August 2023 Western Teacher

In this edition

Correspondence:

The Editor, PO Box 212, West Perth WA 6872

editor@sstuwa.org.au | Ph: 9210 6000

Member Assist:

Ph: 9210 6060

memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

Print post publication 100004470 | $4.95

ABN: 544 780 946 35

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

Cover: The SSTUWA supports the Yes campaign. Learn more on pages 10-11 and 17-20.

To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, visit: sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher

Advertisements in Western Teacher are the responsibility of advertisers. While Western Teacher makes reasonable efforts to ensure that no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility is not accepted by The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) for statements made or the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

Acknowledgement of Country: We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We wish to pay respect to their Elders – past, present and future – and acknowledge the important role all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia. We stand in solidarity.

Artwork: This design was created for the SSTUWA by Tyrown Waigana, a Wandandi Noongar and Ait Koedal artist/designer and former WA public school student. Read more about the artist and the artwork at sstuwa.org.au/connections

Safety in our schools paramount

By Matt Jarman President

Safety in schools has become a priority community concern. Members cite safety as the second most significant reason to leave the profession, after workload. Schools are often just a place where the violence manifests, not necessarily the root cause.

In that context we welcome the work of Education Minister Dr Tony Buti in revising the previous minister’s 10-point plan as part of a suite of initiatives to try and make school staff and pupils safer. You can read more about this plan on pages 12-13 in this issue of Western Teacher.

As with every other aspect of society, schools just reflect the communities they serve. Sadly, across a range of areas we are seeing, violence is used to solve perceived disputes.

Whether it is in the form of road rage, at events or random occurrences, more and more people seem incapable of having disagreements about any issue without resorting to physical attacks.

School staff are all too aware of this. It is not just the case of seeing incidents more often via social media, there is definitely a growth in violent incidents.

All sorts of evidence exists, ranging from feedback to a range of research, increasing workers compensation claims and the vision and social media posts we see all too often.

Yes, it might help if social media and the mainstream TV and newspapers stopped sharing vision, but it wouldn’t mean the root causes of violence have gone away.

We need a concerted community effort to make it clear that inciting, filming and

taking part in violence is unacceptable and will see you excluded from school.

The SSTUWA has been in direct contact with the minister during the development of the revised plan.

Our clear message, to which he has been extremely receptive, is that leaders and teachers need the unwavering support of the Department when they enforce the policy. The minister is also keenly aware that this has not always been the case.

The minister has supported the union’s position that violence in schools is not something that can be addressed in isolation. It is a community issue requiring community solutions.

The SSTUWA secured election commitments for extra alternative learning centres and an increase in the number of school psychiatrists.

We continue to lobby for further improvements to the provision of alternative learning settings and for greater funding of and access to the support networks your students need to address behavioural issues.

The union has created a Workplace Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Hub on the SSTUWA website for members to access support and information. We are introducing bespoke HSR professional learning for leaders to complement the extensive training HSR reps receive.

Above all we are fostering a spirit of cooperation between members at all levels to address violence by ensuring incidents are reported and that school communities get the support they need to deal collectively and supportively

with those who incite, film or take part in violent incidents.

I know only too well that the impact that violence from students or parents has a chilling effect on staff morale at both teacher and leader level.

The SSTUWA will continue to monitor the situation closely so please reach out if you need added support from your union. You deserve to be safe at work and so do your staff.

For Every Child campaign

I was delighted at the start of August to join colleagues in Canberra for the launch of For Every Child, the Australian Education Union’s campaign to finally bring 100 per cent funding to public schools.

Every member needs to understand the facts about funding. Every member needs to lobby every MP, state or federal, they encounter to tell them how important funding for every child will be to their schools, their students and their ability to effectively teach.

Please have those conversations, factually and politely, whenever an MP visits your school.

Let them know exactly what around $1,800 for every child, every year, would mean to their constituents and ask them to share that information with their parliamentary colleagues.

You can find out more about the campaign at foreverychild.au

WA public schools underfunded by $31m

Official figures have revealed Western Australian public schools are being underfunded by $31 million, with the shortfall rising to an incredible $374 million by the end of the decade.

New analysis conducted by the Parliamentary Budget Office shows that the Commonwealth needs to invest an average $203 million each year to lift their share of funding for public schools in WA from 20 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to 25 per cent by 2028.

State School Teachers’ Union of Western Australia President Matt Jarman said the alarming new figures showed a need for urgent action.

“These figures, from the Parliamentary Budget Office no less, show the crisis looming for public education in WA,” he said.

“We need the state and federal

governments to get their collective acts together.

“It is unacceptable that public schools teach 66 per cent of secondary students and 72 per cent of primary students yet get well under the minimum funding they need.”

Mr Jarman said the national estimate was that proper funding would see an extra $1,800 for each pupil every year.

“The effect would be incredible for education outcomes, for the state’s economy and for issues in a huge range of areas that would benefit the community,” he said.

“Public schools in WA get just 95 per cent of the minimum funding they need.

“That figure becomes even worse when you realise a further four per cent in funding that used to be supplied separately, has now been rolled into one package – meaning schools are now

Fully funding public schools – Fiscal and underlying cash balances ($m)(a)

getting only 91 per cent of the funding they need.

“With full and fair funding, our principals can employ more teachers and reduce class sizes. We can recruit more education support staff and give teachers the time and support they need to offer students greater individual attention.

“We can bring more allied health professionals into schools, like counsellors and speech therapists, taking the pressure off families and giving the students that need it that extra boost.”

The AEU has called on the Albanese Government to make the investments required in WA public schools to allow principals and teachers to cut class sizes and provide more individual attention and support for every child.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said 98 per cent of public schools were currently not funded to the standard

set by the SRS, the minimum amount all Australian governments agreed was required to meet the needs of all students.

“The Albanese Government needs to lift the federal government investment in public schools to 25 per cent and negotiate agreements with state and territory governments that will ensure every public school is funded to a minimum of 100 per cent of the SRS by 2028,” she said.

Ms Haythorpe reiterated public schools in WA were only funded to 95 per cent of the SRS.

“But with an average additional $203 million in federal funding each year, the Albanese Government can end this underfunding, changing the lives of WA public school students,” she said.

Mr Jarman said the funding would change lives and lift results.

“This is about our students, and making sure they get the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.

“Families of the 322,294 students enrolled in public education from kindy to year 12 should be beating down the door of their local MPs to insist they pressure both the state and federal governments to stop prevaricating and deliver full funding to public schools.

“Those children’s futures depend on it.”

Note regarding table below:

(a) A positive number for the fiscal balance indicates an increase in revenue or a decrease in expenses or net capital investment in accrual terms. A negative number for the fiscal balance indicates a decrease in revenue or an increase in expenses or net capital investment in accrual terms. A positive number for the underlying cash balance indicates an increase in receipts or a decrease in payments or net capital investment in cash terms. A negative number for the underlying cash balance indicates a decrease in receipts or an increase in payments or net capital investment in cash terms.

Table sources: Parliamentary Budget Office July 2023; Commonwealth Department of Education.

Fully funding public schools – Fiscal and underlying cash balances ($m)(a)

We need to hear from you

By Natalie Blewitt Senior Vice President

Members are at the centre of everything we do and providing an avenue for your voices to be heard is a key role for your senior officers.

Towards the end of Term 2, the SSTUWA provided teachers, middle leaders and members of our School Leader Reference Group an opportunity to contribute to discussions about red tape and workload (pictured below).

Department of Education system response and transformation executive director Milanna Heberle led conversations with members about ways red tape and workload could be reduced in schools.

I would like to thank all who participated in the face-to-face meetings and those who provided written feedback.

I am keenly interested in what actions the Department will take to reduce red tape and workload in our schools. Their report is expected to be released at the end of Term 3.

State of our Schools Survey

The SSTUWA conducts important research every two years, taking the pulse of members in our schools. This is done through a survey.

The WA State of our Schools 2023 survey is designed to provide feedback on a range of current issues and challenges facing staff in WA public schools.

The results will feed into the current review into public education and can be used as evidence to support negotiations for the 2023 General Agreement and our calls for increased funding. It is therefore extremely important to have as many members as possible complete the survey.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open until 4pm Monday 28 August.

We really need to hear from you about the state of our schools across WA so please take the time to complete the survey today.

Log of Claims

Members now have access to the proposed Log of Claims. Voting has opened and it is vital that all members have their say.

Members may only vote once, either as an individual online or having their vote recorded in a branch vote. Union representatives at each branch will advise members if they opt to conduct a branch vote at their workplace.

Instructions to vote online are available at sstuwa.org.au/GA2023

Members will be able to review the Log of Claims there too. Please ensure you are logged into the website and have your membership number ready.

Voting closes 4pm Monday 28 August. Members will be informed via eNews of the outcome.

Level 3 Classroom Teacher

As a Level 3 Classroom Teacher (L3CT) myself, I know how robust the application process is. So, to everyone who submitted their portfolio this year, congratulations. Undertaking the process and applying takes commitment, a great deal of selfreflection and determination.

Whether this is your first time at applying or you have vowed it would be your last, regardless of the outcome, take some time to reflect and be proud of your achievements.

For those of you who have already achieved your L3CT status and are based in the metro area, I would like to invite you to join L3CT Association (L3CTA) committee members at our end of August event at the Civic Hotel in Inglewood on Thursday 31 August from 4.30pm.

This event will provide L3CTs with the opportunity to network with colleagues and participate in professional learning about the use of ChatGPT in education by Dr Grant Cooper from Curtin University’s School of Education.

Light food and drink will be provided for members. L3CTs who are not members of the L3CTA are asked to contribute $20. Or you can become a member on the day for just $50.

To register your attendance, email contact@l3cta.org.au by 21 August.

TAFE pro-rata long service leave victory

Earlier this year, the SSTUWA learned that following advice from the Department of Training and Workforce Development, WA TAFE colleges were not recognising prorata long service leave entitlements for members who started work directly after working for an interstate TAFE.

This was based on department advice that pro-rata long service leave for affected employees would not be credited to them on appointment unless colleges were able to negotiate a contribution from the former employer.

The SSTUWA wrote to the department, pointing out that their approach was inconsistent with the 2023 TAFE Lecturers General Agreement and seeking an assurance that members’ entitlements would be recognised without delay.

The department responded positively and affected members who had brought the issue to the union’s attention were promptly credited with their ported prorata long service leave entitlement.

Members who have started at a WA TAFE college immediately after ceasing work with another government agency should check that their long service leave entitlements are correct.

The rules for crediting previously accrued long service leave are set out in

subclause 55.10 of the Agreement. The key points are as follows:

• The member must have worked with a defined government agency, including the Commonwealth, another State or a WA public sector body as defined in the WA Public Sector Management Act.

• The member must have started employment with a WA TAFE college within one week of ceasing employment with the government agency.

• The amount credited will be the prorata accrual, less any leave taken or cashed out during that employment. A member who accrued a full long service leave entitlement but did not take the leave will have had this paid out by their former employer when the previous employment ended.

Please notify your delegate and contact the SSTUWA if you believe you should have received this entitlement but have not yet had it recognised by your college.

Interim order win for union member

No one wants to be in a position where they have to make a workers’ compensation claim, not least because of the difficulty of taking legal action if the insurer denies the claim.

However, the process is less stressful for SSTUWA members because the union has retained Slater and Gordon lawyers to represent members with disputed claims on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Most claims resolve by negotiation, but where necessary, the union’s lawyers

will take legal action to get a fair deal for members.

Recently, Slater and Gordon helped a member get an interim order for the insurer to pay weekly compensation.

Interim orders are hard to obtain, and in many cases, members have to use their sick leave or go without an income while waiting for a resolution of their claim.

However, in this case, despite opposition from the employer, Workcover WA ordered weekly payments for 12 weeks

(the maximum available at any one time), pending the final determination of the claim.

The outcome will provide some financial relief for the member, and we hope it will encourage the employer to take a more flexible approach to future cases.

If you have made a workers’ compensation claim that the employer is disputing, please get in touch with Member Assist on 9210 6060 or 1800 106 683 for a referral to the union’s lawyers.

Why the voice is union business

By Sharmila Nagar Vice President

When we think about what unionism stands for, here are just a few things that come to mind:

• A fair go

• Equity

• Equality

• A fair and just society

• Doing what is right by everyone and for everyone

• Ongoing support

• Collective action for a fair and just society

• Solidarity

So, when we consider the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, we know it is union business.

We know that unions have always stood collectively for and fought for equality, for Medicare, for superannuation and recently for better pay.

This is our opportunity to recognise the 65,000-year history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and for a better future.

We know that if we want solidarity to be meaningful, we need to stick up for each other and take action together. And that is what we ask of you.

But what will you be voting for? What exactly is a Voice to Parliament?

The Voice is a simple and practical step to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a platform to provide advice

and recommendations to the executive government and Australian Parliament on matters that affect them.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are asking us to support a modest change that will make a practical difference so we can move forward together.

The only way to amend the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is by enshrining it in the Constitution.

It will bring positive changes to groups. Federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister Linda Burney stated recently that she would ask the Voice to focus on four priority areas: education, housing, health and employment.

What will be added to the Constitution?

Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

i. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

ii. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

iii. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power

to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

SSTUWA for Yes

The SSTUWA June 2022 State Council Conference, our supreme decisionmaking body, recommended and endorsed that the SSTUWA:

• Expresses its support for action on elements identified in the Uluru Statement from the Heart including a constitutionally enshrined voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission of treaty and truth telling.

• Commits to keeping its membership updated and apprised of the progress of this journey, as well as helping members to develop a fuller and deeper understanding of this matter.

• Engages with the WA government and Department of Education to ensure appropriate resources are available to staff and students to raise understanding and awareness and build commitment to this momentous and long over-due action in our history.

At June 2023 State Council Conference, we committed to this ongoing support for enshrining a Voice to Parliament.

For your union it means standing in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, colleagues, students, communities and friends.

It is about doing the right thing. I understand that in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities there has been less support, our latest figures show 86 per cent support the vote.

Like any group of people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are not homogenous, and we respect their decisions on the Voice.

But most importantly it means, listening and supporting SSTUWA’s Aboriginal and Islander Education Committee, which has stated that:

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.

As a union, we believe that all workers and all people deserve to be consulted about changes in the workplace and in society that affect us - and that by speaking up collectively we can make change that benefits us all particularly in our education communities.

In The Voice to Parliament Handbook, Professor Fiona Stanley highlights how when services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are developed by them with their knowledge and input, we see an effective change.

A great example of this is the initial Covid response: “All colonised, Indigenous populations around the world are at high risk from pandemics such as Covid-19. They are more likely to have chronic disease, live in overcrowded housing and are more susceptible to viral infections. Thus, in Australia we expected very high infections. We had six times fewer cases than non-Indigenous groups, across the whole nation. In 2020 and 2021, there were low rates of hospitalisation, no deaths, no cases in remote communities and no cases after Black Lives Matter marches. This extraordinary and unexpected outcome was due to Indigenous leadership taking control of all activities for prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as housing, social and medical support.”

This was a rare instance where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were listened to. Imagine what other positive impacts could come

from a Voice being established in the Constitution.

The proposed constitutional change to establish the Voice arises directly from the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

It is, therefore, an invitation from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to walk with them for a voice enshrined.

The SSTUWA will be doing so in support of a position originally proposed by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, not by a political party or political view, thus supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, communities, colleagues and students in the Yes campaign.

Having said that, all major political parties in WA are supporting the Yes vote, so it’s fair to say that this issue transcends party politics.

We are also the only country in the first world nation with a colonial past, whose constitution does not recognise its first people.

The SSTUWA is encouraging all union branches to use their branch funds to organise an event on Thursday 21 September.

This could be a morning tea gathering to support The Voice to Parliament. We encourage all union reps to hand out stickers and information from our website (sstuwa.org.au/yes) and support our first nations educators and community for this important year. You can read more about this on pages 17-20.

So, knowing all of this, why wouldn’t the Voice to Parliament be union business?

Community must support campaign

The SSTUWA has welcomed Education Minister Tony Buti’s new 10-point plan to tackle school violence.

It is especially important that schools experiencing high levels of violent behaviour will be offered targeted assistance.

SSTUWA President Matt Jarman said the union agreed with the Minister’s stance that violence was a community problem manifesting in schools.

“The whole community needs to make it clear it will not tolerate violence in schools from students or parents,” he said.

“Teachers and principals have the right to be safe at work.

“When teachers and school leaders take action against students engaging in violent behaviour they need to know they will have the unwavering support of the Department of Education.

“Schools have become a flashpoint for community issues. All too often it is teachers and school leaders who are having to deal with situations that have their origins in the broader community.

“These issues can cause danger and distraction from the core intentions of our schools.

“Actions listed in the revised 10-point plan to deal with school violence may not be required if greater community respect for the work of our teachers, school leaders and for the critical importance of education can be achieved.”

The SSTUWA acknowledges, as stated by Minister Buti, the overwhelming majority of parents and students show care and respect for our school-based staff.

The SSTUWA supports the revised changes with the caveat that regional, central and ministerial support is provided to those operating in our schools.

Public schools remain underfunded in WA, including the resources needed for support to address the growing level of behavioural issues that require urgent clinical intervention.

The SSTUWA was delighted to secure additional Alternative Learning Settings and school psychologists as part of its previous election campaign demands. However, the need for these facilities and support will continue to grow across all student age groups.

Minister Buti said schools could not solve problems relating to school-based violence on their own.

“The full support of parents, carers and the wider school community is needed to address the issue of violence, he said.

“Student behaviour is strongly influenced by the way adults conduct themselves. This plan focuses on engagement and encouraging everyone in the school community to play their part, lead by example and contribute to a culture that doesn’t tolerate any form of violence.

“Fundamentally, our schools are a reflection of our local communities. We all share a personal responsibility of how to behave in the community and we equally need to demonstrate the same level of respect and caring in our schools.

“Building trusting and transparent relationships between schools and families is key to preventing school violence. This package strengthens these partnerships and sharing the responsibility of keeping our schools safe.”

Standing Together Against Violence updated plan

The updated plan has provision for additional support and resources for public schools to prevent and respond to violent, aggressive or threatening behaviour.

ACTION 1

Principals to suspend students who attack other students, start fights or share and promote violence

• Automatic suspension for students who attack other students or instigate fights.

• Automatic suspension for students who choose to film or share fight content or promote violence.

• Principals to develop a behaviour plan with families for the student’s return to school.

ACTION 2

Principals to automatically move to exclude any student who physically attacks school staff

• After a physical attack, principals will immediately start an exclusion process.

• ‘Exclusion’ means the student is removed from a particular school permanently or for a specified period of time.

• Exclusion orders can only be made by the Director General.

• An exclusion order can be made to direct the student to attend an alternative school or education program.

ACTION 3

Alternative learning settings for the most violent students

• Every student has the right to an education – however some need intensive behaviour support.

• Alternative learning settings provide programs for students to continue their learning.

• These programs have been expanded to all education regions and support positive behaviour change in violent students.

ACTION 4

Clear advice for principals, teachers and education assistants on authority and responsibility to take action

• New protocols and guidelines to help support safer schools.

• Clear expectations to ensure respectful engagement with schools.

• This includes protocols to help build respectful school cultures, and productive collaboration and communication.

ACTION 5

Provide training and support for school staff

• Provide a range of training options to support schools to increase pro-social behaviour and reduce coercive behaviours.

• Support schools to implement the Quality Teaching Strategy.

• Targeted support for schools with high incidence of violence and aggression.

ACTION 6

Enhance ‘good standing’ requirements

• Expand loss of ‘good standing’ to include students who share or promote violence.

• Every public school to review its ‘good standing’ requirements.

• Students who lose ‘good standing’ for violent behaviour will have privileges removed – such as being banned from school social activities.

• ‘Good standing’ can be re-instated after the student has demonstrated positive behavioural change, as decided by the principal.

ACTION 7

Support programs for parents with clear expectations

• Internationally-recognised Triple P – Positive Parenting Program offered free to all Western Australian parents.

• Clear expectations for parents to engage respectfully with schools.

ACTION 8

Ensure schools are ready to respond to incidents of intruders or external risk

• Provide advice through the Incident Support Unit to support schools to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a range of incidents.

• Establish protocols with police to deal with incidents of extreme violence.

• Provide training and targeted support for principals.

ACTION 9

Continue a community conversation about violence in schools and online

• A consistent message for parents to set clear expectations of behaviour.

• Delivery and implementation of ‘Connect and Respect’ resources.

• Clear approach to manage adult behaviour that impacts learning.

ACTION 10

Give young people a voice and let them identify actions they believe could address violence in the community

• Harness the views and ideas of the WA Student Council.

• Continue focus groups with students to share their views on violence.

• Support young people to recommend solutions.

Wear it Purple Day 2023: Write Your Story

Every year thousands of schools, community organisations, universities and workplaces hold events across Australia for Wear it Purple Day

The day holds significance for many Australians and focuses on LGBTQIA+ youth and the key issues they face.

This year Wear it Purple Day will be held on Friday 25 August and the theme is Write Your Story

The 2023 theme places emphasis on the importance of personal expression and individuality for LGBTQIA+ youth.

For young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, the theme represents the importance of taking ownership of their stories and sharing their experiences.

Wear it Purple Day 2023 has three main aims including visibility, community and acceptance.

Wear it Purple is a volunteer-led and run organisation, which was founded in 2010, in response to many global stories of teenagers self-harming, due to bullying and harassment.

These real stories, real responses and real heartbreak resulted from a lack of acceptance, a lack of community, support and safety due to their sexuality or gender identity.

Wear it Purple president Lara Husselbee said: “Being queer and visible is a privilege not a lot of people have. For our youth, one of the many factors impacting this is their safety and the role models they have around them.”

“People who are confident to carry courageous conversations, to ask questions, to learn, to create space for youth voices and to actively listen. So often, we can be caught up in the data or the words in the messages we are trying to deliver, resulting in the fact we are forgetting we are talking about people,” she said.

Wear it Purple Day 2023 artist

Each year there is an artist selected to help promote Wear it Purple Day through the creation of resources such as posters, postcards, social media tiles and more. This year’s artist, Lawson “Wukawe” Dodd is a proud Kaurna/ Narungga/Ngarrindjeri man whose strengths in digital media allow him to take a modern approach to his artwork, while incorporating traditional customs and meaning. His talents were recently recognised when he was awarded NAIDOC SA Artist of the Year 2022

How can your workplace get involved?

There are various ways in which you and your workplace can get involved in Wear it Purple Day, such as:

• Hold or attend panels and keynote events: The power of storytelling and visibility enables LGBTQIA+ youth to connect to community and gain strength hearing about common struggles and opportunities to triumph.

• Prioritise key issues through your pride employee network groups: Championing topics like pronouns,

gender affirmation and identity, inclusive language and how to be an active ally.

• Continue conversations: beyond Wear it Purple Day that deliver safety in classrooms and workplaces across the country.

What started out small has now grown; however the message remains the same. Everybody has the right to be proud of who they are.

By wearing purple on the last Friday of August, you will demonstrate to hundreds of thousands of LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia that you see them, you support them, and you respect them.

Be part of a movement that has the potential to save thousands of lives. Be part of this change.

For more information, resources, communication support, where to purchase merchandise and how to donate visit www.wearitpurple.org

If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Upcoming opportunities for new educators

By Chloe Hosking Growth Team officer

Did you know that SSTUWA members have access to five days of paid leave each year to attend union training?

This semester, you have two exciting opportunities to make use of this Trade Union Training leave, with applications for both the State Council Conference Guest Program and National New Educators Conference opening on 11 August.

State Council Conference Guest Program

Twice each year, elected delegates from every district in Western Australia travel to State Council Conference. Here, they form the SSTUWA’s highest decision-making body, spending two days in discussion and debate about the union’s direction and activities.

Delegates also engage in an element of professional development, with past speakers including Ministers for Education, activists and union leaders from across Australia.

This November, new educators in their first five years of teaching are invited to join State Council Conference as guests. You’ll be paired with a mentor and have the opportunity to observe the proceedings of State Council Conference, meet other new educator unionists and learn more about how and why your union works.

“The friendly members of the New Educator Network made me feel very comfortable. The mentor set up was also great as it helped me get an insider view of the way State Council operates.” -2022 State Council Conference new educator guest

Pictured on this page are five 2022 State Council Conference guests, who returned this year as elected delegates. Congratulations Simon, Marvi, Shwetha, Zac and Louise (pictured, left to right).

National New Educators Conference

Each year the branches and associated bodies of the Australian Education Union hold an annual New Educators Conference.

This year the event will be held in Canberra, and we invite new educators in their first five years of teaching to submit an expression of interest to join the SSTUWA delegation.

You will hear from a range of interstate and international guest speakers and get involved in workshops that relate directly to new educator issues. This conference will allow you to become more aware of professional and industrial matters and build a network within the new educator community across Australia.

Expressions of interest for both the 2023 State Council Conference Guest Program and 2023 National New Educators Conference open 11 August and close on 10 September. The next State Council Conference will be held 10-11 November. The National New Educators Conference will be held 18-19 November. Visit the New Educator tab on the SSTUWA website for more information and to apply.

SSTUWA for Yes Sticker Day

2 1 S e p t e m b e r

On Thursday 21 September we are asking members to participate in the SSTUWA for Yes Sticker Day to build awareness of the Unions for Yes campaign, to support recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice

With this issue of Western Teacher members have received a sheet of stickers Please share these stickers on 21 September; wear them and encourage your colleagues to do the same

Have conversations with your colleagues about why it is important to vote yes in the upcoming referendum.

Consider hosting a morning tea or lunch for your branch – union reps are urged to head to our website for more information on using your branch operating funds to cater the Sticker Day event: bit.ly/3rZsiBe

Show your solidarity with a sticker. Take group photos of members on the day, post them on social media with #SSTUWA and #Yes23, and email them to us at editor@sstuwa.org.au

Share

- SSTUWA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee.

Wear

"We ask our members within the SSTUWA to walk with us and that 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."

Voice crucial to meeting Indigenous needs

By Penny Taylor, Daphne Habibis and Kellie Pollard.

Opponents of an Indigenous Voice to parliament say the Voice is merely symbolic and another pointless layer of bureaucracy. They say that what is needed are “practical measures”.

However decades of government-led “practical measures” have achieved little measurable progress and in some cases, caused considerable harm to Indigenous communities. So the question is, will the Voice, in delivering Indigenous perspectives direct to parliament, make any practical difference to outcomes for Indigenous peoples?

Indigenous people have long been calling for more Indigenous-informed solutions. The current debate on alcohol bans in the Northern Territory is just one recent example.

Our research has found including the perspectives of Indigenous people can disrupt long-held assumptions behind previously accepted policy measures. This indicates mechanisms such as the Voice could help deliver better policy by building better understanding of Indigenous affairs.

We did 180 interviews with 44 Indigenous people in Darwin from diverse socioeconomic, age, and gender groups. They spoke about aspects of Australian society they perceive to be harmful to race-relations, and therefore to the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

This kind of attention to Indigenous perspectives is central to the proposed structure of the Voice. The current design proposal ensures local and regional voices will have their say.

Whose voices are currently being heard in parliament?

Australia’s public and policy spaces are dominated by white Australians, who make up nearly all decision-makers and trusted authorities. By comparison, Indigenous people are underrepresented in every major sphere of influence. This results in top-down, paternalistic policies that have little connection with the reality of Indigenous peoples’ lives.

Studies show that when political discourse and policy development is dominated by one group’s experiences and worldview, it results in racial biases and blind spots. This limits policy discussions and proposed solutions. Failure to incorporate Indigenous

perspectives has contributed to decades of misinformed, ineffective policy. The Northern Territory Intervention is a prime example.

One of the participants of our research reflected on this, saying: “They think they understand our values but they don’t understand anything at all. Like, you know, they make all these assumptions without even consulting or discussing or communicating with us anything, you know, of our values or our interests or what we know.”

Indigenous voices are important to policy

The observations of the participants in our research illustrate how the lived

experience of Indigenous peoples can better inform policies about what issues need to be addressed.

For example, our study found the broader population’s ignorance of Indigenous people was one of the standout problems brought up by participants. This includes ignorance of Indigenous cultures, Australian history, and the complexities of its consequences for Indigenous peoples. Participants said they feel there is a low awareness of the extent of this ignorance in the non-Indigenous population.

One participant stated: “I think there’s a lot of goodwill there, however, with that goodwill, understanding or knowledge doesn’t necessarily go with it…”

It is their experience that this ignorance contributes to racist and culturally unsafe attitudes and behaviours - the harms of which are well documented. Participants said their response to this is to disengage and withdraw from spaces dominated by non-Indigenous people. This includes spaces of education, employment, and essential services. This is an issue because it is often assumed, based on misguided stereotypes, that Indigenous people are unmotivated to engage in education and employment. However unsafe environments are a contributing factor.

From this perspective, policies focused on increasing Indigenous participation (including through punitive measures) misunderstand the nature of the problem. Instead, education measures to “close the gap” in Indigenous health

and wellbeing need to be broadened to include education of the non-Indigenous population in the areas identified above.

The participants’ perspectives raise many challenges to current policy, and state what is needed is not for Indigenous people to become more like white Australia but for there to be a mutual appreciation of the value of both worldviews and to find ways to work together.

The Voice could be good policy

The views of the research participants confirm the goals of the Uluru Statement

from the Heart: if policy is to succeed, it must respond to the lived experience of Indigenous peoples.

Because we live it, we see it, whereas, if you don’t live it, you don’t see it.

Our research suggests Indigenous people need to be given space to speak frankly about their lives and for their views to be heard by policy makers. This creates opportunity for better-informed policies and systemic change.

Indigenous people have long demanded a voice to inform policies that affect them. Since invasion, their perspectives have largely been excluded, with disastrous consequences.

The referendum is the result of enormous grassroots efforts by Indigenous people to achieve this basic right. By establishing a national platform that delivers Indigenous voices direct to parliament, the Voice could finally achieve this.

Penny Taylor is a researcher at the University of Tasmania. Daphne Habibis is an Associate Professor at the University of Tasmania. Kellie Pollard is a Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University. 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 Conversation website and has been reproduced here with permission.

The Voice: A guide to responding

There’s no better way to respond to objections than having the right information in front of you. Here are some of the objections you may hear and ways to tackle them.

Common objections

Responses

Lack of detail

The Australian constitution provides the rules, not the operational details.

E.g. When Australia established the High Court, the constitution simply stated that Australia should have a High Court. Once the High Court was established in the constitution, it was up to Parliament to decide how the court would work.

This Voice would work in the same way.

First Nations people are not supporting the Voice to Parliament

There are already First Nations people in parliament

Won’t this give First Nations people special rights?

86 per cent of First Nations people are supporting the Yes campaign.

Like any group of people, First Nations people make up diverse opinions. Some First Nations people support a treaty first rather than a Voice. However, without establishing a Voice, any treaty that is not convenient for the government, can be removed.

First Nations people in Parliament are elected to represent their constituents and hold their party’s political line.

This is problematic, wont it divide us as a race?

For too long, First Nations people have been ignored when policies have been made that affect their/our lives.

Far too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience lower quality of life outcomes that non-Indigenous Australians. Despite good intentions, governments, and parliaments by themselves cannot provide lasting solutions.

A Voice to Parliament would simply ensure that First Nations people affected by decisions made about them are able to advise politicians about what really works in their communities.

When the constitution was drafted it specifically excluded First Nations Australians. While this exclusion was removed at the 1967 referendum, the constitution still treats Indigenous people differently through the “races power”. The “races power” gives the Parliament power to make laws specifically about any group on the basis of race. The “races power” has only been used to make laws about First Nations people. It is only fair and reasonable that First Nations people have a say over those laws. This doesn’t add anything except the right to be heard.

Governments have spent billions of dollars on First Nations issues, won’t this be a waste of money?

Without a Voice, governments have been wasteful and inconsistent regarding First nations issues.

The Voice will provide a means for First Nations people in the communities to work together with governments to direct funding where most needed.

Join up and join in

Call for nominations

Election of members to SSTUWA committees and delegates to UnionsWA at November 2023 State Council

Nominations for positions on the following SSTUWA Committees and delegates to UnionsWA are now open:

(a) UnionsWA Council (1 year term)

Fifteen (15) Delegates to be elected plus the President and General Secretary who are automatic ex-officio members.

(b) Education Committee (2 year term)

Nine (9) Committee members to be elected. If fewer than nine nominations are received the Executive will appoint additional members to bring the total elected or appointed to nine.

(c) Dispute Resolution Committee (1 year term)

Twelve (12) Committee members are required to form the basis of the Dispute Resolution Committee from which three members’ names will be drawn by lot to form the Committee as and when required. No member of the Executive may nominate.

Nominations open: 9.00am 31 July 2023

Nominations close: 12 Noon Friday 22 September 2023

Nominations must be in the hands of the Returning Officer by 12 Noon Friday 22 September 2023.

Should more nominations than vacancies be received, a draw for ballot positions will occur at 12 noon, 25 September 2023 at the Union Office, 1 West St. West Perth WA 6005. Nominees or scrutineers wishing to attend must give the Returning Officer 24 hours notice.

If a ballot is necessary, State Council members will vote on Saturday 11 November 2023 between 8.00am and 8.45am during the 2023 State Council meeting.

All nominees must be financial members of the Union and must be proposed and seconded by financial members. Nominees must sign their acceptance of nomination and date their nomination form or letter.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from: sstuwa.org.au/sstuwa-elections

All names must be supported by Union identification numbers (ID), written clearly, and show worksite. Gender and preferred name for ballot paper should be shown by nominee.

Facsimile nominations are acceptable, provided originals are forwarded without delay as confirmation.

Ian Stringall, SSTUWA Returning Officer, 31 July 2023

About the committees

UnionsWA Council

UnionsWA Council is the supreme decision making body for the WA trade union movement. It meets monthly with delegates from all affiliated unions. The forum for the meetings offers an opportunity to exchange information, debate and consider union and community issues and campaigns and to educate union delegates on current issues.

Education Committee

The SSTUWA Education Committee focuses on education-related issues at state, national and international levels. The committee reviews and revises relevant union policy; assist in the formulation of position papers; assists in the planning and organisation of seminars, conferences and other membership activities; monitors government and employer actions under relevant legislation; evaluates SSTUWA rules, policies and other positions as examples of best practice; considers and make recommendations on matters referred by the Administrative Committee and Executive; and makes recommendations to Executive on matters considered by the committee.

Dispute Resolution Committee

The SSTUWA Dispute Resolution Committee considers and makes recommendations to Executive in relation to any charges under SSTUWA rule 11Breach of Rules, or any dispute a member may have concerning the application or interpretation of an SSTUWA rule or the registration of a proposed rule. Refer to SSTUWA rule 12 for full details.

Find

Lessons in organising

By Professor Howard Stevenson

How can unions engage in a genuine renewal process and build union power to address union members’ needs in a fast-changing political environment?

In our new book, Lessons in Organising: What trade unionists can learn from the war on teachers, we analyse the experience of the UK National Education Union (NEU) as it organised union members through the pandemic, working to make sure that public policy prioritised the health, safety and welfare of students, education workers and communities.

A major union victory for safe schools and communities: how did we get there?

As 2020 turned into 2021 the world remained in the grip of the global Covid-19 pandemic, with the emergence of the new Delta variant contributing to new waves of transmission.

These were difficult, and dangerous, times for those working in schools and great care was needed to avoid not only high rates of Covid-19 among staff and students, but the very real danger that infected children would carry the virus back to their homes, placing their families and communities at risk.

At the time the UK government had to decide whether schools in England should be fully open, or work in lockdown mode with only vulnerable students and the children of key workers physically in school while other students were taught online.

What is now clear is that the government was deeply divided on the issue. Its own expert advice (provided by a body set up to provide high level intelligence on managing the pandemic) recommended schools should work in lockdown mode, and it has recently emerged that the Minister responsible for Health supported this approach.

However, the Minister responsible for Education was determined that schools should remain fully open.

In this dispute between senior Ministers at the heart of managing the public health crisis then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson sided with his Education Minister and the decision was taken, against expert advice, to press ahead with full school openings at the start of the new school term.

On Sunday 3 January Boris Johnson took to the weekend politics programmes on TV and said he had “no doubt” schools were safe, and that parents should “absolutely” send their children to school the next day.

On the same day, the NEU held an online Zoom meeting that was attended by 40,000 members and was watched live on other social media channels by a further 400,000 people.

The result was a mobilisation across the union in which members invoked their employment and health and safety rights at work to demand safe workplaces. This required immediate and well organised action on a huge

scale, across 24,000 individual schools, to demand that schools only fully reopened when it was clearly safe for them to do so.

On the evening of the 4 January, and the first day of the new school term, Boris Johnson went on a specially organised live TV broadcast to say that schools were “vectors of transmission” and that they should work in remote mode until at least the middle of February.

This was a hugely significant moment because it was the instant when a very strong government (with a large majority in parliament) was forced to u-turn on a key area of policy in the pandemic, and put the safety of communities before its own political priorities.

Our argument in the book is that the union’s achievement in that moment was not the serendipitous outcome of a particular set of unusual circumstances, and the quick judgement calls of the union’s leadership, but was rather the outcome of at least 10 years of strategic

(re-)organising in which union members had been engaged in an active process of union renewal.

Renewal was necessary because it had long been apparent that successive governments in England were determined to confront, defeat and destroy the teacher unions in order to be able to press ahead with their radical plans to restructure schools along neoliberal lines (making schools perform as individual business units competing in a market).

This is what we mean by the “war on teachers” that is included in the title of the book. One of the features of this war on teachers has been the deliberate creation of a hostile environment for traditional trade union activity.

What also became clear, is that in this much transformed environment the union could not continue as though nothing had changed. A changed context required a transformed union.

In the book we analyse the renewal process in the NEU as it not only sought to challenge the neoliberal restructuring of the school system, but as it underwent its own transformation in order to build union power in a muchchanged environment. We present our conclusions as three lessons in organising which we summarise here:

Lesson 1: The union is in the workplace

The first lesson is a relentless focus on building union presence, visibility and influence in the workplace.

The union can often seem remote and detached to union members in their daily working life. They see the union when an email appears in their inbox or when the general secretary appears on the TV news.

What is important is that union members see and feel the union in their place of work, where they directly experience the issues that shape their ability to do their job.

It is at the workplace where members develop a collective identity – where the union is real, and when belonging to the union is tangible and meaningful.

This does not happen in an abstract sense, and it cannot be created from afar. At its most foundational level it requires someone to act as the focal point for this visibility and to draw others into the collective.

For the NEU, this was a relentless focus on recruiting, supporting and developing union members to act as the school representative.

Such a role will look different in different unions and systems, but someone performing this key role in the workplace makes a real difference in making the union real in members’ lives.

Lesson 2: Organising must be political

The struggle over the purposes, value and values of public education is a political struggle. It is a struggle over what the future looks like and it will always be contested.

This is not about party politics but about the politics of education in a much broader sense. Organising in the workplace around important pay and conditions issues is obviously essential, but it cannot be sufficient.

Such struggles challenge key injustices, but they rarely question the more fundamental causes of the problem.

Our second lesson highlights the need to connect immediate concerns with a wider set of questions, and to use these issues to turn the union outwards.

For example, in the pandemic the NEU obviously campaigned around health and safety issues in schools, but it connected those issues to the need for health and safety in the community.

It also linked problems of remote

learning to wider questions of child poverty, with many children unable to access resources to participate in home learning.

(continued on page 24)

(continued from page 23)

A campaign on free school meals emphasised the links between children’s success in school and the need to address poverty and structural inequality beyond schools.

There is a need to organise around ideas and an alternative vision of what public education must mean.

However, this work is not restricted to high level messaging that is crafted by communication specialists in the union’s headquarters, important as this may be.

Rather it must engage with the union’s membership at the base, both educating union members and encouraging union members to act as educators in their community.

Lesson 3: Leadership matters

Both lessons one and two point inexorably to our third lesson: that leadership matters, because it is people who make change happen.

However, our concern is not with leaders narrowly defined (for example, those who hold high office in the union), but all those in the union who engage in the process of helping others to understand their context, imagine alternative

possibilities and to act collectively to bring about change.

Leadership is not about a position, or a role, but it is defined by the function performed. Presented in this way, leadership in the union can (and must) be performed at every level of the organisation.

Indeed, our third lesson centres on the need to focus forensically on building this type of leadership throughout the organisation and indeed to ensure that levels of the union are not discrete and disconnected, but rather they are organically integrated.

Viewed in these terms, we argue that the key quality in any leader is the ability to develop leadership in others.

Not a manual for activists, but an inspiration to action

In setting out these three lessons here we know we are distilling nuanced, and contested, developments into a format that does not easily capture complexity.

We are also presenting a case study of a single education union in a very specific national context. It will be up to others to decide how, and to what extent, these lessons may apply in very different circumstances.

In the book we are clear – the three lessons are not the only lessons, and they are certainly not a set of lessons to be followed and implemented in any simplistic way.

They are presented to encourage reflection, provoke discussion and encourage collective learning. The book does not claim to be a manual for activists, but we hope it will act as an inspiration to action for educators everywhere engaged in fighting for quality public education.

Howard Stevenson is Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. He has researched extensively in the area of education trade unions, including undertaking work for Education International (EI). He is co-author of Lessons in Organising with Gawain Little, Ellie Sharp and David Wilson. This article was first published on the EI website and is reproduced here with permission. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of the AEU, SSTUWA or EI.

Celebrating 125 years

125 Years: Legendary SSTUWA leader (and later life member) Nennie Harken peruses the WA Teacher’s Journal (forerunner to Western Teacher) with other members.

125 Years: A group shot of SSTUWA leaders, executive and members, including former senior vice president Nennie Harken (front left) and general secretary Trevor Lloyd (second row, far right).

125 Years: A middle school class at Merredin State School in 1953.

125 Years: A Year 4 classroom from an unidentified metropolitan school in 1962.

125 Years: The SSTUWA union building at 13 Murray Street as it was constructed during the 1960s.

National education and union news

Serious challenges facing Australia’s education system

The federal government’s new consultation paper for the Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System, released last month, highlights the extent of the deep inequities in Australia’s education system.

AEU Deputy Federal President Meredith Peace said the challenges arising from that inequity required urgent action and equitable funding to alleviate them.

“Australia has, on the basis of socioeconomic status, one of the most segregated education systems in the world, and as the consultation paper highlights, it’s getting worse,” Ms Peace said.

“There are unacceptable gaps between students of different backgrounds, unsustainable workloads for principals, teachers and education support staff in public schools, and growing teacher shortages.

“While the consultation paper includes appropriate measures like early intervention for students who need additional support through tutoring programs, increased specialist staff to boost student wellbeing and additional support for teachers, further action is urgently required.

“Public school students need smaller class sizes, real improvements in oneon-one support, greater preparation time and lower administrative loads for teachers and real action on uncompetitive salaries and career structures to address the workforce shortage and unsustainable workloads for teachers, principals and education support staff.

“But the fundamental issue in our education system, the totally inequitable funding system, is not addressed by the paper. This is a massive oversight and if it remains unaddressed will mean yet

Vale Simon Crean

The trade union movement is mourning the passing of Simon Crean, who died suddenly, aged 74, whilst visiting Europe as part of an industry delegation.

Simon was president of the ACTU from 1985 to 1990 and went on to be elected to Federal Parliament and to become the leader of the Labor Party between 2001 and 2003.

He began working for the trade union movement as a young man and in 1979 became the general secretary of the Storeman and Packers Union (now the United Workers Union), representing workers in the warehouses and manufacturing industries until 1985.

Over this time Simon and the Storeman and Packers Union played a key role in the establishment of Australia’s superannuation system.

In 1981 he became a vice president of the ACTU and was elected president in 1985. While ACTU president Simon served alongside Bill Kelty as ACTU secretary and played a key role in negotiating the Prices and Income Accord.

Substantial gains for workers over this time included the establishment of universal superannuation, new welfare payments, improved skill and employment pathways and improved

another generation of public school students will miss out on full and fair funding for their education.

“It is no surprise that education faces such serious challenges and inequity when currently, 98 per cent of public schools are underfunded to the Schooling Resource Standard whilst 98 per cent of private schools are funded over the standard. This is the Federal Government’s own measure for what’s required to adequately educate a student – a measure they are failing to meet.

“If the federal government is serious about building a school system based on equity and excellence, as the consultation paper suggests, they must deliver full and fair funding for every public school student. Resources delayed are resources denied.

“This is the only way we will be able to address the challenges outlined by the consultation paper.”

childcare and health and safety standards.

He represented Australian unions on the governing body of the International Labor Organisation from 1986 to 1990.

Current ACTU President Michele O’Neil said Simon was a respected and loved leader of the Australian union movement and played a significant role in multiple ministries in four Labor Governments.

“He was a great believer in and fighter for fairness and justice for working people in Australia and around the world,” she said.

“He was a leader of conviction and courage and was generous and

supportive to young unionists and all those who sought his support and advice.

“Simon was a man of courage and principle; he strongly opposed the Iraq war whilst Labor leader.

“His legacy has made a lasting impact on the wages, entitlements, safety and retirement dignity of working people.

“His loss will be keenly and deeply felt across our movement and we send our

sincere condolences to his wife Carole and his whole family.

“Vale Simon Crean, a great union and Labor leader.”

A big step forward to fairer workplaces

The ACTU has welcomed the passing of the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting worker entitlements) Bill 2023.

The bill:

• Inserts the right to superannuation in the national employment standards.

• Improves unpaid parental leave rights by expanding the number of flexible parental leave days from 30 to 100 days and improve flexibility on how they can be taken and shared between parents.

• Makes clear that the fair work act protections apply to temporary migrant workers and provides casual workers in the black coal mining

industry with the same access to long service leave as permanent workers.

ACTU President Michele O’Neil said: “Australia’s workplace laws need updating to protect workers from loopholes used by some big business to drive down wages and conditions. The passing of this bill is an important step forward in that process.”

“Superannuation has finally been recognised in our workplace laws as a universal workplace right. All workers, with their union, will be able to enforce their superannuation rights and recover super that has been stolen from them.

“Millions of workers have around $5 billion

of superannuation stolen each year, this measure will ensure more workers can retire with dignity and security.

“The bill also ensures that migrant workers are entitled to the same entitlements and protections as all other workers in Australia.

“The bill is also great for families, strengthening access to flexible unpaid access to leave means families can better share in caring responsibilities.

“Our workplace laws need to be fair and keep pace with changes in modern workplaces.

“We welcome these updates to our laws that bring increased security to workers.”

Registry for respiratory diseases welcomed but further action still needed

The Albanese Government has introduced legislation that will capture, record and share the causes of deadly occupational respiratory diseases like silicosis.

The National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry Bill 2023 establishes a national registry for reporting of all occupational respiratory diseases, with the reporting of silicosis to be mandatory.

The national registry will aid in the

detection of new and emerging threats to workers respiratory health, by monitoring trends and assisting in targeted intervention and prevention strategies.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien welcomed the registry but said further reforms were critical if the disease was to be eradicated.

“We need a ban on engineered stone,” he said.

“More than 600,000 workers are exposed to deadly silica dust at work in industries including mining, quarrying construction and manufacturing. This deadly and incurable disease is entirely preventable.

“Engineered stone is a fashion product that is killing those who work with it. As many as one in four stonemasons working with engineered stone have been diagnosed with silicosis.”

Education & Training Centre

Managing the Learning of Students with Anxiety

There has been an increase in the numbers of students who are suffering from anxiety in today’s classrooms. Feelings of anxiety will prevent students from engaging in learning or achieving their potential. These barriers can be frustrating for the teacher and the student and can often lead to the student removing themselves further from the learning community. In this course the presenter will explore techniques that you can use when you are working with students who suffer from anxiety, helping you to re-engage the students while they deal with their condition.

Choosing Literacy Texts to Make a Difference (Secondary)

Thursday 17 August

Thursday 17 August

Every curriculum decision we make, including the texts we use in our classroom, makes a difference to student learning. When we make conscious choices about the texts we use, and how we teach with those texts, we make a statement about what is important to us as a teacher. In this session the presenter, an award-winning teacher who has published widely on the role of schools in promoting democracy, will outline how they make choices about the texts they use in the classroom.

Writing Rubrics for Higher Order Thinking Skills

Thursday 24 August

All teachers are now familiar with the construction of rubrics for assessment. In this session the focus will be on extending that skill to construct analytic and holistic rubrics that assess non-cognitive skills, including higher order thinking skills.

Techniques to Engage Secondary Boys in Reading

There is some anecdotal evidence that boys in secondary settings are reluctant readers. The presenter is an experienced secondary literacy teacher who will work through five techniques that they have used with reluctant readers. The focus is on practical classroom ready techniques that you can readily implement in your classroom, whatever subject you are teaching.

Five Techniques to Enhance Talented Writers (Secondary)

Wednesday 30 August

Wednesday 31 August

In this session, the presenter will present five techniques they use when they encounter gifted and talented writers in their classroom. The presenter is an experienced secondary English teacher with postgraduate qualifications in working with gifted and talented students. The focus is on practical classroom ready techniques that you can readily implement in your classroom, whatever subject you are teaching.

Partnering with Parents for Numeracy Development (Primary K-3)

Students’ numeracy development will be enhanced if teachers and parents are working in partnership. However, many parents have low levels of confidence in numeracy and Maths. In this session an experienced primary teacher and school leader will outline some approaches that they have used to increase parent confidence and to bring parents into the numeracy partnership.

Thursday 31 August

Online professional learning events via Zoom - Term 3

Extending Numeracy Skills of High Achievers in Years 4-6

Teachers understand that in each class they have high ability students who require particular attention to support their ongoing academic development. Catering to this group is part of a teacher’s commitment to differentiation. However, research shows that this group of students can miss teacher time as the needs of other students seem more pressing. In this course, an experienced primary teacher will demonstrate some key numeracy strategies and some practical numeracy tasks that can be readily implemented in the upper primary classroom.

Indigenous Pedagogies - Yarning Circles and 8 Ways

Thursday 31 August

Tuesday 12 September

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives effectively into the curriculum is beneficial to all students as well as First Nations students. The focus of this session will be on the use of Yarning Circles. The presenter has developed The 8 Ways pedagogy, evolved from a research project involving educators, university staff and local Aboriginal communities. It is “a culturally safe point of entry for teachers to begin engaging with Aboriginal knowledge and cross-cultural dialogue in the community”. This course will increase your understanding and knowledge and provide practical examples for the classroom.

Reconnecting with Disengaged Students

Wednesday 13 September

What happens when students in our class become disengaged? What is within our control as a teacher to respond to the disengaged student? In this session the presenter will explore some of the common manifestations of disengaged students and then suggest different approaches, to re-engage those students in the learning community. The key, as with so many behavioural issues, is preventative strategies and then restorative approaches once things have gone awry.

Building an Inclusive Classroom Culture

Wednesday 20 September

When teachers understand students, their cultural and linguistic background, their gender identity and its impact on them, the significant experiences that have shaped them e.g. the presence of trauma, the experience of disability or a learning disorder, then teachers can shape an inclusive environment that promotes high quality learning opportunities for all. In this session the presenter will explore different routines and practices that teachers can use to create a more inclusive classroom culture.

SSTUWA Annual Women's Conference

Strong Women, Strong Voices

Keynote speakers

Michelle Cowan - Head of Women's Football at West Coast Eagles

Mahboba Rawi OAM - Founder of Mahboba’s Promise

Friday 27 October

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

Food and Wine

Campbells

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

Cellar d’Or

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

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

Wattyl

15% off Wattyl paints, stains and accessories at Wattyl Paint Centres in WA. sstuwa.org.au/wattyl

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

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

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

Dunsborough (Quindalup)

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

0419 943 203 a_r_moore@bigpond.com

Dwellingup

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

Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au

Dwellingup

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

Shani: 0402 615 235 shanivore@hotmail.com

Floreat

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

Frankland River

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 4 starts 16 October.

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

Noticeboard

Retired teachers

Next meeting: The next meeting of retired teacher members is Wednesday 6 September at 11am, at the SSTUWA premises. Zoom facilities are available. All retired teacher members are invited.

Double celebration: We invite all RTA members to keep Monday 11 December free for a combined Christmas and union 125th anniversary celebration.

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

SSTUWA scholarships and AEU award

Lynette Virgona Scholarship

Designed to assist a member to undertake training or professional development in the areas of student behaviour and/or instructional strategies

Deadline: 18 August 2023 sstuwa.org.au/scholarships

National TAFE Day: 6 September

SSTUWA Scholarship

Designed to assist members to undertake industrial and/ or professional learning that is aligned with the union’s key objectives.

Deadline: 4 September 2023 sstuwa.org.au/scholarships

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Scholarship - Two scholarships available to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to take up training/PD to further develop their education career.

Deadline: 13 October 2023 sstuwa.org.au/scholarships

Arthur Hamilton Award

Presented annually to an educator/group of educators who demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Deadline: 6 November 2023 https://bit.ly/45dvY0N

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association:

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

Every year, National TAFE Day provides the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the public TAFE system as a highly regarded educational institution which has supported and provided opportunities for individuals, communities and employers for decades.

More info: rebuildwithtafe.org.au

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 14 November

Women’s Committee Time: 4pm 31 October

Teleconference facilities are available

LGBTIQ+ Committee

Time: 3.30pm 17 October

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee

Time: 4pm

26 October

Early Childhood Educators’ Committee

Time: 4pm

2 November

As the health fund for the education community, we help over 370,000 members and their families navigate life’s ups and downs.

So why not see what we can do for you?