Western Teacher - Volume 48.4 - May 2019

Volume 48.4 May 2019

The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

GROH slow

Campaign success: Rent rise deferred pg 9 sstuwa.org.au

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Features

Volume 48.4 May 2019

In this edition Correspondence: The Editor, PO Box 212 West Perth WA 6872 editor@sstuwa.org.au Ph: 9210 6000

Minister’s 10 point plan for safer workplaces..................................................6 Q and A with Member Assist.......................8 Bargaining framework: GA 2019..............10 June State Council coming up..................11 Faith in NAPLAN lost after latest online debacle......................................................12

2019 Publishing Dates Deadline Distributed 19 November

18 January

29 January

22 February

5 March

18 April

29 April

31 May

4 June

28 June

1 July

26 July

Authorised by Mary Franklyn, General Secretary, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.) 1 West Street, West Perth WA. Printed by Vanguard Press, 26 James Street, Northbridge WA. May 2019.

12 August

6 September

9 September

4 October

Cover: The state government will defer the GROH rent increase for the 2019-20 financial year. Read more on page 9.

4 October

29 November

Member Assist:

Ph: 9210 6060 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au Print post publication 100004470 | $4.95 ABN: 544 780 946 35

To access the digital copy of Western Teacher, type the link below into your browser: www.sstuwa.org.au/westernteacher

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In this edition

Dates are subject to change

State budget disappointing for public education..................................................13 Teacher unions benefit schools and students....................................................14 10 reasons why new educators should be SSTUWA members...................15

Regulars

From the President.....................................5 From the General Secretary.......................9 National education and union news.........24 Education and Training.............................28 Member Benefits......................................30 Classifieds.................................................32 Noticeboard...............................................34

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

Western Teacher is the official publication of The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

Barrie Bennett reference books Effective Group Work BEYOND COOPERATIVE LEARNING n

BARRIE BENNETT

Instructional Intelligence Building Instructional Expertise for the Classroom

An SSTUWA project in collaboration with Barrie Bennett © B. Bennett, The State School Teachers’ Union of W.A. (Inc.)

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Effective Group Work

Beyond Monet

Classroom Management

Graphic Intelligence

Dr Barrie Bennett is an internationally renowned educational expert and emeritus professor at the University of Toronto. His books cover a range of interrelated topics that support effective teaching and learning. Members can access special pricing on the series.

Place your order at sstuwa.org.au/shop Western Teacher May 2019

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We’ll continue to advocate for fair funding

From the President

By Pat Byrne President

Thank you to all of those who worked so hard and who voted to ensure fair funding for our schools and TAFEs. Unfortunately we didn’t achieve the result we were hoping for. We are, however, proud of the campaign we have run and the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve had from so many people.

The re-election of the LNP federal government means that the current government funding policy (which legislates that combined federal and state government funding for private schools must equal 100 per cent of SRS, but that combined funding from state and federal governments to public schools is only required to reach 95 per cent of SRS) will remain in place for at least the next three years.

In simple terms it means private schools will be fully government funded to their SRS, even before school fees are taken into account. State schools will not.

Unsurprisingly, the federal budget reinforced the federal government’s policy of spending $14 billion less on

public schools than what was promised under the original Gonski plan, while at the same time increasing the funding available to Catholic and independent schools by $4.3 billion.

Per capita spending growth for private school students has increased at three times that of per capita growth for public school students.

This is grossly unfair and targets those students who most need extra funding.

For us, the fight isn’t over – we will continue to advocate for students in public schools.

In relation to TAFE, this sector was completely ignored in the budget, while the $525 million set aside to “upgrade the VET sector” is in the context of a $3 billion cut since this government was elected.

Current federal policy will see more of the same for TAFE colleges and further erode the capacity of TAFEs to continue to provide the quality service for which they have been known over many decades.

The state budget was released on 9 May; it provided for a two per cent, or $105

million, increase in recurrent funding on school education. While this will ensure that current levels of funding are maintained, it provides no additional resources to the system generally and only a relatively small increase ($40 million over five years) to students with disability. Read more about the state budget on page 13.

General Agreements for both schools and TAFE are due for renegotiation later this year. Following input from State Council delegates in November, draft Logs of Claim have been prepared for both sectors for member endorsement, prior to negotiations commencing in mid-late Term 3.

Given the state government position in relation to spending in general, but particularly in relation to wages, it is unlikely that agreement will be reached before the current Agreements notionally expire in December.

This will mean members in both sectors will be engaged in campaigns from the commencement of 2020.

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Occupational safety and health

Minister’s 10 point plan for safer workplaces

By Joy Barrett OSH organiser

Actions: On 3 December last year, Education Minister Sue Ellery issued a statement and plan aimed at curbing violence in schools.

The plan outlines serious sanctions that will be automatically imposed where students intentionally physically assault others.

During Term 1 this year principals have been attending briefings to provide further details on how the actions outlined in this plan should be applied.

Following these forums principals are required to update the school behaviour management plan to incorporate the directives from the director general of the Education Department on suspension and exclusion and plan to implement a “good standing” strategy. The behaviour management plan should be reviewed in consultation with staff.

Principals are also required to communicate to staff and the school community the details of the 10 point plan.

The plan focuses on intentional physical aggression and the intent to harm others.

The directives do not apply to students with a disability, who either cannot control their behaviour or do not intend to harm others.

and aggressive behaviour being acted out by students and parents in our public schools.

ACTION

6 7 8

ACTION

The plan is aimed at sending a strong message to the whole school community that violence will not be tolerated within schools and that it is time for a culture change.

There will also be a communication sent out to parents and guardians reminding them that respectful behaviour is required when interacting with school staff.

Some of the key elements of the Let’s Stand Together strategy are as follows:

ACTION

ACTION

ACTION

New ‘good standing’ requirements to be added to school behaviour policies

1

Free parenting program ACTION for parents of young children

2

Review critical incident reporting and monitoringACTION

3

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ACTION

Premier’s Youth Forum to give young people a voice and let them identify actions they believe could address ACTION violence in the community

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© Department of Education Western Australia 2018 This material is available in alternative formats on request.

Department of Education 151 Royal Street East Perth WA 6004 T: 9264 4111 W: education.wa.edu.au

• •

•

Spark a community conversation about violence in schools – with community ACTION leaders and others

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•

•

• •

Every public school to add ‘good •standing’ Automatic suspension for students who requirements to its behaviour policy. attack other students or

instigate fights.

Students who do the wrong thing•willAutomatic have Principals to suspend suspension for students who privileges removed – such as being banned decide to film a fight rather than seek students who attack other help. from school social activities.

• Principals to develop a behaviour plan for students start Studentsor can earnfights back ‘good standing’ by the student’s return to school.

making amends and behaving well.

• Principals to work with families wherever possible.

Internationally-recognised Triple P – Positive Parenting Program offered free to Western • allAfter an incident, principals will immediate ly Australian parents of Kindergarten children. start an exclusion

process.

Principals to automatic Program equips parentsally with skills • to‘Exclusion’ means student is removed from manage family issues, a particular school permanently or move to exclude any develop positive for a relationships and improve child behaviour. specified period of time. student who physically • Exclusion orders approved by the Director attacks school staff General of the Department of Education.

Review to clearly define what is•a school Department of Education to support ‘critical incident’. principals moving to exclude a student.

Principals’ reporting responsibilities to be

clarified.

Support for schools to report more • Every student has the right to an consistent, reliable and useful incident education – but they do not have the right to attack other people.

Newinformation. alternative learning • New settings where they can continue settings for the most their learning until they are ready to •violent New students resources to help people fromreturn to mainstream schools. across our communities foster•a new Effective support programs to change the attitude to violence. behaviour of violent students.

• Consultation with young people, • Trial in 2019. parents and school staff will inform the development of resources.

•Clear Inspire a new of talking about advice 2019, new guidelines for school staff for way principals , • From violence – work together to make on it responding to aggression. teachers education to everyone, sociallyand unacceptable • School staff to get clear advice on what assistants includingonallauthority of our young people. actions are expected, appropriate and and responsibility to take considered reasonable.

• This includes guidance on when action physical • Students to share their views on violence. contact is reasonable.

• Young people to make recommendations on solutions.

• Range of training programs to be delivered to school staff.

• Training options will include how to build positive behaviour, how to de-escalat Provide training e aggressive behaviour, and in emergency and support for situations how to appropriately restrain.

• From 2019, every public school school staff graduate teacher will be trained as part of the induction program.

• More follow up support for school staff affected by incidents.

•

LET’S TAKE A STAND TOGETHER | Minister’s Statement on School Violence

LET’S TAKE A STAND TOGETHER | Minister’s Statement on School Violence

• Students who instigate fights or film a fight rather than seek help will be automatically suspended.

The length of that suspension will be at the discretion of the principal.

• In-school suspension is not a disciplinary strategy under the Education Act and Regulations and is not an option under these circumstances.

immediately move to the exclusion process for that student. This means that the student will be suspended for 10 days and the parent or carer will be served with a Notice of Recommendation to Exclude. The regional director must also be notified that exclusion is being considered.

Should the principal find during the investigation that this was not an intentional assault or after considering all the circumstances determines that exclusion is not warranted, the exclusion process can be halted. If this process is not followed, the school will not be able to commence the process to exclude at a later date.

The minister’s forward to the 10 point plan entitled Let’s Stand Together states: “Every parent rightly expects that when their child is at school they will be safe, nurtured and supported to learn.

Similarly, teachers and school staff should feel safe in their workplace.”

• An essential part of the strategy is the return to school process, which must include the student’s family member or guardian where possible.

A behaviour plan must be in place for the student’s re-entry. This plan must be in place prior to the student’s return to classes but the suspension cannot be extended to facilitate this.

The re-entry plan is best accompanied by a restorative process between the relevant parties.

• Where a teacher is accidentally struck, eg in trying to stop a fight, exclusion will not automatically proceed.

Minister Ellery also calls on the support of families and communities to help solve the problem of disorderly, inappropriate

• Where a student intentionally and recklessly physically assaults a staff member, the principal will

• The principal must record in writing the reasons for the decision they make on whether to exclude or suspend a

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Western Teacher May 2019

Occupational safety and health student. Where a staff member has been assaulted, the Occupational Safety and Health Act section 23K requires the principal to communicate to the staff member the action being taken and the reasons for that decision.

• A principal may recommend exclusion for a student with a diagnosed disability, provided they are satisfied that the breach of school discipline is not a symptom or manifestation of the student’s disability.

• A trial of alternative learning settings is occurring. These centres will provide an alternative setting where the student will participate in a program aimed at behaviour change.

Students can only remain in the centre for five weeks. The student remains enrolled at the same school. Currently, there are three centres: North Metro, South Metro and Bunbury. The effectiveness of this strategy will be evaluated prior to any extension of the trial.

• All schools will introduce a good standing strategy to their behaviour management plan. Inappropriate behaviour will result in the student losing privileges, such as participation in excursions, camps, the school ball or extracurricular sporting activities.

A student must however be allowed to regain good standing by making amends and sustained good behaviour.

Good standing strategies should not be overly complex, they must be culturally sensitive and communicated

clearly and frequently to parents or guardians.

• Detailed advice has been provided for staff on responding to fights and physical intervention to maintain or re-establish order or to restrain a person as a last resort. The aim is to make it clearer what actions are expected, appropriate and considered reasonable. This type of advice can never be definitive but goes some way to provide a reasonable guide.

• Appropriate training will be provided to staff on how to build positive behaviour and to de-escalate aggressive behaviour and, when all else fails, how to restrain with minimum force.

Every public school graduate teacher will receive this training as part of the graduate module program.

• Principals are required to ensure that assaults on staff or students are reported through the Online Incident Notification System (OINS) as soon as practicable. They are also required to input information on the actions that have been taken following the incident.

These notifications are monitored and principals will be contacted if it appears that the appropriate action has not been implemented.

• The internationally recognised Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – will be offered free to all WA parents of kindergarten children. School psychologists can deliver this program, if this has been negotiated in the service agreement, for other parents.

• Staff must be given the opportunity to participate in Keeping Our Workplace Safe professional learning.

The SSTUWA welcomes the minister’s 10 point plan but recognises that it is not going to prevent all assaults on staff.

However, it is a big step forward towards creating a change in the culture of public schools to one in which all staff and students are treated with respect.

There is now an expectation that psychological and physical aggression against staff or students will result in disciplinary action, or other consequences in the case of adult community members and parents.

The Department of Education (DoE) also recommends in the Keeping Our Workplace Safe guidelines that assaults and other criminal acts be reported to the WA Police.

The SSTUWA will continue to work with the DoE to introduce further violence prevention strategies, protective measures and ensure an appropriate response when inappropriate behaviour, that may cause harm to staff or students, occurs.

A committee of the relevant stakeholders is currently working on preventative strategies and responses that can be applied where injuries are being caused by students with disabilities and are not considered to be intentional.

How can we help you?

Have an industrial, legal or workers’ compensation issue?

The team in Member Assist is ready to answer your question, assist with your issue, or refer you to a specialist.

You can also visit the members tab at sstuwa.org.au to access the full series of Know Your Rights information sheets detailing your rights and entitlements and offering union advice. You’ll also find the Little Red eBook here.

Member Assist 9210 6060 | 1800 106 683 memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

SSTUWA Member Assist Prompt, professional advice

Western Teacher May 2019

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QA Members’ matters

and

The team in Member Assist answers some of members’ most commonly asked questions

with Member Assist

Q

I have a sick family member who I have to care for beyond the maximum allowed days of Carer’s Leave (12.5 days). What leave can I take to extend the caring of the family member?

A

You can, in extenuating circumstances, apply to the employer to access additional carer’s leave beyond the maximum 12.5 days from your sick leave [Clause 31(1)(b) of the Award].

Q

I am a permanent teacher at my metropolitan school and am thinking of going into the Remote Teaching Service.

Can I go and still have my permanent position at my metro school to come back to?

A

Know Your Rights

KYR

Yes. Clause 33.9 of the Schools General Agreement 2017 states: “Teachers holding a substantive position

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who are appointed to the Remote Teaching Service will maintain their substantive position for the term of the appointment up to 3 years.”

Q

I am currently on sick leave and my school is constantly contacting me via email and phone. Can they do this?

A

In the exchange of letters, of which parties to the Agreement and Award agree to honour the contents, it states that: “Teachers and school administrators are not required to initiate or respond to electronic and other communications from school staff, parents or community members when not on duty, unless in an emergency. This includes time when staff members are on sick leave or approved leave, public holidays and term breaks.”

Q

My line manager wants to observe my class for my performance management cycle. Can they do this?

Have a question? A full compilation of Know Your Rights information sheets are available on the SSTUWA website and app.

Schools: sstuwa.org.au/schoolsKYR | TAFE: visit sstuwa.org.au/TAFEkyr You can also speak with your union rep and contact Member Assist: (08) 9210 6060 | 1800 106 683 | memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

Western Teacher May 2019

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The exchange of letters states that: All teachers are to be observed in the performance management cycle by either a superordinate of their choice or peer of their choice for the purpose of feedback…

Teachers can elect to put forward a record of that observation.”

Q

My line manager has stated they are concerned with my performance and are going to do classroom observations. Can they do this?

A

Yes. In the exchange of letters it states that: “Should a superordinate have performance concerns, which are linked to classroom practice, the superordinate or their nominee can undertake an observation of a teacher’s classroom practice as part of providing support and advice for improvement.”

Q

I’m going on long service leave at half pay. Do I need to let the union know?

A

Yes, and your membership fees will reduce! We don’t receive updates from the Department of Education about your work status, so you need to contact the Membership Team if any of the following details change: Work fraction (FTE), salary grade/step, contract status, school/worksite, name and contact details, bank or credit card info.

GROH win for regional members

From the General Secretary

By Mary Franklyn General Secretary

An SSTUWA member-driven campaign has secured a win for those who access the Government Regional Officers’ Housing (GROH) scheme, with the state government announcing a deferment on this year’s rent increase.

The state government will defer the $30 per week rent increase for the 2019-20 financial year for public sector workers who access GROH, which includes those who teach in the various regional schools across WA. This increase was due to come into effect on 1 July.

The annual increase of $30 per week was brought in under the Barnett Government when it approved changes to the GROH Tenant Rent Setting Framework (TRSF) in 2015, and this deferment will take place while a current state government review into this policy is finalised.

The SSTUWA has already put in a submission with recommendations to revamp the current TRSF and looks forward to the final outcome of the review.

Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnson said the deferral and review of the current policy would also help guide further discussions with public sector unions as part of upcoming EBAs, while Housing Minister Peter Tinley reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to support public sector workers in regional communities.

for the past four years, the annual rent increases have made this proposition unattractive and economically difficult for public school teachers.

Now our members can focus more on their students and classrooms without having to worry about how to accommodate the latest rent increase, which is on the back of pay rises that have not kept up with the cost of living.

Following member feedback about the problems they were encountering with GROH – rent rises and other issues such as the poor and ageing condition of dwellings and slow maintenance times – the union called for member representatives to lobby the state government and local members of parliament.

The representatives and union Senior Vice President Paul Bridge has regularly met with politicians and other stakeholders for discussions (as seen above right with Minister Tinley), putting forward the union’s case and members’ concerns about GROH. Members in schools have been galvanised, springing into action by signing petitions to the Ministers for Education and Housing, calling for a review of GROH rental increases and demanding guarantees the scheme will not be privatised, reduced or removed.

This is a fantastic win for our regional members, whose access to affordable housing under GROH enables them to live in the communities in which they are impacting with their work.

This interim measure is only temporary and does not address the lack of decision making and initiative this government needs to overcome to properly support the GROH tenancy framework recommendations.

GROH provides an incentive to attract and retain teachers to regional schools but

This is our challenge and the focus of our campaign as we move into the next round

of industrial negotiations and as we build to the next state election.

The federal election result highlighted the lack of belief in and support for the ALP in regional and remote WA. Service provision to country WA has been neglected by this government and the previous coalition government.

We welcome the rent rise delay, but we would emphasise that GROH is an essential support to services in regional WA. Protecting it is a challenge this government needs to step up to, providing not just assurances but the necessary investment to defend GROH and make rentals affordable.

I want to thank and congratulate all of our members who have participated in the GROH campaign over these past two years and call on us all to be ready for the next step.

Vale Yvonne Bell Former RTA President Yvonne Bell passed away in April. On behalf of the union, I send our deepest sympathies to her husband Jim, family and friends.

Western Teacher May 2019

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General Agreement 2019 Schools: Bargaining framework

May 2019 | No. 3

Bargaining framework

General Agreement 2019 Schools The General Agreement 2017 nominally expires on 5 December 2019, meaning negotiations are due to commence, for a replacement Agreement, in the early part of Semester 2 2019.

The bargaining framework endorsed by the November 2018 State Council for this claim is as follows:

Salary At the time of writing, the government wages policy – which has been in place since May 2017 – remains in place with only a minor amendment preventing a right of return (to a previous position) for persons taking up positions in the Senior Executive Service. Public sector unions have met with Minister Bill Johnston and indicated our expectation that the next round of bargaining will deliver improved wage outcomes. Note: The November 2018 State Council voted to reject the state government’s salary wage fixing policy.

The work of teaching and leading Executive endorsed the conduct of a survey into the work of teachers and school leaders. This survey was carried out between weeks 2-6 of Term 4 2018. The purpose of the survey was to look at the changing nature of teachers’ and leaders’ work and, in particular, the utility of this work. The aim of the survey was to provide specific data to influence the department in relation to managing workload in the near to mid future, as well as for bargaining purposes in the 2019 round.

System support It is obvious that the public education system in WA is under extreme stress. The removal of system support since 2008 has been enormous. We have seen a loss of central and regional support in the areas of curriculum, induction programs, finance, legal, family liaison, professional learning, student behaviour, etc.

At the same time almost all of these responsibilities have been delegated to schools with little training/support provided for principals and other staff. Schools have been encouraged to act as individual entities rather than be reminded that we are all part of a system. This undermines a fundamental premise of public education – the public, as opposed to individual, good.

We need to rebuild our system as a system.

Schools General Agreement 20 19 and Award 1993 Safety in schools The 2020 stage of the education minister’s 10 point plan to protect staff and students will need targeted funds to support the delivery of specific initiatives, including behaviour management, restorative justice, professional learning, intervention initiatives and skilled staff support.

Decisions of State Council, November 2018 • That the proposed framework, as outlined, for EBA negotiations be endorsed.

• That, following member input during Semester 1 of 2019, a draft Log of Claims be presented to June 2019 State Council prior to a membership vote.

• That for the purposes of negotiating the GA 2019, the SSTUWA rejects the current state wages policy.

Timeline for 2019 Terms 1 & 2 – Log of Claims consultation • Draft Log of Claims finalised • Consultation with members via District Councils and branch meetings • Education re: GA processes for District Council delegates and union reps

Term 2 – Log of Claims finalised • State Council endorses Log of Claims

Attraction and retention

• Advise and share with members

This is strongly linked to re-establishing system links. The abolition of the transfer system is leading to regional shortages and staffing instability. It is possible to retain the principle of local staff selection and combine it with a central staffing function in a way which allows the centre to maintain the capacity to place staff as needed.

• Member/branch vote on Log of Claims via branch and cluster meetings

TAFE General Agreement 2019

• Communications – GA news

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Western Teacher May 2019

2019

Terms 3 & 4 – Member/rep/delegate education • Cluster district and branch meetings • Actions as required to progress GA 2019 claim

Consideration of offer/s • Decision making re: offer, options and actions

GA GA 2019

SCHOOLS

2019

TAFE

GA GA

TAFE Committee is currently reviewing a potential log of claims and wider consultation will be undertaken with members.

August-September – Negotiations commence

2019

State Council Conference

June State Council coming up Delegates to the June State Council will hear from Department of Education director general Lisa Rodgers, University of Toronto emeritus professor Dr Barrie Bennett and Dr Scott Fitzgerald from Curtin University.

Preparations are well underway for the for June State Council Conference, which will be held 14-15 June at the SSTUWA building.

State Council Conference is the SSTUWA’s highest decision making body and is held over two days in June and November each year.

The conference aims to: • Provide delegates with a forum that will build their knowledge and understanding of current industrial and professional issues that are at the front of our education system for schools and TAFE. • Build the delegates’ knowledge in the role they play and develop skills to enable the promotion of public education in their community.

Ms Rodgers (pictured) is the newly installed director general, having taken over the position from Sharyn O’Neill at the start of this year.

Dr Bennett is well known to SSTUWA members for his involvement in the joint Instructional Intelligence program with the union, which has seen over 270 educators from 70 different schools being trained as facilitators.

Dr Fitzgerald is a senior lecturer and discipline lead at Curtin University and previously spoke at State Council in 2015 on the topic of the effect of the Independent Public Schools system on teacher and school leader workloads.

Among the issues delegates will debate about at June State Council include violence in the workplace, the upcoming enterprise bargaining agreement

negotiations and the ongoing campaign for equitable schools funding.

Delegates will also hear updates from the union in relation to areas such as education and training, regional schools and the Government Regional Officer Housing scheme, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, school leaders, new educators and legal services.

• Explore and develop a shared understanding of the big picture principles of quality public education for all.

• Provide speakers on effective and current practices relevant to education.

• Explore public sector and public education school/TAFE policy and practice nationally and internationally.

The upcoming conference will mark the 50th occasion that delegates have met in this format to debate and discuss current issues that affect the work of public educators, as well as hear from guest speakers.

Western Teacher May 2019

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Issues

Faith in NAPLAN lost after latest online debacle The online debacle with 2019 NAPLAN testing has shattered any confidence that the teaching profession has in NAPLAN going forward.

Students lost all their work, started again, lost all their work again, and finally gave up.

According to reports received by the Australian Education Union (AEU) from its members, thousands of public school students nationwide were unable to log on or finish the test due to NAPLAN online connectivity issues, leaving many students in tears after repeatedly losing work.

In WA, 40,000 students had problems with connectivity, which the state government said was the largest number out of all the Australian states conducting the testing.

Education Minister Sue Ellery said schools were given permission to complete NAPLAN assessments with pen and paper.

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Western Teacher May 2019

Western Teacher magazine has previously published the SSTUWA’s ongoing concerns about the administering and marking of the NAPLAN assessment via online and electronic means (particularly Western Teacher May 2017; May 2018; September 2018) and has consistently joined with the AEU in calling for NAPLAN online to be scrapped.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said that education authorities had ignored warnings to abandon NAPLAN online after last year’s disaster.

She said that this meant that teachers could no longer trust the test or the results it produced.

Issues “It is clearer than ever that NAPLAN is in no way fit for purpose, and that the farcical move to NAPLAN online has been hasty and ill-conceived,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“After last year’s debacle with the delivery of NAPLAN online, Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan had the opportunity to institute a full review of NAPLAN. However he failed to do so.

The best form of assessment is the informed judgment of a teacher. Teachers make sure that the full range of factors influencing a child’s learning are considered when conducting learning assessments.

“Minister Tehan’s lack of leadership on this issue has exacerbated the stress imposed on students by this high stakes and pressurised test.”

According to reports from AEU members: • Some schools were advised to re-sit the test again the following day, while others were told to battle on and finish it. This meant that some students may have had a night to think of their creative ideas or responses to questions.

• Students ended up with shortened time to complete the test due to being blocked out of the NAPLAN portal (one student had a total of seven minutes to do his writing).

• Students lost all their work, started again, lost all their work again, and finally gave up.

Ms Haythorpe said ACARA’s response to both the 2018 NAPLAN online debacle and this year’s IT collapse clearly demonstrated that it was more concerned with preserving the testing regime than ensuring the valid, consistent and reliable assessment of student achievement.

“ACARA has had months and months to fix the widespread issues from last year, but this year things are even worse,” she said.

“How can anyone have any faith that this is a valid testing process when we have such significant issues? It’s absurd.”

Ms Haythorpe said the issue has now been raised with the federal Education Council and answers were being demanded.

A recent AEU survey of more than 6,000 teachers found that 65 per cent said publication of NAPLAN data had led to a noticeable increase in the stress levels of students in the lead up to the test, while 61 per cent said publication of NAPLAN data had led to a greater focus on preparing for the test, including pre-testing.

Ms Haythorpe said that NAPLAN was extremely damaging to school curriculums and teaching strategies.

She said it had impacted on teacher health and wellbeing, lowered staff morale, while the increased publication of league tables had negatively impacted on school reputations and their capacity to attract and retain students and staff.

“International assessment experts found last year that ‘the design and execution of NAPLAN make it so flawed that its results are of very limited use to students, parents, and schools,’ Ms Haythorpe said.

“The AEU has repeatedly called on Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan to show some leadership and be completely transparent about finding the solutions to the issues being experienced with NAPLAN online.”

Ms Haythorpe said that a teacher’s assessment of their student was preferable to any standardised NAPLAN assessment.

“A child’s education cannot simply be encapsulated as a number in a spreadsheet – we need a much more holistic assessment process which is connected to the daily learning that occurs in our schools,” she said.

“The best form of assessment is the informed judgment of a teacher. Teachers make sure that the full range of factors influencing a child’s learning are considered when conducting learning assessments.

“Given the significant concerns of the teaching profession, it is time to end NAPLAN and develop a new assessment strategy that has teachers and students at its heart.”

State budget disappointing for public education Teachers and school leaders are being expected to carry the burden of inadequate public-school funding for another year, according to the SSTUWA. The SSTUWA said the two per cent increase to the overall education budget announced by the state government for the 2019/20 year will only cater for the two per cent growth in student population and won’t go towards vital student programs and increased curriculum support, which is desperately needed.

SSTUWA President Pat Byrne said WA’s public schools will be expected to run on another year of already stretched budgets.

“This budget doesn’t provide any additional relief for schools, the overall increase in the education budget will only cater for the student population increase,” she said.

“Schools are in desperate need of specialist programs and staff, and better curriculum support to improve the quality of student learning.

“Teachers and school leaders have effectively been told they will need to continue to make do with less than adequate resources and support structures for another year.

“It means class sizes will continue to be almost at capacity and schools in need of more staff will have to function on existing levels.”

Ms Byrne welcomed the new schools and redevelopment funding but there were concerns over the $13.2 million allocated to “preventative maintenance” in WA schools.

“This is hopelessly inadequate as there is currently a $200 million backlog of maintenance required in WA schools that needs to be addressed immediately,” she said.

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Issues

Teacher unions benefit schools and students

By Trevor Cobbold Convenor, Save our Schools Australia

Strong teacher unions are critical to improving equity in school funding, according to a new study published in the academic journal Review of Economics and Statistics. They also play a major role in translating funding increases into increases in student achievement.

The study said that strong teacher unions ensured that school finance reforms in the US “were effective in reducing inequality across school districts in education resources and student achievement.”

It concluded that: “We find large and important impacts of unions on the size and allocation of school district budgets and on student outcomes.”

School finance reforms (SFRs) across the US between 1990 and 2010 resulted in changes to school funding formulas in many states.

The goal was to increase state government funding for schools in highpoverty school districts to supplement local government funding.

In the US, local government property taxes are the major source of funding for school districts but reliance on property taxes resulted in large funding disparities between wealthy and poor school districts.

School districts in states with the strongest teacher unions increased education expenditures nearly one-forone with increases in state funding, whereas states with the weakest unions increased expenditure by less than 25 cents in the dollar because they reduced their local tax effort.

Districts in strong teacher union states allocated more of the additional spending toward increasing teacher salaries, while districts in weak union states spent the money primarily on teacher hiring.

Spending on capital outlays, curriculum and administrative and classroom support also increased more in strong teacher union states than in states with weak teacher unions.

The study also found that the increase in expenditure under the finance reforms translated into increases in student achievement.

The increases in student achievement were larger in the states with strong teacher unions.

“The larger expenditure increases in strong teacher union states in response to SFRs translated into larger student achievement gains,” the study noted.

It said that the increased expenditure on education inputs was an “important mechanism behind the larger achievement gains” and that this finding is “consistent with the recent literature finding that money matters in education”.

A number of recent studies have found that funding increases arising from SFRs, sustained improvements in student achievement, and long-run increases in educational attainment, earnings and intergenerational mobility.

This new study provides an important perspective on these results in showing the contribution of teacher unions in ensuring their success.

Without strong teacher unions the increase in state funding may have otherwise led to reductions in property taxes rather than increases in expenditure on schools.

A key issue for the outcome of the reforms was whether the state funding increased overall school funding or whether local school districts responded to the increases in state funding by reducing local taxes. Some districts receiving more money from the state used it to replace some of their own spending.

The study found that strong teacher unions played a critical role in determining both the amount of state funding that translated into education expenditures and the allocation of these funds.

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Western Teacher May 2019

Arizona teachers marching on state capitol. Photo credit: wsws.org

REASONS

10 1

Why new educators should be SSTUWA members

New Educator Network The New Educator Network (NEN) provides the advice, support and networking opportunities new educators need at the early stages of their careers.

Support and protection The SSTUWA looks after our members and their rights. If you run into problems at work, your

3

Journey Accident Cover insurance If you have an accident whilst travelling to or from work, which results in your inability to work, you may be entitled to a benefit for any loss of income.

Available to all financial members.

5

School/workplace branch Union membership means you are never alone at your school. When a group of members act and speak together, their employer listens. This is how unions improve workplaces.

7

Enterprise bargaining agreement The SSTUWA collectively negotiates the pay and conditions of all educators in WA public schools and TAFEs. The larger the membership base, the more powerful we are at the bargaining table.

9

Discounted goods and services Members have access to a range of discounted products and services: educational resources, discounted health insurance with Teachers Health, travel bargains, movie tickets and more.

union has got your back.

2

Properly funded, accessible education Promoting the benefits of properly funded and accessible public education for all is a key area of our operations.

Join us in the campaign for fair funding of public schools.

4

Education and Training Centre (ETC) The SSTUWA ETC provides a range of high quality industrial and professional education opportunities, including short courses, conferences and online events, offered during term time and school holidays.

6

Important gains The SSTUWA has secured a number of achievements for members: class size limits, graduate entitlements, paid family and domestic violence leave, various allowances and much more.

8

Tax deductible, pro-rata and casual/ relief rate Your union membership fees are tax deductible, and your fees are dependent on your salary scale and FTE. Casual/relief teachers access a reduced fixed rate.

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Western Teacher    May 2019

15

Professional

Big branch brekkie at Baldivis swells ranks

Baldivis Secondary College kick started their year with a bacon and egg kind of morning when they held a branch breakfast on their school development day.

With over 50 members of staff attending, long-time member Dean Wallace was the resident chef for the day and worked hard to feed the masses.

Branch rep Matthew Farrelly thought it was a proactive way to encourage union membership and start the year on a positive note.

“Briefly, in 2018, the branch discussed a few ways to engage members and to possibly recruit new members with a focus on new teachers and graduates,” he said.

Matthew, who has been branch rep for the last few years, said the beginning of the year seemed like the most ideal time to host the event without the staff dealing with the burden or work pressure that 16

Western Teacher May 2019

typically arose later in the year, hindering their ability to attend.

The school used their branch capitation fees to fund the breakfast and invited along SSTUWA external organisers Antony Pearson and Natalie Swinbourn to speak about the importance of joining the union, as well as service providers.

The breakfast “enabled these providers to receive benefit from their support of the union through self-promotion to staff and enabled staff the opportunity to speak directly with these service providers, while munching on a delicious bacon burger. A win-win situation!” Matthew said.

It was also an opportunity for Matthew to discuss how their branch works collaboratively with the administrative team to resolve any concerns the staff have at a school level.

“The event further served to promote awareness of the union within the

school and the support it provides to members within the school and beyond, through external service providers and professional development,” he said.

“Having branch members who are active in maintaining our working conditions are the best support a rep can have.”

He added, in terms of financial expenditure: “The branch was very pleased with the overall return on investment and we will endeavour to make it a regular event on the school calendar.”

“Several new members registered at the breakfast BBQ and others have joined since, swelling our ranks.

“I am a strong believer in unionism and feel indebted to stand in the place of those who have come before me, who have fought for fair working conditions and entitlements for Western Australian teachers, over many years of service.”

Occupational safety and health

OSH rep profile

How long have you been the occupational safety and health representative at your school?

I’ve been the occupational safety and health (OSH) rep intermittently for 10 years and I’ve also recently taken on the role of deputy union representative.

What sort of issues have you had to deal with in your role?

We’ve had to deal with both parents and students acting aggressively towards teachers. We’re also striving to continuously develop a positive safety culture at our school.

What do you think are the barriers to changing the safety culture in schools?

Unfortunately today there is still the general notion that schools are not workplaces, when in fact they are. From this, poor work practises can arise.

What more could be done to support reps in schools?

A positive OSH culture should be cemented in all schools and workplaces. It is important that everyone at the workplace takes OSH seriously.

Why have you chosen to be an OSH rep for your school?

I chose to take on the role of OSH rep at my school because my background prior to teaching was in OSH in the oil and gas industry. I am also a firm believer that everyone has the right to feel safe at work.

What did you learn from the OSH rep training you participated in?

Name Shaaron Cullen School Aveley Primary School

I learnt more about the new foci for education with regard to violence in schools and receive an update on what’s happening with OSH generally. I also feel recharged and full of enthusiasm for implementing change at my school.

What have you learnt that’s valuable and why?

What I’ve found most valuable is learning how to respond if my colleagues have suffered a violent attack by a school student, and learning how best to manage this situation and provide support.

Why is it important for schools to have an OSH rep and what advice would you give to somebody who is considering taking up the role?

It’s so important to be a safety advocate for staff and if you’re considering taking on the role, be proactive in building a safer workplace for yourself and colleagues.

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Issues

Grounded in truth, walk together with courage

By Colleen Mack Women and equity officer

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a special time to foster positive race relations.

From 27 May to 3 June we focus on a foundation of truth being essential in our relationships.

A comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history has been called for by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a very long time.

The SSTUWA supports the view that this is essential to come to terms with our history and to heal past wounds.

Ahead of NRW was National Sorry Day on Sunday 26 May. It is a day that acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families, communities and stripped of their cultural identity in order to assimilate, which occurred until the early 1970s.

These children taken from their families are known as the Stolen Generation.

The walk signifies the respectful relations that are being driven between our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other Australians through the reconciliation movement.

It acknowledges and celebrates the culture and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to the collective Western Australian community.

The walk will begin with a Welcome to Country in Wardang Park and concludes in the grassed area opposite the digital tower in Yagan Square.

This is a free public event.

Look out for the SSTUWA flags and join us if you can.

When: Friday 31 May Time: 12-2pm Where: Yagan Sqaure Assemble at the Wardang Gardens, Milligan St and Telethon Ave Perth (next to the RAC Arena)

National Sorry Day was a key recommendation in the Bringing Them Home report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families (1997).

Reconciliation in Action Award

With a foundation of truth we can all walk forward together with courage, toward a unified future, where we understand, respect and value each other. This is the message of reconciliation.

If you or someone you know is doing outstanding work in this area, please look out for our call for nominations for this award later this year.

The SSTUWA is proud to have its own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We acknowledge schools that have developed their own Narragunnawali RAP and encourage others to do so.

National Reconciliation Week event Please join us in the Walk for Reconciliation and show your support for solidarity and reconciliation.

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Western Teacher May 2019

We acknowledge the amazing work many of our teachers, school leaders and TAFE lecturers do in promoting reconciliation.

NAIDOC Week Voice, Treaty and Truth is the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week campaign.

These were three elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a constitutional reform for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week runs from 7-14 July and is about working together for a shared future, to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Each year local community celebrations are held across government agencies, councils, schools and workplaces.

To find NAIDOC Week activities in your local area, contact your nearest Indigenous Affairs regional office at bit.ly/2ItsiSq or for more ideas on how to celebrate at your school/workplace visit bit.ly/2XnYtWB. For more information and resources on NRW and the Stolen Generation visit: bit.ly/2I6MJoA bit.ly/2m9WwwO bit.ly/2UMIvEY bit.ly/2IsYWDA bit.ly/1I0bUNe

Professional

To foster positive race relations, the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community must be grounded in truth. Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage.

Learn more at reconciliation.org.au

#NRW2019

Western Teacher May 2019

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Issues

The importance of teaching Indigenous languages

By Paul Bridge Senior Vice President

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

According to an August 2018 report, UNESCO states that: • There are some 6,000-7,000 languages in the world today.

• About 97 per cent of the world’s population speaks only four per cent of these languages, while only three per cent of the world speaks 96 per cent of all remaining languages.

• A great majority of those languages, spoken mainly by indigenous peoples, will continue to disappear at an alarming rate as communities speaking them are confronted with assimilation, enforced relocation, educational disadvantage, poverty, illiteracy, migration and other forms of discrimination and human rights violations.

Indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by the geographical locations of their communities, their separate 20

Western Teacher May 2019

histories, cultures, languages and traditions.

Putting this into an Australian context, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) states that there were more than 250 Indigenous Australian languages, as well as 800 dialectal varieties spoken on the continent at the time of European settlement in 1788.

Today, only 13 traditional Indigenous languages are learnt by children as their first language and approximately another 100 are spoken to various degrees by older generations, with many of these at risk due to elders passing away.

UNESCO believes that without appropriate measures to address this issue, the further loss of languages and their associated history, traditions and memory would considerably reduce the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity worldwide.

According to UNESCO, Indigenous peoples are leaders in protecting the environment, and their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication. Therefore they

should be recognised as strategic national resources for development, peace building and reconciliation.

The positive aspect as highlighted by AIATSIS is that there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia speaking out and actively calling for local Aboriginal languages to be preserved and strengthened so that communities can learn more about their languages, ensuring that they can be passed on to future generations.

The Department of Education has two Aboriginal language senior consultants who currently teach, mentor and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members to be trained as language teachers within their school communities.

This enables students to learn their local language, with the interconnected system of Aboriginal knowledge, self-identity and communication passed onto the next generation of Aboriginal students.

To ensure that Aboriginal languages in WA public schools continue to be taught, this needs to be maintained and adequately resourced for the future.

Keeping members up to date across the board

Professional

Four SSTUWA branches have produced great and informative noticeboards to promote the union at their schools.

Mount Magnet District High School, Edney Primary School and Ballajura Community College have assigned members to set up their noticeboards and be responsible for maintaining them throughout the year to ensure they will be continually relevant.

Out at North Kalgoorlie Primary School, members Luke and Heather Riseberry (pictured right) are also hard at work maintaining the union board they set up in their staffroom.

Noticeboards are a great tool to communicate current SSTUWA campaigns and raise awareness of members’ rights and entitlements.

As an SSTUWA branch you are entitled to such a visual presence in your school under Clause 61 (6) (c) of the Teachers Award 1993.

Well done to our branch members for their hard work in keeping their colleagues informed with the latest union news.

Has your branch designed a noticeboard? Post a photo on Instagram and tag @SSTUWA. We’d love to see it!

Follow us on Instagram: @SSTUWA Western Teacher May 2019

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Seen around

Seen around the SSTUWA Skilled up and safe

SSTUWA members recently took part in the Education and Training Centre’s new Violence at Work: Skilled Up and Safe Workshop.

The team at International Defensive Solutions (IDS): instructors Phil Britten, Graham McDonnell, Steve Smith and Andrew Richardson, have specifically designed a training program for teachers on how to reduce the threat of physical violence and harm in the workplace.

The training initiative is especially timely given the rising number of violent incidences occurring in schools across WA and leaving teachers feeling they’ve been left at the helm to deal with duties outside of their skillset.

Members were taught how to identify potential violent situations and environmental factors, how to use effective verbal commands, team tactics and how to best utilise de-escalation strategies.

The strategies were brought to life through scenario-based practice sessions where participants were taught techniques they could apply to varied incidences across a range of school settings.

May Day

SSTUWA staff and members marched through the streets of Fremantle in solidarity with hundreds of union and community members, in celebration of this year’s May Day event on 5 May, hosted by UnionsWA. Also known as International Workers Day, May Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge the progress unions have made in improving working conditions for people around the world, and recognise the work still needing to be done to achieve balance between work, rest and play.

Workers’ Memorial Day

Also recently staff from the SSTUWA, led by General Secretary Mary Franklyn, attended the annual Workers’ Memorial Day service at Solidarity Park in West Perth.

The day commemorates workers who have lost their lives at work and highlights ongoing occupational health and safety issues, and the importance for stronger OSH laws.

The SSTUWA delegation laid a wreath at the park’s memorial wall.

Skilled up and safe: IDS instructor Phil Britten takes participants through some safety principles.

Skilled up and safe: IDS instructors Phil Britten and Graham McDonnell display a safety technique.

Skilled up and safe: Participants go through some safety drills.

Skilled up and safe: IDS instructor Steve Smith explains some more principles.

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Western Teacher May 2019

Seen around

May Day: SSTUWA senior officers, staff and members join hundreds of marchers at the annual parade through Fremantle.

May Day: UnionsWA Secretary Meredith Hammat addresses the delegation.

May Day: A busy day on High Street.

May Day: Cardboard cut-outs depict public schools and why they need Fair Funding.

May Day: “My generation needs Fair Funding Now! for quality public schools.”

Workers’ Memorial Day: SSTUWA general secretary Mary Franklyn (fourth from left), union organisers and case managers pay tribute to those who have been injured or lost their lives from work-related injury or illness.

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National education and union news

National education and union news Morrison has no mandate for regressive IR agenda The Morrison Government’s narrow re-election means it has no mandate for a regressive industrial relations (IR) agenda, the peak body for working people has warned.

The ACTU says its Change the Rules campaign will continue until working people get a fair go, however long that takes.

Scott Morrison has refused to outline an alternative vision for Australian workers and can claim no mandate to continue down the path of reducing working people’s rights, nor can he claim a mandate to further erode workers’ living standards.

Millions voted for better laws for working people and the incoming government must take those views into account.

The Australian union movement will work every day, starting immediately, to hold this government to account and to advocate for urgently needed rights for

working people.

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus (pictured) said the re-election the Morrison Government gave them no mandate whatsoever to further pursue an antiworker agenda.

“Morrison’s silence, despite repeated requests, on industrial relations policy means he has no mandate to undermine worker’s rights, pay or job security,” she said.

“This election shows how much the rich and powerful will invest, and how far they will go, to maintain a system that benefits them at the expense of the vast majority of Australians.

“Our response will be to re-double our efforts until we win change.

“I thank every union member and volunteer who has been party of the fight so far to make Australia a fairer place.

“The election of the Morrison Government doesn’t change the fact that we have the highest level of inequality in 70 years and that more Australians are insecure work than ever before.

“To the millions who voted to change the government we will continue to fight for better rules for working people.

“Our aim is to turn around 30 years of damaging trickle-down economics.

We have built an incredible amount of momentum in a short time and we will only grow stronger. Our campaign will continue until we turn around inequality in our country and we have a fair go for all.”

Vast majority of disadvantaged schools are public schools Data drawn from the My School website show that school systems in Australia are highly segregated by socio-economic background both nationally and in each state, although the extent of the segregation varies between states.

represented in public schools and over-

According to analysis done by Save our Schools Australia, highly and medium disadvantaged schools are overrepresented in public schools and underrepresented in private schools.

Australia and in every state.

In contrast, highly and medium advantaged schools are under-

Across Australia, there are only 43 highly

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Western Teacher May 2019

represented in private schools.

Public schools account for the overwhelming majority of all highly and medium disadvantaged schools in

There are very few highly and medium disadvantaged Catholic and independent schools.

disadvantaged Catholic schools and 35

highly disadvantaged independent schools compared to 761 highly disadvantaged public schools.

There are only 251 Catholic schools and 98 independent schools that are medium disadvantaged compared to 3049 public schools.

Public schools account for 91 per cent of all highly disadvantaged schools and 90 per cent of medium disadvantaged schools.

To read more visit: bit.ly/2LRRWT8

National education and union news

Bonuses increase student results and retention of high-quality teachers: study One of the challenges to improving results in highly disadvantaged schools is recruiting and retaining high quality teachers.

Incentives to attract teachers to disadvantaged schools in Australia mostly focus on remote and rural schools rather than urban areas.

Disadvantaged schools often have high teacher turnover which impacts on student achievement. A new US study has found that selective retention bonuses for high quality teachers leads to increases in student achievement in high poverty schools.

The new US study suggests that governments should consider incentive schemes to attract high quality teachers to disadvantaged urban schools.

OECD research shows that disadvantaged schools in Australia have more students per teacher, more teacher shortages, more teacher absenteeism, more poorly qualified teachers, more teachers teaching out-of-field, more inexperienced teachers, more teacher turnover, and more novice teachers than advantaged schools.

High rates of teacher turnover in disadvantaged schools have negative impacts. It is difficult to create a supportive learning culture in a school where large proportions of the teaching force are new each year.

The loss of high quality teachers lowers the effectiveness of the schools’ teaching force and limits the potential for leadership development, mentoring, and support for the teachers who remain.

It reduces the capacity of the school to develop a culture of learning, consistency and support for students.

In recent years, a growing number of states and school districts in the US have implemented various forms of financial incentives to teachers.

Under the SRB program, a one-off $5,000 retention bonus was offered to any Level 5 teacher teaching in a Priority School to stay in the school for the current school year (2013-14).

On average, the $5,000 bonus constituted a 10 per cent salary increase, or the equivalent of a teacher with a master’s degree moving from 10-15 years of experience on a district salary schedule.

The bonus was not offered for a second year.

Selective retention bonuses (SRBs) are one form of incentives aimed at reducing attrition of highly rated teachers or teachers in hard-to-staff subject areas like maths and science.

The study confirmed the findings of an earlier study that the SRB program increased the percentage of high-quality teachers in Priority Schools.

The new study examined the impact a retention bonus program for highly effective (Level 5) teachers in Priority Schools (low performing high poverty schools) in Tennessee.

Those who accepted bonuses and remained in their schools had overall teacher effectiveness ratings much higher than the state average, while the average of teachers hired by Priority Schools was significantly below the state average.

The program was introduced in 2013 to combat high rates of teacher turnover among highly-effective teachers in chronically low performing schools.

The attrition rate amongst high quality teachers in predominantly low-income, Black, poor performing schools was 23 per cent, which was more than three times greater than the state-wide attrition rate of seven per cent for these teachers.

In addition, the study found that the program also increased student achievement. Allowing for student characteristics, reading and maths scores increased by a small amount in only one year.

Students’ test scores in reading improved significantly more in schools participating (Continued on page 26)

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National education and union news (Continued from page 25) in the SRB program than in otherwise similar non-participant schools in the years following implementation.

The study concluded that targeted incentives can serve as a tool for policymakers to improve the quality of the teachers in disadvantaged schools.

Reading achievement effects also appear to persist at least one year after the teacher retention incentives were removed. The impact on maths scores was smaller, but may have been driven by smaller effects of the retention bonus on math teachers’ decisions to remain at Priority Schools.

The findings of the study indicate that financial incentives can marginally shift teachers’ decisions to persist in the challenging work environments of high-accountability, high-poverty, racially isolated schools.

However, for many teachers, additional pay alone is inadequate to overcome

pressures to leave, and only affects the underlying learning and working conditions to the extent that retained teachers improve the leadership culture.

Further research is necessary to examine the roles of non-pecuniary incentives, and the interactions between conditions and simple salary improvements.

The study is published in the February issue of the Economics of Education Review and can be accessed at: bit.ly/2HEdL3h

National jobless rate up to 5.2 per cent ABS data released in mid-May shows that the unemployment rate has increased 0.1 to 5.2 per cent, while underemployment has also jumped sharply, up 0.3 to 8.5 per cent. There are more than 1 million people underemployed in Australia.

High underemployment has been a key feature of the coalition government as good, secure jobs have become harder to find and more people are forced to look for second and third jobs to make ends meet.

Recent research has shown that people with more than one job earn less than

those with a single job. People who cannot get enough hours in their primary job do not have a way to make up that deficit.

The future under a re-elected Morrison Government holds more of the same.

Fewer secure jobs, more people being forced to pick up second and third jobs but still not making enough to keep up with the rising cost of living.

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said people were struggling to find enough work and the only answer from the Morrison Government was to hand more money to the big end of town.

“The Morrison Government’s policies have failed to create jobs and improve quality of life for working people,” she said.

“We need more secure jobs. We need to put power in the hands of working people so that they can win fair pay rises and better conditions.

“The Morrison Government has cut penalty rates and given tax cuts to business, telling us it would create jobs.

It hasn’t created a single job, but it has made life harder for millions of people.”

Download the SSTUWA app Access Know Your Rights, your membership card, training history and more in the palm of your hand.

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Western Teacher May 2019

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Education and Training Centre

Education & Training Centre SSTUWA keeping educators Skilled Up and Safe In response to a motion presented by the Busselton SHS branch and subsequently at the Bunbury District Council in August 2018, a trial training event was recently conducted in the Bunbury area for 24 participants. The motion called upon the union to provide appropriate professional learning/training on how best to respond to violence and the threat of violence in schools. The two-day trial event was conducted by Phil Britten and Graham McDonnell from International Defensive Solutions (pictured above, right), alongside SSTUWA organiser Ian Daw. During the two-day skills-based course, participants learnt how to reduce the threat of physical violence and harm through: • Learning how to identify potential violent situations and environmental factors.

• Using effective verbal commands.

• Applying de-escalation strategies.

• Using team tactics.

• Discovering how best to apply the above skills and knowledge in real-life soft, medium and high-end situations that may occur in the school context.

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Education and Training Centre

Skilled Up and Safe

More information: sstuwa.org.au/training | training@sstuwa.org.au Day one started by exploring several Department of Education guidelines around violence in schools. This included developing a deeper understanding of Regulation 38, the Minister’s 10 Point Plan, Responding to Fights Between Students Guidelines, and Physical Contact with Students Guidelines. The remainder of the day had a focus on building the skills and knowledge required to keep teachers and students safe in the workplace. This included: • Identifying a potential situation – visual cues and environmental awareness.

• Body positioning – interview stance, low and high ready stance.

• Verbal and non-verbal de-escalation strategies – communication, proximity, active listening and conflict management.

• Team tactics.

Day two involved opportunities to apply and practise the skills learnt on day one. A range of scenarios were created that reflected possible situations that may occur in a school context. Participants had the opportunity to role play the situations followed by a discussion around the outcomes, successes, alternatives and difficulties.

Participants were provided with a pre-course survey and asked to rate their confidence level around seven statements.

At the conclusion, a post-course survey was conducted to identify any shift in confidence levels. The results indicated a growth in confidence levels across all seven areas. Here’s what some participants said: “The presenters were awesome.”

“Very interactive and extremely worthwhile.”

“This should be done in all schools.”

“I feel so much more confident to respond to violent situations.”

As a result of the successful trial, three further opportunities to participate in this two-day course will be offered throughout 2019.

The skills-based program is suitable for any person working in an education environment.

Teachers learn valuable skills that ensure they have the confidence to keep themselves and students safe in the event of a verbal or physical encounter while at work.

The course has been specifically designed to give teachers the tools needed to deal with a wide range of incidents that may occur in an education setting.

Visit sstuwa.org.au/training to register for our next Skilled Up and Safe event.

Contact Kevlynn Annandale for further information at: kannandale@sstuwa.org.au Western Teacher May 2019

29

Member benefits

Member benefits Accountants and Financial Advisers Aston Accountants

10% discount on personal income tax returns for members.

sstuwa.org.au/aston

Industry Fund Services

Specialist financial products for union members.

sstuwa.org.au/ifs

LIFE Financial Planners

$1,200 off your statement of advice fee plus a free financial health check for members.

sstuwa.org.au/lifefinancial

Teacher Tax

$99 tax returns for members.

sstuwa.org.au/teachertax

TIPS Financial Services

$1,100 discount on your TIPS Transition to Retirement strategy or Retirement plan.

Exclusive to members.

sstuwa.org.au/tipsfs

Banking ME Bank

Special offers throughout the year for members. A bank built by, and for, union members.

sstuwa.org.au/mebank

Mortgages, Money and Me

Complimentary advice, property reports, finance tools and more for SSTUWA members.

sstuwa.org.au/mmme

OFX Money Transfers

When it matters, OFX it. Save with the experts in international money transfers.

sstuwa.org.au/ofx

Teachers Mutual Bank

Banking exclusively for the education community.

AutoBahn

Mechanical and electrical services.

Members receive $20 off any service or 5% off any repair.

sstuwa.org.au/autobahn

Bayswater Mazda

Exclusive offer including $500 fuel card, 4 years free service and more.

sstuwa.org.au/bayswatermazda

Bob Jane T-Marts

National fleet pricing on a range of products and services.

sstuwa.org.au/bobjane

easifleet

Bose headphones or Bluetooth speaker, or a year’s worth of Magic Hand car washes with any easifleet procured novated lease.

sstuwa.org.au/easifleet

Fleet Network

Package your next car and save on tax.

Bonus Samsung 8” tablet or Dash Cam with vehicle delivery.

sstuwa.org.au/fleetnetwork

Hertz

5-10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia, NZ, USA and Canada.

sstuwa.org.au/hertz

Motor Market by Union Shopper

HP

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/hp

Lenovo

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/lenovo

Longroad Website Development

Discounted website development and hosting.

sstuwa.org.au/longroad

PLE Computers

Save on your IT with access to the PLE Computers academic portal.

sstuwa.org.au/ple

Educational Resources Abacus Educational Supplies

10% discount, in store and online.

sstuwa.org.au/abacus

Beyond Monet

The Artful Science of Instructional Leadership.

By Barrie Bennett and Carol Rolheiser.

sstuwa.org.au/beyondmonet

Classroom Management

A Thinking and Caring Approach. By Barrie Bennett and Peter Smilanich.

sstuwa.org.au/classroommgmt

You choose the car, then we find you the lowest price.

Cooperative Learning

Thrifty Car and Truck Rental

sstuwa.org.au/cooperativelearning

sstuwa.org.au/thrifty

Possibilities for Assessment and Instruction. By Barrie Bennett.

sstuwa.org.au/motormarket

10% discount on vehicle hire in Australia.

tyresales.com.au

Where Heart Meets Mind. By Barrie Bennett, Carol Rolheiser and Laurie Stevahn.

Graphic Intelligence

10% discount on tyres.

sstuwa.org.au/graphicintelligence

Western Motor Vehicle Consultants

5-10% discount, in store and online.

sstuwa.org.au/tyresales We’ll find a car you’ll love. Save time and money when sourcing your next vehicle.

sstuwa.org.au/westernmotors

Computers Altronics

Teacher Superstore

sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

Entertainment Adventure World

Save up to $14.50 on Adventure World tickets with Westclub.

sstuwa.org.au/adventureworld

sstuwa.org.au/tmbank

Build it yourself electronics centre. VIP trade discount in store and online.

Cars

Apple on Campus

Discounts on physical tickets (greater savings) and instant digital tickets.

sstuwa.org.au/apple

Rockface

Allwest Fleet

Vehicle salary packaging – save time, money and tax. Receive a $300 gift card with your new car.

sstuwa.org.au/allwestfleet

30

Massive discounts on products and services for SSTUWA members

Western Teacher May 2019

sstuwa.org.au/altronics For details visit:

Dell

Save up to 15% off selected items.

sstuwa.org.au/dell

Movie tickets

sstuwa.org.au/movietickets

Indoor rock climbing in Northbridge. $14 all day climbing pass with harness hire.

sstuwa.org.au/rockface

Member benefits *Terms & conditions apply.

Please visit our website for full details.

For more information visit sstuwa.org.au/benefits and the benefits tab of the SSTUWA App Food and Wine Campbells

Complimentary day pass to access wholesale prices on groceries and other goods.

sstuwa.org.au/campbells

Cellar d’Or

Best value winery tour in the Margaret River Region. 10% discount for members.

sstuwa.org.au/cellardor

Cracka Wines

7.5% off online wine orders.

sstuwa.org.au/cracka

Taste Bud Tours

Swan Valley “Speed Grazing” – 20% discount. Good Food, Wine & Cider (am) or Good Food, Wine & Beer (pm).

sstuwa.org.au/tastebudtours

Health and Wellbeing St John

First aid saves lives. St John offers members discounted first aid courses and kits.

sstuwa.org.au/stjohn

WA Opticians

20% discount on spectacle frames and lenses. Perth and East Perth.

sstuwa.org.au/waopticians

Housing Houspect

Buy, build and invest with confidence. $50 discount on building inspections.

sstuwa.org.au/houspect

Johns Building Supplies

Trade prices on paint and painters’ hardware. Builders prices on all other hardware lines.

sstuwa.org.au/jbs

SkylightsWA

Specialising in skylights and roof ventilation for all buildings, servicing all regions of WA. 7% discount off selected products with SkylightsWA.

sstuwa.org.au/skylightswa

Insurance and Legal ISinsured

Insurance for union members. Home, contents, car, landlords.

sstuwa.org.au/isinsured

SSTUWA Legal Services

Access to quality legal services for both work-related and personal matters.

sstuwa.org.au/legal

Teachers Health Fund

Join the thousands of teachers who have already made the switch.

sstuwa.org.au/teachershealth

Teachers Health – Travel

10% discount on travel insurance.

sstuwa.org.au/travelinsurance

STA Travel Insurance

$20 discount for members.

sstuwa.org.au/statravelinsurance

Shopping

Travel and Accommodation Accor Hotels

Great savings for teachers at Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

sstuwa.org.au/accorhotels

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels welcomes SSTUWA members with exclusive rates at locations in Australia and NZ.

sstuwa.org.au/choicehotels

Comfort Hotel Perth City

Rooms from $145 per night including Light Start Breakfast for two. Located near the WACA in East Perth.

Abacus Educational Supplies

sstuwa.org.au/comfortperth

sstuwa.org.au/abacus

Save 10% on over 3,000 experiences across Oz + NZ.

10% discount, in store and online.

Electrical buying

Let Union Shopper find the best deal on your electrical purchases.

sstuwa.org.au/electricalbuying

isubscribe

Up to an extra 10% off any print and digital magazine subscription; over 4,000 titles.

sstuwa.org.au/isubscribe

Jackson’s Drawing Supplies

10% discount in Jackson’s 12 shops and online.

sstuwa.org.au/jacksons

Petals Flowers & Gifts

20% off flowers and gifts. World-wide delivery available.

sstuwa.org.au/petals

Retravision

Experience Oz

sstuwa.org.au/experienceoz

Inn the Tuarts Guest Lodge

Forest retreat, 4-star, with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and BBQ. Adults (12 years+) only. Five minutes to Busselton.

Studios and rooms. 22.5% off rack rate or best available rate.

sstuwa.org.au/innthetuarts

International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC)

Discounts on flights, restaurants, movies, shopping, groceries and more. $5 off ITIC for members.

sstuwa.org.au/itic

Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat

Cost plus 5% on all products. Osborne Park location only; in store or via phone.

Nation-wide delivery available.

Luxurious, self-contained accommodation in Margaret River.

Discounted rates for members.

sstuwa.org.au/retravision

sstuwa.org.au/jarrahgrove

Teacher Superstore

Mandurah Houseboats

sstuwa.org.au/teachersuperstore

sstuwa.org.au/houseboats

5-10% discount, in store and online.

The Good Guys Commercial

Online access to live discounted pricing on The Good Guys’ full range.

sstuwa.org.au/thegoodguys

Vet Products Direct

10% discount on pet products, plus advice from professionals.

sstuwa.org.au/vetpro

10% discount on houseboat holidays.

Rottnest ferry tickets

Save up to $18 on Rottnest ferry tickets with WestClub.

sstuwa.org.au/rottnest

STA Travel

Exclusive discounts for members.

sstuwa.org.au/statravel

Western Teacher May 2019

31

Classifieds

Classifieds Block for sale: Kalbarri

Large 770sqm block, ready to build on, two streets from the beach. 22m frontage with north facing winter aspect. Walking distance to all facilities. Be quick as seller will negotiate. All offers considered.

0402 349 203

For sale: Cooloongup

3x2 plus large utility room, fully powered workshop set amongst a quiet street and bushland. Large patio area and backyard for entertaining and family time. Offers from $350,000.

EOI: 0401 847 317

Albany (Little Grove)

Silent Grove Cottage. Self-contained two bedroom (queen/two singles) on two hectares of bushland. Undercover parking. Close to yacht club, walking/ bike trails, national park and beaches.

Teachers’ rate: $150 per night. Stay seven, get one free. www.silentgrove.iinet.net.au 9844 4950 | merron@iinet.net

Albany

“Wywurry Holidays” in 2x1 fully furnished cottage. Min 2 nights, max 6 weeks.

Sleeps 4, more with camp beds. Pet friendly. 20 min walk to Middleton Beach. $100/night for 4 people; $10/night per extra person. $550/week. $2,000/month.

Linen fee optional $50 per visit/week.

Sara: 0499 057 647 saralindsay41@gmail.com

Dunsborough (Quindalup)

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

0419 943 203 | 9448 5527 a_r_moore@bigpond.com

Dwellingup

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

Robert: 0419 954 079 dwellcottage.com.au

Falcon

Shady two bedroom 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 including BBQ. Close to Miami Village and all amenities, great for crabbing and fishing.

Less than one hour from Perth’s CBD along Forrest Hwy. $150 per night for Western Teacher readers.

0415 035 390 | richard.wright@iinet.net.au

Kallaroo

Serenity Escape is a 2x1 apartment with full kitchen, offering comfort and convenience. 20 min walk to beach, 5 min drive to train station, walking distance to Whitfords Brewing Co, cinema and shops.

Toiletries, slippers and coffee machine provided. Min 2 nights. Sleeps 4, or 5 with mattress. No pets. $125/night for 3 people; $10/night per extra person.

Molly: 0428 166 559 mollysletters@gmail.com

Mt Lawley/Dianella

3x1 spacious holiday rental. One double, one queen, five singles. 200m from the river and town. Magnificent river views. One large living area, three sided veranda and BBQ. Provide own linen and towels. $150 per night plus $50 cleaning fee. gregrowl@iinet.net.au

Studio B&B. New, stylish single room.

Fridge, kitchenette, TV, aircon in lovely peaceful Floreat house and garden. Linen, tea/coffee, continental/cooked breakfast ingredients supplied. Suit mature person wishing to enjoy quiet accommodation.

Close to city, buses, shops, hospitals and beaches. $85 per night, min two nights.

Weekly and monthly rates available.

SMS: 0422 333 057

Newly built 1x1 self-contained extension, furnished, with laundry, dining, lounge, kitchen and one undercover parking bay.

Aircon, TV, fridge, washing machine and microwave included. Quiet residential area close to city, buses, Galleria Morley, Mt Lawley cafe strip and Northbridge. 10 min walk to Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre; golf course across the road. $80 per night, min two nights. $50 per night for weekly and monthly rentals.

0439 964 239 | cymbie.burgoyne@gmail.com

Cowaramup (Margaret River Region)

France (South)

Northam

Augusta

Private B&B within newly built home.

Parkland setting. Private queen bedroom, bathroom and breakfast room. Private entry and dedicated parking. 10 mins to Margaret River, Gracetown, central to wineries/breweries and beaches. $120 per night per couple including breakfast.

Lee: 0412 902 932

Denmark

The Rise is a modern, comfortable, 3x2 fully equipped house close to town with elevated views. Located close to Scotsdale and Mt Shadforth drives and their many tourist attractions. Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 nights.

Bookings.denmark.com.au (property The Rise) (08) 9848 2055, 9am to 5pm

Floreat

3x2 house located in quaint village adjacent to Canal du Midi - noted for having 300 days of sunshine per year and hence lots of vineyards. Spain is 1hr drive; Barcelona is 2hr drive. $700 per week.

0407 368 511 | craigrebecca@bigpond.com

Fremantle

Short term accommodation in central Fremantle. Recently refurbished with all conveniences for modern living.

Townhouse has three queen-sized bedrooms plus provision for two singles.

Enjoy time in the rear garden, complete with BBQ. Secure parking for two cars, access controlled by electric gates.

9430 4458 | 0407 083 174 info@westerley.com.au

Renovated, self-contained 30s-style three bedroom house with beautiful river views.

Short walk across the bridges to town.

Sleeps six-eight.

Kevin: 0414 446 431

Prevelly

One bedroom private spa apartment in quiet Prevelly cul-de-sac. Two minute walk from beach. Suits couples. $165 per night for Western Teacher readers.

Lucy: 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

Email 50 words or fewer to editor@sstuwa.org.au with your phone and union membership numbers. Free for members.

32

Western Teacher May 2019

Classifieds

Classifieds Teacher special: stay six nights and the seventh night is free.

Lisa: 0408 914 090 lisamaree77@hotmail.com

Trigg

Self contained accommodation. Kitchen, laundry, bedroom plus foldout couch. Free WiFi and Netflix. Find us on Facebook.

Kerry: 0409 884 330 | FB: @justriggin 67justriggin@gmail.com

Yallingup

Rammed earth cottage, 2x1, nestled amongst bushland. Well located, short walk to Studio Gallery Bistro, two-minute drive to Caves House. Beaches, galleries, wineries and restaurants close by. Sleeps six. No dogs. stayz.com.au (property 136151) Kirsty: 0419 927 660

Victoria (Jan Juc Beach)

Planning a holiday to Victoria? Stay on the beautiful Surf Coast, in between Torquay and the famous Bells Beach. Sleeps eight comfortably. Walking distance to the beach, golf club, shops and river mouth.

Everything you need is already there. Large entertaining areas. Discount for Western Teacher readers.

0403 803 064

Tranquillity Counselling, Psychotherapy and Career Development

I provide holistic, confidential practical counselling to help you deal with an array of issues, some being: general relationship, mental health, anger issues/management; anxiety; depression; self-harm; grief and trauma; addiction; abuse; palliative care.

Milica Robinson, MCnsig&Psychthpy, GradCertCareerDev, BEd. 0422 358 187

Retirement coach

Are you recently retired or retiring soon?

You probably have a financial plan in place but developing a plan for the non-financial side of retirement can be as important as

preparing financially. I offer support and guidance for the transition from work to retirement, helping you to find purpose and meaning in retirement. Contact me to arrange an obligation free chat. retirementcoaching01@gmail.com

Marriage celebrant

Marriage celebrant with 12 years of experience, working in the Peel, South West and Perth areas. Specialising in creating personalised ceremonies for couples at their chosen wedding location.

I’d love to help you plan your special day!

Meridith: 0400 312 535 meri.lake4@gmail.com

Marriage celebrant

Heart Centered Ceremonies for couples wanting a personalised wedding. Lee will help you design your dream wedding – a memorable occasion. Mention this ad to receive a discount.

Lee: 0404 655 567 leehalligancelebrant.com.au

Marriage celebrant

Experienced professional celebrant available, all areas. Formal or informal, large or small weddings. A Beautiful Ceremony will help you design an unforgettable and uniquely personal ceremony.

Mary: 0418 906 391 maryburke40@hotmail.com

Learn to social dance

Learn jive, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and other dances for social events (ball, wedding, cruise, etc). A fun and easy course with quality instruction. Join with or without a partner. Melville (LeisureFit) Recreation Centre. Mondays 7.30-9pm. $118/8 weeks. Beginners’ course held every term. Term 3 starts 29 July.

Stan: 9330 6737 | stan@stansdancing.com

First aid training for students

St John Ambulance WA offers free first aid training to all school aged students, ranging from Triple 000 Hero for kindergarten students to Road Trauma

First Aid for secondary school students.

Courses are curriculum mapped.

9334 1259 | youth@stjohnambulance.com.au

Actors reading to kids: it’s Storyville!

Storyville is a free literacy initiative run

by Australian performers through the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance.

The program harnesses the talent of performers to encourage children to read and specifically targets primary schools with socio-economic disadvantage or where for a majority of students English is a second language. diane.cameron@equityfoundation.org.au

MAWA

The Mathematical Association of Western Australia offers professional learning opportunities, conferences and consultancy services to teachers and schools and networks. MAWA members receive 10 per cent discount on MAWA shop resources. For more information: mawainc.org.au 9345 0388 | eo@mawainc.org.au

Calling all retired teachers!

Are you a retired teacher with a spirit of adventure and time to spare? Would you like to assist families in remote areas of WA? You may like to join REVISE WA as a tutor. For more info, visit www.revisewa.com.au

Wanted: Teacher resources

Wanted: Your unwanted teacher resources and materials. Declutter and make some extra cash at the same time. If you have unused and unwanted resources cluttering up your classroom or home, call Kris.

Kris: 0401 263 070

Belly Rubs Boarding Kennels

Personalised approach to boarding your canine companion. $25 per dog – mention you’re a teacher to receive a 10 per cent discount. Located in Southern River.

Elisa: 0417 620 766 | bellyrubsboarding.com

Western Teacher May 2019

33

Noticeboard

Email to editor@sstuwa.org.au

Retired Teachers’ Association We visited the WA Art Gallery to view “Desert River Sea – Portraits of the Kimberley” on Wednesday 22 May. Our choir practice continues with some new and some not so new songs. A community performance is planned.

Literature session commences at noon. The speaker on 13 May was Kevin Byrne on poet Robbie Burns. Kevin is an experienced teacher. On 27 May, Shirley Gollagher spoke on Australian poetry of the 20th century. We will have an own choice session on 10 June.

The former RTA President Yvonne Bell passed away on 14 April. She and her husband Jim were very generous to our members. She is remembered with great affection.

Ann Strauss: 9387 2906

Do you enjoy singing?

State Council Conference

If so, Working Voices Choir would like you to join us. We sing songs of social justice, union and environmental songs. No auditions needed.

State Council Conference will run on Friday and Saturday 14-15 June.

Members/branches wishing to submit motions for November State Council must do so by 5pm Friday 27 September 2019.

For more information visit workingvoiceschoir.org.au

Level 3 Classroom Teachers’ Association

2019 meeting dates: Saturdays, 10.30am-noon at the State Library Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

8 June

27 July

19 October

10 August

23 November

14 September

Mon 9 December Celebration event

Venue subject to change. Visit www.l3cta.org.au for venue information and to confirm attendance, or email contact@l3cta.org.au

SSTUWA committee meeting dates:

Early Childhood Educators’ Committee

TAFE Committee

18 June 21 August

International Committee

LGBTIQ Committee

Dates to be confirmed

Dates to be confirmed

Dates to be confirmed

New Educator Committee

Women’s Committee

Psych Services Committee

ATSIE Committee

Time: 4.30pm 18 June 27 August

Time: 4.15pm

Time: 4.45pm 6 June 29 August

Time: 4pm

Time: 4.15pm

34

Venue: SSTUWA office | Contact: (08) 9210 6000 or contact@sstuwa.org.au Teleconference facilities are available

6 November

19 November

Western Teacher May 2019

Time: 5pm

Dates to be confirmed

Time: 4.30pm

28 November

Time: 4pm

15 August

31 October

It feels good to be ethical

Globally, 128 companies were named as a 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company1, including 5 banks. And we’re one of them for the 6th year in a row!

Join us^ tmbank.com.au ^Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees of the Australian education sector or family members of members of the Bank. 1 The Ethisphere Institute is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practice. The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient (EQ) framework and honours superior achievements in transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. Worlds Most Ethical Companies and ‘Ethisphere’ names and marks are registered trade marks of Ethisphere LLL. www.ethisphere.com Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 00711-CSR-0419-WME-A4-WT

Transition to Retirement Specialists

Financial solutions and advice to help you transition

TTR and Tax benefits will continue into 2019 & beyond!

Please see tipsfs.com.au

Are You Retiring or Reducing Hours in 2019?

What you will need to consider …

• • • •

Can I afford to drop a day?

How much will be enough to retire on?

How can I maximize my income & reduce tax?

When is it best to pay off my mortgage?