12 June 2012

EB 7

On June 6 a Members’ Newsflash was sent to all QTU members outlining the details of the government's EB offer, which the QTU Executive rejected on Wednesday. We will shortly be sending you a further Principal Update outlining the impact this offer would have on you and other principals.

Independent Public Schools

In an unexpected turn of events, on Tuesday the department revealed to the QTU that expressions of interest for the first Independent Public Schools have been brought forward and will now be called in the last week of this term. The first 30 Independent Public Schools, to commence in 2013, will now be selected by the end of term three. 

This decision has significant implications. The government’s insistence on the removal of the current school-based management guarantees from the certified agreement, as well as the absence of specific guarantees around independent public schools, mean that, as things currently stand, the Union has little choice but to oppose the scheme.

Empowering Local Schools

The QTU has also learned that Queensland has to identify 91 schools to participate in the national Empowering Local Schools (ELS) initiative. 

The DDG has indicated that there are no plans to alter the high level of autonomy that currently exists in Queensland schools for those nominating for the ELS. Until further notice, the QTU recommends that principals nominating for the ELS should make their nomination conditional upon the department abiding by this commitment. 

If you wish to nominate your school, and have the consent of staff and community, you may, but you should maintain the option of withdrawing if the department alters the conditions.

Teaching and learning audits

Recent EB developments have meant that the QTU's ballot on the reintroduction of teaching and learning audits, which was due to begin shortly, has had to be postponed.

In the meantime, the directive to members to not participate in the audits (Newsflash No 09-12) remains in force.

Australian Education Union – National Conference for School Leaders

The Australian Education Union is holding a national conference for school leaders in Melbourne from 29 to 30 August.

Guest speakers include:

• John Ralston Saul
• Margaret Wheatley
• Sir Ken Robinson (via satellite).

Click here for more information and for registration papers.