Western Teacher - Volume 48.9 - November 2019

Volume 48.9 November 2019

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

The passion to engage:

Rallying call to defend public education pg 20 sstuwa.org.au

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Features

Volume 48.9 November 2019

In this edition Correspondence:

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

Member Assist:

Ph: 9210 6060 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au Print post publication 100004470 | $4.95 ABN: 544 780 946 35 Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 James Street, Northbridge WA. November 2019.

Cover: President Pat Byrne gives a passionate address at State Council Conference. Read it in full on page 20.

To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, type this link into your browser: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/sstuwa

2020 Publishing Dates Deadline Distributed 25 November 17 January 28 January

21 February

3 March

27 March

28 April

22 May

2 June

26 June

6 July

31 July

10 August

4 September

7 September

2 October

2 November

27 November

Dates are subject to change

In this edition

Education enables democracy and fairness.......................................................8 WAIRC: teacher's treatment was harsh and unjust.................................................10 Pathways for Aboriginal educators to become qualified teachers.......................14 Q&A with Member Assist..........................15 TAFE lecturers battle with increased workloads and demands...........................16 Renewed commitment to workplace safety.......................................18 President's address to State Council.......20 Modern Molly............................................25 For the integrity and status of higher education and training..............................26 National New Educator Conference.........28

Regulars

From the President.....................................5 From the General Secretary.......................6 Education and Training.............................32 Member Benefits......................................34 Classifieds.................................................36 Noticeboard...............................................38

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.)

s ’ n o s Seagreetings SSTUWA school holiday office hours Union office

Closed 25 December through 5 January Open 8am - 4.30pm, Monday - Friday all other days

Member Assist

23 December: Closed 24 December: 10am - 2pm 6-29 January: 10am - 2pm

Western Teacher November 2019

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Success a result of members’ hard work

From the President

By Pat Byrne President

The most recent school holiday break was a successful one for the SSTUWA with significant announcements from the Minister for Education and Training delivering welcome results on issues the union has long campaigned on. These followed a major announcement in early September around funding for the school maintenance backlog.

The first announcement was the delivery of greater cooperation between schools, the Department of Education and police on the issue of school violence.

This is to support educators following the Minster’s 10-Point Action Plan on school violence.

This was followed with the announcement of a program to improve bandwidth at more than 500 schools.

The minister is promising a minimum core bandwidth of 20mbps per school, claiming this will see a tripling of effective bandwidth for each staff member and student at over 500 schools, with many other schools getting double the current bandwidth.

Updates begin in 18 regional schools during Term 4, with the majority of the rollout occurring during 2020.

Finally, the announcement of a 50 per cent reduction in fees for some TAFE courses is especially welcome.

The SSTUWA has been campaigning on this issue since fees were increased by the Barnett Government from 2013 to 2015. In some cases this initiative will return fees back to pre-2013 levels.

The union has made it clear this move, whilst welcome, is just a first step which will require attention to staffing levels and more support for TAFE members.

In particular we urge the state government to cut more fees in order to help restore TAFE.

Much more needs to be done after years of outright hostility to TAFE from coalition governments at both a state and federal level.

The former Barnett Government came close to destroying TAFE with massive increases in course fees, endless reorganisations of TAFE and imposition of staggering levels of red tape, which have left lecturers and staff facing huge workloads and having to spend less time actually educating students.

Not to mention the issue of thousands of potential TAFE students who have not been able to go to TAFE because they simply cannot afford it.

We welcome this step to address the issues TAFE faces, and we hope the sector will now face an influx of new students.

Sadly, the terrible legacy of the Barnett Government for education remains: a litany of cuts and added workload which has left schools and TAFEs struggling. The union has recently completed a survey of TAFE lecturers which reveals increased workload is having a major impact on their lives. Read more on page 16.

We now need the McGowan Government to continue what it has started and create a legacy of its own, one that rebuilds a fully funded, properly staffed and resourced public education centre at both the school and TAFE levels.

The state government can support its own declared priorities of improving literacy and numeracy and increasing participation in science and technology by employing more teachers.

Nothing improves a child’s performance in literacy and numeracy more than one-onone attention from a teacher, especially in the formative years.

More teachers will boost WA’s education system by tackling the sad reality that WA has the most crowded classrooms in the country. More teachers mean better education outcomes.

However, the McGowan Government must tackle the crucial issue of suppressed wages.

The maintenance of wage caps on teachers and lecturers for another two years is not acceptable. The SSTUWA is seeking salary increases beyond the $1,000 for both schools and TAFE agreements.

It is well understood that wage stagnation is having a negative economic effect; the broad social and economic benefits of a pay rise will far outweigh the dollar cost to the budget.

The government must address this issue and offer hope to teachers and lecturers of proper wage increases.

No leader is well remembered in history books for creating surpluses at the expense of community well-being. A quick look around at the countries which have gone down the austerity path rather than choosing economic stimulus tells us that.

Those leaders best remembered are those with a positive and lasting impact on the community around them.

While it is encouraging to see the state government taking positive steps towards support for state education, both in schools and TAFE, there is still a long way to go to restore the levels of support which existed prior to 2013 and to which the ALP, in opposition, aspired.

This bargaining round is an opportunity for Mark McGowan and Sue Ellery to do exactly that.

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From the General Secretary

Time to refresh and gear up for 2020

By Mary Franklyn General Secretary

There is perhaps no more annoying moment for a teacher than when some ill-informed person pops up with the old canard about teachers getting so much time off (especially if it’s an MP who has just spent 45 days of the whole year actually in parliament).

Time for a cuppa – but who pays?

we united around the world to "bring him (Hakeem Al-Araibi) home” – and we did.

I had to mention this interesting query we had. The tea lady is long gone and we thought the tea and coffee might be gone as well – but the department has this Q and A item:

So we did for those of us who took strike action back in 1987 – and we got the first round of that magic thing called DOTT time.

As every teacher knows the reality is that it is pretty well impossible to have an uninterrupted lunch break, never mind a proper holiday.

Q: May I supply tea, coffee, milk etc. to my staff using school funds?

However, to some extent we all, individually and collectively, have to take responsibility for not getting a proper break.

Dedication is essential to being a good teacher and school leader and is to be admired; but when 85 per cent of members are saying (as they did in our recent workplace survey) that work is interfering with family commitments and work/life balance, we MUST make some changes within our own control.

So as the Christmas holidays loom my message to all members is take a proper break. Don’t check work emails, don’t check text messages, and don’t engage with parents or others about your job.

Forget work for a few weeks.

A: Yes. Light refreshments such as tea, coffee and biscuits do not fall within the scope of a working meal. The department’s position is that provision of tea, coffee, milk and sugar is appropriate to maintain staff wellbeing and does not require a Hospitality Expenditure Application Form. Principals may purchase supplies of tea, coffee, milk and sugar for general everyday consumption and have discretion to charge these expenses to an appropriate account in the school’s financial account.

Caution should be exercised and consumption monitored to avoid excess.

Principals need to be scrupulous in their use of public finances and provision of tea and coffee is considered a privilege rather than a right.

Paying our dues

Every credible study says there are major benefits to that – up to and including a reduction in the chance of heart attacks and a longer life.

We have many amazing members in WA. Some of them have been with us for years.

Most never seek support from the union but pay their dues because they know that it helps others.

The SSTUWA will share tips on well-being in Western Teacher in 2020. We are doing so because we had a huge reaction to a recent eNews that talked about the issue.

They know that “collectively we make positive changes to our conditions.” Just like Craig Foster told us on Australian Story recently: we took collective action –

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Western Teacher November 2019

We have a lovely story about a retired member on page 25, whose involvement in education and with the SSTUWA spans decades.

Legal services update The SSTUWA Executive made a decision some months ago now to change the way our legal services operated. I am delighted to say that the new methods are working well and delivering some big wins.

One recent case saw significant findings about the red-flagging of teachers who have had adverse findings against them.

For far too many educators the stress of being judged as guilty before any evidence has been presented is hard to bear. It is even worse when the employers then refuse to reinstate even a person who has been cleared of all allegations against them.

This particular case is still subject to a possible final appeal but has major implications for the application of natural justice to those cleared of allegations who want to pick up the pieces of their career and teach again. You can read more details on that case on page 10.

Taking on significant cases like this is a key role for the SSTUWA. Every case is considered on its merits.

From the General Secretary We will always fight for individual members where it is appropriate to do so, especially when a case has ramifications for all members.

Remember though, we will not take on cases that pre-exist taking up membership.

We have enjoyed considerable success in membership drives this year. Whether through the efforts of our hard working Growth Team, the union rep and branch actions or the work done on union blitzes like we had recently in Broome and the North West of WA, our numbers are on the up.

Thank you to all those directly engaged.

Getting organised in 2020 With negotiations underway on our GA 2019 we all hope for successful outcomes.

The larger the membership, the louder

and more influential our voice is.

Remembering Jill Zanetti

Along with January’s Western Teacher next year you will find Getting Organised.

A special note to remember Jill Zanetti, a

This is your “bible” (St Michael’s Kalgoorlie popping out here) for forming branches and making existing ones stronger. The efforts of our union reps, those who attend State Council and serve on Executive, are essential to our success.

who suddenly passed away recently.

The power of a union comes from its members, especially when we are negotiating for better working conditions for members.

So as we step into the work year for February we will call on you to back us as we have the hard push in schools and TAFE and we will call on those on the bus without a ticket – to get on board, pay your way and join the ride.

long-time member, activist and unionist I acknowledge Jill’s commitment to her students and her colleagues. She walked the talk and was always there for the individual colleagues and members. She was always there when we all needed her for the big union matters.

Thank you to Rose, Carly and the branch at Carine SHS and well done in setting up the Jill Zanetti Student Scholarship.

Thank you To all of our members, have a great holiday season and thank you for your membership this year.

Mobile phone ban and overseas students in WA schools The State School Teachers' Union is seeking assurances schools will be properly resourced to enforce the state government’s ban on students using mobile devices in schools.

The SSTUWA is broadly supportive of policies that manage the use of mobile devices during school time; indeed many schools already have effective policies in place.

The union is, however, concerned that, at a time when teachers are already warning that red tape and administrative demands are taking them away from their core role, this will be yet another impost on teaching time and school budgets as schools devise ways of collection and secure storage of phones during the day.

There is also a concern from principals and teachers that a blanket ban will be a potential point of conflict between school staff and parents, as well as staff and students.

We will be seeking assurances from the minister and the department that what has the potential to be a useful initiative gets the resources it requires, as is the

case in Victoria where a similar ban will be introduced in 2020.

It also needs to be made clear that the responsibility for Kindergarten to Year 6 pupils not having mobile phones in their possession needs to fall to parents, not to teachers.

Overseas students in state system While international fee paying students may well already be paying for places in WA public schools, this announcement simply exacerbates what is already an undermining of public education in WA. As the minister herself has said, this program is limited to Chinese students because China is a key WA market for international education. It appears that the McGowan Government is intent on establishing a pipeline to supply this market and is using the public system to do so.

The SSTUWA will be seeking details from the department as to how it intends to ensure that local intake students for these schools as well as local students seeking places in selective classes are prioritised

ahead of overseas students. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the very presence of a cohort of overseas students in these schools means that a local cohort is being denied entry.

Given the costs which these students will be expected to pay there is a strong possibility that schools will be tempted to choose students according to the income they bring with them. This would result in local students being denied opportunities which might otherwise have been available to them and is contrary to the purpose of a universal, public system which should be available to all.

While initially being limited to five students per school, there is no doubt that this will soon be extended as pressure from Chinese parents and the benefitting schools increases.

The SSTUWA has grave concerns that programs of this kind will, over time, contribute to an over-reliance on fee paying international students at the expense of Australian students, as well as fundamentally compromising the values underpinning public education. This is another form of privatisation by stealth.

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State Council Conference

Education enables democracy and fairness SSTUWA President Pat Byrne has called on union members to use education as a springboard to not just better the lives the next generation, but to support democracy and fairness in our community and globally.

In opening the November State Council Conference, Ms Byrne issued a challenge to members to draw on the power of the teaching profession given a current political and social climate that has borne much turbulence and seen the rise of fear, division and restrictions on freedoms that were once taken for granted.

She said that since the re-election of the Morrison Government six months ago, there had been many cuts to community services, as well as attacks on long standing freedoms and institutions, such as Australian unions, through the Ensuring Integrity Bill

private and public schools and chronic underfunding of the TAFE sector.

“It means a challenge of the kind we haven’t had to fight for in a long time in Australia,” she said.

“It means, in our classrooms and in our personal and professional lives, reclaiming those freedoms we have taken for granted and are in danger of losing – free speech, the public’s right to know, the right to protest, the importance of truth and, in education, putting the notion of public good back into the education discourse.”

“That’s the challenge in front of us – one that is far from easy; one which will take courage and pride; and one which absolutely cannot afford to fail.”

President Pat Byrne addresses delegates at State Council Conference

For a full transcript of Ms Byrne’s speech, turn to page 20 of this Western Teacher.

“Make no mistake, this piece of legislation is not aimed at one or two unions that have bad reputations – it is designed to attack us all,” Ms Byrne said.

Ms Byrne’s challenge came as union members met at the two-day November State Council Conference, where elected delegates debated and decided motions relating to union activities.

“It is designed to make union officials and members scared to speak out on issues of critical importance – wages, safety, harassment and bullying.

State Council Conference, which is held twice a year, is the SSTUWA’s highest decision making body.

Fred van Leeuwen delivers his keynote address On Education & Democracy

“These laws will make it easier for the government to suppress any type of action for better pay and conditions.”

Ms Byrne cited the numerous recent high profile cases of wage theft in Australia, and said these came on top of active government strategy to depress wages, as well as attacks on the superannuation sector and collective bargaining process.

She said human rights in the country were being undermined by issues such as the low Newstart allowance, robodebt, the drug testing of those on unemployment benefits and attacks on freedom of speech.

Public education was still being attacked by the Morrison Government through inequitable funding arrangements for 8

Western Teacher November 2019

Delegates vote on motions at State Council Conference

State Council Conference

A pair of union high achievers recognised Two union members were named at November State Council as the next recipients of the SSTUWA Reconciliation in Action award and Lynette Virgona scholarship.

Delegates vote on which 25 lessons from the teaching profession most resonate with members in their districts On the agenda at November’s State Council Conference were the ongoing negotiations over new General Agreements for Schools and TAFE. There were also discussions over hot topics such as schools, TAFE and VET funding, workplace safety, early childhood education and NAPLAN. Flanked with the discussions were keynote presentations from Education International (EI) General Secretary Emeritus Fred van Leeuwen and UnionsWA Secretary Meredith Hammat, as well as workshops for delegates.

Mr van Leeuwen spoke about his most recent co-authored book with EI President Susan Hopgood, On Education and Democracy.

Published in December 2018 in response to the deterioration of democracy in many countries, the book explores the fundamental democracy issues in education, piecing together information and experiences that ultimately inspire a set of “25 Lessons from the Teaching Profession” for educators.

These include: • Protect education for the common good.

• Don’t let politicians interfere in the classroom.

• Keep schools safe sanctuaries of learning.

• Be proud of your profession.

• Defend and extend your collective bargaining rights.

• Stand up for your rights.

According to the authors – and echoing Ms Byrne’s opening speech – public school systems are the ultimate safeguard of democracy and the lessons are a reminder to educators, educational institutions and unions of the critical role they play in enabling students to protect, sustain and advance democracy.

“Our book is not a policy document. It is a distillation and summary of the shared experiences that we believe can help us move forward and make a difference,” Mr van Leeuwen said.

All delegates received a copy of the book, along with a poster outlining the 25 lessons for educators.

Following this they participated in a strategic planning workshop using the 25 lessons as discussions points, with the aforementioned “lessons” generating the most support.

Ms Hammat spoke further about the Morrison Government’s attack on working people and Australian unions through the Ensuring Integrity Bill.

“We need, more than ever for working people, for unions to face this with a resilience that I know that we have and with a determination that our voices are heard,” she said.

“I think unions like yours are absolutely critical to that. In an environment where they try to portray unionists in a particular way, I think it is essential that we have voices like yours as part of the debate.”

For more information on the Australian Council of Trade Union’s campaign against the bill, visit standupforworkers.com

The 2019 SSTUWA Reconciliation in Action award was presented to Elisha Yarran from Carine Senior High School, while Bramfield Park Primary School early childhood teacher Annita Wenban was awarded the Lynette Virgona Scholarship.

The Reconciliation in Action award is presented to an SSTUWA member who is making a positive contribution towards reconciliation and committed to ensuring that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have the right to high quality public education.

The award also recognises exemplary practice in education with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, while working towards the elimination of racism in public education.

SSTUWA Senior Vice President Paul Bridge said bringing culture back into the classroom was a feature of Elisha’s work.

“This educator is also a talented artist, who with her students has painted beautiful murals based on the six Noongar seasons for the school,” he said.

Elisha will now be automatically nominated for the AEU Federal Arthur Hamilton award, for AEU members who are making and outstanding contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

The Lynette Virgona Scholarship is given to a member to assist in training or professional development of their own skills and abilities in the areas of student behaviour and instructional strategies.

SSTUWA Vice President Natalie Blewitt said Annita was an early career teacher who has been an active supporter of the union, particularly with the New Educator Committee, and will use the scholarship to further her understanding of classroom management strategies and support her colleagues.

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Legal services

WAIRC: teacher’s treatment was harsh and unjust The following is a summary of a recent WAIRC decision involving an SSTUWA member and the Department of Education, from the commission website at: bit.ly/2NfevQp This refers to a matter originally heard in 2018. The DoE has since lodged an appeal to this decision.

The Full Bench has dismissed an appeal against a decision of the Commission where it was found that the refusal of the Director General, Department of Education (the Director General) to employ a teacher was unfair (this decision can be read at bit.ly/2NGazr3).

The Director General summarily terminated the teacher's employment following an incident that involved a primary school student and that resulted in a criminal charge being brought against the teacher.

This criminal charge caused the issuance of a notice under the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA) (WWC Act) (the notice) and cancellation of the teacher's registration with the Teacher Registration Board (TRB).

The notice was withdrawn, the registration reinstated and the criminal charge was discontinued. However, the Director General still refused to employ the teacher.

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Western Teacher November 2019

It was at this stage that the Director General commenced disciplinary action into the teacher's conduct that had led to the criminal charge.

This disciplinary investigation found the teacher's actions to be 'inconsistent with the Code of Conduct', that he had engaged in excessive physical contact with a student, that his employment file would remain marked 'not suitable for future employment with the Department of Education', imposed a reprimand and advised the teacher that he may appeal to the Commission.

At the first instance hearing of the matter, the learned Senior Commissioner made three orders.

Firstly, a declaration that the Director General's refusal to employ the teacher was unfair (Order 1).

Secondly, for the teacher to be offered a contract of employment as a primary school teacher at a level and salary equal to his qualifications and experience (Order 2).

Legal services Thirdly, that the Director General pay the teacher for the limited payment of salary and benefits that he would have earned had he remained employed since 2 October 2017, being the date that the Director General's refusal to employ was no longer reasonable because the teacher's notice under the WWC Act was removed and TRB registration was renewed (Order 3).

The first ground of appeal considered by the Full Bench was whether the learned Senior Commissioner erred when he found that the Commission had jurisdiction to hear the application, given the exclusion set out in section 23(2a) of the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) (the Act).

This exclusion is that s 23(2a), which relates to the filling of a vacancy, ousts the Commission’s jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The Full Bench dismissed this ground on the basis that the Commission's jurisdiction is not excluded because the circumstances of this case did not relate to the filling of a vacancy.

Rather the Director General refused to employ the teacher because she had wrongly concluded that the teacher was unsuitable for re-employment.

The Full Bench also found that the learned Senior Commissioner's description of the claim before him did not conflate issues, namely, the fairness of the teacher's removal and the teacher's claim for re-employment.

The second ground of appeal alleged that the learned Senior Commissioner made an error of law when he did not find that a letter from The State School Teachers' Union of WA seeking the teacher's reemployment (the letter) was wholly covered by without prejudice privilege and could not be relied upon to evidence a request for employment.

The majority of the Full Bench (Emmanuel C and Walkington C) found that the letter was in two parts, the first being an open communication that was on the record and the second being an offer made without prejudice and off the record.

Scott CC (dissenting) agreed with the learned Senior Commissioner and found that the whole of the letter was covered by without prejudice privilege and that, even if this ground was upheld, it did not warrant the overturning of the first instance decision because the Director General still refused to employ the teacher.

Ground five was raised in the alternative to ground two and alleged that if the letter was not wholly covered by without prejudice privilege then the Senior Commissioner erred by failing to consider the relevant consideration that it was not a bare request for employment.

The Full Bench dismissed this ground after it held that the request contained many conditions that were not put to the learned Senior Commissioner at first instance as having been considered by the Director General or was the reason for the Director General's refusal to employ the teacher.

A third ground alleged that the Senior Commissioner made an error of law when he found that the WWC Act did not prevent the teacher from obtaining relief in the proceedings at first instance.

(Continued on page 12)

Decision opens pathway to reemployment

By John Theodorsen Legal services consultant

The importance of this case is that it provides a pathway back into employment for a person who is dismissed after being given a negative working with children (WWC) notice as a result of criminal charges, where the charges are later dropped or the person is found not guilty.

The WWC legislation effectively prevents a person pursuing an unfair dismissal claim if the reason for the dismissal was to comply with the WWC legislation.

Dismissing a teacher in this kind of a case has been found by the courts to be done to comply with the WWC legislation, as the legislation requires that a person not be engaged in child-related employment after receiving a negative WWC notice.

The bar on an unfair dismissal claim applies even if the original reason for the negative WWC notice is not upheld (e.g. criminal charges are later dismissed or not proven) and even if it can be shown that the employer had reasonable options available other than dismissal.

The union’s approach in this case was not to pursue an unfair dismissal claim, which would have been futile, but to take action after the employer unreasonably refused to employ the member once the criminal charges had been discontinued and the member regained his WWC clearance and teacher registration.

We sought orders that the employer re-employ the member and compensate him for lost income, from the date that it would have been reasonable to re-employ him.

The union was successful in this claim in a hearing before Senior Commissioner Kenner last year. However, the employer appealed the original decision to the Full Bench of the WAIRC. The employer put forward a number of technical legal arguments as to why the WAIRC should be prevented from making orders, regardless of how unfair the outcome may be for the individual.

By dismissing the employer’s appeal, the Full Bench of the WAIRC has affirmed that a claim for a remedy in relation to an unreasonable refusal to employ is not barred by the WWC legislation.

The Full Bench held unanimously that it has jurisdiction to order re-employment in these cases, and a majority of the Full Bench held that it may also order compensation to be paid.

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Legal services (Continued from page 11) The Full Bench dismissed this ground after it found that the learned Senior Commissioner had not erred because the WWC Act only prevents a relief when the remedy sought is for a dismissal, and not for an unfair refusal to employ.

The fourth ground of appeal stated that the learned Senior Commissioner did not consider the relevant considerations when he found that the Director General unfairly refused to employ the teacher.

The Director General said that the relevant considerations were that; the teacher sought to only be employed at his former position; the teacher's former position was permanently filled; the teacher had not followed the usual re-employment process, and, that this may cause unfairness to the other applicants.

The Full Bench dismissed this ground of appeal and held that the Commission is not bound by the remedy sought by a party, that the Director General had no intention to re-employ the teacher and that the Director General could have found other work for the teacher until he was able to formally apply for another position, as it had done in other cases.

Ground six alleged that the learned Senior Commissioner considered irrelevant considerations.

Namely, that the refusal to employ had ended the teacher's career and that the teacher's conduct did not warrant summary dismissal. The Full Bench found that the Director General's characterisation of these considerations as irrelevant took them out of context.

It was relevant to the consideration of fairness in the refusal to employ the teacher that the Director General is the employer in all government schools and that the Director General's refusal to employ the teacher ended his career as a teacher in government schools.

Also, as the Director General's actions must have a reasonable and rational basis, it was appropriate for the Commission to carry out an objective assessment of the teacher's conduct, especially because the SSTU sought orders for its member to return to child-related work.

The Full Bench dismissed ground seven as it was generally a reformulation of other grounds of appeal and that the question of fairness in the refusal to employ had always been a primary consideration.

Ground eight contended that the learned Senior Commissioner erred when he made Order 3 when the Commission has no power to make such an order. The majority of the Full Bench (Emmanuel C and Walkington C) dismissed ground eight and concluded that the learned Senior Commissioner had power to make this order.

The majority found that the industrial dispute was not just about the alleged refusal to employ the teacher, but also about how to resolve the matter if the refusal was found to be unfair.

This was addressed by the learned Senior Commissioner's Order 2, which was an order for prospective employment, and, Order 3, that imposed an obligation on the Director General to make payment to resolve part of an industrial matter and not for the payment of salary or work, respectively.

In the alternative, the majority found that special circumstances existed that make it fair and right to give retrospective effect 12

Western Teacher November 2019

to Order 3, or alternatively again, that the learned Senior Commissioner did not err because it was fair and right to make Order 3 given the unique circumstances of the matter. Scott CC (dissenting) upheld this ground and would have quashed Order 3.

Scott CC found that the Commission did not have the power to make Order 3 as an employment relationship did not exist for the period prior to the order for employment coming into effect, so there was no industrial matter.

Further, Scott CC found that no entitlement to payment can arise where the employee was prevented from working by the wrongful act of the employer.

In the alternative, the Chief Commissioner said that if the Commission had the power to order payment of the lost income, special circumstances existed that required the Director General to remedy the unfairness but that this unfairness had commenced prior to 2 October 2017.

Ground nine of the appeal alleged that the learned Senior Commissioner erred in fact and in law in finding that there was a refusal to employ within the meaning of s 7 of the Act, other than on 2 discrete occasions.

The Full Bench dismissed this ground and found that the learned Senior Commissioner did not err as the evidence demonstrated that there were repeated requests and repeated refusals, with at least one of those refusals found by the learned Senior Commissioner as not unreasonable.

The final ground of appeal claimed that the Director General was denied a fair hearing and not put on fair notice of a claim arising from the learned Senior Commissioner's reasons for decision that the change of policy referred to in the letter was an alternative basis for the finding that there was an unfair refusal to employ. The Full Bench dismissed this ground saying that the Director General was represented by experienced and diligent counsel who made no request for time to consider the matter or make any reasonable suggestion that counsel was taken by surprise.

The Full Bench agreed with the comments made by the learned Senior Commissioner that the teacher had been treated harshly and unjustly. Emmanuel C and Walkington C further noted that the red flag on the teacher's employment record indicated the Director General's ongoing refusal to employ.

The decision can be read at: bit.ly/2C7WEnY

Guide to legal services Being involved in legal matters can be stressful and difficult. SSTUWA members can be reassured that their union has them covered.

Guide to legal services

The full SSTUWA members' guide to legal services may be found at sstuwa.org.au/legal

SSTUWA members’

Guide to legal services

Contact your union rep or Member Assist with any queries: (08) 9210 6060 | 1800 106 683 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

Version 3, October 2018 Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) 2018.

Who cares about your workload?

Teachers commonly report working over 50 hours per week, some up to 75

72.7 per cent of teachers say workload has increased under IPS, SCFM and one-line budget

Almost 90 per cent report expansion in collection, analysis and reporting of data

More than 91 per cent report an increase in admin requirements

73 per cent don’t get uninterrupted breaks

79 per cent say work negatively impacts on their career aspirations

85 per cent say work conflicts with family commitments and work-life balance

57 per cent rarely or never have enough time to complete all tasks

85 per cent say red tape with policy hinders their classroom teaching

We do.

Check eNews for General Agreement updates.

2019

SCHOOLS

GA GA 2019

Western Teacher November 2019

13

Industrial

Pathways for Aboriginal educators to become qualified teachers At a glance

• In 2016, 2% of teachers in Australia identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, a growth from 1.17% in 2011.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are significantly underrepresented as both teachers and school leaders. Although 3.3% of the Australian population and 5.7% of Australian schoolchildren identify as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander, only 1- 2% are teachers or leaders (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018b, 2018c; Mckenzie et al., 2014). According to SiAS, in 2013, only 1% of teachers and less than 1% of school leaders, identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Mckenzie et al., 2014). In 2016, 2% of teachers in Australia identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, a growth from 1.17% in 2011 (Australian Council of Deans of Education, 2018).

This underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders is not limited to schools and is similar in Australian ASX 200 companies, universities and government departments (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2018).

By Paul Bridge Senior Vice President

The SSTUWA is delighted at the prospect of the Department of Education (DoE) announcing the Increasing Aboriginal Teachers Program. The pilot program aims to support Aboriginal employees in Western Australian public schools to become teachers through completion of a tertiary qualification delivered by Curtin University.

Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEOs) are encouraged to apply to the DoE to be accepted into the program for 2020.

It will require, for a non-teaching staff member applying, a commitment of five years part time study to complete the teaching degree as per a normal teaching degree through Curtin University.

The department recognises there is a need for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators as also highlighted in the recent report AITSL Spotlight – Diversity in School Leadership.

Figure 4

Percentage of Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander people in the population versus schools.

Primary School

Secondary School

1.1%

0.8%

(Mckenzie et al., 2014)

(Mckenzie et al., 2014)

3.3% Population

(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017)

Teachers

Teachers

5.7%

School Children (ACARA, 2017)

1.1%

2%

0.2%

School Leaders

School Leaders

(Mckenzie et al., 2014)

(Mckenzie et al., 2014)

Teachers (Australian Council of Deans of Education, 2018)

Source: Spotlight – Diversity in School Leadership. Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), p15.

CONTENTS

Spotlight – Diversity in School Leadership

key component of improving Indigenous schooling outcomes because ‘teachers who have grown up and completed their schooling as Indigenous learners have a wealth of experience and knowledge about the pedagogies that are likely to be successful for Indigenous students’” Santoro et al (2011).

proactive manner in which it is allocating funds to implement this project over the next five years.

The demographics of school leadership do not match the gender and cultural diversity of Australia’s student community.

An advisory board has been established to provide governance in the program implementation and delivery by Curtin University.

This will increase the number of future Aboriginal teachers and school leaders across public schools in WA.

“The necessity of Indigenous teaching and leadership has been stressed as a

The SSTUWA acknowledges the Minister for Education and the DoE for the

The report highlights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are significantly under-represented as both teachers and school leaders (see table adjacent).

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Western Teacher November 2019

15

Aboriginal students need to see Aboriginal teachers and school leaders in schools so they can see positive role models and mentors succeeding in public schools, thereby lifting their aspirations.

To read the full AITSL report, visit: http://bit.ly/2KxSCtM

Q QA A

Members’ matters

and

and

The team in Member Assist answers some of members’ most commonly asked questions

with Member Assist How much pro-rata long A Q service leave (LSL) am I able to access once I have reached my preservation age?

A

In the first LSL accrual period (10 years) full time employees can access 6.5 days per completed 12 month periods of continuous service. In subsequent LSL accrual periods (seven years) full time employees can access 9.28 days per completed 12 month periods of continuous service. Part time employees have the same entitlement to LSL as full time employees on a pro rata basis according to their work fractions.

I am on long service leave Q and have fallen ill. Can I get my LSL reinstated?

A

If you fall ill and produce at the time, or as soon as practicable after, evidence that you were as a result of the illness confined to your place of residence or a hospital for a period of at least 14 consecutive days you may be granted sick leave and have your LSL credits reinstated.

I have been working at Q a metro school on fixed term contracts for three years.

Know Your Rights

KYR

Am I entitled to permanency?

The tea answer commo

with Member Assist

This is a complex question and it will generally require a conversation with the staff at SSTUWA Member Assist.

Before contacting Member Assist you will need to check your fixed term contracts and see the reason for the fixed term appointment. This will have a bearing on the answer you receive.

What reasons are there Q for being offered a fixed term contract at a school?

A

Clause 7(1) of the Award states clearly that: Fixed term and casual contracts will only be used to the extent that the position is unable to be filled on an ongoing basis due to it being: (a) For a defined and limited program of work; or (b) A vacancy due to leave of absence.

I will be the SSTUWA Q union rep in 2020. I believe I can access union rep time to help with the timetable at my senior high school. How much time will I receive?

A

The time allocation can be found in the Appendix of the Award and depends on the number of total teacher and admin FTE at the school.

For example, if your school has a total of between 41 and 70 staff you are entitled to receive 80 minutes per week.

Have a question? A full compilation of Know Your Rights information sheets are available on the SSTUWA website and app.

Schools: sstuwa.org.au/schoolsKYR | TAFE: visit sstuwa.org.au/TAFEkyr You can also speak with your union rep and contact Member Assist: (08) 9210 6060 | 1800 106 683 | memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

I work part time, two days Q a week, and my school is doing trade-off for the last

day of Term 4. I do not work on Fridays; do I have to attend the trade-off PD after hours?

A

If the trade-off day is a day you do not normally work you do not have to attend the trade-off PD after hours.

I live in a remote country Q town and am buying my house. Do I receive any benefits for purchasing my own accommodation?

A

Under the Department of Education (DoE) salary packaging guidelines you may salary package the following: interest on your home loan, the cost of purchasing your property or your power and gas bills. Further information can be obtained from the DoE.

I have received an offer Q of employment at a school and the offer includes a probation clause. I’ve been teaching for six years; do I have to do the 12 months’ probation again?

A

Probation with the DoE is for the first 12 months you are employed. If you have been teaching for six years you do not have to complete the probationary period again.

Western Teacher November 2019

15

TAFE

TAFE lecturers battle with increased workloads and demands

By Minh Lam

TAFE lecturers in WA feel overworked, overwhelmed and unappreciated, according to a new survey commissioned by the SSTUWA. The TAFE Work Intensification Survey 2019 reveals that lecturers are juggling too many responsibilities and tasks, affecting their ability to concentrate on the most important ones, while increased workload is affecting their home life, ability to relax after work and even having the time to exercise.

The survey garnered 550 responses from August to October this year from TAFE lecturers across WA, which represents a quarter of the lecturing workforce.

It was open to union and non-union members and a third of responses came from those who were not a member of the SSTUWA. Workload has increased across the board in terms of preparing for classes, helping students with academic and personal issues, working or communicating out of working hours.

Lecturers feel that they are less prepared for classes, only have time to meet minimum requirements and subsequently don’t do as good of a job of teaching as they would like.

Almost 85 per cent said time spent reading and dealing with emails had increased over the past three years, with 73 per cent saying dealing with emails outside of work hours had increased during the same period.

Dealing with phone calls also were an issue, almost half (49.27 per cent) of respondents said the amount of time spent on these had increased in the past three years, with 43 per cent reporting that time spent on phone calls out of hours had also increased.

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Western Teacher November 2019

Over half of surveyed lecturers (51.27 per cent) said there was a rise in the amount of time spent in the past three years providing pastoral care to students, while about 73 per cent reported an increase in time spent helping students who had missed classes.

In terms of workload, an overwhelming majority of lecturers surveyed reported increased work and stress levels, with only 7.82 per cent stating they stuck to their 37.5 hour work week and about 51 per cent feeling stressed by their workload.

Just over 64 per cent stated they worked unpaid overtime. About 47 per cent of lecturers said they felt that they were just keeping their head above water, while a third reported that they felt constantly overwhelmed by their workload.

Lecturers (55.64 per cent) said colleges at senior management level recognised increased lecturer workload but did nothing to help, while 34 per cent felt that senior management did not have any idea about increased workload.

As a result, TAFE lecturers are feeling that: •

They are juggling too many responsibilities and tasks, meaning they cannot focus on the most important ones (58 per cent).

•

Their job often interferes with family and social obligations, or personal needs (39.45 per cent).

•

They find it hard to wind down or relax after work (52.73 per cent).

•

Their health and wellbeing is negatively affected by their work at TAFE (41.82 per cent).

•

They find it difficult to exercise each day (43.64 per cent).

•

They never have time to do a job properly (37.27 per cent).

•

Their professional knowledge is not valued or respected (38.18 per cent).

•

Much of the work they do is not valued (35.27 per cent).

In the past year, about 45 per cent of lecturers surveyed have sought medical or counselling help for work-related stress or stress symptoms. This question was optional, with 486 responses.

While almost 80 per cent of lecturers said they still enjoyed teaching and helping students, about 60 per cent said the enjoyment of teaching at TAFE was affected by their workload.

SSTUWA TAFE field officer Ramona Mitussis said the survey results contained very concerning data about stress levels and general well-being of lecturers.

“Given the very high number of responses and the particulars of the respondents in terms of category of lecturer, mode, fraction and place of employment, the union believes that the responses gathered are reflective of the situation and thoughts of the entire TAFE lecturing workforce in Western Australia,” she said.

“The results validate the union’s approach to workload and work intensification, particularly the workload section in our Log of Claims and the reclaiming teaching and learning strategy.”

Ms Mitussis said the union’s TAFE Committee would continue to analyse the survey data and welcomed further comments from members.

“The data and over 1,500 individual comments are going to help formulate new ideas and strategies to help reduce workload,” she said.

TAFE “The union will continue to campaign to reduce workload through the Log of Claims and negotiation process for a new General Agreement and directly with each college employer through the Joint Consultative Committees.”

Meanwhile, the AEU has welcomed a commitment from the Australian Labor Party to address Australia’s skills crisis and strengthen the vocational education and training sector.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said it was vital that TAFE remained at the heart of a strong, public vocational education sector in Australia.

“We welcome Labor’s commitment to revitalising the vocational education sector, but that must be backed up with funding,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“A healthy TAFE-led vocational education sector is an essential part of fixing Australia’s moribund economy and of providing high-quality vocational education to hundreds of thousands of people in both cities and regional and rural areas.”

Ms Haythorpe also welcomed federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese’s announcement of “Jobs and Skills Australia”, which he described as a collaborative model to guide investment in human capital.

Fund, and fail to spend nearly $1 billion in funding allocated for TAFE and training programs.”

Re-investment in the TAFE teaching workforce and development of a future-focused TAFE workforce development strategy in collaboration with the profession and unions.

•

Development of a capital investment strategy in consultation with state governments, to address the deplorable state of TAFE facilities around the country.

•

Support for a comprehensive independent inquiry into TAFE.

The AEU has called for: •

“There is an urgent need for a considered and rigorous plan for investment into public education and VET in Australia,” she said.

•

“The Morrison Government is too busy lining the pockets of profit-seeking private training providers to worry about what is best for everybody else.

•

“Recently we have seen the Prime Minister strip $4 billion in tertiary sector capital funding from the Education Investment

•

A guarantee of a minimum of 70 per cent government funding to the public TAFE system. No public funding should go to private for-profit providers, consistent with other education sectors.

A restoration of funding to rebuild the TAFE system, to restore confidence in the quality of the courses and qualifications and the institution.

The abandonment of the failed student loans experiment, and cancellation of the debts of all students caught up in private for-profit provider scams.

“The Morrison Government has failed the fairness test when it comes to public education,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“TAFE needs to be the heart of a strong, public vocational education sector in Australia.”

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Western Teacher November 2019

17

Occupational safety and health

Renewed commitment to workplace safety

By Joy Barrett OSH organiser

More than 200 safety representatives came together for the inaugural Safety Representatives Conference, held by the Department of Education (DoE) at the Perth Exhibition Centre in September, to hear a variety of speakers presenting information relevant to their role.

The department funded travel and accommodation for some regional representatives to attend. Many came from afar; one representative travelled from Christmas Island, with all regions represented at the conference.

This is the first time that this important leadership role has been officially thanked, celebrated and publicly appreciated by the department.

The conference was opened by Director of Employee Relations Paul Wilding and Principal OSH Consultant Denise Crockford.

Director General Lisa Rodgers (pictured above) gave a passionate, lively address launching the revised “Statement of intent and commitment to occupational safety and health (OSH)”. This is a formal and public statement for employees, contractors and volunteers about the department’s commitment to safe and healthy schools and other education workplaces.

assess and manage psychosocial hazards”.

This is a radical pledge by the department, but something that is sorely needed. This was clearly demonstrated in the statistics presented by Statewide Services school psychologist Debra Moore in her address on preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from exposure to violence.

Workers’ compensation statistics revealed in 2017, 18.36 per cent of all claims from DoE employees resulted from assaults, 6.3 per cent were caused by stress and 4.3 per cent from being “accidentally” hit by a person.

Most stress claims are caused by workload.

The WA workers’ compensation statistics for 2018/2019, provided by Workcover, show that DoE employees had more claims for violent incidents than all other industries, including prison officers, security guards, hospitals and carers.

Education assistants are the worst affected.

This revised statement of intent will become mandatory and replace the existing statement in the OSH policy.

The statement was prepared in consultation with the SSTUWA and other unions.

At the end of her address the statement was signed by Ms Rodgers as a symbol of her personal commitment to its content, along with active and long-time SSTUWA member and Mount Lawley Senior High School OSH representative Bruce Atkinson, who signed the statement on behalf of all department OSH reps.

WorkSafe commissioner Darren Kavanagh also spoke of mentally healthy workplaces being one of his priorities. In addition, he commented on the high level of lower back injuries, most commonly from falls on the same level or from manual handling, being the biggest cause of injuries to department employees.

The statement encourages the election of OSH representatives and the formation of safety committees, and undertakes to provide sufficient time, resources and support for OSH representatives to carry out their functions. The statement has been reproduced on the opposite page.

In his address, he also emphasised the importance of gathering data in order to be able to direct resources where they are most needed to prevent injuries and in particular he was referring to violence and aggression. “Violence and aggression must be reported and investigated,” Mr Kavanagh said.

The director general and corporate executive have now committed themselves to “promote work practices and behaviours that support positive mental health, risk 18

Western Teacher November 2019

WorkSafe reported on their recent targeted inspections of 144 primary schools in the public system and issued 718 improvement

notices, mostly for the management of hazardous substances and manual task issues.

Four prohibition notices were served. One of those regarded an employee standing on a step stool placed on top of a platform ladder to clean a high area while the inspectors were there. Another was for an employee using a step ladder placed on top of a desk to clean a skylight.

Other sessions were on the management of asbestos materials and a panel session which included the SSTUWA OSH organiser.

The final keynote speaker, safety advocate and author Helen Fitzroy, spoke about what it was like to lose her young husband in a workplace accident, how this had been foreseen, yet nothing was done. Helen was left widowed at 33 years of age, with three children under the age of seven – she had a very powerful message that brought some conference delegates to tears.

The conference was well received and may be repeated in two years’ time.

Meanwhile, SSTUWA members need to hold the department to account for the commitment that they have made.

The SSTUWA now looks forward to the department accepting the safety based clauses from our Log of Claims in the current round of negotiations for our next General Agreement to demonstrate the commitment they have made.

State Council Conference

President's address President Pat Byrne's address to the November 2019 State Council Conference is reproduced here in full.

Welcome to our November State Council Conference.

Six months into the term of this federal government and I really don’t know where to start. The Morrison Government has embarked upon a range of actions – many of which were not mentioned prior to the election – which taken together represent an astonishing attack on institutions and freedoms which we have taken for granted for a very long time. To be fair, these attacks did not commence with Scott Morrison’s ascension to the prime ministership – some began while he was the Treasurer; many have been underway for decades through the various manifestations of neo-liberalism. I won’t talk about a wide range of injustices currently occurring: the treatment of refugees, including the repeal of the Medivac legislation and the $30 million spent so far on guarding a family of four on Christmas Island or the dodgy processes used to award million dollar contracts to security services on Manus Island; I won’t talk about the cuts to aged care, the persistent cuts and underfunding of community services such as fire authorities, charitable organisations, women’s health organisations…

Because we are a trade union, I should – and will – start with Morrison’s attack on Australian unions, and, as a consequence, Australian workers.

Let’s just look at some of the issues which are being publicly debated: 20

Western Teacher November 2019

The Ensuring Integrity Bill for one. Make no mistake, this piece of legislation is not aimed at one or two unions that have bad reputations – it is designed to attack us all.

It is designed to make union officials and members scared to speak out on issues of critical importance – wages, safety, harassment and bullying. These laws will make it easier for the government to suppress any type of action for better pay and conditions. The amendments proposed by Centre Alliance to introduce demerit points do nothing to alleviate this.

The legislation being proposed is not just about stopping workers asking for more, it is much more insidious than that; it is to allow employers to take workers backwards with no way to respond or stand up for their rights. Because, of course, if unions are fettered all workers – union members or not – will suffer in the long term.

It imposes penalties on unions for submitting incorrect or late paperwork; penalties far in excess of those awarded against private corporations engaging in far worse conduct – wage theft comes to mind here.

We see kites being flown about making superannuation for lower paid workers optional – what a retrograde step that is. Straight out of the wish list of the Institute of Public Affairs, which wants to make the opt-out provision conditional on promising to forgo any government income support in retirement! We also

State Council Conference

see – straight from the American playbook where people with a known track record of opposition to a particular issue are put in charge of overseeing the government’s response to it – that the person appointed to oversee a review of superannuation is a former employee of private super funds with no interest at all in preserving the advantages which industry super funds consistently provide for their members year after year.

From a system of award coverage which was the envy of the world and which ensured that every worker received at least a minimum wage, we have become a country where wage theft is rampant; stories appear every week about blatant underpayment of wages, often in industries with high rates of casual work, people doing the hours that generate big profits for their high profile employers – celebrity chefs, for example – only to get scammed on pay day.

Let’s look at the list of some of the culprits and victims so far: 7-Eleven, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster, Caltex, Uber, Woolworths, George Calombaris, Shannon Bennett, Guillaume Brahimi, Neil Perry, Victorian government school cleaners, 25 per cent of international students across the board, NDIS workers – remember the federal government has outsourced services in welfare provision, Qantas, MAdE Establishment (restaurant group) underpaid staff $2.6 million in overtime. There are many more.

These are not isolated incidents – these involve thousands of workers, many of whom are recent arrivals with poor English skills and unaware of their rights; but also many others such as the Woolworths middle managers who thought they were getting a good deal until someone did the maths!

The response from these companies is that awards and agreements are too complicated and they have made honest mistakes.

These examples of wage theft come on top of an active government strategy to depress wages. We are now into a seventh year of low wage growth, and consumption rates for all areas, except health, have slowed, especially discretionary spending.

And still we have employers publicly arguing that the better off overall test should be weakened or removed and that the range of matters able to be included in collective agreements be reduced! It is worth noting that currently 89 per cent of private sector workers in Australia are not currently covered by a collective agreement. We are close to being a country where genuine collective bargaining will cease to exist in the private sector. In the longer term, this will have an effect on the public sector – make no mistake.

Enough of that! Meredith Hammat will talk in more detail tomorrow about the impact of the government attack on trade unions and workers.

(Continued on page 22) Western Teacher November 2019

21

State Council Conference (Continued from page 21) Perhaps, because we are educators, we should look at the government’s attacks on public education.

I won’t go into detail about that now – we’ll talk about it tomorrow – other than to say two things: we now have a government in office which has legislated, with the help of the Greens I might add, discrimination in funding to the extent of saying that private school students shall receive 100 per cent of their SRS from government sources (not private sources) while public schools won’t. They’ll get 95 per cent if they’re lucky; in some states and in the NT they’ll get a lot less.

Second, the government’s attacks on vocational education continue unabated. We’ve just seen that the federal government underspent its TAFE budget by almost $1 billion since 2014.

No wonder we continue to have a shortage of skilled labour in Australia. Business is calling for more apprentices and qualified workers. How is it possible that a supposedly business-oriented government can pursue policies such as the destruction of the public TAFE system and the loss of thousands of jobs at the same time that the economy is flatlining? What’s more there isn’t even a pretext of a plan.

Or perhaps, because we are human beings, we should look at how this government is undermining human rights in this country.

Let’s start with Newstart. $40 a day. $280 per week! Unchanged except for a CPI increase twice a year – since 1994. A federal politician gets an overnight allowance of approximately $280 when staying in Canberra. That’s on top of a salary of at least $200,000 for a backbencher. And travel costs. And parliamentary allowances. And we see parliamentarians claiming they could live on $40 a day!

Despite calls from a wide range of community groups – and not just lefty ones – the government adamantly refuses to increase the rate!

Robodebt. This is an outrageous abuse of process and, gratifyingly, now the subject of a class action as to its legality.

Just in case you don’t know how Robodebt works, it is a partly automated system in which recipients of government benefits are sent letters asserting they owe the government money because they have been overpaid. Many of the debts are false

or inflated because they are calculated using a formula that averages employment earnings over a series of fortnights rather than identifying what was actually earned. Where these have been challenged by individuals, the debts have been routinely overturned by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), as lacking a legal foundation. Critically, although Centrelink has always accepted the AAT rulings, it has not then applied them to the operation of Robodebt itself. So, if you are lucky enough to have access to a lawyer, good for you. Otherwise, stiff bickies.

Between July 2016 and March 2019 the federal government issued 500,281 notices asserting debts of $1.25 billion, with the average being $2,184 but sometimes up to $10,000. It is then incumbent on the individual to prove that s/he doesn’t have that level of debt, or any debt at all. Some of these notices allege debts going back five or six years! People are expected to have documentation to prove or disprove the bill.

Imagine the distress being felt in this situation – no legal assistance, no capacity to pay for advice; hours and hours on the phone to CentreLink trying to sort matters out.

Very large sums of money are being raised as a result of this scheme which verges on extortion. The class action is based on a notion of “unjust enrichment” which applies when one party unjustly enriches itself at the expense of another.

All power to Peter Gordon in the pursuit of that action.

Not satisfied with that particular piece of persecution, Morrison is now proposing to drug test recipients of government welfare assistance. Everyone, I repeat, everyone in receipt of Newstart and youth allowances will be subject to a random drug testing regime. Those who fail the test would have 80 per cent of their benefits quarantined for two years using the cashless debit card.

If a person fails a second test within 25 working days s/he would be referred to a medical professional for treatment. In New Zealand, in 2017-18, 47,115 people were tested; 170 (or 0.3 per cent) recorded a positive result. (This figure was 0.5 per cent in 2013-14.) Similar statistics apply in other countries which use this model.

This plays into the stereotype that the long term unemployed are all drug addicts sitting around smoking joints or gambling addicts blowing all their welfare money on the horses. This indicates that the government completely fails to understand the intersection between mental illness and drug and alcohol addiction, not to mention the fact that there are three times as many people unemployed as there are jobs available in Australia!

It also overlooks the fact that the majority of Newstart recipients are single women over the age of 55.

But wait, there’s more! This year we have budget surplus. Not through any good management by the government but because of an underspend in the NDIS to the tune of $4.7 billion.

Let’s look, too, at where we are going with free speech in Australia at the moment. This debate is drenched in hypocrisy.

The conservatives argue for the right to be able to speak freely when what they actually mean is freedom for far right activists to engage in hate speech [s.18 (c) of the Racial Discrimination Act] – think Andrew Bolt, Alan Jones, Paul Murray, Sam Newman – but cannot deal with being taken to task for their behaviour.

The simple truth is this government is taking an extraordinary approach to silencing dissent. It began some years ago when Morrison was treasurer, with charities and community groups

22

Western Teacher November 2019

State Council Conference

having their funding linked to silence on key issues – no criticism of government policies if you want ongoing funding.

Under the guise of “anti-terrorism” we have seen the broadest ever expansion of the government’s capabilities to monitor who says what and silence those who don’t agree with it, under the guise of national security. Legal restrictions have been placed on doctors, teachers, lawyers and journalists to prevent them from publicly speaking out on matters concerning refugees. This is a real danger – certainly while terrorism is a genuine threat, we should not be asked to trade off our freedoms in the name of safety; we should expect our governments to provide both.

However, it’s a different story when it’s a government minister doing the leaking.

We saw pre-arranged media stunts organised to witness and film raids of union offices in the lead up to an election; then we saw similar raids extended to journalists who had their homes and offices raided. Only at that point did we see journalists and media outlets waking up to what they have, frankly, been complicit in creating over many years!

Once again, it should be noted that the Labor party has been disappointingly spineless on these issues, though perhaps not surprisingly as both political parties have been quite happy to endorse the passage of more and more Draconian legislation over the past 18 years. So while I can agree with the goals of the media’s campaign for media freedom, the hypocrisy of the Murdoch press is breathtaking!

The cynics among us might say that the only way an individual can get any protection from the government these days is to parade hate and discrimination and claim you are entitled to do so because of your religion.

If you want to attack people for being gay the government will bring in laws to protect you.

So it isn’t just foreign countries that are riding roughshod over civil rights – a reminder of how fragile our freedoms are and of how vigilant we need to be to protect them. This government, with something like 11 elected MPs who are members of the IPA, as well as more than a few who have extreme religious views, is in thrall to a genuinely nasty right wing element.

Perhaps nowhere is this determination to quash free speech and the right to protest more evident than in the area of climate change. Although I note that it is free speech for some but not for others. It is okay for Andrew Bolt to scorn a teenaged climate

change activist as autistic and he wasn’t alone; you can also go on national television and call for protesters to be run over or left to starve in jail and that’s okay, too. Personal vitriol has replaced reasoned debate and it shows in the quality of the commentary from our elected parliamentarians.

Morrison’s track record on environmental issues is horrendous – remember that as treasurer in 2017 he threatened to cut states’ share of GST if they opposed fracking; we all remember him bringing the lump of coal into parliament to ridicule the ALP’s climate position and there is real reason to believe that his religious beliefs contribute to government inaction on climate.

His refusal to act in the wake of this week’s fires is a complete abrogation of his responsibility as PM. Instead we see both federal and state, including, shamefully, some state Labor governments, moving to criminalising even the most basic protest. Last week the prime minister announced he would legislate to protect companies from climate protesters by banning climate protests, boycotts and disruptive strikes.

Presumably this will prevent student strikes for climate, farmers from trying to stop development on, or adjacent to, their land; it will also restrict the rights of traditional owners.

Scott Morrison has been ridiculed in the international press for this; the UK’s largest listed hedge fund manager which controls assets of more than £550 billion, has defended the role of environmental groups and rejected Morrison’s call for “some of our largest corporations to listen and engage with the quiet shareholders, not just the noisy ones”. The Commonwealth Bank did the same last week, rejecting the idea that it needed protection from environment groups.

There’s a pattern emerging here: quiet Australians, quiet shareholders; a pattern which needs a response but, from us as educators in the public sector, it cannot be the response that the PM wants.

It means a challenge of the kind we haven’t had to fight for in a long time in Australia. It means, in our classrooms and in our personal and professional lives, reclaiming those freedoms we have taken for granted and are in danger of losing – free speech, the public’s right to know, the right to protest, the importance of truth and, in education, putting the notion of public good back into the education discourse. Public good is a notion that is well and truly unfashionable at the moment; a notion actively opposed by the Morrison Government, as seen in the shameless (Continued on page 24) Western Teacher November 2019

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State Council Conference (Continued from page 23) preferences granted to private schools and active disdain for government schools. Look at last week’s drought relief announcement – money for private schools but none for public schools!

Education as a public good, as Alan Reid reminds us, requires a democratic purpose – the development of active citizens not just consumers; it also needs an economic purpose, along with an individual purpose which is not merely utilitarian, but which aims at enabling everyone to lead a rich and fulfilling life.

Lastly, education should serve a social and cultural purpose – something which is increasingly being seen as OK for private schools but not so essential for public schools. The funding discrepancy is taking us further along this path – a few more years of this funding model and no public school will feel able to justify spending precious dollars on music or drama.

None of this is new. We all know this. And while to some extent we’ve held back the floodwaters until now, what we see with this government is unprecedented. It is a government emboldened by poor examples around the world – the USA, Brazil, the Philippines, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, the UK – a depressingly long list.

For us here in Australia now, we need to protect our democratic organisations, as well as our public and cultural institutions – not just education and health, but an independent judiciary, trade unionism, press freedom, secularism, welfare provision,

local government services. The effects of funding cuts to many of these are starting to show. In addition, the open hostility, suspicion and ridicule suffered by these institutions from some sections of the media, not to mention our politicians, is exposing their fragility. An elected member of federal parliament this week accused the Bureau of Meteorology of deliberately falsifying weather data – with no evidence to back it up. Once upon a time no politician would have dared to do such a thing; s/he would have feared the tag of liar.

These organisations and institutions may not be perfect – most of them aren’t – but the solution is not to denigrate or dismiss them but to improve them. Our own profession, for example, has been weakened by over 40 years of neoliberalism – marketisation, the rise of technology leading to de-professionalisation and commercialisation; we know what the problems are. It remains, however, the profession best placed to do what is necessary – to provide our young people not only with the understandings of, and the skills for, active citizenship but, more importantly, the passion to engage. As teachers we are in a unique and privileged position to do that – to ensure that our students understand what democracy is, what human rights are, how important the public sphere is. All of these are critical for a free and democratic society to flourish.

That’s the challenge in front of us – one that is far from easy; one which will take courage and pride; and one which absolutely cannot afford to fail.

Barrie Bennett reference books Effective Group Work BEYOND COOPERATIVE LEARNING n

BARRIE BENNETT

Instructional Intelligence Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom

An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett © B. Bennett, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

Instructional Intelligence

Effective Group Work

Classroom Management

Graphic Intelligence

Dr Barrie Bennett is an internationally renowned educational expert and emeritus professor at the University of Toronto. His books cover a range of interrelated topics that support effective teaching and learning. Members can access special pricing on the series.

Place your order at sstuwa.org.au/shop 24

Western Teacher November 2019

Modern Molly

Members’ matters

By Kirsty Henderson

At the ripe old age of 98, Retired Teacher Association (RTA) member Molly Worsnop isn’t your average great-grandmother or retiree.

She wasn’t just a teacher, but an actress too, starring in various plays, TV ads and even a short film.

Molly Worsnop grew up as an only child in the small country town of Shackleton, about 200km east of Perth, in a oneteacher school where she was taught by her mother.

She was 12 years old when she moved to Perth and began her teaching career at just 18 years of age.

“For the interview at teacher training college they asked me why I wanted to be a teacher. I replied: ‘Because they get lots of holidays’. It was a big incentive, but I was very naive back then, I was only 17,” Molly said.

After completing one year at teacher training college during the war, she then worked as a monitor at Greenmount School and joined the SSTUWA. In the coming years Molly moved to Sydney to teach and went on to marry and have two daughters.

“I voluntarily resigned at this point. It was just during or after the war that there was a shortage of teachers and I remember more or less that I had to be reinstated but I never did, I got married instead,” she said.

It wasn’t until her children reached school age that she returned to work full-time.

“I taught most of my life, in the country in my early days, then at Nedlands and Dalkeith primary schools,” Molly said.

“I was what you called a teacher on supply (also known as relief) and taught Year 2 students. I was on supply for quite a few years, but didn’t get permanency. I also taught in England for a year on an exchange program, too.”

For the last eight years of her career Molly taught drama.

“I was a drama advisor. I was attached to the curriculum branch and travelled to

various schools and taught drama and ran advisory working classes and workshops for teachers. It was a time when there wasn’t much professional development for teachers back then,” she said.

Molly narrated a short film, which won an award for best short film at the Perth Film Festival, and now in her retirement years she produces plays at the Beaumont Retirement Village.

Molly loved teaching and acting in plays.

Molly has spent her life inspiring the young and old – from her past students who went on to have professional acting careers, to her fellow RTA members, who are in awe of her life’s work and active lifestyle, and today’s teaching generation – from where their careers may take them, to the challenges they may face.

“I’ve been in plays all my life really,” she recalls.

“I was about 12 when I was selected for my first play. I went to a convent school and I learnt from the speech teacher who visited the school and she chose me to be in a play. I sort of had a talent for it and I went on to be one of her star pupils.”

Later in life she worked at the Patch and Playhouse theatres, acting in plays including A Street Car Named Desire and The Physicist.

At the age of 60 Molly’s TV career took flight. Since then she’s starred in television advertisements for the Silver Chain, REIWA and Dome cafes.

By all accounts teaching is much harder today, says Molly.

“Teachers are insecure because they’re always on contract. I was lucky as I never doubted getting an appointment at a school and generally parents had more respect for teachers and children were more obedient,” she said.

“But lots of good things happen because of a strong union.”

Western Teacher November 2019

25

Issues

For the integrity and status of higher education and training

By Fred van Leeuwen General Secretary Emeritus, Education International

Higher education is indispensable if we are to maintain a foundation of facts, knowledge and free discussion in society.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reaches very many young people and adults and has a key education function in addition to providing skills training. Both are under attack as many, public and private, innocently or by design, corral education and educators within strict limits and cripple the capacity of people to seek social justice and transform their lives.

The board of the public university of the northern Dutch city of Groningen in the Netherlands, eager to follow the example of many of its sister universities, decided to extend its borders to the big, outside world.

Fifty years ago, everybody would have understood such ambition as the university’s determination to distinguish itself through excellent education and ground-breaking research. Too often, that is no longer the case.

Today, many universities measure their standing and status in the world by the number of campuses they have been able to establish across borders and the quantity of private funds that they have been able to gather.

The big, outside world that the University of Groningen discovered was China. They set up a branch campus in the city of Yantai. China is the second largest funder of scientific research in the world, and the rationale of the university must have been that it would be foolish not to try to get a piece of that pie.

Academic freedom? Well, we will deal with that once we have set foot on Chinese soil.

Let’s first hit the jackpot.

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Western Teacher November 2019

But, the “luck” ran out for our friends from Groningen. A couple of months ago, a newspaper found out that they had illegally used taxpayer money for their investment.

So, their Chinese adventure had to be aborted before take-off.

This story captures many of the challenges that have troubled us in recent years. In fact, to some degree, they have been a major focus for as long as I can remember.

The story is about the mandate of public universities to serve the common good.

The story is about the struggle for public funds. The story is about the everincreasing pressure by market forces and actors on research and education.

The story is about the effects on the related issues of Academic Freedom, “Open Access”, collegial governance, and employment conditions.

These are all issues that have been raised at national and regional levels and that Education International (EI) has been raising internationally – with mixed results.

While we are quite successful in the international debate in getting our views across and even supported. However, such breakthroughs do not always trickle down.

Too often, the harsh reality on the ground is different. We are still far away from accomplishing the 1997 UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 and other international standards.

A good recent example of a statement squarely in the tradition of those historic and universal standards is the Paris Communiqué adopted last year by the Ministers of Education of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

They called for higher education to play a decisive role in “addressing important societal challenges – ranging from unemployment and social inequality to migration-related issues and a rise in political polarisation, radicalisation and violent extremism”.

They also said that education and educators must play a key role “in establishing the facts on the basis of which public debates are conducted … and stimulate students to be active citizens in democratic societies.”

Well, that is great, of course. Who would disagree with that vision? It is similar to the statement adopted by EI's 11th International Conference in Taipei last year.

Issues But the reality is that these same ministers perpetrate something very different.

That does not mean that consensus aspirations are not of value. They are, in fact, very important. But those aspirations come with obligations to examine, in that light, what is happening on the ground.

In a report that EI submitted to UNESCO, also last year, on the status of higher education teaching personnel based on the 1997 UNESCO Recommendation, concerns were expressed as to whether, in Europe and elsewhere, the shrinking role of professors and other teaching personnel in governance in some countries would undermine academic freedom and the autonomy of higher education institutions in general.

This concern is linked with the alarming growth of precarious work in education in much of the world, particularly in higher education. Being assertive on academic freedom issues may not facilitate getting contracts renewed, nor will being outspoken in governance fora. In other words, security of employment with decent conditions, collegiality and good governance, and academic freedom are all part of the same package. When they are all respected, they make a virtual circle, but when they are violated, that circle becomes a very vicious one.

Some governments have little respect for academic freedom and the independence of higher education. In Italy, local leaders of the party of Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, seek to ban a university textbook in political science that labels the Lega North Party, “Extreme Right”.

Another, even more far-reaching, attack on higher education was the closure of the Central European University in Budapest

by Viktor Orbán. This is part of a larger effort of the Prime Minister to defend “Christian culture”.

This is a term that, before WWII, was used by home-grown fascists to attack and isolate Jews. It has been “refreshed” in our times by adding Muslim targets as well. The funder of the university, George Soros, has been a privileged target of antiSemitism and was featured in campaign posters by Orbán’s party prior to their resounding election victory last year.

There is also sabre-rattling against professors and universities in the Philippines, in Brazil, in Turkey and elsewhere.

University independence cannot exist without core financial independence.

One way to try to cope with the impact of austerity programs on university budgets has been to seek funding, like our friends from Groningen did, in other countries such as China, or to establish partnerships with private companies.

Even if there is strict respect for academic freedom, which is not always the case, independent research also means determining what is to be studied. The closure of faculties considered to have no economic relevance, like we see happening in many places, says it all.

Determining the scope of research through funding, especially private funding, is also a clear danger to academic freedom.

In other words, academic freedom is, on the one hand, under attack by the new authoritarians and, on the other hand, by pressure from private interests.

Clearly, this undermines the role of universities as bastions of critical thinking and independent judgement.

Market-oriented and inspired “reforms”, including policies such as the increased use of performance-based funding, the shift towards corporate forms of institutional governance, and, as mentioned earlier, the reliance on fixedterm contracts for academic staff, are weakening the right to teach without interference, the freedom to research and to disseminate the results.

Many of these challenges are also relevant to technical and vocational education. TVET is education and its educators embrace its goals and aspirations. It should not be isolated, rootless training that is unrelated to the mission of education. It should, like all other education sectors, help develop students as people and as citizens as well as workers.

Respect for the full value of TVET, also demands full respect for its educators.

That is another common thread that connects all teaching.

EI recently produced a study, “Technical and Vocational Education as a Framework for Social Justice”.

It contests “human capital theory” according to which education is to develop skills which add economic value. Such an approach is wasting much of the potential of students.

The study argues that the role of technical and vocational education is to contribute

to the development of the richness of human beings and of all facets of their personalities.

Another thing that higher education and TVET have in common, unfortunately, is that those working in those sectors are our “expert witnesses” on commercialisation, privatisation and the impact of globalisation on education.

Last year, participants in the Higher Education and TVET Conference in Taipei, emphasised in discussions and documents about the vital place of further and higher education and research institutions in serving democracy and the common good.

EI President Susan Hopgood and I have written a book, recently launched by EI, On Education and Democracy: 25 Lessons from the Teaching Profession. Even with all the other issues and challenges faced by educators and their trade unions, democracy has emerged as a threshold question for our ability to function as educators and as members of trade unions; institutions and enablers of democracy.

It is an unusual book for our times. It focuses on a long-term process, education, and requires a long attention span. It is free, and we live in an era where price and value are often confused. And, it is a book based on listening (also somewhat out of fashion) to stories of the struggle of education trade unionists to defend and extend democracy.

The historic struggle for freedom and democracy of the women and men in our sector inspires us and makes us proud. But, that struggle is far from over.

On Education and Democracy is for all professions and occupations in education.

It is a tool to be used in this latest chapter of our collective work to facilitate discussions on democracy in and beyond our ranks and to stimulate action.

It is by defying fear to do our jobs and fully exercise our profession, forthrightly and frankly, that we can secure our trade unions and freedom and democracy.

As George Orwell said, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

This article is adapted from the opening remarks of Fred van Leeuwen on 20 July 2019 to the Higher Education and TVET Caucus in Bangkok.

Western Teacher November 2019

27

Growth Team

National New Educator Conference

By Natalie Blewitt Vice President

Early career teachers from across the country attended the annual AEU National New Educator Conference recently.

This conference was a valuable experience for all attending, providing an opportunity for beginning teachers to share the trials and tribulations of their career so far.

New South Wales Teachers Federation President (and AEU Vice President) Maurie Mulheron shared with delegates a history of the union movement and the power of campaigning.

He spoke about the neo-liberal attacks on public education and how we, as a collective group, can fight back.

Campaigning for school funding and teacher-driven curriculum and assessments versus NAPLAN are two of the areas Maurie addressed.

He also spoke about how we build the capacity across the union. We have to organise our workplaces, recruit and build the base.

It is imperative we organise everyone within our workplaces and beyond, building external alliances. We build campaigns through research, strategies, communications and action. Maurie finished on a pointed note: we must not forget history.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe also addressed the delegates in her keynote speech, “Today’s Political Landscape”.

She spoke about the implications of the Schooling Resource Standard and highlighted the shameful reality that government schools across this country will see a decline in funding.

By the year 2023, all public schools across the country (with the exception of the ACT) will not reach the 100 per cent resourcing standard required to adequately fund our students.

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Western Teacher November 2019

We have to act. We have to get involved and make our voices heard that this is not acceptable and the kids in our public schools deserve better.

We can achieve an increase to funding through our Fair Funding Now! campaign and we need everyone to get involved.

Education International President Susan Hopgood provided a global perspective, leading discussions with a panel of guests from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati.

Each panel member shared issues and concerns facing beginning teachers. In New Zealand, there is a teacher shortage with up to 40 per cent of teachers leaving the profession in their first five years.

While in Papua New Guinea, teachers are faced with decreasing salaries

due to government cuts.

And in Kiribati, beginning teachers face difficulties getting positions in the city.

Networking, sharing of ideas and developing a common understanding of teaching in the early years also featured strongly across the weekend, through workshops.

These focused on recruitment, campaigning and managing up, providing the delegates with an opportunity to hear what was happening in branches across the country.

Now 10 years on since the first New Educator Conference, this weekend continued to provide our early career teachers with a wonderful opportunity to share ideas, be inspired and take that next step up into activism.

REASONS

10 1

Growth Team

Why new educators should be SSTUWA members

New Educator Network The New Educator Network (NEN) provides the advice, support and networking opportunities new educators need at the early stages of their careers.

Support and protection The SSTUWA looks after our members and their rights. If you run into problems at work, your

3

Journey Accident Cover insurance If you have an accident whilst travelling to or from work, which results in your inability to work, you may be entitled to a benefit for any loss of income.

Available to all financial members.

5

School/workplace branch Union membership means you are never alone at your school. When a group of members act and speak together, their employer listens. This is how unions improve workplaces.

7

Enterprise bargaining agreement The SSTUWA collectively negotiates the pay and conditions of all educators in WA public schools and TAFEs. The larger the membership base, the more powerful we are at the bargaining table.

9

Discounted goods and services Members have access to a range of discounted products and services: educational resources, discounted health insurance with Teachers Health, travel bargains, movie tickets and more.

union has got your back.

2

Properly funded, accessible education Promoting the benefits of properly funded and accessible public education for all is a key area of our operations.

Join us in the campaign for fair funding of public schools.

4

Education and Training Centre (ETC) The SSTUWA ETC provides a range of high quality industrial and professional education opportunities, including short courses, conferences and online events, offered during term time and school holidays.

6

Important gains The SSTUWA has secured a number of achievements for members: class size limits, graduate entitlements, paid family and domestic violence leave, various allowances and much more.

8

Tax deductible, pro-rata and casual/ relief rate Your union membership fees are tax deductible, and your fees are dependent on your salary scale and FTE. Casual/relief teachers access a reduced fixed rate.

10

Western Teacher    November 2019

29

Seen around

Seen around the SSTUWA Another group of 40 year SSTUWA members were recently acknowledged for their commitment to the union and the trade union movement as a whole.

Forty year member Marlene Wolfenden

Various ceremonies recognising the long standing members have been held across WA in regional areas such the South-West, while a cohort of 15 were acknowledged in a ceremony at the SSTUWA building.

as it is a very supportive and active union.

Members were presented with a certificate and badge, with many giving thanks to the union for those times it has rendered assistance and support to them, their colleagues and the profession.

female teachers had to resign before the

said: “It is lovely to be acknowledged for my service to public education and it has been a pleasure to belong to the SSTUWA Well done to you all for supporting me for 40 years.”

Tambellup Primary School member Sue Sheridan recalled working at a time when there was no parental leave and impending birth of their baby. She said things had come a long way thanks to the work of union members fighting for improved conditions.

40 year members: The most recent cohort of 40 year members to be recognised by the SSTUWA.

40 year members: Suzanne Coleman.

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Western Teacher November 2019

40 year members: Sue Sheridan with SSTUWA organiser Cathy Smith.

Thank you and congratulations to all of the SSTUWA’s 40 year members that have been recognised in 2019.

The Play is Learning campaign continued last month with two forums conducted at Lesmurdie and Beaumaris primary schools.

Both were a great success with teachers and principals coming to share their activities, strategies and opening their classrooms to get a better understanding of play-based learning in WA public schools.

To learn more and to get involved with the Play is Learning campaign visit: playislearning.org.au

40 year members: Marlene Wolfenden with union president Pat Byrne.

Play is Learning Lesmurdie: Clare Nicholson.

Seen around

Play is Learning Lesmurdie: Wendy Gabriel.

Play is Learning Beaumaris: Rachael McCamley.

40 year members: Garth Gfroerer with union president Pat Byrne.

Play is Learning Beaumaris: A group of educators brainstorm play learning strategies.

40 year members: Christopher Mancini and SSTUWA president Pat Byrne.

40 year members: SSTUWA general secretary Mary Franklyn, Bridget O’Neill and union president Pat Byrne.

40 year members: Jenny McAllister with union president Pat Byrne.

Western Teacher November 2019

31

Education and Training Centre

Education & Training Centre Congratulations on completing another year of teaching. We encourage you to rest and relax over the break. When you are ready to think about the new school year ahead, consider joining us for outstanding learning opportunities.

Professional learning sessions commence Wednesday 15 January 2020. Register now.

Wednesday 15 January 2020:

9am – 12pm

Thursday 16 January 2020:

9am – 1pm

Transitioning from Provisional to Full Registration at the TRBWA

Working with Students with Dyslexia (Years 3-6)

This session is specifically designed for those teachers moving from Provisional to Full Registration.

The most complex and difficult aspect for non-dyslexic people involved in the educative process, and for those who interact with dyslexic students, is to take the time to educate themselves in the way of dyslexic thinking.

The session will take you step-by-step through the process and provide lots of opportunities to discuss and work within small groups to clarify concerns and questions.

This session will look at identifying what dyslexia is and exploring practical strategies that can be applied in the classroom to ensure that students are supported, so that they can engage with the curriculum and complete work that is achievable.

Join the course for a morning of learning around understanding dyslexia and how to support students in your classroom.

Friday 17 January 2020:

9am – 12.30pm

Writing Competitive Job Applications for Teaching Positions

Monday 20 January 2020:

9am – 1pm

Applying for Level 3 Classroom Teacher: Stage One

Application for Level 3 Classroom Teacher status is open to If you are considering applying for a teaching position in the near future and wish to be competitive, this outstanding half-day permanent or fixed-term teachers. Applicants must be employees of the department at the time of lodging the application. If you are course is highly recommended. in this position and thinking about applying for Level 3 in 2020, You will gain an understanding of the current requirements then take advantage of some expert guidance to assist you through for demonstrating competitiveness when applying to specific the process. schools via a covering letter and curriculum vitae (CV)/resume.

This course is designed to support participants through stage one This course will be conducted by PDT Consultants, who are the of the application process. most experienced team in the field.

Level 3 Classroom Teacher Stage Two course is also available through the SSTUWA and is offered in Term 3.

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Western Teacher November 2019

Education and Training Centre

Professional Learning Events Starting 15 January 2020 Register today!

Tuesday 21 January 2020:

9am – 3pm

Wednesday 22 January 2020:

9am – 12.30pm

Understanding the Impact of Trauma in the Classroom (K-6)

Teaching Phonological Awareness and Graphophonic Knowledge in K-2

Students (and adults) impacted by trauma may show behaviours that are challenging to manage in a school setting.

These students may also experience difficulty in learning – academically, socially and emotionally.

We know that phonological awareness (PA) skills are crucial for literacy success, but are you still looking for an effective approach that is not isolated or scripted yet still explicit?

Being trauma-informed allows teachers to build relationships that create "brain healthy classrooms" based on empathy and understanding. This workshop explains the neuro-biological impact of trauma and neglect. It will also introduce practical strategies and simple ways teachers can create safe and predictable classroom environments.

Wednesday 22 January 2020:

Join Carey Rogers to learn how to plan and implement an effective PA and graphophonics program in your classroom. Learn what early readers need to know, and how it can be taught in meaningful contexts. You will take home a USB drive full of great activities to support the implementation of what you learn, back in your classroom.

9.30am – 2.30pm Thursday 23 January 2020:

9am – 12.30pm

Best Practice Strategies for Working with Students with Autism – Primary School Years

Coding: What, How and Why? (PP- 6)

Build your capacity to understand how to effectively teach students on the Autism spectrum. For a student on the Autism spectrum, school itself can be seen as a puzzle that everyone else seems to know how to fit together.

Join Tim Schmitz from Scitech at the SSTUWA to explore the Digital Technologies curriculum, focusing on coding through a variety of apps and websites.

This practical hands-on workshop outlines loads of free activities you can use to teach coding and computational thinking.

This workshop includes an online pre-reading component to provide relevant information about the characteristics of Autism. You will get time to work with a range of programs on the day You will be sent this reading once the course is confirmed. and are guaranteed to leave the This allows for a five-hour course which focuses on practical, session with a stronger age-appropriate strategies to support students with Autism understanding of how to Spectrum Disorder in the primary school environment. The integrate coding into your workshop covers key classroom strategies and effective tools to classroom. The activities range support the positive development of skills and behaviours. from simple 'unplugged' paperbased activities to apps and computer programs.

Online registrations will remain open over the Christmas and New Year break.

Confirmation emails for all events will be sent on Monday 6 January 2020.

Western Teacher November 2019

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Member benefits

Member benefits Accountants and Financial Advisers Aston Accountants

10% discount on personal income tax returns for members.

sstuwa.org.au/aston

AutoBahn

Mechanical and electrical services.

Members receive $20 off any service or 5% off any repair.

sstuwa.org.au/autobahn

Bayswater Mazda

Exclusive special offers for members.

Industry Fund Services

sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda

sstuwa.org.au/ifs

National fleet pricing on a range of products and services.

Specialist financial products for union members.

LIFE Financial Planners

Bob Jane T-Marts

sstuwa.org.au/bobjane

$1,200 off your statement of advice fee plus a free financial health check for members.

easifleet

Teacher Tax

sstuwa.org.au/easifleet

sstuwa.org.au/lifefinancial

$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

Banking exclusively for the education community.

Receive Bose headphones or Bluetooth speaker, or a year’s worth of Magic Hand car washes with any easifleet procured novated lease.

Fleet Network

Package your next car and save on tax.

Bonus Samsung 8” tablet or Dash Cam with vehicle delivery.

sstuwa.org.au/fleetnetwork

Hertz

5-10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia, NZ, USA and Canada.

sstuwa.org.au/hertz

Motor Market by Union Shopper

HP

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/hp

Lenovo

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/lenovo

Longroad Website Development

Discounted website development and hosting.

sstuwa.org.au/longroad

PLE Computers

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

sstuwa.org.au/ple

Educational Resources Abacus Educational Supplies

10% discount, in store and online.

sstuwa.org.au/abacus

Beyond Monet

The Artful Science of Instructional Leadership.

By Barrie Bennett and Carol Rolheiser.

sstuwa.org.au/beyondmonet

Classroom Management

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

sstuwa.org.au/classroommgmt

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

Cooperative Learning

Thrifty Car and Truck Rental

sstuwa.org.au/cooperativelearning

sstuwa.org.au/thrifty

Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett.

sstuwa.org.au/motormarket

10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia.

tyresales.com.au

Where Heart Meets Mind. By Barrie Bennett, Carol Rolheiser and Laurie Stevahn.

Graphic Intelligence

10% discount on tyres.

sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence

Western Motor Vehicle Consultants

5-10% discount, in store and online.

sstuwa.org.au/tyresales We’ll find a car you’ll love. Save time and money when sourcing your next vehicle.

sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors

Computers Altronics

Teacher Superstore

sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

Entertainment Adventure World

Save up to $14.50 on Adventure World tickets with Westclub.

sstuwa.org.au/adventureworld

sstuwa.org.au/tmbank

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

Cars

Apple on Campus

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

sstuwa.org.au/apple

Rockface

Allwest Fleet

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

sstuwa.org.au/allwestfleet

34

Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members

Western Teacher November 2019

sstuwa.org.au/altronics For details visit:

Dell

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/dell

Movie tickets

sstuwa.org.au/movietickets

Indoor rock climbing in Northbridge. $14 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

Complimentary day pass to access wholesale prices on groceries and other goods.

sstuwa.org.au/campbells

Cellar d’Or

Best value winery tour in the Margaret RIver Region. 10% discount for members.

sstuwa.org.au/cellardor

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

Cracka Wines

Join the thousands of teachers who have already made the switch.

7.5% off online wine orders.

sstuwa.org.au/teachershealth

sstuwa.org.au/cracka

Teachers Health – Travel

Taste Bud Tours

Swan Valley “Speed Grazing” – 20% discount. Good Food, Wine & Cider (am) or Good Food, Wine & Beer (pm).

sstuwa.org.au/tastebudtours

Health and Wellbeing St John

First aid saves lives. St John offers members discounted first aid courses and kits.

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 for all buildings, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products with SkylightsWA.

sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa

10% discount on travel insurance.

sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance

STA Travel Insurance

$20 discount for members.

sstuwa.org.au/statravelinsurance

Shopping Abacus Educational Supplies

The Good Guys Commercial

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

sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys

Vet Products Direct

10% discount on pet products, plus advice from professionals.

sstuwa.org.au/vetpro

Travel and Accommodation Accor Hotels

Great savings for teachers at Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels welcomes SSTUWA members with exclusive rates at locations in Australia and NZ.

sstuwa.org.au/choicehotels

Comfort Hotel Perth City

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

sstuwa.org.au/comfortperth

10% discount, in store and online.

Experience Oz

Electrical buying

sstuwa.org.au/experienceoz

sstuwa.org.au/abacus

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

Retravision

Cost plus 5% on all products. Osborne Park location only; in store or via phone.

Nation-wide delivery available.

sstuwa.org.au/retravision

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

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

International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC)

Discounts on flights, restaurants, movies, shopping, groceries and more. $5 off ITIC for members.

sstuwa.org.au/itic

Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat

Luxurious, self-contained accommodation in Margaret River.

Discounted rates for members.

sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove

Rottnest ferry tickets

Save up to $18 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub.

sstuwa.org.au/rottnest

Teacher Superstore

STA Travel

sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

sstuwa.org.au/statravel

5-10% discount, in store and online.

Exclusive discounts for members.

Western Teacher November 2019

35

Classifieds

Classifieds Block for sale: Kalbarri

Large 770sqm block, ready to build on, two streets from the beach. 22m frontage with north facing winter aspect. Walking distance to all facilities. Be quick as seller will negotiate. All offers considered.

0402 349 203

For sale: Cooloongup

3x2 plus large utility room, fully powered workshop set amongst a quiet street and bushland. Large patio area and backyard for entertaining and family time. Offers from $350,000.

EOI: 0401 847 317

Albany (Little Grove)

Silent Grove Cottage. Self-contained two bedroom (queen/two singles) on two hectares of bushland. Undercover parking. Close to yacht club, walking/ bike trails, national park and beaches.

Teachers’ rate: $150 per night. Stay seven, get one free. www.silentgrove.iinet.net.au 9844 4950 | merron@iinet.net

Albany

“Wywurry Holidays” in 2x1 fully furnished cottage. Min 2 nights, max 6 weeks.

Sleeps 4, more with camp beds. Pet friendly. 20 min walk to Middleton Beach. $100/night for 4 people; $10/night per extra person. $550/week. $2,000/month.

Linen fee optional $50 per visit/week.

Sara: 0499 057 647 saralindsay41@gmail.com

Dunsborough (Quindalup)

Large 4x2 holiday home on Geographe Bay Rd. Swimming beach 30m away. Free use of private boat mooring. Room to park boats with boat ramp a minute away. Slow combustion wood heater and reversecycle air-con. Available all year except for leavers’ vacation. No pets.

0419 943 203 | 9448 5527 a_r_moore@bigpond.com

Dwellingup

Après Huit and Dwell Cottage provide luxury self-contained accommodation set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Can be rented separately or together. Après Huit: 2x2, main house. Dwell Cottage: 1x1, furnished in a French theme.

Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au

Falcon

Shady two bedroom beach cottage 300 metres from surf beach and protected Falcon Bay. Located on a grassy, peppermint gum 1012 sq metre block.

Sleeps eight. Well-equipped including BBQ. Close to Miami Village and all amenities, great for crabbing and fishing.

Less than one hour from Perth’s CBD along Forrest Hwy. $150 per night for Western Teacher readers.

0415 035 390 | richard.wright@iinet.net.au

Floreat

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

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

Cowaramup (Margaret River Region)

France (South)

Augusta

Private B&B within newly built home.

Parkland setting. Private queen bedroom, bathroom and breakfast room. Private entry and dedicated parking. 10 mins to Margaret River, Gracetown, central to wineries/breweries and beaches. $120 per night per couple including breakfast.

Lee: 0412 902 932

Denmark

The Rise is a modern, comfortable, 3x2 fully equipped house close to town with elevated views. Located close to Scotsdale and Mt Shadforth drives and their many tourist attractions. Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 nights.

Bookings.denmark.com.au (property The Rise) (08) 9848 2055, 9am to 5pm

3x2 house located in quaint village adjacent to Canal du Midi - noted for having 300 days of sunshine per year and hence lots of vineyards. Spain is 1hr drive; Barcelona is 2hr drive. $700 per week.

0407 368 511 | craigrebecca@bigpond.com

Fremantle

Short term accommodation in central Fremantle. Recently refurbished with all conveniences for modern living.

Townhouse has three queen-sized bedrooms plus provision for two singles.

Enjoy time in the rear garden, complete with BBQ. Secure parking for two cars, access controlled by electric gates.

9430 4458 | 0407 083 174 info@westerley.com.au

Kallaroo

Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops.

Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min 2 nights. Sleeps 4, or 5 with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person.

Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com

Mt Lawley/Dianella

Newly built 1x1 self-contained extension, furnished, with laundry, dining, lounge, kitchen and one undercover parking bay.

Aircon, TV, fridge, washing machine and microwave included. Quiet residential area close to city, buses, Galleria Morley, Mt Lawley cafe strip and Northbridge. 10 min walk to Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre; golf course across the road. $80 per night, min two nights. $50 per night for weekly and monthly rentals.

0439 964 239 | cymbie.burgoyne@gmail.com

Northam

Renovated, self-contained 30s-style three bedroom house with beautiful river views.

Short walk across the bridges to town.

Sleeps six-eight.

Kevin: 0414 446 431

Prevelly

One bedroom private spa apartment in quiet Prevelly cul-de-sac. Two minute walk from beach. Suits couples. $165 per night for Western Teacher readers.

Lucy: lcartell@iinet.net.au

Scarborough

Stay on Brighton. Comfortable 3x2 unit is a home away from home with everything you need. Sleeps six adults. Caters for children. Conveniently located near shops and café; 10 minute walk to beach. Western Teacher special: stay six nights and the seventh night is free.

Lisa: 0408 914 090 lisamaree77@hotmail.com

Trigg

Self contained accommodation. Kitchen, laundry, queen sized bed plus fold out double couch in lounge. Free WiFi and Netflix. Own entrance. Find us on Facebook.

Kerry: 0409 884 330 | FB: @justriggin 67justriggin@gmail.com

Yallingup

Rammed earth cottage, 2x1, nestled amongst bushland. Well located, short walk to Studio Gallery Bistro, two-minute drive to Caves House. Beaches, galleries, wineries and restaurants close by. Sleeps six. No dogs. stayz.com.au (property 136151) Kirsty: 0419 927 660

Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au with your phone and union membership numbers. Free for members.

36

Western Teacher November 2019

Classifieds

Classifieds Victoria (Jan Juc Beach)

Planning a holiday to Victoria? Stay on the beautiful Surf Coast, in between Torquay and the famous Bells Beach. Sleeps eight comfortably. Walking distance to the beach, golf club, shops and river mouth.

Everything you need is already there. Large entertaining areas. Discount for Western Teacher readers.

0403 803 064

Discover the best of India

Bespoke guided tours. Choose: your itinerary; your dates; your inclusions; your ayurvedic/yoga retreat; your festivals; your budget. Your holiday, your way!

Personalised information sessions – we come to you. H&M Luxury Tours ...creating memories!

0409 554 702 | support@luxetoursindia.com luxetoursindia.com

Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development

I provide holistic, confidential practical counselling to help you deal with an array of issues, some being: general relationship, mental health, anger issues/management; anxiety; depression; self-harm; grief and trauma; addiction; abuse; palliative care.

Milica Robinson, MCnsig&Psychthpy, GradCertCareerDev, BEd. 0422 358 187

Retirement coach

Are you recently retired or retiring soon?

You probably have a financial plan in place but developing a plan for the non-financial side of retirement can be as important as preparing financially. I offer support and guidance for the transition from work to retirement, helping you to find purpose and meaning in retirement. Contact me to arrange an obligation free chat. retirementcoaching01@gmail.com

Marriage celebrant

MAWA

Marriage celebrant

Calling all retired teachers!

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 Heart Centered Ceremonies for couples wanting a personalised wedding. Lee will help you design your dream wedding – a memorable occasion. Mention this ad to receive a discount.

Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au

Marriage celebrant

Experienced professional celebrant available, all areas. Formal or informal, large or small weddings. A Beautiful Ceremony will help you design an unforgettable and uniquely personal ceremony.

Mary: 0418 906 391 maryburke40@hotmail.com

Learn to social dance

Learn jive, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and other dances for social events (ball, wedding, cruise, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7.30-9pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term 1 2020 starts 10 February.

Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com

First aid training for students

St John Ambulance WA offers free first aid training to all school aged students, ranging from Triple 000 Hero for kindergarten students to Road Trauma First Aid for secondary school students.

Courses are curriculum mapped.

9334 1259 | youth@stjohnambulance.com.au

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 Are you a retired teacher with a spirit of adventure and time to spare? Would you like to assist families in remote areas of WA? You may like to join REVISE WA as a tutor. For more info, visit www.revisewa.com.au

Wanted: Teacher resources

Wanted: Your unwanted teacher resources and materials. Declutter and make some extra cash at the same time. If you have unused and unwanted resources cluttering up your classroom or home, call Kris.

Kris: 0401 263 070

Books for sale

I have retired and have a large collection of children's books for sale. Suitable for early childhood. Old books, new books, all sorts of books. $1/book.

Susan: 0420 498 879

Belly Rubs Boarding Kennels

Personalised approach to boarding your canine companion. $25 per dog – mention you’re a teacher to receive a 10 per cent discount. Located in Southern River.

Elisa: 0417 620 766 | bellyrubsboarding.com

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 November 2019

37

Noticeboard

Noticeboard

Email to editor@sstuwa.org.au

Retired Teachers’ Association We had our annual lunch on Wednesday 13 November at the Commonwealth League Headquarters in Shenton Park. The guest speaker was Lee Tate, whose book Awesome Facts on WA is current. A special general meeting followed.

The choir sang at the cafeteria at Perth Railway Station on 28 October. They were much appreciated.

The literature group had an own choice session on 21 October and on 4 November Ian Reid, adjunct professor at UWA, spoke on his recent historical novel.

The final 2019 gathering for choir and literature was on 18 November.

Members/branches wishing to submit motions for June State Council must do so by 5pm Thursday 9 April 2020.

Items for November State Council must be received by 5pm Friday 25 September 2020.

Have a happy, safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Human Rights Day – 10 December regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages. Find out more here about Human Rights Day at un.org/en/events/humanrightsday

SSTUWA committee meeting dates:

38

Early Childhood Educators’ Committee

TAFE Committee

Time: 4.15pm 2020 dates to be confirmed

Ann Strauss: 9387 2906

State Council Conference

The SSTUWA office will close at 4.30pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen at 8am on Monday 6 January 2020.

Merry Christmas and happy new year to all!

There was a quarterly meeting on Wednesday 27 November at the SSTUWA.

Festive season office closure dates

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration is a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being –

The Christmas morning tea provided by the union for retired members will be on 2 December from 10-11.30am. Please contact the union if you will be attending: 9210 6000 | contact@sstuwa.org.au

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association - 2019 meeting dates:

Saturdays, 10.30am-noon at the State Library Final 2019 meeting Mon 9 December Celebration event 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

International Committee

LGBTIQ Committee

Time: 5pm

Time: 4.30pm

Time: 4pm

2020 dates to be confirmed

2020 dates to be confirmed

2020 dates to be confirmed

New Educator Committee

Women’s Committee

Psych Services Committee

ATSIE Committee

Time: 4.30pm

Time: 4.15pm

Time: 4.45pm

Time: 4pm

2020 dates to be confirmed

2020 dates to be confirmed

2020 dates to be confirmed

2020 dates to be confirmed

Western Teacher November 2019

It feels good to be ethical

Globally, 128 companies were named as a 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company1, including 5 banks. And we’re one of them for the 6th year in a row!

Join us^ tmbank.com.au ^Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees of the Australian education sector or family members of members of the Bank. 1 The Ethisphere Institute is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practice. The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient (EQ) framework and honours superior achievements in transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. Worlds Most Ethical Companies and ‘Ethisphere’ names and marks are registered trade marks of Ethisphere LLL. www.ethisphere.com Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 00711-CSR-0419-WME-A4-WT

Transition to Retirement Specialists

Financial solutions and advice to help you transition

TTR and Tax benefits will continue into 2020 & beyond!

Please see tipsfs.com.au

Are You Retiring or Reducing Hours in 2020?

What you will need to consider …

• • • •

Can I afford to drop a day?

How much will be enough to retire on?

How can I maximize my income & reduce tax?

When is it best to pay off my mortgage?