The Barnett Government continues to be intransigent in the face of an impending teacher shortage crisis in a mere 8 school terms, continuing to insist that it will apply strictly the staffing formula in high schools in 2010 as the ‘half cohort’ moves into the secondary sector.

The desire to save 3% in government expenditure on education appears to be more important that ensuring students in Western Australian Government schools will have a qualified teacher planning, programming, assessing and evaluating for their education into the future.

The undermining of recent and current investments to attract teachers to the profession; the possible risks to various commitments through National Partnership arrangements with the Federal government; the failure to accommodate long serving and loyal teachers and administrators ... are all matters which should concern parents, the community and educators in schools. The Barnett Government must continue to be challenged on its management of the ‘half cohort’ issue.

LOBBYING POLITICIANS

Members, particularly those in high school settings are urged to continue to take to their local MPs the issues arising as a consequence of the Barnett Government’s approach to the ‘half cohort’ and staffing.

Members are reminded that support materials can be found on the union website – www.sstuwa.org

TEACHER LIBRARIANS

Teacher Librarian members are concerned for the position of teacher librarians. A group of members have been meeting at the Union office and the SSTU Teacher Librarian Reference Group [TLRG] has been established. The TLRG have opened a section on the SSTU website as well. They believe the position of qualified teacher librarian is essential within a school staffing profile. Material to support this position was developed and circulated  at the recent WACSSO Conference.

Teacher Librarians believe there is a heightened vulnerability for the position of teacher librarian in schools in the context of the half cohort. They are keen to get branch support for their position and would join with any local lobbying activities on this matter. Find attached a “parent brochure” which the TLRG asks  branches circulate to their P&C and parents and also take as supplementary material on visits to local MPs.

PARENTS & COMMUNITY
The SSTU P&C / School Council Communication Kit Term 4 2009 contains information on the half cohort. As well it contains a copy of the HALF COHORT & 2010 Parent/Community Brochure [see attached]. Please copy and distribute the brochure to your school community.

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