QTAD Q&A

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 2, 11 March 2022, page no.29 [ pdf version]

With regard to playground duty change-over, do I need to stay until the replacement teacher arrives, even if they are late turning up? 

It is the Union’s opinion that teachers have a duty of care to wait until the next rostered teacher arrives to relieve them from playground duty, and you should not leave the students unattended. 

If the person who was to relieve you does not turn up, you could send a message to the office. If there is a continual pattern of the replacement teacher/teacher-aide not turning up on time, this should be raised with administration.

During a recent lockdown at our school, I missed out on part of my non-contact time (NCT). Should this be repaid? 

All classroom teachers are entitled to access NCT, and NCT lost due to planned school activities should be replaced/made up.

Planned school activities are those things that form part of the school calendar and are known – e.g. excursions, school camps, sports carnivals (swimming and athletics carnivals), school assemblies, graduations, QCS, exam blocks, practice fire drills and practice lock downs.

Unforeseen activities, such as evacuations, visits by Parliamentarians, critical responses (eg lockdowns) are not seen as planned school activities.
Additionally, sick leave, carer’s leave, student free days, professional development (where the teacher requests to attend rather than being required to attend by the school), industrial relations education leave, and public holidays are not recognised as planned school activities, nor are they recognised as a way to repay lost NCT.

Our staff meeting is held on Tuesdays, but I only work Wednesday through to Friday as a part-time teacher. What are my obligations when it comes to attending the staff meeting? 

There is no requirement for part-time teachers to attend school staff meetings on days they are not rostered to work. Of course, as a professional you should be mindful of ensuring that you read minutes of the meeting to ensure you are not missing out on anything important.