31 October 2011  TERM 4

Welcome to the final FLARE of 2011. 

Term four is an extremely busy term for all teachers – and none more so than new educators.  End of year exams and reporting can take their toll, so make sure you ask for assistance if you need it.
If you have any queries about end of year processes, speak to your school Union Representative or your line manager to alleviate any concerns.  If you still have questions, send them to qtad@qtu.asn.au

National Day of Action Announced

Parents, teachers and principals are being encouraged to take part in a National Day of Action in support of greater funding for public schools. The Day of Action will be held on Tuesday, November 15 and will involve members of unions in every state and territory. Make sure you get involved. To find out more go to http://www.forourfuture.org.au/689746.html.

EB7 claim

Every three years, the QTU has to negotiate a new set of conditions for its members, and 2012 sees the start of the next enterprise bargaining cycle. For some of you it will be your first taste of this fascinating process. 

Your school Union Representative can also fill you in on the ins and outs of enterprise bargaining, while attending your local branch meeting is a great way to keep track of the latest EB goings-on and to have your own say. Click here to see branch meeting dates/times/venues

Remote area incentive scheme (RAIS) changes

If you are currently living and working in one of our state's more remote areas, you know how tough it can be. That's why the QTU places such importance on ensuring your working and living conditions are of an acceptable standard. Over the years, the Union has run many campaigns to help teachers working in these centres, and now members in rural and remote locations are finally seeing the benefit of this work with the implementation of some of the outcomes of the 2008 RAIS review.

....Learn more

Teachers have historically been the movers of social change in many areas of society. Whether it was women gaining the vote or children with disabilities gaining access to education – teachers were at the forefront of the movement for change.

That's why we as educators have an important role to play in tackling what is now being tagged as the "great silent crime of our time" – domestic violence.

This has far reaching effects on our colleagues, families in our communities and the children who are in our classrooms. 

That's why on this year's White Ribbon Day on November 25, QTU members are being encouraged to wear a white ribbon and swear their commitment to remaining "not violent, not silent".

Click here to read more.

For resources regarding raising awareness about domestic violence, go to http://whiteribbondayqueensland.com.au/get-involved or www.adfvc.answ.edu.au

Responding to abuse

In the latest Queensland Teachers' Journal, Rachel Drew from Macrossans Lawyers, the QTU's legal partners, wrote an excellent article on responding to abuse. 

It is important to remember that it is unacceptable for teachers to be abused by students, parents, wider community members or colleagues. We must remember that we all have the right to work in a safe environment.  Take the time to read the article.

If you have any questions, speak to your school Union Representative, or if you would like to ask a confidential question, email qtad@qtu.asn.au 

I hope everyone has a fantastic final term!  Have a great Christmas vacation period and I look forward to catching up with you again in 2012.