Doucet said. “The book is designed to mean different things for different groups in different contexts and that’s exactly what we want, for it to be used the way that works best for everyone.” 18
Western Teacher June 2020
Elisa’s daughter, Ana RoGu, who volunteered to illustrate the book said: “I envision the book being used as a prompt to start conversations between teachers, parents, key adults and children, while still on lockdown or once schools reopen.” “The illustrations are designed as a stimulus for our feelings and provide a starter for us to talk about how we feel and why we feel a certain way. My dream is for my illustrations and the associated text to open the door for children to talk about important topics that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.” Hope, Where Are You? also aims to generate a hope movement (#hopewhereareyou) through a public relations and social media
campaign that showcases hope through social and global solidarity. The book can be downloaded via Apple Books, Google Play, as a PDF from the Hope Where Are You webpage or as a print-on-demand book from Amazon. For those that would like to make a difference to those less fortunate, the authors encourage a donation to the UNICEF COVID-19 Response, which supports the world's most vulnerable children. Visit bit.ly/36lK0jx to donate. For more information about the book and resources visit Education International at ei-ie.org and hopewhereareyou.com
We’ve made a promise. To be a champion for our teachers - the way they’re champions for our kids. So that even on days that feel a little tougher than usual, you can be sure someone’s there to care for your health and wellbeing.
Lisa, THF member
We’re for teachers – that’s our promise. To find out more about what we can do for you, head to teachershealth.com.au/promise
Eligibility criteria and conditions apply. Teachers Federation Health Ltd ABN 86 097 030 414 trading as Teachers Health. A Registered Private Health Insurer. THF-SSTUWA-04/20
Issues
Don’t let politicians interfere in the classroom It is the responsibility of public authorities to set general objectives and targets for their education systems. Schools and educators, however, must be autonomous in applying educational methods and in selecting the teaching and learning materials that will help them reach those targets. Politicians should not interfere in the work of professional educators by prescribing educational methods and content. In the United Kingdom in the late 1990s, education became an election issue. Politicians, rather than providing budgetary support and frameworks for education policy – their traditional roles – began proposing laws to manage the classroom. A heavy reliance on testing was imposed. This created enormous stress for students and teachers, and the quality and scope of education deteriorated as its results were judged based on limited and measurable criteria. The result of political meddling in education was that public support for the schools declined. It became difficult to recruit and retain teachers. Standards deteriorated and, as private schools assumed a greater role, schools became increasingly segregated, both ethnically and socio-economically. As in so many policy areas in recent decades, many politicians have developed more trust in the market than in the public policy and infrastructure for which they are responsible. Unfortunately, many reforms, starting with those in the United States and the United Kingdom, have the 20
Western Teacher June 2020
effect of decentralising education to the school level while offering school choice and making education a matter between customers (parents) and education service providers. The system can be damaged in a short period of time and become vulnerable to private hustlers who are better at flashy public relations and deceptive promises than at substance and real performance. In some cases, the “merchants of education” seem to do rather well when politicians invade the classroom (even if it is only for short photo opportunities). Cuts in public support for education and austerity programs adopted by these very same politicians, have created problems that, in turn, have prompted cheap and poor-quality solutions. More and more problems are caused by such solutions. Education, by its very nature, is a longterm process. It requires consistency, solid democratic values and sustainability. It has worked best where its mission reflects a consensus in society and when it is firmly rooted in the community. Politics are driven by an entirely different dynamic. Long-term is, normally and understandably, the next election. Results must be short term, which means that they are not likely to be real. Increasingly, politicians have become more preoccupied with slogans than substance. When these bad habits are imposed on education, the results are disastrous. In many countries, education policy has become polarising and short-term rather than unifying and long-term. If politicians wake up and re-assume their responsibilities to ensure education as a common good that nurtures
democratic society and human rights values, misguided education reforms can be reversed. However, in the current environment in many countries, it means that creating a coherent and workable system will be much more difficult. It will require democracy to return to education. It will also need politicians who are ready and willing to serve and further that democracy. Although it is the purview of politicians and public authorities to take decisions – even unwise ones – on educational reforms and targets, direct interference in the classroom, telling teachers what and how to teach, is crossing the line. Chapter 4 of On Education & Democracy (2019) briefly addresses the crusade against the teachers of Brazil by President Jair Messias Bolsonaro. He believes that Marxist ideology is being taught in schools and encourages students to videotape their teachers and shame them on social media. Once in office, his Education Minister instructed schools to have students sing the national anthem and recite Bolsonaro’s campaign slogan every morning. In Turkey, after the failed military coup in 2016, President Recip Erodgan fired 11,000 teachers and withdrew the teaching licences of 21,000, accusing them of being disloyal to his government. In addition, he removed the theory of evolution from the curriculum in primary and secondary schools. In Hungary, President Orbán has taken control of school textbooks and they are increasingly showing a narrow nationalistic view. In 2018, he also forced the Central European University to close its doors.
Issues
In Italy, Mateo Salvini, the country’s extreme right leader, wanted to ban a university textbook in political science that branded his Lega Nord (Northern League) party as “far right”. In May 2019, a teacher from Palermo was suspended for two weeks with half pay after her students had compiled a video in which they compared Salvini’s migration laws with the racial laws promulgated by Italian dictator Mussolini in 1938. Francesco Sinopoli, general secretary of the Italian education union Federazione Lavoratori della Conoscenza (FLC CGIL) wrote in the Italian Huffington Post (17 May 2019) that with the disciplinary measure taken against the teacher from Palermo the entire Italian school system had been punished, affecting “its freedom to educate and instruct, its freedom of thought, and its ability to teach the reality of the world.”
In Germany and in The Netherlands, rightwing populist parties have established internet platforms where students are invited to report left wing “indoctrination” by their teachers. Although public opinion in these countries does not support these initiatives, they are intimidating, as well as a sign of weakening support for democratic and human rights values. The “Purple Friday" movement, which promotes a safe space for LGBTI students in schools, has been labelled by some politicians as “indoctrination”, as has been the case with teaching climate change. In Canada, Ontario populist leader Doug Ford went after student unions who were spreading “Marxist nonsense”. He also suggested to parents that Ontario’s schools’ sex education was “too progressive”. And as the cherry on the cake, on 12 February 2019 at a campaign rally in El
Paso, Texas, the son of the president of the United States, Donald Trump Jr, encouraged his young audience to “Keep up that fight, bring it to your schools. You don’t have to be indoctrinated by these loser teachers that are trying to sell you on socialism from birth. You don’t have to do it.”
The above text is an excerpt from On Education & Democracy (2019) by Susan Hopgood and Fred van Leeuwen. The book contains 25 lessons from the teaching profession for educators. This is one of six lessons that has been identified by the SSTUWA as a key organisational objective following November State Council Conference 2019. This article has been edited for clarity and brevity. The full article and book can be read at: bit.ly/2w4kNvW
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Issues
Workplace sexual harassment still rife By Kirsty Henderson
Sexual harassment in the workplace is rife and our current workplace laws are failing to keep workers safe, an inquiry led by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has found. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has led the world’s first inquiry into workplace sexual harassment, which has found 71 per cent of people have been sexually harassed at some point in their lifetime. The Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report was released after an 18-month probe spurred on by the #MeToo movement. The Commission has acknowledged workplace sexual harassment is in every workplace, labelling it as “prevalent and pervasive”. In 2018, “workplace sexual harassment was estimated to cost the Australian economy approximately $3.8 billion,” the report stated. “Women are still most at risk, but we also heard from men who’d been harassed at work,” Ms Jenkins said. “Sexual harassment is not a women’s issue: it is a societal issue, which every Australian, and every Australian workplace, can contribute to addressing.” The AHRC received 460 submissions from government agencies to business groups, community bodies and victims.
State/Territory Formal (Stand Dept of Education Alone) Sexual Harassment Policy Victoria
Yes
New South Wales
No
Sexual Harassment Directly Covered Under Alternate Policy/Procedures N/A • Staff Complaints Procedures. • Toolkit Assessment Tool. • Allegations of Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment.
Queensland
No
• Preventing Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination.
In 2018, the AEU conducted a national online survey of its members to investigate workplace sexual harassment across the education profession. The AEU represents 187,000 members employed across schools and TAFEs across Australia, and 1,947 members took part. 22
Western Teacher June 2020
Department of Education – Code of Conduct (does not specifically mention sexual harassment).
Department of Education – Code of Conduct (does not specifically mention sexual harassment).
• Managing Employee Complaints. Australian Capital Territory
No
• Teacher Code of Professional Practice. • ACT Public Service Respect, Equity and Diversity Framework.
Tasmania
No
• Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
South Australia
Yes
N/A
Northern Territory
No
• Bullying, Harassment and Violence. • Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour by DET Employees.
Western Australia
No
• Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
• WA Department of Education Grievance Framework. • Department of Education Code of Conduct.
More than 600 people, both metro and regional, across all states, took part in consultations with the Commission. As part of the review, the SSTUWA contributed to the national inquiry through the Australian Education Union federal office.
Policies of Note
Table 1 - State and Territory Department of Education Sexual Harassment Policy/Procedures The survey found that 80 per cent of respondents who have experienced sexual harassment in their career are women.
On a national scale, there is still more work to be done and Western Australia is lagging.
The report also found that out of the 69 per cent of members who witnessed workplace harassment, only a mere 13 per cent of bystanders intervened.
Current policy and procedures reveal that only two out of the eight states and territories provide adequate measures for dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace.
Issues An overwhelming, “majority of the state and territory Departments of Education do not have a sufficient, stand-alone sexual harassment policy that proactively prevents sexual harassment or effectively responds to the occurrence of it in the workplace,” the AEU report said. And not only this, but that all education departments across states and territories lacked national consistency around sexual harassment policies. It was also confirmed that 75 per cent of respondents felt their employer was not doing enough to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Since 2003, the AHRC has led four national periodic surveys on sexual harassment and in a recent survey in 2018 it found, “one in three people experienced sexual harassment at work in the past five years.”
The findings from the inquiry suggest “The current legal and regulatory system is simply no longer fit for purpose,” Ms Jenkins said. There is a strong need to shift from the current reactive approach, to a complaints-based approach, along with a focus on prevention. The report made 55 recommendations. Among them, clarification of the legal system that will see “… coordination, consistency and clarity between the antidiscrimination, employment and work health and safety legislative schemes.” The new approach would also ensure children and young people receive schoolbased respectful relationships education, and that tertiary and higher education providers deliver information and training on sexual harassment for staff and students.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more likely to have experienced workplace sexual harassment than people who are nonIndigenous,” the AHRC said.
Other recommendations included:
“There is an established body of evidence that shows that male-dominated workplaces have a higher prevalence of sexual harassment.”
• Stronger powers for the Commissioner to investigate industries with workers most at risk of sexual harassment.
• Stronger OSH laws. • A revised and simplified complaints process.
• The development of a new framework for workplaces that is victim centred. Research has established that victims suffer both short and long-term health effects of sexual harassment including, but not limited to, stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, along with various chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. Ms Jenkins said Australia had an opportunity to be a leader and exemplar for other nations. “Australia now lags behind other countries in preventing and responding to sexual harassment,” she said. “There is the urgency for change. There is the momentum for reform.” The SSTUWA and AEU is calling on the Morrison Government to implement these recommendations in full. To read the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report in its entirety visit bit.ly/2yC31SH and for more information on the AEU submission into sexual harassment in the workplace, visit bit.ly/2X7ltKR
Asbestos regulation critical UnionsWA has commented on a report by the WA Auditor General that is critical of the licensing for asbestos removal and handling by WorkSafe WA. UnionsWA Assistant Secretary Owen Whittle said there were many concerns raised from the Regulation of Asbestos Removal report. “Working West Australians and the public rely on a strong cop on the beat to ensure the safe removal and handling of asbestos,” he said. “This report highlights staggering deficiencies in how we regulate and licence asbestos removal in this state and should lead to substantial reform. “The history of asbestos mining in WA has left our state with an enormous legacy of buildings containing this lethal substance. “The danger from asbestos is greatest in its removal and handling which risks the creation of harmful asbestos dust. “There is no safe levels of asbestos exposure and every step needs to be taken to ensure that the health of
West Australians is protected.”
The Auditor General in their report has pointed to significant problems with WorkSafe's compliance and regulatory activities including: • “There are significant gaps in WorkSafe’s processes and practices which limit how effectively it regulates asbestos removal licensing in Western Australia.” • “Regulatory actions are not risk-based, documentation is weak, and there is a lack of rigour and transparency in licensing approval controls…there are significant deficiencies in WorkSafe’s overall monitoring and compliance activities.” • “WorkSafe does inspect worksites when it receives notifications about friable asbestos removal work ...WorkSafe is also missing important opportunities to use asbestos-related data from the community and other government entities, including a large volume of complaints received, to better target its compliance and
awareness raising activities.”
• “Regulations under work health and safety laws has to be matched by strong enforcement.” Mr Whittle said that under the previous WA government there were significant funding cuts made to WorkSafe. “While there has been a welcome increase in funding in recent years it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure WorkSafe can perform its basic functions,” he said. “This report comes after the WA Coroner released a report on a workplace fatality highlighting significant problems with WorkSafe’s internal processes. “While these reports may, in part, reflect past inadequacies, what is needed now is a clear commitment by WorkSafe and government to give the community confidence about the safe removal of asbestos.” The WA Auditor General’s report Regulation of Asbestos Removal is available online at: bit.ly/2ZsVWyv
Western Teacher June 2020
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Seen around
Union face-to-face training returns After a pause due to the COVID-19 crisis, the SSTUWA welcomed back members to the union headquarters for the resumption of face-to-face sessions earlier this month. Union Representative courses were one of the first to be facilitated by the SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre (ETC), and strict social distancing measures applied.
Over two days union and deputy representatives learnt the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide union leadership in schools, lead dispute resolution and better manage union business at their workplace. Representatives also learnt about how to build their branch and gained a deeper understanding of their workplace rights and entitlements.
Seating arrangements ensure training attendees adhere to social distancing. 24
Western Teacher    June 2020
With restrictions gradually easing, the ETC is planning to schedule more face-toface workshops in the coming months. Online courses, which have surged in popularity over the past few months, continue to be offered by the ETC. For the latest training details and news turn to page 28 or visit sstuwa.org.au/training
Seen around
Attendees share their reasons for joining the union.
Claire Eden reaffirms support as a strong reason for joining the SSTUWA.
SSTUWA Growth Team coordinator Natalie Blewitt gives advice on building the branch.
Matthew Jessett makes a point.
Theresa Adriansz listens intently.
Focused on knowing your rights in the workplace. Western Teacher    June 2020
25
National education and union news
National education and union news COVID-19 hygiene funding for all schools needed The announcement by the Morrison Government to deliver another $10 million special deal to private schools to improve COVID-19 hygiene measures ignores the urgent need to improve hygiene measures in public schools across the country, according to the AEU. "It is extraordinary that the Morrison Government continues to deny additional funding for public schools in their response to COVID-19,” AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.
“Mr Morrison has once again favoured private schools with additional funding while telling the community that ‘we are all in this together’. Clearly his government has prioritised private schools over public schools. “Principals, teachers and education support staff across Australia have undertaken an extraordinary task to ensure that teaching and learning continues in schools during COVID-19. “However, they need to be supported in this work with the appropriate health guidelines
and resources, including sufficient sanitation and hygiene equipment. “AEU members have expressed significant concerns about managing social distancing requirements while on school grounds, and governments must ensure that they have the necessary soap, hand sanitiser, hygiene facilities and extra cleaning available. “The Morrison Government’s decision to provide an additional $10 million of funding for the private sector will be seen as further disregard of the urgent need of the public sector.”
Australian Unions' blueprint to rebuild economy The peak body for working people in Australia has released a comprehensive blueprint for rebuilding the economy and restoring jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The ACTU’s eight-point plan has called for the creation of two million new secure jobs and the halving of job insecurity to be set as a target for rebuilding the Australian economy. The plan aims to harness the spirit of cooperation between Australian governments, business and civil society that has guided our response to the crisis to ensure we rebuild in a way that delivers a better and fairer Australia. 26
Western Teacher June 2020
COVID-19 has revealed fault-lines in our economy that must be addressed as we look to rebuild. Thirty years of neoliberal trickle-down economics have led to rising inequality, an erosion of the social safety-net, recordlow wage growth, and too many people in insecure employment or without enough work. ACTU President Michele O’Neil said: “We need to rebuild the Australian economy and society and make jobs more secure. Setting a goal of creating two million new secure jobs and halving job insecurity in Australia can drive an economywide rebuilding effort and lift the living
standards of millions of working people.” “These eight guiding principles will help shape a rebuilding effort that puts people in more secure jobs, gets wage growth going again, ensures Australia is making what we need, putting our national interests above any vested corporate interests and investing in our communities.” The eight-point principles for the postpandemic rebuild are: 1. Improve the quality and security of jobs by creating two million new permanent jobs and halving the number of insecure jobs. 2. Lift wages and living standards.
National education and union news 3. Strengthen and invest in public and community services that are our first line of defence against shocks like COVID-19, bushfires and drought. 4. Support nation-building projects that create decent jobs and set Australia up for a brighter future. 5. Education and training. 6. Deal with the crisis of climate change. 7. Improve social, health and economic outcomes for people and communities that experience disadvantage.
8. Embrace industry policy and Australian made. “We look forward to working with governments, employers and communities to develop the programs Australia needs to rebuild and make jobs more secure,” Ms O’Neil said. “We cannot allow the economy to go back to the way it was before: rising inequality, record low wage growth, a gutted social safety-net and public services, and too many people in insecure employment or
without enough work. “If a disaster destroys your house, you don’t rebuild in all the old cracks and flaws – you rebuild with improvements, you fix the things you know were wrong and you make your home even better than it was before. “We must rebuild our economy and our communities so they work for all Australians.” To read more visit: bit.ly/3cMkiHD
Labor must deliver for public education Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Labor must resist any push to use the COVID-19 pandemic as a justification for abandoning its current progressive policy position on education, according to the AEU. AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said reports that Labor was considering changing its policy on funding public education were deeply concerning. “Students, staff and parents at public schools, preschools and TAFE are relying on them to deliver a strong fiscal and progressive policy for public education in the lead up to the next Federal election,” she said.
“As Labor works through its policy review process, it must ensure that public education remains at the forefront.” Ms Haythorpe said that the AEU expected Labor to retain its policy commitments, including: • Preschool, guaranteeing Universal Access to 15 hours of preschool each week for all three and four-year-old children in the two years before they start school. • TAFE, guaranteeing a minimum of 70 per cent government funding to the public TAFE system. No public funding should go to private
for-profit providers. • Schools, scrapping the legislated Commonwealth funding cap to public schools at 20 per cent and increasing funding to ensure all schools reach the minimum 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). Ms Haythorpe said that it was essential that Labor maintained its current policy commitment to enhancing the Commonwealth contribution to public school funding so that all public schools received 100 per cent of the SRS. To read more visit: bit.ly/36j6S3d
Many classes being taught by teachers out-of-field Many Year 10 students in Australia are being taught key subjects by unqualified teachers, according to analysis by Save our Schools Australia on a major new study. The study (bit.ly/36fm2GC) found that 15.5 per cent of Year 10 classes are being taught by teachers out of their field of expertise. Twenty per cent of mathematics classes and 21 per cent of English classes are taught out-of-field. The study also found that 12.5 per cent of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classes are being taught out-of-field.
This is likely an under-estimate because of inadequate data on science teaching.
18.6 per cent, but there is more statistical uncertainty associated with this result.
Out-of-field teaching is defined as when a teacher teaches a subject that was not part of their teacher education or training program or other professional qualification. Out-of-field teaching in Australia varies from 6.2 per cent in the sciences to 63.4 per cent in ancient languages.
The study shows that teachers are more likely to be teaching out-of-field in schools that report staff shortages. Staff shortages are more common in public schools than in private schools in Australia.
Among the states, out-of-field teaching is least likely in NSW and most likely in Victoria. The probability of a teacher teaching out-of-field in NSW was 10.5 per cent compared to 14.9 per cent in Victoria. The probability was higher in the ACT at
The study also found that the employment contract is a strong predictor of out-offield teaching. A relatively higher proportion of out-offield mathematics and science teachers are on temporary contracts. To read more visit: bit.ly/3fYO0uO Western Teacher June 2020
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Education and Training Centre
Education & Training Centre Professional Learning Opportunities
Join us for some outstanding professional learning opportunities during July 7-17 July 2020 All events will follow strict social distancing and hygiene regulations. Limited spaces will be available.
Tuesday 7 July 9am - 12.30pm
Wednesday 8 July 9am - 12.30pm
Discover new ways to teach innovative thinking, with hands-on creation at the core of this engineering workshop. Unpack and decode the Technologies learning area of the WA curriculum, including both Design and Digital Technologies.
During this half-day session you will develop an awareness of current DoE job application techniques and requirements. You will learn to demonstrate competitiveness when applying to specific schools via a covering letter and curriculum vitae.
Thursday 9 July 9am - 3.30pm
Friday 10 July 9am - 1pm
This level one course is aimed at low-risk settings. You will learn valuable skills that will ensure you have the confidence to keep you and your students safe in the event of a verbal or physical encounter while at work.
Learn how to approach, deal and collaborate with difficult people in the workplace. The course will explore the nature of difficult situations and examine how people react to different situations at work. You will learn to apply assertiveness techniques to respond to difficult situations without damaging relationships.
Monday 13 July 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 14 July 9.30am - 1.15pm
Making Makers: The Design and Engineering Process (PP-6)
Keeping Educators Skilled Up and Safe: One Day Event
An Introduction to Restorative Practice for Years 1-10 Restorative Practice philosophy is based on a foundation of healthy relationship building. If you are looking to find out more about this and how to create a classroom based around restorative practice, then join this one-day event.
Writing a Competitive Job Application for Teaching Positions
Dealing with Difficult People and Difficult Situations
Police and Nurses (P&N) - Pre-Retirement Seminar This free pre-retirement seminar will be hosted by the P&N Financial Planning team. It will cover super rules, Centrelink benefits, transition to retirement, portfolio construction, managing debts and a Q&A session.
Wednesday 15 July 9am - 12.30pm
Thursday 16 July 10am - 3pm
Learn the key aspects of preparing for and performing effectively at interviews for teaching positions. You will explore key preparatory activities such as considering the needs of the school, as well as the specific role and interests of the panel members. The program will also cover considerations for making favourable first and final impressions and what to avoid during interviews.
The research is clear: a young person's education is enhanced by teachers having a clear understanding of brain-science, and using this understanding in their daily teaching practice. As teachers use these solutions to improve staff and student wellbeing, they also drastically improve the ability of our students' brains to learn successfully.
Interview Skills for Teaching Positions
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Western Teacher    June 2020
Better Well-being Equals Better Teaching and Learning (K-12)
Education and Training Centre
Term Three Calendar of Events Industrial Training Events (TUT) Title
Date
Know Your Rights: General Agreement Schools 2019
Wednesday 29 July
Keeping Educators Skilled Up and Safe
Tuesday and Wednesday 4-5 August
Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools and TAFE
Monday and Tuesday 17-18 August
Assertiveness for Women in the Workplace: Schools and TAFE
Thursday 27 August
Know Your Rights TAFE: General Agreement 2019 Part A
Friday 28 August
Union Representative Training Level One: Schools
Thursday and Friday 3-4 September
TAFE Union Representative and Committee Delegates Training
Thursday and Friday 10-11 September
Union Delegate Training Level Two: Schools
Monday and Tuesday 14-15 September
Know Your Rights: General Agreement Schools 2019
Wednesday 16 September
Know Your Rights TAFE: General Agreement 2019 Part B
Friday 18 September
Online Learning Events: One hour LIVE sessions Title Top Ten Tips Session 7: Top 10 Instructional Strategies
Date Tuesday 28 July
Top Ten Tips Session 8: Top 10 Tips for Using Data in Your Classroom
Tuesday 11 August
Top Ten Tips Session 9: Top 10 Tips for Difficult Conversations with Your Principal
Tuesday 8 September
My Wellbeing – Time Management Strategies
Tuesday 28 July
Students with Additional Learning Needs - Engaging Students with ADHD
Tuesday 28 July
Students with Additional Learning Needs – Engaging Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Tuesday 28 July Promoting Feedback from Teachers to Students
Tuesday 28 July
Getting a Class Back on Track
Tuesday 11 August
Unlocking Collaborative Learning in the Classroom
Tuesday 11 August
Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviours in Early Childhood
Wednesday 19 August
Utilising Differentiation in the Classroom
Tuesday 8 September
Understanding Treaty within the Education Community
Tuesday 8 September
My Skills – Coding Skills for Teachers
Tuesday 29 September
Communicating as a Leader - Challenging Conversations with Students
Wednesday 30 September
Communicating as a Leader - Challenging Conversations with Colleagues
Wednesday 30 September 10am
Communicating as a Leader - Challenging Conversations with Parents
Wednesday 30 September 12pm
8am
OSH Education-Specific Training Title
Date
Education-Specific Two-Day Refresher Course
Thursday and Friday 23-24 July
Education-Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for OSH Reps
Monday - Friday 10-14 August
Education-Specific Two-Day Refresher Course
Monday and Tuesday 24-25 August
Education-Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for OSH Reps
Monday - Friday 7-11 September
Professional Events Title
Date
Level 3 Classroom Teacher Stage Two
Saturday 22 August
Writing Competitive Job Applications for Teaching Positions
Saturday 29 August
Visit sstuwa.org.au/training to register for all events Western Teacher June 2020
29
Member benefits
Member benefits Accountants and Financial Advisers Aston Accountants
10% discount on personal income tax returns for members.
sstuwa.org.au/aston
Industry Fund Services
Specialist financial products for union members.
sstuwa.org.au/ifs
LIFE Financial Planners
$1,200 off your statement of advice fee plus a free financial health check for members.
sstuwa.org.au/lifefinancial
Teacher Tax
$99 tax returns for members.
sstuwa.org.au/teachertax
TIPS Financial Services
$1,100 discount on your TIPS Transition to Retirement strategy or Retirement plan. Exclusive to members.
sstuwa.org.au/tipsfs
Banking
AutoBahn
Mechanical and electrical services. Members receive $20 off any service or 5% off any repair.
Special offers throughout the year for members. A bank built by, and for, union members.
sstuwa.org.au/mebank
Mortgages, Money and Me
Complimentary advice, property reports, finance tools and more for SSTUWA members.
sstuwa.org.au/mmme
OFX Money Transfers
When it matters, OFX it. Save with the experts in international money transfers.
sstuwa.org.au/ofx
Teachers Mutual Bank
Banking exclusively for the education community.
PLE Computers Save on your IT with access to the PLE Computers academic portal.
sstuwa.org.au/autobahn
sstuwa.org.au/ple
Bayswater Mazda
The Good Guys Commercial
Exclusive offer including $500 fuel card, 4 years free service and more.
sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda
Bob Jane T-Marts
Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ full range.
sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys
National fleet pricing on a range of products and services.
Educational Resources
easifleet
A Thinking and Caring Approach. By Barrie Bennett and Peter Smilanich.
sstuwa.org.au/bobjane
Bose headphones or Bluetooth speaker, or a year’s worth of Magic Hand car washes with any easifleet procured novated lease.
sstuwa.org.au/easifleet
Fleet Network
Package your next car and save on tax. Bonus Samsung 8” tablet or Dash Cam with vehicle delivery.
Classroom Management
sstuwa.org.au/classroommgmt
Effective Group Work Beyond Cooperative Learning. By Barrie Bennett.
sstuwa.org.au/effectivegroupwork
sstuwa.org.au/fleetnetwork
Graphic Intelligence
Hertz
Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett.
5-10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia, NZ, USA and Canada.
sstuwa.org.au/hertz
ME Bank
Motor Market by Union Shopper
You choose the car, then we find you the lowest price.
sstuwa.org.au/motormarket
Thrifty Car and Truck Rental
10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia.
sstuwa.org.au/thrifty
tyresales.com.au
sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence
Instructional Intelligence Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom. An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett.
sstuwa.org.au/instructionalintelligence
Teacher Superstore 5-10% discount, in store and online.
10% discount on tyres.
sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore
Western Motor Vehicle Consultants
Entertainment
sstuwa.org.au/tyresales We’ll find a car you’ll love. Save time and money when sourcing your next vehicle.
sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors
Computers Altronics
Adventure World Save up to $14.50 on Adventure World tickets with Westclub.
sstuwa.org.au/adventureworld
Movie tickets
sstuwa.org.au/tmbank
Build it yourself electronics centre. VIP trade discount in store and online.
Cars
sstuwa.org.au/altronics
Discounts on physical tickets (greater savings) and instant digital tickets.
Apple on Campus
sstuwa.org.au/movietickets
sstuwa.org.au/apple
Rockface
For details visit:
Allwest Fleet
Vehicle salary packaging – save time, money and tax. Receive a $300 gift card with your new car.
sstuwa.org.au/allwestfleet
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Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members
Western Teacher
June 2020
Dell
Indoor rock climbing in Balcatta. $15 all day climbing pass with harness hire.
sstuwa.org.au/dell
sstuwa.org.au/rockface
Save up to 15% off selected items.
Member benefits *Terms & conditions apply.
Please visit our website for full details.
For more information visit sstuwa.org.au/benefits and the benefits tab of the SSTUWA App Food and Wine Campbells
Access wholesale prices with a complimentary day pass.
sstuwa.org.au/campbells
Cellar d’Or
Best value winery tour in the Margaret River Region. 10% discount for members.
sstuwa.org.au/cellardor
Cracka Wines
7.5% off online wine orders.
sstuwa.org.au/cracka
Taste Bud Tours
Swan Valley “Speed Grazing” – 20% discount. Good Food, Wine & Cider (am) or Good Food, Wine & Beer (pm).
sstuwa.org.au/tastebudtours
Health and Wellbeing St John
SSTUWA Legal Services
Access to quality legal services for both work-related and personal matters.
sstuwa.org.au/legal
Teachers Health Fund
Join the thousands of teachers who have already made the switch.
sstuwa.org.au/teachershealth
Teachers Health – Travel
10% discount on travel insurance.
sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance
STA Travel Insurance
$20 discount for members.
sstuwa.org.au/statravelinsurance
Shopping Abacus Educational Supplies
10% discount, in store and online.
sstuwa.org.au/abacus
First aid saves lives. Discounted first aid courses and kits for members.
Dot Mall
WA Opticians
sstuwa.org.au/dotmall
sstuwa.org.au/stjohn
20% discount on spectacle frames and lenses. Perth and East Perth.
sstuwa.org.au/waopticians
Housing
BBQs, heaters and backyard kitchens. 5% discount for members.
Electrical buying
Let Union Shopper find the best deal on your electrical purchases.
sstuwa.org.au/electricalbuying
Houspect
isubscribe
sstuwa.org.au/houspect
sstuwa.org.au/isubscribe
Buy, build and invest with confidence. $50 discount on building inspections.
Johns Building Supplies
Trade prices on paint and painters’ hardware. Builders prices on all other hardware lines.
sstuwa.org.au/jbs
Kleenheat
In appreciation of teachers’ support of the community, Kleenheat is offering SSTUWA members bigger savings on natural gas.
sstuwa.org.au/kleenheat
SkylightsWA
Specialising in skylights and roof ventilation, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products.
sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa
Insurance and Legal ISinsured
Insurance for union members. Home, contents, car, landlords.
sstuwa.org.au/isinsured
Up to an extra 10% off any print and digital magazine subscription; over 4,000 titles.
Jackson’s Drawing Supplies
10% discount in Jackson’s 12 shops and online.
sstuwa.org.au/jacksons
Petals Flowers & Gifts
20% off flowers and gifts. World-wide delivery available.
sstuwa.org.au/petals
Retravision
Cost plus 5% on all products. Osborne Park location only; in store or via phone. Nation-wide delivery available.
sstuwa.org.au/retravision
Teacher Superstore
5-10% discount, in store and online.
sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore
The Good Guys Commercial
Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ full range.
sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys
Vet Products Direct
10% discount on pet products, plus advice from professionals.
sstuwa.org.au/vetpro
Travel and Accommodation Accor Hotels
Great savings for teachers at Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific region.
sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels welcomes SSTUWA members with exclusive rates at locations in Australia and NZ.
sstuwa.org.au/choicehotels
Comfort Hotel Perth City
Rooms from $145 per night including Light Start Breakfast for two. Located near the WACA in East Perth.
sstuwa.org.au/comfortperth
Experience Oz
Save 10% on over 3,000 experiences across Oz + NZ.
sstuwa.org.au/experienceoz
Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge
Forest retreat, 4-star, with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and BBQ. Adults (12 years+) only. Five minutes to Busselton. Studios and rooms. 22.5% off rack rate or best available rate.
sstuwa.org.au/innthetuarts
Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat
Luxurious, self-contained accommodation in Margaret River. Discounted rates for members.
sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove
Mandurah Houseboats
10% discount on houseboat holidays.
sstuwa.org.au/houseboats
Rottnest ferry tickets
Save up to $18 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub.
sstuwa.org.au/rottnest
STA Travel
Exclusive discounts for members.
sstuwa.org.au/statravel
Western Teacher June 2020
31
Classifieds
Classifieds Block for sale: Kalbarri
Large 770sqm block, ready to build on, two streets from the beach. 22m frontage with north facing winter aspect. Walking distance to all facilities. Be quick as seller will negotiate. All offers considered. 0402 349 203
For sale: Cooloongup
3x2 plus large utility room, fully powered workshop set amongst a quiet street and bushland. Large patio area and backyard for entertaining and family time. Offers from $350,000. EOI: 0401 847 317
For sale: Mandurah (Soldiers Cove)
$339,000. Sought after area, short walk to Mandurah Foreshore. A touch of art deco in this 1950s era 3x1 home on 809m2 block. Featuring high ceilings, decorative cornice and jarrah floor boards. Private street frontage with bus stop to Mandurah station out front. 6x4m workshop, 30 fruit trees, PV solar panels and solar hot water. buymyplace.com.au (property 5181804) 0449 183 499
Albany (Little Grove)
Silent Grove Cottage. Self-contained two bedroom (queen/two singles) on two hectares of bushland. Undercover parking. Close to yacht club, walking/ bike trails, national park and beaches. Teachers’ rate: $150 per night. Stay seven, get one free. www.silentgrove.iinet.net.au 9844 4950 | merron@iinet.net
Albany
“Wywurry Holidays” in 2x1 fully furnished cottage. Min 2 nights, max 6 weeks. Sleeps 4, more with camp beds. Pet friendly. 20 min walk to Middleton Beach. $100/night for 4 people; $10/night per extra person. $550/week. $2,000/month. Linen fee optional $50 per visit/week. Sara: 0499 057 647 saralindsay41@gmail.com
Augusta
3x1 spacious holiday rental. One double, one queen, five singles. 200m from the river and town. Magnificent river views. One large living area, three sided veranda and BBQ. Provide own linen and towels. $150 per night plus $50 cleaning fee. gregrowl@iinet.net.au
Cowaramup (Margaret River Region) Private B&B within newly built home. Parkland setting. Private queen bedroom, bathroom and breakfast room. Private entry and dedicated parking. 10 mins to Margaret River, Gracetown, central to wineries/breweries and beaches. $120 per night per couple including breakfast. Lee: 0412 902 932
Denmark
The Rise is a modern, comfortable, 3x2 fully equipped house close to town with elevated views. Located close to Scotsdale and Mt Shadforth drives and their many tourist attractions. Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 nights. Bookings.denmark.com.au (property The Rise) (08) 9848 2055, 9am to 5pm
Dunsborough (Quindalup)
Large 4x2 holiday home on Geographe Bay Rd. Swimming beach 30m away. Free use of private boat mooring. Room to park boats with boat ramp a minute away. Slow combustion wood heater and reversecycle air-con. Available all year except for leavers’ vacation. No pets. 0419 943 203 | 9448 5527 a_r_moore@bigpond.com
Dwellingup
Après Huit and Dwell Cottage provide luxury self-contained accommodation set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Can be rented separately or together. Après Huit: 2x2, main house. Dwell Cottage: 1x1, furnished in a French theme. Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au
Falcon
Shady two bedroom beach cottage 300 metres from surf beach and protected Falcon Bay. Located on a grassy, peppermint gum 1012 sq metre block. Sleeps eight. Well-equipped including BBQ. Close to Miami Village and all amenities, great for crabbing and fishing. Less than one hour from Perth’s CBD along Forrest Hwy. $150 per night for Western Teacher readers. 0415 035 390 | richard.wright@iinet.net.au
Floreat
Studio B&B. New, stylish single room. Fridge, kitchenette, TV, aircon in lovely peaceful Floreat house and garden. Linen, tea/coffee, continental/cooked breakfast ingredients supplied. Suit mature person wishing to enjoy quiet accommodation. Close to city, buses, shops, hospitals and beaches. $85 per night, min two nights. Weekly and monthly rates available. SMS: 0422 333 057
France (South)
3x2 house located in quaint village adjacent to Canal du Midi - noted for having 300 days of sunshine per year and hence lots of vineyards. Spain is 1hr drive; Barcelona is 2hr drive. $700 per week. 0407 368 511 | craigrebecca@bigpond.com
Fremantle
Short term accommodation in central Fremantle. Recently refurbished with all conveniences for modern living.
Townhouse has three queen-sized bedrooms plus provision for two singles. Enjoy time in the rear garden, complete with BBQ. Secure parking for two cars, access controlled by electric gates. 9430 4458 | 0407 083 174 info@westerley.com.au
Kallaroo
Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops. Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min 2 nights. Sleeps 4, or 5 with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person. Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com
Margaret River
Two bedrooms, private, comfortable, fully equipped stone cottage with fireplace, located amongst the forest opposite Boranup National Park, 17km south of Margaret River on Caves Road. Close to beaches, wineries, caves and galleries. $150 per night for two people, or provide own linen and towels for $120 per night. Russell: 0418 933 270
Mt Lawley/Dianella
Newly built 1x1 self-contained extension, furnished, with laundry, dining, lounge, kitchen and one undercover parking bay. Aircon, TV, fridge, washing machine and microwave included. Quiet residential area close to city, buses, Galleria Morley, Mt Lawley cafe strip and Northbridge. 10 min walk to Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre; golf course across the road. $80 per night, min two nights. $50 per night for weekly and monthly rentals. 0439 964 239 | cymbie.burgoyne@gmail.com
Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au with your phone and union membership numbers. Free for members. 32
Western Teacher June 2020
Classifieds
Classifieds Northam
Renovated, self-contained 30s-style three bedroom house with beautiful river views. Short walk across the bridges to town. Sleeps six-eight. Kevin: 0414 446 431
Prevelly
One bedroom private spa apartment in quiet Prevelly cul-de-sac. Two minute walk from beach. Suits couples. $165 per night for Western Teacher readers. Lucy: lcartell@iinet.net.au
Trigg
Self contained accommodation. Kitchen, laundry, queen sized bed plus fold out double couch in lounge. Free WiFi and Netflix. Own entrance. Find us on Facebook. Kerry: 0409 884 330 | FB: @justriggin 67justriggin@gmail.com
Yallingup
Rammed earth cottage, 2x1, nestled amongst bushland. Well located, short walk to Studio Gallery Bistro, two-minute drive to Caves House. Beaches, galleries, wineries and restaurants close by. Sleeps six. No dogs. stayz.com.au (property 136151) Kirsty: 0419 927 660
Victoria (Jan Juc Beach)
Planning a holiday to Victoria? Stay on the beautiful Surf Coast, in between Torquay and the famous Bells Beach. Sleeps eight comfortably. Walking distance to the beach, golf club, shops and river mouth. Everything you need is already there. Large entertaining areas. Discount for Western Teacher readers. 0403 803 064
Discover the best of India
Bespoke guided tours. Choose: your itinerary; your dates; your inclusions; your ayurvedic/yoga retreat; your festivals; your budget. Your holiday, your way! Personalised information sessions – we come to you. H&M Luxury Tours ...creating memories! 0409 554 702 | support@luxetoursindia.com luxetoursindia.com
Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development
I provide holistic, confidential practical counselling to help you deal with an array of issues, some being: general relationship, mental health, anger issues/management; anxiety; depression; self-harm; grief and trauma; addiction; abuse; palliative care. Milica Robinson, MCnsig&Psychthpy, GradCertCareerDev, BEd. 0422 358 187
Retirement coach
Are you recently retired or retiring soon? You probably have a financial plan in place but developing a plan for the non-financial side of retirement can be as important as preparing financially. I offer support and guidance for the transition from work to retirement, helping you to find purpose and meaning in retirement. Contact me to arrange an obligation free chat. retirementcoaching01@gmail.com
Marriage celebrant
Marriage celebrant with 12 years of experience, working in the Peel, South West and Perth areas. Specialising in creating personalised ceremonies for couples at their chosen wedding location. I’d love to help you plan your special day! Meridith: 0400 312 535 meri.lake4@gmail.com
Marriage celebrant
Heart Centered Ceremonies for couples wanting a personalised wedding. Lee will help you design your dream wedding – a memorable occasion. Mention this ad to receive a discount. Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au
Marriage celebrant
Experienced professional celebrant available, all areas. Formal or informal, large or small weddings. A Beautiful Ceremony will help you design an unforgettable and uniquely personal ceremony. Mary: 0418 906 391 maryburke40@hotmail.com
Learn to social dance
Learn jive, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and other dances for social events (ball, wedding, cruise, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7.30-9pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term 3 starts 27 July. Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com
First aid training for students
St John Ambulance WA offers free first aid training to all school aged students, ranging from Triple 000 Hero for kindergarten students to Road Trauma First Aid for secondary school students. Courses are curriculum mapped. 9334 1259 | youth@stjohnambulance.com.au
Calling all retired teachers!
Are you a retired teacher with a spirit of adventure and time to spare? Would you like to assist families in remote areas of WA? You may like to join REVISE WA as a tutor. For more info, visit www.revisewa.com.au
Belly Rubs Boarding Kennels
Personalised approach to boarding your canine companion. $25 per dog – mention you’re a teacher to receive a 10 per cent discount. Located in Southern River. Elisa: 0417 620 766 | FB: @bellyrubsboarding
Macramé is the new yoga
I'm a teacher running small group macramé classes in a cosy home studio. Join me and discover the power of mindfulness as you learn to engage your mind and your hands in a fun supportive environment. It's a powerful way to calm a busy mind. marcia@knotinlove.com.au
Western Teacher June 2020
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Noticeboard
Noticeboard Retired Teachers’ Association
State Council Conference
Hello again. We look forward to meeting again. All members of choir and literature will be contacted should we resume sooner rather than later. Take care.
Items for November State Council must be received by 5pm Friday 25 September.
The Public Good
Ann Strauss: 9387 2906
An Agreement in Principle has been reached to replace the 2017 TAFE General Agreement. Online voting for TAFE members opened on Tuesday 16 June and will close at 4pm Tuesday 30 June. Visit sstuwa.org.au/TAFEGA2019
Lynette Virgona Scholarship
Research and studies
Applications are now open for the Lynette Virgona Scholarship. The deadline for applications is Friday 25 September.
Did you know we have an extensive collection of research and studies on our website? To view these, visit sstuwa.org.au/research
For more info and the application form, visit sstuwa.org.au/scholarships
NAIDOC Week
Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association 2020 meeting dates: Saturdays, 10.30am-12.30pm at the SSTUWA premises
New dates have been announced for NAIDOC Week 2020. Celebrations will be held from 8-15 November. This year's theme is #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
Term 3
Term 4
22 August
28 November
Venue subject to change. Visit www.l3cta.org.au for venue information and to confirm attendance, or email contact@l3cta.org.au
For more information, visit naidoc.org.au
SSTUWA committee meeting dates:
Early Childhood Educators’ Committee
TAFE Committee
Time: 4.15pm
Venue: SSTUWA office | Contact: (08) 9210 6000 or contact@sstuwa.org.au Teleconference facilities are available
International Committee
LGBTIQ Committee
Time: 5pm
Time: 4.30pm
Time: 4pm
Dates to be confirmed
Dates to be confirmed
Dates to be confirmed
New Educator Committee
Women’s Committee
Psych Services Committee
ATSIE Committee
Time: 4.30pm
Time: 4.15pm
Time: 4.45pm
Time: 4pm
Dates to be confirmed
Dates to be confirmed
13 August
6 August
8 September
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UnionsWA, in collaboration with key public sector unions in WA – including the SSTUWA – and community supporters, has launched The Public Good campaign, which highlights the prominent and positive role that the public sector workforce plays in the lives of Western Australians. Find out more: thepublicgood.com.au
GA 2019 TAFE
Email to editor@sstuwa.org.au
21 October
17 November
Western Teacher June 2020
Feel good about banking with one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
It feels good to be ethical. And when we say that being socially responsible is at the heart of how we do business, we can back it up with proof. For seven consecutive years we have been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies®.
Join us* tmbank.com.au/feel-good *Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees of the Australian education sector or family members of members of the Bank. “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. www.ethisphere.com.au Teachers Mutual Bank Limited has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies from 2014-2020, and includes subsidiary Teachers Mutual Bank (2014-2020). Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 01591-CSR-0320-FGW-WME-A4
Transition to Retirement Specialists
Financial solutions and advice to help you transition
TTR and Tax benefits will continue into 2020 & beyond! Please see tipsfs.com.au
Are You Retiring or Reducing Hours in 2020? What you will need to consider … • • • •
Can I afford to drop a day? How much will be enough to retire on? How can I maximize my income & reduce tax? When is it best to pay off my mortgage?
