June 2022 Western Teacher by SSTUWA

Volume 51.5 June 2022

The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

Standing up for public education sstuwa.org.au

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In this edition

Volume 51.5 June 2022

In this edition Correspondence:

The Editor, PO Box 212 West Perth WA 6872 editor@sstuwa.org.au | Ph: 9210 6000

Features

2022 Western Teacher deadlines Edition January

Deadline 29 November

February

31 January

April

8 March

May

26 April

Print post publication 100004470 | $4.95 ABN: 544 780 946 35

June

30 May

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 John Street, Northbridge WA. June 2022.

August

18 July

September

22 August

October

3 October

November

31 October

Member Assist:

Ph: 9210 6060 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

Cover: The SSTUWA’s Senior Vice President Matt Jarman and President Pat Byrne, with AEU Federal Secretary Kevin Bates, at June State Council Conference, where the next moves to elevate the state of public education were outlined. Read more on page 7. To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, visit: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher

Connect with us: @sstuwa

Dates are subject to change

New review to elevate public education.....7 The climate is changing and so should we..................................................10 Long service leave and casual employees.................................................14 Get the support you need..........................16 NAIDOC Week 2022...................................17 The resilience of education in a broken world.............................................20 A public education agenda for the new minister.....................................................23 Members benefit.......................................24 Seen around the SSTUWA........................25 National education and union news.........26

Regulars

From the President.....................................4 From the Senior Vice President..................6 Education and Training.............................28 Member Benefits......................................30 Classifieds.................................................32 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.)

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From the President

Small step taken on a long journey By Pat Byrne President

On Friday 17 June, member voting closed on the Agreement in Principle for the 2021 General Agreement (Schools). Just over 5,000 members voted with 70 per cent of those voting in favour. The union has also received a written undertaking from government that any subsequent change in wages policy will also be passed onto teachers. This has been one of the most intense General Agreement processes I can remember. I would suggest members have rarely had a more difficult decision to make when it came to casting their vote. I know this was the case for Executive when making its decision. It is worth considering the timeline and what has happened across the period of the negotiations, which we should remember began in the deep shadows of COVID-19. On 9 June 2021 the SSTUWA joined with a number of other public sector unions from UnionsWA to form the Public Sector Alliance. The alliance was formed to seek an end to the state government’s $1,000 salary cap, which for more than four years had seen WA public sector workers fall further and further behind the cost of living whilst being forbidden from bargaining or negotiating the rate of their salaries. Introduced in 2017 to assist in budget repair, the $1,000 salary cap was scheduled to run for at least two more years, to 2023. For SSTUWA members that would have meant a third General Agreement under the yoke of the $1,000 cap – meaning pay rises of under one per cent for the majority of our members. 4

Western Teacher June 2022

Just over 373 days ago there seemed little prospect of the salary cap being removed. The alliance changed all that. By September the prospect of 100,000 public sector union members coming together had prompted the state government to announce a review of its wages policy. In December the state government announced the $1,000 salary cap was gone. A new wages policy of 2.5 per cent plus either a one off $1,000 payment or an extra 0.25 per cent over each of the two years, was made. That policy was formalised as part of an overall agreement in response to a Log of Claims from the SSTUWA seeking to reduce workload and red tape and improve the safety and well-being of members. These measures were sought in response to mend a system that had seen teachers stretched further and further by ridiculous workloads, the pressures of which were being exacerbated by COVID-19. When we asked members what mattered most to them, the answers were unequivocal. Of those who responded to our State of Schools survey, 81 per cent had considered quitting the profession. Workload and personal health and wellbeing were the key reasons for such deliberations for 87 per cent and 60 per cent of respondents, respectively. This response was underlined through District Council consultations. The new GA needed to address these issues and do so urgently. The employer dragged its feet, leading members to undertake a range of actions. This prompted the employer to make two offers. The first was rejected, the second recommended for agreement in principle by Executive after long debate,

balancing the far from ideal salary component with some significant first steps to addressing workload and wellbeing matters. The member vote was carried out against a backdrop of a federal election in which soaring inflation, rising interest rates and a call for significant wage rises for those on the minimum wages came to dominate debate. Inflation in WA is now running at over seven per cent. Interest rates are up, rents are up, fuel is up. Food is more and more expensive. The SSTUWA is aware of this. Even as the EBA vote continued the union has reaffirmed its commitment to the Public Sector Alliance. We are keeping the pressure on the state government to acknowledge the obvious – the economic picture has changed dramatically since the decisions it took on salaries in December. If it wants to keep what it describes as “essential public services” going then it needs to show respect for those workers and review the salary offer. The state government also needs to show it understands that SSTUWA members are not indicating approval of the salary component of the Agreement in Principle (AIP). Acceptance of the pay rate is grudging at best – it’s better than nothing, but nowhere near enough. The SSTUWA now continues its twin aims of ensuring public education gets the funding required to address core issues brought to the surface by COVID-19 and to end forever the use of public services as a budget management tool, rather than the delivery of vital services.

From the President Working with the Public Sector Alliance, the SSTUWA is aiming to get rid of salary caps under government wages policy, with the aim of seeing education, health, community support, transport and other public services treated as vital cogs in the state’s economy, not just as easy targets for cost-cutting. The pandemic has shown that it is those who keep our hospitals, schools, trains, buses and community support running in times of crisis who are the heartbeat of our economic and business community. For too long it has been all too easy to disparage public sector employees. Disrespected, underfunded and stripped of the support they need by a succession of governments; it was teachers, health care staff, bus and train drivers and the myriad other public sector workers who kept WA going. Yet even as ministers were discovering this truth and describing what public sector workers did as essential, the same people were being expected to continue to live with $1,000 salary caps. Now, as the SSTUWA moves to get improved salaries for its members, along with significant but still far from sufficient changes to workplace practices, it is crucial to remember that this is just the first step. COVID-19 has shone a light onto situations which were unacceptable in 2019 and which are even worse now. We have an education system beset by chronic underfunding, staff shortages, a lack of respect for educators and all too often broken students who have given up on education altogether or whose deepseated distress manifests as violence against their peers and school staff. Staff already at breaking point were thrust into the frontline of managing schools during COVID-19. First staying open while others worked from home, despite their own health concerns, then leading the community in terms of getting vaccinated to keep schools going, then managing contact-tracing and dealing with parental expectations about kids while staff numbers plummeted as fellow teachers became ill or had to isolate.

curtains on a serious crisis for Australian youth – a youth disengaged from study and education. As usual the greatest burden falls upon the less well off and, in turn, on the public system.

Surveys, such as that by Save the Children Australia, are starting to pull back the

•

This is why the SSTUWA will be leading a broad discussion on what public education needs to recover and reboot – with funding, respect for the profession and proper support programs right at the heart of the matter.

The pandemic has shown that it is those who keep our hospitals, schools, trains, buses and community support running in times of crisis who are the heartbeat of our economic and business community.

In accordance with discussion at State Council this will be a broad-based campaign based on the following:

That, irrespective of the outcome of the SSTUWA ballot regarding the AIP, the SSTUWA puts the Premier and state government on notice that, due to: •

Teachers falling further and further behind the cost of living in real terms because of the impact of the $1,000 per annum wage cap imposed by the government in 2017 and salaries failing to match the current explosion in the cost of living;

•

Unsustainable workloads being experienced by school leaders and teachers due to more and more unreasonable expectations being placed on schools, a situation which has been exacerbated by the pandemic over the last two years;

•

The structural failures within the system – such as staffing levels, regional resourcing models, insufficient time for planning and collaboration, inadequate preparation for new teachers – which act as deterrents

The lack of sufficient central support to schools, particularly in relation to behaviour management issues, a situation which has been inflamed by the pandemic as children’s anxieties are increasingly presenting as disengagement and poor behaviour to the serious detriment of the wellbeing of school staff;

SSTUWA members will engage in a range of actions from the commencement of Term 3 2022 to draw the attention of politicians and members of the public to the concerns of principals and teachers in WA public schools. The campaign will have four elements: •

A political strategy This will include member actions to write to and visit local MPs, highlighting the concerns facing the profession and the need for a coordinated government approach to address those concerns.

•

A workload strategy Member actions at school level to draw attention to staff concerns regarding workload.

•

A community strategy This will be aimed at raising levels of community awareness of the pressures facing the teaching profession and what is needed to improve the status of the profession and support teachers and principals, through improved funding levels so that teachers and school leaders are properly supported and remunerated.

•

A media strategy This will include paid advertising, through social media and traditional media formats aimed at highlighting issues such as workload, attraction and retention and workplace safety including members telling their own stories.

That the SSTUWA maintains its membership of, and support for, the Public Sector Alliance goal of removing capped public sector wage increases, thereby enabling a return to genuine good faith bargaining.

Remember all of this was against a backdrop of the then Prime Minister and successive education ministers displaying a blatant disregard for the teaching profession. What we also know is that the long-term effects of COVID-19 on our education system are only just beginning to be understood.

both to the attraction of new entrants to the profession and the retention of experienced teachers and leaders;

There will be a review by the SSTUWA to identify the detailed response needed to revive public education in the postCOVID-19 area; the actions required not just to deal with what COVID-19 has wrought, but to identify and tackle the fundamental issues such as the longterm underfunding that put the system in such a precarious position when COVID-19 came along. This will be no easy task. Our General Agreement 2021 is just one small step on what continues to be a long and difficult road. Western Teacher June 2022

From the Senior Vice President

Leaders’ update By Matt Jarman Senior Vice President

EBA update The ballot for the 2021 Schools EBA closed Friday 17 June. Of those members who voted, 70 per cent were in favour, 28.5 per cent against and 1.5 per cent abstained. Just over 5,000 votes were received, around 2,000 more than the 2019 EBA ballot. This reflects the Australian voting pattern of 30 to 35 per cent for non-compulsory voting, such as local government elections. School leader support The SSTUWA would like to warmly thank School Leader Organiser Chris Booth, who retired in May. Chris provided strategic intelligence and support to our secondary schools and also across the most recent EBA. His counsel and perspective from across his wide and varied career will be missed by members and staff. We are in the process of surveying our school leader members, enabling us to reflect on our support, service and future directions. The new General Agreement has a variety of gains for school leaders, including: •

•

Compensatory leave. It is the first agreement in the country to recognise that when a catastrophic emergency occurs, principals are required to undertake a variety of additional responsibilities. Compliance reduction. A new section in the General Agreement and recognition by the employer that additional workload must be addressed.

•

Level 3 Deputy time allocation of 0.3FTE for primary deputies. To be reflected in the one line budget.

•

Centrally funded professional learning programs for school leaders will include the cost of travel and accommodation where attendees are regionally based.

•

DoE commits to the review of the current reclassification model for principals and deputy principals. Western Teacher June 2022

June State Council Conference The June State Council Conference (1011 June) was at the Hyatt Hotel to cater for the largest attendee list we have had since the start of the pandemic. The membership endorsed the SSTUWA as a member of the Public Sector Alliance and to continue to challenge the state government wages policy as a key strategy. The WA Police Union is now an affiliate, taking the membership close to 150,000 public sector workers, with multiple agreements to expire before the end of this year. President Pat Byrne announced to State Council that the SSTUWA will be conducting a report into the current work value of school leaders and teachers in WA. We ambitiously aim for the report to hand down preliminary findings by the 2022 November State Council. The purpose of the report is to lead an investigation ahead of our next EBA round commencing in June-September 2023. School leaders will be consulted to participate in the report. AEU update AEU Federal Secretary Kevin Bates told June State Council Conference that the AEU is “hopeful” the change in federal government will see a change to public school support and funding. New Education Minister Jason Clare attended public school in Cabramatta and has widely referred to his public school education. He also met with AEU Federal Executive this month, the first time a federal education minister has done so for a decade. The Online Formative Assessment Initiative (OFAI) remains a key issue for all states and territories; we continue to advocate the OFAI needs to go based upon our own history in WA with learning progressions and student outcomes.

The SSTUWA would like to thank Pam Pollard and Kerryn Woodhouse, supported by members of the school leadership reference group, for their submission to the National Productivity Commission review into the National School Reform Agreement. Professor Pasi Sahlberg and national convener of Save our Schools, Trevor Cobbold, collated information from across the country to form the AEU submission. DoE Reclassification Review This working group recently stated its intention to complete the review by the end of this year. The SSTUWA is represented by Pat Byrne and David Lee. DoE – VRO, social media and parent liaison progress In response to leader member concerns and changes in the expectations from community and the employer in recent years the SSTUWA continues to work with the DoE on these issues: Violence Restraining Orders (VRO) – We are seeking protection and clarification for all staff school but especially school leader members, regarding the responsibilities when VROs are administered. Social media defamation – We have agreed outcomes with the DoE and both parties are currently clarifying legal issues. Several recent cases elsewhere in Australia continue to give hope that the DoE and SSTUWA will be able to advise how an employee can act and be protected if defamed. Parent liaison with complex cases – The SSTUWA continues to raise member feedback with the Minister’s office and DoE senior officers; it remains far from resolved.

State Council Conference

New review to elevate public education By Minh Lam

The SSTUWA will commission a review into the state of public education in WA that will drive the push to elevate the status of public educators and ensure the sector receives the full resourcing that it needs. The review was announced by union president Pat Byrne during June State Council Conference, held earlier this month. Ms Byrne said that while the community had expressed a newly found appreciation of the work of public educators over the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, it had not translated into any concrete recognition from government. She said that with a political alignment at state and federal levels of government, an opportunity was afforded that had to be seized to raise awareness of the issues challenging public education, especially as current funding agreements were due to expire in 18 months.

“In particular we will talk about proper recognition and respect for educators, to see them valued not only in terms of salaries but in terms of status and respect,” Ms Byrne said.

The review will provide the basis for planning for public education in the medium term that will ensure that the public education system is valued by government through the paying of proper salaries, the addressing of increasing workloads and provision of genuine support for students. “In particular we will talk about proper recognition and respect for educators, to see them valued not only in terms of salaries but in terms of status and respect,” Ms Byrne said. “It will look at how to attract highachieving students into the teaching profession and how to retain classroom teachers who don’t want to take up leadership roles. “It will look at the relationship between schools and TAFEs and ways to ensure that public education gets a minimum 100 per cent of the School Resourcing Standard as soon as possible – ‘on the pathway’ is far too vague. “We also want to look at the research into the long-term impact of the disruptions caused by COVID and how best to address student and workforce recovery.” Ms Byrne said the review would consult key groups in the education community and combine new research with existing research the SSTUWA had already undertaken in recent years. The aim is to deliver a progress report by the end of the year and for this to be able to provide the basis for cooperative engagement with federal and state government in the lead-up to the new funding round, as well as the basis for

the union’s push into the next round of general agreement negotiations. The announcement of the review was one of the highlights of June State Council Conference, which is the union’s supreme decision-making body. State Council delegates gathered for the two-day event to participate in professional development and vote on motions directing the SSTUWA’s future activities. Guest speakers to the conference included Dr Mark Dean from the Centre for Future Work’s Carmichael Centre and Indigenous lawyer, essayist, storyteller and campaigner Teela Reid. AEU Federal Secretary Kevin Bates was a keynote speaker. Mr Bates said the election of a new federal government provided a new (continued on page 8) Western Teacher June 2022

State Council Conference (continued from page 7) opportunity to continue to campaign to deliver fair and proper funding levels to public schools. “That is the only way we will deliver outcomes for members. That is the only way we will get the reform that we need to see an education system that the Australian community and the students that we serve deserve,” he said. Mr Bates said that issues such as integrity in politics, climate change and having a community that respected and valued women and their role in society were also important to the AEU to campaign on. Later in the conference State Council Conference delegates also heard a panel discussion on the topic of Climate Education for Sustainability. The panel (pictured bottom photo, left to right) was made up of SSTUWA Executive Committee member Geoff Holt, WA Institute for Educational Research president Dr Sonja Kuzich, waste educator, author and speaker Lindsay Miles and Maddie Sarre from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Each panellist gave a short presentation before taking questions from delegates about the climate emergency and what public educators could do to prepare their students to enact change. During the conference, delegates received reports about the SSTUWA’s recent activities. The following is a summary of some of those reports.

Member and branch update As of the end of April this year, membership of the SSTUWA totalled just over 18,000. Key strategies and projects delivering these results include targeted programs by the SSTUWA Growth Team for new educators, student conversion and rejoins; and campaigning strategies and actions such as the EBA Schools and EBA TAFE. The union’s delegate education and training program and District Council training changes has resulted in recruiting and retention action at the branch levels. The Member Assist Team has managed critical internal operations that has 8

Western Teacher June 2022

State Council Conference

resulted in member advice and support on COVID-19 and campaigns over the last six months. The phone and email service has ensured any member has someone to talk to for advice, support, debate and direction. Union engagement amongst members has been excellent, with growth in numbers of District and State Council Conference delegates, since 2021, as well as union/deputy union representatives and women’s contact officers. A strong emphasis has continued this year on the importance of building confident, functioning branches and delegate structures for schools and colleges. For schools and TAFE, the demands and focus on COVID-19 pandemic issues, the EBA and Public Sector Alliance have driven the work at all levels. These state-wide issues have provided broader membership issues to manage as opposed to worksite-by-worksite issues.

School leaders The SSTUWA is currently addressing the needs of school leaders, specifically the retention, attraction and support of school leaders. An internal review is underway as to how the union can improve its approaches, which has included a member survey to this point.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education update Two new annual scholarships will be made to any ATSI member of the union to engage in professional learning that will further develop their career pathways. More details about these scholarships will be made public later. The Schools Agreement in Principle contains provision for a L7 officer at 0.6 FTE to develop School Curriculum and Standards Authority materials to support Noongar Aboriginal Language framework. It also makes provision for Aboriginal language teachers to be employed on a permanent basis and access all

entitlements provided to four and fiveyear trained teachers.

Education and Training Centre Over 2,500 members are anticipated to attend the 170-odd online and inperson training events organised by the SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre in 2022. These have covered areas such as Trade Union Training (TUT), work safety and professional development (pedagogy, classroom and behaviour management, personal development and organisational planning). Events slated for the second half of 2022 include newly revised courses to cover the 2020 Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act (which came into effect on 31 March this year); forums for early childhood educators (ECE), new career teachers and new school leaders. There will also be conferences covering WHS, ECE and for women public educators. The ETC continues to partner with the Teacher Learning Network to offer online courses. Western Teacher June 2022

Climate action

The climate is changing and so should we By Sharmila Nagar Vice President

There is a growing community of support across our public schools and TAFEs to address the climate emergency and a need to embed sustainable practices across all aspects of schools and TAFEs. Your union is ready to implement further action in relation to the climate crisis and its impact on education. As mentioned previously, in December 2021 Executive endorsed 15 recommendations from SSTUWA’s response to the Education and Health Standing Committee Inquiry into the response of Western Australian schools to climate change. These were presented to delegates at June State Council Conference. We touched upon several of them in the April 2022 issue of Western Teacher. Below is the full set of recommendations, which state: 1.

The SSTUWA supports the framework outlined by Education International and calls on the Australian government to deliver on our commitments to Climate Change Education and Education for Sustainable Development in the Paris Agreement (article 12) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (targets 4.7, 12.8 and 13.3). That a joint consultative committee with SSTUWA representation is established to develop and progress Climate Change Education (CCE) and action and sustainable practices for Western Teacher June 2022

infrastructure and maintenance of public school and TAFE sites. 3.

The SSTUWA is the key industrial body representing public school teachers, leaders and TAFE lecturers in WA. The SSTUWA seeks recognition as a stakeholder in the development of government and Department of Education (DoE) policies, procedures and guidelines on climate action and sustainability practices in public school and TAFE settings.

The SSTUWA seeks recognition as a key stakeholder in the development

of quality Climate Change Education (CCE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) resources and programs with School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). There is a clear need for curriculum to include more explicit and farreaching responses to anthropogenic climate change. The expression “climate emergency” ought to be explicitly used when referring to climate change to convey the sense of urgency around which there is scientific consensus. The SSTUWA seeks opportunities for our members to play an integral part in how climate

Climate action 9.

That recurrent funding is provided for regular PD opportunities for all School Education Act staff and TAFE lecturers in WA to develop their understanding of CCE and Education for Sustainability.

10. That quality CCE and Education for Sustainability professional learning is delivered by a dedicated team of qualified and experienced lead teachers through DoE.

change curriculum and action can be integrated in diverse contexts for all students. 5.

That the DoE assist and support all schools and require them to include sustainability in their operational plans as an area of priority. This ought to involve the setting of targets to reduce our ecological footprint through consumption of resources, the recovery and reuse of existing resources and by encouraging more sustainable consumption and waste management across the system. This sustainability drive is to be resourced by the department so that it does not come at the expense of other priority areas.

That climate change and education for sustainability be embedded into course design in the development of preservice education courses at university.

That a directorate within the DoE is established to develop systemic practices, processes for schools to address the climate emergency and through CCE, ESD and improved sustainability practices. That recurrent funding beyond the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM) is provided for this and that additional workstreams involved are not added to those already faced by

overstretched and under resourced schools and TAFE institutions. 8.

That recurrent funding be provided to SCSA to develop quality CCE and curriculum resources to enable diverse climate action to occur in schools and communities and to ensure that all schools are equipped to play their part in tackling the climate emergency.

11. That the diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings about sustainability and caring for country be actively sought and used to guide the design and implementation of local, regional and national policies and initiatives in addressing the climate emergency. That genuine and ongoing consultation is held with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and understanding of climate, climate change and sustainability is incorporated into curriculum resources and teacher education. 12. That a systemic plan is enacted by the state government and DoE to replace/upgrade school and TAFE infrastructure so that they are energy efficient and sustainable institutions. (continued on page 12)

Western Teacher June 2022

Climate action

(continued from page 11) 13. That climate-proofing elements are developed in the planning of all public schools and TAFE worksites, actioned throughout the construction and maintenance stages. 14. That staff and students in WA public schools and TAFEs are provided with opportunities to engage in meaningful CCE and Education for Sustainability activities to assist in managing eco anxiety and a range of systemic supports are established to support schools, TAFEs and students in this area. 15. That the prevalence and impact of eco and climate anxiety, as reported in numerous studies, among students and school staff be acknowledged and addressed through the provision of additional Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Australian Counselling Association (ACA) accredited mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers and counsellors. The AEU adopted a public education and climate emergency policy at its annual Federal Conference in April. It emphasises that the climate emergency facing us is the most urgent and defining challenge of our time and AEU has a responsibility to influence change by leading advocacy efforts. 12

Western Teacher June 2022

A key part of the policy is the importance of First Nations knowledge to the climate crisis, it reads: “Australia has the oldest ongoing Indigenous culture on earth. We have a unique opportunity to learn and embrace First Nations knowledge to understand and act on the climate emergency. This will only happen if First Nations voices and leadership are embraced.” This sits alongside “the AEU’s belief that education curriculum must be transformed to catalyse the fight against the climate emergency and to support a just transition to a more sustainable world. Students have a right to gain all the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to sustain our world for present and future generations.” “The policy clarifies that tackling the climate emergency will only be possible through ensuring the public school system, public TAFE network and preschools are fully resourced.”

recommendations with specific actions over the next few years. An internal working committee has been established that meets regularly to discuss new research, professional learning and political information to drive the 15 recommendations. We will continue to raise awareness with our members on climate change education via the union’s communication channels such as the SSTUWA website, social media and Western Teacher magazine. At June State Council Conference, we sought expressions of interest for our committee for 2023 – stay tuned for more updates in that area. The conference also saw a guest panel convened to discuss climate education for sustainability.

The SSTUWA will continue to provide feedback to this policy as we move forward.

SSTUWA Executive Committee member Geoff Holt was joined by WA Institute for Education Research President Dr Sonja Kuzich, Australian Youth Climate Coalition member Maddie Sarre and waste educator, author and speaker Lindsay Miles in discussing the very topics and issues covered in this article.

Following the SSTUWA’s response to the Education and Health Standing Committee’s Inquiry into the response of Western Australian schools to climate change, a plan will be drafted to implement the union’s 15

You can read more on page 20 of this Western Teacher about the role of educators in tackling the climate emergency in part two of Education International President Susan Hopgood’s speech to AEU Federal Conference.

You can read the policy in more detail by visiting bit.ly/3xUlGEOt

Legal services

Long service leave and casual employees By John Theodorsen Legal services consultant

Last month, government agencies started making payments to some casual and former casual employees representing historical long service leave entitlements. This article will discuss the background to these payments, issues that might arise and what members can do to get further advice and help in resolving any problems.

Background In September 2019, the WA government reversed its long-standing view about casual public sector employees’ entitlement to long service leave (LSL). Government Sector Labour Relations wrote to agencies advising that such employees may be entitled to LSL under the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA) (LSL Act). They would have this entitlement even if an industrial instrument (award or industrial agreement) purported to pay casual employees a loading in place of LSL.

Entitlements under the LSL Act and industrial instruments The LSL Act provides a leave entitlement of 8 ⅔ weeks per 10 years of continuous service, with a pro-rata payment due on termination after seven years’ service. Because the LSL Act applies to casual employees, many long-term casuals employed by the Department of Education or TAFE colleges may have LSL entitlements. Many public sector industrial instruments (awards and agreements) now expressly provide an LSL entitlement for casual employees. When this is the case, such instruments apply to the exclusion of the LSL Act because the accrual rate for the leave is 13 weeks per 10 years, which is higher 14

Western Teacher June 2022

than the LSL Act entitlement. Not all instruments have been updated in this way, though. For instance, the Teachers (Public Sector Primary and Secondary Education) Award 1993 was amended in 2020 to recognise LSL for casuals. However, this is yet to occur with the TAFE instruments [Teachers (Public Sector Technical and Further Education) Award 1993 and Western Australian TAFE Lecturers’ General Agreement 2019]. While SSTUWA is seeking the inclusion of LSL for casual TAFE employees in the current round of bargaining, this is still a work in progress. In response to these issues, the state government has been grappling with

the problem of how to rectify the historical misunderstanding about LSL entitlements and correctly calculate future entitlements. The task is difficult for reasons, including the lack of historical records, different accrual rates under the LSL Act and industrial instruments and uncertainty about periods of mixed employment (e.g. periods of casual employment contiguous with fixed-term or ongoing employment).

The state government’s approach The state government has decided to proceed on the following basis: Accrued or pro-rata LSL Act entitlement: Where a casual employee has qualified under the LSL Act for pro-rata or accrued

Legal services

LSL based on seven to 10 years of employment with the same employer, the employer will credit the employee an amount equivalent to 8 ⅔ weeks per 10 years. The amount credited will take account of the fraction of employment, based on the employee’s average weekly hours of work. The employer will make an equivalent cash payment to former employees so long as they were last employed no earlier than 16 September 2013. Industrial instrument with LSL entitlement applies: If a casual employee is covered by an industrial agreement with an LSL entitlement for casuals:

breaks) before the industrial award recognised their long service leave would have the following entitlement: (a)

(b)

An accrued entitlement based on the LSL Act for the first 10 years (8 ⅔ weeks per 10 years, prorata if the person’s hours were less than full-time); and An accruing entitlement based on the industrial instrument for the remaining two years of service.

Potential issues

(a)

The employer will calculate any historical accrued LSL Act entitlement using the method above and credit this to the employee’s LSL balance; and

The government’s approach has some benefits. For example, in establishing casual employee service for LSL under the Act, a break in employment, irrespective of the length, will not cause a break in service.

(b)

The balance of their service will go towards their accrual under the industrial instrument, worked out at the rate provided for in the instrument (e.g., 13 weeks per 10 years).

This approach is more generous than the LSL Act rules. The government also assumes the administrative burden of going through historical records to calculate the entitlement.

By way of an example, an ongoing casual employee who worked for the Department of Education for 12 years (excluding

However, some issues may emerge, not least the question of how to treat a mix of casual and other employment.

The government’s approach does not seem to deal with a situation where a person had periods of casual employment where only the LSL Act applied to them, interspersed with periods of fixed-term or ongoing employment during which the industrial instrument applied. Depending on the interpretation of the LSL Act and the instrument, a person who had five years of continuous fixed-term employment, then five years of casual employment, under the government’s approach, may not currently have their full service recognised in their LSL. The SSTUWA’s position is that in this type of situation, the employer should recognise all the service for the purpose of LSL, and we are seeking clarification on the proposed approach.

Resolving questions and concerns The SSTUWA encourages members who believe they have been wrongly paid or not had their LSL properly recognised to discuss this with their employer in the first instance. If the employer does not resolve the issue, we ask members to call Member Assist on (08) 9210 6060. Western Teacher June 2022

New educators

Get the support you need By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

Not long to go now until you are able to stop, rest and recharge after a very hectic first semester. Reports will be done, parent meetings finished and you will finally be able to turn that alarm clock off. It is so important that you take the term break to spend time decompressing and looking after yourself. This year has seen an unprecedented amount of teacher shortages, sickness, isolation periods, collapsed classes, missed DOTT (and in some cases no DOTT), stress, anxiety and a level of uncertainty that we have never seen before. And, if you have been teaching for three years or less, your career has started under the cloud of COVID-19. These are not normal times, and we must remember that. You are never on your own when you are a member of the SSTUWA. Our Member Assist Team is a phone call away (9210 6000, or via email on memberassist@sstuwa.org.au) and will provide you with answers to your questions, no matter how small or overwhelmingly large they may seem. The Growth Team has provided support, information and advice to many early career teachers. They will assist you with questions you have, whether about your graduate entitlements or your everyday working conditions (contact at: neweducator@sstuwa.org.au) All members of the team are teachers too, so they completely understand – they were once graduate teachers themselves.

Many schools have an established branch, which means you also have an elected representative (union rep) at your school who can provide you with information or point you in the right direction of where to find it. If you are unsure who your union rep is, ask around at your school or get in contact with us. If your school does not have a current union rep, perhaps you may consider taking on the role. Training is provided and there are several early career teachers who are very active union reps in their schools. Networking is also a great way to meet other early career teachers and build up your knowledge and skills. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. The New Educator Network is a great place to start building your network. Visit the New Educator Network Facebook group, where you can share ideas and experiences with your peers: bit.ly/3x6AkqV Training is another great way to get to know other early career teachers. There are several excellent courses on offer throughout the term break. There are also online courses that run throughout the year. So, if learning online is your jam, then check out the full training schedule via the SSTUWA website: sstuwa.org.au/training In Term 3, the SSTUWA is holding a New Career Teachers’ Afternoon Forum on Friday 5 August. This “choose your own” style of professional learning allows you to select the sessions that best suit your needs. The various presenters will provide an opportunity for questions and the between-session tasks will have you

Western Teacher June 2022

participating in a “burning questions challenge” which will surely provide some fun and lots of learning. End the afternoon forum with an opportunity to build your network as you enjoy some nibbles and drinks with other early career teachers. Full session details and registration information can be found at: sstuwa.org.au/training Graduate teachers are encouraged to request a trained teaching and learning coach through the In-Class Coaching Program (ICCP). ICCP is a confidential, non-judgemental professional learning experience that supports graduate teachers to: •

Develop and refine classroom practice.

•

Participate in lesson observations and reflection.

•

Implement learning from the graduate teachers’ modules in practice.

•

Work towards the proficient career stage.

Working with an experienced trained teacher coach affords you the unique opportunity to share your thoughts and practice with someone who is external to your school. Further information can be found via IKON at bit.ly/3NPYD39 Remember, there is no shame in reaching out for help, talking to someone outside your usual support network, seeking advice from a trusted professional or having a phone conversation with someone in the know.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week 2022

NAIDOC Week runs from 3 to 10 July and will once again celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

communities over generations – they have been the heroes and champions of change, of equal rights and even basic human rights.

The theme for 2022 is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

Getting Up, Standing Up and Showing Up can take many forms.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a proud history of getting up, standing up and showing up – from the frontier wars and earliest resistance fighters, to communities fighting for change today.

We need to move beyond just acknowledgement, good intentions, empty words and promises and hollow commitments. Enough is enough.

As a nation, now is our time. We cannot afford to lose momentum for change. We all must continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our communities. Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties or calling out racism—we must do it together. It must be a genuine commitment by all of us to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative and cooperative reforms. It’s also time to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our

The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‑Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights. Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! to amplify our voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome.

2022 NAIDOC Week poster winner Ryhia Dank, a young Gudanji/Wakaja artist from the Northern Territory, is the 2022 winner of the National NAIDOC poster competition, with her piece Stronger. She receives a $10,000 cash prize and will attend the 2022 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Narrm (Melbourne) next month.

The winning artwork was one of more than 300 poster entries, a record number for the NAIDOC poster competition. “I created this piece after reading this year’s National NAIDOC Week theme – Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! I knew straight away I wanted to do a graphic piece centred around our flags with text highlighting what we have been through and are still fighting for,” Ryhia said. “I feel that this piece being black and white allows us to focus on the details and messages in the artwork.” The NAIDOC poster is a symbol of the survival of First Nations peoples, while NAIDOC Week brings together many different communities to celebrate their long history as custodians of this land. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will always communicate through the language of art because art is a connection to lands and spirits. All Australians are invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week and it is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Attend or organise a NAIDOC event in your area. Ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week and classroom resources can be found at naidoc.org.au Western Teacher June 2022

facebook.com/NAIDOC @naidocweek @naidocweek

3-10 JULY 2022

#NAIDOC2022 #GetUpStandUpShowUp

Aboriginal Flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas. Torres Strait Islander Flag reproduced by kind permission of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok.

In this artwork I have little bits of me and my family, I have included a crocodile for my late granny. She was one of the strongest women I know and was never afraid to speak her mind and stand up for family and Country. I have also included my family's dancing stick, this is present as a reminder that we will always have our Country, Kin and Culture. There are also symbols to represent us as a community. People gathered around a camp, a spear and woomera to represent our strength, water, trees, animal tracks and non-human entities to show our connection to Country.

I created this piece after reading this year's NAIDOC theme. I knew straight away I wanted to do a graphic piece centred around our flags with text highlighting what we have been through and are still fighting for. I feel that this piece being black and white allows us to focus on the detail and messages in the artwork.

Stronger, Ryhia Dank (Nardurna)

naidoc.org.au

NAIDOC Week 2022 proudly acknowledges and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy (1972) and 30th Anniversary of the 1992 Mabo decision [Mabo v Queensland (No.2) (1992)].

International education

The resilience of education in a broken world By Susan Hopgood President, Education International (EI)

This article is the second of a two-part series and is the transcript of a speech delivered by Education International President Susan Hopgood (pictured above right) at the Australian Education Union’s 2022 Federal Conference in Melbourne in April. The world knows that educators can be powerful and uniquely credible voices, especially in areas where disinformation has given oxygen to the so-called anti-vax and other anti-science communities. For example, a certain part of the vaccine gap is corporate greed and lack of infrastructure, but as we know, part is hesitancy. It’s one of the reasons the World Health Organisation (WHO) came to EI and adopted our call for widespread teacher vaccination. We have witnessed the staggering power of ignorance – the ability of weak men with national microphones – to sow distrust in medicine and denial of science. No vaccine or personal protection or simple restatement of the truth will undo the deadly results of authoritarianism. The ignorance it fosters and breeds and the amplification it receives from companies like Facebook and Google’s YouTube has led to huge pockets of vaccine denial and rejection in communities worldwide. Science denial has other deadly consequences. Following action by our World Congress in 2019 and our Executive Board, EI announced on Earth Day last 20

Western Teacher June 2022

spring the launch of a campaign to make climate change education a critical priority. Our goal is ambitious. Climate education – based on science and with a civic action focus – should be as fundamental as teaching reading and writing. The fight against climate change must have an educational face and a teacher’s voice in every area of the world. Quality climate education must be based on science. It must be taught across

all levels of education and across all subjects, recognising and explaining the varied social impacts of the climate crisis. Climate change education must foster critical thinking and civic engagement, empowering our students to consider just and sustainable alternatives, and take informed action in their communities and beyond. One special focus of the campaign is girls’ education.

International education

The data shows that educated women and girls who are involved in decision-making are a formidable force for change. They help their families and communities build resilience to economic and climate shocks, they accelerate recovery from climate catastrophes and adaptation to the effects of climate change. These policies are important, but the action behind them is equally important. We are mobilising not only our own members and organisations, but we are also joining and leading coalitions that make our majority voice even stronger – on every issue, in every forum possible. Throughout the most difficult periods of COVID-19, the evidence shows that governments that have worked in partnership with teacher unions to get education back on its feet have been far more successful in doing so than countries where partnership has been non-existent. Last year, EI and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

(OECD) jointly released 10 Principles for Effective and Equitable Educational Recovery, a collaborative way forward from COVID-19 for nations and their education systems. The OECD is a powerful organisation, representing 38 of the world’s most developed democratic countries, including Australia. The key principles were very simple: •

Keep schools open as much and as safely as possible.

•

Ensure equity and align resources with needs.

•

Co-design a robust digital learning infrastructure with teachers and stakeholders.

Going forward, we need to use these same principles with regard to education technology. When COVID-19 came, no education system was fully prepared for this challenge. Millions of teachers adapted

to distance practice, the vast majority without the tools, training or time, but persistently taking the lead to keep education going for millions of students. EI surveyed our member organisations around the world. They reported little to no effort by education systems to coordinate digital technology introduction or assessment with teachers, inadequate training, and deep divides between rich and poor, urban and rural. We learned important lessons under intense pressure. The entire world learned that schools are at the centre of our communities. Just ask parents now if they think schools can be replaced by remote learning. The answer is that schools are the fundamental driver of students’ social and emotional learning and their optimism for the future. Schools are the essential hub of the communities that surround them. (continued on page 22) Western Teacher June 2022

International education (continued from page 21) But education technology is here to stay. There is no question. The only question is how it will be used in the classroom. The technology shouldn’t lead us. We should be leading technology. Our biggest job ahead on the international scene is the biggest job on the planet. That is, the business of war and peace. Our hearts break for the Ukrainians displaced by war; sent to their deaths or bombed out of their homes by the senseless aggression of the Russian leadership. Less than a decade ago, another senseless aggression came to an official end. Led by the United States and including Australia, the invasion of Iraq resulted in as many as a million deaths and three times that in refugees. To speak truth to power with voices loud and strong enough to make a difference, we need to confront hypocrisy now and from now on in solidarity with the rest of the world. We have that opportunity immediately regarding the Afghani refugees held in limbo by our government for more than two decades. It’s too late for the people of Afghanistan who worked with our military and for the US military for years and years. We left them and the world left them. If there is a way to learn from this moment, the lesson will come from committed and brave teachers backed by their colleagues and their unions confronting the racism embedded, not only in the policies of our governments, but abetted by too many of our people. If we are ever going to reconnect our students and our societies to a foundation of peace and justice and hope, we must also make it our business to connect people without regard to race or class. In the entrance to the AEU office, there is a mural with a quote by Charlotte Bronte on the wall I see every day: “Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education.” For years, I walked by that beautiful mural and those poetic words confident that I understood the importance of our profession, the elevated mission that set us apart. 22

Western Teacher June 2022

Now, I am no artist or phrasemaker, but I see that poetic metaphor in a more prosaic light. Our work certainly can prepare individuals for growth and openness and by extension foster communities of tolerance and peace. But that’s not the full story of who we are. We are also unionists; active, trusted and influential members of our communities. And we are organised in hundreds of thousands of communities in the world.

We teach the truth. We defend the truth. Collectively, we seek a better, more just bargain for our societies, our schools and our students. Together, we are the enemies of authoritarians who want the future to be less democratic, less politically literate and more privately owned and controlled.

We are more than the knowledge of our profession. We combine that with the strength of our trade union movement and the conviction of our social justice ideals.

The sustainable future we want may be over our horizon, but the road ahead is well travelled and we have the wheel – to organise, to mobilise, and to rebuild and reconnect solidarity across our countries and around the world.

We not only bear witness to the outrages and accomplishments around us, we also help students and societies make sense of the complexity.

The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and do not wholly or necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of EI, the SSTUWA or AEU.

A public education agenda for the new minister Public education advocacy group Save Our Schools (SOS) has presented a public education agenda for Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and called on the minister to step up for public schools. SOS national convenor Trevor Cobbold said Labor went to the recent federal election without an agenda for public education and could not be a “do nothing government” on public education. “There are major issues and challenges facing public education that the new minister must take action on,” Mr Cobbold said. “The foremost priority is to ensure that public schools are fully funded at 100 per cent of their Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) within five years. “At present, public schools in all states except the ACT are funded at less than 90 per cent of their SRS and will remain at less than 91 per cent until at least 2029 (and 2032 in the case of Queensland). “In contrast, private schools in all states except the Northern Territory are funded at above 100 per cent of their SRS. The under-funding of public schools amounts to about $7 billion a year. “This situation constitutes a crisis in public education which must be resolved. It is harming the learning of disadvantaged students who are two to four years behind their advantaged peers. Over 80 per cent of these students are in public schools and 98 per cent of all disadvantaged schools are public schools.”

Issues

Mr Cobbold said the first step was to increase the Commonwealth role in funding public education. He said the arbitrary limit placed on Commonwealth funding of public schools by the previous government of only 20 per cent or their SRS had to be lifted and that the Commonwealth had a key role to play in ensuring national equity in education. “A second step is to re-negotiate the Commonwealth-state bilateral funding agreements to ensure that public schools are funded at 100 per cent of their SRS within five years. The states must also increase their share of the SRS of public schools,” Mr Cobbold said. “Re-negotiation of the agreements must include stopping the states defrauding public schools by including expenditures not included in the measure of the SRS as part of their contribution to the SRS of public schools. This skulduggery is defrauding public schools of about $2 billion a year.”

“This definition is consistent with the approach adopted by the original Gonski Report on school funding.”

Mr Cobbold called on Minister Clare to support the inclusion of specific equity objectives in the National School Reform Agreement which is being reviewed by the Productivity Commission.

“They need to be five times larger than the basic loadings to lift the results of disadvantaged students to average levels, let alone get to the level of high SES students,” he said.

“A clear national statement is needed to guide education policy and funding and to monitor progress towards achieving equity in school outcomes,” he said.

“There are also many other pressing issues that the minister must engage with. These include reducing the teacher shortage, decreasing teacher workload and reversing the casualisation of teaching.

“We propose the following definition: All students should receive an adequate education and school outcomes for different social groups such as low SES, Indigenous and remote area students should be similar to high SES students.

Mr Cobbold called on Minister Clare to commission a review of the funding loadings for disadvantaged students and schools.

“These issues are contributing to attrition from the teaching workforce. The Commonwealth can provide leadership and incentive on these matters.” Western Teacher June 2022

Members’ matters

Members benefit By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

You are never on your own when you are a member of a union. Many of our members have joined and remain with us to be part of the collective. Working in solidarity for the benefit of all members, we know we are stronger together. This collective voice changes and shapes our profession. We improve and uphold working conditions, rights and entitlements and have influence in the public education space. Only members have the right to vote on Agreements in Principle, contribute ideas to the development of future Logs of Claims and have a say on what matters to all who are covered in our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. Members work together as a branch to shape, make changes to and have influence over issues that directly affect them at a worksite level. Elected delegates – union rep, deputy rep, treasurer, secretary, District Council and State Council delegate – take on a leadership role within their worksites and liaise closely with school leaders to ensure their branches operate in the best interest of its members. On an individual level, members can make the most of their membership by availing themselves of the numerous benefits that come with union membership. One of the many benefits members have access to is legal services. Members can access a wide range of legal services for both work-related and personal matters including family law, will and estate planning, superannuation and disability claims and motor vehicle accident claims. To view the full range of legal services, visit sstuwa.org.au/legal Access point of need training through the many courses, forums and conferences on offer from the Education and Training Centre. 24

Western Teacher June 2022

Being a member gains you access to professional courses at a reduced rate. Wherever you are in your teaching career, there are courses on offer to suit your context. And remember, when attending industrial courses, all SSTUWA members are eligible for five days of paid leave per year to attend trade union training, also known as TUT. Massive discounts on products and services are on offer to SSTUWA members. There are savings to be had across all areas, on educational resources, travel and accommodation, food and wine, cars and everyday shopping to name a few. If you are looking to make the most of your membership this upcoming holiday period, have a look through the member benefits at sstuwa.org.au/benefits – you’ll be amazed at what you will find. SSTUWA staff are available to provide advice, support and information. Whether you contact our Member Assist Team, Growth Team, district organisers, case managers, school leaders or Membership, we are here to support you when you need us. Unlike other subscriptions you may have in your life, membership with the SSTUWA

is tax deductible. Over the coming weeks, look out for information about where to find and download a copy of your contributions. Don’t forget to include this information when you submit your tax return this year. If you are not a member with the SSTUWA yet, you are missing out. Head to our website to learn more about the work we do or to view the training on offer. You can also join via the SSTUWA website or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of this article. The SSTUWA really does have our members covered. The question is, are you making the most of your membership?

Seen around the SSTUWA SSTUWA members convened for June State Council Conference earlier this month.

It is held twice a year in June and November. June’s conference was held at the Hyatt Hotel in East Perth.

State Council Conference is the union’s supreme decision-making body, where elected delegates to the conference gather for two days to participate in professional development and vote on motions directing the SSTUWA’s future activities.

Full coverage of June State Council Conference can be found on page 7 of this issue of Western Teacher.

Seen around

State Council: Jessica Power and Natalie Blewitt.

State Council: (Front left-right) Lyla Hall, Gary Hedger, Jonelle Rafols, (Back L-R) Leanne Bartlett, Clare Topperwien and Ramona Mitussis.

State Council: Bruce Banyard, Renee Skehan and Ken Cornwell.

State Council: SSTUWA Senior Vice President Matt Jarman, Michael Turrill and Kristie Williams.

State Council: Delegates listen to keynote speaker, AEU Federal Secretary Kevin Bates. Western Teacher June 2022

National education and union news

National education and union news AEU welcomes new education ministers The Australian Education Union has welcomed Jason Clare as the new federal education minister, Brendan O’Connor to the skills and training portfolio and Anne Aly as early childhood education minister. “Public education is critically important to deliver Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s vision that no one is held back and no one is left behind,” AEU Federal President Coreena Haythorpe said. “The AEU is looking forward to a strong and collaborative partnership with the incoming ministers on behalf of 198,000 members in preschools, schools and TAFE. “In public schools, teachers, principals and education support staff work with children from all backgrounds to create a love of learning and share the

foundational knowledge required for future life. We expect the new minister to lay out a clear timetable for the new government to fulfil their promise of fair and full funding for public schools and look forward to working together to deliver it. “In preschools, early childhood teachers and education support personnel work with Australia’s youngest minds, setting them on course to thrive. We will advocate and work with the minister to expand universal access to preschool to two years for all Australian children. “In TAFE, teachers prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need for work and develop the workers our economy needs to rebuild from the pandemic and beyond. We look forward

to working with new Minister O’Connor to deliver on Labor’s commitments for TAFE. “Our members work with students at every stage of life and in every corner of our country in public education. In the AEU, the new ministers will find the knowledge and expertise they need to understand the challenges and the opportunities for public education and for our nation. “We look forward to a collaborative and productive working relationship with the Albanese Government. “We sincerely thank the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, the Hon. Richard Marles and the Hon. Amanda Rishworth for their work on behalf of public education and wish them well in their new portfolios.”

ACTU greets new workplace and employment minister The ACTU welcomes the appointment of Tony Burke as minister for employment and workplace relations and looks forward to working with him to improve the lives of working people. Minister Burke has worked hard in opposition to resist attacks on Australian workers such as the Ensuring Integrity Bill and the IR Omnibus Bill. The pay and conditions of millions of working people are stronger today than 26

Western Teacher June 2022

they might have been without his work during the term of the last government.

and wage growth that the Albanese Government has secured,” she added.

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said: “After almost a decade of attacks on their rights, working people finally have a minister for employment and workplace relations who will fight for them.”

“The Australian people have been clear that they want a government which will restore balance to our industrial relations system.

“We welcome Minister Burke’s appointment and look forward to working with him and his team in line with the strong mandate for action on job security

“Strong wage growth and increased job security is desperately needed to ensure that the recovery from the pandemic extends to the workers who carried this country through the crisis.”

National education and union news

Unions win historic wage increase The Fair Work Commission has decided to increase wages for a quarter of Australian workers - 5.2 per cent for those on the minimum wage and 4.6 per cent or $40 per week for those reliant on award wages, whichever is higher. The decision puts an extra $40 a week in the pocket of a full time worker on the minimum wage and low-paid award workers. While this is a good outcome for these workers, there are still 8.5 million workers who don’t know where their next wage rise is coming from.

would see no relief from cost-of-living pressures,” she said.

inaction by the previous government.

“This Annual Wage Review is one tool we have to generate wage growth, but it only affects one in four workers – we need wage growth across the economy.

at this problem and address it. It is not

“Clearly the current system is failing. It is unable to deliver wage increases despite low unemployment, high productivity and high profits. “Working people are feeling the serious consequences of nearly 10 years of

“Our country needs to take a fresh look acceptable that working Australians and their families continue to go backwards while big business does so well. “We cannot be satisfied with a wage setting process that leaves minimum wage workers living in poverty and delivers real wage cuts for the average worker.”

Lack of wage growth is a critical issue for our economy and we need concerted action to address it. Our current system means that despite low unemployment, high productivity and record profits, labour’s share of GDP is at a record low and Australian workers have faced a decade of record low wage growth capped by ongoing real wage cuts. Australia needs a plan to ensure that over time, wages grow for working people, and a system which will deliver on that plan. The current system is not delivering for working people. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said the union movement fought hard for this increase, standing up for the quarter of Australian workers who relied on this process for a pay rise. “If it were not for unions, with employers pushing for big real wage cuts, Australian working people and their families

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Western Teacher June 2022

Education and Training Centre

Education & Training Centre Industrial Training Events (TUT) Title

Date

Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools and TAFE

Thursday and Friday, 28 - 29 July

Union Representative Training Level Three: Schools (by invitation)

Monday and Tuesday, 8 - 9 August

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools

Monday and Tuesday, 15 - 16 August

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools via Zoom

Friday 19 August

Women’s Contact Officer Level Two: Schools and TAFE

Monday and Tuesday, 29 - 30 August

Keeping Educators Skilled Up and Safe

Wednesday 31 August

New General Agreement 2021

Thursday 1 September

Union Representative Training Level Two: Schools

Monday and Tuesday, 5 - 6 September

TAFE Union Representative and Committee Delegates Training

Thursday and Friday, 8 - 9 September

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools

Thursday and Friday, 8 - 9 September

Conferences and Events (TUT) Title

Date

New Career Teacher Forum

Friday 5 August

Early Childhood Educator Conference

Friday 16 September

Professional Events: Online live sessions Title

Date

Leading for Well-Being: Staff and Students: Part Three

Wednesday 20 July

Supporting Secondary Students Struggling with Literacy

Thursday 28 July

Supporting Primary Students Struggling with Maths

Wednesday 3 August

Leading Effective Classrooms – What Teachers Need to Know and Do (five hours)

Tuesday 16 August

Using Inquiry Learning to Differentiate your Teaching

Wednesday 17 August

Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Content in the Curriculum

Thursday 25 August

Managing the Behaviour of Students with Anxiety

Thursday 25 August

Successful and Restorative Ways to Reconnect with Disengaged Students

Wednesday 31 August

WHS Education-Specific Five-Day Training Title

Date

Education-Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for Health and Safety Reps

Monday to Friday, 8 - 12 August

Education-Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for Health and Safety Reps

Monday to Friday, 22 - 26 August

Professional Events: Face to Face at 1 West Street Title

Date

Writing Competitive Job Applications for Teaching Positions

Saturday 6 August

Level 3 Classroom Teacher Stage Two

Saturday 27 August

Visit: sstuwa.org.au/training to register for all events. 28

Western Teacher June 2022

Education and Training Centre

Featured events for Term 3 New Career Teachers’ Afternoon Forum (TUT) Choose Your Own Adventure for Learning Friday 5 August 12.45 - 3.30pm

This choose your own adventure afternoon will find you selecting three sessions of your choice to attend. Round table presentations will provide a structured but informal format. Each session will allow maximum opportunity for interaction with the presenter and others in the group. In between each session you will participate in a Burning Questions Challenge that will provide some fun and lots of learning. End the afternoon forum with an opportunity to build your network with other early career teachers. Join us for drinks and nibbles while you network.

Let’s talk about: • • • • • • •

Your Industrial Rights and New Agreement. Top Tips for Surviving and Thriving in your First Years of Teaching. How to Communicate Assertively in the Workplace. Transitioning from Provisional to Full Registration. DoE Policies and Procedures around Violence in Schools. Your Career Pathways in Education. Top Tips for Writing Job Applications and Interview Skills.

Early Childhood Educators’ Annual Conference (TUT) Well-being, Workload and Work-Life Balance Friday 16 September: 9am - 3pm

The context and the challenges we have all lived through over the past few years have had particularly significant impacts on teachers’ mental health and well-being. The conference speakers will provide top practical strategies and ways to support each other, return balance to life and to be or stay well. Join your fellow early childhood educators for a day of learning and development and ensure all aspects of your life remain in balance.

Opening keynote speaker: Peta Slocombe: Psychologist, author, coach and speaker.

Featured speaker: Kylie Bice: Teacher, scholar, consultant, director of Growing Up Greatness. Their Chaos, My Calm – Staying well and professional when the behaviour around us is a challenge.

Breakout workshops: • Mindfulness, resilience and work/life balance – Ian Crosby. • Assertiveness: getting the balance right – Vanessa Herbert. • Rights, entitlements and your new Agreement – Cherry Bogunovich and Sharmila Nagar.

Afternoon keynote speaker: David Koutsoukis: Back by popular demand. Building Teams that Click - Why you click with some people and others drive you crazy. Western Teacher June 2022

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 ME Bank

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

AutoBahn

Mechanical and electrical services. Members receive $20 off any service or 5% off any repair.

sstuwa.org.au/autobahn

Bayswater Mazda

Exclusive offer including $500 fuel card, 4 years free service and more.

sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda

Bob Jane T-Marts

National fleet pricing on a range of products and services.

sstuwa.org.au/bobjane

easifleet

$250 Magic Hand Carwash voucher with any easifleet procured novated lease.

sstuwa.org.au/easifleet

Europcar

10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia.

sstuwa.org.au/europcar

sstuwa.org.au/hp

PLE Computers

Save on your IT with access to the PLE Computers academic portal.

sstuwa.org.au/ple

The Good Guys Commercial

Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ range.

sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys

Educational Resources Classroom Management

A Thinking and Caring Approach. By Barrie Bennett and Peter Smilanich.

sstuwa.org.au/classroommgmt

Effective Group Work

Beyond Cooperative Learning. By Barrie Bennett.

sstuwa.org.au/fleetnetwork

Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett.

Package your next car and save on tax. Bonus gift with vehicle delivery.

Motor Market by Union Shopper

You choose the car, then we find you the lowest price.

sstuwa.org.au/motormarket

tyresales.com.au

10% discount on tyres.

Graphic Intelligence

sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence

Instructional Intelligence

Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom. An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett.

sstuwa.org.au/instructionalintelligence

sstuwa.org.au/tyresales

Teacher Superstore

Western Motor Vehicle Consultants

sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

We’ll find a car you’ll love. Save time and money when sourcing your next vehicle.

sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors

Computers Altronics

sstuwa.org.au/tmbank

sstuwa.org.au/altronics

Cars

Apple on Campus

Allwest Fleet

sstuwa.org.au/apple

Western Teacher June 2022

Huge savings for members on laptops, accessories, printers and more.

sstuwa.org.au/effectivegroupwork

Banking exclusively for the education community.

sstuwa.org.au/allwestfleet

HP Computers

Fleet Network

Build it yourself electronics centre. VIP trade discount in store and online.

Vehicle salary packaging – save time, money and tax. Receive a $300 gift card with your new car.

Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members

For details visit:

Dell

Save up to 5% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/dell

5-10% discount, in store and online.

Entertainment Movie tickets

Discounts on physical tickets (greater savings) and instant digital tickets.

sstuwa.org.au/movietickets

Outback Splash

Featuring both water and year-round attractions. Discounted tickets for members.

sstuwa.org.au/outbacksplash

Rockface

Indoor rock climbing in Balcatta. $15 all day climbing pass with harness hire.

sstuwa.org.au/rockface

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

Insurance and Legal

Campbells

ISinsured

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).

Insurance for union members. Home, contents, car, landlords.

sstuwa.org.au/isinsured 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 For details visit:

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

sstuwa.org.au/tastebudtours

sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance

Comfort Hotel Perth City

Health and Wellbeing

Shopping

Goodlife Health Clubs

Dot Mall

Rooms from $145 per night including Light Start Breakfast for two. Located near the WACA in East Perth.

20% discount on platinum 12 month memberships. Includes access to all Goodlife Health Clubs in WA.

sstuwa.org.au/goodlife

St John

First aid saves lives. Discounted first aid courses and kits for members.

sstuwa.org.au/stjohn

WA Opticians

20% discount on spectacle frames and lenses. Perth and East Perth.

sstuwa.org.au/waopticians

Housing Houspect

Buy, build and invest with confidence. $50 discount on building inspections.

sstuwa.org.au/houspect

Johns Building Supplies

Trade prices on paint and painters’ hardware. Builders prices on all other hardware lines.

sstuwa.org.au/jbs

SkylightsWA

Specialising in skylights and roof ventilation, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products.

sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa

BBQs, heaters and backyard kitchens. 5% discount for members.

sstuwa.org.au/comfortperth

sstuwa.org.au/dotmall

Experience Oz

Electrical buying

Save 10% on over 3,000 experiences across Oz + NZ.

Let Union Shopper find the best deal on your electrical purchases.

sstuwa.org.au/electricalbuying

isubscribe

Up to an extra 10% off any print and digital magazine subscription; over 4,000 titles.

sstuwa.org.au/isubscribe

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

Teacher Superstore

5-10% discount, in store and online.

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/teachersuperstore

sstuwa.org.au/houseboats

The Good Guys Commercial

Rottnest ferry tickets

sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys

sstuwa.org.au/rottnest

Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ full range.

Save up to $15 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub.

Western Teacher June 2022

Classifieds

Classifieds Block for sale: Jurien Bay

700sqm fully serviced, ready to build on, one block back from beach. Close to schools, town centre, marina and recreational water activities. Perfect holiday, retiree or seachange locale. $108,000 (negotiable). Peter: 0437 377 361 | westside@tower.net.au

Block for sale: Singleton

806sqm (cleared) quiet street, easy walking distance to beach, shops, schools and ovals. $315,000 (negotiable). Jenny: 0435 257 124

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 (Free holiday accommodation) We operate a small guest house in central Albany, overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. Free accommodation available for four weeks in August while the guest house is closed. Wifi, kitchen, laundry and parking available. Proof of good character, and past or present employment essential. pkcrogerson@bigpond.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

Balingup surrounds

Farm accommodation surrounded by nature and wildlife. Located near Balingup, Nannup and Busselton. Pick your own avocados. Main house (three bedrooms, $300/night) or Quarters (one bedroom, $150/night). info@avodale.com

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

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 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

Dwellingup

In need of a tree change? Time out to reconnect with nature? Time for a vacation in Dwellingup’s Jarrah forest, 90 minutes from Perth. Chuditch Holiday Home is perfect for couples, groups and families. It’s centrally located and sleeps up to eight people. Shani: 0402 615 235 shanivore@hotmail.com

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

Frankland River

Escape to the country. Imagine waking up to uninterrupted views of paddocks and trees with peace, quiet and tranquility. Choose a 3 bedroom house or a cosy

cabin set on picturesque 83 acres. A great place to relax and unwind. franklandriver.com.au Jade: 0430 450 093 | Sam: 0413 160 093

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

Fremantle

Staycation? Attending a function? Cosmopolitan getaway? Fremantle is the place. Cafes, restaurants and breweries. Markets, beach, art galleries, museums, theatre, events, shopping, skate park, Ferris wheel, whale watching... What more could you want? Eco-Gallery Apartment is stylish, centrally located, sleeps three and has secure parking. (08) 6323 2339 | admin@smartstaywa.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

Kalbarri

Clean, tidy, self-contained family-friendly 3x1 brick house at the top end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Sleeps 8: 2 x queen beds and 2 x bunk beds. Close to Blue Holes Beach, 15 min walk to town. kalbarriwa.net.au | 0435 845 504

Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au along with your union membership number. Free for members. 32

Western Teacher June 2022

Classifieds

Classifieds Lancelin

Yallingup

Marriage celebrant

Margaret River

Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development

Learn to social dance

Retirement coach

MAWA

Large 5x2 holiday home. Everything within walking distance, close to beaches and town centre. Sleeps 14. Large wrap around verandah with outdoor seating/ eating and bbq. Heaps of parking for boats or quads. $45/night/person (min 6). Min 2 nights. SMS: 0412 804 345

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

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

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

Nannup

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

Seraphim Retreat is a pet friendly 3x1 character farm cottage, five minutes from friendly Nannup. Set in acreage, with established gardens and stunning valley views. Air conditioned and wood heater. Horse riders can bring their horses to access our arena and trails. Teacher discount: $159 weekends, $149 midweek. See website for details. seraphimretreatnannup.com SMS 0420 832 510

Safety Bay

Very clean and tidy, traditional style 3x1 duplex in Safety Bay. Fully furnished and equipped. One street from beach. Presently a minimum stay requirement (this may change). cnjn@aapt.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

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

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 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 2022 starts 25 July. Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com The Mathematical Association of Western Australia offers professional learning opportunities, conferences and consultancy services to teachers and schools and networks. MAWA members receive 10 per cent discount on MAWA shop resources. For more information: mawainc.org.au 9345 0388 | eo@mawainc.org.au

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

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 2022

Noticeboard

Email to editor@sstuwa.org.au

State Council Conference

Retired Teachers’ Association The AGM held on 22 June did not provide a quorum so this is now expected to occur on Wednesday 28 September. We were very pleased to have Mary Franklyn speak to us on current matters.

The choir continues to practise. New members are very welcome.

November State Council Conference will be held on 11-12 November. Items must be received by 5pm Friday 23 September.

Literature on 11 July will concern the writing of Australian Martin Flanagan. The speakers on 25 July and 8 August are yet to be confirmed. Ann Strauss: 0458 625 520

Lynette Virgona Scholarship Applications are now open for the Lynette Virgona Scholarship, designed to assist a member to undertake training or professional development in the areas of student behaviour and/or instructional strategies. The deadline for applications is Thursday 18 August. More info: sstuwa.org.au/scholarships

SSTUWA scholarship program

AEU Federal Women’s Conference EOI

Applications are now open for the SSTUWA scholarship program, designed to assist members to undertake industrial and/or professional learning that is aligned with the union’s key objectives. The deadline for applications is Thursday 18 August.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for attendance at the AEU Federal Women’s Conference in Melbourne on 7-8 October. Four positions are available for women members, including one TAFE member and three school members.

More info: sstuwa.org.au/scholarships

More info: sstuwa.org.au/womens-focus

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: 9 August The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is organised by the United Nations every year on 9 August to focus on the rights of the indigenous population groups across the globe. It also celebrates the way of life and culture of more than 370 million indigenous people worldwide, as well as raise awareness of each group’s needs. For more information visit un.org/en/events/indigenousday

SSTUWA committee meeting dates: Early Childhood Educators’ TAFE Committee Committee Time: 4pm

16 August 3 November

New Educator Committee Time: 4.30pm 6 September 22 November

Western Teacher June 2022

Time: 5pm 4 August 8 September 27 October 1 December

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association: 2022 meeting dates

Saturdays, 9.30am at the SSTUWA premises Term 3

Term 4

10 Sept

26 Nov

Venue subject to change. Visit www.l3cta.org.au for venue information and to confirm attendance, or email contact@l3cta.org.au

Venue: SSTUWA office | Contact: (08) 9210 6000 or contact@sstuwa.org.au Teleconference facilities are available

School Psychologist Committee Time: 4.30pm 3 August

9 November

LGBTIQ Committee Time: 4pm 16 August

18 October

Women’s Committee

ATSIE Committee

Time: 5pm

Time: 4pm

9 August

2 August

25 October

Know Your Rights, tax statement, membership card and more Introducing the SSTUWA super app

pp a w e N e releas Get the app

Western Teacher June 2022

Transition to Retirement Specialists Financial solutions and advice to help you transition

continue into 2022 & beyond! Please see tipsfs.com.au

Do You Feel Covid Has Interrupted Your Plans to Retire or Reduce hours in 2022? 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?

Certified Quality � Advice Practice .. Celebrating 30 years of helping WA Education Staff & their families.

Talk to your TIPS Financial & Lifestyle Specialists today.

TIPS FINANCIAL SERVICES

June 2022 Western Teacher

Articles inside

Classifieds

National education and union news

Member Benefits

Seen around the SSTUWA

Members benefit

A public education agenda for the new minister

NAIDOC Week 2022

Get the support you need

From the President

The climate is changing and so should we

New review to elevate public education

The resilience of education in a broken world

Long service leave and casual employees

From the Senior Vice President