If you're reading this and you would like the chance to win $1000 this Christmas, then your half way there.

If you are a member of the SSTUWA and have a TOPS account you will be automatically entered into the draw.

Members will be randomly selected in the draw to win $1000 and members who join new members will have the chance to win $500 in the draws held each term.

New Educator  and recent winner Caitlan Glisenti-Pash working at South Halls Head PS said she loves using TOPS, the links to interactive whiteboard resources and the amount of time it saves with preparing templates.

“Because I am a beginning teacher it's really helpful for me to see how the curriculum documents relate to what we do every day in the classroom.

“It is very important to me because it takes the stress out of planning.

“I use the templates to set up my program using a mixture of ideas from TOPS, other sources and my own ideas.

“It just makes it easy to set up planning documents that show what I am doing, where I'm heading, why I'm doing it that way and how it links to the syllabus and national curriculum.”

Caitlan said she was pleased to hear the good news of winning the prize, which came at the most convenient time.

She will be putting her money to a holiday next year in New Zealand during the school holidays.

“I was really happy because I just had to buy a new computer because mine died, and I also had to pay for an operation during the school holidays. So it was the perfect time to win some money.”

“I thought it was funny that I won just for signing up for TOPS because I didn't sign up because of the competition; I just did it because I think TOPS is great.

“It was also funny because I'm always telling friends who aren't interested in the union to at least join to get access to TOPS. It was great to win $1000, but I was already promoting TOPS for free!”

“I think it's important be a member of the union because they do a great job of supporting and representing teachers.

“I would have been part of the union anyway, but having free access to the TOPS program is a great added bonus,” added Caitlan.

Anne Hinkley from Gnowangerup DHS also won the competition.

After 35 years of teaching and seeing the profession evolve over time, Anne said having access to TOPS has been a very important additional resource.

“Each time I use it I explore more and more of what is available.

“I use the program ideas, website suggestions, graphic organisers, notes on things like guided reading, phonics, and always search for any ideas on my current class topic.”

Anne said she was thrilled to win and said her money will go towards something special for herself and her family. 

“You don't expect that just by using a great resource in your everyday work that something like this would happen.

“It brings a smile to my face. I have found TOPS very useful as another current resource.

“I really like how the union is finding ways to support us professionally,” said Anne.

For your chance to win $1000 this Christmas log on to www.sstuwa.org.au to win. 

The winners will be drawn on the last day of the school year the 15th December 2011...you have to be in it to win it!