Western Teacher - Volume 43.9 - November 2014 by SSTUWA

VOLUME 43.9 NOVEMBER 2014

STATE SCHOOL TEACHERS’ UNION OF WA (INC)

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VOLUME 43.9 NOVEMBER 2014

FEATURES A life for the union

AEU Federal President moves on

Question corporate rule

Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity 12 Meet the Principals

A day on the water

A Cutback Game For School Leaders

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The learning tower of self-esteem 28

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From the president

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 Western Australia (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 WA (Inc).

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

SCHOOL LEADERS, REDEPLOYMENT AND IPS As predicted, the decision by Education Minister Peter Collier to quarantine IPS schools from having to accept redeployees is coming home to roost with the latest raft of schools – 174 – becoming IPS. We are now in the ludicrous situation of having approximately five metro senior high schools – which are not IPS – in which to place any secondary metro redeployees. In keeping with previous years, the Department has provided a window for those 174 schools to reprofile this year – by 28 November – even though they will not actually be IPS until 2015. The problem is of course what to do with those secondary teachers and school leaders who become

redeployees when there are only five metro schools available. School leaders – and in particular those at Levels 3 and 4 of the classification scale – are at an extreme disadvantage, given the numbers of promotional positions available to them reducing by the day. As schools combine subject departments and reconfigure deputy positions, the options available are shrinking rapidly. The Department has indicated its intention is not to dismiss permanent staff (remember, secondary schools will need an additional 1300-1500 teachers next year) but to allocate them to teaching positions where a suitable position at level cannot be found. While this provides some comfort in that people remain employed, it is a cruel response to school leaders – who have chosen a particular career path – many of whom have given the major part of their working lives to public education in WA. The reality is that new promotional positions will be few and far between.

PAT BYRNE, PRESIDENT

The likelihood of a supernumerary Level 3 being able to pick up another Level 3 job in the metro area is extremely small indeed. Added to this is the changed redeployment legislation which enables the employer to dismiss redeployees after a specified period of time. This is yet to be determined but if proposed regulations go ahead it could be as short as six months, with a payout capped at 16 weeks – the lowest in the country. Teachers, including school leaders, are facing an unprecedented number of changes in 2015. The Year 7 Transition, WACE changes, one line budget, and SCFM are all happening at once! The government is now adding the stress of possible unemployment or, at best, major (involuntary) career change. It’s time for the Minister to review his position on this – as a matter of urgency.

WESTERN TEACHER

A LIFE FOR THE UNION With more than a century of combined experience in advancing the union movement and serving members, Mike Keely, Ed Harken and Don Phillips are to be congratulated on their life member status. The decorated trio were formally conferred with SSTUWA life membership at November State Council, in recognition of their achievements in advocating for the rights of teachers and the cause of public education. Mr Keely and Mr Harken are both former SSTUWA presidents, while Mr Phillips is a former SSTUWA branch official, state council delegate, executive members and field officer. Mr Keely joined the SSTUWA in 1968 and later held the offices of vice and senior vice president, before taking on the role of president from 2004-2007. Another former SSTUWA president, Anne Gisborne, told State Council that Mr Keely played a significant part in leading and implementing a range of issues to improve conditions for members, including

reporting, curricula, career pathways and country allowances. “Mike Keely was part of the senior officer/executive team who designed the blueprint and strategy to enable our members, our teachers, to be the best paid in Australia,” Ms Gisborne said. “He has been a true and loyal servant of the SSTUWA, a fighter on union issues, an advocate for public education and promoter of the profession.” Mr Keely said life membership was a great recognition but he saw it as collective acknowledgement of past and present members who had worked tirelessly for the union. “It is thanks to all of you who are here today,” he said. “Our union, its awards, its

agreements, its struggles are fantastic achievements. We are strong, we are idealistic; we battle on.” Ed Harken has served the SSTUWA as an executive member, senior vice president and president from 1990-1993. Under Mr Harken’s tenure the union progressed and developed a state council structure, fought for asbestos safety in schools and negotiated the teacher’s award. A public spat over asbestos safety in schools saw the education minister refuse to talk to Mr Harken in public. SSTUWA president Pat Byrne said, “The establishment of a teacher’s award represented significant industrial progression for an industry which had not even been considered an industry until 1984.” Mr Harken comes from an education family. His father was a primary principal while his late aunt, Nennie Harken, was a former primary teacher, SSTUWA senior vice president and life member.

legislation for school councils.

“Active unionism defines public service in our society and active unionism is the high wire,” Mr Harken said.

“Throughout all of my children’s lives, Dad has been in the union and I’d hate to add up the miles and hours they have travelled, strapped in the back of a car as we drove to a variety of country locations for six years,” Mr Phillips said.

Don Phillips joined the SSTUWA in 1972 and has served as a branch official, state council delegate and executive member. Over the years he has been involved in work and sat on committees relating to class sizes, a merit promotion system and MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

Mr Phillips said there was a significant effect on one’s family life working in the country and being active on the union executive.

Most recently Mr Phillips worked at the SSTUWA office as field officer, a stint he remembers fondly. “Those years gave me the MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

opportunity to engage in the work of the union far more considerably and in greater depth than I had ever been able to do,” he said. “It allowed me to work closely with many dedicated and driven co-workers, many of whom I now count as friends.” As for his passion for the union, Mr Phillips recounted a story where he recently told his wife he needed to find a hobby. “She looked at me with a certain degree of exasperation and said ‘Don, the union is your hobby.’” Mr Phillips said.

WESTERN TEACHER

EDUCATION CUTS LEAVE STUDENTS WORSE OFF The emerging picture of government cuts to school budgets is becoming clearer with figures showing that 90 per cent of public school students will have less money spent on their education next year.

WESTERN TEACHER

AEU FEDERAL PRESIDENT MOVES ON Australian Education Union federal president Angelo Gavrielatos has resigned as he looks to further champion public education issues internationally. Mr Gavrielatos will step down after seven years as federal president on 31 January 2015.

The SSTUWA has used the government figures to compare 2015 expenditure per student (based on enrolment projections) with the 2013 figures. The analysis reveals that students will each lose an average of $730 across WA, with more than 255,000 worse off statewide. SSTUWA president Pat Byrne said the government was using smoke and mirrors to hide the fall in the government spending for public schools. She said while the real education budget was increasing by 1.2 per cent in 2014-15, student numbers were increasing by 3.4 per cent. “Some principals do not understand why they are being told by the government that their budget is increasing overall, yet they are still having to cut back on music programs, breakfast programs and specialist

education programs,” Ms Byrne said.

The Putting Our Kids First campaign,

“Now we can see from these figures that in 158 schools, while their overall budget has increased, their spending per student will actually decrease due to a rise in enrolments.”

which is supported by the SSTUWA,

Education support centres will be among the hardest hit, with some losing upwards of $26,799 in average student funding next year.

were collected by the POKF alliance

Some of Perth’s biggest schools in terms of enrolments will also be losing out, with average student funding losses in the thousands of dollars.

public to marginal electorates.

“The government is crying poor at the moment, but the fact is it has got money; it’s just choosing to spend it on things like Elizabeth Quay, the new stadium and the airport link,” Ms Byrne said. “We think the government should have a good look at its spending priorities and invest more in our kids.” WWW.PUTTINGOURKIDSFIRST.COM.AU

is continuing its fight to stop government cuts to education. More than 3000 signatures for a petition protesting funding cuts from Royal Show visitors in late September, while emails have been sent by concerned members of the Video advertisements posted online promoting awareness of budget cuts also have proven popular, with total views closing in on one million. Swings against the Liberal Party in the Vasse by-election in October, plus the State Government’s same-month announcement that schools funding was exempt from $2 billion of new cost saving measures indicate that the POKF campaign is having an effect.

He will accept a role with Education International to coordinate the fight against the privatisation and commercialisation of education. “A public school, free, secular, universally accessible in every community, setting the standard for high-quality education, remains a precondition for a better world,” Mr Gavrielatos said. “Unfortunately, this ideal is under greater threat today than it has ever been. “The continuing push for commodification, marketisation, commercialisation, and ultimately, the privatisation of education, is the greatest threat to highquality education for all.”

education for all, society itself will be fundamentally damaged,” he said. “This is a challenge I’m ready to commit to; in many ways it will be an extension of the work we are already doing in Australia.” Mr Gavrielatos said the decision to leave had not been an easy one and it had been a privilege to lead the AEU. “The dedication of our members has motivated and inspired me during this time,” he said. “The Gonski campaign stands out as our greatest achievement. The debate on schools funding has been forever changed.” AEU federal secretary Susan Hopgood said Mr Gavrielatos had done an outstanding job on behalf of all members and his departure would be significant loss. “He has always been a passionate and determined advocate for highquality public education and should be immensely proud of what he has achieved as the federal president,” she said. Mr Gavrielatos, a NSW secondary teacher, was appointed AEU Federal President in 2008.

Mr Gavrielatos said EI’s United campaign had created a new narrative to articulate the important role of public education and how it could not be outsourced to the private sector.

Before that he was the AEU deputy Federal President and the NSWTF senior vice/deputy president.

“It is our job to keep pressing the core message, that without properly resourced, high-quality public

A ballot of federal conference delegates will be convened to choose the next federal president. MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

WESTERN TEACHER

QUESTION CORPORATE RULE The Australian Education Union is sad to be farewelling its President, Angelo Gavrielatos. However, members will be pleased to know Angelo has accepted a position at Education International to coordinate a global campaign to halt and reverse the commercialisation and privatisation of education. 4. The industry is rife with fraud and corruption. 5. Lack of transparency and accountability. 6. Skimming and weedout strategies. 7. Contribute to the resegregation of US education. 8. Drain resources from struggling districts. 9. Closing traditional (local) public schools. 10. Lack of innovation. 11. Hard to get rid of the bad ones. Angelo states: “We believe that public schooling, free, secular, universally accessible in every community, setting the standard for high quality education, remains a precondition for a better world. This is under greater threat today than it has ever been.” I have previously reported on the spread of for-profit schools in Sweden, the USA and the UK. Increasingly, research is revealing that the corporate approach to education is not producing better results; in fact, the opposite is true. An article by US academic Jessie B. Ramey on her blog (yinzercation. wordpress.com/2014/05/02/12problems-with-charter-schools) lists twelve problems with Pennsylvania’s charter schools: 1.

Most are not helping kids.

2. Some are actually hurting kids. 3. Far too many are cash cows.

12. Charters promote ‘choice’ as solution. US Journalist Marian Wang, ProPublica website, reports that ‘shocking’ conflicts of interest, federal investigations, and forced resignations are just the start of the academies favoured by self-styled free marketeers. In some North Carolina academies, staff and students pledge to avoid errors that arise from ‘over-reliance on rational argument.’ Students must vow ‘to be obedient and loyal to those in authority, in my family, in my school, and in my community and country, so long as I shall live.’ In New Orleans, charters were imposed on communities – either by legislative fiat or well-engineered public policy campaigns. Many charter school operators kept their practices hidden or were found to be blatantly corrupt, yet no one has done anything to ensure real accountability for those TONY MULLEN, GENERAL SECRETARY

rapidly expanding school operations. In Australia, education advocates Save Our Schools report that another academic study has found the quality of private schools in Australia is no better than public schools. It also finds that there is a strong and positive association between the socio-economic status (SES) of a student and their test scores. It is the fourth study in the last year that shows there are no significant differences between the test results of private and public schools in Australia after taking account of the socio-economic background of students and schools. Despite this, the Federal Government continues to dismantle the Gonski funding model, which has demonstrated that the main arguments for using public funding to support school education should be on equity grounds alone. As Angelo says, “We are at a pivotal time for the future of public education. We cannot let quality public education slip away as a top priority for governments. It is our job to keep pressing the core message, that without properly resourced highquality public education for all, society itself will be fundamentally damaged.” P.S. I congratulate Mary Franklyn who has been elected as General Secretary for the next two years. We are working collaboratively on a smooth transition of office.

WESTERN TEACHER

WT ONLINE FOR 2015 Western Teacher is set to enter the digital age, with electronic versions of the magazine planned from next year. The SSTUWA is planning a trial in 2015 that will allow members to access the magazine via smartphone, tablet or desktop. This method of delivery will enable Western Teacher to be viewed as soon as it’s published, in a range of formats. The magazine will still be printed in hard copy, with members still receiving the printed version.

Following the trial, members will be asked to nominate their preferred format for receiving Western Teacher. In October this year the Western Teacher was available in downloadable form as a once-off due to special election material contained within that month’s edition. More details about the digital version will be released in 2015. WWW.SSTUWA.ORG.AU

WESTERN TEACHER

SUPPORTING SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY

Last year’s change to the Federal Sex Discrimination Act which made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status was recently celebrated at the SSTUWA. “I truly believe that if this is worked on, others things will come from it,” Ms Lucas told those in attendance.

Members and the community heard from SSTUWA vicepresident Samantha Schofield, WA Equal Opportunity commissioner Allanah Lucas and CPSU/CSA community campaigns coordinator Trudy Bates about the equity initiatives that have followed.

“There will be greater acceptance of all kinds of diversity in our community.”

The celebration was also an opportunity to promote guidelines for supporting sexuality and gender diversity in schools which have been developed with the Equal Opportunity Commission of WA, in consultation with community and education groups, including the SSTUWA. “While this document is not a policy of the Department of Education and is referred to by the department as guidelines, the SSTUWA is pleased to see the department has distributed these documents to schools, giving space to LGBTI concerns,” Miss Schofield said.

Schools can contact the EOC to organise presentations on the guidelines. Ms Bates spoke about moreequal. org – a new web-based initiative to promote equity issues, set to launch in the coming months. moreequal.org will be an online forum where users can share their equity stories and needs. “Our mission is to give people power to share their equity journey

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and to organise and promote equity together,” Ms Bates said. “People will use moreequal.org to stay connected, to discover, to share and express what matters to them.” Ms Bates said many people had equity journeys recorded across different organisations and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. “But these online platforms don’t enable an individual, a community, and an organisation to crowdsource a solution to an equity problem or barrier,” Ms Bates said. “The platform will help anyone – not just our members – do a number of things.”

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“It loudly and proudly makes a strong statement that staff and students in schools have the right to educate and gain an education free from discrimination and harassment.” Ms Lucas hoped the guidelines would spark discussion in school communities that would lead to real change. ACCESS THE GUIDELINES AT WWW.EOC.WA.GOV.AU

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WESTERN TEACHER

NURTURING FUTURE WRITERS

Darling Range Sports College in Forrestfield is looking to match its sporting success with excellence in literature.

It recently held its annual Literacy Festival at which students heard from established authors and were immersed in creative and writing activities. About 300 Year 8-10 students heard WA novelists such as Deb Fitzpatrick and Stephen Scourfield talk about the art of writing and the creative process. Students also participated in writing, dance and anti-cyberbullying workshops, a spelling bee and mobile journalism program, Mojo. Ms Fitzpatrick told the students her inspiration for writing came from exploring her experiences and fears, as well as news and current affairs. She said the students could write about the places they lived in and were familiar with, as well as their thoughts and feelings. “I really wanted them to take away from this morning that they too can write, and that their concerns

and their world counts as potential literacy work,” Ms Fitzpatrick told Western Teacher afterwards.

festival day sausage sizzles.

“They don’t have to feel cowed by the sense that (they) have to be someone amazing to be a writer.

realise that we also have an academic

“You just have to be able to authentically express your understanding of the world, through the written word.”

“We are a very successful sports college but a lot of people don’t extension program,” Ms Murphy said. “We have a vision to make sure our school is recognised across all of the curriculum, not just on the field.” Ms Fitzpatrick praised the

The festival has been running since 2012 and is the brainchild of the college’s English teacher Michelle Murphy, who also is the festival director.

college for organising an event

“I can immerse the kids with a talent or passion for writing in an event that stimulates and targets that desire and hopefully gets them moving,” she said.

and as a sports specialist school,

The SSTUWA executive member said the day was first supported by grant money, but had since become self-sufficient through fundraising initiatives, such as

such as the literacy festival. “This stuff is gold and I really admire a high school with huge pressures on it about what it has to teach, for finding – and making – the time to run a day like today,” she said. “It is incredibly valuable for the students to meet someone pretty ordinary who does what they might want to do, and makes it seem possible and real.”

WESTERN TEACHER

STAFF IN AUST SURVEY

Large class sizes, increased workloads and low levels of recognition are among the issues troubling teachers, according to the latest Staff in Australia’s Schools Report. The report surveyed more than 15,500 teachers and about 1600 school leaders across Australia in 2013 to provide a snapshot of teaching conditions in our nation’s schools. Respondents provided data on areas such as class sizes, hours worked, professional learning, career satisfaction and future intentions. Alarmingly for WA students, our state’s teachers reported the highest class sizes in the nation with an average of 25.6 students per class. The national average was 24.5 students per class, with Queensland coming in with 25.3 students per class, followed by South Australia (25.1) and New South Wales (24.8). The Northern Territory had the lowest average class size of 22.0 students per class. SSTUWA president Pat Byrne said the bigger class size would mean less individual attention per student and would affect the quality of programs provided. “We are particularly concerned about the impact of class sizes on disadvantaged students and those with learning disabilities, who may not get the one-on- one attention they need,” she said. “It is clear to us that the government needs to reassess its spending priorities and start investing more in our children’s education.” The survey also revealed the hours teachers were spending on work had increased to nearly 48 hours a week at both primary and secondary levels, up from about 46 hours per week in 2010.

MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

Primary school leaders reported working about 56 hours per week, while their secondary counterparts worked an average 59 hours per week. AEU federal president Angelo Gavrielatos said these figures supported previous research that Australian teachers worked longer hours than the OECD average. “These workloads should be a concern for administrators,” he added. “While the survey shows the majority of teachers are happy in the profession, those considering leaving give high workloads as their main reason.” Heavy workloads and insufficient workload time or reward were the two biggest reasons teachers surveyed gave for leaving teaching, with one in three unsure about their future in the profession. Despite this, over 85 per cent of teachers said they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their job, listing reasons such as working relationships with colleagues and classroom achievements with students. Teachers were dissatisfied with factors such as work/life balance and the level of administrative and clerical work required. Teachers listed training in student disability support, effective use of ICT and student behaviour management as the most needed. Up to 22 per cent of teachers responding to the survey were made up of early career teachers (in the first five years of their career).

Mr Gavrielatos said young teachers were reporting that their training was not adequately preparing them for the modern classroom. “We believe that all teaching degrees should be two-year post-graduate degrees to ensure that teachers are properly-trained before they enter the classroom,” he said. The average age for teachers in the survey was 44.5 years, while the average age for school leaders was 51.5 years. Up to 20 per cent teachers surveyed were born overseas, compared to 27 per cent of Australians born overseas. Less than one per cent of teachers and leaders are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.

THE FULL SURVEY CAN BE ACCESSED AT: HTTPS://DOCS.EDUCATION.GOV.AU/ NODE/36279

WESTERN TEACHER

WOMEN’S CONTACT OFFICER My Role

Training

As I’m already known by colleagues as a bit of a suffragette, I see my role as Women’s Contact Officer as providing a point of reference on gender-related issues. More than that though, I am quietly working to ensure that issues of gender make it onto the agenda.

I have previously completed the Occupational Health & Safety Officer Training at SSTUWA, and jumped at the chance to join a group of likeminded women for the Women’s Contact Officer Training. As an OSH Rep my focus has been on ensuring our right to work in a school that is a physically safe place for students and teachers alike. I found the WCO training complements this focus by adding the dimension of ensuring a safe and equitable emotional culture in the workplace.

Issues or Campaigns

Cheryl Name Cheryl School Belridge Secondary College Years teaching Five. Home Economics Teacher, specialising in child care. Also a Year Coordinator

My current campaign is to promote White Ribbon Day on 25 November, which commemorates the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This campaign focuses on raising awareness of the issue of domestic violence and encouraging men to take a stand by pledging ‘never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women’. I will follow this up by placing 1800 Respect stickers from the Dunny Door Campaign on the back of toilet doors for staff and, as I am in a secondary school, also for students.

Inspiring female role models Lyn Dymond was my Home Economics lecturer at Edith Cowan University and, like me, she came to teaching as a mature-age student. Lyn always takes the time to keep in contact with her students and continues to inspire me to pursue excellence and further my career.

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WESTERN TEACHER

MEET THE PRINCIPALS

Around 40 new teachers were given an insight into entering the profession by those at the other end of the spectrum. New educators from various schools and universities across Perth met with school leaders at a Meet the Principals event at the Vic Hotel in Subiaco in October.

“I’m a fan of face-to-face meetings and shaking the hand of someone who might one day employ me,” he said.

skills were important to focus on as many would had little professional experience in that area.

“I think it was a great idea and hope to attend more.”

Principals and school leaders imparted their knowledge and experience about teaching and advice about obtaining teaching positions.

Huntingdale Primary School deputy principal Sally Julian said the event was a valuable way to hear the thoughts and concerns of beginning teachers.

“They’ll need help in managing a classroom from the beginning and I think that is where we can step in and help them,” she said.

Organised by the SSTUWA’s Growth Team, the event also gave the new educators a chance to network. Edith Cowan University early childhood student teacher Matthew Bissett said he appreciated the opportunity to meet principals and discuss items such as cover letters and resumes as this was not available at university.

She said their feedback would be provided to Huntingdale’s school-based mentoring program for its starting teachers. Mrs Julian said new educators did not have to worry excessively about teaching content as they would receive support from schools in that area, but behaviour management

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MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

“They will probably (also) need some assistance in assessment, knowing where children should actually be within the new curriculum.” SSTUWA Growth Team Project Officer Katrina Radford was happy with the response to the event and aimed for increased participation for future similar events. She said the informal nature of the surroundings added to its appeal. “It is a bit more casual in that they can sit down, have a drink, have a conversation, and be a little bit more relaxed than what they would be in a school situation,” Ms Radford said.

WESTERN TEACHER

A DAY ON THE WATER It was a day for swapping the confines of school hallways for the wide open expanse of the sea. Over 80 high school students and their teachers boarded the sail training ship, Leeuwin II, for a half-day sailing trip from Fremantle earlier this month. They were the lucky winners of the SSTUWA’s Chance of a Lifetime competition, which gave year eight and nine students a chance to be part of the sailing ship’s crew during the four-hour journey. The winners were from Rockingham SHS, Perth Modern School, Belridge Education Support Centre, Beverley DHS and Corrigin DHS. The competition was open to SSTUWA members, who had to submit a 500-word article detailing why their students deserved to be among the winners.

Students were taken on a tour of the ship and learnt how to tie nautical knots, rig the ship’s sails, and steer the vessel.

“There are not many riveting

Some students made the brave journey up the ship’s bow, climbing the sprit at the front of the vessel.

“It’s a long way from the ocean –

Rockingham SHS maths teacher Rachael Whitney-Smith brought along students from the school’s maritime program. Ms Whitney-Smith, who previously served in the Royal Australian Navy, said the experience would help students build their teamwork skills, and give them an opportunity to mix with students from different schools. “It also gives me an opportunity to do something with the kids outside of school,” she added. Ms Whitney-Smith said she would use items on the sailing ship, such as its navigation system, to tie in with her mathematics lessons. Beverley DHS maths and science teacher Sharyn Morrell said her class travelled over two hours by bus for the experience.

MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

opportunities for teenagers in a small town,” she said.

a lot of them have never set foot on a boat before, of any kind.” For Belridge ESC teacher Jamie Polich, the experience was an opportunity for his students, who had autism and cerebral palsy, to assist with language development, group work and generalisation skills. He said the group would return to school with the added boost of being the centre of attention with their peers for having been part of the ship’s crew. The Leeuwin II is a 55-metre tall ship, named after the Dutch galleon that mapped parts of WA’s southwest corner in 1622. Launched in 1986, the ship sails in Fremantle waters and around the WA coastline, operating sail programs for young people.

WESTERN TEACHER

TAFE UPDATE JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES What is a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC)?

A JCC is a forum for consultation on issues such as, but not limited to: • Industrial issues • Structural changes • Systemic issues impacting on staff • Development of workload management tools

A JCC is a forum for consultation

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What matters are discussed at a JCC?

between the employers and unions.

• Fixed-term and casual employment usage

The JCC should comprise:

• Changes to work organisation or work practices

• The employer (usually the Managing

• Implementation of the General Agreement

Director (best practice);

• Other matters raised by members through

• Employer-nominated representatives; and • Union-nominated representatives. Wherever possible the union should nominate a representative from each campus of the college. The JCC should not have ‘staff representatives’. Representatives are either nominated by the employer (and thus represent the employer) or the union

their union representative on the JCC JCCs are also forums in which information on many issues and subjects are shared between the union and the college. For example, the introduction of new RTO standards, impact of rising student fees, roll out of voluntary redundancies and the

(and thus represent the union). Colleges will have

impact of government efficiency dividends..

a range of other forums / committees and working

Matters should be discussed with

groups were consultation can occur with ‘staff’.

openness, robustness and respect.

JCC Organisation

How do I get involved?

• JCCs should be held at least twice every term. • Dates for the whole year should be set at the beginning of the year (or the end of the previous year for the subsequent year). • Dates and times should ensure all

• Find out from your union or your JCC representative at your campus when JCC meetings occur and discuss possible agenda items with your union/JCC representative. • If you are interested in becoming a union-nominated

participants can attend. • Agenda items should be requested approximately a week in advance and the agenda should include standing items and ‘other business’.

representative on the JCC, talk to your union organiser or a branch union representative. • Minutes from JCCs are usually published on

Items such as staff satisfaction survey results or

the college’s intranet or distributed by your

college strategic plans should be placed on the

JCC union representative. Find out what was

agenda at appropriate times during the year.

discussed and any outcomes or actions.

TAFE4ALLWA.ORG.AU

TAFE4ALLWA

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WESTERN TEACHER

A CUTBACK GAME FOR SCHOOL LEADERS At a recent StudentCentred Funding Model workshop the presenter gave an example of an innovative way to manage (save) school resources.

Members are well aware of how stressful teaching can be. Two recent court decisions clearly demonstrate this. In Doulis v State of Victoria, the Victorian Supreme Court found the Victorian Education Department negligent in meeting its duty of care and awarded approximately $1.2 million in damages.

This simple example shows that not only were those children and staff ‘goosed’ (being subject to an unexpected, unwanted form of intrusion), but so too were support levels. It seems the new funding base and its devices now place leaders in a position that seemingly encourages them, to ‘goose’ their school communities so they can apply and survive the ‘reformed’ funding allocations. Some will recall that during the nineties South Australian school leaders,

flushed with the novelty of new freedoms, traded off the odd deputy principal for IT gear, later to find that managing the school became a rather tricky – if not a dysfunctional – process, particularly in challenging areas.

reduces support for teachers and students. It dismantles opportunities for the succession and development of our next generation of principals and other school leaders.

As budgets get trimmed and we, as school leaders, are given more flexibility, we carry a great responsibility to act ethically, with equity, and to make decisions based on educational need, with a long-term view of education rather than one of novelty, masquerading as innovation or short-term budget juggling.

To voluntarily cut back leadership positions and support time that has taken decades to attain makes little sense. Principals are being put in the invidious position of being the government’s agent for cutting back positions in their education ‘reform’ agenda, enabling it to say: ‘That reduction was the school’s decision, not ours; talk to the principal’.

Trimming basic support time for children or reducing funding levels for school leader positions poses a real threat to the future of public education.

This is now a common phrase being repeated in Victoria. Will it soon become familiar to West Australian parents?

While reconfiguring some administrative roles to meet the particular context or need of a school has value, simply cutting the investment in leadership positions

As leaders we need to be careful not to be ‘goosed’ by a changing set of processes or to unintentionally ‘goose’ the future of education provision for public school students.

EDD BLACK AND LYN CAUDLE, CO-CHAIRS, SCHOOL LEADERS’ COMMITTEE

OSH UPDATE Court Decisions

He had noticed that the eight Preprimary/Year 1 classes at his school seemed only to play Duck, Duck Goose on Friday afternoons, which intimated little solid learning was occurring. So he thought, why have two people manage each class, when one could manage? So Friday’s Education Assistant time was cut back. The savings were used to fill needs not covered by the school budget. The presenter actually thought this to be a creative and innovative move. Innovative to reduce support? Just as we move into ECE National Standards and the trial audits in 2015? How will children get more learning opportunities during the year with a deliberately reduced student-staff ratio?

WESTERN TEACHER

Mr Peter Doulis, a teacher at Werribee Secondary College, suffered a serious psychological injury which has resulted in a permanent disability and he is unlikely to work again. Mr Doulis’ allegations included that the defendant: - repeatedly required him to teach an unduly heavy workload (overall, and) of lower streamed and “feral” classes; - failed to allocate him any higher grade classes or year 11 and 12 classes; - failed to provide a suitable return-to-work program and provide adequate support on his return to work. The judge found it reasonably foreseeable that by being repeatedly exposed to highly stressful circumstances Mr Doulis might suffer a recognised psychiatric injury, particularly as Mr Doulis had informed the college

of the adverse effect his teaching allotment was having on him. Importantly, this was a common law negligence claim, not a workers’ compensation claim. In a landmark legal decision, the South Australian Workers’ Compensation Tribunal ordered the SA Education Department to compensate a teacher’s family because on the ‘balance of probabilities’ it caused the fatal heart attack he suffered in the classroom.

Mathematics teacher Mr Jackaman worked as a teacher for 31 years and had risen to deputy principal position at a number of schools. As deputy at Clare and Nuriootpa High Schools he experienced difficulties with staff and workplace bullying in a “toxic atmosphere”. This caused him to become extremely anxious and stressed, and to suffer from disturbed sleep and palpitations. He was moved to the department’s head office in Adelaide as the acting curriculum manager for mathematics as he was considered unfit to return to a classroom. Due to the excessive hours and travel time required he decided to return to a classroom at the beginning of 2009. The evening before he returned to work Mr Jackaman’s partner said he was quite distressed and tired.

JOY BARRETT, OSH ORGANISER

On the morning of his return, his colleague said he was very anxious in the staffroom before school. When Mr Jackaman walked into his first class that day, he introduced himself to his class and began reading the roll. He went pale, froze and dropped to the floor. He began convulsing, his heart stopped and he could not be revived. The defendants tried to argue that this case was not compensable as it did not fit within the legal definitions and there was insufficient connection with his work. After considering the medical evidence, the judge ruled that the association in time and place between the teacher’s attendance in the classroom at a time when he was experiencing acute anxiety and his collapse and death was so close and dramatic it led him to accept the connection with work. There was no evidence of pre-existing coronary disease.

WESTERN TEACHER

EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTRE READY TO WORK

AN EVENT FOR 2014 BEGINNING TEACHERS Wednesday 21 January 2015 Venue: SSTUWA Office, 150 – 152 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth Audience: 2014 Beginning Teachers. SSTUWA Members Only

Pat Byrne: SSTUWA President After graduating from Kwinana SHS (now Gilmore College) and John Curtin SHS, Pat trained as a primary teacher, specialising in English as a Second Language. Early career union experiences highlighted Pat’s awareness of the inequalities in the system, and the ability of the union to stand up and challenge injustices to improve members and students conditions.

Akram is now undertaking a triple major in law, science and arts at the University of Western Australia. Akram’s dedication and commitment to supporting others was recognised in 2103 when he was named 2013 Young Australian of the Year for his mentoring work with indigenous communities and people with disability. Akram’s achievements show the transformative effect of access to quality teachers and quality education in a free society. The SSTUWA welcomes Akram to the 2015 Beginning Teachers Conference to share his story.

Workshops will include: • Beginning Teacher Portfolios • CV Writing: An Introduction for Beginning Teachers • Being Ready to Work • Safe Schools for All • CyberSmart to be CyberSafe • Classroom Management Strategies (CMS)

WESTERN TEACHER

JANUARY PROGRAM

Mary Franklyn ETC Coordinator Cherry Bogunovich ETC Education Officer JANUARY 2015 PROGRAM

MON 12 JAN

Resourcing, Managing and Teaching and Learning with an iPad Relief Teachers and Classroom Teachers BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) 9:00am – 3:00pm

TUE 13 JAN

Language Learning in the Early Years 9:00am – 3:00pm

WED 14 JAN

Introduction to First Steps Mathematics for Relief Teachers and Classroom Teachers

THU 15 JAN

Australian Curriculum Overview – Primary Relief Teachers and Class Teachers (K-6) 9:00am – 3:00pm

FRI 16 JAN

Australian Curriculum Overview (Year 7: 2015) Relief Teachers and Teachers of Year 7 Students Moving Into a Secondary School Context. 9:00am – 3:00pm (Members Only)

MON 19 JAN

Classroom Management System (CMS) My Class Today: My Rules Today for Relief Teachers 9:00am – 3:00pm

TUE 20 JAN

Writing Applications for Teaching Positions 8:15am for 8:30am start time – 12:00pm

WED 21 JAN

Beginning Teachers Conference Ready To Work: 2014 Graduate Beginning Teachers 9:00am – 3:00pm

THU 22 JAN

Interactive Whiteboard 9:00am – 3:00pm

• Sustainability in the Classroom

One of Pat’s first campaign experiences as a member was the fight for ESL educators to access permanency which was achieved by the union. Pat went on to become an elected SSTUWA executive member and senior officer. Pat became the first woman president of the SSTUWA in 2001 and subsequently became the Australian Education Union National President in 2003. Join Pat as she welcomes you to the most worthy of professions.

Akram Azimi: 2013 Young Australian of the Year Akram Azimi arrived in Australia as a refugee 14 years ago from war-torn Afghanistan with his mother and sibling. An outstanding student, Akram credits some of his academic success to his Warwick SHS teachers who he says helped nurture him from “an ostracised refugee kid with no prospects” to become the school’s head boy and top the tertiary exams.

BOOK NOW AT SSTUWA.ORG.AU/TRAINING. CONTACT ETC: 9210 6035, TRAINING@SSTUWA.ORG.AU

REGISTRATION CLOSE DATE FOR ALL JANUARY 2015 PROGRAM: WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ONLINE BOOKINGS WWW.SSTUWA.ORG.AU/TRAINING OR EMAIL: TRAINING@SSTUWA.ORG.AU

WESTERN TEACHER

THE LEANING TOWER OF SELF-ESTEEM

Have you ever seen a photo of someone who has visited Pisa? If so, you may well have seen a picture that looks as if they are holding up the city’s famous leaning tower – an illusion created by lining up their hands with the tower in the distance. I have never been to Pisa but am sure the area in front of the tower is littered with people with their hands in the air and cameras clicking away. is an abundance of meaningless commentary that takes attention away from the worthy details of performance. Taking light and shade out of feedback lowers the standards by which we judge ourselves and does little to enhance self-esteem.

This illusion of holding up a falling building offers a great metaphor of the link between giving feedback and supporting wellbeing. Ten years ago, many schools enthusiastically responded to well-meaning advice suggesting that fragile self-esteem needed to be raised with exuberant praise. In addition, this advice dammed the sporting arena for zapping the confidence out of those who didn’t win the carnival cup. We were told that we could almost literally ‘fill our children with self-esteem’ by filling them with praise and a sense that they were ‘always a winner’. We now know that blanket praise quickly becomes meaningless to anyone on the receiving end. It can also seem controlling and judgmental. Similarly, if everyone is deemed a winner, no one believes they have really won. The result

More recently, both here in Australia, and in the UK, I have seen schools acknowledging that universal praise has indeed been unhelpful in building self-esteem. This has led many to suggest that competition and a wider array of results need to be reinstated in the school system. The alarming drop in self-esteem in young people has been accompanied by a rise in mental health issues in recent years. Many reports suggest that adolescents have a one-in-four chance of getting a serious mental health issue. Some have suggested that one of the reasons young people are so vulnerable is their lack of resiliency. Certainly, resiliency enables us to bounce back from life’s inevitable challenges more easily, and to stay happier and healthier in the process. Consequently, some schools have begun to encourage competition to give kids the chance to learn how to fail. Gone is the strategy for blanket praise and universal winning. Instead, these schools are

WESTERN TEACHER

JURY DUTY AND TEACHERS – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Jury duty is a significant part of our justice system, with jurors performing an important community function. Jurors form a 12-person group, and are required to apply their minds to a case, assess the facts and make a decision about the accused’s guilt or innocence.

hoping that experiences of failure and receiving more varied feedback may teach resilience and build wellbeing. I suggest that this rollercoaster approach to supporting youth mental health is akin to the mirage of holding up the building. Relying on abundant praise or, in contrast, ‘losing in a safe environment’ to bolster self-esteem, assumes that the person in the photo really is holding up the leaning tower of Pisa. Self-esteem and resiliency do not come from others’ views of us, good or bad. We do not feel good about ourselves because someone says we are great, nor do we learn to bounce back in life because someone says we have failed and must climb back on the horse. Imagine being upset and someone telling you to ‘cheer up’ or that ‘everything is okay’; it simply does not help. Dr Helen Street is an applied social psychologist with a passion for education. She presents her work in books, articles and in seminars and workshops for schools. Helen is also passionately involved in the ongoing development of The Positive Schools conferences: www.positiveschools. com.au, launching soon for 2015.

DR HELEN STREET TO READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE, VISIT WWW.SSTUWA.ORG.AU

to back-fill for me and make sure my students aren’t interrupted?

I’m often asked by teachers who have been called for jury duty: ‘Do I have to go?’ Here is what teachers need to know.

I’m a teacher; can I be excused from jury duty? Teachers are an integral part of our children’s education and taking teachers out of the classroom for a length of time can be disruptive to their students’ learning, but being a teacher is not a valid reason for exemption from jury duty. You can, however, apply to defer jury duty for up to six months. If you have completed jury duty, and are called upon again within five years you can apply to be excused.

Can I postpone it to the school holidays or another more suitable time of year? You can defer jury duty for up to six months. You can nominate a time you are available to complete jury duty such as school holidays or semester breaks. Should you do this, you must make yourself available during this time, as you only have one opportunity to defer your jury duty. How long will it go for and what arrangements will my school make

Jury duty usually lasts between one and five days. There are instances, however, where it might run for several weeks. Your employer will organise a relief teacher or other suitable person to take over your class while you are serving jury duty. You must notify your employer as soon as practicable after being summoned to serve.

How does it impact my pay? Do I get an allowance? You are entitled to a leave of absence on full pay while you complete jury duty. A travel allowance will be paid to you by the court. This is based on the equivalent public transport costs from your residence to the court.

What will happen if I ignore my jury summons? You may be fined if you do not obey your summons.

Where can I find more information? The Department of the Attorney General has further information on jury duty: www.dotag.wa.gov.au/juryduty, or you can ring the SSTUWA and seek a referral to the Criminal Law Practice of Slater and Gordon Lawyers.

When I return from jury duty, can I share any of the details with my students for their learning and development? You cannot talk about the trial with anybody except the other members of your jury. Even though the trial is finished there may be other legal proceedings in relation to the matter underway, and anything you say could prejudice the accused’s position.

ELAINE ARCARO, CRIMINAL LAWYER, SLATER + GORDON

WESTERN TEACHER

FAREWELL TO MUCH LOVED COLLEAGUES 2014 has seen the loss of a number of long-standing union activists, including Life Member Nennie Harken. More recently the list has included, Western Teacher editor, Don Rowe, former AEU Federal Secretary, Rob Durbridge and member, Fred Gorman Former SSTUWA communications coordinator Don was a man of many talents who worked in diverse fields such as broadcast journalism, radio, politics, advertising and documentary filmmaking. Born in Nannup, Don was also a photographer and author, played the saxophone and served on the Mundaring Shire Council. Many SSTUWA members will know Don as the editor of this very publication, Western Teacher, a role he held for many years. His former political advertising company, Communications West, also designed the current union logo. Colleagues will remember Don as intelligent, kind-hearted and witty. In his later years Don worked with Rotary International on a project that donated classroom materials, such as chairs, desks, computers, printers, to East Timor from WA schools. SSTUWA president Pat Byrne paid tribute to Don at the November State Council.

“Don was a widely respected journalist within Western Australia, particularly in progressive circles, and had an incredibly wide and deep network,” she said. “That was a network he put to very good use to assist the union in our campaigns when we needed to access people to talk to people at various times. “He was always passionate about the SSTUWA and worked very hard for the benefit of members in this union. He has many friends in the SSTUWA and will be sadly missed.” Don passed away on 13 November – the day before his 71st birthday – following a twoyear battle with cancer. Don’s death was preceded a few days earlier by the passing of another union stalwart, former AEU federal secretary, Rob Durbridge. Rob was a teacher in Adelaide, and Bathurst, New South Wales, before joining the AEU as an industrial officer in 1988. MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

He was elected AEU federal secretary in 1994, a post he held for 12 years. During this time, the AEU secured federal awards for public teachers. Rob was involved in the AEU’s overseas aid projects and a strong advocate for the recognition of teacher unions in Vietnam and China through Education International. Upon his retirement from the AEU in 2006, Rob became executive director of the newly formed Australian Institute of Employment Rights. He returned to the AEU in 2007, where he worked as an industrial officer for a further four years. Rob spent his remaining years mentoring trade union officials through the ACTU. Ms Byrne also acknowledged her former AEU colleague at November’s State Council “Public education has lost a passionate and fearless advocate,” she said. “He was committed wholeheartedly to the union movement, but especially to public education.

“All of us in the AEU loved him dearly.” Rob passed away on 10 November after battling cancer for a year. He was 68 years old. The November State Council began with a minute’s silence for both Rob and Don. Another well-known champion of the union movement, was Fred Gorman, a former SSTUWA state council delegate. SSTUWA executive member Graeme

Repper met Fred in 1990 when they worked together in Tom Price SHS’ society and environment department. The pair eventually became union comrades, running the school’s branch. Fred was an inspiration and helped Graeme greatly in developing an understanding and passion for unionism. “He would open up the canyons of my mind regarding many industrial and social issues,” he said. MINH LAM, JOURNALIST

“He was a strong advocate for social justice for the downtrodden.” Fred passed away on 21 August, aged 67. He was a larger-than-life character, who lived life with zeal. The SSTUWA salutes Don Rowe, Rob Durbridge and Fred Gorman for their dedicated years of service as union activists and educators and would like to extend deepest condolences to their families and friends and colleagues.

WESTERN TEACHER

MEMBERSHIP CARD VALIDITY EXTENDED SSTUWA membership cards expire on 31 January, 2015, but will be valid until replacement cards are issued. Distribution is scheduled for the end of term 1, 2015. Members are reminded to update their contact details at the start of 2015; please call or email the SSTUWA Membership Team: (08) 9210 6000/ membership@sstuwa.org.au

WESTERN TEACHER

CLASSIFIEDS House sitter

Falcon

North Perth. Responsible persons required to look after house, two cats and four chickens while owner is away from 16 Dec 2014 through 21 Jan 2015. Two bedrooms, 1936 Federation bungalow.

Shady 2x1 beach cottage 300 metres from surf beach and protected Falcon Bay. Located on a grassy, Peppermint Gum 1012 sq metre block. Sleeps eight. Well-equipped incl. BBQ. Close to Miami Village and all amenities, great for crabbing and fishing. Less than one hour from Perth’s CBD along Forrest Hwy. $100 p/n for Western Teacher readers.

Max: 0420 897 592, maxwell.adams@wcit.wa.edu.au

Perth at Christmas Yokine. Two-storey fully equipped townhouse. Available 20-30 December 2014 (can be extended). Undercover parking for two vehicles. Close to public transport and Mitchell Fwy. Must be willing to pet-sit two adult cats. Watering small garden and pot-plants appreciated. Non-smokers preferred. Bev: 0423 174 173/9345 4090, cbev2412@gmail.com

Bali (Sanur) Bali-style villa, 3x3, comfortable, modern, sleeps six, two queen and one single with two single beds. Living/ dining area with TV, DVD. Modern kitchen. Fully air-conditioned. Private pool. Short walk to beach, shops and restaurants. Reasonable rates. Ron: ronbracebridge8@bigpond.com

Dunsborough Large 4x2 holiday home on Geographe Bay Rd, Quindalup. A calm swim beach is only 30 metres away. Tenants have free use of a private boat mooring. Ample 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 943 203/9448 5527, a_r_moore@bigpond.com

Esperance Casa Cavanagh is a comfortable 4x2 home located only 300 metres from the famously beautiful Esperance beachside. Three queen-sized bedrooms, one with two king singlesized beds. Enclosed backyard, outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Only a two-minute walk to beautiful Castletown Quays, 1 km from the local supermarket, and playgrounds for children within walking distance. 041 891 8459, rcyench@westnet.com.au

Richard: 0415 035 390/9233 1104, richard.wright@wcit.wa.edu.au

Hopetoun Ocean views, mountain sunsets. Secluded two-storey rammed-earth 4x2, on five acres of native bush, near the Fitzgerald-River National Park. Sleeps eight: two queen, two single, one bunk. Suits two families or one large family. Enclosed backyard; toddler friendly; gated staircase. Games, DVDs, table tennis, BBQ. Walking distance to beach. 0427 383 374, abjmem@gmail.com

Kalbarri Caidan’s Cottage. Self-contained 3x1 brick house, top of quiet cul-de-sac, sleeps eight, caters for children, close to Blue Holes Beach, 10 min walk to town, room for boat. Teachers’ special: pay for seven nights and stay the eighth free. No pets. www.kalbarriwa.net.au Darren Byrne: 0429 420 942.

Prevelly One bedroom private spa apartment in quiet Prevelly cul-de-sac. Two minute walk from beach. Suits couples. $140 p/n for Western Teacher readers. Lucy: 0439 982 735, lcartell@iinet.net.au

Scarborough Stay on Brighton. Comfortable 3x2 unit is a home away from home, with everything you need. Sleeps six adults. Caters for children. Conveniently located near shops and café; 10 minute walk to beach. Western Teacher special: stay six nights and the seventh night is free. Lisa: 0408 914 090, lisamaree77@hotmail.com

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

Block for sale 135 acres, 100 km from Perth. Scenic outlook, 50% hilly granite bushland with 50% open pasture. Four dams, bore, three paddocks. Road frontage, valley views, numerous potential house sites. Ideal for self-contained solar power. Owner: gcblock@outlook.com

Author presentations Retired teacher with current registration and WWCC does presentations of new books, Uncle Tom’s Dairy (Gallipoli) and Doffie and the B-E-A-C-H! (resilience) for schools, etc. Member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and charges standard public appearance fees. mobilementor13@gmail.com

Learn to social dance Learn jive, waltz, rumba, tango and other dances for social events (wedding, cruise, ball, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7:30-9:00 pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term one, 2015 starts 9 February. Stan: 9330 6737, stan@stansdancing.com

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

Marriage celebrant I am a teacher, union member and marriage celebrant available to assist you with your special day. I offer a no-obligation first meeting to see whether you and your partner think I’m the right celebrant for you. Mention you’re a union member for a special price. Terence Healy CMC: 0404 081 123, terencehealy@gmail.com

EMAIL 50 WORDS OR LESS TO EDITOR@SSTUWA.ORG.AU WITH YOUR PHONE AND UNION MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS. FREE FOR MEMBERS.

WESTERN TEACHER

NOTICEBOARD Road safety education event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; registrations open Retired Teachers Association

Early Childhood Committee

The SSTUWA Christmas morning tea will be held on Monday, 1 December from 10:00 am-11:30 am. Please notify the union if you will be attending: (08) 9210 6000.

Thursday, 4 December

We hope for new attendees in 2015. The singing is very enjoyable, and the literature entertaining and stimulating. We had to call on Kevin Byrne again on 20 October. He gave a wonderful talk on Lewis Carrollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Hunting of the Snark. We expect to resume literature sessions in April 2015. Choir commences in February. Ann Strauss 9387 2906

2014 Meeting Dates Time: 4:15 pm Venue: SSTUWA office Contact: 9210 6000 Teleconference facilities are available.

RAC bstreetsmart, a free road safety education event for year 10 to 12 students, aims to show students the dangers of distracted driving through the re-enactment of a crash scene. Students also have the opportunity to listen to speakers who have been directly impacted by road trauma. Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Festive season closure dates The SSTUWA office will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2014 and reopen at 8:00 am on Wednesday, 7 January 2015. Have a safe and happy festive season.

EMAIL: EDITOR@SSTUWA.ORG.AU

Time: 10:30 am-1:30 pm Venue: Perth Arena, 700 Wellington St, Perth Free public transport for schools attending the event, provided by RAC. Registrations are now open. For more information and to register for the event and free public transport visit racbstreetsmart. com.au or contact RAC Community Education on (08) 9436 4471. Registrations close 20 February 2015.