Dear Glenn and team, As I am about to retire tomorrow, I cease my membership of the AEU. However, I wanted to write to you as head of the AEU ACT to express my thanks to the union for supporting me as a member over many years. I was one of the very first teachers to have the opportunity to be classified as a Permanent Part Time (PPT) officer back in the late 1980s. Before that, officers (usually women) had to resign if they wanted to access part-time employment as a temporary officer. It sounds ridiculous now! I was only PPT for 12 months but it made such a difference to me as a young mum trying to balance work and parenting. It kept me professionally engaged and made me feel that I counted too. I will always remember the support that our former union president, the lovely Rosemary Richards, gave me during that period and I have trued to have the same empathy with young parents on my staff as a leader. As the years passed and I became a leader in our system, when staff suggested (threatened sometimes!) that they'd take their issue to the union office, I was never overly concerned. I always knew that it meant an honest and fair conversation would take place and we'd work things out. We always did. I trust that you will continue to support staff through the various life stage, highs and lows, as they balance a wonderful career with their families. It certainly made me a loyal and committed member. Thanks again,
Heather Paterson (retiring member)
We’ve made a promise. To be there for the education community, the way they’re here for our kids. From your first day to your last, sport time to report time, we’re on-hand to care for your health and wellbeing.
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Melissa, Primary school teacher & THF member
We’re for teachers – that’s our promise. To find out more about what we can do for you, head to: teachershealth.com.au/ promise
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