vol 42 - no. 5
DESCRIPTION
Vote for Public Education, SSO Permanency, Ontario: unions at the helmTRANSCRIPT
Vol 42 I No.5 August 2010
AEUJOURNAL SAOfficial publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)
INSIDE� Federal Election:
Time to invest in public education
� Tony Abbott: His plans to increaseprivate school funding
VOTE FOR PUBLICEDUCATION
learning conditions in our public schoolsfinally appear to be improving. Every-body benefits from this but not every-body contributed to this success. Manyof our colleagues want to join and contri-bute to future campaigns to furtherimprove public education for ourselves,but most importantly for our students.The challenge is finding the time to fillout the form!
In the last AEU Journal, PresidentCorrena Haythorpe talked about theimportance of recruiting new members toincrease our collective strength in futurecampaigns. Just as the education sectorwill struggle under the wave of loomingretirements, so too will our union. Wemust encourage our colleagues to join ifwe are to remain viable against govern-ments that wish to use the educationbudget as an area to drive ‘efficiencymeasures’ (otherwise known as costslashings).
I will endeavour to find more time tosit down with colleagues who have notyet joined our union. In the meantime, Iwish to express my sincere thanks tothe AEU organisers who visited our siterecently for the express purpose of sit-
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PRESIDENT’S V IEWFEATURES AEU JOURNAL
*Winner of TOP LETTER!
Dear Editor
I’m sure most members can attest tothe fact that we are so busy in our work-ing day that finding time to sit downwith a colleague to help them join theAEU is a real challenge. This may besurprising, but being busy is usually theonly reason many education workersdon’t take the time to join up. Many ofour colleagues who have not yet joinedactually want to. And why wouldn’t they?The Industrial Relations Commissiondecision regarding our Award added toour wage win earlier in the year.
The class size and instruction-timeguarantees remain, permanentemployment will be more accessible toteachers and non-teaching staff, specialneeds will receive a long-awaited boostand a review of workload for all staffwill take place. Thanks to the incrediblecollective efforts of AEU members tak-ing a massive stand against a belliger-ent State Government, working and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Public Education and the 2010 Electionpage 8
Make your vote count! See AEU Federal President,Angelo Gavrielatos’ on federal education matters.
Ontario: Unions atthe helmpage 18
Interview with Lynn Hall
SSO Permanencypage 6
We talk to two SSOs set to benefit from thearbitration decision
ting down with staff who had not yetfilled out the membership pack we hand-ed to them weeks ago saying, “I’ll popby your office later and we’ll fill thatout”. The response to the visit was wellreceived with staff at our site. They feltbetter informed after conversations withorganisers, encouraged by the news ofour new Award, and proud to join a unionwith members who stand together inorder to achieve the goals that we couldnot achieve alone. �
Brett FerrisOpen Access College
Got something to share with AEUmembers? Write a letter to the editorAND WIN !!Best letter in each AEUJournal will receive twotickets to an AdelaideSymphony Orchestraconcert.Email to:
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TOPLETTER
INSIDE
� Federal Election:Time to invest in public education
� Tony Abbott: His plans to increaseprivate school funding
VOTE FOR PUBLICEDUCATION
4
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CONT. . .
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2011 EDUCATION ANDMINISTERS’ ARTS AWARDS Carclew Youth Arts is calling on the public to nominateSouth Australia’s best arts teachers and artists for theannual Education and Arts Ministers’ Awards. Theawards recognise outstanding arts teachers and artistsworking in DECS schools with a $5,000 prize to beused for professional development.
AEU members Evelynne Richardson and Jicky Andersonwere among last years’s recipients and have benefittedfrom some fantastic PD opportunities as a result.
There are three Education and ArtsMinisters’ Awards being offered:• Primary arts education• Secondary arts education• Artists working in schoolsNomination forms for the 2011 awards can be found
at: www.carclew.com.auNominations close at 5.00pm, 1 September 2010
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The new Step 9 classification has gen-erated much debate over the past fewmonths. There is no doubt that there is ahigh level of interest from teachers whoare eligible to apply for Step 9 reclassifica-tion and from principals who will have tomanage this process at the local level.There also seems to be misleading informa-tion circulating in various networks aboutthe process and I think it is vitally impor-tant that people understand what is actu-ally required in order to progress to Step 9.
With this in mind, DECS and the AEUare currently running joint training sessionsacross the state in order to provide clearinformation about the process, how toapply and how to manage the ProfessionalDevelopment Plan. As a further means ofsupporting members through the reclassi-fication process, the AEU is running Step9 workshops as part of the Term 3 areameetings. We strongly recommended thatup to three members from each worksiteattend one of these sessions and sharethe information with other AEU members.
It’s important that any issues or concernsrelated to Step 9 can be addressed beforethe deadline on October 1, 2010. The newStep 9 classification is a great opportunityfor South Australian teachers and I wouldurge everyone who is eligible to apply.Many of our interstate colleagues alreadyhave a similar process in place whichvalues experienced teachers and this hasbeen recognised by the Industrial RelationsCommission in its decision to implementStep 9 here in South Australia.
AEU principals and preschool directorshave expressed concern about the work-load implications of implementing Step 9procedures at the worksite. The AEU hasformally written to the Chief Executiverequesting that additional resources be
provided to site leaders to ensure thatthey can manage their workload and com-ply with the agreed industrial timelines.To date, we are still awaiting a response.However, we will continue to vigorouslypursue this matter with DECS.
Straw ceilingsIn the 1970s it was a common practice
to build new school buildings and put instraw ceilings. Over thirty years on apotential hazard has been identified in atleast one worksite. Staff at Port LincolnHigh School have recently evacuated theYear 11 and Year 12 building while thestraw ceilings are replaced. There are afurther three areas that have straw ceil-ings and have been the subject of ongoingdebate between staff, the AEU and DECS.The Department has conducted furthertesting of these sites and we are awaitingtheir response.
So, what is the actual problem? Leaksin the roof have caused a build up ofmoisture and mould in the straw ceilings,leading to a release of mould spores intothe learning environment and a breakdownof the actual ceilings. There are variousOHS&W concerns related to this incidentand the school community has been veryactive in having these concerns resolved.While the initial areas at Port Lincoln arebeing repaired, the AEU is aware thatthere may be many more schools thathave these ceilings in place.
The AEU will be surveying members toascertain how many sites may be affected,what level of damage, if any, has occurredand whether there are any ongoing OHS&Wissues to be addressed.
We understand that surveys add toworkloads but I would urge members tosend this one back to the AEU as soon asyou can so we can negotiate with theDepartment about how to ensure thereare no associated health risks at siteswith these ceilings.
And finally, the Federal Election – pleasemake your vote count for Public Education.It is vital that we have a federal govern-ment that is committed to properly fund-ing Public Education. Both major partieshave released education policies and posi-tions and this information can be found at
www.forourfuture.org.au �
In solidarity, Correna Haythorpe, AEU President
AEU PRESIDENT’S VIEW
Steps, ceilings and ballot boxes
TAFE MATTERS
TAFE Conferencein OctoberWhat’s happened to TAFE and VETteachers? Putting vocational teachingback on the agenda in the emergingtertiary education environment.
Friday 22 October 2010William Angliss InstituteMelbourneFor info or to register:
www.aeusa.asn.auYour AEU>Sectors>TAFE
Lecturerqualifications for TAFE
The issue of TAFE lecturer educationalqualifications has taken on a much great-er significance since the IRC arbitrationdecision. The Commission determined thatthere should be a separate TAFE Award,thus breaking the salary nexus withteachers.
While many TAFE lecturers already haveeducational qualifications, this is not arequirement as it is for teachers in schools.These days there appears to be far lessemphasis on getting a qualification thanin times past. Why would a lecturer on atwelve month contract take on study for adegree or diploma in education whentheir employment in TAFE was uncertain?
The Certificate 4 TAA has become thedefacto qualification for TAFE lecturersand in the new Award, the Diploma TAA isrequired to progress beyond Level 4. Theissue of teaching qualifications for TAFElecturers is now a matter of serious concernacross Australia.
This will be the theme of a nationalconference (details below). South AustralianTAFE lecturers are encouraged to attendthis conference which will help frame theAEU’s approach to building an appropriateteaching qualification into future industrialawards and agreements. �
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rewarding. I think it’s great when yousee a child’s confidence and abilitiesgrow. The teachers and staff here arereally talented and dedicated toproviding the best education possibleso it’s a great place to be.
Journal: When did you join the AEU?
Sonya: I joined last year because I feltthat if I needed help there would besomeone there to support me.
Journal: What was your reaction whenyou heard about the Stage 2 Arbitrationdecision to grant permanency to long-term contract staff?
Sonya: Hope. Just hope that I could getsome permanency, finally. I think thenature of contract work has negativeeffects on schools. I think the govern-ment is short-changing our schools andstudents. I find students with learningdifficulties tend to do well when there is consistency and this is underminedwhen staff are constantly changing.I think this is one of the most importantaspects of the conversions to perma-nency decision.
Journal: How will permanency improvethings in your personal life?
Sonya: Permanency will give my familysome stability. I might be able to planfor a holiday with my family. I’ve beentoo nervous to spend money withoutthe security that permanency provides. I think the nature of contract work hasnegative effects on the staff and theschool and its students. Also, it mightsave me from having to prove myself toCentrelink. Because I’ve been workingonly 24 hours per week, they requireme to participate in Centrelink approved“intensive activities” with a job networkin order to help me find “ongoingsustainable employment”. It’s made mefeel a bit like a second-class citizen.
Journal: What would you say to non-member SSOs about the AEU?
Sonya: Join now. Do it today, do ittomorrow. The union will fight for betteroutcomes for both you and the studentsyou serve. �
SSO PERMANENCY CONVERSIONS
Sue: The main thing is the securityabout the future. You don’t have tosorry about it as much. It’s a big weightoff my shoulders.
Journal: Why did you join the AEU?
Sue: It was a fairly big decision for me,especially coming from the privatesector where unions are almost a taboosubject. I really had to look into it andspoke to a lot of AEU members here aswell as PSA members. But I also spoketo a lot of the teachers who, more thananything, encouraged me to join.
Basically when they fight for some-thing they’re fighting for us as well andthat made a lot of sense to me. Throughthe AEU the teachers were fighting forbetter benefits, not just pay but betterconditions, which is what I am lookingfor – things like permanency and betterconditions for SSOs. �
Journal: How did you come to work asan SSO?Sonya: I did five years of voluntary workand a job became available. The newlyappointed principal came and asked meif I wanted a job. After five years! I reallyenjoy working with the students, watch-ing them learn and develop is really
Journal: How did you come to work asan SSO?
Sue: I kind of fell into becoming an SSOafter working in private enterprise, as Ihave done for most of my life. I wasworking in adult education in theprivate sector and really, really loved it.A temp position came up through anagency for a short stint here and theyneeded someone with experience and Igot the job.
Journal: What are the challenges ofbeing on a long-term contract?
Sue: It’s really hard to plan for holidaysand we are buying a new house. Not somuch for us, but it can be hard forcontract workers to get loans and thingslike that. It can be really hard to planahead.
Journal: What was your first reaction tothe Stage 2 decision?
Sue: It is really exciting. There are SSOshere at our college who have been oncontract for ten or more years andeveryone I’ve spoken to is excited weare being recognised. It’s been a bit likewe are the forgotten family of theeducation department.
Journal: How will it change things foryou?
SUE WOOLDRIDGE is an SSO2at Thebarton Senior College
SONYA FOX is an SSO1 atBrompton Primary School
Permanency givesSSOs more securityAEU Journal speaks with two SSO membersabout the Stage 2 arbitration outcome.
“Join now. Do it today, do ittomorrow. The union willfight for better outcomesfor both you and thestudents you serve.”
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ome years back we ban-ned the Basic Skills Test
(BST) in primary schoolson educational grounds.After a few years, that
petered out. Our teachersmade the best of the diagnostic data thetests – and their successors – provided,to assist their students in the areas ofliteracy and numeracy.
Indeed, some came to value the testsquite highly. Even those who didn’t, even-tually came to see they could be usedfor certain positive purposes.
But then came MySchool. That raisedthe political and educational stakes eno-rmously and we are well aware of theresulting furore.
In Sydney last month the AEU, AGPPAand ASPA (the Australian SecondaryPrincipals Association) conducted anexcellent national symposium whichpresented much thoughtful material byway of Advice for Ministers and ACARAon NAPLAN, the use of student data,MySchool and League Tables. Six highlycredentialed speakers analysed not onlythe effects of the tests on students,schools and communities found to be atthe low end of the comparative achieve-ment scales, but called into deep ques-tion the very premises on which the testsare allegedly based.
The list of influential academic pres-enters was impressive. They all sawNAPLAN and the MySchool website asbut two of the manifestations of themove towards a national curriculum.
Professor Alan Reid carefully analysedthe use made by the MySchool websiteof the NAPLAN data and clearly estab-lished that it was at complete odds withthe public and democratic purpose of
education in our community. He showedits detrimental effects include discour-aging openness in favour of competitivejockeying by schools for high scores. He demonstrated, with the evidence ofresearch data, that both NAPLAN andICSEA are flawed measures, and thatalready there is across Australia anarrowing of the curriculum in favour ofpreparing students for the tests. Thattrend can be seen in any country withsimilar high stakes testing, along withthe international evidence that givingthe tests such high importance encour-ages widespread manipulation and hid-ing of many children’s real learningproblems.
He was supported by Professor BrianCaldwell who cogently argued a nationalcurriculum in itself is a positive thing,but only if the highly skilled teachingprofession is genuinely consulted andcan make decisions about curriculum ata local school level, and that there mustbe a clear link between testing and theprofessional judgement of teachers. Hecited studies in the UK which demon-strate all too well that our worst fearsabout NAPLAN and high stakes testinghave already been realised there. Whathas been lost are passion, imagination,creativity and innovation, and he seesthat already happening here.
The most clinical dissection of thepolitical claims regarding the value ofjudging schools, teachers and studentsby interpreting NAPLAN results was madeby associate professor and statisticianMargaret Wu. She showed the fallibilityof placing any significant importance onthe results of the tests for individualstudents and indeed, individual schools.The margin for statistical error is enor-mous and in many cases is as much as20% of any individual result. That is asobering thought when the Australianpublic has been encouraged to ‘identifyfailing schools’ by means of consultingMySchool.
The message was clear and united inchallenging the validity of the tests them-selves, and affirming what many of usalready held to be true – that the way inwhich they have been and are beingused by politicians and educationdepartments around the nation is both
unjustified and potentially destructive.
What’s to be done? Alan Reid hasoffered a much more enlightened andpalatable set of principles to replacethose behind MySchool. He, and I daresay, we, would rather see curriculumdeveloped with genuine community andprofessional consultation; based on theassumption that a complete picture ofeach school requires a far greater rangeof data which promotes questioningand recognises the complexity oflearning outcomes. In my eyes his mostimportant principle of all was thatquality educational outcomes arise fromcollaboration, not competition.
All this reminds us that it’s not justLeague Tables we must continue toquestion, but the very tests on whichthey’re based. �
VICE PRESIDENT’S V IEWVICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Testing questionsDavid Smith reports
1 Professor Alan Reid addresses delegates atthe recent Public Education Symposium
We must keep asking: why NAPLAN?
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FEDERAL ELECTION 2010
Public Education and the 2010 Election
he federal election is animportant chance for all par-ties to present their plans forAustralia’s future.
Central to those plans in2010 must be investing morein our teacher and our public
schools. For too long our public schoolshave been underfunded and the need fora fairer funding system that is not blindto the real needs of students and schoolshas been repeatedly demonstrated.
Unfortunately, at the halfway mark ofthe campaign, we have seen no evidencefrom the major parties that they areprepared to invest significantly more inour public schools.
Labor’s announcement on August 4that it will break its promise to introducea new funding system in 2013 meansthat for the next term of governmentboth the major parties will keep theHoward Government’s discredited SESfunding system in place.
That system delivers two-thirds offunding to the one-third of students inpublic schools.
Labor remains committed to a reviewof the funding system. That review willconclude next year and remains a wayfor us to present our case for a fairerfunding system.
The Coalition has already committed tokeeping the SES funding system in placefor the next quadrennium (2013– 2016),regardless of what the review finds.
In a report prepared for the AEU,funding expert Dr Jim McMorrow haswarned that will increase the inequity inschool resourcing with funding increasesalmost four times higher for privateschools than public schools.
Between 2012 and 2016 privateschools will receive an extra $2.35billion (8,300 teachers) and publicschools will get an extra $652 million.
In simple terms, that is enough moneyto pay for an extra 8,300 teachers inprivate schools compared to an extra1,670 teachers in public schools.
To make matters worse, the Coalition’sfirst major announcement on educationin May was that it would cut $3.1 billionworth of programs. Those cuts, including$968 million for new trades trainingcentres in secondary schools and $700million for computers in schools, willdisproportionately affect public schools.
The effect will be that 120,000 sec-ondary students across Australia whohave not yet received laptop computersthrough the Labor Government’s programwill miss out.
In addition 900 secondary schoolswill miss out on getting their own centrefor undertaking trades training or beingfunded to set up a centre in combinationwith other local schools.
Those cuts are disappointing consider-ing the importance of education, notonly for individuals and families, but forthe future economic and social prosper-ity of our country. All students shouldhave access to computers, not justthose whose families can afford them.
In addition, not everyone will go onto further study after school and tradestraining is a good way to keep many
children engaged and allow them to begindeveloping the skills they will need tobe successful in their chosen area.
Of course the largest education initia-tive of the Labor Government has beenthe $16 billion program of school rebuild-ing – the largest one-off commitmentever to education by the Commonwealth.
There have obviously been someissues with the rapid rollout of this pro-gram but the overwhelming responsefrom teachers and school communitieshas been positive.
After voting in parliament againstschools getting this funding, theCoalition has now decided if it winsoffice that it will continue the program.
However, it will direct the moneystraight to schools, rather than throughstate and territory governments.
In their education policy, The Greenshave called for a new federal fundingmodel for schools. That model shouldinclude a significant investment inpublic education. The party has alsowants a scholarship program to attracttop students into teaching and amentoring program for new teachers.
A third commitment is for a schoolcommunity fund where public schoolscan apply for funding for student well-being and support services. �
AEU FederalPresident AngeloGavrielatos shareshis thoughts.
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FEDERAL ELECTIONS 2010
FAMILY FIRSTA minor party stronglycommitted to the supportof private education. Acurrent campaignbrochure reads:
“Parents increasingly
choose to send their children to schoolsthat reflect the values that are impor-tant to them. At Family First we arecommitted to choice in education.”
On their website Family First alsostates: “We support the introduction of
educational vouchers allowing parentsto spend the vouchers at whicheverschool they see fit.”
For more information go to: www.familyfirst.org.au
GREENSWill voters register a
protest vote withthe only party withan uncompromis-
ing commitment to public education? The Greens are a long way from being
able to form a government but may haveleverage in a hung parliament. Theirwebsite reads:“MORE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS”“NO LEAGUE TABLES”
“2 YEARS PUBLIC PRESCHOOL”“FREE UNI, NO HECS DEBT”
A strong public education system iskey to investing in the next generationand building a fair, successful andcohesive society.
Greens policies are largely in accordwith AEU policy.
For more information go to:www.greens.org.au
LABORLabor has promised tocontinue funding forBuilding the EducationRevolution.
Labor will establish trade cadetshipsin schools.
Gillard has announced extra fundingfor family tax benefits to supportstudents completing their secondaryeducation.
Gillard has pledged more than $70mfor the creation of independent govern-ment schools (following the model intro-duced by the Liberals in WA) which willincrease the power of principals to hireand select staff.
Labor established a review of fund-ing for schools but will continue theinequitable SES funding formula for atleast the first term of the nextgovernment.
Gillard has overseen the introductionof school rankings via the MySchoolwebsite and is promoting parentalchoice in schooling.
For more information go to:www.alp.org.au
LIBERALAbbott has prom-ised to cut $3.1billion from educa-
tion programs including trade training inschools, improving teacher quality, andcomputers in schools.
Strongly favours private schools. Atleast two thirds of federal funding willgo to private schools, regardless ofwhether they need the money or not,through a continuation of the discredit-ed and inequitable SES funding model.
The Liberals have floated the idea ofintroducing annual national tests for
students in every year level.They will introduce a performance
pay system which allows principals todecide which teachers get more money.
The Liberals will introduce voucherfunding of up to $20,000 for individualstudents with a disability. Less than6,000 of 157,486 students with disabil-ities will benefit.
The “dead, buried & cremated” assur-ances re WorkChoices have failed to allayfears on the industrial relations front.
For more information go to:www.liberal.org.au
What’s on offer for PublicEducation at the election?The summary below has been prepared by AEU Research Officer Mike Williss.
The AEU is not affiliated with and does not donate to any political party.
The AEU is not formally endorsing any political party. Members should make their own informed judgement aboutwhich party best supports public education.
The AEU’s policy preferences include:
• Ensuring universal access for all students to education of the highest quality in their local communities,
• Ending the inequitable SES funding formula for private schools and doubling the allocation of funding togovernment schools so that no student is disadvantaged by enrolment in a public school, and
• Ending school league tables, preventing the use of NAPLAN results for the public comparison of schools, andreplacing the unfair ICSEA formula used on the My School website.
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Journal: How long have you beenteaching?
Janna: I’ve been teaching full-time forthe first half of this year but did someTRT work in Adelaide during the secondhalf of last year.
Journal: Having come from the city, howdo you find working in the country?
Janna: It’s challenging for sure, but every-one up here at Stuart is amazing. I’ve gota great support network and am friendswith pretty much everyone on staff. Wehave a lot of new educators up here Ithink the majority of teachers here areunder 26 years of age, which is great.
Journal: Why did you choose to go intoteaching?
Janna: I worked in retail, administrationand hospitality prior to studying teach-
ing and was considered a mature-agestudent went I went to Uni at 21! I guessI started to think about what I wantedout of life and I got bit over makingmoney for other people which was whatI was basically doing in all my otherjobs. So I thought about my passions,which are sewing and cooking, andthought I could teach that to kids,especially in relation to food and theimportance of healthy living habits. Iworked in the US at a performing artscamp and taught sewing to kids andreally enjoyed it.
Journal: What do you enjoy most aboutyour job?
Janna: I love the ‘light-bulb’ momentsyou see with kids. For example, a lot ofmy students have never seen a sewingmachine before, so getting them to the
NEW EDUCATOR PROFILE
From Uni to Union
Stuart High Schoolteacher Janna Lewistalks to the AEUJournal about unionmembership andteaching in thecountry.
“I love the fact that theunion is so passionateabout helping neweducators.”
Janna Lewis
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point where they can ‘thread up’ andget on with a task without needing myhelp is really fulfilling. Seeing themhappy about producing something andthe excitement that goes with it is great.
Journal: You’ve taken on the role ofsub-branch secretary quite early inyour career, how did this come about?
Janna: All through Uni everyone had mepegged as a future union rep and whilestudying I worked at a shoe store as arep for helping staff get better workingconditions. So it was always on thecards I guess.
Journal: What do you see as thebenefits of being a union member?
Janna: I love the fact that the union is sopassionate about helping new educators.The courses the union run are reallygood and the classroom managementcourse was amazing. I’m talking that upto everyone here, telling them all thatthey have to go and do it. Also, the neweducators conference is great. It’s goodto talk to others from around the statewho are going through the same thingsas me; it makes me feel even moresupported despite the isolation.
In many ways the union training anddevelopment is better than what I got atuniversity. It could be because I canrelate it directly back to the classroomwhereas it was more difficult to do thatwhile at Uni.
Journal: You’re going to be delegate tothe upcoming Federal New EducatorsConference, what do you hope to getout of it?
Janna: I’m really interested to see howteachers in other states work so whenwe go to a national curriculum I’ll havesome understanding of the differencesbetween our curriculums and perhapssome of the different challenges theyface. And I guess just looking forward tomaking more connections, that’s one ofthe best things about being in the union.
Journal: What do you say to peoplewho are considering joining the AEU?
Janna: Don’t hold back, it will be thebest decision you make. �
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
One of the real highlights of the arbi-tration decision delivered in June was therecognition of the wonderful work of ourmembers with students with disabilities.
The Commission had received abund-ant evidence through AEU witness state-ments, compiled by members of ourSpecial Education Consultative Committee,that teachers working with students withspecial needs face daunting challenges ona daily basis. This evidence was no doubtstrengthened by visits by the Commissionto schools, preschools and TAFE Institutes,where they saw first-hand the invaluablework carried out by teachers, leaders andsupport staff – work that is making asignificant difference for the better in thelives of students across South Australiaevery day of the week. Seeing is believing,and the wording of the decision indicatesthat the Commission recognised unequiv-ocally that educators in the field of specialeducation are making an amazing contri-bution in difficult circumstances, oftenwith inadequate support.
A very welcome and hard fought out-come of the decision is that every class ina special school or unit, as well as allspecial classes in mainstream schools,will have a minimum of one SSO presentwhile these classes are being taught.
Common sense would tell us no teachershould be working alone in classes withchildren who have exceptional health needsand, all too often, challenging behaviours.At last, this untenable situation has beenat least partially addressed.
The Commission also acknowledgedthere are many classrooms in mainstreamschools with high numbers of studentswith NEPs, ILPs, IEPs and HSPs. A fewdecades ago, many students in main-stream schools would have been inspecial schools, and a considerable
number of students currently in specialschools would have been in institutions,with all of the emphasis on care and noneon education.
The shift to providing improved choicesand opportunities in education for childrenwith special needs is one we all applaud.However, this shift was implemented overtime without a corresponding increase inresources to mainstream and specialschools. Some of the inadvertent conse-quences of the gap between good inten-tions and proper funding have been unsafelearning environments for students andphysical and psychological injury foreducators. The Commission’s decisionreflects this:“Teachers of such classes face challengesin managing the class and delivering thelesson. They must give individual atten-tion to each student with a plan, teach the remainder of the class and deal withbehavioural problems which may buildfrom one student to others during thelesson period.”
The Commission’s description of thecomplexity of teachers’ work is tellinglyaccurate and their recommendation foradditional support staff for mainstreamclasses as well as special education set-tings acknowledges that the progressmade in delivering a better educationsystem for students with disabilities hasnot been matched by the allocation ofbasic resources, particularly with regardto staffing levels.
Much of the credit for the gains madein this round of enterprise bargaining canbe attributed to AEU committees such asthe Special Education ConsultativeCommittee, which meet after hours andwork with great determination andconviction to bring about reform. Sub-branch secretaries, PAC representativesand a host of other dedicated AEU mem-bers play a similar role, giving so much oftheir time and themselves to improvingconditions for their colleagues andmaking sure they receive their industrialentitlements.
It is a fitting time to pay tribute to allthe unsung heroes of the AEU whosecommitment and sheer hard work are thefoundation stones for each and everyvictory we achieve as a union in our questfor an education system that values andrespects students and educators in equalmeasure. �
Hard work of activistsbrings about change
AEU Vice PresidentAnne Crawford saysAEU committeesdeserve much of thecredit for our gains inarbitration.
Curriculum leaderand champion forPublic Education.
ell known and lovedSouth Australian
Jim Giles was astrong supporter of
Public Education andsomeone who loved
children, valued teach-ers and was instrumental in a numberof progressive initiatives in the SA edu-cation system.
After gaining a degree at AdelaideUniversity Jim started his teachingcareer in 1951 at Lochaber Rural School.He then moved to Maitland Area Schooland to Oakbank Area School where healso began married life with Ruth, hislifelong partner. He showed early talentas a teacher and soon won a promotionas Senior Master of Lameroo Area School.In 1963 became Headmaster of PinnarooArea School. His pupils remember himas a fun and energetic teacher. He advo-cated for and supported those whostruggled or came from difficult anddisadvantaged backgrounds.
He became inspector of schools basedat Kadina, serving schools on the YorkePeninsula and Port Pirie. He took careto provide encouragement and supportfor young teachers in the first years oftheir careers. They were often workingin isolated communities.
In 1968 he travelled with Ruth andtheir five children to London to take up a12 month scholarship to study a Mastersof Education at London University. Duringthis time he visited the Soviet Union toexamine their education system and thefamily travelled extensively in Europe.On his return he became Deputy DirectorGeneral of Education in the DunstanGovernment. With the election of a LaborGovernment in Canberra under GoughWhitlam he was involved in the headytimes of educational and curriculumreform.
In 1988 Jim was a victim of a change inleadership in the Education Department.A new broom of managerialism wassweeping through, in the form of Dr. KenBoston. An entire change of leadershipmeant that he retired early at the age of57. A tribute to his career at the time, thePrimary Principals magazine, PrimaryFocus said: “He has been a distinguishedperformer and guru who left his mark. Hehas been a strong hand in shaping thedirection of education in South Australia.”
In the years following his retirementJim continued to advocate for the impor-tant role of Public Education, making anumber of key speeches including onefor the AEU in 2004 at the launch of theFor the Public Good campaign. In thisspeech Jim stated: “I treasure greatlythe rough egalitarianism of this countryof mine, the laconic response to toughtimes, and the amused rejection of thosewho would put themselves above theirfellows. I believe that public schools canform and preserve in their students thethings we value most as Australians.”
Jim was passionate about PublicEducation and it distressed him to seethe reduction of funding which tookplace under successive conservativegovernments. He wore with a badge ofhonour the fact that all his five childrenwere educated in public schools andhad all become successful people in
OBITUARY
1 2
Jim Giles 31 October 1931 – 28 June 2010
their own right.
In his retirement, Jim continued to beactive in public life, culminating in a dis-tinguished era championing seniors asNational President of the Council on theAgeing. During this time Jim declaredthat older people’s “ideas should burnbright”.
Jim was on the board of the SouthAustralian Theatre Company and wasChair of Doppio Teatro. He also servedas Chairman of the Board ofManagement of the Survivors of Tortureand Trauma Assistance andRehabilitation Service.
Having spent time teaching Englishto overseas students at UniSA, Jimcould lay claim to having taught fromreception through to university and wasawarded a Member of the Order ofAustralia for his services to education,multiculturalism and the arts.
To his friends, wife and family of fivechildren and 14 grandchildren Jim wasthe man they all adored, so much fun tobe around, lover of good food and wine,the champion of boogie woogie piano,the gardener, the poet and the man whosucked every speck of marrow from life.
Jim died of cancer at home with hisfamily around him on 28 June 2010. �
“...I believe that publicschools can form andpreserve in their studentsthe things we value mostas Australians.”
W
Long in decline, DECS support forOHSW in worksiteshas now shrunk tothe point where it isalmost non-existent.
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Officers of the AEU InformationUnit are available Monday –Friday from 10.30am – 5.00pm.
Phone: 8272 1399
AEU INFORMATION UNIT
Q & A from theWorkplace
Q I have exhausted my sick leaveentitlement, what are my options?
There are several options:
A Firstly, provided you have a medicalcertificate you can access unpaid
sick leave during term time and receiveyour normal pay through the holidayperiod. If no medical certificate isprovided then you will not be paidthrough the holiday period.
A Secondly, If you are a member ofany of the three schemes adminis-
tered by Super SA, you have the optionof applying for a temporary disabilitybenefit. The conditions on which youmay be eligible for the benefit varies for each of the three schemes and youshould contact Super SA prior to mak-ing an application. In all of the threeschemes the AEU has negotiated formembers to receive their temporarydisability benefit through term time and their normal fortnightly salary from DECS or DEFEEST during theholiday period.
A Thirdly, If you have long serviceleave entitlements, you may convert
your long service leave to sick leavecredits. In these circumstances longservice leave will only be granted in fullcalendar days.
AND,
A Graduate students in their first twoyears of permanent employment
with DECS, are eligible for an additional10 days of sick leave when existingsick leave entitlements have beenexhausted in any one of those firsttwo years. This is not anaccumulative entitlement and islimited to only the first two years ofpermanent appointment. �
Anne Walker,AEU Legal & Information Officer
At the same time, expectations relat-ing to OHSW outcomes have increased.Much more is expected of site leadersand HSRs .
This transfer to sites has increasedthe workload of the Business Managerand added to duties related to the InjuryManagement and Reporting System,audits, risk assessments, hazardouswaste disposal and the like. This increasein workload for members at worksites is itself an OHSW issue. The recentCommission decision stated: “teachersand leaders suffer from poor job designwhere the task demands outweigh boththe personal resources of teaching staffand the financial resources of the school”.
While the extra work is bad enough,there are now new concerns that changesin the way schools are resourced maylead to a further transfer of the ‘respon-
DECS’ OHSW services shrinking
sibility’ and real costs of making andkeeping sites safe away from DECS. Thistransfer would fall to site leaders andsite budgets, but without allocated fund-ing. This may result in leaders compen-sating in other areas, such as staffing.
Already, a DECS service originallydesigned in consultation with the AEUto deal with workplace conflict issues,and previously available from six DECSpersonnel counsellors is now only avail-able for a fee, paid by the site to aprivate provider.
Having been used to calling the origi-nal outsourced Employee AssistanceProgram, Converge, and then ITIM, mem-bers now have to recognise the nameDavidson, Trahaire Corpsych (a SydneyCompany), or at least remember theirnumber: 1300 360 364.
OHSW Advisors in the Departmenthave been cut to two and it is rumouredthere will be further reductions in ser-vice provision in response to treasurydemands.
In this context, it could be logical forsite leaders to believe that that theycould better manage things themselves– if they had a relevant funding streamand more time.
However, it is the AEU’s fundamentalposition that OHSW remains the respon-sibility of the employer and the addi-tional workload should not be foistedonto site leaders. �
OHS&W
SSO/ECW WEEK16 – 20 August...is a time when we celebratethe work of our hard-workingSSOs and ECWs.
We encourage all worksitesto hold morning teas or after-school events to celebraterecent AEU wins for SSOsand ECWs.
1 4
up to $500 per year per primary schoolstudent for a range of education expens-es up to $1000 including school fees. Itwill also provide a rebate to up to $1000per year per secondary school studentfor school fees and other expenses upto $2000.
While the rebate will also be avail-able for government school fees, parentswith children in private schools will derivethe most benefit from the rebate. Theywill be able to claim the maximum rebateon private school fees because in mostcases their fees exceed the upper limitof claimable expenses for the rebate.
In contrast, government school feesare not compulsory in most states.Voluntary contributions are the main waygovernment schools raise funds fromparents and the rebate will not be avail-able for these contributions. In addition,fees in government schools are typicallyless than $250 per primary student andless than $500 per secondary student,which is well below the upper limit of
Liberal/National Partygovernment will provideanother boost to privateschools with a tax rebateon school fees. It willprovide a backdoor
funding increase and shift more studentsto private schools. It will further damagepublic education in Australia and increasesocial segregation between the privateand government school sectors.
The coalition says it will increase thecurrent tax rebate for education expensesand expand the scheme to include schoolfees. It will provide a 50% tax rebate of
claimable expenses for the rebate.
If the coalition were serious aboutbeing neutral between school sectors itwould make voluntary contributions togovernment schools eligible for therebate. But, even then private schoolparents would continue to receive themost benefit because of the disparitybetween average private school feesand voluntary contributions/fees ingovernment schools.
The rebate will be a windfall gain for
Abbott’s back door plan toincrease private school funding
FEDERAL ELECTION 2010
Save Our Schoolsconvenor TrevorCobbold reports
“Abbott’s backdoor fund-ing scheme for privateschools will compoundthe increasing socialsegregation betweenschools in Australia ”
A
As a union we continue to be concern-ed at the high levels of temporary con-tract employment. We are seeking acommitment from both the Minister andChief Executive to address this problemthrough immediate action.
Recently the AEU met with MinisterWeatherill to discuss our concerns overthe level of permanency. We had beenheartened by his positive comments inthe media and sought to put to him ourviews as to how change could beachieved. Our delegation was impressedwith the Minister’s knowledge of thetopic and his understanding of the viewsof teachers. The Minister informed usthat the Government’s preferred positionwas to have high levels of permanentand stable employment in education.
The AEU’s proposal put to the Ministerincluded:
• A target for teacher permanency
• The re-establishment of thepermanency working party
• The immediate conversion of long-term contract teachers and contractteachers in leadership positions
• A proper application of therecruitment and selection policyrules in regards to whether aposition should to be declared‘temporary’
• A commitment from the Departmentto a contract teacher working party.
Local Action: Sub-branches can take
action to reduce the number of contractteachers by ensuring that the recruitmentand selection policy rules are applied.
If you are concerned about levels oftemporary employment in your school,ask your PAC representatives why aposition has been described as a‘temporary’ position? Ask the question,who is being replaced?
The rules defining whether a positionis ongoing or temporary can be found inthe Recruitment and Selection of Teach-ing Staff in the School Sector handbookat clause 2.1.2.
Wherever possible, ensure that anongoing position is described and thattemporary positions are only declaredwhen the criteria is met.
Country Incentives Win: The AEUhas negotiated an increase in the rateof the country incentives payments overthe life of the Enterprise BargainingArbitrated Award. This includes theannual cash incentives payments andthe one-off incidentals payments. Therates were reported to the IndustrialRelations Commission on July 24, 2010.
The increases include 3.75% back-dated until the start of the 2009 schoolyear, 4% backdated until the start ofthe 2010 school year, 4% from 2011 and4% in 2012.
AST 2 Compromise: The AEU hassecured a change to the eligibility cri-teria for application for reclassificationto AST 2 to include Step 9 teachers.
The AEU had sought that eligibilitybe extended to all teachers who metthe AST 2 criteria but this wasrigorously opposed by the employer.These changes were needed as a resultof the introduction of Step 9.
With a small number of AST 2 appli-cants and 34% of teachers withdrawingfrom the process, issues still remainwith the AST 2 processes. �
If you have concerns, contact theAEU information unit on: T: 8272 1399
AEU moves toimprove teacherpermanency levels
The AEU is continuingto seek improvementsin the percentage ofpermanent teachers inschools and preschools
Dan Farmer AEU Industrial Officer
1 5
all families with children already enrolledin private schools. It will be fully avail-able to all but the very highest incomeearners as all recipients of Family TaxBenefit A are eligible for the full rebate.The income limit for which some FamilyTax Benefit A is available is about$150,000 a year depending on thenumber of dependent children. This isnearly three times average weeklyearnings. Less than 15% of householdsin Australia have gross income in excessof $150,000 a year.
Maralyn Parker of the Daily Telegraph(21 July) commented: “The Coalition’spromise of a tax refund for school feesis the most blatant offer of middle classwelfare I have seen in any election.Voters already paying thousands inschool fees will love it. It is certainly nota refund offered with public schoolworking families in mind.”
She said it was “short-sighted, politi-cally self-interested policy making andwould have the potential to take us inthe wrong direction in the schooling ofour children”.
The rebate will encourage more par-ents to shift their children to privateschools because it reduces the effectivefees they pay. The rebate amounts toabout a 10% subsidy for medium-feeschools, a 25% subsidy for lower-feeschools and a 50% subsidy for low feeprivate schools.
It will further undermine public edu-cation by encouraging another tier offamilies in the income distribution hier-archy to enrol in private schools. It willmean that the composition of govern-ment schools is likely to become evenmore concentrated amongst lowerincome families.
While estimates of the cost of therebate vary, it is likely to cost in the orderof $1 billion a year. This expenditurewould be better spent on reducing themassive achievement gap between richand poor in Australia. It would be betterused to improve the learning of disad-vantaged students, the large majority of whom are in government schools.
Abbott’s backdoor funding schemefor private schools will compound theincreasing social segregation betweenschools in Australia driven by choice andcompetition policies and the existingSES funding model for private schools.It will further enhance privilege in educa-tion at the expense of greater equity. �
INDUSTRIAL
1 6
arising from a meeting devoted to work-place safety was truly shocking.
The outrage has mobilised many.About 2000 supporters gathered outsidethe Magistrates Court in Adelaide beforemarching and chanting their way to theoffices of the ABCC. About 3000 march-
cross the country last week,thousands of workers ral-lied again in support ofArk Tribe – the SouthAustralian constructionworker charged by the
Australian Building and ConstructionCommission (ABCC) with failing to attendan interrogation in 2008. The worksitesecret police were trying to get namesand other details of a workplace safetymeeting at which a list of issues weredrawn up for action at a site at FlindersUniversity.
The need for workers to organise todefend themselves against lethal riskswas in the news yet again as Tribe enter-ed the court on Tuesday. The Friday beforethe rally, a 35-year-old worker was killedat the site of Adelaide’s desalination plantwhen a steel beam fell from a soft sling.
The tragedy occurred at the site theday after it had been cleared by a feder-al safety commission. A joint audit byunions and project managers found 300issues to be addressed at the desal site.Maritime workers were also mourningthe loss of Steve Piper on Melbourne’sAppleton Dock on July 14. He was thethird wharfie to be killed at work this year.
Also in the news was the judgementof the South Australian Industrial Courtthat BHP Billiton must pay a $75,000fine over the death of 34-year-old ScottRigg, who was struck by a piece of heavyequipment while working inside a humid-ifier at the company’s Olympic Dam oper-ations. The transnational was also order-ed to pay $20,000 in compensation toRigg’s family. Twenty-thousand dollars –the price of a worker’s life in 2010.
Against this backdrop, the sight of arank and file construction worker enter-ing court to be defended against charges
ed in Sydney, 4000 in Melbourne, 3500in Perth, 800 in Warrnambool. There waseven a rally in Wonthaggi in regionalVictoria.
The case against Ark was adjournedagain – this time until September 13.The anxious wait for Ark and his familycontinues. They live with the threat of asix-month jail term for the constructionworker should he be convicted.
The court heard from ABCC inspectorSeamus Flynn that the industry StarChamber had made no other efforts togather the information they soughtconcerning the workplace meeting theywanted to pry into. They reached straightfor the biggest weapon in the armoury –the section 52 order that compels work-ers to attend an interrogation at which
Scrap the ABCC! Stop the war on workers’ rights!
“...if the ABCC is notabolished there is nothingto prevent similar tacticsbeing used against otherunions, including teacherunions, in the future.”
WORPLACE SAFETY
Adelaide constructionworker Ark Tribe’strial continues...
A
1 7
That “cop” has victimised unions andmade it harder for them to organise indefence of their members, including overworkplace health and safety issues.
So far it’s construction workers whoare bearing the brunt of this anti-unionand undemocratic legislation. However,if the ABCC is not abolished there isnothing to prevent similar tactics beingused against other unions, includingteacher unions, in the future. The ABCCmust be opposed by all union membersand workers, it’s literally a matter of lifeand death. �
they have no right to legal representationand no right to remain silent. Terror sus-pects have more rights before the law thanconstruction workers in Australia today.
The judge will now take writtensubmissions on Ark’s matter beforemoving to judgment and sentencing.Meanwhile, a federal election is beingcontested with two major contendersfacing off again – the Liberals, who areproud of their founding of the ABCC andLabor, who have consistently promisedto keep a “tough cop on the beat” ofthe building industry.
1
(above left): CFMEU Secretary Martin O’Malley during the minute silence to honour an Adelaideconstruction worker who died on the job the day before. (above): Union officials and supportersfrom around the country raise their fists in solidarity with Ark Tribe.
Photos: JO FROST
...Ark’s trial continues on 13 September
UPCOMING EVENT
2010ReconciliationSchools CongressPresented by:Reconciliation South Australia
Friday 27 August 9:30am – 3:30pm[Registrations: 9:00am]
Adelaide Town Hall, King William St. Adelaide
The 2010 Reconciliation SchoolsCongress is an exciting event forsecondary school students in years 9, 10 and 11.
Students will have unique accessto significant Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander leaders as well as non-Aboriginal champions of reconciliationin a facilitated small group environ-ment. Groups will research anddebate relevant reconciliation issuesbefore presenting their work to aplenary session at the end of the day.
Students will also learn how theycan be reconciliation ambassadors intheir own schools, organisingactivities for Reconciliation Week androle modelling culturally appropriatebehaviours throughout the year.
Deadline for registrations:
Friday 20 August 2010 Limited places available.
For more information: Rosslyn Cox: T: 8302 0493 E: [email protected]: www.reconciliationsa.org.au
For more inform
ation go to:ww
w.reconciliationsa.org.au
Be the change:“I am thechange”
1 8
WOMEN’S FOCUSINTERNATIONAL
development for members.
Journal: I understand you visited theElementary Teachers Federation ofOntario (ETFO) and the OntarioSecondary School Teachers Federation(OSSTF), what can you tell us aboutthese unions?
Lynn: Well first of all they are big.Combined, the two unions have almostas many members as we do across thewhole of Australia, so they are quitelarge considering we’re talking aboutjust the state of Ontario. Secondly,every teacher working in the publicsystem is a union member.
Journal: 100 percent union membership?Wow! How is this possible?
Lynn: There is legislation in Ontario thatrequires teachers to join their respectiveunion, so it’s only the non-teaching staffthat need to be recruited. I expressedsurprise and my contact there respondedby saying “of course everyone shouldbe in a union” and “the legislation waspassed to support people in theworkplace”. I couldn’t agree more.
Journal: What percentage of childrenattend public schools in Ontario?
Lynn: There are very few private schoolsin Ontario so the majority, 96 percent,of children attend public schools, which
Journal: Lynn, how did your recent tripto Canada come about?
Lynn: The AEU has a connection with a group of union educators based inOntario and we’ve also been usingmaterials in our professional develop-ment program which originally camefrom the Ontario Institute for Studies inEducation (OISE). Teacher unions thereare facing some of the same issues asus - standardised testing, accountabilityissues and the like. So my trip therewas multi-faceted. I went to learn moreabout how they are dealing with someof these issues but primarily to look atwhat they are currently doing in relationto union training and professional
Education unions are at the helm in Ontario
is great. The public system includedboth Catholic and secular schools.
Journal: You’ve already mentioned someinteresting differences, but was thereanything that immediately jumped outat you about the Canadian unions?
Lynn: : The unions there are veryinvolved in global issues, human rightsissues and social justice, and areheavily involved in professionaldevelopment. The teacher unions arefunded by the Ministry of Education torun professional development forteachers.
Journal: You mentioned the involvementin social justice, can you tell us moreabout this?
Lynn: Both the unions run social justiceprojects. They fund schools andmembers wanting to work on social andcommunity issues, they supportteachers to travel to developingcountries to research issues anddevelop teaching materials on globalconcerns for use back in the schools.Teachers have a lot more input into thecurriculum and also develop teachingresources for other union members touse. The secondary teachers union alsohas a great awards program torecognise and encourage secondarystudent activists commitment to socialjustice issues. So it’s quite broadranging.
Journal: It sounds like the Ontariounions are quite well funded, this mustmake it easier to do this kind of work?
Lynn: It does. Thanks to the governmentfunding of things like PD, they are in agood financial position. The governmentunderstands that teachers are bestequipped to run professional develop-ment so they make that possible. Itmakes a lot of sense and in turn itallows for union finances to be directedto other projects like the ones Imentioned.
Journal: How does the educationlandscape in Ontario compare with ourshere in Australia? Are they facing thesame sorts of issues?
Lynn: I’m really concerned that some ofthe changes introduced by a previousconservative government in Canada,
7 Lynn Hall with resources brought back fromher trip to Ontario, Canada.
The AEU Journalspeaks to SA BranchTraining and Develop-ment CoordinatorLynn Hall about herrecent visit toOntario, Canada.
1 9
NOTICEBOARD
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
ATTENTION: all teachers aspiring to Step 9 and AST 2 andteachers with specific skills and experience they wish to share.Are you good at what you do? Interesting and interested?Do you want to develop and share your skills with otherteachers?
AEU seeks workshop developers/presenters for new AEU PD RegisterThe AEU wants to expand its repertoire of workshops offered for 2011.Expressions of interest are sought from AEU members interested in developingand running short workshops on a range of professional topics for other AEUmembers in SA.
Topics may include but are not restricted to: curriculum areas, educationalmethodologies and strategies, teaching specific year levels, social justice andequity matters, assessment and reporting, effective teaching of specific groupsof students, working with parents and communities, leadership issues.Workshops may last one hour or one day.
Time and support will be given to selected members to develop their ideas intoworkshops for the broader membership, for schools or regional locations. Thetiming and location of workshops will be determined by workshop presenters innegotiation with those making the request. Pairs of members may submit a jointexpression of interest.
Lynn Hall | AEU Coordinator, Training and Development E: [email protected]? Contact Lynn Hall (email above) and include the following information:• member’s name • workplace • possible workshop topics (with one sentencedescriptor) • preferred location/s for delivery • workshop length and• contact details.Members will be advised during term 4 if they are selected and will be invited toattend a workshop design day to plan and prepare their offerings. A register ofworkshops, locations offered, charges and workshop length will be advertisedduring 2011. The list will be reviewed at the end of 2011.
(since defeated), may be revisited herein Australia. Teacher testing is oneexample. They got rid of it in Canadawhen the conservative government wasousted. However, as we speak, teachersin the US are being fired in theirhundreds for failing to achieveexternally enforced benchmarks. It’sjust outrageous.
Journal: Canada ranks near the top ineducation internationally, I think theysit at number three in science on thePISA rankings, how do they get suchgood results?
Lynn: According to PISA, they are aheadof most Western countries, includingAustralia, in many curriculum areas. InOntario the government heavily investsin the profession, for example they havea very strong requirement for teachersto engage in professional developmentand resources are therefore put into PD.There is a well articulated inductionprogram and progressive leadershipdevelopment program, both of whichare funded and based on developmentby teachers for teachers. They mustalso have the appropriate qualificationsto teach a particular curriculum area orlevel of schooling. The unions, withMinistry funding and member expertisedevelop and run these accreditedcourses. The profession really seems tobe taken seriously and involved at alllevels of educational decision-making.Journal: You mentioned the sharing ofresources and materials between ourcountries. I believe there will be someopportunities for our members tobenefit from this directly?
Lynn:Yes, the Elementary TeachersFederation has agreed to open up itsnew online courses to our members.These courses were developed bypracticing classroom teachers andblend theory with practical applicationsback into the workplace. I am seekingfeedback from any members aboutwhether they are interested in regis-tering through the AEU SA for them2011. We could start with more generictopics such as mentoring, leadershipand ICT/multimedia across thecurriculum. The opportunity to learnthrough high-level, engaging, andpractical professional development withour Canadian colleagues at any time ofthe day, week or in any part of the statewith internet access is very exciting. �
Lynn can be contacted by [email protected] or byphone at the AEU 8272 1399
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Can’t access PD? Family commitments? Country location?Want to extend your professional networks internationally?Committed to developing yourself professionally? Want tohave more flexibility when and where you study?
Expressions of interest in onlineProfessional Development in 2011The AEU is investigating the delivery of on-line PD Courses during 2011covering a limited range of topics. Participants could be based in primary orsecondary schools in South Australia and/or Ontario, Canada in city orcountry locations. Depending on demand, topics offered may include:• Leadership• Mentoring/coaching• Using multimedia/ICT across the curriculum Each course would be assessed, be relevant to classroom teachers and havea time commitment of 125 hours over a term. Participants would commit tocontribute to online discussions and complete activities and projectsrelevant to their work situation. The courses have been developed by Canadian teacher union members forteachers and are practical, grounded in effective practice and feature abalance between theory and practice. There will be opportunities for sharedcollaborative learning with Canadian colleagues and access to a broadrange of classroom resources.The cost would be approximately $700 per course. Members are invited toexpress interest in committing to a course for 2011. 1,500 Canadian teachershave already registered for these courses.
For further info or to submit expressions of interest, email: Lynn Hall | AEU Coordinator, Training and Development E: [email protected]
http://twitter.com/aeusa
Follow Us on Twitter @aeusa For the latest AEU news updates andlinks to interesting education media, follow our tweets today.
2 0
NOTICE BOARD
WOODVILLE GARDENS PRE-SCHOOL18 – 58 Ridley Grove, Woodville GardensWe are combining with: • Ridley Grove Primary • Ferryden Park• Mansfield Park ...to become a Birth to Year 7 Primary School. Currentlyknown as “The Inner West Birth – 7 School” – official name yet to be decided.
Are you a past staff member, student, parent or carer?As part of Woodville Gardens Pre-school closing celebrations, we cordially invitepast staff, students, parents and carers to come and join in our activities on:
Saturday 23 October | 10am – 12noon Morning tea provided
Enquiries: [email protected] RSVP: by 13 October 2010ARE YOU ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR DISPLAY BOARD? We ask forany old photos (copies only to postal address) to be submitted by 27 September, 2010
We hope to hear from you soon!
In the school holiday mail out theAEU included a range of peace posters,collated in a magazine by the GrahamF. Smith Peace Trust. These postersmay be a valuable resource for artlessons in secondary schools. If forsome reason you haven’t been madeaware of the posters, please see yoursub-branch secretary. �
Be part of thenew generation!
The AEU is supporting GenerationOne’scall for all teachers and students to bepart of the generation for change.GenerationOne has partnered with TheAustralian School of Performing Arts(ASPS) to launch a great opportunity forschools to raise awareness and endIndigenous disadvantage.
GenerationOne is holding a competi-tion and invite every school in Australiato get involved. The national winner willreceive a GenerationOne EducationAward of $25,000 to undertake a projectof their design that aims to rise aware-ness and reduce Indigenous disadvantagein their community. State and Territoryfinalists will win a one day performingarts workshop.
All you need to do is learn HandsAcross Australia, the GenerationOnetheme song, and create a video clip ofyour school performing it. It’s easy tolearn and all the resources you needs areon the GenerationOne website (below).Schools need to also be creative in writingnew lyrics for the rap section of the songand designing their project. �
For info and resources go to:
www.generationone.org.au
AEU 2010 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COUNCIL DATES FOR 2010
2010 UNION MEMBER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMFri 19 November 9.15am-15.00pmPotential Delegates Course1-day course introducing members to AEUdecision making processes.Who can attend: AEU members.
All courses are held at the AEU unlessotherwise specified.
For more info or to register go to:
www.aeusa.asn.au
Branch Council MeetingsUpcoming dates for 2010 are:Saturday, 14 AugustSaturday, 20 November
TAFE Divisional Council MeetingsUpcoming dates for 2010 are:Friday, 13 AugustFriday, 19 November
UPCOMING EVENT
2 1
ELECTION NOTICE
Australian Education UnionBranch Secretary Election
ELECTION NOTICEFair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009
Nominations are called for:
South Australian Branch
Branch SecretaryWritten nominations which comply with the Rules of the Organisation must
reach me not later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 3 September 2010. Nomination forms are available on request.
Barry Barons Returning Officer Tel: 08 8237 6501
13 August 2010
HOW TO LODGE NOMINATIONSBy Post:GPO Box 344 ADELAIDE SA 5001
By Fax:08 8237 6553
By Hand: Australian Electoral Commission, 9th Floor, Origin Energy Bldg 1 King William St ADELAIDE SA 5000
The ballot, if required, will open onFriday, 8 October 2010 and close at9:00am on Friday, 29 October 2010.
Changed Address?Advise the Union now.
Note: A copy of the AEC’s electionreport can be obtained from theorganisation or from me after thecompletion of the election.
The conference will provide memberswith an opportunity to access currentresearch on NAPLAN and the use ofNAPLAN data so they are able toclearly articulate and substantiatetheir professional views.
Focus group workshops on theAustralian Curriculum will beincluded in the program to exploremembers views and concerns.
A selection of practical workshopswill be run by teachers to showcasethe work they are engaged in withtheir students.
Open to: MEMBERS ONLY workingwith students in years 3, 4 and 5.
Our profession in a changingeducationenvironment
Do you have a production or a bigevent coming up?
Is there a great program running atyour site that would interest otherAEU members?
Perhaps there is an AEU memberdoing great work in the community?
The AEU Journal wants topublish your stories andcelebrate your work. Wewelcome your articles,letters, photos, advertise-ments and other forms ofmedia – GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!
Vol 42 I No.1 February 2010AEUJOURNAL SA
Official publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)
Not“MYSCHOOL”.edu.au
Not“MYSCHOOL”.edu.auSPECIAL FEATURES
� Arbitration: the IRC hands down its decision�MySchool: the newwebsite takes a beating
Vol 42 I No.3 May 2010
AEUJOURNAL SAOfficial publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)
INSIDE
� NAPLAN victory:
Gillard agrees to
working party
� TAFE: new
campaign launched
Working for
the community
Vol 42 I No.4June 2010
AEUJOURNAL SA
Official publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)
INSIDE
� AEU membership:the best insurance
around� Universal Access:more time in preschool for children
Eremophila Serrulata......this tiny leaf couldsave your life
Email your contributions TODAY to: [email protected]
AEU PrimaryYearsConferenceThursday 30 September9.15am – 3.00pm
What’s happening at your preschool, school or TAFE?
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Australian Education Union | SA BranchRegistration/Info: www.aeusa.asn.au/events
Badging ourProfession inthe New World
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NOTICE BOARD
Members’ Market dunes at Normanville. Golf, horseriding, pools, beach, lawns, cafes. T: 0413 155 460www.stayz.com.au/23983
PORT ELLIOT HOLIDAY ESCAPEStunning new, a/c, 4BR, s/cont.Close to Main St. cafes, shops,restaurants, galleries. HorseshoeBay, swim, surf and fish. Walk/biketrails, markets, wineries, SteamRanger Cockle train. Special rates.E: [email protected] HOLIDAY HOUSE:Yorke Peninsula “OceanfrontEscape” 2-storey hse w. pergolato beach & farmland views, secl,4 BRMs, full kitchen, BBQ, DVD/VCR/TV, billiards, fishing. Peaceful& relaxing, great for kids. ContactBrenton on: T: 0409 864 682E: [email protected] CEDUNA BEACH HOUSE:S-cont, beachfront, BBQ/DVD/LCD/ TV, r/c air. Sleeps 6. Corp.rates AEU members. Main st. andjetty 5 min walk. T: 1800 639 413 HOUSEBOAT: (near Mannum)AEU members are offered a 10%disc. during shoulder/off pk.Sleeps 10. T: (08) 8277 8751E: [email protected] www.bundara2.net/
VICTOR HARBOR Holiday Hse:Renovated 3BR hse walk to beach,skate park, shops, restaurants andtown. All facilities, lge yard, BBQ.T: 0413 920 554E: [email protected]
HOLIDAY HOUSE, 'NORTH BAY',CARRICKALINGA: Arch. designednew 2- storey beach hse. 4BR, 3bath, 2 living areas, Europeankitchen, decking & views. Suits 2families. Sleeps 10. Play equip. forkids. T: 0403 015 964www.stayz.com.au>North Bay,Carrickalinga
ABSOLUTE SEAFRONT HOUSEStunning beach, dolphins - wine -seafood. House (neg), beach orbalcony suites. Min 4 nights. fm$45/dble, mid-wk off-peak.Kingston. T: 0402 922 445
HOLIDAY RENTAL:Yorke Peninsula: New up-marketesplanade beach hse ‘Manyana’at Wool Bay (near Edithburgh).Spa, plasma TV, DVD, stereo, dish-washer. Tastefully ff & equiped,3BR, sleeps 7. Panoramic views,walks, fishing. T:(08) 8832 2623www.countrygetaways.info
MARION BAY: ff, near new hse.Gateway to Innes National Park.3BRs, lge living, TV /DVD, Sleeps 8.Spacious balcony w. outdoor furn.& BBQ. 5 mins to Willyama Beach,5km to Park. E: [email protected] GETAWAYSVICTOR HARBOR:All Seasons Lakefront Getaway:Stunning s/cont. lux. colonialhme. Priv. secl. beach & lake! 4BRs,2 living areas, 2nd bath, 3 toilets& laundry, lge backyd. Sleeps 8. Lakeside Getaway: EncounterLakes Villa, 100m to beach &reserve. 5-min. to Esplanade,walk/bike trail, cafes, restaurants,store. 3BRs. Sleeps 6. Spaciousliving/fam/dine, 2-way bath, sep.toilet, laundry. M: 0419 868 143E: [email protected] www.victorharborholidayhomes.spaces.live.comKangaroo Island GetawayKI RURAL RETREAT: Attractives/cont. lge country hme, gdn,native bush, 260 acres. 2 bath, 2qn beds, 2 living areas, laundry,patio. Sleeps 12. From $120/night.T: 0407 790754 a/hE: [email protected]
• Free advice on real estate queries.
• 25% off the Statutory or Land BrokersSociety recommended fee structure.
• Expert and experienced professional workwith Mortgages, Transfers, Strata Plan andPlan of Division Lodgments, Caveats,Discharges of Mortgages – indeed, allfacets of conveyancing work.
Contact Anne Walker or Simon WillcoxPhone: (08) 8410 6788 Fax: (08) 8410 6799
Located at SATISFAC / Level 3 / 400 King William Street
SAIT ConveyancersWe offer AEU members:
If you are buying or selling or are involvedin any real estate matter, either through aland agent or privately, consult us.
KI HOLIDAY HSE, KANGASTAYHarriet River, Vivonne Bay, 3BRfully equipped. Close to Seal Bay,Remarkables, Admiral Arch andmore) relax, swim, fish. Linen prov.winter discounts, sleeps 6. From$100/night. T: 0407 215 [email protected]
KI HOLIDAY COTTAGE: VivonneBay, close to beach & HarrietRiver, wildlife, exc. location for KIattractions. 2BR. s/cont, air, BBQ.Sleep 4, $95. T: (08) 8341 9185E: [email protected] QUEENSCLIFFE COTTAGEKingscote, recently restored 2BRM,period decor, gdn. Walk to beach,cafes, jetty, pubs. Sleeps 6. Exc.location to explore island. T: 08 8553 9007www.kangarooislandholidayaccomodation.com.au/property.php?p_id=232
HOLIDAY RENTAL WALLAROO:Arch. designed new 2-storey beachhse, bay views. 3BR, 3 bath, openplan living, modern kitchen, sleeps7. DVD, CD, dishw. Safe beach forkids, great walks, fishing.www.stayz.com.au>Bayview,North BeachHOL. RENTAL NORMANVILLE:South Shores Holiday Villa #25.3BR (sleeps 8). Secure behind
AEU Early Childhood Conference
Friday 8 October | 9.15am– 3.00pm
Conference dinner: Thursday 7 October | 6.00pmThe Seven Stars Hotel, Angas Street (subsidised cost $11)
2010
By the end of 2010 the Early Years Learning Frameworkwill be introduced at the same time as a raft of significantnational changes. Early childhood educators will be expect-ed to understand the changes and be involved in imple-mentation while delivering high quality early childhoodlearning programmes.
This conference will create a space for AEU members toFocus on understanding the upcoming changes and tothink about what the changes will mean for their work inearly childhood settings.
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NOTICE BOARD
FOR RENT – MITCHAM HILLS3BR hme, 2 bath, living, balcony,hills views, r/c air, gas space heat,2nd living area, 2 car accom. T: 0417 823 912HOUSE FOR RENT: Modern 5brmin Hillbank, quiet culdasac, closeto public trans, alarm, ducted a/c,solar, shed, gas, dbl carport.$350/wk. T: 0416 113 386 E: [email protected] FOR RENT: Share 3BR hsewith 2 others in Gawler. $70/wkplus exp. T: 0409 486 088FOR RENT: f.f. private apartmentin Glenelg for hol or wkd rental.Heated pool, spa, steam-room,sauna, gym etc. Plasma TV, 100mto beach. T: 0403 606 052GLENELG NTH T/HSE RETREATHol accom, quiet, mins from JettyRd, close to tram/bus stops. Secl.unit feat. 3BRM, 2 toilets, ldry,bath, new kitchen, sep dining,lounge w. patio area, carport.W: www.stayz.com.au/35993T: 043784703435mm SLIDE SCANNINGAdelaide & Hills: Do you haveold slides gathering dust and dete-riorating? Have them profession-ally scanned at high resolution andtransferred onto CD. 17 yrs exp.,reasonable rates. T: 0401 590 875
WORKSHOP: Stress manage-ment, personal dev. and learningdifficulties: Brain Gym-an introwkshop. Movements to ‘switch on’the brain. T/fax: (08) 8768 2537 E: [email protected]
GO SCUBA DIVING WITH ELITE DIVE ACADEMY:Are you a diver, but haven’t beenin the water for a while?! Get $50off a PADI Tune-Up program torefresh your skills. Contact:T: (Steve) 0413 134 827 E: [email protected]
FOR SALE: Certified organiccosmetics & personal products.www.bodytune.mionegroup.com
CAMERON CAMPER TRAILERFOR SALE: Sits on 6’ by 4’ trailerwith electric brakes and watertank. Opens out to create a 17’by 7’ space. A full annexe is alsoincluded. Good cond. $3,200T: 0407 324 559
HOUSE SITTING: Mature couple,teachers, non-smokers, exp. petowners, gardeners seek hse sitwhile new home is built. AdelaideNth pref. Avail. Dec 2010, late Jan– April 2011. E: [email protected]: 0409 608 518 or 0409 280 019
HOUSE SITTING: Prof. coupleseek hse sit, Adelaide & environs,late July – Oct. 2010. Non-smokers,hse proud, exp. renovators, repairs,gardening, animal caring. Contact Chris & Eleanor OystonT: 02 6236 3008 E: [email protected]
FRANCE – SOUTH:Lovely Village House. Languedocregion. T: 0403 314 928 (Julie)www.myfrenchhome.com.au
CIVIL CELEBRANT: Dr Tom Haig:weddings, renewal of vows, com-mitment ceremonies, funeralsand baby namings. First classpersonalised services with AEUmembers receiving a 10% dis-count on services upon request.T: 85311726 or 0439 687 529E: [email protected] www.tomhaig.com.au
2011 DOUBLE TEACHINGEXCHANGE OPPORTUNITY TOONTARIO, CANADAThe opportunity of a lifetime existsto teach in Penetanguishene,Ontario, Canada, living in a 2-storey hse, 4 brm, 3 bath and only5 kms from the school. With apopulation of 5000, and locatedonly 2 hrs drive from Toronto,
Advertise in Members’Market for FREE!Rent, sell, buy or offer goodsand services. Send ads to:
Penetanguishene is a close knitcommunity with all the perks of alarge city, including hockey arena,skateboard park, soccer oval,swimming pool and lots of familyfriendly parks. The town and near-by communities offer beaches,boating facilities and water sports.The teaching positions are inmiddle and upper primary. Contact Darryl Carter, Manager, International ProgramsT: 8226 1150 or 0402 250 929 E: [email protected]
