RELOCATION DISGRACE
The QTU has been supporting a secondary classified officer who, after having served 10 years in a rural/remote location (the last three years as a Deputy Principal), had his relocation request rejected by the department.

The officer, who was entitled to a relocation, had put in for a move to a preferred region where there were multiple vacancies.

But the regional education director from that region strongly resisted our members’ request, and he got little practical support from central office either.

In his desperation to secure a position in his preferred region, he was reluctantly forced to accept a position in a primary school at a lower banding, despite there being several secondary positions available.

This type of treatment of its employees by the department instills little faith in a state-wide education system.  If the department wishes to staff classified positions across the state, it needs to ensure that its employees are also able to relocate back to more favourable regions.

The QTU will now pursue the issue of a fair relocation system with the Director General

FORUM GIVES PRINCIPALS THE CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT
Principals have met face to face with education officials to highlight the issues that are making their jobs tougher than ever before.

The delegation of administrators that was taking part in a joint Department of Educatiion, Training and the Arts/QTU Principals Forum discussed key issues identified during a state-wide series of state-wide principals’ forums held during 2008. Click here for more details.

EB6
Six years ago, Queensland teachers, (including school administrators) were among the nation’s highest paid. Now they are among the lowest. Enterprise bargaining is the only process available to achieve a pay rise for teachers. It’s a chance that only comes every three years – and 2009 is the year.

The QTU has submitted a list of issues for negotiation, including salary increases, allowances for administrators in complex and small schools, mentoring allowances and measures to reduce workload. Also included are a review of the processes for engaging executive principals, making HOC positions centrally funded, and a review of the allocation of deputy principals.

How to help secure your pay rise:

• attend an EB campaign area meeting during March and early April (schedule of meetings);
• stay up-to-date with EB campaign developments via the QTU website and through EB bulletins distributed by your QTU Representative;
• attend workplace meetings organised by your QTU Representative; and
• if necessary, vote in favour of industrial action in support of a fair salary outcome.

SOLE ADMINISTRATORS
A survey of sole administrator’s workload has prompted DETA to examine strategies to reduce workload, including:

• simplified requirements for smaller schools;
• co-operative arrangements between smaller schools and larger schools;
• development of support mechanisms for smaller schools; and
• professional development for school administrators.

A copy of the report can be accessed here.

Representatives from DETA and the QTU will be meeting with a number of Sole Administrators in the next month to further explore initiatives.

EDUCATION QUEENSLAND EMPLOYEES REPORTING SUSPECTED HARM TO A CHILD
Education Queensland has developed new protocols in relation to the suspected abuse of children in the home environment. Access a more detailed explanation of these protocols here.

PRESERVATION OF INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL ACQUIRED FROM STUDENTS
Inappropriate material, including pornographic images or writings, is often acquired from students and may be used in consideration of suspension orders.

Any such material, whether in hard copy or electronic form, should be preserved and secured appropriately. DETA is currently formalising its policy in this area, but in the meantime, staff should store material in:

• the school safe;
• a locked filing cabinet; and
• a secure area of the school’s computer data storage.

Where data or images cannot be transferred, from a mobile telephone, for example, make a photocopy of the screen, particularly where there is danger of losing the original material or access to the system or device.

The responsible officer should accurately note the time, date and circumstances of the actions taken. The principal, Executive Director of Schools or Regional Executive Director should be notified as appropriate. For more information, contact the Union.

CLASSIFIED TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION TIMELINES

On Friday 28 August 2009, the QTU will be hosting its annual Educational Administrators' Conference - keep this date free and check the website - more information will be added soon.

John Battams                                  Paige Bousen
QTU General Secretary                  QTU A/Assistant Secretary  

Authorised by John Battams, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union,
21 Graham St,  Milton,Q.4064