Editorial
It has been a very big year! This final edition of IE for 2020 explores some of the big challenges we face as educators as well as celebrating our successes. IE articles continue to provide readers with important updates on education innovation, resources and reviews, as well as legal advice. A number of articles in this edition also highlight ongoing efforts to improve equity and inclusion, and in combating disadvantage. In the face of a Federal Government doubling the cost of humanities degrees, Mary Jo Capps AM explores the many benefits of studying the arts (p12). One of the themes we continue to highlight is the worrying deterioration in mental health of children and young people, not only here in Australia but globally. As with most challenges however, the more we understand them, their causes and expression, the better we are at finding solutions. Despite the clear link between mental health issues and poor educational outcomes, Australian schools aren’t well resourced to provide specialist mental health and counseling professionals among school staff. High quality professional development for teachers and support staff in this area should also be resourced. This edition of IE features a new study led by Dr Melanie Baak of the University of South Australia that gives readers a detailed insight into the mental health issues of refugee children (p9). Dr Baak finds young people from refugee backgrounds are at greater risk of mental health issues, particularly stemming from past trauma. She looks at how schools can build strategies that include families. We also look at recent studies on increased anxiety in students, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (p24). Debra James iemagazine@ieu.asn.au 4 | independent education | issue 3 | Vol 50 | 2020
Queensland School officers: Queensland Catholic classification review The review of school officer classifications and pay rates in Queensland Catholic schools provides a once in a generation opportunity to deliver careers school officer members can count on. School officers play a critical role in the delivery of quality education – and the review is the chance to build meaningful career paths and ensure long overdue professional recognition for these Queensland Catholic school staff. The current school officer classification and pay structure was developed over 25 years ago. Despite some amendments in specific areas, the structure essentially remains the same as that which applied in 1995 – despite the extraordinary changes that have occurred in schools and in the work and responsibilities school officers now undertake. This review was a key priority identified by members when collective bargaining began last year. The new Queensland Catholic school collective agreements contain clear requirements for the conduct and scope of the review. Like all negotiations, our success in the classification review will rely on member engagement and action. To learn more and add your voice to the campaign, visit: www.qieu.asn.au/careersyoucancounton Northern Territory Maintaining a strong voice for members on TRB Longstanding IEUA-QNT nominee Elsabe Bott is stepping down from her role with the Northern Territory Teacher Registration Board (TRB) and will be replaced by member and teacher Louise Lenzo. Representation of our union on the TRB is crucial to ensuring the voice of members is heard regarding the professional concerns they face. IEUA-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said our union was incredibly grateful to Elsabe for her contribution in representing our union on the TRB for the last 15 years. “Elsabe has shown professionalism and dedication during her time serving on the TRB, ensuring the voices of IEUA-QNT members have been heard,” Mr Burke said. As our union’s new TRB appointee, Louise Lenzo is a highly experienced teacher and active IEUA-QNT member who believes practitioner and union representation is vital. Louise said she hopes to contribute to positive changes and improvements in the NT education system in her role and give the early childhood education sector a greater voice through her appointment. South Australia Unhealthy changes for Catholic WHS Committee The IEUSA has been on the Catholic Education Sector Work Health and Safety (WHS) Committee for many years and we have consistently made valuable contributions. IEUSA Assistant Secretary, Wendy Evans, is the chair of the committee… well — until now that is. The presence of the union is no longer welcome. We have been unceremoniously dumped from the committee because the church is disbanding it and instituting an equivalent committee with no union presence. Spot the difference!
