No. 18-21, 25 May 2021 | DOWNLOAD PDF 

TO: QTU MEMBERS
 

Public education and reconciliation… teacher union business

This Thursday, 27 May, is Public Education Day, a time for members to celebrate and reflect on the wonderful work accomplished every day in state schools and to wonder how many more achievements could be celebrated if state schools were properly and fairly resourced.

Teachers, students and parents across Australia understand the importance of a properly resourced schooling system. Unfortunately, the current federal funding arrangements fall short of providing this.

Imagine if the federal government delivered for our profession. Imagine if you did not have to use your personal funds to resource your classroom. Imagine having an inclusion model that was properly resourced.

In the lead up to Public Education Day, we are asking members to get on board with the national campaign, Every School, Every Child. This an extension of the Gonski and Fair Funding Now campaigns that calls on the federal government to give every state school the funding it needs to help students achieve their potential.

What can I do to join the campaign?

We are asking members to take the following specific actions on Public Education Day.

1. Sign the statement to Federal Members of Parliament.
2. Recruit another five people to sign the statement.
3. Share the story of how more funding could help your school.
4. If you are on social media, share the campaign stories.
5. Add a Public Education Day Facebook frame to your profile photo.
6. Hold a morning tea at your school to promote the need for proper and fair funding of public schools.

Together we can work to elect a federal government that puts the needs of the profession, teachers, school leaders and students at the centre of education. One that listens to and properly resources Every School, Every Child.

Reconciliation Week

Thursday marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (NRW), a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year: 27 May to 3 June, marking two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, which saw the concept of terra nullius overturned. Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action”, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

You can be part of the launching of National Reconciliation Week 2021 by participating in the National Acknowledgement of Country via social media on 27 May at 9am. For more information on how you can participate, please visit this link. You can also find relevant NRW information, including events and resources, on the QTU website.  

Queensland Professional Experience Reporting Framework review

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), the university sector and other key stakeholders are reviewing the Queensland Professional Experience Reporting Framework (QPERF), which guides the assessment and reporting of pre-service teachers participating in professional experience (prac) in schools. They are seeking input from early career teachers, supervisory teachers, those who coordinate professional experience placements in schools, and school leaders. If you are interested in participating, the relevant links are below:

• To participate in the survey: https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/qperf
• To register for focus group workshops: qperfreview@qct.edu.au
• Additional information about the review: www.qct.edu.au/QPERF

Expect Respect survey

We would like to remind you that the QTU’s Expect Respect survey, mentioned in Newsflash 13-21, will close on Monday 31 May. We do encourage members to complete the survey, which can be accessed via this link and the QR code below.​​​​​

Further information and resources on the Expect Respect campaign can be found on our website.

 Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064