June 2023 Western Teacher

In this edition

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Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 John Street, Northbridge WA. June 2023.

Cover: ACTU Secretary Sally McManus addressed June State Council Conference. Read more on page 8.

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2023 Western Teacher deadlines

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is the official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

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

This design

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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

Review of Public Education

The public consultation sessions and submissions process proved extremely successful We would like to thank all members, non-members and organisations who attended the consultation sessions or made the time to write a submission.

Working together to secure a better future

The following is a transcript of SSTUWA President Matt Jarman’s opening speech to June State Council Conference on 9 June 2023.

The following text may differ slightly to what was delivered on the day. Good morning and welcome to June State Council 2023.

I would like to acknowledge the Honourable Sabine Winton MLA, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Protection, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Community Services who is representing the Premier of WA; Ms Meredith Hammat MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (representing the Minister for Education); Ms Correna Haythorpe, federal president of the Australian Education Union – wonderful to see you back, Correna.

Welcome to Rachel Bos from the ACTU – who you will hear from later today to share more information on the Yes vote campaign for a voice to the Australian Parliament for the world’s longest living culture – to our life members and former presidents.

I am deeply honoured to be here today, speaking to you in the SSTUWA’s 125th

anniversary year, as your union’s 29th different president. I say different, because as we all know a couple of people have come back to do the job more than once. One of them may even be here today!

Such a milestone is definitely a time for reflection, and I am very much looking forward to chatting later today with some of our former presidents about their memories of the SSTUWA’s work and achievements, how our public education system once operated over the past few decades and their views to how things could or should be.

Milestones also present an opportunity to look at where we are now and to consider what may lie ahead. We have heard much talk recently about what the role of the public education system should be.

I’d like to focus initially on what public education does now, because I think that is getting a little lost.

Public schools (as of the Semester 1 2023 census) are educating 66.5 per cent of high school students. Public primary schools taught 155,510 students in Years 1-6 – that’s 72 per cent.

TAFE in 2021 educated 110,922 enrolled students.

Public education produces doctors, builders, scientists, bricklayers, lawyers, plumbers, musicians, geologists, auto electricians, artists, mineworkers, firefighters, truck drivers, police, accountants, mechanics, nurses, childcare workers and yes, even a few teachers and lecturers. Oh, and some politicians. Some really good ones. I’ll come back to that.

Public education develops and nurtures far more of the important contributors to our well-being, our health system, our community services and our economy than any other system.

Of course it does, because it educates almost double the amount of students than all the various non-government schools combined.

Public education persists with the pupils other systems disdain. Teachers in public schools support pupils who struggle because of background and health issues. They offer them hope, they offer them a way forward, they offer a chance to belong instead of being discarded because they might make the stats look bad.

Public educators go out into the regions and live and teach in places where deepseated community issues sometimes reach into schools, bringing disruption and distraction.

Public education offers alternatives to those who do not choose the ATAR path and yet offers a quality of education for ATAR students that is more than a match for schools charging thousands of dollars a term (schools who still reap government funding at a higher percentage of their schooling resource standard than the state school down the road).

Public education has a magnificent story to tell – and yet that story sometimes doesn’t appear to be heard. As we approach another funding campaign and EBA I am concerned public education is sliding down the political agenda.

The former premier/treasurer gave his budget speech on 11 May. He mentioned teachers once. In general terms education was mentioned towards

the end and it did feel a little like a speechwriter’s afterthought.

Now I don’t think that was intentional. We have three new education ministers in 2023, each of whom I am pleased to say is taking a keen interest in the public system.

Education Minister Tony Buti has been accessible to the union and listens to what we have to say.

Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton, who we will hear from later, is a former Primary Extension and Challenge (PEAC) instructor and Level 3 Classroom Teacher, someone many of us know and respect. Taking responsibility for training (and TAFE) is the Honourable Simone McGurk.

Of course, we also have a new premier. Roger Cook is a leader and a man strongly committed to equity, which education is utterly crucial in delivering.

We need those voices in the corridors of power and we are confident they will speak up loudly for public education. However, we cannot rely on people

outside the SSTUWA to tell the great story of public education; to remind our leaders of what a crucial role the sector plays in our community.

The SSTUWA needs to be the loudest voice of all for public education, not just for our members, but for all educators and above all, for the two-thirds of Western Australian students who are educated in the public system.

We also need the voices of respected people and organisations across the community to spark the broad debate we need to ensure the great contribution of public educators is recognised, properly supported and above all, respected.

That is why, in June last year, your union established a review panel, chaired by Dr Carmen Lawrence and comprising Mr Colin Pettit, Dr Scott Fitzgerald and Ms Robyn White, with Ms Pamela Pollard as the executive officer.

The initial aim was to prompt discussion about the issues facing public education and seek workable solutions to those issues.

(continued on page 20)

A focus on ECE

By Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

Last month, early childhood education (ECE) teachers were invited to participate in the SSTUWA’s first ECE Forum for 2023. The afternoon event focused on supporting the safety, development, wellbeing and bright future of young people. Participants heard from Dr Kay Ayre from Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones (pictured, left to right).

The Commissioner has a long working history in education, child protection and First Nation affairs. Jacqueline shared an overview of her work and is clearly passionate about the role she undertakes.

When Jacqueline was working as an executive director, she led the development and implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework that is now embedded in schools across WA. Although not a teacher herself, it was clear to all participants that Jacqueline demonstrates a passion for all children and young people.

Jacqueline shared some of the findings from the Speaking Out Survey, which was undertaken in 2021 by the commissioner at the time, Colin Pettit. A record 16,532 children and young people took part in the survey. Here are some of the findings reported from the survey:

• Approximately 634,000 children and young people live in WA (154,000 in regional areas) and they make up 23 per cent of the state’s population.

• In the last 10 years there has been a 17 per cent increase in the number of children aged six to 11 years living in WA.

• An estimated 105,000 children and young people are living below the poverty line in WA.

• There are about 50,000 Aboriginal children and young people aged zero to 19 years in WA.

• Female students rate their well-being less favourably than male students. Mental health is a critical issue for young people.

• Many children and young people do not always feel safe at home, at school or in their community.

• Two-thirds (64 per cent) of students say they spend time with family every day and the same proportion (64 per cent) hang out with friends at least once a week.

• The top three stressors for girls are school or study problems (93 per cent), body image (63 per cent) and mental health and well-being (61 per cent).

The full report can be found by visiting bit.ly/3MSqyRe

Following the commissioner’s address, participants heard from Dr Kay Ayre.

Dr Ayre is a lecturer in early childhood studies at ECU and has worked extensively with disengaged and disruptive children, their teachers and schools. Dr Ayre has a passion for helping build the capacity of teachers, to develop and maintain positive, inclusive classrooms with a focus on supporting children with trauma.

Dr Ayre’s session, Trauma Informed Practice in Early Childhood, was rich in information, statistics and research data. Participants were provided with hands on resources and left with practical strategies that could be taken back to the classroom.

Dr Ayre highlighted the fact that family creates the reality for children and they don’t know that other families are

different to their own. It is important to remember that:

• Trauma is not a fad and is not something that is going to go away.

• Trauma occurs on a continuum from simple to more complex.

• Different children have different responses to traumatic events.

• In excess of 25 per cent of all children and youth experience one potentially traumatic incident in their lifetime.

• The younger the child, the more significant the stress.

• A child will not learn if they don’t feel safe. A child may be safe but it is critical that they feel safe.

• Trauma disables curiosity.

• It is vital to keep in mind that adversity doesn’t equal destiny.

One important aspect highlighted throughout Dr Ayre’s session was the importance of including play.

Play helps to heal from traumatic events and free play “helps children affected by trauma gain trust, build emotional regulation, make choices, develop empathy and reduce physical aggression”.

Play is learning and is the “most important job description for a child’s growth and well-being” (Nicholson and Kurtz, 2023).

If you missed out on the wonderful opportunity to hear Dr Ayre’s address, you have another chance to hear her insights at the SSTUWA ECE Conference, being held on Friday 4 August.

This conference is an opportunity to “Reignite Your Passion” and be inspired by a range of guest speakers and workshop presenters. Full details about the conference can be found on page 29.

Education for every child

By Sharmila Nagar Vice President

Australia is home to the oldest continuous culture in the world and a country whose vibrant and multicultural diversity is ever increasing.

With approximately 600,000 students identified as English as an Additional language/dialect (EAL/D) in government and Catholic schools in Australia, we know that support for every child is vital. Most importantly every child in Australia has a right to quality education.

Unfortunately, in recent years many teachers would report that support for EAL/D students (which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students) has been inconsistent or in most cases lacking.

A lack of EAL/D teachers has resulted in many schools trying to fill the gaps the best they can.

Schools in WA have access to the EAL/D Progress Map to plan, monitor and assess students needing support in developing Standard Australian English from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds whether from overseas, born in Australia and or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This excellent tool is available for all school-based ages but does require teachers to understand how to use and implement it.

In WA, there has been an increase in funding for EAL/D students, but with the shortage of EAL/D trained teachers, schools are having to try to find staff to fit these roles.

The increase in funding also still does not help schools prioritise EAL/D students where there are such severe budget constraints.

Another key issue affecting EAL/D students is the impact of larger class sizes. If we want to make meaningful and long-lasting change to quality teaching and learning, we must also reduce class sizes so that we can support the learning needs of all students.

Several solutions to these problems were highlighted in Australian Council of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Associations’ (ACTA) National Roadmap for EAL/D education in Schools document of May 2022:

• Restore adequate needs-based funding for migrant, refugee and Indigenous English language learners – this would help address current funding anomalies and its impact on how schools can manage EAL/D support.

• Equip all pre-service teachers to cater for EAL/D learners in their classrooms – thus giving pre-service teachers with a basic understanding of how to teach effectively, whilst working with a range of linguistic and cultural needs.

• Review specialist EAL/D teacher education programs – AITSL should work with EAL/D experts to help develop accreditation specifications for specialist TESOL programs which range from initial teacher education to post-graduate levels.

• Rebuild EAL/D professional learning, leadership and school development.

To read their full report visit: bit.ly/3oCXYLC

On a national level, the Australian Education Union and ACTA recently released a joint statement, asking for EAL/D students to be given a priority of equity in the next National Schools Reform Agreement (NSRA).

It read: “In our linguistically diverse school communities shaped by Australia’s ongoing migration program, its growing language diverse and Indigenous population, this equity provision is a vital component of government investment in high-equity, high-quality education that supports all students’ academic achievement, school completion, further learning opportunities, employment prospects, civic participation and personal well-being.”

The joint statement highlights the failure

of governments to protect and prioritise English language and literacy needs including:

• Inadequate levels and methods of needs-based English language funding.

• Lack of transparency and accountability for the allocation and use of needsbased English language funding.

• Lack of national identification of the EAL/D learner cohort and any reporting of their English language levels, learning or progress.

• Downsizing or abolition of education system EAL/D professional support.

• Lack of targeted education and training provision pathways for vulnerable young people from Indigenous, migrant and refugee backgrounds.

• Failure of teacher regulation authorities and higher education providers to ensure all teachers are equipped to teach English language learners in Australian classrooms.

• Absence of national workforce planning for specialist EAL/D teachers.

The statement calls upon federal and state governments to commit to a national reform and prioritisation of EAL/D in schools, whilst being informed by the National Roadmap of EAL/D in Schools report for the 2025 NSRA.

The SSTUWA hopes that the new NSRA will invest in EAL/D priorities so that all students from all backgrounds will be supported.

The AEU and ACTA will continue to work together regarding EAL/D support and provisions in schools. To read more turn to page 26 of this Western Teacher

In the meantime, we urge all teachers to continue to report on the increasing needs of diversity in their classes.

State Council focuses on public education

By Minh Lam

June State Council Conference was the largest in recent times and befitting of celebrations held during the event to mark the SSTUWA’s 125-year anniversary.

The conference was attended by more than 140 delegates, the largest in almost a decade, and held at the Parmelia Hilton hotel in the city.

The guestlist was significant, with ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe in attendance. Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton (also Minister for Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services - representing Premier Roger Cook) and Meredith Hammat (Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs - representing Education Minister Tony Buti) also spoke at the conference.

State Council Conference is held twice a year, in June and November, and is the SSTUWA’s highest decision-making body. Elected delegates convene for two days of discussion and decision-making about the union’s direction and activities, with an element of professional development added to the schedule.

The conference also celebrated the SSTUWA’s 125-year milestone with a reflection event involving past union presidents at the end of the first day. (Read more on page 11.)

SSTUWA President Matt Jarman opened June State Council Conference by restating how important public education is.

“Public education develops and nurtures far more of the important contributors to our well-being, our health system, our community services and our economy than any other system,” he said.

“Public education has a magnificent story to tell – and yet that story sometimes

doesn’t appear to be heard. As we approach another funding campaign and EBA I am concerned public education is sliding down the political agenda.”

Mr Jarman said the SSTUWA initiated independent review into public education in WA was to redress this and prompt discussion and workable solutions around those issues affecting state education.

“I am also absolutely confident that the state government knows of the reaction the review has generated and how that response is a signal that public education is seen to be an absolute priority by the WA community,” he said.

Mr Jarman welcomed the appointment of the new WA education ministers, as well as that of new Premier Roger Cook, stating his confidence that they would speak up for public education.

“[But] the SSTUWA needs to be the loudest voice of all for public education, not just for our members, but for all educators and above all, for the two-thirds of Western Australian students who are educated in the public system,” he said.

Mr Jarman also spoke of the union’s support of the Voice to Parliament, the Public Sector Alliance’s push for a review into public sector wage caps, the intrusion of for profit private education providers

into the public system, public school funding and the start of negotiations for the next schools and TAFE General Agreements.

To read Mr Jarman’s speech in full, turn to page 4 of this Western Teacher.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe followed and spoke to June State Council Conference about the importance of building early childhood education and the TAFE sector.

She also reaffirmed the union’s continuing campaign for full funding for public education, stating the Albanese Government had not yet guaranteed to the 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) and was also reviewing the National School Reform Agreement as well.

There was a real risk that the Commonwealth and state governments could carve out deals that did not achieve the 100 per cent level, she said.

“Right now we have to finish the job. This is our chance – we have to get the ALP to deliver on the promise of Gonski that was made in 2012 to the children of Australia,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“An entire generation of whom have been in schools which have not received the funding to back in that promise.

Sally McManus

“And when we achieve that 100 per cent of the SRS, when we win, only then will Prime Minister Albanese’s vision of no-one being held back and no-one being left behind be realised.”

Rachel Bos, from the ACTU, spoke to the conference about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum and the support from Australia’s union movement for the yes vote.

“We are seeking a momentous change but also a very simple one,” she said.

“It is not a matter of special treatment or preferential power. It’s about consulting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the decisions that affect us and our children.

“This is a simple courtesy, common decency because it speaks to the values we all share and honour: fairness, respect and decency.

“Enshrining a voice will be a national achievement. It will be above politics. It will be a unifying Australian moment, it will be a test of who we are.

“All of us will have a chance to exercise our democratic right and our basic human responsibility to vote for better.”

An update was presented to June State Council Conference on the Review into Public Education by panel review chair, Dr Carmen Lawrence.

Dr Lawrence said the review had received over 140 submissions from teachers, support staff, representative bodies and education specialists from across the state.

“We believe we have a pretty comprehensive sample of opinions of teachers and school leaders in Western Australia,” she said.

“What struck all the panel members was the commitment, the professionalism and the enthusiasm … of teachers in seeking solutions to the problems they identified and looking beyond their own circumstances to approve the operation of the education system for the benefit of all students and staff.”

Dr Lawrence said the panel was currently analysing the submissions and the various ideas from meetings, as well as reviewing published reports and data relating to the terms of reference, before publishing their findings and position.

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus spoke about the current cost of living crisis, worsened by rising inflation and interest rate hikes.

“You would think that from listening to the news and all the economic

commentators that the reason why we have got an inflation problem is partly somehow to do with workers, even though all of us are suffering the biggest real wage cuts in recorded history,” she said.

Ms McManus said a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that week had stated that corporate profits were a big driver of inflation in Australia, and arguments that rising costs were due to market conditions could be countered with the argument that pay rise claims were a reflection of market conditions as well.

She said: “Last week when the trade union movement of Australia won the biggest increase to the minimum wage ever, 5.75 per cent for our lowest paid workers, what did some of those employer groups do?

“They blamed cleaners, aged care workers, and said that what the Reserve Bank has done is because you are getting a pay rise – to make working people feel guilty for getting a pay rise that is even less than inflation – it is still a real wage cut.”

Ms McManus said the trade union movement was campaigning for new laws that would increase the job security of Australians and stop employers calling permanent jobs, casual.

“Ongoing jobs should have ongoing rights – stop the use of gig economy … we want to put a total stop to that,” she said.

Ms Winton and Ms Hammat spoke to conference later on the first day. They congratulated the union on its 125-year anniversary and reiterated the new Cook Government’s commitment to support public educators and the profession.

“This government is as committed and as energised as ever to continue the good work of the last six years,” Ms Winton said.

Ms Hammat said: “You do incredible work, such important work and I want to thank you for everything that you do, day in, day out.”

Correna Haythorpe

Hon. Sabine Winton, MLA

Meredith Hammat, MLA

Rachel Bos

Dr Carmen Lawrence

SSTUWA calls for smaller class sizes

The SSTUWA has outlined its proposal for smaller class sizes in WA public schools.

The union is calling for a reduction in the maximum number of students allowed in classrooms across all years from preprimary to Year 12.

WA currently has some of the largest maximum class sizes in Australia, with the maximum number of students in Years 4 to 10 set at 32. This is in contrast with Victoria, which is set at 26 students, Queensland at 28, Northern Territory at 27 and NSW at 30.

SSTUWA President Matt Jarman said: “The composition of classrooms in WA has changed considerably since these maximum class sizes were determined 40 years ago.

“On top of increasing workloads, teachers are now expected to manage increasingly challenging issues involving students who are often disrupting the learning of others. This is particularly unmanageable in a class of 32 students.

“In some year groups, WA has the biggest maximum class sizes in Australia, which is a disadvantage to our students.

“We believe smaller classes will make them more manageable, enable teachers to concentrate on quality teaching, reduce stress and lead to better educational outcomes for all students in a class.

“Smaller classes allows more individual attention for students, which means better results for those students.”

Class size limits have been included in the SSTUWA’s draft log of claims which will be voted on by all union members as part of the next General Agreement.

Class sizes

Schools General Agreement 2021 clause 12

Year Table A General class sizes

Table B Notional class size target

K 20 20

P 25 (non purpose built centres)

P 27 (purpose built centres)

23 (non purpose built centres)

25 (purpose built centres)

K/P 20 – 27** 20 – 25 **

K/P/1 20 at any one time 20 at any one time

Over a century of representing members

A century and a quarter is how long your union has been around to advocate for public educators and the profession. During this time the world has undergone much historical, social and technological change, which has shaped and changed the way education is delivered in public schools.

But the SSTUWA has remained steadfast and unstinting in its mission to never waver in securing the best outcomes for its members.

From reduced class sizes, to better pay and conditions and equity among the member base, the union has been there throughout, always at the forefront.

At June State Council Conference this history of achievement was recognised and celebrated by conference delegates, union members, staff and special guests on the first day.

Meredith Hammat, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, congratulated the union for over a century of advocacy for public education and workers, while union past presidents also shared their reflections of the union.

“One hundred and twenty-five years is a fantastic achievement and a significant anniversary. It is one you should all be incredibly proud of,” Ms Hammat said.

“Representing working people and being a voice for your profession is an incredible achievement.

“You have been able to adapt and change over 125 years continuing to do the really incredible work that you do.”

Ms Hammat, also a former secretary of UnionsWA, said the SSTUWA had played an important leadership role in the union movement in WA and had a track record of producing and electing outstanding union leaders, who were smart, strategic and disciplined.

Also on hand to speak were past presidents Pat Byrne, Anne Gisborne, Mike Keely and

By Minh Lam

Ed Harken, who shared their recollections of union history and their involvement with the SSTUWA.

Ms Byrne recalled the Third Wave industrial legislation of the late 1990s which threatened the existence of WA’s trade unions, as well as changes to the education system such as the Independent Public Schools initiative and the creep of commercialism in schools. She said the union had continued to build though and now had many resources at its disposal to help members.

Ms Gisborne said consultation with schools had been reduced and capacity to make professional decisions had been undermined over the years.

Mr Keely said that by looking at the number of delegates in attendance at June’s State Council Conference, the union should deservedly congratulate itself on what it had built over 125 years.

“Over a long period of time we have battled with some nasty customers –we’ve not always won but we always survived and are doing well,” he said.

Mr Harken said the union had been remarkably skilled at balancing the ebb

and flow between bosses and workers, “influencing what it needs to influence, because of the hard work it does, and its structures and policy.”

“It has got public sector education in its blood,” he said.

“Our union gets together and works hard at the way it does things and makes it an imperative for anyone [who wants] to get involved in authentic change in schools to come with our support and help.

“That’s been 125 years.”

The SSTUWA wishes to thank our guests for their heartfelt words.

It also would like to thank members across the 125-year history of the union, from the rank-and-file, to those who have committed their time and energy to serving the union as representatives, organisers, delegates, on committees, on Executive and as senior officers.

Without you and dedicated SSTUWA staff over the years, there would be no union, no achievements and no advances.

The history of the union has been written by you and is owned by all of those who have been part of it.

From left: Ed Harken, Pat Byrne, Matt Jarman, Anne Gisborne, Mike Keely

Celebrating 125 years

A tradition of securing equity

The 1930s and 40s were book-ended by the Great Depression and another global conflict, which wrought enormous change to Australian society. By the end of World War II a new world would emerge, with such a change in modernity that it made the time before it seem markedly antiquated.

During this time the SSTUWA continued to build upon its status as the premier workers’ representative body for government educators, while advocating for public education.

Issues of the day included the debate about whether universities should take over the training of teachers, with the SSTUWA preferring that training remain the responsibility of the Teachers’ College, which would deliver the practical tutelage needed to teach – despite any ancillary

academic benefits a tertiary education would provide.

The editorial from the WA Teachers’ Journal of 10 February 1931 said: “Teaching needs especially that insight and familiarity which can only be acquired from contact with the child under the trained and experienced teacher, for teaching is an art – a difficult art which can be mastered only by those who give it their sedulous attention under expert guidance … we think the university ought to be content with our whole-hearted acknowledgement of the value of its services within its recognised province, and should not endeavour to encroach upon ground where it has little or no standing.”

By Christmas of 1931 the government announced the closure of the Teachers’

College (located in Claremont) due to the Great Depression, with plans to reopen once the economic crisis passed. (It would reopen in 1934.)

It was a move lamented by the union and it warned it would open the door for universities to enter the teacher training field, ultimately creating two classes of teaching graduates, one which may be more favoured in the workforce over the other. (Teacher training would not be fully ceded to universities until the 1980s.)

The debate showed how equity has always been a strong point of advocacy for the SSTUWA. This sense of equity was also seen in other debates the union were involved in at the time, including a call for maximum class sizes to be brought down to 40.

125 Years: The rear of the SSTUWA building on 13 Murray Street during this era.

125 Years: The library room in 13 Murray Street during this era.

125 Years: The executive room in 13 Murray Street during this era.

125 Years: Indigenous education in the 1930s.

125 Years: The SSTUWA Executive, 1935.

125 Years: SSTUWA presidents 1930-1945.

125 Years: Regional school buildings in Denmark and Muresk.

125 Years: A 1933 call for maximum class sizes of 40.

125 Years: A proposed shorter working day, 1933. 125 Years: The old gum tree at Claremont Teachers College.

Time to re-envisage what schools could be

By Dr Pasi Sahlberg and Professor Sharon Goldfeld

The cold fact is that despite continuous reforms and growing investments over the past two decades, educational performance – and especially equitable performance – of Australia’s schools isn’t improving. Indeed, in many ways it is getting worse.

Consider these statistics. Since 2000 Australia’s PISA scores have dropped 33-24 points in maths, reading and science.

Students’ performance in literacy and numeracy since 2008 when National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was inaugurated has been stagnant or declining (ACARA database).

During the same time total education spending per student has gone up by 46 per cent, adjusted to a 22 per cent increase in the number of students (Rice, Edwards & McMillan, 2019).

Additionally, there are large achievement gaps between different equity groups, such as rural and urban students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and socioeducationally disadvantaged and other students (Australian Government, 2023).

Together with these inconvenient trends, we are seeing alarming signs in declining student health and well-being.

Anxiety, depression and conduct disorders are leading mental health concerns among our youth. For example, one in seven four to 17-year-olds was found to have a mental disorder. One in six adolescents reports problematic levels of loneliness (Lim, Eres & Peck, 2019).

Leaders and professionals in the Australian health and education sectors have been striving to provide best

possible care and learning for every child.

While there has been progress made for some, these efforts are not matching realities as well as they could despite increased spendings on both health and education.

Doing more of what we have done before is clearly not the best way to make school a better place to improve student learning and well-being.

In our discussion paper titled Reinventing Australian schools for the better wellbeing, health, and learning of every child (Sahlberg et al., 2023) we outline a new vision for uplifting student learning, wellbeing and health in our schools.

We argue that the core purpose of schooling needs to shift from primarily focusing on narrow academic

intelligence to equal value learning, wellbeing and health outcomes for balanced whole-child development and growth.

What might this look like in practice? Rather than trying to simply jump to the solution, we instead suggest adopting a whole-child and whole-school approach as a leading principle for change.

A whole-child approach requires schools to fully emphasise the complete scope of a child’s needs and being, including cognitive, social, emotional, physical, ethical and psychological, rather than concentrating dominantly on only part of a child.

A whole-school approach means the responsibility for developing and meeting the needs of the whole child are shared in a coherent way, equally by all at the school and potentially beyond.

We believe a whole-child and wholeschool approach optimises the opportunities for all children to grow up as the individuals they want to become.

Generally speaking, in Australia, public policies to improve education outcomes for all have overlooked the interconnection between health, wellbeing and learning.

Although well intended, health and wellbeing initiatives in Australian schools are often separate projects, courses or reaction opportunities to those who are at risk or already have health and wellbeing issues.

We suggest that health should be viewed as an essential future skill that all children should learn also in school.

If not now, then when is the right time to re-envisage what schools could be? Together with the whole-child and whole-school approach, our discussion paper offers four other principles to support uplifting learning, well-being and health of all children in Australian schools.

1. Co-designed, evidence-based, and flexible learning and well-being approaches

All children should be supported to achieve health, well-being and learning goals in school that matter to them in ways that work for them; keeping them engaged and motivated to live, learn and be well.

2. Health and well-being as essential 21st century skills

Health and well-being should be seen as outcomes of school education of equal importance to literacy, numeracy and other academic domains. This includes learning skills in digital, mental, socioemotional, nutritional and physical wellbeing for all children as early as possible, in developmentally appropriate ways.

3. Building an engaging culture of health, well-being and learning in school

A safe, inclusive, positive, engaging and healthy school culture throughout the whole school matters to support the development of the whole child.

4. Partnerships between services, families and schools

Schools should not be isolated silos. They are important community assets. In our vision, they are community centres

or hubs, effectively and collaboratively meeting local children’s needs through relationships and partnerships between community members, one of which is the school.

The key to transforming Australian education to be fairer and better for all is more inclusive and informed grassroot conversations.

The vision of more holistic and equitable Australian school is not just a dream, it is mission possible. A whole-child and whole-school approach to improve children’s health, well-being and learning has a solid foundation in research and practice around the world.

The principles and call to action we have outlined would not require discarding everything we currently do, nor simply ask more of educators in the current context.

But it would encourage us to stop doing anything that does not support a whole-child and whole-school approach in schools to address particular child, school and community needs.

Most of all, it requires bold new ways of thinking about children, their schooling and what it takes to secure healthier and happier futures for all of them.

Generally, we argue, educators and policymakers should see themselves as having a wider responsibility for all children and young people, not just narrow academic learning of those at their own schools.

This is the time to restore meaning to school as a place of shaping welleducated, healthy and conscious generations, and – most of all –happy children.

Dr. Pasi Sahlberg is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Melbourne where he leads research on learning through play, growing up digital and equity in education. His other fields of expertise are whole-system change, teacher education and development, cooperative learning and teaching mathematics. Professor Sharon Goldfeld is a paediatrician and director, Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Royal Children’s Hospital and theme director, Population Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Her research program focuses on investigating, testing and translating sustainable policy relevant solutions that eliminate inequities for Australia’s children. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of the AEU or the SSTUWA. This article was first published on the EduResearch Matters blog (aare.edu.au/blog) and has been reproduced here with permission.

Solidarity across the Tasman

By Simon Joachim New Educator Committee member

Kia ora! In April this year, SSTUWA Growth Team officer Chloe Hosking and I were extremely privileged to be part of the AEU delegation to the Post Primary Teachers’ Association’s New Educator Teachers Conference, held in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

It was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Connecting with new educators from Aotearoa New Zealand was beneficial for both parties, an exchange of experiences, ideas and

conditions in Western Australia, they were perhaps more surprised by the Unions for Yes campaign – not because of the nature of the Voice to Parliament, but at the realisation that Australia does not yet have a treaty with its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and is the founding document of Aotearoa New

Homework policy

Find out your school’s policy on homework, and if they don’t have one, be sure to develop your own.

Remember that this should always be done in consultation with your team, head of department, line manager or principal.

Once you’ve established your expectations in your own mind, communicate early and clearly to both students and caregivers to ensure that everyone is on the same page

Do you have a tip we should share? Email

Honouring Elders NAIDOC Week 2023

National NAIDOC Week will take place between 2 to 9 July, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and many achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The National NAIDOC Week theme for 2023 is For Our Elders, paying special homage to the Elders who have passed away and to those who continue advocating for First Nations peoples.

The theme acknowledges that across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to have, a quintessential role and hold an exceptional place among communities and families.

Aboriginal Elders are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and loved ones.

Vigour can be drawn from Elders’ knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. This is demonstrated across multiple sectors such as health, education, the arts, politics and more.

2023 NAIDOC Week educational resources

National NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

For National NAIDOC Week there is a range of educational resources that can be used in your classroom to attain foundational knowledge about National NAIDOC Week, the history of themes since 1972, and the focus cities for the National NAIDOC Awards.

The teaching ideas developed by the National NAIDOC Committee directly support teachers in addressing the Australian Curriculum, which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture. Content can be used across multiple learning areas and year levels from kindergarten to Year 12.

2023 NAIDOC Week poster winner

The winner of the 2023 National NAIDOC Week poster competition is Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist.

Born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland, Ms Lockyer’s art is not defined by usual means. Instead, she provides an insight into her creative heart and soul through an array of different mediums. These mediums include Aboriginal art, fine art paintings, photography, illustration and digital design.

“As an artist I find art healing, when I sit down with a canvas and some paints I’m able to connect with my ancestors and my culture and feel a sense of selfhealing and there’s just something so calming about creating. When I create, it’s like a whole other world,” Ms Lockyer said.

“With this year’s poster design, I really just wanted to honour all our Elders and I started sketching straight away thinking

who could I put on this poster, but then I realised I didn’t want to just put a specific Elder because all our Elders are equally important and are integral to our lives.”

The National NAIDOC poster competition has a rich and significant history, beginning in 1967 when the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) first began producing posters.

Each year to reflect the National NAIDOC Week theme, the National NAIDOC Week poster competition encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 13 years and over to submit their artwork.

Ms Lockyer will receive a $10,000 cash prize and attend the 2023 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Meanjin (Brisbane) on 1 July as a guest of the National NAIDOC Committee.

For more ideas on how to celebrate National NAIDOC Week and to find educational resources, visit naidoc.org.au and sstuwa.org.au/naidoc

For Our Elders, Bobbi Lockyer

Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.

facebook.com/NAIDOC @naidocweek

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

President’s address to June State Council Conference

(continued from page five)

I will be honest and say we were not certain how that review would be received; if there would be community interest; if our members would buy into the process and see value in it. So let’s first talk about member reactions. Thank you to every single member who took the time to either attend a consultation session or make a written submission, or both.

I’d like to share two posts that were made on social media by SSTUWA members about the process:

The first said: “Thank you, independent reviewers. I got a great deal out of attending the one in Geraldton. Well attended: lots of open and honest discussion. Everyone was listened to attentively and respectfully. Some people in our profession are absolutely copping it. These individuals showed great courage when they spoke and great restraint when they were done.”

The second added: “I recently attended the Busselton review, where I found it insightful to hear from courageous teachers in the South West region. It was evident that Dr Lawrence took the time to listen respectfully to the stories shared by attendees. However, I was saddened to see many educators feel jaded and burnt out.

“The event reinforced the importance of creating safe spaces for open and honest dialogue, especially around difficult or sensitive topics. This approach is key in fostering constructive conversation and understanding. I hope it can have a positive impact.”

So do we – especially the sentiment of fostering constructive conversation,

transparency and understanding.

We can say that there was broad community interest. The review has received over 100 individual written submissions and perhaps most significantly of all, there have been additional submissions from over 25 stakeholder organisations.

You are going to hear an update from the review panel later today so I will not steal their thunder. I can say, without hesitation, that public education is valued. It is seen as a vital contributor to the Western Australian community and that people want it properly funded and they want educators respected and supported.

I am also absolutely confident that the state government knows of the reaction the review has generated and how that response is a signal that public education is seen to be an absolute priority by the WA community.

When I took on the role of senior vice president, what I noted over time was the extraordinary resilience of Pat Byrne and the rest of the team. It can sometimes seem an endless cycle of negotiation, combative discussion and hard work to take even the smallest steps forward.

This was especially true under nine years of a federal coalition government that did not just fail to disguise its loathing of public education but openly flaunted it. Never was that contempt more flagrantly displayed than in the appointment of the now-unemployed Alan Tudge and the simply awful Stuart Robert as education ministers.

From the Abbott Prime Ministership, through to Turnbull and onto Morrison, a system was put in place to deliberately sabotage the Gonski reforms and this

included overfunding private schools, whilst leaving the public system floundering at well under 100 per cent of the minimum funding needed, known as the Schooling Resource Standard, or SRS. Delegates, please keep in mind we are seeking to be funded at 100 per cent of the minimum SRS to operate our public schools in WA and that there are no private schools, as I stand here now, who are at less than 100 per cent funded of the SRS in WA. As the education economist Adam Rorris has stated simply: “the right money has gone to the wrong schools”.

In terms of rhetoric, at least, the Labor federal minister for education, Jason Clare, has been a breath of fresh air.

He said a few weeks ago, and I quote: “If you are from a poor family today, or the bush, or you’re Indigenous, you are less likely to go to preschool, you are more likely to fall behind at primary school, you are less likely to finish high school and you are less likely to go to university.

“This is our chance to do something about that. To build a better education system. And a fairer one.

“One that invests in all our children. One that gives everyone a fair go, no matter where you come from or the colour of your skin. One that doesn’t hold anyone back and doesn’t leave anyone behind.”

We could not agree more, minister. We could not agree more.

We are grateful for Minister Clare’s declaration that “we have committed to work with states and territories to get every school to 100 per cent of its fair funding levels”.

What we all know as educators is that 100 per cent of the SRS would be a game changer for schools.

Such funds – around $1,800 per pupil, per school – could deliver extraordinary improvements: smaller class sizes, better support for students facing challenges, initiatives to address the chronic teacher and school leader shortages and a series of initiatives to make teaching in the regions an attractive proposal once again.

By and large we understand the careful process being followed at federal level with expert panels and working groups, even if further delays chafe and irritate.

The next National School Reform Agreement will be absolutely crucial to the future of public education. Please minister, deliver on those pledges and get the agreement right. Two-thirds of WA students are depending on you. We are depending on you.

At state level we will not jump the gun. We want the public education review to be delivered properly and independently. We want the state government to work in full and proper consultation with educators to address the issues it raises and to make our system better and make it as strongly supported, fully funded and properly respected as the WA community desires.

One area where we do not want to see any extra funding wasted is in diverting resources out of the public system to private providers driven by profit. I’ve come to learn this is more of a WA phenomenon after speaking to interstate comrades. They are growing in number, they deliver programs for far-from altruistic motives and they are being supported to operate beyond the scope of the general agreement and the award. Sadly, many of these profitdriven operators tie teachers to barely understood contracts that demand

more and more administration and data collection and leave teachers tethered to programs they often did not want to undertake.

At national level it appears politicians have realised that undermining the public sector and replacing it with private operators has been a huge mistake across a range of areas. Our local education leaders need to consider that and learn not to allow financially-driven providers to put profit before teachers.

There is a massive army of people who can offer advice on programs and professional development – they are called qualified teachers and they are the actual experts for the WA classroom.

Weaving in with the review and the national reform agreement processes are other core issues this year for the SSTUWA.

The obvious one is the negotiation of new general agreements for both schools and TAFE. Such was the drawn-out nature of the public sector wages campaign that the delivery of the 2021 agreements was finalised just a few months before the current process began.

However, one of the delays was for all of our members to have the agreed salary component increased each time a public sector union agreement came up for renewal. Across government and the public sector union movement we now call it “up-lift”.

This ground-breaking level-up agreement was absolutely crucial in securing, not only SSTUWA members but other public sector unions, matching increases even if their agreement had been signed off.

The SSTUWA will again make a submission to the promised public sector

wages policy review later this year. We will again work with our Public Sector Alliance comrades to secure the best possible outcomes for our members. It is perhaps timely to remember that until the alliance began its work, with full commitment from the SSTUWA, public sector workers faced the prospect of two more years of salary increases capped at $1,000.

Of course, salaries are just one aspect of any general agreement.

Of crucial importance to our members is the ability to do the job properly. To spend time actually teaching and lecturing, rather than being diverted onto often box-ticking administrative tasks.

There are encouraging signs that the federal government is listening to teachers’ concerns.

At the same time, the state education department has formed a new group looking at ways to reduce teacher workload, with educators asked to be part of the consultation process.

We at the SSTUWA are optimistic, not the slightest bit sceptical, that this might be a sign of significant consultation around key issues.

The teacher shortage on a national scale is such that if the WA government does not match actions in other states, it could face an even greater loss of teachers here to interstate positions.

In New South Wales, the new Labor state government has promised teachers a reduction of five hours per week in administrative and compliance work, the conversion of 10,000 temporary teaching positions to permanency, a thorough, (continued on page 22)

(continued from page 21)

consultation-based review of student behaviour policy and a new agreement with the Commonwealth to deliver 100 per cent of the SRS.

The WA state government will hopefully move pro-actively to offer similar support for educators, being aware the community-supported review and developments elsewhere in Australia will require similar actions here.

General Agreement negotiations will give us early indications if this message has been heard by the respective departments.

In addition to what is perhaps more obviously core SSTUWA business, this union is absolutely committed to supporting the Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Maybe to some it might not seem as glaringly important to the public education sector, but it absolutely is.

My words would not be adequate to convey how important the Voice is, so I refer you instead to these sentiments, penned by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, which appeared in the April Western Teacher:

We have always known the power of building positive working relationships with Aboriginal people in our schools. Ensuring that an Aboriginal family’s aspirations are reflected in school directions and students’ achievement have yielded the strongest outcomes. But governments change, and so does the political will.

This is too important to keep changing. As surmised by Thomas Mayo from that referendum working group: “we want this to be above politics, we are tired of having our lives used as a political football.”

Past practices such as ASSPA Committees, School Community Partnership Agreements and Aboriginal Advisory Councils all reflect the journey we have been on in ensuring the voice of our parents is reflected in the priorities and actions of schools and systems, but all have faded away with changes of government.

Enshrining our voice in the constitution is the only way to stop this and ensure we have a voice in our affairs and move forward a reconciled nation.

We ask our members within the SSTUWA to walk with us and as educators, we are informed and accept the invitation that is at the heart of the Uluru Statement that specifically calls for a voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

This request has come after decades of activism by our people who have fought for a fair go and say in our own communities and in our own affairs.

We urge you to vote Yes.

I strongly urge you to read the full article, which is available in the copy of Western Teacher on your tables, is included in the agenda document and also via the State Council hub on the SSTUWA website. The impact of a yes and a no vote is in the curriculum; as educators we are critical players. I urge you to lead the discussions through the prism of the curriculum, it is your license. Every vote you influence can

make a huge difference in a referendum such as this.

If the timetable looks full for the SSTUWA, I can assure you this is only a glimpse. As an organisation we are absolutely committed to delivering the best possible service to members in WA, as well as fulfilling our obligations of the national stage, where AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe, Federal Secretary Kevin Bates and the rest of team are doing such a great job with a very consultative federal Labor government.

There is so much work to be done and this is such a crucial time for public education. The right decisions at state and federal level could be transformative.

I was at Kelmscott SHS in the 1980s and a movie during that time was released, called Clockwise. Some of you may recall it. It starred John Cleese, who played, appropriately, a principal.

In it he declared “It’s not the despair, I can take the despair, it’s the hope I can’t stand”.

Well in our 125th year I think hope is an admirable sentiment. If hope is too strong then let’s call it tempered optimism that, working together, we can receive the strong support, full funding and proper respect that public education and educators absolutely deserve.

The SSTUWA has a proud heritage across these 125 years; one we seek to maintain and honour with your support. This is the largest attendance at a State Council in at least a decade. I thank you for your attendance and contribution to the union and the public education sector.

Seen around the SSTUWA

June at the SSTUWA is heralded by State Council Conference, which was held 9-10 June this year.

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

It is held twice a year in June and November. June’s conference was held at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel in the city. Guest speakers included AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe; Rachel Bos from the ACTU; Hon. Sabine Winton MLA (Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Protection, Prevention of Family

and Domestic Violence and Community Services – representing the Premier of WA); and Ms Meredith Hammat MLA (Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs – representing the Minister for Education).

At the conclusion of the first day’s proceedings a special function was held at the Hilton to celebrate 125 years of the SSTUWA. Read more about June State Council Conference and 125-year anniversary celebrations on pages 8-9 and 11 of this Western Teacher

In May early childhood educators attended the Early Childhood Forum, which covered the topics of safety,

development and well-being of young children. They heard from the Commissioner for Children and Young People Jacqueline McGowan-Jones and ECU early childhood studies lecturer Dr Kay Ayre. To read more, turn to page 6. The SSTUWA also recently stood in solidarity with other unions over cost-ofliving concerns and calls for fair wage rises.

Unions marched from West Perth to the city for the Cost of Living Crisis public rally. The SSTUWA also joined the United Firefighters Union in their protest rally from Supreme Court Gardens to Parliament House, calling for a fair wage increase as part of their current negotiations with the state government.

June State Council: Natasha Schmitt, James Keillor, Craig Bourne and Paul Reynolds.

June State Council: Tom James, Kimberley Annear and Lesley Stace.

June State Council: Helene Offer and Keenan Chandler.

June State Council: Dillon Mason and Rachel Kealley

June State Council: Correna Haythorpe addresses State Council Conference.

Early Childhood: Alison Bennett and Dale Nixon.

Early Childhood: Lorenda Mulligan and Paula Harris.

June State Council: Rachel Bos speaks on the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Early Childhood: Catherine Mcintosh and Maureen Willcock.

Cost of living rally: SSTUWA members and staff gather at the start point of Solidarity Park.

Cost of living rally: SSTUWA members and staff start their march.

UFU rally: Marching up the terrace in the city.

Cost of living rally: Rally marchers make their way down St George’s Terrace.

UFU rally: SSTUWA staff with firefighters before the rally.

UFU rally: Arriving at Parliament House in West Perth.

National education and union news

Rebuild literacy programs in schools

The Australian Education Union (AEU) and the Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA) are jointly calling for English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) education in schools to be made an equity priority in the next National School Reform Agreement (NSRA).

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said a renewed focus on prioritising high quality English language education and literacy provision in Australia was crucial to enhancing the skills of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

“Targeted and supported specialist English language programs are not only essential for developing English proficiency and meeting literacy standards, but also to make sure each student from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, migrant or refugee background has the opportunity to thrive academically on a level playing field,” she said.

“Over the last two decades, Australia’s national commitment to EAL/D education has disintegrated, resulting in lack of transparency and accountability for the allocation of needs-based English language funding, downsizing of professional support and the absence of national workforce planning for specialist EAL/D teachers.

“Consistent underfunding of public schools and the devolution of responsibility for EAL/D service provision to state and territory governments has resulted in increased casualisation of EAL/D teachers and unqualified, outof-field EAL/D teaching. This must be addressed.”

ACTA President Anne Keary said the exclusion of EAL/D learners as a national equity cohort from education declarations has left English language learners behind.

“This has been a failure of policy,” she said. “Despite Australia’s diversity, there is no national education policy or planning to ensure that these English language learners meet the academic English language and literacy demands of the Australian curriculum and succeed in school.

“There are over 600,000 English language learners from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, migrant and refugee backgrounds in Australia that need targeted and supported specialist English language programs.

“The next National School Reform Agreement is Australia’s best opportunity to reform and revitalise specialist English language provision for these students.”

AEU and ACTA will work together with all governments to secure pathways to support English language learners through EAL/D provision in schools.

AEU victory in school camps time dispute

The Australian Education Union Victorian branch has achieved a significant win that will see the Victorian government providing an additional $130 million for school budgets over four years to resolve the school camp time in lieu “off duty” dispute heard before the Fair Work Commission.

This win means that public school teachers and education support staff attending a school camp overnight will be regarded as being at least “on call” for eight hours and receive a payment for this time.

In addition, for the remaining hours on a school camp, outside of the overnight hours and normal hours of duty, employees required to attend as part of the student supervision ratios will accrue time in lieu for being either on call or performing duties.

Critically, the Victorian government has provided the additional funding schools will require for these overnight payments.

These arrangements, including the overnight on call payment, will apply to all school camps, other than overseas

school camps or any period of a school camp occurring during a school holiday period.

“This important win has been achieved as a direct result of the actions of AEU members, including those who lodged local grievances, and builds on the improved entitlements achieved in the Schools Agreement last year,” said Victorian Branch president Meredith Peace.

“It means that when a teacher or education support staff member is

required to attend a camp overnight or to meet student supervision ratios, they cannot be deemed to be ‘off duty’.

“The significant new funding will reduce the pressure on schools to provide time in lieu to staff where they are required to work outside of their normal hours of duty while enabling schools to plan their camps programs with certainty.

“The outcome respects and recognises the huge contribution teachers and education support staff make to enable students to attend overnight camps.”

The AEU Victorian Branch lodged a dispute with the Victorian Department of Education in the Fair Work Commission after it issued school time in lieu

operational guidelines stating that teachers and education support staff required to attend school camps could be “off-duty” overnight and would therefore not be eligible for the time in lieu entitlements provided for in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022.

The AEU successfully settled the dispute with the department and has won funding for an “on call” overnight payment, funded by the state government, for public school teachers and education support staff for each night on camp, which will apply from 1 January this year.

Teacher input call for respectful relationship education

The AEU has welcomed the establishment of the National Respectful Relationships Education Expert Working Group to support the implementation of the federal government’s Consent and Respectful Relationships Education Program.

“Improving the safety of women and children in Australia is the responsibility of all members of our community, but teachers, principals and education support personnel play a particularly important role,” AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.

“By starting early and including specific consent education curriculum initiatives designed to teach students

the underlying beliefs and attitudes that lead to gender-based discrimination and violence, there is a critical opportunity to help prevent violence against women and children.

“We must as a nation work together to prevent the kind of sexual harassment and assault between students that advocates, such as Chanel Contos, have so bravely shone a light on in recent years.

“However, we note with concern that the Working Group does not include representation of the teaching profession through the union.

“It is public school principals and teachers who will ultimately deliver respectful relationships school education. But effective curriculum development can only occur if teachers are involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs from the very beginning.

“We urgently encourage the Albanese Government to rectify this oversight and appoint a representative of the teaching profession through the voice of the union to the Working Group as soon as possible. Further, consultation mechanisms must be set up to ensure that teachers are actively involved in the national collaboration process as outlined in the announcement.”

Education & Training Centre

Industrial training events (TUT)

Education-specific work health and safety courses for HSRs

Education Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for Health and Safety Reps Monday-Friday, 7-11 August

WHS One-day Refresher Course for Health and Safety Reps Monday 14 August Education Specific Five-Day Introductory Course for Health and Safety Reps

21-25 August

Conferences and forums (TUT)

Title

LGBTIQ+ and Allies Forum

Early Childhood Conference: Reignite Your Passion

District Council events

Title

Goldfields (Kalgoorlie)

Goldfields - Roe (Katanning)

Moore - Central Wheatbelt (Northam)

Butler/Hillarys/Morley/Scarborough

Fremantle/Jandakot/Perth/Riverton/Victoria Park

Bunbury/Collie-Preston/Vasse

Murray/Rockingham

Belmont/Kalamunda/Maylands/Swan

Moore - Geraldton

Kimberley-Pilbara (Broome)

Goldfields - Roe (Esperance) via Zoom

Stirling - Albany

Kimberley-Pilbara (Port Hedland)

Online professional learning events

Title

Developing Rich Inquiry Questions for the Primary Classroom

Well-Being – Character Strengths in the Classroom

Five Techniques to Encourage Reluctant Writers (Secondary)

Formative Assessment and Feedback

Well-Being – Developing an Approach for Students and Staff

Responding to Low Level Irritating Behaviours (Primary)

Understanding Yarning Circles

Indigenous Pedagogies – Yarning Circles and Eight Ways

Moderation and Reporting in Classroom Assessment

Relationships – Getting a Class Back on Track (Secondary)

Supporting Grade 4-6 Students Struggling with Numeracy

Managing the Learning of Students with Anxiety

Choosing Literacy Texts to Make a Difference (Secondary)

Writing Rubrics for Higher Order Thinking Skills

Participating in a Yarning Circle

Five Techniques to Engage Boys in Reading in Secondary School

Five Techniques to Enhance Talented Writers (Secondary)

Partnering with Parents for Numeracy Development

Extending Numeracy Skills of High Achievers in Grade 4-6

Tuesday 25 July

Friday 4 August

Date

Tuesday 7 August

Thursday 17 August

Thursday 17 August

Tuesday 22 August

Wednesday 23 August

Thursday 24 August

Thursday 24 August

Tuesday 29 August

Wednesday 6 September

Thursday 7 September

Friday 8 September

TBC

Friday 15 September

Date

Thursday 20 July (60 mins)

Thursday 20 July (90 mins)

Thursday 20 July (60 mins)

Thursday 27 July (60 mins)

Thursday 27 July (six hours)

Thursday 3 August (90 mins)

Thursday 3 August (60 mins)

Tuesday 8 August (five hours)

Thursday 10 August (60 mins)

Thursday 10 August (90 mins)

Thursday 10 August (60 mins)

Thursday 17 August (90 mins)

Thursday 17 August (60 mins)

Thursday 24 August (60 mins)

Thursday 24 August (90 mins)

Wednesday 30 August (60 mins)

Thursday 31 August (90 mins)

Thursday 31 August (60 mins)

Thursday 7 September (60 mins)

Annual Early Childhood Conference: Friday 4 August

ECE Conference (TUT)

Reignite

Your Passion

Reignite Your Passion

Each year, the SSTUWA hosts the Early Childhood Educator Conference that brings early childhood educators within our union together. Join our 2023 event and be inspired by a range of great speakers and workshop presenters. The one-day event will provide members with the opportunity to learn, listen, share ideas and to refresh their minds. We are confident that this experience will help our attendees reignite your passion.

Keynote speaker: The Hon. Dr Anne Aly

(MP)

We welcome the Hon. Dr Anne Aly, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, to open the conference. Dr Aly (pictured right) is an Australian politician, political scholar, academic and counter-terrorism expert and will share her story of reigniting her passion, as well as providing an overview of her current work. Anne is committed to working with all levels of government to make our families, children and communities safe.

Featured speaker: Tammy-Anne Caldwell

Above and Beyond Education

Tammy-Anne Caldwell, from Above and Beyond Education, and a TEDx speaker in 2023, will talk about why a brain-based holistic approach to well-being, teaching and learning makes sense. Learn the basics of a young child’s learning brain and how to engage students with positive emotions through music, movement, curiosity, play, choice, drawing, art and many more.

Breakout workshops:

• Guiding Children’s Behaviour in Early Childhood - Dr Kay Ayre, Edith Cowan University.

• Ten Top Tips for Practical Brain-Based Approach to Well-Being, Teaching and Learning in ECETammy-Anne Caldwell and Todd Budden, Above and Beyond Education.

• Musical Activities, Ideas, Songs, Games and Dances in the Early Years - Hilary Keegan, School of Musical Heartbeats.

SSTUWA 2023 ECE Conference

Member Benefits

Member benefits

Accountants and Financial Advisers

Aston Accountants

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

Industry Fund Services

Specialist financial products for union members. sstuwa.org.au/ifs

LIFE Financial Planners

$1,200 off your statement of advice fee plus a free financial health check for members. sstuwa.org.au/lifefinancial

Teacher Tax

$110 tax returns for members. sstuwa.org.au/teachertax

TIPS Financial Services

$1,100 discount on your TIPS Transition to Retirement strategy or Retirement plan. Exclusive to members. sstuwa.org.au/tipsfs

Banking

ME Bank

Special offers throughout the year for members. A bank built by, and for, union members. sstuwa.org.au/mebank

Mortgages, Money and Me

Complimentary advice, property reports, finance tools and more for SSTUWA members. sstuwa.org.au/mmme

OFX Money Transfers

When it matters, OFX it. Save with the experts in international money transfers. sstuwa.org.au/ofx

Teachers Mutual Bank

Banking exclusively for the education community. sstuwa.org.au/tmbank

Cars

Allwest Fleet

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

Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members

AutoBahn

Mechanical and electrical services. Members receive $20 off any service or 5% off any repair. sstuwa.org.au/autobahn

Bayswater Mazda

Exclusive offer including fuel card, servicing and more. sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda

Bob Jane T-Marts

National fleet pricing on a range of products and services. sstuwa.org.au/bobjane

easifleet

$250 Magic Hand Carwash voucher with any easifleet procured novated lease. sstuwa.org.au/easifleet

Europcar

10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia. sstuwa.org.au/europcar

Fleet Network

Package your next car and save on tax. Bonus gift with vehicle delivery. sstuwa.org.au/fleetnetwork

Motor Market by Union Shopper

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

sstuwa.org.au/motormarket

Western Motor Vehicle Consultants

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

sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors

Computers

Altronics

Build it yourself electronics centre. VIP trade discount in store and online. sstuwa.org.au/altronics

Apple on Campus

For details visit: sstuwa.org.au/apple

Dell

Save up to 5% off selected items. sstuwa.org.au/dell

HP Computers

Huge savings for members on laptops, accessories, printers and more. sstuwa.org.au/hp

PLE Computers

Save on your IT with access to the PLE Computers academic portal. sstuwa.org.au/ple

The Good Guys Commercial

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

Educational Resources

Classroom Management

A Thinking and Caring Approach. By Barrie Bennett and Peter Smilanich. sstuwa.org.au/classroommgmt

Effective Group Work

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

Graphic Intelligence

Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett. sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence

Instructional Intelligence

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

Teacher Superstore

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

Entertainment

Movie tickets

Discounts on physical tickets (greater savings) and instant digital tickets. sstuwa.org.au/movietickets

Outback Splash

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

sstuwa.org.au/outbacksplash

Rockface

Indoor rock climbing in Balcatta. $15 all day climbing pass with harness hire. sstuwa.org.au/rockface

Member Benefits

For

Food and Wine

Campbells

Access wholesale prices with a complimentary day pass. sstuwa.org.au/campbells

Cellar d’Or

Best value winery tour in the Margaret River Region. 10% discount for members. sstuwa.org.au/cellardor

Taste Bud Tours

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

Health and Well-being

Goodlife Health Clubs

20% discount on platinum 12 month memberships. Includes access to all Goodlife Health Clubs in WA. sstuwa.org.au/goodlife

St John

First aid saves lives. Discounted first aid courses and kits for members. sstuwa.org.au/stjohn

WA Opticians

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

Housing

Houspect

Buy, build and invest with confidence. $50 discount on building inspections. sstuwa.org.au/houspect

Johns Building Supplies

Trade prices on paint and painters’ hardware. Builders prices on all other hardware lines. sstuwa.org.au/jbs

SkylightsWA

Specialising in skylights and roof ventilation, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products. sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa

Insurance and Legal

Journey Cover insurance

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

For details visit: sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance

Wills for members

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

Electrical buying

Let Union Shopper find the best deal on your electrical purchases. sstuwa.org.au/electricalbuying

isubscribe

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

Jackson’s Drawing Supplies

10% discount in Jackson’s 12 shops and online. sstuwa.org.au/jacksons

Petals Flowers & Gifts

20% off flowers and gifts. World-wide delivery available. sstuwa.org.au/petals

Teacher Superstore

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

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

Travel and Accommodation

Accor Hotels

Great savings for teachers at Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific region. sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels

Choice Hotels

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

Experience Oz

Save 10% on over 3,000 experiences across Oz + NZ. sstuwa.org.au/experienceoz

Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge Forest retreat, 4-star, with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and BBQ. Adults (12 years+) only. Five minutes to Busselton. Studios and rooms. 22.5% off rack rate or best available rate. sstuwa.org.au/innthetuarts

Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat

Luxurious, self-contained accommodation in Margaret River. Discounted rates for members. sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove

Mandurah Houseboats

10% discount on houseboat holidays. sstuwa.org.au/houseboats

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

more information visit sstuwa.org.au/benefits and the benefits tab of the SSTUWA App

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

Albany (Little Grove)

Silent Grove Cottage. Self-contained two bedroom (queen/two singles) on two hectares of bushland. Undercover parking. Close to yacht club, walking/bike trails, national park and beaches. Teachers’ rate: $150 per night. Stay seven, get one free. www.silentgrove.iinet.net.au

9844 4950 | merron@iinet.net

Augusta

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

Balingup surrounds

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

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

Email

Floreat

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

Frankland River

Escape to the country. Imagine waking up to uninterrupted views of paddocks and trees with peace, quiet and tranquility. Choose a 3 bedroom house or a cosy cabin set on picturesque 83 acres. A great place to relax and unwind. franklandriver.com.au

Jade: 0430 450 093 | Sam: 0413 160 093

Fremantle

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

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

(08) 6323 2339

admin@smartstaywa.com.au

Kallaroo

Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops. Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min 2 nights. Sleeps 4, or 5 with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person.

Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com

Kalbarri

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

kalbarriwa.net.au | 0435 845 504

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 6). Min 2 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

Classifieds

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

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

I provide holistic, confidential practical counselling to help you deal with an array of issues, some being: general relationship, mental health, anger issues/management, anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief and trauma, addiction, abuse, palliative care. Milica Robinson, MCnsig&Psychthpy, GradCertCareerDev, BEd. 0422 358 187

Retirement coach

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

Marriage celebrant

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

Meridith: 0400 312 535 meri.lake4@gmail.com

Marriage celebrant

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

Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au

Marriage celebrant

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

Mary: 0418 906 391 maryburke40@hotmail.com

Funeral celebrant

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

Learn to social dance

Learn jive, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and other dances for social events (ball, wedding, cruise, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7.30-9pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term 3 2023 starts 24 July.

Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com

First aid training for students

St John Ambulance WA offers free first aid training to all school aged students, ranging from Triple 000 Hero for Kindergarten students to Road Trauma First Aid for secondary school students. Courses are curriculum mapped. (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 winning dairy products enjoyed in WA for 130 years.

school.tours@brownesdairy.com.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

State Council Conference

Items for November 2023 State Council must be received by 5pm Friday 22 September.

The event will be held on 10-11 November.

100 years of Morawa DHS Friday 4 August 2023

All past staff and students are invited to celebrate 100 years of the Morawa District High School, including 60 years of agricultural education in Morawa.

1.30–5pm: Open school 6pm: P&C event at Morawa Town Hall 18yr+, $50/ticket with live entertainment and food Get tickets today at bit.ly/MorawaDHS100

More info: (08) 9972 1500 | Morawa.dhs@education.wa.edu.au

Life membership nominations

Executive has endorsed a proposal for life membership of the SSTUWA for:

Pat Byrne

Any member having an objection to these nominations for life membership should write to:

The President State School Teachers’ Union of W,A. PO Box 212 West Perth WA 6872

no later than 5pm Wednesday 9 August 2023.

Please mark the envelope “Private and Confidential”.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: 9 August

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

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association:

2023 meeting dates Venue: SSTUWA, 1 West St, West Perth Time: 4.30pm | Zoom option available

Term 3

Thurs 31 Aug

Week 7

Term 4

Thurs 30 Nov (AGM)

Week 8

More info: www.l3cta.org.au | contact@l3cta.org.au

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

New Educator Committee

Time: 4.30pm

8 August

14 November

Teleconference facilities are available

LGBTIQ+ Committee Time: 3.30pm

8 August 17 October

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee Time: 4pm

3 August

26 October

Climate Action Working Group Time: 4pm

TBC