Dear Union Reps/ Workplace Reps & Members

I trust that your break was good. We share your frustration at the difficulties created by the Minster’s decision to adjust the term date by two days. I note that the Union has had a commitment from the Minister to consider the proposition of standard 10 week terms when the next set of term dates are set.

Term two will see the new Growth Project Team on the road. The team of Sally Dennis and Robyn Newman is led by David Kelly. Their focus is new educators. Their work will see the team in schools and universities, at the Institute of Professional Learning modules, working with the External Teams on Blitzes, establishing the New Educator Network and much more.

The External Teams, north and south, will continue to work close up with Union Reps in schools and the membership. During term 1, these teams visited over 200 worksites. They will be promoting and supporting your participation in the various member activities associated with the 2011 Logs of Claims [Schools & TAFE]. Our External teams are very important links to the organisation and support for you in our many important campaigns.

 A warm welcome to our industrial staff or senior officers during any visits to schools is an important way for you to promote the importance of your union and build its presence in your workplace. 

During this term, you will be called to begin engaging more actively in support of the 2011 Log of Claims [Schools]. Activities this term will include: an ICT survey, a workload journal exercise and lobbying local MPs. It is essential that you demonstrate your support for our Log of Claims by answering the call to participate. Our campaign website is now open and can be found at www.sstuwabuildingthefuture.org.au

All the best as you move into the second term of 2011.

Yours sincerely
Anne Gisborne
President

Find attached Communication 13.

Working with the parents in your school community, especially representatives on P&Cs and School Councils, is very important. At the organisation level we have a very good relationship with WACSSO and work on many common goals. The SSTUWA P&C/ School Council Communication Kit Term 2 2011 is being posted to the Union Rep at your school. This kit is designed to help members in schools build positive relationships with parents and to share with them the goals we seek to achieve which will benefit their children and the school community. Please make sure this presentation occurs.

Click here for Communication 13

Click here for SSTUWA P&C/ School Council Communication Kit Term 2 2011

The first State Council for 2011 will be held on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June.  The agenda will be in place shortly. It includes significant matters such as the Schools and TAFE Log of Claims, IPS, Regions & Networks, items covering various national agendas, proposed rule changes and matters of concern to branches and districts.

Again we are providing an opportunity for 12 new educators to attend state Council on Saturday 11 June. This provides a great opportunity to see how our decisions making processes work.

Click here for the New Educator State Council Guest Program Expression of Interest

Click here for State Council Delegates Final List

A media launch of our Budget submission will be held on Wednesday 5 May. Supporting TV adverts will run during the week commencing 8 May 2011. Information is to be promoted to parents through the SSTUWA P&C/ School Council Communication Kit Term 1 2011. As well, D/L cards are to be distributed into seven marginal seats to raise awareness of and support for our submission.

Face-book activity to support the submission will also be activated.

Click here for the website

Early in May the Union will launch its media campaign to support our call for additional resources to schools to assist students at educational risk. Keep up to date with developments on the associated website.

Click here for the final submission