QTAD Q&A
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 3, 23 April 2019, page no. 27
Should the school provide release time for teachers to undertake a meeting with their line manager regarding their APR?
Teachers should be released from class for the purpose of an annual performance review meeting with their principal (or delegate). If a teacher has an over-allocation of non-contact time, admin can direct teachers to attend a meeting during that time.
I have been told that I must attend the forthcoming twilight PD session. I work part-time and the session is on a day I’m not rostered to work. Do I have a choice?
These situations should be resolved at the school level. There will be emergent circumstances when a teacher (permanent, temporary, permanent part-time) will not be able to attend a flexible SFD professional development session due to illness or family responsibilities.
Where these teachers have been paid for the three SFDs in the Easter vacation, they will be expected to complete the 15 hours of professional development by undertaking other professional development offered at the school (outside of rostered duty time), at a nearby school, by the department or by another organisation.
Any cost associated with these alternative professional development arrangements will be met by the teacher unless the principal decides otherwise.
Can teachers be required to remain after school to supervise at the school disco?
While the school may see teachers’ participation in after school activities as an expectation, attendance cannot be made compulsory as the activity falls outside of rostered duty time.
Is there a set student/teacher ratio for school excursions and camps?
To ensure the health and safety of students and staff, schools are required to proactively manage all aspects of a variation to school routine. The school’s duty of care to students extends to school excursions and camps, which are integral to students’ educational programs.
Activities conducted away from schools may increase risks, and therefore the standard of care required must reflect the increase in identified risks.
As there is no specific student to teacher ratio for excursions/camps in general, you should use the curriculum risk assessment processes for the specific activities that may be conducted.