February 2024 Western Teacher and Getting Organised 2024 by SSTUWA

Volume 53.1 February 2024

The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A.

$1.6 billion sets WA on road to full funding pg 15-18

sstuwa.org.au

In this edition

Volume 53.1 February 2024

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., 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 John Street, Northbridge WA. February 2024. Cover: The agreement to deliver 100% of the SRS for all public schools in WA will be life-changing for both educators and students. The announcement begins the long work of rolling back years of neglect and underfunding of the system. Photo credit: Sarah Murray. To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, visit: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher

Features

2024 Western Teacher deadlines Edition

Deadline

February

4 December

March

5 February

May

8 April

June

20 May

August

8 July

September

12 August

October

16 September

November

7 October

December

11 November

Dates are subject to change

Getting Organised 2024..........................................4 Top things graduate teachers should know....................................................................... 10 New policy must deliver after pay cap scrap............................................................................... 11 Empowering educators in the age of AI.................................................................................12 Union welcomes funding announcement.............................................................. 15 Funding win a team effort................................... 16 School funding agreement a first step.... 18 PISA results show need for fully funded public schools............................................ 19 Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System: Summary of the Expert Panel’s recommendations.............. 22

Regulars

From the President........................................................5 From the Senior Vice President........................6 From the Vice President..........................................8 Education and Training.........................................24 Member Benefits..........................................................26 Classifieds..........................................................................28 Noticeboard......................................................................30

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.)

Connect with us: @sstuwa

Western Teacher is the official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A.

Acknowledgement of Country: We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We wish to pay respect to their Elders – past, present and future – and acknowledge the important role all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia. We stand in solidarity. Artwork: This design was created for the SSTUWA by Tyrown Waigana, a Wandandi Noongar and Ait Koedal artist/designer and former WA public school student. Read more about the artist and the artwork at sstuwa.org.au/connections

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOREVERYCHILD.AU

Authorised by Kevin Bates, Federal Secretary, Australian Education Union, 120 Clarendon Street, Southbank, Victoria, Australia 3006

Western Teacher

February 2024

Getting Organised

Getting Organised 2024 Building the branch

The Getting Organised 2024 pack will assist and support you to organise the SSTUWA school/college branch at your worksite and nominate for State Council Conference and union committees. The elections covered are: Branch office bearers State Council Conference Union committees Health and safety reps Find information, election notices, nomination forms and more in the eNews sent to all members on 19 January or at sstuwa.org.au/GO24

In line with the union’s sustainability goals the SSTUWA has made Getting Organised a predominantly online publication this year. One printed copy has been sent to each worksite, to the attention of the SSTUWA representative.

Western Teacher

February 2024

From the President

Proper action needed to fix education By Matt Jarman President

As the latest generation of Western Australian children start their education journey it is time to stop talking and start acting to address the problems facing public education. The announcement of a new funding agreement bringing $1.6 billion into WA public schools is a good start but there is more to do. Consider these words: “Our analysis indicates that the problem goes to the more fundamental question of whether the job of teaching as currently performed and organised is doable and sustainable.” Is that a question posed by a union? No. It comes from the Department of Education’s own review Understanding and Reducing the Workload of Teachers and Leaders in Western Australian Public Schools. The department’s own report confirmed pretty much every finding of Facing the Facts – a review commissioned by the SSTUWA and conducted under Dr Carmen Lawrence. That is really concerning because Facing the Facts said: “The profession is at breaking point and requires immediate steps to improve education delivery and morale.” The SSTUWA was not surprised as 86 per cent of members who responded to the union’s 2023 State of our Schools survey said they had considered quitting the profession in the past four years. Thousands have done exactly that – left the sector either entirely or partially. They have resigned, retired early or

This article first appeared as an op-ed piece in The West Australian newspaper. See pages 15-18 for the latest information.

dramatically reduced their hours because they simply cannot cope any longer – they feel underfunded, overworked and they are over it. In many cases they have been replaced by teachers who have not even finished their degrees. The shortages are so desperate people who are not fully qualified are being drafted in so the department can claim a teacher is in front of every classroom.

teachers and the classrooms we need to

Like other public sector workers, they were targeted under Mark McGowan to help fix the state’s budget. They were given $1,000 a year salary rises for four years while inflation was raging far ahead of that. It took coordinated action by an alliance of public sector unions to give that salary cap the boot, but in the meantime teachers in WA have gone from the best paid in Australia to well down the national table.

Yes, that will require more teachers

This is not just an issue for educators. With many families working longer hours to make ends meet due to the cost-of-living crisis, it has never been more important for them to be able to rely on their kids getting a quality education through the public system. Teachers are facing increased demands from student behaviour, higher class sizes and the increased use of Individual Learning Plans for children with complex needs. To ensure that all children can get the individual attention they need to thrive, we need a carefully considered and fully funded plan to reduce class sizes in WA schools, that ensures we have both the

achieve this.

This would include a plan to reduce

maximum class sizes across the public system, with additional reductions in individual class sizes, based on the

number of children in each class requiring an Individual Learning Plan.

at a time when we are already facing shortages. The alternative though is

far worse; a continued drain from the profession.

We need urgent action to stop the

exodus, start attracting experienced

teachers back and then future-proof the profession.

The SSTUWA is calling on the WA

government to invest some of its

record surplus into teachers and public education.

As well as addressing class sizes, we

need better salaries, more respect for

the profession, and a clear strategy to address red tape, so that all children

can get a quality education and the WA economy has the skills it needs for the future.

The SSTUWA has made it clear our

preference is to work cooperatively with the government to fix public education. What we need now is action. Western Teacher

February 2024

From the Senior Vice President

Taking action to fix core concerns By Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

On 23 January advice was sent out to all school members via eNews regarding Directives to SSTUWA members from the Executive Committee in relation to the 2023 EBA negotiations. A letter was sent separately to all principals (both member and non-member) via email to all schools. You can check sstuwa.org.au/GA23 to see what the latest situation is regarding the directives or if any offer has been received since Western Teacher went to print and appeared online. These are the directives that were issued: Executive Directives Directives to SSTUWA members from the Executive Committee in relation to the 2023 EBA negotiations

No member is to participate in any performance management or performance review processes/meetings. This includes the Principal Professional Review process (PPR). (This refers to performance management only, it does not include sub-standard performance processes).

2. Members are not to attend any (whole or part of) staff meetings held: •

In accordance with clause 9.3 of the General Agreement 2021 (i.e. the five hours per term).

•

Outside instructional hours (before/after school; during lunch or recess; for school leaders this includes regional, cluster and network meetings).

•

During DOTT time.

The SSTUWA has not received an offer from the Department of Education of terms for a replacement General Agreement.

Directive two includes:

The new state government wages policy was announced in December, confirming the removal of the salary cap and a return to collective bargaining.

•

Committee meetings

•

Learning area meetings

•

Planning, assessment and reporting meetings

•

Network or cluster meetings

•

Communication meetings including those held before school or during recess or lunch

The Public Sector Alliance of unions agreed on a joint position as follows: A)

An increase of seven per cent for the first year of the Agreement to all salaries and allowances.

An increase of five per cent in the second year of the Agreement to all salaries and allowances, or national CPI, whichever is the greater.

We continue to negotiate with the employer on salaries and other aspects of the Log of Claims but have not yet received an offer. In the interim, the SSTUWA Executive has resolved the following directives: As no agreement in principle was reached by 25 January 2024, the SSTUWA Executive authorises SSTUWA members to implement the following stage one industrial actions from the commencement of Term 1 (29 January 2024): 6

Western Teacher

February 2024

Not included in directive two: •

Critical incident meetings

•

Individual parental meetings

•

Trade off - professional learning

•

Student individual case conference

•

Union meetings

•

Parent/teacher interviews

•

Professional learning

•

Public School Review

•

School board meetings

From the Senior Vice President If you are a member of the SSTUWA please support your colleagues in their actions. We advise principals and union representatives to discuss and manage the implementation of these directives. These actions are essential as part of the process to seek solutions to the ever-increasing workloads of teachers and leaders alike in public schools. In 2023 the SSTUWA conducted a State of our Schools survey. Over 1,400 members responded. The survey included sections for principals and school leaders. In terms of workload, among school leader respondents about 95 per cent said it was high or very high, with 40 per cent working over 40 hours a week, 37 per cent working over 50 hours a week and almost 16 per cent working more than 60 hours a week. Over 20 per cent of principals were working more than 60 hours per week and 39 per cent more than 50 hours per week. This meant 92 per cent of school leaders surveyed reported high to very high stress levels, a figure matched by principal respondents. Seventy-three per cent of school leader respondents and 63 per cent of principal respondents had considered leaving the profession over the previous four years. The core issues driving such considerations were burn out, lack of respect for the profession, workload and work/life balance, personal health and wellbeing and salaries. Any industrial action can be inconvenient for members and non-members alike. However, the developing crisis in teacher numbers will not be fixed until core concerns are addressed. The SSTUWA has created a detailed Log of Claims, available at sstuwa.org.au/GA23, which seek proper action from the employers to address workload, wellbeing, safety and salary issues, with specific claims centred on improving conditions for principals and leaders. If you are not a member of the SSTUWA you can scan the QR code on this page to sign up and view the log. If you are a member of a different organisation or a member of none, please consider supporting your peers in whatever manner you can. We absolutely understand that school leaders face pressure from all sides when industrial action is taken. This is why it is a last resort. We have urged all reps and members to make sure this situation is approached collegially and respectfully. There is already an active effort to divide school leaders and teachers. It is deliberate and designed to weaken the bonds that

teachers develop and share as they move into leadership roles. The SSTUWA is offering to work cooperatively with government to fix public education and address the core issues identified in both the Facing the Facts review and the Minister’s own red tape review. We must address the factors that are driving teachers out of the profession and restore its rewards and reputation. That can only be done with a united approach at all levels.

Act now for better pay and conditions. Not an SSTUWA member? Join today at sstuwa.org.au/join or scan the QR code.

Western Teacher

February 2024

From the Vice President

What will 2024 bring? By Sharmila Nagar Vice President

The start of every year brings about a flurry of wanting change, new resolutions, new goals and new ideas. As a union we are no stranger to this concept and want to be better, bigger and to fight harder. Each year brings about new changes within the union and its operations. Just take our recent inclusion of podcasts, which have been popular with our listeners as a way to hone in on key current issues and union priorities. Another change in 2024 going forward will be eligibility criteria around who can join our committees. You would have noticed in the Getting Organised booklet that there will be changes within our committee structures. The following committees are for members who identify as such: •

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee

•

LGBTIQ+ Committee

•

Women’s Committee

These committees are for members who represent their respective sectors: •

Early Childhood Educators Committee

•

New Educators Committee

•

School Leaders Committee

•

TAFE Committee

As a union we have had many allies support the work of our committee, particularly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee and LGBTIQ+ Committee, and we want to thank members for their commitment, solidarity and hard work. 8

Western Teacher

February 2024

We know that as a union it is about time that we harness this change and the only way we can be better is to prioritise the voices of those who identify or represent their specific sectors. We encourage our members to join in where applicable.

International Women’s Day 2024

On Friday 8 March there will be key events across WA to support women in the many roles that they fulfill and really look at what changes need to be made. This year’s theme of Count Her In: Invest in Women, will focus on the need for economic inclusion and empowerment for women and girls.

2030 is becoming an increasingly distant goal. UN Women recently highlighted that one of the key issues challenging the goal of gender equality by 2030 was the “alarming lack of financing with a staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in spending on gender-equality measures.” What is even more concerning, is the lack of progress for women and girls across all 17 SDGs. The infographic on the opposite page gives more information on this situation.

Gender equality is goal five of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by all UN member states in 2015.

The Count Her In theme will be prioritised in March at the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women where “accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Unfortunately, current trends indicate that the goal of reaching gender equality by

Further details of this event will be available via our social media channels.

Western Teacher

February 2024

OF GIRLS have completed schooling at the upper secondary level, compared to 57% of boys.

60%

In the aggregate girls have surpassed boys in school completion across all levels of education, but completion rates remain below 100. Only

Parity ≠ universality.

since 2015.

PROGRESS HAS STALLED

globally, from 339 to 223 deaths per 100,000 live births, but

one third

Between 2000 and 2020, maternal mortality declined by

The gender gap in power and leadership remains entrenched.

per day on unpaid care and domestic work than men.

2.3 MORE HOURS

At the current rate of progress, the next generation of women will still spend on average

still lack laws in all key areas of gender equality, including on equal rights to enter marriage and initiate a divorce.

54% OF COUNTRIES

Strong legal frameworks can promote positive change, but despite progress,

per year is needed to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across key global goals, including to end poverty and hunger.

$360 billion

An SDG stimulus targeted at gender equality objectives is key for transformational impact. An additional

NONE

380 million

by 2050.

674 million

WOMEN AND GIRLS live in a context of high or critical water stress. This number is projected to increase to

Water is life. Yet,

assess at global level. This is a slight improvement from last year where 5 indicators lacked sufficient data.

4 lack sufficient data to

target” and

4 are “far or very far from

distance to target”,

2 are “close to target”, 8 are at a “moderate

of Goal 5 indicators are at “target met or almost met”, a mere

At this critical midpoint

51 cents.

In 2019, for each dollar men earned in labour income globally, women earned only

WORKING AGE MEN.

90.6% of PRIME

are in the labour force compared to

WORKING AGE WOMEN

61.4% of PRIME

Only

by 2050.

185 million

WOMEN AND GIRLS IN POVERTY by

Achieving universal electricity access could reduce the number of

as likely as men to experience discrimination on the basis of marital status.

almost twice

as likely as men to report instances of discrimination based on sex and

TWICE

Women are

83% MEN.

of inventors in international patents in 2022 were WOMEN, compared to

17%

A mere

236 million

more WOMEN AND GIRLS.

Food insecurity caused by climate change is also projected to increase by as much as

WOMEN AND GIRLS globally may be pushed into poverty as a direct result of climate change.

158 million

In a worst-case climate scenario, by 2050, as many as

WOMEN AND GIRLS will live in slum or slum-like settings around the world.

1.05 billion

Unless urban planning and adequate housing are prioritized, by 2050 an estimated

Funding to gender equality is particularly low in the humanitarian aid sector.

Only of total bilateral aid is dedicated to programmes where gender equality is the principal objective.

REMAINS INADEQUATE.

Halfway to 2030, aid to support gender equality programming

than the number in 2017.

50% higher

in 2022,

614 million

The number of women and girls living in conflictaffected contexts reached

THE GENDER SNAPSHOT 2023

Source: UN Women and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2023. “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2023.” 4-5. https://doi.org/10.18356/9789210029063.

$1 trillion.

Addressing gender gaps in agrifood systems can reduce food insecurity as well as boost global GDP by nearly

are expected to be moderately or severely food insecure by 2030.

WOMEN AND GIRLS

1 in 4

Close to

NO POVERTY goal by 2030.

26 times faster to reach the

Progress will need to be

will still live in extreme poverty by 2030.

WOMEN AND GIRLS

340 million

If current trends continue, over

management positions in the workplace.

28.2% of

government and

35.5% in local

parliament,

26.7% seats in

Globally women hold just

Snapshot of Snapshot gender equality of gender across equality the Sustainable across the Development Sustainable Development Goals Goals

PROGRESS ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

From the Vice President

New educators

Top things graduate teachers should know By Chloe Hosking Growth Team coordinator

Here at the SSTUWA, the Growth Team provides specialised support to new educator members. Here are the top five things we think every first year graduate needs to know.

graduate teacher. This is in recognition of the additional workload of a brand new teacher having to navigate much of the work and processes of teaching for the first time.

1. You should receive a start up allowance of $1,600 (pro-rata) in your first or second paycheck of the year. This is paid via payroll, and should be paid again at the start of your second year of teaching, too.

As a graduate teacher, it’s important to be proactive about this entitlement make a time to discuss your availability for internal relief with your principal or relief coordinator as early in the school year as possible.

Keep an eye on your first few pay slips, and if you don’t see this come in, check in with your manager of corporate services for advice.

4. Once you’ve completed Graduate Module 1, you can request to join the In-Class Coaching Program. You will be allocated a teaching and learning coach from Statewide Services who will meet with you regularly for confidential, non-judgmental coaching.

2. Your school has been paid funding to support you as a graduate teacher. Your school should have $150 that you can use to purchase curriculum materials for you to keep. There should also be funding for eight days of additional graduate release time over your first year, which might be taken as entire days or scheduled as additional weekly release time.

This is fantastic for building the skills of reflective practice, and super helpful for transitioning to full registration as well. What’s more, this program is provided entirely free of charge.

Finally, there is funding to pay a relief teacher to send you on your mandatory graduate modules (or pay you if you complete your modules online, or during a weekend or school holidays), plus a contingency allowance to pay for any costs associated with attendance.

5. If you have any questions or concerns about your working conditions, you can access support from your union. Make sure you introduce yourself to your union rep and attend a branch meeting, and remember you can speak to your rep or call Member Assist (9210 6060) to help you navigate any issues you might have with your working conditions.

3. You should only be required to undertake internal relief by your agreement. Under the 2021 General Agreement (Clause 25.4), the use of graduate teachers for internal relief should be by agreement with the

Plus, for new educator specific support, advice and news, don’t forget to read the new educator article in each Western Teacher, check out your NEN news emailed monthly, and join the New Educator Network – WA Facebook group.

Western Teacher

February 2024

New policy must deliver after pay cap scrap UnionsWA has commented on the release by the Cook Government of a new public sector pay policy which has abolished the cap on public sector wages in WA. Since its launch in June 2021, the Public Sector Alliance, coordinated by UnionsWA, has called for the end to the wages cap and a return to genuine bargaining. Owen Whittle, UnionsWA Secretary, said the latest wage policy is a welcome improvement on the past and a vital shift back to genuine negotiation within the state public sector. “Removing an arbitrary pay cap and allowing unions to bargain on merit will deliver better outcomes over the long term for working people and the communities served,” he said. “Since 2017 the State Wages Policy has led to a race to the bottom on wages and hampered the ability to deliver vital public services. “Public sector unions and UnionsWA launched the Public Sector Alliance (PSA) in June 2021 to increase wages in the public sector and return to genuine bargaining. “We are pleased that the state

government has listened to our public sector workforce.” Mr Whittle said the PSA was united, not only in securing this bargaining process, but also to ensure real wages growth to make up for declining real pay over many years.

Industrial

“Good faith bargaining is what goes on in every other workplace, so of course that can and should occur across the public sector.

“Bargaining will allow for consideration of a wider range of issues.

“Public sector workers deserve real wage increases,” he said.

“While pay will always be central, other

“We stay committed to pushing for seven per cent and five per cent pay rises over the next two years, an aim that unions have strongly reconfirmed.

manage workloads better, infrastructure

“At the end of the day what needs to be delivered are pay rises in the pockets of working people that factor in high costs of living. “We have seen first-hand the impacts of divisive and stringent pay policy on the public sector workforce, including low morale, attraction and retention issues and stretched service delivery.”

conditions - overall staffing levels to and other investments – are also

important and vary from workplace to workplace.

“A properly paid firefighter stuck with old trucks and or inadequate safety

equipment, or a properly paid teacher with huge classrooms packed full of

students, cannot do their job properly

and they do want to be able to negotiate better outcomes for the services we all rely on.

Mr Whittle said this was the state government’s opportunity to catch up.

“The great failure of the earlier fixed low

“The proposition that different agencies need to bargain in good faith with their workforce and union representatives is sound,” he said.

backwards for many – in the case of

pay policy was that real wages went

senior teachers, firefighters and child

protection workers by over ten thousand dollars since 2017.”

About the Public Sector Alliance

The membership of the Public Sector Alliance represents Enterprise Bargaining Agreements covering over 100,000 working people in the WA public sector and comprises of coordination by UnionsWA and membership of several affiliated unions including United Workers Union, CPSU/CSA, United Professional Firefighters Union, WA Police Union, State School Teachers’ Union of WA, Health Services Union WA, Professionals Australia and the Rail Tram and Bus Union.

Western Teacher

February 2024

International education

Empowering educators in the age of AI By Armand Doucet

More than a year has passed since the public launch of ChatGPT, representing Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) significant arrival in education. This development has unfolded in the aftermath of a pandemic, that we continue to grapple with, trying to comprehend the lasting effects it has had on our education systems, classrooms, learning environments and most importantly our students. There should be no doubt, we are in the vortex of a major storm. As we venture into 2024, AI no longer stands as the proverbial elephant in every classroom, staffroom, school, departments and communities, but as a prominent and unavoidable aspect of education. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, prompting reflection on various fronts — the urgency to find solutions and the

imperative for these solutions to be firmly anchored in a framework rooted in the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has led me to reflect quietly on potential scenarios, read, experiment and test, feeling a mix of concern and excitement. Internally, I strongly feel the whirlwind, mirroring the external reality of being a classroom teacher at this moment. Educators, students, administrators and parents alike are grappling with the implications of this technological advancement.

What now?

In our current polarised world, it’s rare to take a balanced perspective, considering both the positive and negative aspects. Opinions on AI, such as ChatGPT and others, vary widely. Some hail it as the ultimate educational tool, while

others envision doomsday scenarios. The integration of AI in education, encompassing benefits such as improved planning, personalised learning and administrative efficiency, as well as challenges such as bias, data privacy and changing roles, elicits strong emotions among educators due to its multifaceted impact on classrooms, schools and pedagogy. It is creating a landscape where navigating change is imperative, whether we embrace it willingly or not. Education has always unfolded within a paradox, where unceasing change clashes with our yearning for the perception of stability. AI has now unimaginably amplified the changes happening, leaving any sense of stability seemingly elusive especially in secondary and tertiary education. Educators find themselves struggling with the swift impact and transformations in education, feeling a sense of inadequacy when they are piloting some form of AI integration or experiencing the frustration of being left behind for not attempting it. This forced transformation prompts a profound reflection. We now face a crucial choice: Face the evolving landscape head-on or risk losing our bearings, adjusting our direction as needed. In this process, we aim to embody what we aspire for our children — the ability to be lifelong learners.

Time for action

“Grouille ou rouille” is a French expression that I often use at home and in my classroom. It translates to “hustle or rust” in English. We will need to keep moving forward, embracing our own learning and challenges, and be proactive to avoid the perception of stability through complacency. This is not about change for change’s sake in our practice and classrooms. It is about making our lives easier, more efficient so that we can 12

Western Teacher

February 2024

International education

concentrate on what’s important in the classroom and how learning happens, through our collective humanity. We have faced a roaring debate in education between what should and should not be part of a student’s education journey. At times and in certain circumstances or regions, this debate has been very contentious, embroiled in beliefs, values, politics, economics, religions, cultures, etc. The question at the core of this debate revolves around the role of education: Is the journey solely focused on curriculum and academics, or is it centred on a holistic education that includes academics, emotional intelligence, social skills, wellbeing, civics, competencies and life skills? Obviously, this is a simplified question and is never this clear cut. But in essence, you can find in this question why many fear AI in education, and why there is a lack of broad willingness to engage with it, especially in the classroom. In certain instances, AI has emerged as a personalised tutor for students, seemingly achieving the elusive one-to-one ratio for learning. However, its current focus tends to be predominantly specific to academic and curriculum tasks and

in many instances does the step-bystep explanation extremely well. What it can’t do and overlooks is the intricate interconnectedness of all facets within a holistic education. This neglects the vital role that professional teachers play in navigating the broader dimensions of learning for each student, but it can be an incredible support if treated appropriately and within the learning process. With our social contract eroding in democratic societies, a prevalent concern arises that the rush to implement this one-to-one AI ratio at all grade levels may lead to privatisation in education and the prioritisation of profit over the comprehensive wellbeing of students. I hold great respect for Chris Dede, a senior research fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and an expert in the history of educational technologies, reading whatever I can find on his thoughts of AI in education. Yet, I humbly disagree with his recent statement in a TIME magazine article: “Generative AI is certainly not, in my opinion, some kind of enormous breakthrough that’s going to transform education.” This isn’t an isolated issue that we can address by treating only the symptoms; it’s comparable to a

stage four cancer that has spread extensively. That being said, I agree with his explanation in the Edcast, Educating in a World of Artificial Intelligence, in which he describes “the trick about AI is that to get it, we need to change what we’re educating people for because if you educate people for what AI does well, you’re just preparing them to lose to AI. But if you educate them for what AI can’t do, then you’ve got Intelligence Augmentation.” Our approach demands a complete rethink, necessitating collaboration across sectors and involving the entire spectrum of educational players, not just the academics, policy makers and politicians. Efforts have been made to rally together a partnership between many major education organisations in both the private and public sectors. TeachAI is one example. They are trying to produce reports and guidelines for using AI in education and much more. My worry is that teacher and school leader voices are lost in these partnerships when in fact they are the ones who have the most upto-date knowledge and understanding on how it is impacting learning, their classrooms and their students. (Continued on page 14)

Western Teacher

February 2024

International education (Continued from page 13) International bodies and frameworks, such as the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession or the OECD’s Learning Compass 2030, should also pay close attention to the comprehensive integration of AI in education across all dimensions. Failing to do so might render them outdated in no time. This, however, also begets the same issue for our policy makers, administrators, teachers, parents and students. How do we collectively look at this to empower us instead of becoming overwhelmed and obsolete. Often a teacher’s job will be compared to flying a plane and trying to fix it at the same time. Well, we now find ourselves on a rocket ship rather than a plane, navigating uncharted territories with storms both internally and externally.

What we know

In this vortex, the question that we should be asking is: How do we ensure that the invaluable role of professional teachers, with their nuanced understanding of holistic education, is not overshadowed in this shift and instead enhanced? To find some sense of stability, here are some elements that I currently understand to be true: 1.

No one – absolutely no one – possesses a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate this landscape in education. The literature and examples available often focus on isolated aspects of learning, management or assessment. We are all figuring it out and playing catch-up.

The concept of lifelong learning, with teachers as perpetual learners, is no longer a choice but an inevitable reality.

3. Ethics in AI, especially in education, needs to be at the forefront of this wave of integration. This is extremely hard as we try to integrate in real time. 4. AI is a permanent fixture in education, necessitating well-defined parameters that will significantly impact teaching, learning assessment, pedagogy, teacher training and virtually every aspect of education. 5. Every educational thought leader is saying that AI will not replace teachers, but what may happen is that teachers who do not use AI to enhance their practice will be left behind. 6. The ongoing debate within education about what to teach and what not to teach is more critical than ever. Defining non-negotiables, referencing foundational documents and determining the way forward are paramount considerations and need to be anchored in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, needing to be student and teacher centred. 7.

The current teacher professional development model and pre-service training will not meet the demands of our new reality without substantial funding and resource allotment for research and development, as well as a restructure of the current pre-service and training models to keep up with the needs and skills of the profession.

8. Teacher agency and empowerment as well as non-hierarchal communication structures within our education system are now more important than ever. We cannot have constant bottlenecks; decisions need to be made in real-time. This creates the urgent need for the guiding document of core principles mentioned above.

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As the education discourse has matured, recognising the significance of context in implementing purported “best practices,” it becomes imperative to grasp the current landscape. And, keep in mind, student/teacher wellbeing, learning and agency must be at the centre of education moving forward, while we constantly refresh our practices based on our ever-evolving world. My second article in this three-part series (to be published in future issues of Western Teacher) aims to lay bare my vulnerability in grappling with these existential questions and looks at possible solutions on integrating AI in classrooms/schools. Every facet of education is swept up in this transformative wave, either causing chaos and calamity or carving out new pathways for exploration. The willingness to engage is paramount, it will change how we educate. Armand Doucet, a member of the Order of Canada, is a globally recognised thought leader for his innovative contributions to education. With a focus on student engagement and the integration of technology, he has become a prominent figure in shaping progressive teaching methodologies. His commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and advocacy for positive changes in public education has established him as a leading voice in the field. The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and does not necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of Education International, the AEU or SSTUWA. The article was first published on the Education International website and has been reproduced here with permission.

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Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding

Union welcomes funding announcement The State School Teachers’ Union of WA has described last month’s funding announcement for public schools as a very positive first step. SSTUWA President Matt Jarman said the agreement to deliver 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for all public schools in Western Australia will be life-changing for both educators and students. “(This) sees the start of fixing public education in WA and begins the long work of rolling back years of neglect and underfunding of the system,” he said. “It is a sign that the state and federal Labor governments have faced the facts and accepted that fixing public education requires full and proper funding. “It is a moment to congratulate everyone who has stepped up in this fight for full funding, especially SSTUWA members, their AEU colleagues across the nation, parents, school communities and supportive local MPs at both state and federal level.

“It took a massive community effort, driven by teachers, to reach the point where we can start rolling back the damage done and deliver the public education system Australia needs and deserves.”

requires state and federal government

Mr Jarman said the independent review commissioned by the union, Facing the Facts, had laid out the problems and the solutions for the public education system, many of which would be able to be implemented under the new funding arrangement.

to direct this funding where it is most

However, Mr Jarman said there was more work to be done. “While this is a giant step forward for education funding, we are still seeking the reinstatement in its own right of the four per cent that was absorbed into the state’s share after previously being paid as an additional amount,” he said. “This four per cent was worth $230 million in 2023 to WA public school students. “Equally, public school infrastructure

investment, and we will continue to lobby for that. “Immediately though, we ask the Cook Government to move forward urgently needed and to form a joint consultative committee which includes the real experts in education – teachers and school leaders. “We ask the state government to work cooperatively with us to take the Facing the Facts blueprint, backed up in almost every item by the minister’s own red tape report, and start using this funding to fix public education. “This can make an immediate difference around core issues such as salaries and class sizes – stopping the exodus of teachers, attracting back those who have left and future-proofing the profession.”

Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding

Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding

Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding

School funding agreement a first step The Australian Education Union has called on all governments to commit to ending the underfunding of public schools as a matter of urgency saying the future of the teaching profession is at stake along with the quality of education delivered across the nation. AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe welcomed the news that WA is going to be the first state to commit to fully funding public schools by 2026. But Ms Haythorpe said there needed to be a bigger investment than the one proposed by the Commonwealth and the WA government to achieve that goal. “Right now, only 1.3 per cent of public schools are funded to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) which is the minimum level governments agreed over a decade ago was required to meet the needs of their students,” she said. “We applaud the commitment by the Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and the WA government to get schools to 100 per cent of the SRS by 2026. However, (the) agreement will only see WA public schools reach 96 per cent of the SRS. “WA’s SRS funding share is artificially inflated by four per cent through the inclusion of costs not directly related to the education of students in schools, such as capital depreciation, transport and regulatory costs. That four per cent of the SRS was worth $230 million for WA in 2023 and that money still needs to be delivered to WA public schools before schools are truly funded at 100 per cent of the SRS. “This has to be the first step rather than the final agreement. “With full funding principals and teachers can change the lives of students across the nation. It will mean more help for children at risk of falling behind and more support for teachers inside and outside of the classroom to cut their workloads and help address the growing needs of students. “Short-changing our schools is shortchanging our students at a time when we 18

Western Teacher

February 2024

can least afford it. The challenges are too great and the human costs too high not to fully resource our schools. “We have a teacher shortage crisis caused by crippling workloads, unacceptable achievement gaps between children from different backgrounds and locations and a worrying decline in student mental health and wellbeing.” Ms Haythorpe said all public schools across the nation should reach a genuine 100 per cent of the SRS by 2028 with the Albanese Government lifting its share from 20 per cent of the SRS to 25 per cent of the SRS for states and 40 per cent of the SRS in the NT. There also needs to be a significant investment of capital funding in new bilateral agreements struck this year. “The Commonwealth has underfunded public schools for decades while overfunding private schools. Only 1.6 per cent of the federal budget is spent on public schools,” she said. “The Albanese Government’s current offer of 22.5 per cent of the SRS should be revised to 25 per cent of the SRS for all states and 40 per cent of the SRS for the NT by 2028.” Parliamentary Budget Office figures show that an average annual investment

of just over $1.8 billion is required if the Commonwealth is to lift its funding share from 20 per cent of the SRS this year to 25 per cent by 2028. Ms Haythorpe said an Expert Panel convened by education ministers in December warned the need for full funding in every state and territory was “urgent and critical” and the first step towards ensuring all students receive the support they need. The panel said full funding must be delivered across the country “within a comparable timeline”. “As the Expert Panel found, funding gaps are fuelling unacceptable achievement gaps between students from different backgrounds and locations,” Ms Haythorpe said. “Disadvantaged secondary students are six times more likely to be low performers than those from advantaged backgrounds. “Declining student mental health and wellbeing is a major source of concern and there are acute teacher shortages across the country caused by unsustainable workloads. “We don’t have a level playing field in education that ensures every child gets every opportunity to succeed. Fixing that starts with funding.”

On the road to full funding

PISA results show need for fully funded public schools By Trevor Cobbold Convenor, Save our Schools Australia

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results reveal Australia has one of the most unequal school systems in the OECD and that inequality is increasing. There are large achievement gaps in reading, mathematics and science of five or more years of learning at age 15 and the gaps have widened since 2006. As well, a large and growing proportion of disadvantaged students do not achieve international standards. The new results intensify the pressure on the federal and state/territory governments to fully fund public schools because they enrol over 80 per cent of disadvantaged students. To his credit, the Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, said: “This again highlights the importance of fixing the funding gap and this education gap in Australian schools.” The question is whether he will deliver in the next National Schools Reform Agreement. As [journalist] Michelle Grattan stated on The Conversation website:

Source: De Bortoli, L., Underwood, C., & Thomson, S. (2023). PISA in Brief 2022: Student performance and equity in education. Australian Council for Educational Research.

The OECD states that 20 points on the

PISA scale represents about one year of learning. The gaps between high and low SES students increased from just

over four years of learning to nearly five

“Education Minister Jason Clare performs convincingly but his tests are still to come, especially as Australia grapples with how to improve school outcomes.” (The PISA results reinforced how imperative this is.)

years in reading and over five years in

The achievement gaps between high socio-economic status (SES) and disadvantaged students have widened in reading, mathematics and science since 2006 [Chart 1].

nearly seven years of learning in science.

mathematics and science.

The gaps between high SES and

Indigenous students in reading remains at just over six years of learning and The mathematics gap increased

significantly from about six years to six

and a half years. The gaps between high

SES and remote area students increased by about one year of learning, with a reading gap of over five years and nearly six years in mathematics and science. OECD data show that Australia now has the equal 12th largest mathematics achievement gap between high and low SES students out of 37 OECD countries for which data is available, the 13th largest gap in science and the 14th largest in reading. The results also strongly suggest that the learning of disadvantaged students (Continued on page 20) Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding Over half of all Indigenous students (55 per cent) did not achieve basic mathematics proficiency, 45 per cent did not achieve reading proficiency and 46 per cent did not achieve science proficiency. The percentage of disadvantaged students not achieving basic proficiency standards was generally three to four times that of high SES students. Only about 10 per cent of high SES students did not achieve these standards. Very few disadvantaged students achieved at the highest proficiency levels compared to high SES students. Only two to four per cent of low SES, Indigenous and remote area students achieved at the highest PISA proficiency levels compared to about 25 per cent of high SES students [Chart 4]. Source: De Bortoli, L., Underwood, C., & Thomson, S. (2023). PISA in Brief 2022: Student performance and equity in education. Australian Council for Educational Research.

(Continued from page 19) suffered more from the Covid pandemic than advantaged students. Reading, mathematics and science scores fell for all disadvantaged students between 2018 and 2022 but largely increased for advantaged students [Chart 2].

Large proportions of disadvantaged students did not achieve the basic PISA proficiency level in 2022. Onethird or more of low SES and remote area students did not achieve basic proficiency in reading and science while 43 per cent of low SES and 48 per cent of remote area students did not achieve basic mathematics proficiency [Chart 3].

The percentage of high SES students achieving at the highest proficiency levels was about eight times that of disadvantaged students. The new PISA results demonstrate that Australia has a highly inequitable school system. The school system is failing disadvantaged students, the vast majority of whom are in public schools. Over 90 per cent of disadvantaged schools are public schools. Not only does failure at school restrict the future of

Reading scores for low SES, Indigenous and remote area students fell by about six months of learning while there was an insignificant change for high SES students. Mathematics scores for disadvantaged students fell by over six months of learning but increased for high SES students. Science scores for high SES students increased by nearly a year of learning but declined for disadvantaged students including a decline of about six months of learning by remote area students. Disadvantaged students had more problems in learning during the Covid shutdown. These students had less access to online learning technology and less family resources at home. Covid and the digital divide between rich and poor has set back the learning of low SES, Indigenous and remote area students and widened the gaps between them and their SES peers. 20

Western Teacher

February 2024

Source: De Bortoli, L., Underwood, C., & Thomson, S. (2023). PISA in Brief 2022: Student performance and equity in education. Australian Council for Educational Research.

On the road to full funding sure policies try to narrow the achievement gap.”

Closing the achievement gaps between rich and poor requires bridging the

funding gap between private and public schools.

Education ministers must commit the funding required to meet the special challenges of public schools.

Public schools must be fully funded by 2028 and all disadvantaged schools

fully funded in the first year of the next National Schools Reform Agreement. This is a test of the commitment of

education ministers to improving results for disadvantaged students and to the future of public education. All public school teachers and parents will be Source: De Bortoli, L., Underwood, C., & Thomson, S. (2023). PISA in Brief 2022: Student performance and equity in education. Australian Council for Educational Research.

watching. Let us hope the ministers are up to the test.

The opinions expressed in this article individual lives, but it also restricts our economic prosperity and contributes to an unequal and divided society.

of the expert panel that reported on the

The failure to fully fund public schools is a major factor contributing to inequity in education outcomes. Public schools are massively under-funded.

benchmarking students’ performance to

National Schools Reform Agreement has recommended: “We should be the most affluent kids, to make

are that of the author and does not

necessarily reflect any official policies

or positions of the AEU or SSTUWA. This

article was first published on the Save our Schools Australia website and has been reproduced here with permission.

The under-funding is evident in a large shortfall in government funding as a percentage of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). In 2023, public schools in all states except the ACT are funded at 90 per cent or less of their SRS [Chart 5]. On average, public schools are funded at only 87.5 per cent of their SRS compared to 105.5 per cent for private schools. The funding shortfall in public schools is estimated at $6.8 billion. By contrast, private schools are overfunded in all jurisdictions except the Northern Territory. The over-funding amounts to $1.1 billion. The onus is on education ministers to map a path forward to improve school results for disadvantaged students and reduce the massive achievement gaps between rich and poor. As Professor Pasi Sahlberg of the University of Melbourne and a member

Source: Senate Estimates, Commonwealth-State bilateral agreements and annual reports of regulatory agencies. Note: The SRS shares differ from those published by the Commonwealth Department of Education and in the Commonwealth/State bilateral funding agreements because they adjust for flaws in the official figures.

Western Teacher

February 2024

On the road to full funding

Summary of the Summary of the Expert Panel’s Expert Panel’s recommendations recommendations

The Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System was published in December 2023. This is a summary of the recommendations.

Implementation balances consistency across the country with flexibility for local contexts

STUDENT OUTCOMES: STUDENT OUTCOMES: ALL STUDENTS REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL ALL STUDENTS REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL 1A. school provides targeted and tailored supports responding student needs, delivered needs, by appropriately trained 1A.Every Every school provides targeted and tailored supports to responding to student delivered by appropriately trained staff – including regular screening and catch-up support – to identify and close learning gaps.

staff – including regular screening and catch-up support – to identify and close learning gaps.

1B. Every school will use a Year 1 Phonics Check and an equivalent numeracy screening check.

1C. Teachers have access to quality assured comprehensive curriculum materials and highly effective and development including in the areas recommended the Teacher and Education Expert Panel. and Teachers haveprofessional access to quality assured comprehensive curriculumbymaterials highly effective 1C.evidence‑based

evidence‑based professional development including in the areas recommended by the Teacher Education Expert Panel.

1D. Every student receives support to successfully transition to post school education, training or employment through enhanced career education and targeted programs.

ADDRESSING DISADVANTAGE: NO STUDENT IS HELD BACK

2A. Governments and Approved Authorities take action to improve socio‑economic diversity within and across schools and systems, including incentivising our most effective teachers to work in schools with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and monitoring, reviewing policy settings, and reporting on socio-economic diversity.

2A. Governments and Approved Authorities take action to improve socio‑economic diversity within and across

2B. Governments implement full‑service school models to connect students with the community and health services schools and systems, including incentivising our most effective teachers to work in schools with high levels of they need, including occupational therapists and speech therapists.

socio-economic disadvantage and monitoring, reviewing policy settings, and reporting on socio-economic diversity.

2C. Governments partner with First Nations stakeholders to ensure schools provide culturally responsive learning and assessments all First Nation students. 2B.environments Governments implementfor full‑service school models to connect students with the community and health services

they need, including occupational therapists and speech therapists.

2D. Systems will deliver greater inclusion and support of students with disability to meet their needs and aspirations.

2C. Governments partner with First Nations stakeholders to ensure schools provide culturally responsive learning environments and assessments for all First Nation students.

WELLBEING: STUDENTS ARE SUPPORTED AND BELONG

2D. Systems will deliver greater inclusion and support of students with disability to meet their needs and aspirations. 3A. A national student wellbeing measure will be established to understand trends and ensure supports are effective.

WELLBEING: STUDENTS ARE SUPPORTED AND BELONG

3B. Systems prioritise investments in evidence‑based approaches to improving wellbeing, with an emphasis on ensuring students feel safe, respected and culturally included.

3A. A national student wellbeing measure will be established to understand trends and ensure supports are effective. 22 Improving Outcomes for All: Summary Report 3B. Systems prioritise investments in evidence‑based approaches to improving wellbeing, with an emphasis on ensuring students feel safe, respected and culturally included.

Western Teacher

February 2024

Improving Outcomes for All: Summary Report

On the road to full funding

TEACHER WORKFORCE: VALUED, STRENGTHENED, DIVERSE 4A. School leaders and educators have additional time to plan and collaborate and access to mentoring and specialised training. 4B. Governments commit to increasing the number of First Nations educators by partnering with First Nations people to improve cultural safety and better recognising the skills and experience of First Nations staff. 4C. Educators benefit from improved recognition, reward and career pathways to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of the workforce. 4D. Governments will drive national harmonisation of teacher registration, to support mobility and improve data sharing for workforce planning.

MAKING BETTER USE OF OUR DATA: GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY TO IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMES 5A. Governments adopt a more coordinated national approach to data collection and sharing to ensure data-driven system improvement. 5B. Governments and sectors will implement the Unique Student Identifier as a matter of urgency. 5C. Schools, systems and governments better understand student outcomes and progress against the reforms by using existing data better and filling in essential data gaps.

PERFORMANCE AND TRANSPARENCY: FUNDING THAT GLOWS IN THE DARK 6A. Approved Authorities improve transparency by annually publishing their school funding allocation models, actual allocations, and more information on what the funds get spent on. 6B. Systems strengthen support for students with disability and ensure more transparency and accountability on the supports students with disability receive.

SUPPORTING INNOVATION: AND REFORM EFFORTS 7A. Governments negotiate a 10 year agreement to provide sufficient time and consistency to realise reform efforts. 7B. Governments measure progress against six student focussed targets and one workforce focussed target. 7C. Australians know how the education system is performing through accessible and interactive public reporting. 7D. The next agreement will be negotiated and delivered in partnership with First Nations peoples, with more local First Nations engagement supporting implementation. 7E. Governments take a structured approach to co‑investing in education innovation to ensure Australian students benefit from evidenced-based system improvements over the life of the Agreement. Source: Australian Government. 2023. Improving Outcomes for All: Australian Government Summary Report of the Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System. 22-23. https://bit.ly/41U9LEC

23 Summary of the Expert Panel’s recommendations Western Teacher February 2024

Education and Training Centre

Education & Training Centre Join us at the Education and Training Centre in 2024 Whatever your role or career stage, the SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre is available to provide high quality industrial, professional, career development and work health and safety courses to support your needs. All courses are conducted by skilled, experienced and passionate educators who provide outstanding learning opportunities around a wide range of topics and industrial matters. Join us at the SSTUWA building for face-to-face events or jump online to participate in our wide range of outstanding online professional events. School holidays provide an opportunity to recuperate and connect with other educators through a range of professional events on offer. The holiday courses are suitable for selfidentified professional learning needs of K-TAFE educators.

Save the date: Conferences and Forums in 2024 During 2024 we will also be offering a range of conferences and forums. Plan ahead and make use of your trade union training (TUT) quota in 2024. Save the dates for the following TUT approved events. Union Representative Conference: Schools

Friday 28 June

Early Childhood Educator Conference

Friday 9 August

Women’s Conference

Friday 25 October

Climate Change and Sustainability Forum

Friday 10 May

Early Childhood Forum

Friday 17 May

New Career Teachers’ Forum

Wednesday 10 July

LGBTIQ+ Forum

Wednesday 24 July

Term 1 planner The following page provides an overview of the Term 1 training schedule. Courses commence in Week 4. Use the planner to display in the staff room and encourage your colleagues to attend a training event at the SSTUWA. 24

Western Teacher

February 2024

Education and Training Centre

The Education and Training Centre 2024 Schedule of Courses – Term 1 Visit the SSTUWA website www.sstuwa.org.au for all course outlines, costings, times and registration details. Email: training@sstuwa.org.au or call Cecilia, Florecil or Daniela on 9210 6035 Month

February/ March

March

Professional Events

Conferences and Forums

Industrial Training

Week

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs Day one

Day two

Day three

Day four

Day five

February

WHS Courses

Online Events

Union Representative Training Level Two Day one

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs

Women’s Contact Officer Level One Day two

Union Representative Training Level Two Day two

Getting it Right – Setting up the Classroom for Success 120 minutes

Labour Day

Women’s Contact Officer Level One Day one

Friday

Leading Wellbeing – Planning for Success Using Your Strengths 120 minutes

11 March

7 18

March

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs

Day one

Day two

Day three

Day one

Day two

TAFE Agreement and Campaign Training for Union Representatives and Committee Members Day one

TAFE Agreement and Campaign Training for Union Representatives and Committee Members Day two

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for Schools

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs Day four

Understanding Employment Law Frameworks for Schools

Education Specific: Five-Day Introductory Course for HSRs Day five

Planning for an Inclusive Classroom 90 minutes

March

Union Representative Training: Growth Coaching

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools

Day one

Day two

Day one

Day two

Place on your union noticeboard

Western Teacher

Good Friday

February 2024

Member Benefits

Member benefits Accountants and

Financial Advisers Aston Accountants

10% discount on personal income tax returns for members. sstuwa.org.au/aston

Industry Fund Services

Cars

AutoBahn

Mechanical and electrical services. Members receive 10% off any AutoBahn service or repair, capped at $100. sstuwa.org.au/autobahn

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Effective Group Work

Beyond Cooperative Learning. By Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/effectivegroupwork

Graphic Intelligence

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Instructional Intelligence

Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom. An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/instructionalintelligence

Teacher Superstore

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Member Benefits

*Terms & conditions apply. Please visit our website for full details.

For more information visit sstuwa.org.au/benefits and the benefits tab of the SSTUWA App Food and Wine Campbells

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WA Opticians

20% discount on spectacle frames and lenses. Perth and East Perth. sstuwa.org.au/waopticians

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Johns Building Supplies

Trade prices on paint and painters’

hardware. Builders prices on all other

Insurance and Legal

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For details visit: sstuwa.org.au/journeycover

SSTUWA Legal Services

Access to quality legal services for both work-related and personal matters. sstuwa.org.au/legal

Teachers Health Fund

Join the thousands of teachers who have already made the switch. sstuwa.org.au/teachershealth

Teachers Health – Travel

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sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels

Choice Hotels Choice Hotels welcomes SSTUWA members with exclusive rates at locations in Australia and NZ. sstuwa.org.au/choicehotels

across Oz + NZ.

Members can access a complimentary simple will, where appropriate. For more information or details about a complex will, visit: sstuwa.org.au/wills

Shopping Dot Mall

BBQs, heaters and backyard kitchens. 5% discount for members. sstuwa.org.au/dotmall

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isubscribe

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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

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

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Teacher Superstore

5-10% discount, in store and online. sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

The Good Guys Commercial

Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ full range. sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys

sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove

Mandurah Houseboats sstuwa.org.au/houseboats

Metro Hotel Perth City 15% discount on the best available rate. Located in East Perth near the WACA and Gloucester Park. sstuwa.org.au/metroperth

Rottnest ferry tickets Save up to $15 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub. sstuwa.org.au/rottnest

Western Teacher

February 2024

Classifieds

Classifieds Block for sale: Jurien Bay

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

Augusta

3x1 spacious holiday rental. One double, one queen, five singles. 200m from the river and town. Magnificent river views. One large living area, three sided veranda and BBQ. Provide own linen and towels. $150 per night plus $50 cleaning fee. gregrowl@iinet.net.au

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 reverse-cycle air-con. Available all year except for leavers’ vacation. No pets. 0419 943 203 a_r_moore@bigpond.com

Dwellingup

Après Huit and Dwell Cottage provide luxury self-contained accommodation set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Can be rented separately or together. Après Huit: 2x2, main house. Dwell Cottage: 1x1, furnished in a French theme. Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au

Dwellingup

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

Floreat

Studio B&B. New, stylish single room. Fridge, kitchenette, TV, aircon in lovely peaceful Floreat house and garden. Linen, tea/coffee, continental/cooked breakfast ingredients supplied. Suit mature person wishing to enjoy quiet accommodation. Close to city, buses, shops, hospitals and beaches. $85 per night, min two nights. Weekly and monthly rates available. SMS: 0422 333 057

Frankland River

Private secluded retreat. Choose from three different types of separate accommodation. Three bedroom homestead: two king beds, two single beds – sleeps six (no pets). Two adults $195/night, children under 13 $25/night, extra adult guests $50/night. One bedroom chalet: one queen bed – sleeps

two. $139/night, adults only. One bedroom cabin: one queen bed – sleeps two. $169/night, adults only. franklandriver.com.au Jade: 0430 450 093 | Sam: 0413 160 093

Fremantle

Short term accommodation in central Fremantle. Recently refurbished with all conveniences for modern living. Townhouse has three queen-sized bedrooms plus provision for two singles. Enjoy time in the rear garden, complete with BBQ. Secure parking for two cars, access controlled by electric gates. 9430 4458 | 0407 083 174 info@westerley.com.au

Fremantle

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

Kallaroo

Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops. Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min two nights. Sleeps four, or five with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person. Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com

Kalbarri

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

Lancelin

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

Margaret River

Two bedrooms, private, comfortable, fully equipped stone cottage with fireplace, located amongst the forest opposite Boranup National Park, 17km south of Margaret River on Caves Road. Close to beaches, wineries, caves and galleries. $150 per night for two people, or provide own linen and towels for $120 per night. Russell: 0418 933 270

Nannup

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

Safety Bay

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

Trigg

Self contained accommodation. Kitchen, laundry, queen sized bed plus fold out double couch in lounge. Free WiFi and Netflix. Own entrance. Find us on Facebook. Kerry: 0409 884 330 | FB: @justriggin 67justriggin@gmail.com

Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au along with your union membership number. Free for members. 28

Western Teacher

February 2024

Classifieds 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

Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development

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

Funeral celebrant

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

I am an experienced funeral celebrant. It will be my honour to assist you in the cocreation and presentation of a ceremony that serves to honour your loved one, by revealing their essence through a uniquely constructed and presented combination of spoken word, rituals, symbols, audio and visual displays. 0449 075 001 Kc.fcelebrant@gmail.com

Retirement coach

Learn to social dance

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

Marriage celebrant

Marriage celebrant with 12 years of experience, working in the Peel, South West and Perth areas. Specialising in creating personalised ceremonies for couples at their chosen wedding location. I’d love to help you plan your special day! Meridith: 0400 312 535 meri.lake4@gmail.com

Marriage celebrant

Heart Centered Ceremonies for couples wanting a personalised wedding. Lee will help you design your dream wedding – a memorable occasion. Mention this ad to receive a discount. Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au

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 starts 5 February. Term 2 starts 22 April. 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. (08) 9334 1259 youth@stjohnambulance.com.au

Free dairy excursions

Brownes Dairy invites your classroom to join a free curriculum-linked tour of the dairy in Balcatta. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 get a unique hands-on experience and see how our dairy operates and produces award

Classifieds

winning dairy products enjoyed in WA for 130 years. school.tours@brownesdairy.com.au

Road safety education for schools

RAC offers free curriculum aligned road safety workshops and online resources for primary schools (pre-primary to Year 6) and secondary schools (Years 10 to 12), covering a range of road safety topics designed to keep young people safe on and around the roads. (08) 9436 4471 | rac.com.au/education communityeducation@rac.com.au

Actors reading to kids: it’s Storyville!

Storyville is a free literacy initiative run by Australian performers through the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance. The program harnesses the talent of performers to encourage children to read and specifically targets primary schools with socio-economic disadvantage or where for a majority of students English is a second language. diane.cameron@equityfoundation.org.au

MAWA

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

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

February 2024

Noticeboard

Email to editor@sstuwa.org.au

Retired teachers

State Council Conference

The next meeting of the Retired Teachers’ Association is Wednesday 14 February at the SSTUWA premises from 10am. All retired members are welcome.

June 2024 State Council Conference will be held on 14-15 June. Agenda items must be received by 19 April.

Video conferencing facilities are available for those who cannot attend in person. Email contact@sstuwa.org.au for the link.

November 2024 State Council Conference will be held on 15-16 November. Agenda items must be received by 20 September.

Stay in touch: Join the RTA Facebook Group – search “Retired Teachers’ Association of the SSTUWA”.

National Apology Day anniversary

World Day of Social Justice

On 13 February 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and Indigenous assimilation. This landmark moment is remembered every year on 13 February as an important step in the process of reconciliation. For more information and classroom resources visit: bit.ly/3pEJO9p

This day has been mandated by the United Nations since 2007 to recognise the need to promote social justice by tackling poverty, gender inequality, exclusion, unemployment and pursuing human rights and social protections. For more information visit: bit.ly/3oCAfZ3

20 February

13 February

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association:

Have you moved or changed workplaces this year?

2024 meeting dates Term 1

Thurs 21 March SSTUWA and online, 4.30pm

Term 2

Sat 18 May Online, 10.30am

Term 3

Thurs 5 Sept SSTUWA and online, 4.30pm

Term 4

AGM: Sat 30 Nov Online, 10.30am

Venue: SSTUWA, 1 West St, West Perth and/or online via Zoom More info: www.l3cta.org.au | contact@l3cta.org.au

Ensure your SSTUWA membership details are up-to-date, including your contact information and workplace details. Update your details online at sstuwa.org.au/UpdateMyDetails, via the SSTUWA app, or contact the Membership Team at membership@sstuwa.org.au or (08) 9210 6000.

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

New Educators Committee

LGBTIQ+ Committee

2024 dates TBC

Women’s Committee

Early Childhood Educators Committee

School Leaders Committee

2024 dates TBC

Western Teacher

February 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee 2024 dates TBC

TAFE Committee 2024 dates TBC

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

Get the app

Western Teacher

February 2024

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

TTR and Tax b continue into 2024 & beyond! Please see tipsfs.com.au

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Getting Organised 2024 Get organised with: Branch elections Support for union reps State Council elections Committee nominations HSR elections

Please retain this document. It contains important information relating to: establishing branches, nominations for branch positions, nominations for State Council, work health and safety, and other significant union information. Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Getting Organised

January 2024

Building your union branch At the start of each year, union members at your worksite should meet to organise your branch of the SSTUWA. It is generally the responsibility of the previous year’s union representative to arrange this meeting. The rep (or other member) should use the information in this document to build the worksite branch for 2024.

3) Work health and safety

First days

Ensure your workplace has elected HSRs and advise the SSTUWA of the result of the election/s via the HSR update form included in your worksite’s Getting Organised pack and available online at sstuwa.org.au/go24

1) Set up the union noticeboard. 2) Arrange to convene the initial union meeting, preferably during week one or two of 2024, or arrange to hold a ballot via email. (Note: all union members must be informed.)

Initial union meeting The Nominations for branch office bearers form.

•

Membership list.

•

Getting Organised 2024 (this document).

•

Agenda, venue and time.

The SSTUWA can provide support for HSR elections if required.

After the meeting

Materials for meeting: •

It is important to have elected health and safety reps (HSRs) to represent staff for work health and safety matters. The new Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) has changed the way elections for HSRs occur. See the Q&A on page 18 of this document for further information.

These materials were posted to your worksite, attention of the SSTUWA representative, and the forms are also available online at sstuwa.org.au/go24 Meeting agenda

Important jobs to do as the 2024 union rep and/or deputy union rep: 1) Return the Nominations for branch office bearers form to the union office. You must return this form every school year. We recommend you return this form by Friday 1 March. You may also submit this form electronically via sstuwa.org.au/go24 2) Review and update your membership list, and email the amended list to membership@sstuwa.org.au (Note: Changes will not take effect, including on website/app membership lists, until the member authorises the amendment directly with the union.)

1) Branch elections Conduct elections for branch positions and record the results on the Nominations for branch office bearers form. Refer to the box on the right of this page for role descriptors. The SSTUWA rules allow for one branch member per position, for all positions. • • • • • •

Union rep Deputy union rep Treasurer Secretary Women’s contact officer District Council delegate

2) Union communications •

•

• 2

Agree on the regularity and forms of communication for union-related information within your worksite. Agree on and diarise future union meeting dates for the year. Check your worksite’s planner to minimise clashes. Delegate a union noticeboard keeper. Getting Organised

January 2024

3) Meet with your worksite’s leader to: •

Advise the leader of the union branch officers election outcome.

•

Raise, discuss and/or negotiate any immediate union member issues.

•

Schedule future meeting times for each term. (A minimum of two is suggested.)

•

Seek an agreement for union rep time.

4) Contact your district organiser at the SSTUWA to touch base. Find their contact details on page 7. Introduce yourself, outline your worksite issues, and/or invite your SSTUWA district organiser to visit your workplace. 5) Most importantly, register for union delegate training. Visit the training tab at sstuwa.org.au or call the Education and Training Centre on (08) 9210 6035.

Branch roles

One branch member per position

Union representative

The union rep is elected to represent the interests of all members in the workplace. The role of the union rep is explored in union rep training offered each term by our Education and Training Centre.

Deputy union representative

The deputy union rep is elected to be able to fill the union rep role should it be necessary. Their main role is to assist the union rep in representing the interests of their members. The deputy union rep can also attend training offered each term by our Education and Training Centre.

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for claiming branch operating expenses (ie capitation funds). They should complete the branch financial return form that was included in the info pack posted to your worksite (also available online at sstuwa.org.au/go24) Teachers Mutual Bank can establish an operating account for your branch with no account keeping fees. Call (08) 9421 8701 and visit tmbank.com.au

Secretary

The secretary works with the union rep to distribute information to the members at the worksite. They also record the items discussed at branch meetings and the outcomes/actions agreed to be taken by the branch.

Women’s contact officer

The women’s contact officer works in conjunction with the union rep to encourage women’s involvement in union structures, disseminate information about women’s issues and gender equity, promote women’s issues, and provide opportunities for women’s voices to be heard.

District Council delegate

The District Council delegate represents the branch at District Council meetings to ensure the branch has a voice within the wider union. They present branch motions to the District Council, in accordance with governance procedures. Delegates then share the information that they received with the branch upon their return.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Union reps:

Roles, responsibilities and support

Union reps play a vital leadership role in the workplace. The union rep is often the first point of contact for members in schools and TAFE colleges seeking information or advice about their working conditions or entitlements.

Union representative legislative rights and responsibility

(b) Access to facilities required for the purpose of carrying out their duties. Facilities may include but not be limited to, the use of filing cabinets, meeting rooms, telephones, fax, email, internet, photocopiers and stationery. Such access to facilities must not unreasonably affect the operation of the organisation and is in accordance with normal Departmental protocols.

Schools: Teachers Award 1993 Clause 62

62. Union Facilities for Union Representatives

(1) The Employer recognises the rights of the SSTUWA and PFWA to organise and represent its members.

(2) The Employer will recognise SSTUWA representatives and the members of the PFWA Council as the representatives of the PFWA and will allow them to carry out their roles and functions.

(d) Paid access to periods of leave for the purpose of attending Union training courses in accordance with Clause 63. – Leave to Attend Union Business of the Award. Country representatives will be provided with appropriate travel time.

(3) SSTUWA representatives in the Department have a legitimate role and function in assisting the SSTUWA in the tasks of recruitment, organising, communication and representing members’ interests in the workplace, Department and SSTUWA branch.

(e) Notification of the commencement of new employees, and as part of their induction, time to discuss the benefits of Union membership with them.

(4) The Employer recognises that, under the SSTUWA’s rules, SSTUWA representatives are members of a branch representing members within a SSTUWA electorate. A SSTUWA branch may cover more than one workplace. (5) The SSTUWA will advise the Employer in writing of the names of the SSTUWA representatives in the Department. (6) The Employer must recognise the authorisation of each the SSTUWA and PFWA representatives in the Department and must provide them with the following. (a) Paid time off from normal duties to perform their functions as a Union representative such as organising, recruiting, individual grievance handling, collective bargaining, involvement in the branch and to attend Union business in accordance with this clause and the Department’s Industrial Relations Advice 6 of 2009. The Department will consult with the Unions regarding any proposed changes to this Industrial Relations Advice.

(f) Access to awards, agreements, policies and procedures. (g) The names of any Equal Employment Opportunity and Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare representatives. (7) The Employer recognises that it is paramount that Union representatives in the workplace are not threatened or disadvantaged in any way as a result of their role as a Union representative.

TAFE: TAFE General Agreement 2021 Clause 91 91. Union Facilities for Union Representatives 1

The Managing Directors recognise the rights of the Union to organise and represent its members. Union representatives in Colleges have a legitimate role and function in assisting the Union in the tasks of recruitment, organising, communication and representing members’ interests in the workplace,

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

at the College and on Union committees. 2

The Managing Directors recognises that, under the Union’s rules, Union representatives represent members in a branch, which may cover one or more workplaces or may cover part of a workplace.

The Managing Directors recognises that, under the Union’s rules, a TAFE Committee representative represents members in a branch at the TAFE Committee.

The Managing Directors will recognise Union representatives in Colleges and will allow them to carry out their role and functions.

The Union will advise the employer in writing of the names of the Union representatives in the College.

The Managing Directors shall recognise the authorisation of each Union representative in the College and shall provide them with the following: a) Paid time off from normal duties to perform their functions as a Union representative such as organising, recruiting, individual grievance handling, collective bargaining, involvement on Union committees and to attend Union business in accordance with Clause 71 - Leave to Attend Union Business of this Agreement. b) Access to facilities required for the purpose of carrying out their duties. Facilities may include but not be limited to, the use of filing cabinets, meeting rooms, telephones, fax, email, internet, photocopiers and stationery. Such access to facilities shall not unreasonably affect the operation of the organisation and shall be in accordance with normal College protocols. c) A noticeboard for the display of Union materials including broadcast email facilities. (Continued on page 4.) Getting Organised

January 2024

(Continued from page 3.)

●

d) Paid access to periods of leave for the purpose of attending Union training courses in accordance with Clause 72 - Trade Union Training Leave of this Agreement. Country representatives will be provided with appropriate travel time. e) Notification of the commencement of new employees, and as part of their induction, provide time for the Union representative to discuss the benefits of Union membership with them. f) Access to awards, agreements, policies and procedures. g) Access to information on matters affecting employees in accordance with Clause 11 – College Consultation and Clause 14 – Notification of Change of this Agreement. h) The names of any Equal Employment Opportunity and Safety and Health representatives. 7

The employer recognises that it is paramount that Union representatives in the workplace are not threatened or disadvantaged in any way as a result of their role as a Union representative.

Union representatives should be able to: ●

Carry out their responsibilities without obstruction and to be treated with respect in accordance with relevant legislation, awards, agreements, union policy and union decisions.

●

Be provided with time off work to carry out their union duties, in agreed circumstances.

●

Have reasonable access to equipment such as photocopiers, telephones, computers, email, facsimile machines, meetings rooms, notice boards and staff rooms.

Have access to members to discuss employment related issues during work hours, mindful of members’ employment responsibilities.

to members as requested with the support of their branch secretary. ●

Work productively with the worksite’s SSTUWA district organiser.

●

Represent members and to advocate for them to their appropriate supervisor.

●

Have timely access to supervisors and to discuss work issues that relate to the welfare of members.

Encourage members to take the first step in dealing with their issues and problems.

●

Access five days of paid trade union training leave to attend SSTUWA courses, in accordance with the relevant award.

Publicise union services through their union noticeboard and with the help of their branch team.

●

Assist members during meetings related to their welfare.

●

Organise and lead local campaigns on issues important to members at the workplace as required.

●

Organise and lead membership involvement in SSTUWA campaigns at local and at state-wide level.

●

Conduct branch meetings as required with the support of their branch team.

●

Provide members with advice and support.

●

Attend union representative training courses.

●

Attend their local network and district meetings and to encourage members to also attend, and ensure the branch has an elected District Council delegate to attend these meetings.

●

Interact with other SSTUWA members, members of other unions and employer representatives in a professional manner.

●

Be given appropriate support by the SSTUWA officers and staff.

●

Speak publicly on behalf of union members at the workplace in relation to workplace union issues.

●

Schools: Be included in induction programs for beginning teachers and new staff in collaboration with the principal.

●

Schools: Represent the SSTUWA on the school level School Grievance Committee.

●

Schools: Represent SSTUWA branch members on the School Workload Advisory Committee.

Day-to-day responsibilities of union representatives In collaboration with other union delegates at the branch, the day-to-day responsibilities of union representatives are to: ●

Represent the SSTUWA in the workplace.

●

Be the first point of contact between members at the workplace and the union office, particularly in relation to their issues and concerns.

Act at all times in accordance with the SSTUWA’s rules, policies, procedures, priorities and decisions.

●

Schools: Represent the union on the Grievance Committee Level 1 and Workload Advisory Committee, and work collaboratively with delegates from other unions at the workplace where appropriate.

●

Recruit new members.

●

Distribute union information and correspondence from the SSTUWA

Support for union representatives •

•

On receipt of the nominations for branch office bearers form the SSTUWA will email a branch kit to your worksite’s elected representative. This introductory kit will enable the rep to establish themself in the workplace. The material is also available in the union rep hub at sstuwa.org.au/unionreps The SSTUWA Education and Training Centre (ETC) offers courses each year for new and experienced union representatives. Union representatives have access to their local district organiser for worksite visits and advice.

Getting Organised

January 2024

•

Member Assist provides answers to queries in relation to teachers’/lecturers’ working conditions and leave entitlements, as well as other industrial, professional and workers’ compensation issues.

•

Members should be encouraged to contact their union representative for advice in the first instance, and then to contact Member Assist if further information is needed.

•

Union representatives are encouraged to contact their district organiser for help and support where needed.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Forms needed to build your branch

Recommended return date: Friday 1 March Branch nominations open: Monday 29 January 2024 Branch nominations close: Friday 15 March 2024*# Some brief paperwork is required of your branch at the start of 2024. The forms pictured below must be completed every school year, even if positions have not changed.

Your worksite will receive a pack addressed to the SSTUWA representative containing these forms, and they may also be accessed and submitted online at sstuwa.org.au/go24

Please complete and return these forms by Friday 1 March.

1. Nominations for branch office bearers

2. Branch financial return

3. Membership list update

4. Health and safety rep update (see pg 19-20)

Membership list update

If you have new members arriving or former members departing your branch, please amend your membership list accordingly and email the new list to membership@sstuwa.org.au. The SSTUWA Membership Team will then contact the relevant members directly to confirm the amendments. Please note that membership lists for your branch (including those on the SSTUWA app and website) can only be formally updated once the member concerned has authorised the changes directly with the union.

9999

Monkey Mia High School

First Name

Surname

Margaret

Leonard

Dale

Guereca

Rebecca

Mola

Adeline

Lurz

Helen

Brzycki

Brian

Cranshaw

Archer

Montrone

Joycelin

Flinck

Allen

Tilney

Jeremy

Cezeaux

Lacey

Matsukata

Lynn *Nominations forSchossberger branch office bearers received after 15 March 2024 will be formally credentialed and sent to the Executive Caitlyn Cruz # Elections, should a branch require one, will be completed by 31 March 2024. Committee for endorsement. Michael Vetter

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Getting Organised

January 2024

District structure and organisers 2024 SSTUWA/AEU WA Branch

Every school/college has a designated organiser to support union reps and members with managing school/branch matters. Find your district and organiser on the following pages. Note: The 2024 State Council delegate elections will be conducted using the pre-existing state electoral boundaries, thus the electorates and list of worksites within each electorate and district on pages 6-13 still reflect the old boundaries and names. As state electorate boundary changes have now been formalised, the 2025 elections will reflect those new boundaries.

District 1 - Belmont

Electorates: Bassendean, Belmont, Forrestfield Union organiser: Vicki Turner

District 2 - Bunbury

Electorates: Bunbury, Collie-Preston, Vasse Union organisers: Joe Isaia

District 3 - Butler

Electorates: Burns Beach, Butler, Joondalup Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich

District 4 - Fremantle

Electorates: Bicton, Fremantle, Willagee Union organiser: Ian Daw

District 5 - Goldfields

Electorates: Kalgoorlie (FH), Roe (ID & VT) Union organisers: Ian Daw (ID), Frank Herzog (FH), Vicki Turner (VT)

District 6 - Hillarys

Electorates: Hillarys, Kingsley, Wanneroo Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich

District 7 - Jandakot

Electorates: Cockburn, Jandakot, Southern River Union organiser: Ian Daw

District 8 - Kalamunda

Electorates: Armadale, Darling Range, Kalamunda Union organiser: Natalie Swinbourn 6

Getting Organised

January 2024

District 9 - Kimberley-Pilbara Electorates: Kimberley (FH), North West Central (SD, FH & JI), Pilbara (JI) Union organisers: Sally Dennis (SD), Frank Herzog (FH), Joe Isaia (JI)

District 10 - Maylands

Electorates: Balcatta, Maylands, Mount Lawley Union organiser: Sally Dennis

District 11 - Moore

Electorates: Central Wheatbelt (ME), Geraldton (SD), Moore (SD & ME) Union organisers: Sally Dennis (SD), Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler (ME)

District 12 - Morley

Electorates: Landsdale, Mirrabooka, Morley Union organiser: Vicki Turner

District 13 - Murray

Electorates: Dawesville, Mandurah, Murray-Wellington Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

District 14 - Perth

Electorates: Cottesloe, Nedlands, Perth Union organiser: Sam Yates

District 15 - Riverton

Electorates: Bateman, Riverton, Thornlie Union organiser: Sally Dennis

District 16 - Rockingham Electorates: Baldivis, Kwinana, Rockingham, Warnbro Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

District 17 - Scarborough

Electorates: Carine, Churchlands, Scarborough Union organiser: Joe Isaia

District 18 - Stirling

Electorates: Albany, Warren-Blackwood Union organiser: Ian Daw

District 19 - Swan

Electorates: Midland, Swan Hills, West Swan Union organiser: Joe Isaia

District 20 - Victoria Park

Electorates: Cannington, South Perth, Victoria Park Union organiser: Sam Yates

School leaders

Electorates: State-wide Union organiser: Melissa Rinaldi

TAFE

Electorates: State-wide Union organiser: Ramona Mitussis Find your worksite information, including your school/college’s organiser, listed in the member hub at sstuwa.org.au

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Contact your SSTUWA district organiser Cherry Bogunovich

0427 007 988 cbogunovich@sstuwa.org.au District and electorates Butler: Burns Beach, Butler, Joondalup

Ian Daw 0412 427 738 idaw@sstuwa.org.au Districts and electorates Fremantle: Bicton, Fremantle, Willagee Goldfields: Roe (partial) Jandakot: Cockburn, Jandakot, Southern River Stirling: Albany, Warren-Blackwood

Sally Dennis 0403 043 852 sdennis@sstuwa.org.au Districts and electorates Kimberley-Pilbara: North West Central (partial) Maylands: Balcatta, Maylands, Mount Lawley Moore: Geraldton, Moore (partial) Riverton: Bateman, Riverton, Thornlie

Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Melissa Rinaldi

Districts and electorates Moore: Central Wheatbelt, Moore (partial)

School leaders organiser, state-wide

0411 693 236 mearle-sadler@sstuwa.org.au

Murray: Dawesville, Mandurah, MurrayWellington

Rockingham: Baldivis, Kwinana, Rockingham, Warnbro

Frank Herzog

0429 366 873 fherzog@sstuwa.org.au

Districts and electorates Goldfields: Kalgoorlie

Kimberley-Pilbara: Kimberley, North West Central (partial)

Joe Isaia

0413 201 294 jisaia@sstuwa.org.au

Districts and electorates Bunbury: Collie-Preston, Vasse

Kimberley-Pilbara: North West Central (partial), Pilbara

Scarborough: Carine, Churchlands, Scarborough

Ramona Mitussis

0411 693 248 rmitussis@sstuwa.org.au

TAFE organiser, state-wide

Find your district District 1 – Belmont

Electorates: Bassendean, Belmont, Forrestfield

Bassendean

Union organiser: Vicki Turner Anzac Terrace Primary School Ashfield Primary School Bassendean Primary School Beechboro Primary School Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Cyril Jackson Senior Campus ESC East Beechboro Primary School Eden Hill Primary School

0439 279 547 mrinaldi@sstuwa.org.au

Natalie Swinbourn

0427 993 075 nswinbourn@sstuwa.org.au

District and electorates Kalamunda: Armadale, Darling Range, Kalamunda

Additional sites School of Special Educational Needs (all) Statewide Services

Vicki Turner

0417 932 966 vturner@sstuwa.org.au

Districts and electorates Belmont: Bassendean, Belmont, Forrestfield Goldfields: Roe (partial)

Morley: Landsdale, Mirrabooka, Morley

Sam Yates

0408 794 883 syates@sstuwa.org.au

Districts and electorates Perth: Cottesloe, Nedlands, Perth Victoria Park: Cannington, South Perth, Victoria Park

Hampton Senior High School Kiara College Lockridge Primary School Reid Street Engagement Centre West Beechboro Primary School

Redcliffe Primary School Rivervale Primary School South East Language Development Centre

Belmont

Union organiser: Vicki Turner

Union organiser: Vicki Turner Belmay Primary School Belmont City College Belmont Primary School Carlisle Primary School Cloverdale ESC Cloverdale Primary School Kewdale Primary School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Forrestfield

Darling Range Sports College Dawson Park Primary School East Kenwick Primary School Edney Primary School Forrestfield Primary School High Wycombe Primary School Kenwick School Maida Vale Primary School Getting Organised

January 2024

Wattle Grove Primary School Woodlupine Primary School

District 2 – Bunbury

Electorates: Bunbury, Collie-Preston, Vasse

Bunbury

Union organisers: Joe Isaia

Adam Road Primary School Bunbury Primary School Bunbury Senior High School Carey Park Primary School College Row School Cooinda Primary School Dalyellup College Dalyellup Primary School Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School Greater Bunbury Engagement Centre Maidens Park Primary School Manea Senior College Newton Moore ESC Newton Moore Senior High School Picton Primary School South Bunbury ESC South Bunbury Primary School South Regional TAFE - Bunbury Southwest Regional Education Office Tuart Forest Primary School

Collie-Preston

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Allanson Primary School Amaroo Primary School Australind Primary School Australind Senior High School Boyanup Primary School Capel Primary School Clifton Park Primary School Collie Senior High School Dardanup Primary School Donnybrook District High School Eaton Community College Eaton Primary School Fairview Primary School Glen Huon Primary School Kirup Primary School River Valley Primary School South Regional TAFE - Collie Treendale Primary School Wilson Park Primary School

Vasse

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Busselton Primary School Busselton Senior High School Cape Naturaliste College Cowaramup Primary School Dunsborough Primary School Geographe ESC Geographe Primary School South Regional TAFE - Busselton Vasse Primary School West Busselton Primary School 8

Getting Organised

January 2024

District 3 – Butler

Electorates: Burns Beach, Butler, Joondalup

Burns Beach

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Burns Beach Primary School Clarkson Community High School Clarkson Primary School Currambine Primary School Kinross College Kinross Primary School Mindarie Primary School Mindarie Senior College North Metropolitan TAFE - Clarkson Quinns Beach Primary School Quinns Rocks Primary School Somerly Primary School

Butler

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Alkimos Beach Primary School Alkimos College Alkimos Primary School Butler College Butler Primary School East Butler Primary School John Butler Primary College Merriwa ESC Merriwa Primary School Shorehaven Primary School Two Rocks Primary School Yanchep Beach Primary School Yanchep Lagoon Primary School Yanchep Rise Primary School Yanchep Secondary College

Joondalup

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Beaumaris Primary School Clarkson Engagement Centre Connolly Primary School Eddystone Primary School Edgewater Primary School Heathridge Primary School Joondalup ESC Joondalup Primary School North Metropolitan TAFE - Kendrew North Metropolitan TAFE - McLarty Ocean Reef Primary School Ocean Reef Senior High School Poseidon Primary School

District 4 – Fremantle

Electorates: Bicton, Fremantle, Willagee

Bicton

Union organiser: Ian Daw Attadale Primary School Bicton Primary School Melville Primary School Melville Senior High School Palmyra Primary School Richmond Primary School

Fremantle

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Beaconsfield Primary School East Fremantle Primary School East Hamilton Hill Primary School Fremantle College Fremantle Primary School Hilton Primary School John Curtin College Of The Arts Phoenix Primary School South Metro Education Regional Office South Metropolitan TAFE - Beaconsfield South Metropolitan TAFE - Maritime Southwell Primary School Spearwood Primary School White Gum Valley Primary School Winterfold Primary School

Willagee

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Bibra Lake Primary School Caralee Community School Coolbellup Community School Coolbellup Learning Centre Fremantle Language Development Centre Lakeland Senior High School Newton Primary School North Lake Senior Campus Samson Primary School South Lake Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Murdoch Spearwood Alternative School

District 5 – Goldfields

Electorates: Kalgoorlie, Roe

Kalgoorlie

Union organiser: Frank Herzog

Boulder Primary School Central Regional TAFE - Kalgoorlie Coolgardie Primary School East Kalgoorlie Primary School Eastern Goldfields College Eastern Goldfields ESC Goldfields Education Regional Office Goldfields Engagement Centre Hannans Primary School Kalgoorlie Primary School Kalgoorlie School of The Air Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School Kambalda Primary School Kambalda West District High School Laverton School Leinster Community School Leonora District High School Menzies Community School Mount Margaret Remote Community School Norseman District High School North Kalgoorlie Primary School O’Connor ESC O’Connor Primary School South Kalgoorlie Primary School Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Roe

Union organisers: Ian Daw and Vicki Turner

Borden Primary School Braeside Primary School Bremer Bay Primary School Broomehill Primary School Cascade Primary School Castletown Primary School Condingup Primary School Cranbrook Primary School Darkan Primary School Dumbleyung Primary School East Narrogin Primary School Esperance ESC Esperance Local Education Office Esperance Primary School Esperance Senior High School Frankland River Primary School Gairdner Primary School Gnowangerup District High School Hopetoun Primary School Jerdacuttup Primary School Jerramungup District High School Katanning Primary School Katanning Senior High School Kojonup District High School Kukerin Primary School Lake Grace District High School Lake King Primary School Munglinup Primary School Narrogin Local Education Office Narrogin Primary School Narrogin Senior High School Newdegate Primary School Nulsen Primary School Nyabing Primary School Ongerup Primary School Pingrup Primary School Ravensthorpe District High School Salmon Gums Primary School Scaddan Primary School South Regional TAFE - Esperance South Regional TAFE - Katanning South Regional TAFE - Narrogin Tambellup Primary School WA College of Agriculture - Narrogin Wagin District High School Williams Primary School Woodanilling Primary School

District 6 – Hillarys

Electorates: Hillarys, Kingsley, Wanneroo

Hillarys

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Bambara Primary School Beldon ESC Beldon Primary School Belridge Secondary College Belridge Secondary ESC Christmas Island District High School Cocos Islands District High School Craigie Heights Primary School Early Childhood Education

Hillarys Primary School Midland Learning Academy Mullaloo Beach Primary School Mullaloo Heights Primary School Office of the Chief Psychologist Padbury Primary School School of Alternative Learning Settings School of Special Education Needs: Behaviour and Engagement School of Special Education Needs: Disability School of Special Education Needs: Sensory South Padbury Primary School Springfield Primary School Statewide Services Centre West Coast Language Development Centre

Kingsley

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Creaney ESC Creaney Primary School Dalmain Primary School East Hamersley Primary School Glendale Primary School Goollelal Primary School Greenwood College Greenwood Primary School Halidon Primary School Hawker Park Primary School North Woodvale Primary School Warwick Senior High School West Coast Secondary ESC West Greenwood Primary School Woodvale Primary School Woodvale Secondary College

Wanneroo

Union organiser: Cherry Bogunovich Banksia Grove Primary School Carramar Primary School East Wanneroo Primary School Grandis Primary School Joseph Banks Secondary College Spring Hill Primary School Tapping Primary School Wanneroo Primary School Wanneroo Secondary College

District 7 – Jandakot

Electorates: Cockburn, Jandakot, Southern River

Cockburn

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Atwell College Atwell Primary School Beeliar Primary School Coogee Primary School Harmony Primary School Jandakot Primary School Jilbup Primary School South Coogee Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Munster Success Primary School Yangebup Primary School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Jandakot

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Aspiri Primary School Canning Vale ESC Canning Vale Primary School Forrestdale Primary School Harrisdale Primary School Harrisdale Senior High School Leeming Primary School Leeming Senior High School Leeming Senior High School ESC North Harrisdale Primary School Piara Waters Primary School Piara Waters Senior High School Ranford Primary School Riva Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Jandakot Treeby Primary School West Leeming Primary School

Southern River

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Ashburton Drive Primary School Bletchley Park Primary School Caladenia Primary School Campbell Primary School Canning Vale College Excelsior Primary School Huntingdale Primary School Seaforth Primary School Southern Grove Primary School Southern River College Wirrabirra ESC Wirrabirra Primary School Yarralinka Primary School

District 8 – Kalamunda

Electorates: Armadale, Darling Range, Kalamunda

Armadale

Union organiser: Natalie Swinbourn Armadale ESC Armadale Senior High School Cecil Andrews College Challis Community Primary School Grovelands Primary School Gwynne Park ESC Gwynne Park Primary School Kelmscott Senior High School Kingsley Primary School Neerigen Brook Primary School Seville Drive Engagement Centre South Metropolitan TAFE - Armadale Westfield Park Primary School Willandra Primary School

Darling Range

Union organiser: Natalie Swinbourn Armadale Primary School Beenyup Primary School Byford Primary School Byford Secondary College Clifton Hills Primary School Jarrahdale Primary School Kelmscott Primary School Marri Grove Primary School Getting Organised

January 2024

Mundijong Primary School Roleystone Community College Serpentine Primary School West Byford Primary School Woodland Grove Primary School

Kalamunda

Union organiser: Natalie Swinbourn Darlington Primary School Falls Road Primary School Glen Forrest Primary School Gooseberry Hill Primary School Kalamunda Primary ESC Kalamunda Primary School Kalamunda Secondary ESC Kalamunda Senior High School Lesmurdie Primary School Lesmurdie Senior High School Mundaring Primary School Orange Grove Primary School Parkerville Primary School Pickering Brook Primary School Walliston Primary School

District 9 – Kimberley-Pilbara Electorates: Kimberley, North West Central, Pilbara

Kimberley

Union organiser: Frank Herzog Bayulu Remote Community School Broome North Primary School Broome Primary School Broome Senior High School Cable Beach Primary School Dawul Remote Community School Derby District High School Djugerari Remote Community School East Kimberley College Fitzroy Valley District High School Halls Creek District High School Jungdranung Remote Community School Kalumburu Remote Community School Kimberley Education Regional Office Kimberley Engagement Centre Kimberley School of The Air La Grange Remote Community School Looma Remote Community School Muludja Remote Community School Ngalapita Remote Community School North Regional TAFE - Broome North Regional TAFE - Derby North Regional TAFE - Halls Creek North Regional TAFE - Kununurra North Regional TAFE - Wyndham One Arm Point Remote Community School Roebuck Primary School Wananami Remote Community School Wangkatjungka Remote Community School Wyndham District High School 10

Getting Organised

January 2024

North West Central

Union organisers: Sally Dennis, Frank Herzog, Joe Isaia

Blackstone Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Burringurrah Remote Community School Carnarvon Community College Carnarvon School Of The Air Central Regional TAFE - Carnarvon Central Regional TAFE - Exmouth Cue Primary School Exmouth District High School Gascoyne Junction Remote Community School Jameson Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Kalbarri District High School Kiwirrkurra Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Meekatharra District High School Mount Magnet District High School Ngaanyatjarra Lands School North Tom Price Primary School Onslow Primary School Pannawonica Primary School Paraburdoo Primary School Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School Shark Bay School Tjirrkarli Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Tjukurla Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Tom Price Primary School Tom Price Senior High School Useless Loop Primary School Wanarn Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Warakurna Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Warburton Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Wiluna Remote Community School Wingellina Campus (Ngaanyatjarra Lands School) Yalgoo Primary School Yulga Jinna Remote Community School

Pilbara

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Baler Primary School Baynton West Primary School Cassia ESC Cassia Primary School Dampier Primary School Hedland Senior High School Jigalong Remote Community School Karratha Primary School Karratha Senior High School Marble Bar Primary School Millars Well Primary School Newman Primary School Newman Senior High School North Regional TAFE - Karratha North Regional TAFE - Newman

North Regional TAFE - Pundulmurra Nullagine Primary School Pegs Creek Primary School Pilbara Education Regional Office Pilbara Engagement Centre Port Hedland Primary School Port Hedland School Of The Air Roebourne District High School South Hedland Primary School South Newman Primary School Tambrey Primary School Wickham Primary School Yandeyarra Remote Community School

District 10 – Maylands

Electorates: Balcatta, Maylands, Mount Lawley

Balcatta

Union organiser: Sally Dennis

Balcatta Primary School Balcatta Senior High School North Metropolitan Education Regional Office Osborne Primary School Takari Primary School Tuart Hill Primary School West Balcatta Primary School Westminster ESC Westminster Primary School

Maylands

Union organiser: Sally Dennis

Bayswater Primary School Durham Road School Embleton Primary School Hillcrest Primary School Inglewood Primary School Instrumental Music School Services John Forrest Secondary College Maylands Peninsula Primary School

Mount Lawley

Union organiser: Sally Dennis

Coolbinia Primary School Mount Lawley Primary School Mount Lawley Senior High School North East Metropolitan Language Development Centre North Metropolitan TAFE - Mount Lawley Sir David Brand School Sutherland Dianella Primary School West Morley Primary School Yokine Primary School

District 11 – Moore

Electorates: Central Wheatbelt, Geraldton, Moore

Central Wheatbelt

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler Avonvale ESC Avonvale Primary School Babakin Primary School Bakers Hill Primary School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Beacon Primary School Bencubbin Primary School Beverley District High School Boddington District High School Brookton District High School Bruce Rock District High School Central Regional TAFE - Merredin Central Regional TAFE - Northam Corrigin District High School Cunderdin District High School Hyden Primary School Kellerberrin District High School Kondinin Primary School Koorda Primary School Kulin District High School Meckering Primary School Merredin College Moorine Rock Primary School Mukinbudin District High School Narembeen District High School Northam Primary School Northam Senior High School Nungarin Primary School Pingelly Primary School Quairading District High School Southern Cross District High School Tammin Primary School Trayning Primary School WA College of Agriculture - Cunderdin Wandering Primary School West Northam Primary School Wheatbelt Education Regional Office Wheatbelt Engagement Centre Wickepin Primary School Wundowie Primary School Wyalkatchem District High School Yealering Primary School York District High School

Geraldton

Union organiser: Sally Dennis

Allendale Primary School Beachlands Primary School Bluff Point Primary School Central Regional TAFE - Geraldton Champion Bay Senior High School Geraldton Primary School Geraldton Senior High School Holland Street School Meekatharra School Of The Air Midwest Engagement Centre Mount Tarcoola Primary School Rangeway Primary School Waggrakine Primary School Walkaway Primary School Wandina Primary School

Moore

Union organisers: Sally Dennis and Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler Badgingarra Primary School Bindoon Primary School Binnu Primary School Bolgart Primary School Cadoux Primary School Calingiri Primary School

Carnamah District High School Central Midlands Senior High School Central Regional TAFE - Moora Cervantes Primary School Chapman Valley Primary School Coorow Primary School Dalwallinu District High School Dandaragan Primary School Dongara District High School Dowerin District High School Eneabba Primary School Gingin District High School Goomalling Primary School Jurien Bay District High School Kalannie Primary School Lancelin Primary School Leeman Primary School Miling Primary School Mingenew Primary School Moora Primary School Morawa District High School Mullewa District High School Northampton District High School Perenjori Primary School Three Springs Primary School Toodyay District High School WA College of Agriculture - Morawa Watheroo Primary School Wongan Hills District High School Yerecoin Primary School Yuna Primary School

District 12 – Morley

Electorates: Landsdale, Mirrabooka, Morley

Landsdale

Union organiser: Vicki Turner

Alinjarra Primary School Ashdale Primary School Ashdale Secondary College Carnaby Rise Primary School Hocking Primary School Landsdale Gardens Primary School Landsdale Primary School Madeley Primary School Pearsall Primary School

Mirrabooka

Union organiser: Vicki Turner

Balga Primary School Balga Senior High School Boyare Primary School Burbridge School Dryandra Primary School Girrawheen Senior High School Gladys Newton School Hudson Park Primary School Koondoola Primary School Marangaroo Primary School North Balga Primary School North Metropolitan TAFE - Balga Rawlinson Primary School Redcliffe Avenue Engagement Centre Roseworth ESC Roseworth Primary School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Waddington Primary School Warriapendi Primary School

Morley

Union organiser: Vicki Turner

Camboon Primary School Dianella Heights Primary School Dianella Primary College Dianella Secondary College Dianella Secondary College ESC Hampton Park Primary School Morley Primary School Morley Senior High School Nollamara Primary School Noranda Primary School North Morley Primary School Weld Square Primary School

District 13 – Murray

Electorates: Dawesville, Mandurah, Murray-Wellington

Dawesville

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Dudley Park Primary School Falcon Primary School Glencoe Primary School Halls Head College Halls Head College ESC Halls Head Primary School Ocean Road Primary School South Halls Head Primary School

Mandurah

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Coastal Lakes College Coodanup College Greenfields Primary School John Tonkin College John Tonkin College ESC Lakelands Primary School Madora Bay Primary School Mandurah Primary School Meadow Springs ESC Meadow Springs Primary School North Mandurah Primary School Oakwood Primary School Riverside ESC Riverside Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Mandurah

Murray-Wellington

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Brunswick Junction Primary School Carcoola Primary School Dwellingup Primary School Harvey Primary School Harvey Senior High School Kingston Primary School North Dandalup Primary School Parkfield Primary School Pinjarra Primary School Pinjarra Senior High School Getting Organised

January 2024

WA College of Agriculture - Harvey Waroona District High School Yarloop Primary School

District 14 – Perth

Electorates: Cottesloe, Nedlands, Perth

Cottesloe

Union organiser: Sam Yates

City Beach Primary School Cottesloe Primary School Freshwater Bay Primary School Mosman Park Primary School Mosman Park School For Deaf Children Mount Claremont Primary School North Cottesloe Primary School North Fremantle Primary School Swanbourne Primary School

Nedlands

Union organiser: Sam Yates

Bob Hawke College Dalkeith Primary School Hollywood Primary School Jolimont Primary School Nedlands Primary School North Metropolitan TAFE - Oral Health Perth Modern School Rosalie Primary School School of Special Education Needs: Medical And Mental Health Shenton College Shenton College Deaf Education Centre Subiaco Primary School

Perth

Union organiser: Sam Yates

Central & District Staff Head Office Highgate Primary School Kyilla Primary School Mount Hawthorn ESC Mount Hawthorn Primary School North Metropolitan TAFE - 12 Aberdeen North Metropolitan TAFE - 19 Aberdeen North Metropolitan TAFE - 25 Aberdeen North Metropolitan TAFE - 30 Aberdeen North Metropolitan TAFE - East Perth North Metropolitan TAFE - Leederville North Perth Primary School School of Isolated And Distance Education Secondary Staffing Department of Education

District 15 – Riverton

Electorates: Bateman, Riverton, Thornlie

Bateman

Union organiser: Sally Dennis Applecross Primary School Applecross Senior High School Ardross Primary School Bateman Primary School 12

Getting Organised

January 2024

Booragoon Primary School Brentwood Primary School Kardinya Primary School Mount Pleasant Primary School Winthrop Primary School

Riverton

Union organiser: Sally Dennis Banksia Park Primary School Bull Creek Primary School Burrendah Primary School Castlereagh School Oberthur Primary School Riverton ESC Riverton Primary School Rossmoyne Primary School Rossmoyne Senior High School Rostrata Primary School Shelley Primary School Willetton Primary School Willetton Senior High School

Thornlie

Union organiser: Sally Dennis Bramfield Park Primary School Dellar Road Engagement Centre East Maddington Primary School Forest Crescent Primary School Gosnells Primary School Maddington ESC Maddington Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Thornlie Non-Trade South Metropolitan TAFE - Thornlie Trade South Thornlie Primary School Thornlie Primary School Thornlie Senior High School Yale Primary School Yule Brook College

District 16 – Rockingham Electorates: Baldivis, Kwinana, Rockingham, Warnbro

Baldivis

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler Baldivis Gardens Primary School Baldivis Primary School Baldivis Secondary College Makybe Rise Primary School Pine View Primary School Ridge View Secondary College Rivergums Primary School Settlers Primary School Sheoak Grove Primary School Tuart Rise Primary School Waikiki Primary School Wellard Primary School Wellard Village Primary School

Kwinana

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Aubin Grove Primary School Bertram Primary School Calista Primary School Gilmore College Hammond Park Primary School Hammond Park Secondary College Honeywood Primary School Leda ESC Leda Primary School Medina Primary School North Parmelia Primary School Orelia Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Kwinana South Metropolitan TAFE - Naval Base

Rockingham

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Benjamin Way Engagement Centre Bungaree Primary School Charthouse Primary School Cooloongup Primary School East Waikiki Primary School Hillman Primary School Malibu School Rockingham Beach ESC Rockingham Beach Primary School Rockingham Senior High School Rockingham Senior High School ESC Safety Bay Primary School Safety Bay Senior High School South Metropolitan TAFE - Rockingham Non-Trade South Metropolitan TAFE - Rockingham Trade

Warnbro

Union organiser: Marie-Louise Earle-Sadler

Comet Bay College Comet Bay Primary School Endeavour ESC Endeavour Primary School Golden Bay Primary School Koorana ESC Koorana Primary School Peel Language Development School Port Kennedy Primary School Rockingham Lakes Primary School Secret Harbour Primary School Singleton Primary School Warnbro Community High School Warnbro Community High School ESC Warnbro Primary School

District 17 – Scarborough

Electorates: Carine, Churchlands, Scarborough

Carine

Union organiser: Joe Isaia Carine Primary School Carine Senior High School

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Davallia Primary School Duncraig Primary School Duncraig Senior High School Glengarry Primary School Karrinyup Primary School Marmion Primary School North Beach Primary School Poynter Primary School Sorrento Primary School

Churchlands

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Churchlands Primary School Churchlands Senior High School Doubleview Primary School Floreat Park Primary School Kapinara Primary School Lake Monger Primary School Wembley Downs Primary School Wembley Primary School West Leederville Primary School Woodlands Primary School

Scarborough

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Deanmore Primary School Lake Gwelup Primary School Newborough Primary School Scarborough Primary School Yuluma Primary School

District 18 – Stirling Electorates: Albany, Warren-Blackwood

Albany

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Albany Local Education Office Albany Primary School Albany Secondary ESC Albany Senior High School Flinders Park Primary School Great Southern Engagement Centre Little Grove Primary School Mount Lockyer Primary School Mount Manypeaks Primary School North Albany Senior High School South Regional TAFE - Albany South Stirling Primary School Spencer Park ESC Spencer Park Primary School Wellstead Primary School Yakamia Primary School

Warren-Blackwood

Union organiser: Ian Daw

Augusta Primary School Balingup Primary School Boyup Brook District High School Bridgetown High School Bridgetown Primary School Denmark Primary School Denmark Senior High School East Manjimup Primary School

Greenbushes Primary School Karridale Primary School Kendenup Primary School Manjimup ESC Manjimup Local Education Office Manjimup Primary School Manjimup Senior High School Margaret River Primary School Margaret River Senior High School Mount Barker Community College Nannup District High School Northcliffe District High School Pemberton District High School Rapids Landing Primary School South Regional TAFE - Denmark South Regional TAFE - Manjimup South Regional TAFE - Margaret River WA College of Agriculture - Denmark Walpole Primary School

District 19 – Swan

Electorates: Midland, Swan Hills, West Swan

Midland

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Caversham Valley Primary School Clayton View Primary School Governor Stirling Senior High School Greenmount Primary School Guildford Primary School Helena Valley Primary School Middle Swan Primary School Midvale Primary School Moorditj Noongar Community College North Metropolitan TAFE - Midland Swan View Primary School Swan View Senior High School Woodbridge Primary School

Swan Hills

Caversham Primary School Dayton Primary School Ellenbrook Primary School Ellenbrook Secondary College Henley Brook Primary School Illawarra Primary School South Ballajura ESC South Ballajura Primary School

District 20 – Victoria Park

Electorates: Cannington, South Perth, Victoria Park

Cannington

Union organiser: Sam Yates Bannister Creek Primary School Beckenham Primary School Brookman Primary School Cannington Community College Cannington Community ESC Gibbs Street Primary School Lynwood Senior High School Parkwood Primary School Queens Park Primary School Sevenoaks Senior College

South Perth

Union organiser: Sam Yates Collier Primary School Como Primary School Como Secondary College Curtin Primary School Kensington Primary School Manning Primary School South Perth Primary School

Victoria Park

Union organiser: Sam Yates

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Bentley Primary School Canning College Carson Street School East Victoria Park ESC East Victoria Park Primary School Kensington Secondary School Kent Street Senior High School Lathlain Primary School Millen Primary School South Metropolitan TAFE - Bentley South Metropolitan TAFE - Carlisle Victoria Park Primary School Wilson Primary School

West Swan

SSTUWA member hub

Aveley North Primary School Aveley Primary School Ballajura Community College Ballajura Primary School Brabham Primary School

Have you checked out the SSTUWA member hub at sstuwa.org.au? Find personalised worksite information, including your district organiser, union delegates and more.

Anne Hamersley Primary School Arbor Grove Primary School Aveley Secondary College Bullsbrook College Chidlow Primary School Eastern Hills Senior High School Ellen Stirling Primary School Gidgegannup Primary School Herne Hill Primary School Malvern Springs Primary School Mount Helena Primary School Sawyers Valley Primary School Upper Swan Primary School Wooroloo Primary School

Union organiser: Joe Isaia

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Getting Organised

January 2024

State Council Conference elections 2024 SSTUWA State Council/AEU WA Branch Council dates: 14-15 June and 15-16 November State Council Conference

Any member may nominate as a delegate to State Council Conference. Such delegates represent the district. Branches are not required to endorse nominations; however, it is in the interests of the branches to encourage members of their branch to nominate to ensure branch views are heard. Branches may forward motions to State Council Conference. Closing dates for agenda items to State Council Conference is determined by Executive and published in the Western Teacher. State Council is held twice a year in Term 2 and Term 4. The decision making structures of the SSTUWA and the AEU WA Branch now reflect each other. Persons elected to the AEU WA Branch Senior Officer, Executive and Branch Council positions are deemed to be elected to the corresponding positions within the SSTUWA.

It is important to remember that nominees and their proposers and seconders must be financial members of the SSTUWA and attached to the district for which representation is being sought. It is therefore critical that prospective candidates are aware of which district they belong to. A list of districts together with the worksites contained within each state electorate may be found on pages 7 - 13 of this document. Members’ districts are also listed within the member hub at sstuwa.org.au (login required). Note: The 2024 State Council delegate elections will be conducted using the pre-existing state electoral boundaries, thus the electorates and list of worksites within each electorate and district on pages 7-13 still reflect the old boundaries and names. As state electorate boundary changes have now been formalised, the 2025 elections will reflect those new boundaries.

For State Council Conference delegates, the equivalent position in the AEU WA Branch is Branch Councillor. Delegates elected as AEU WA Branch Councillors will be deemed to be SSTUWA State Council Conference delegates. Elections will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in accordance with the rules of the AEU WA Branch. Please refer to the election notice on page 15 of this document and nomination form on page 16. Nomination forms are also available from the AEC, the SSTUWA office and the SSTUWA website at sstuwa.org.au/go24

All completed nomination forms must be sent directly to the AEC via the instructions listed on the form. Do not send State Council nomination forms to the SSTUWA.

2024 election timeline as required by the Australian Electoral Commission

Round one

Nominations open: Friday 19 January 2024 Nominations close: 4.30pm, Tuesday 6 February 2024 Ballot opens (for districts where required): Monday 19 February 2024 Ballot closes (for districts where required): 7am, 18 March 2024 14

Getting Organised

January 2024

Round two

Recall election:

Where vacancies exist in any district, a second round of nominations will be called by the AEC in April/May. Further details about the second round of nominations, including the election notice and nomination form, will be circulated via eNews and available at sstuwa.org.au/elections Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

SSTUWA State Council/ AEU WA Branch Council elections 2024 Australian Education Union Western Australian Branch

ELECTION NOTICE - E2023/131 Scheduled Election

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

Nominations are called for following offices: Members of Branch Council* from the following Districts

Electorate

Number of Positions

Belmont

Bunbury

Butler

Fremantle

Goldfields

Hillarys

Jandakot

Kalamunda

Kimberley-Pilbara

Maylands

Moore

Morley

Murray

Perth

Riverton

Rockingham

Scarborough

Stirling

Swan

Victoria Park

The full AEC election notice and nomination form for Australian Education Union Western In–accordance Western Council Australianwas Federal Branch Rules, 9-Election Australia *Note: Branch Memberswith of Branch distributed via eNews on of 19District January 2024 Representatives to Branch Council. and are available at sstuwa.org.au/go24

9(2)

Where sufficient nominations have been received from women financial members, at Getting Organised January 2024 least fifty per cent of Branch Councillors shall be women.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Nomination Form Australian Education Union Western Australian Branch Scheduled Election E2023/131 CANDIDATE:

Full Name (Print clearly)

Membership Number: (Print clearly)

For the office of:

Member of Branch Council

(Print name of office as shown in the Election Notice)

Location:

(Branch/Sub-Branch/Division/Electorate/District)

Name for ballot paper:

Print your name as you wish it to appear on the ballot paper.

Gender:

Nominator/s: (at least two (2) financial members of the Branch)

I/We, the undersigned members of the Australian Education Union, Western Australian Branch, nominate the person named above: NOMINATORS

Full Name (Print clearly)

Membership SIGNATURE Number

DATE ___ /___ /____ ___ /___ /____ ___ /___ /____

CANDIDATE'S CONSENT I, ____________________________________________________(print your name) consent to the nomination for the above office. I declare that I am eligible under the rules and am not disqualified from being a candidate [see Chapter 7, Part 4 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009]. Please indicate preferred title e.g. Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms ______ Personal email: ________________________________________________________________________ (AEC’s preferred method of communication) Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Town/Suburb:

State:

Postcode:

Phone:

Signed:

____/_____/______

Please see instructions on the next page* Page 1 of 2 *Refer to sstuwa.org.au/go24 for the instructions accompanying the nomination form, including lodgement instructions (page 2 of 2).

SSTUWA committee nominations Round one

Opening date: Monday 29 January 2024 Closing date: Noon, Monday 11 March 2024 Results declaration: Friday 15 March 2024

Eligibility criteria

The following committees are for members who identify: •

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee

•

LGBTIQ+ Committee

•

Women’s Committee

These committees are for members who represent their respective sectors: •

Early Childhood Educators Committee

•

New Educators Committee

•

School Leaders Committee

•

TAFE Committee

Nomination time frames Round one

Opening date: Monday 29 January Closing date: Noon, Monday 11 March Results declaration: Friday 15 March

Round two

TAFE Committee

TAFE Committee shall consist of members of the TAFE division, made up of TAFE Executive member/s, AEU National TAFE Council Executive member/s, and a representative from each of the TAFE branches. Note: A branch is a TAFE campus. A branch representative for the TAFE Committee should be nominated by their TAFE branch during the first branch meeting of the calendar year, which must be held before the end of February. Where there is only one nomination, the branch needs to endorse the member as the TAFE Committee branch representative for the year. Where there is more than one nomination, the members’ names should be forwarded to the Returning Officer who will make arrangements with the branch secretary to conduct an election.

TAFE Committee proxy position

The SSTUWA supports the position of a branch/campus proxy rep to TAFE Committee.

Pending the declaration of results of the first round of nominations, a second round of nominations will be called.

The proxy rep position is to represent the branch/campus when the elected rep is absent.

Opening date: Monday 18 March Closing date: Noon, Wednesday 24 April Results declaration: Friday 3 May

Each branch/campus therefore has one proxy rep entitlement on the committee.

Further details about the second round of nominations, including the election notice and nomination form, will be circulated via eNews and available at sstuwa.org.au/sstuwa-elections

Committee information

Committees are restricted to a maximum of 15 people with the exception of the TAFE Committee. Nominations must be dated, signed by the nominator and seconder and bear the written consent of the nominees or his/her agent, all of whom must be financial members of the union. Should fewer than 15 nominations be received for a committee, Executive shall make a specific decision about whether the committee is to actually proceed. The committees generally meet at least once a term. The term of office is 12 months and will end on completion of the 2025 committee elections. Notification of meetings is published in early 2024. Emailed copies of the nomination form will be accepted.

From 2024, the proxy rep election will run alongside the committee rep elections, managed by the returning officer.

Committee terms of reference

The terms of reference of the committees, as endorsed by Executive, are as follows: 1.

Review and revise relevant union policy.

2. Assist in the formulation of position papers. 3. Assist in the planning and organisation of seminars, conferences and other membership activities. 4. Monitor government and employer actions under relevant legislation. 5. Evaluate SSTUWA rules, policies and other positions as examples of “best practice”. 6. Consider and make recommendations on matters referred by the Administrative Committee and Executive. 7.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Make recommendations to Executive on matters considered by the committee. Getting Organised

January 2024

SSTUWA committees 2024

Round one election nomination form In accordance with rule 31, rule 33 and Administrative Instructions of the State School Teachers’ Union of W.A

Closing date: Noon, Monday 11 March 2024

Nominations are called for the following committees: Tick one box only. Use a separate form to nominate for another committee.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee

53 positions available

15 positions available

Early Childhood Educators Committee

15 positions available

LGBTIQ+ Committee

New Educators Committee

53 positions available

15 positions available

Women’s Committee

15 positions available

TAFE Committee TAFE Committee proxy

15 positions available

School Leaders Committee

15 positions available

Candidate details Given name______________________________ Surname__________________________________ Union membership number____________________________________________________________ Worksite branch/TAFE campus_________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________________________ I meet the eligibility criteria for this committee (refer to page 17), am a financial member of the SSTUWA and the above named branch/campus, and I hereby signify my willingness to accept the office if elected.

Signature_________________________________________________ Date_______________________

Nominator details We, the following nominators, being financial members of the SSTUWA and members of the same branch/campus as the candidate, hereby nominate the above named candidate for the position indicated at the top of this form.

Nominator one Name____________________________________ Union membership #_______________________ Signature_____________________________________________________________________________

Nominator two Name____________________________________ Union membership #_______________________ Signature_____________________________________________________________________________

Submitting the nomination Submit your completed nomination form to: The Returning Officer The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. PO Box 212, West Perth WA 6872 returningofficer@sstuwa.org.au

Getting Organised

January 2024

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Powers, functions and rights of HSRs A Q&A with the SSTUWA WHS organiser When it comes to work health and safety (WHS), the health and safety representative (HSR) plays an invaluable role as the representative for workers within their work group, liaising with the person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU). Under WA’s recently introduced Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act), a trained HSR has the power to perform several important tasks that can monitor the safety and conditions of a workplace and prevent risks to employees.

●

Request the PCBU form a health and safety committee.

●

Receive WHS information that affects the work group. (A worker’s personal or medical information must not be provided without consent.)

●

Request the assistance of another person.

●

Issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN).

While the powers and responsibilities remain consistent for HSRs across industries, SSTUWA WHS Organiser Antony Pearson explains what the role might entail in an education-based work environment.

●

Direct workers to stop unsafe work.

How does someone enter the role of HSR?

Under the WHS Act, the HSR is elected by the work group that they represent. They then hold office for three years, unless they resign from their role (giving written notice to the PCBU), cease to be a worker of that work group, are disqualified under section 65 of the WHS Act or are removed from their position by a majority of their work group members.

What are the powers of the HSR?

What might unsafe work in a school or TAFE look like?

Stopping unsafe work is a new power and function of the HSR under the WHS Act. Trained HSRs may direct members of their work group to cease unsafe work if there is reasonable concern that continuing work would expose the worker(s) to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard. Potential hazards that can lead to unsafe work in a school or TAFE could be (but are not limited to) the following:

Inspect the workplace: ○

After giving the PCBU notice.

○

Without notice if there has been a WHS risk or incident.

Psychosocial hazards (related to the psychological and social conditions of the workplace).

Before issuing the direction, the HSR must consult with the PCBU to attempt to resolve the matter. It is wise that the HSR keeps all risk assessments, inspection reports, communications, notes, etc on the relevant hazard to demonstrate consultation has occurred. The HSR must always inform the PCBU of any direction to cease unsafe work, ideally in writing, and we recommend that HSRs seek advice from their union if considering this course of action. If the risk is so serious, immediate or imminent that there is not sufficient time for consultation prior to a direction to cease unsafe work, the HSR must inform and consult with the PCBU as soon as practicable.

Can the HSR look after the safety of another work group? The HSR can only use their powers for the work group they represent, unless the HSR for another work group at the workplace is unavailable and:

●

Violence and aggression from people in or around your workplace.

●

Chemical hazards, such as those used for science experiments, cleaning or gardening products, etc.

There is a serious risk to worker safety and health from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.

●

A member of another work group asks for assistance.

A trained HSR has powers to represent their work group in WHS matters and can: ●

●

Improper safety precautions in highrisk subjects such as design and technology.

●

Teaching equipment being stacked or stored haphazardly in supply cupboards.

●

Accompany inspectors during an inspection.

●

Attend a meeting between workers and the PCBU or an inspector (with the workers’ consent).

Body stresses that come with things such as the ergonomics of office furniture.

●

Slips, trips and falls.

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.

Do HSRs look out for the health and safety of students as well?

In schools, duty of care covers students while WHS covers the workers. Workers are defined in the WHS Act as employees, contractors and subcontractors (and their employees), outworkers, apprentices, work experience students, volunteers and trainees. (Continued on page 20.) Getting Organised

January 2024

(Continued from page 19.)

Is the HSR liable for any accidents or unsafe working conditions that might occur during their length of office?

No, the HSR is not personally liable for anything done (or not done) in good faith while carrying out their role. It is also an offence for the PCBU, or anyone, to discriminate against HSRs for any action they take while performing their role, or to threaten them to discourage them from exercising a power.

How many HSRs are in the average-sized school or TAFE?

This is highly dependent on the size of the school or TAFE, number of students and what sort of subjects are taught. For instance, a school with higher-risk subjects like design and technology and such would require a greater number of HSRs compared to a smaller primary school. But, as a rule of thumb, the SSTUWA recommends at least one HSR per 40 full-time equivalent workers.

How do HSRs undertake training?

To be able to carry out their full range of powers and functions, HSRs are required to complete a five-day initial training course through a provider that has been approved by the Work Health and Safety Commission. The cost of this training should be covered by the PCBU, and the HSR is entitled to their usual pay while they attend the course. In the case of public school teachers in WA, the PCBU is the Department of Education (DoE). 20

Getting Organised

January 2024

It is worth noting that the HSR can choose

the training course they wish to undertake and cannot be directed by the PCBU to a

school might encounter, as it is based on the policies and procedures of the DoE.

particular provider.

In addition to the five-day introductory

Would a teacher’s HSR training differ to the training of someone in another industry?

day refresher courses for HSRs who

The SSTUWA’s Education and Training Centre (ETC), in conjunction with

approved training provider Unity, hosts

an education-specific five-day course for HSRs, which includes conducting a site

course for HSRs, the ETC also runs onecompleted the new five day course in

2023 (course one), and one-day refresher courses for HSRs who completed the new

five day course in 2022 (course two). More information on these courses is available

at sstuwa.org.au/training. Find the course dates below.

For lecturers, many TAFEs host their

inspection at a local school.

own approved HSR training courses.

For employees of the DoE, it provides

training, and we would advise them to

invaluable practical experience for the

type of conditions that HSRs working at a

TAFE members can access general HSR contact Unity to arrange a general fiveday HSR course.

Education-Specific Work Health and Safety Courses for Health and Safety Reps at the SSTUWA Education and Training Centre

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Five day intro courses Mon 19 Feb – Fri 23 Feb

Five day intro courses Mon 10 June – Fri 14 June

Five day intro course Mon 29 July – Fri 2 Aug

Five day intro course Mon 11 Nov - Fri 15 Nov

Mon 18 March – Fri 22 March

Mon 17 June – Fri 21 June

One day refresher courses Course one Mon 9 Sept

One day refresher courses Course one Mon 24 June Tues 25 June Wed 26 June

Tues 10 Sept Wed 11 Sept Course two Mon 5 Aug Fri 13 Sept

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. January 2024.