primary sector newsletter, term 2, 2010
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE AEU NEWS bull MAY 2010
A E U h e a d o f f i c e 112 Tr e n e r r y C r e s c e n t A b b o t s f o r d 3 0 6 7 Te l 0 3 9 417 2 8 2 2 Fa x 13 0 0 6 5 8 0 7 8 We b w w w a e u v i c a s n a u
PRIMARY SECTORNEWSLETTER
Diary of a dispute2009
bull FederalMinisterof EducationannouncesMySchoolwebsite
bull AEUwarnsaboutdestructiveleaguetablesandseeksdiscussions
bull MinisterrejectsAEUconcernsrefusestomeet
2010bull January20AEUfederalconferenceresolu-
tionwarnsof strongactionif Ministerwillnotdiscussconcernsof professionMinisterrefusestomeet
bull January28MySchoollaunchedleaguetablesappearinpress
bull March29FederalpresidentAngeloGavrielatosputsproposaltoMinistertoaddressconcernsaboutmisuseof dataleaguetablesandMySchoolMinisterrefusestomeet
bull April12Federalexecutiveimposesmorato-riumonNAPLANtestspendingresolutionof theprofessionrsquosldquoethicalandmoralrdquoconcernsMinisterrefusestomeet
bull April14FairWorkOmbudsman(FWO)issuesnoticetoAEUtoproducedocumentsaboutmoratoriumunderthreatof massivefines
bull April28Infaceof nationwidemoratorium
MinisteragreestomeetfederalexecutivebutsaysldquoIamnotheretonegotiaterdquoandrejectsAEUproposalforworkingpartywithACARA
bull April30AEUfilesinfederalcourttostopFWOnoticetoproduce
bull StateemployersseekandobtaincommissionordersagainstAEUbranchesandassociatedbodiestheydefyorders
bull May3FWOservesAEUwithfederalcourtapplicationtoinjunctNAPLANmoratorium
bull MinistertalkswithACTUpresidentSharanBurrowinfaceof severeNAPLANdisruptioninallstatesandterritories
bull May4VictorianGovernmentgetsFairWorkAuthorityordersagainstAEUVicBranchanditsmembersnottoengageinmoratoriumAEUrejectsorderFederalcourthearsFWOapplicationtoinjunctAEU
bull May6AEUfederalexecutivemeetsandacceptsofferfromMinistertosetupACARAworkingpartywithAEUrepresentationMoratoriumliftedFederalcourtadjournsFWOapplicationforthreeweeksFWOsaysitwillmonitorbehaviourof AEUandmembersreNAPLAN
bull May12ndash14NAPLANgoesahead mdashBrianHendersonbranchsecretary
Mary Bluett branch president
AEUmembersaretobecongratulatedforyourstrongprofessionalandethicalstanceon
protectingschoolsstudentsandyourcommunitiesYoushouldcelebratethatitwasyourresolvethatforcedDeputyPrimeMinisterJuliaGillardtocometothetable
Itisasourceof extremefrustrationthatthisdisputewascompletelyavoidableif Gillardhadagreedtoaworkingpartylastyear
WhensheannouncedearlylastyearherintentiontosetupawebsitetheAEUcalledfortheprofessiontohaveinputintoitsdesignanddevelopmentSherefused
Sheclaimedexclusivecontrolinsistingshewouldensureldquotransparencyrdquoldquoshinealightrdquoonunderperformanceandholdschoolsldquoaccount-ablerdquo
AvisittoanyVictoriangovernmentschoolwebsitewouldhaveshownGillardthattranspar-encyandaccountabilityarenotherinventionTheyarewellestablishedhere
GiventheDPMrsquosrefusaltoengagetheprofes-sionAEUfederalconferenceinJanuaryputheronnoticethatunlesssheheededourgenuineconcernsNAPLAN2010wouldnotproceedConferencesetApril12asadeadlineSherefusedtomeet
OnApril12theAEUimposeditsmoratoriumtoforcetheMinistertonegotiateGillardmaintainedherpositionThesitewashersitwouldnotbechangedandshewouldnotdiscusstheissues
OnApril28inthefaceof anationwidemora-toriumandwiththedisputegatheringmomentumGillardfinallydecidedtotalktotheAEUexecutiveHerfirstwordsatthatmeetingwereldquoIamnotheretonegotiaterdquoSheproceededtogivealesson(viaPowerPoint)onhowwonderfulMySchoolwas
AsvariousstatecommissionsstartedtoissueordersonAEUbranchesitbecameclearthattheresolveof theprofessionwasnotweakening
Thebranchesdeclaredinthefaceof theordersandthreatsbytheemployersthatthe
moratoriumwouldstayinplaceuntilaprocesstoreviewthewebsitewasestablished
TherealisationthatNAPLANwouldnotbeimplementedacrossthenationfinallyresultedindiscussionbetweentheAEUandtheDPM
TheoutcomewasanofferbyGillardtosetupaworkingpartymdashwithAEUrepresentationmdashtoreviewandimproveMySchoolTheoperationsof thisworkingpartywillbebasedonasetof princi-plesincludingoppositiontotheestablishmentof
leaguetablesWehavemovedfromasituationwhereGillard
refusedtoacknowledgetherewereissuesrejectedaprocesstodealwiththoseissueswouldnotnegotiateandrejectedtheconceptof aworkingpartytoonewhereaworkingpartyhasbeenestab-lishedwithAEUrepresentation
ThatworkingpartymuststartitsworkquicklyasithasalottodobeforethewebsiteisupdatedinOctober
A LESSON in hubrisThe My School dispute could have been avoided if Julia Gillard had listened to the profession in the first place
2 Primarynewsletter|May2010
Alan Cooper Geoff Allen amp Staff
Level 3432 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004
Visit us at wwwretireviccomau
Retirement Victoria is the AEUrsquos preferred provider of financial and retirement planning services to members
Retirement Victoria Pty Ltd is an authorised representative of Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 244252
AEU PREFERRED PROVIDERS
APPOINTMENTS (03) 9820 8088
Alan Cooper Geoff Allen amp Staff
Level 3432 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004
Visit us at wwwretireviccomau
AEU PREFERRED PROVIDERS
APPOINTMENTS (03) 9820 8088Retirement Victoria is the AEUrsquos preferred provider of financial and retirement planning services to members
Retirement Victoria Pty Ltd is an authorised representative of Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Lts AFSL 244252
SEMINARS FOR TERM 2RV will hold the following seminars at the AEU Building (112 Trenerry Cres Abbotsford) on the following dates Retirement Seminar Saturday 29 May 2010 at 10am Aged Care Seminar Thursday 1 July 2010 at 10am Bookings Call Rhonda Webley on (03) 9418 4844Our seminars continue to emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies that take all relevant issues into account including personal objectives State Super benefits broader superannuation issues taxation and social security matters Find out how to ensure your retirement will be the best you have ever experienced
Carolyn Clancy vice president primary
WHILEteachershavebeenfocusedonthenationalagendaandmorerecentlyonNAPLAN
theVictorianParliamenthasbeenbusydebatingandamendingtheEducationandTrainingReformAct
Thefirstof threeBillsplannedinresponseto2008rsquosVITReviewhasnowbeenpassedbyparlia-ment
IhavepreviouslywrittenaboutthesechangesandtheAEUrsquosconcernsmdashthemainamendmentsinvolvereducingthesizeof thecouncilexpandingitsremittoinquireintoabroaderrangeof mattersintroducinghealthassessmentsandmedicalpanelsallowingtheVITtoinstigateprocedureswithoutcomplaintsandthevoluntarysuspensionorcancel-lationof registration
TheAEUacknowledgesomepositivesintheamendedbillelectedpositionshavebeenmain-tainedandthepaymentof feesmovedfromlateDecembertotheendof September
Howeveranumberof theamendmentsraisedeepconcernsinparticulartheabilityof theVITtoinvestigatebroadermattersandtheproceduresthatneedtobedevelopedtoconsidermatterswithoutcomplaint
WeareseekinginputintodevelopingadequateproceduresandguidelineswiththeVITTheamend-mentswillrequiretheAEUtomonitorcarefullytheimpactof thechanges
InadditiontothispackageafurtheramendmentbillisnowsittinginparliamentSomeof itsmeasuresinclude
bull Enlargingthefunctionsof theVITtoincludedevelopingstandardsforhigherlevelsof
professionalpracticebyteachersbull Streamliningthequalificationrequirementsfor
non-practisingteacherswhowishtoreturntofullregistration
bull Theintroductionof continuouspolicerecordchecksinlinewiththeWorkingWithChildrenassessment
bull Theinclusionof adverseoutcomesof discipli-naryactionontheinstitutersquospublicregister
WhiletheGovernmenthasbeenarguinginparliamentfortheneedtostreamlineVITfunctionssothattheinstituteismoreeffectiveandefficientitisatthesametimeexpandingtheinstitutersquosrolesandresponsibilities
OnemayaskwhoisgoingtopayfortheresourcesthatwillbeneededtofulfiltheseexpandedfunctionsItclearlyshouldnotbetheprofession
Alternative settings reviewErin Aulich deputy vice president secondary
THEEducationDepartmenthassaidthatengage-mentineducationforallchildrenandyoung
peopleof compulsoryschoolageisapriorityandthatVictoriawillprovideasociallyinclusiveeducationsystem
NowithasissuedPathwaystoRe-engagementThroughFlexibleLearningOptionsaworkingdocumentthathascomeoutof the2009reviewof alternativeeducation
Itdiscussestheneedtodeveloparobustpolicyframeworktoguidetheprovisionof educationtothosestudentsatriskof disengagingoralreadydisengagedfromeducation
Thepaperencouragesdiscussionand
feedbackthroughprincipalsalternativesettingsstaff andlocalstakeholdersThesesubmissionswillbecollatedbytheregionsandsubmittedtothedepartmentbyMay31TheAEUwillmakeasubmissionMembersarewelcometocontributeideastoJustinMullalyattheunion
Thecontinuumof optionscomprisesfourtiersbull Differentiatedprovisionof educationbull Targetedinitiativesbull Flexiblelearningoptionswithinschool
settingsandbull Flexiblelearningoptionsinseparateor
off-sitesettingsThepolicylooksatthreemainstudentoutcomes
studentlearningstudentengagementandwellbeingandstudentpathwaysandtransitions
Itsinitialfocusisonthegovernmentschoolsectorinordertoimproveflexiblelearningoptionstakingintoaccount
bull Linksbetweenprovisionof flexiblelearningoptionsandkeyelementsof schoolandnetworkstrategicplanning
bull Goodpracticeprinciplesbull Fivekeyfocusareas(skilledworkforce
accountabilitylocalsolutionspartnershipsandappropriatetargetingof resources)
bull Aconsistentfundingapproachandbull Timelinesandprocessesforreviewand
evaluationGreaterdetailcanbefoundintheconsultation
paperattinyccmh439(PDF)
New powers planned for VITAs one raft of amendments to the VIT passes into law another is introduced mdash but teachers must not be asked to foot the bill for a streamlined souped-up institute
wwwaeuvicasnau 3
THEsecondroundof theexitstrategyisnowunderwayTheperiodforexpressionsof interest
endedonApril27andallapplicationshavenowbeenassessedagainsttheeligibilitycriteria
Over200teachersexpressedinterestandof these192wereratedaseligible
TheEducationDepartmenthasinformedtheAEUthatapproximately60offerswillbemadeinthecomingweeks(midtolateMay)AnyonewhoacceptsanofferbyJune7willberequiredtoleavetheteachingservicebeforeJune25mdashthelastdayof term
Asinthefirstroundearlythisyearongoingstaff leavingtheprofessionwillbereplacedbyeligiblefixedtermemployeeseitherfromwithintheschoolorfromotherschools(throughanadvertised
expressionof interestprocess)Whenthesecondroundof thisprogramwas
announcedthedepartmentflaggedthatitmightconsidergivingschoolstheopportunitytofundthepackageoutof theirownbudgetsoncetheinitial60department-fundedoffershadbeenallocated
TheAEUhasexpresseditsstrongestoppositionmdashwedonotbelievethisisanappropriateuseof scarceschoolresourceswhichshouldbeusedforschoolprograms
Atthisstagethedepartmenthasnotnotifieduswhetheritwillpursuethiscourseof action
MemberswhoaremadeanoffershouldseekappropriatefinancialadvicebeforeacceptingitorringtheAEUforassistance
mdashMeredithPeacedeputybranchpresident
EXIT STRATEGY Applications flood in
OUTRAGE at Iranian teacherrsquos execution
THEAEUhaslearnedthatIranianteacherunionistFarzadKarmangar35wasoneof fivepeople
executedinsecretonMay9Sincehissentencingin2008theAEUhadsent
actionemailstomemberswheneverwereceivedreportshisexecutionwasimminentandinterna-tionaleffortswereabletopreventhisexecutionThistimetherewasnowarning
FarzadKamangaramemberof theTeachersrsquoUnionof Kurdistanwasaccusedof ldquoendangeringnationalsecurityrdquoandldquoenmityagainstGodrdquoandsentencedtodeathinashamtrialthatlastedlessthanfiveminutes
EducationInternationalgeneralsecretaryFredvanLeeuwensaidldquoWearealldeeplyshockedandsaddenedtohearthatFarzadhasbeenexecuted
ldquoHiscasewasparticularlytroublinghellipbecauseof theopaqueandsecretivemannerinwhichhistrialwasconductedthelackof basicrightshehadaccesstowhilstinprisonandthefactthatneitherhisfamilynorlegalrepresentativeswereinformedof hisexecutionrdquo
MemberscansendamessagetotheIranianauthoritiesprotestingabouthisexecutionandsupportingotherteacherunionistsstillinjailviatheLabourStartwebsitemdashgototinyccdhtmw
Going LIVE The Ultranet is here mdash but as the system rolls out across the state consultation will be the key to making sure it doesnrsquot increase workload and that staff get the training and support they need
Justin Mullaly vice president secondary
WITHthefirststageof theUltranetnowlaunchedschoolsacrossthestateatlasthave
accesstotheproductTherolloutisbeingstagedacrosseachnetwork
andthefirstreportsfrommembersarethatitisanimpressivepackagethatlooksthegoodswhenitcomestoanonlinelearningenvironment
Schoolsyettogetaccessarebeingencouragedtogetreadybyadvisingstaff of theUltranetrsquoscapa-bilitieslookingathowitcansupporttheprioritiessetoutintheirannualimplementationplanreviewtheirICTinfrastructureensurethatCASES21dataisasaccurateaspossibleandconsiderhowUltranettrainingandsupportaretobeincludedinstaff meetingsandprofessionallearningtime
Thedepartmentalsosuggeststhatstudentsandparentswillneedsupporttobuildtheirunder-standingof andconfidenceintheproduct
ThedepartmentrsquosUltranetwebsitehasplentyof informationandiscertainlyworthexploringmdashgototinycctb1ydYouwillneedyouredumaillogintogainaccess
Wecontinuetoholddiscussionswiththe
departmentoverarangeof issuesconnectedwiththeUltranetincludingpotentialworkloadincreasesteacher-student-parentcommunicationsresourcesthepaceof implementationatschoollevelcyber-securityandsafetyandtechnicalsupport
Onthesubjectof parentsthedepartmenthasmadeclearthattheirroleistomonitortheirchildrsquoslearningTeacherswillbeabletoinitiatedialoguewithparentsbutasdeputysecretaryof thedepartmentDarrellFrasersaidinoneof hisregularnewslettersldquoparentswillnotbeablecontactteachersdirectlythroughtheUltranetinterfacerdquo
ParentswillnothaveaccesstoteachersrsquoemailaddressesteacherswillneedtoexplicitlyinviteparentfeedbackordiscussionExamplesof parent-teachercontactinclude
bull Whenaparentbecomesamemberof aspecificcommunitywithintheschool(egschoolcouncilparentsandfriendsgrouporsportsclub)theUltranetwillenablethatcommunitytoshareinformationandholddiscussions
bull Whenateacherinvitesaparenttocommentonaspecificpieceof workbytheirchild
ItisalsobeenmadeclearthatschoolswilldeterminethepaceatwhichtheUltranetisimplementedateachschoolThePre-deploymentChecklistandAdvicedocumentencouragesprincipalsldquototailorUltranetimplementationtobeconsistentwiththe[schoolrsquos]goalsandpriorities
anddeterminethisusingtheirusualschool-basedconsultationprocessesrdquo
Of courseanyconsultationmusthavethedirectinputof theAEUsub-branchattheschool
SchoolsthataremostsuccessfulinintroducingtheUltranetwillbetheonesthattaketheirtimeandconsidertheinitiativeinthecontextof theoverallworkloadof staff
AstheUltranetbecomesavailabletoyourschoolitisessentialthatgenuineconsultationoccursthroughtheschoolrsquosconsultativecommitteeandotherforumssuchasstaff meetings
Consultativecommitteesshouldbeadvisingtheprincipalonarangeof mattersincluding
bull HowtheschoolwillusetheAugust9pupil-freeday
bull PlansfortheschoolrsquosUltranetprofessionallearningprogramincludingusingthetwohoursof scheduledmeetingtimeperweekprovidedforintheSchoolsAgreementforstaff tolearnaboutandgainconfidenceinusingthepackage
bull RelievingUltranetleadusersof somescheduleddutiestosupportcolleaguesinusingtheprogram
bull Reviewingtheschoolrsquosacceptableusepolicyforinternet(andnowUltranet)use
bull ImplementingtheUltranetatapacewhichrecognisescapacityof teacherstouseICTintheclassroomandtheirexistingworkload
4 Primarynewsletter|May2010
savings that soar
Victoria Teachers Credit Union LimitedABN 44 087 651 769 AFSL 240 960
Conditions apply Bonus interest of an additional 125 pa above the standard Online Saver Account interest rate is earned when no withdrawals are made and at least $200 is deposited in the calendar month Victoria Teachers Credit Union reserves the right to cease offering this product at any time The Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account will convert to the standard Online Saver Account (S99) on 31 December 2010 Existing Online Saver (S99) holders are not eligible to open the Online Saver - Bonus Rate (S89) Interest rate correct as at 17 May 2010 Check website for current rates This information does not take into account your objectives financial situation or needs Therefore you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the Terms and Conditions before acquiring a product These documents are available at our branches or by contacting us on 1300 654 822
Send your savings soaring with 125 pa in bonus interestWith our Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account you can earn up to
615 panNo account keeping fees nFunds available at call
Call 1300 654 822 or visit wwwvicteachcomau
The Federal Governmentrsquos overhaul of schools funding will be the best chance in a generation to get a fair deal for public education But the campaign will require every member to play their part
Funding review begins
Meredith Peace deputy branch president
THEAEUlauncheditsfederalschoolsfundingcampaignmdashPublicEducationforourFuturemdash
attheNationalPublicEducationForuminCanberrainlateMarchOurfocusnowmovesfederallyfromNAPLANtoacampaignthatwillbeincrediblyimportantforthefutureof publiceducationinthiscountry
ThiscampaignisaboutbringingallteachersandparentstogethertomakeadifferenceWeneedstrongwellresourcedpublicschoolstoensurethateveryfamilyhasaccesstoaneducationof thehighestqualityintheircommunityandtomakesureallchildrengettheeducationtheydeservetoachievetheirfullpotential
Investinginpublicschoolsisthekeytoastrongereconomyamoreskilledworkforceandaprosperousandsociallycohesivesociety
Schools fundingCurrentlytheFederalGovernmentsharesrespon-sibilitywithstateandterritorygovernmentsforfundingschoolswithmoneyprovidedbothforongoingoperationsof schoolsandforthecapitalworksthatschoolsneed
AccordingtoOECDreportsAustralialagsbadlybehindotherdevelopedcountriesmdashourgovernmentwouldneedtoincreasefundingbyaround$6billionayeartobringittotheaverageof thedevelopednationsOverthepast13yearsthebiggestproblemhasbeenthelackof fundingprovidedbytheFederalGovernment
Inadditionovertwo-thirdsof childrenattendgovernmentschoolsyetreceiveonlyonethirdof theFederalGovernmentrsquosrecurrentspendingThisequatesto$1051perpublicschoolstudentcomparedto$4515perprivateschoolstudent(sourceProductivityCommissionReport)
ClearlytheFederalGovernmentrsquosfundingsystemisfundamentallyflawedandneedstobeoverhauledtodeliverabetterdealforpublicschools
The reviewTheFederalMinisterforEducationJuliaGillardannouncedon15Aprilthatthefirstreviewof schoolfundingarrangementssince1973wouldstartthisyearandconcludein2011
TheGovernmentiscurrentlyconsultingonitstermsof referenceandtheAEUwillbeinvolvedinthisprocessThediscussionpapercanbedown-loadedattinycce2adx(PDF)
ThepaperstatesldquoThereviewrsquosrecommen-dationsshouldbedirectedtowardsachievingafundingsystemfortheperiodbeyond2012whichistransparentfairfinanciallysustainableandeffectiveinpromotingexcellenteducationaloutcomesforallAustralianstudentsrdquo
Thereviewwillexaminebull HowallAustraliarsquosschoolsarecurrently
fundedbull Improvementstothedistributionof resources
towheretheyareneededmosttoraiseachievementandnarrowthegapscausedbydisadvantageandotherfactors
bull Whatinvestmentsinschoolingworkwellandwhatcanbeimproved
Thepaperalsooutlinesotherissuestoconsiderincluding
bull Thecostof educatingastudenttoworldclasseducationalstandards
bull Waystoincreasethesimplicitytransparencyandeffectivenessof funding
bull Whetherabasicentitlementforeverystudentisrequired
bull Thebestwaytomeetthecostsof specificfactorssuchasindigeneitylocationdisabilityandsocio-economicdisadvantage
bull Cost-effectivefundingbull Lessonstobelearnedfromfundingarrange-
mentsoverseasandinAustraliaespeciallythoseinhigh-performingsystems
bull Compositionof fundingincludingteachingcapitalandothercosts
bull Indexationbull Theplaceof voluntaryandprivatecontribu-
tionsandfeesbull Appropriatepublicaccountabilityforschools
receivingpublicfundsThedrafttermsof referenceareopenforpubliccommentuntiltheendof MayandafinalversionisexpectedtobeannouncedbyJune2010
Public education mdash for our futureTheAEUcampaignisacommunity-basedcampaignwithanumberof broadaims
bull Todeliverafundingmodelbasedonneednotentitlement
bull Toenhancepartnershipswithparentgroupsotherkeystakeholdersandlocalstateandnationalpoliticiansforlong-termsupportof governmentschools
bull TogeneratesubmissionstothereviewfromallgovernmentschoolsinAustralia
InVictoriawewillalsobefocusingonanumberof targetedfederalseatswhichincludeDeakinLatrobeMcEwenCorangamite(allmarginal)andLalor(theEducationMinisterrsquosseat)
Asthiswillverymuchbeacommunitygrass-rootscampaigntherewillbeavarietyof activitiesthatmemberswillbeaskedtobeinvolvedinsuchasletterboxingcommunitymeetingslobbyinglocalMPsanduseof freeandpaidmedia
AllAEUmembersshouldregisterattheForourFuturecampaignwebsitemdashwwwforourfutureorgauforregularupdatesandactivitiesyoucanbeinvolvedin
2 Primarynewsletter|May2010
Alan Cooper Geoff Allen amp Staff
Level 3432 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004
Visit us at wwwretireviccomau
Retirement Victoria is the AEUrsquos preferred provider of financial and retirement planning services to members
Retirement Victoria Pty Ltd is an authorised representative of Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 244252
AEU PREFERRED PROVIDERS
APPOINTMENTS (03) 9820 8088
Alan Cooper Geoff Allen amp Staff
Level 3432 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004
Visit us at wwwretireviccomau
AEU PREFERRED PROVIDERS
APPOINTMENTS (03) 9820 8088Retirement Victoria is the AEUrsquos preferred provider of financial and retirement planning services to members
Retirement Victoria Pty Ltd is an authorised representative of Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Lts AFSL 244252
SEMINARS FOR TERM 2RV will hold the following seminars at the AEU Building (112 Trenerry Cres Abbotsford) on the following dates Retirement Seminar Saturday 29 May 2010 at 10am Aged Care Seminar Thursday 1 July 2010 at 10am Bookings Call Rhonda Webley on (03) 9418 4844Our seminars continue to emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies that take all relevant issues into account including personal objectives State Super benefits broader superannuation issues taxation and social security matters Find out how to ensure your retirement will be the best you have ever experienced
Carolyn Clancy vice president primary
WHILEteachershavebeenfocusedonthenationalagendaandmorerecentlyonNAPLAN
theVictorianParliamenthasbeenbusydebatingandamendingtheEducationandTrainingReformAct
Thefirstof threeBillsplannedinresponseto2008rsquosVITReviewhasnowbeenpassedbyparlia-ment
IhavepreviouslywrittenaboutthesechangesandtheAEUrsquosconcernsmdashthemainamendmentsinvolvereducingthesizeof thecouncilexpandingitsremittoinquireintoabroaderrangeof mattersintroducinghealthassessmentsandmedicalpanelsallowingtheVITtoinstigateprocedureswithoutcomplaintsandthevoluntarysuspensionorcancel-lationof registration
TheAEUacknowledgesomepositivesintheamendedbillelectedpositionshavebeenmain-tainedandthepaymentof feesmovedfromlateDecembertotheendof September
Howeveranumberof theamendmentsraisedeepconcernsinparticulartheabilityof theVITtoinvestigatebroadermattersandtheproceduresthatneedtobedevelopedtoconsidermatterswithoutcomplaint
WeareseekinginputintodevelopingadequateproceduresandguidelineswiththeVITTheamend-mentswillrequiretheAEUtomonitorcarefullytheimpactof thechanges
InadditiontothispackageafurtheramendmentbillisnowsittinginparliamentSomeof itsmeasuresinclude
bull Enlargingthefunctionsof theVITtoincludedevelopingstandardsforhigherlevelsof
professionalpracticebyteachersbull Streamliningthequalificationrequirementsfor
non-practisingteacherswhowishtoreturntofullregistration
bull Theintroductionof continuouspolicerecordchecksinlinewiththeWorkingWithChildrenassessment
bull Theinclusionof adverseoutcomesof discipli-naryactionontheinstitutersquospublicregister
WhiletheGovernmenthasbeenarguinginparliamentfortheneedtostreamlineVITfunctionssothattheinstituteismoreeffectiveandefficientitisatthesametimeexpandingtheinstitutersquosrolesandresponsibilities
OnemayaskwhoisgoingtopayfortheresourcesthatwillbeneededtofulfiltheseexpandedfunctionsItclearlyshouldnotbetheprofession
Alternative settings reviewErin Aulich deputy vice president secondary
THEEducationDepartmenthassaidthatengage-mentineducationforallchildrenandyoung
peopleof compulsoryschoolageisapriorityandthatVictoriawillprovideasociallyinclusiveeducationsystem
NowithasissuedPathwaystoRe-engagementThroughFlexibleLearningOptionsaworkingdocumentthathascomeoutof the2009reviewof alternativeeducation
Itdiscussestheneedtodeveloparobustpolicyframeworktoguidetheprovisionof educationtothosestudentsatriskof disengagingoralreadydisengagedfromeducation
Thepaperencouragesdiscussionand
feedbackthroughprincipalsalternativesettingsstaff andlocalstakeholdersThesesubmissionswillbecollatedbytheregionsandsubmittedtothedepartmentbyMay31TheAEUwillmakeasubmissionMembersarewelcometocontributeideastoJustinMullalyattheunion
Thecontinuumof optionscomprisesfourtiersbull Differentiatedprovisionof educationbull Targetedinitiativesbull Flexiblelearningoptionswithinschool
settingsandbull Flexiblelearningoptionsinseparateor
off-sitesettingsThepolicylooksatthreemainstudentoutcomes
studentlearningstudentengagementandwellbeingandstudentpathwaysandtransitions
Itsinitialfocusisonthegovernmentschoolsectorinordertoimproveflexiblelearningoptionstakingintoaccount
bull Linksbetweenprovisionof flexiblelearningoptionsandkeyelementsof schoolandnetworkstrategicplanning
bull Goodpracticeprinciplesbull Fivekeyfocusareas(skilledworkforce
accountabilitylocalsolutionspartnershipsandappropriatetargetingof resources)
bull Aconsistentfundingapproachandbull Timelinesandprocessesforreviewand
evaluationGreaterdetailcanbefoundintheconsultation
paperattinyccmh439(PDF)
New powers planned for VITAs one raft of amendments to the VIT passes into law another is introduced mdash but teachers must not be asked to foot the bill for a streamlined souped-up institute
wwwaeuvicasnau 3
THEsecondroundof theexitstrategyisnowunderwayTheperiodforexpressionsof interest
endedonApril27andallapplicationshavenowbeenassessedagainsttheeligibilitycriteria
Over200teachersexpressedinterestandof these192wereratedaseligible
TheEducationDepartmenthasinformedtheAEUthatapproximately60offerswillbemadeinthecomingweeks(midtolateMay)AnyonewhoacceptsanofferbyJune7willberequiredtoleavetheteachingservicebeforeJune25mdashthelastdayof term
Asinthefirstroundearlythisyearongoingstaff leavingtheprofessionwillbereplacedbyeligiblefixedtermemployeeseitherfromwithintheschoolorfromotherschools(throughanadvertised
expressionof interestprocess)Whenthesecondroundof thisprogramwas
announcedthedepartmentflaggedthatitmightconsidergivingschoolstheopportunitytofundthepackageoutof theirownbudgetsoncetheinitial60department-fundedoffershadbeenallocated
TheAEUhasexpresseditsstrongestoppositionmdashwedonotbelievethisisanappropriateuseof scarceschoolresourceswhichshouldbeusedforschoolprograms
Atthisstagethedepartmenthasnotnotifieduswhetheritwillpursuethiscourseof action
MemberswhoaremadeanoffershouldseekappropriatefinancialadvicebeforeacceptingitorringtheAEUforassistance
mdashMeredithPeacedeputybranchpresident
EXIT STRATEGY Applications flood in
OUTRAGE at Iranian teacherrsquos execution
THEAEUhaslearnedthatIranianteacherunionistFarzadKarmangar35wasoneof fivepeople
executedinsecretonMay9Sincehissentencingin2008theAEUhadsent
actionemailstomemberswheneverwereceivedreportshisexecutionwasimminentandinterna-tionaleffortswereabletopreventhisexecutionThistimetherewasnowarning
FarzadKamangaramemberof theTeachersrsquoUnionof Kurdistanwasaccusedof ldquoendangeringnationalsecurityrdquoandldquoenmityagainstGodrdquoandsentencedtodeathinashamtrialthatlastedlessthanfiveminutes
EducationInternationalgeneralsecretaryFredvanLeeuwensaidldquoWearealldeeplyshockedandsaddenedtohearthatFarzadhasbeenexecuted
ldquoHiscasewasparticularlytroublinghellipbecauseof theopaqueandsecretivemannerinwhichhistrialwasconductedthelackof basicrightshehadaccesstowhilstinprisonandthefactthatneitherhisfamilynorlegalrepresentativeswereinformedof hisexecutionrdquo
MemberscansendamessagetotheIranianauthoritiesprotestingabouthisexecutionandsupportingotherteacherunionistsstillinjailviatheLabourStartwebsitemdashgototinyccdhtmw
Going LIVE The Ultranet is here mdash but as the system rolls out across the state consultation will be the key to making sure it doesnrsquot increase workload and that staff get the training and support they need
Justin Mullaly vice president secondary
WITHthefirststageof theUltranetnowlaunchedschoolsacrossthestateatlasthave
accesstotheproductTherolloutisbeingstagedacrosseachnetwork
andthefirstreportsfrommembersarethatitisanimpressivepackagethatlooksthegoodswhenitcomestoanonlinelearningenvironment
Schoolsyettogetaccessarebeingencouragedtogetreadybyadvisingstaff of theUltranetrsquoscapa-bilitieslookingathowitcansupporttheprioritiessetoutintheirannualimplementationplanreviewtheirICTinfrastructureensurethatCASES21dataisasaccurateaspossibleandconsiderhowUltranettrainingandsupportaretobeincludedinstaff meetingsandprofessionallearningtime
Thedepartmentalsosuggeststhatstudentsandparentswillneedsupporttobuildtheirunder-standingof andconfidenceintheproduct
ThedepartmentrsquosUltranetwebsitehasplentyof informationandiscertainlyworthexploringmdashgototinycctb1ydYouwillneedyouredumaillogintogainaccess
Wecontinuetoholddiscussionswiththe
departmentoverarangeof issuesconnectedwiththeUltranetincludingpotentialworkloadincreasesteacher-student-parentcommunicationsresourcesthepaceof implementationatschoollevelcyber-securityandsafetyandtechnicalsupport
Onthesubjectof parentsthedepartmenthasmadeclearthattheirroleistomonitortheirchildrsquoslearningTeacherswillbeabletoinitiatedialoguewithparentsbutasdeputysecretaryof thedepartmentDarrellFrasersaidinoneof hisregularnewslettersldquoparentswillnotbeablecontactteachersdirectlythroughtheUltranetinterfacerdquo
ParentswillnothaveaccesstoteachersrsquoemailaddressesteacherswillneedtoexplicitlyinviteparentfeedbackordiscussionExamplesof parent-teachercontactinclude
bull Whenaparentbecomesamemberof aspecificcommunitywithintheschool(egschoolcouncilparentsandfriendsgrouporsportsclub)theUltranetwillenablethatcommunitytoshareinformationandholddiscussions
bull Whenateacherinvitesaparenttocommentonaspecificpieceof workbytheirchild
ItisalsobeenmadeclearthatschoolswilldeterminethepaceatwhichtheUltranetisimplementedateachschoolThePre-deploymentChecklistandAdvicedocumentencouragesprincipalsldquototailorUltranetimplementationtobeconsistentwiththe[schoolrsquos]goalsandpriorities
anddeterminethisusingtheirusualschool-basedconsultationprocessesrdquo
Of courseanyconsultationmusthavethedirectinputof theAEUsub-branchattheschool
SchoolsthataremostsuccessfulinintroducingtheUltranetwillbetheonesthattaketheirtimeandconsidertheinitiativeinthecontextof theoverallworkloadof staff
AstheUltranetbecomesavailabletoyourschoolitisessentialthatgenuineconsultationoccursthroughtheschoolrsquosconsultativecommitteeandotherforumssuchasstaff meetings
Consultativecommitteesshouldbeadvisingtheprincipalonarangeof mattersincluding
bull HowtheschoolwillusetheAugust9pupil-freeday
bull PlansfortheschoolrsquosUltranetprofessionallearningprogramincludingusingthetwohoursof scheduledmeetingtimeperweekprovidedforintheSchoolsAgreementforstaff tolearnaboutandgainconfidenceinusingthepackage
bull RelievingUltranetleadusersof somescheduleddutiestosupportcolleaguesinusingtheprogram
bull Reviewingtheschoolrsquosacceptableusepolicyforinternet(andnowUltranet)use
bull ImplementingtheUltranetatapacewhichrecognisescapacityof teacherstouseICTintheclassroomandtheirexistingworkload
4 Primarynewsletter|May2010
savings that soar
Victoria Teachers Credit Union LimitedABN 44 087 651 769 AFSL 240 960
Conditions apply Bonus interest of an additional 125 pa above the standard Online Saver Account interest rate is earned when no withdrawals are made and at least $200 is deposited in the calendar month Victoria Teachers Credit Union reserves the right to cease offering this product at any time The Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account will convert to the standard Online Saver Account (S99) on 31 December 2010 Existing Online Saver (S99) holders are not eligible to open the Online Saver - Bonus Rate (S89) Interest rate correct as at 17 May 2010 Check website for current rates This information does not take into account your objectives financial situation or needs Therefore you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the Terms and Conditions before acquiring a product These documents are available at our branches or by contacting us on 1300 654 822
Send your savings soaring with 125 pa in bonus interestWith our Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account you can earn up to
615 panNo account keeping fees nFunds available at call
Call 1300 654 822 or visit wwwvicteachcomau
The Federal Governmentrsquos overhaul of schools funding will be the best chance in a generation to get a fair deal for public education But the campaign will require every member to play their part
Funding review begins
Meredith Peace deputy branch president
THEAEUlauncheditsfederalschoolsfundingcampaignmdashPublicEducationforourFuturemdash
attheNationalPublicEducationForuminCanberrainlateMarchOurfocusnowmovesfederallyfromNAPLANtoacampaignthatwillbeincrediblyimportantforthefutureof publiceducationinthiscountry
ThiscampaignisaboutbringingallteachersandparentstogethertomakeadifferenceWeneedstrongwellresourcedpublicschoolstoensurethateveryfamilyhasaccesstoaneducationof thehighestqualityintheircommunityandtomakesureallchildrengettheeducationtheydeservetoachievetheirfullpotential
Investinginpublicschoolsisthekeytoastrongereconomyamoreskilledworkforceandaprosperousandsociallycohesivesociety
Schools fundingCurrentlytheFederalGovernmentsharesrespon-sibilitywithstateandterritorygovernmentsforfundingschoolswithmoneyprovidedbothforongoingoperationsof schoolsandforthecapitalworksthatschoolsneed
AccordingtoOECDreportsAustralialagsbadlybehindotherdevelopedcountriesmdashourgovernmentwouldneedtoincreasefundingbyaround$6billionayeartobringittotheaverageof thedevelopednationsOverthepast13yearsthebiggestproblemhasbeenthelackof fundingprovidedbytheFederalGovernment
Inadditionovertwo-thirdsof childrenattendgovernmentschoolsyetreceiveonlyonethirdof theFederalGovernmentrsquosrecurrentspendingThisequatesto$1051perpublicschoolstudentcomparedto$4515perprivateschoolstudent(sourceProductivityCommissionReport)
ClearlytheFederalGovernmentrsquosfundingsystemisfundamentallyflawedandneedstobeoverhauledtodeliverabetterdealforpublicschools
The reviewTheFederalMinisterforEducationJuliaGillardannouncedon15Aprilthatthefirstreviewof schoolfundingarrangementssince1973wouldstartthisyearandconcludein2011
TheGovernmentiscurrentlyconsultingonitstermsof referenceandtheAEUwillbeinvolvedinthisprocessThediscussionpapercanbedown-loadedattinycce2adx(PDF)
ThepaperstatesldquoThereviewrsquosrecommen-dationsshouldbedirectedtowardsachievingafundingsystemfortheperiodbeyond2012whichistransparentfairfinanciallysustainableandeffectiveinpromotingexcellenteducationaloutcomesforallAustralianstudentsrdquo
Thereviewwillexaminebull HowallAustraliarsquosschoolsarecurrently
fundedbull Improvementstothedistributionof resources
towheretheyareneededmosttoraiseachievementandnarrowthegapscausedbydisadvantageandotherfactors
bull Whatinvestmentsinschoolingworkwellandwhatcanbeimproved
Thepaperalsooutlinesotherissuestoconsiderincluding
bull Thecostof educatingastudenttoworldclasseducationalstandards
bull Waystoincreasethesimplicitytransparencyandeffectivenessof funding
bull Whetherabasicentitlementforeverystudentisrequired
bull Thebestwaytomeetthecostsof specificfactorssuchasindigeneitylocationdisabilityandsocio-economicdisadvantage
bull Cost-effectivefundingbull Lessonstobelearnedfromfundingarrange-
mentsoverseasandinAustraliaespeciallythoseinhigh-performingsystems
bull Compositionof fundingincludingteachingcapitalandothercosts
bull Indexationbull Theplaceof voluntaryandprivatecontribu-
tionsandfeesbull Appropriatepublicaccountabilityforschools
receivingpublicfundsThedrafttermsof referenceareopenforpubliccommentuntiltheendof MayandafinalversionisexpectedtobeannouncedbyJune2010
Public education mdash for our futureTheAEUcampaignisacommunity-basedcampaignwithanumberof broadaims
bull Todeliverafundingmodelbasedonneednotentitlement
bull Toenhancepartnershipswithparentgroupsotherkeystakeholdersandlocalstateandnationalpoliticiansforlong-termsupportof governmentschools
bull TogeneratesubmissionstothereviewfromallgovernmentschoolsinAustralia
InVictoriawewillalsobefocusingonanumberof targetedfederalseatswhichincludeDeakinLatrobeMcEwenCorangamite(allmarginal)andLalor(theEducationMinisterrsquosseat)
Asthiswillverymuchbeacommunitygrass-rootscampaigntherewillbeavarietyof activitiesthatmemberswillbeaskedtobeinvolvedinsuchasletterboxingcommunitymeetingslobbyinglocalMPsanduseof freeandpaidmedia
AllAEUmembersshouldregisterattheForourFuturecampaignwebsitemdashwwwforourfutureorgauforregularupdatesandactivitiesyoucanbeinvolvedin
wwwaeuvicasnau 3
THEsecondroundof theexitstrategyisnowunderwayTheperiodforexpressionsof interest
endedonApril27andallapplicationshavenowbeenassessedagainsttheeligibilitycriteria
Over200teachersexpressedinterestandof these192wereratedaseligible
TheEducationDepartmenthasinformedtheAEUthatapproximately60offerswillbemadeinthecomingweeks(midtolateMay)AnyonewhoacceptsanofferbyJune7willberequiredtoleavetheteachingservicebeforeJune25mdashthelastdayof term
Asinthefirstroundearlythisyearongoingstaff leavingtheprofessionwillbereplacedbyeligiblefixedtermemployeeseitherfromwithintheschoolorfromotherschools(throughanadvertised
expressionof interestprocess)Whenthesecondroundof thisprogramwas
announcedthedepartmentflaggedthatitmightconsidergivingschoolstheopportunitytofundthepackageoutof theirownbudgetsoncetheinitial60department-fundedoffershadbeenallocated
TheAEUhasexpresseditsstrongestoppositionmdashwedonotbelievethisisanappropriateuseof scarceschoolresourceswhichshouldbeusedforschoolprograms
Atthisstagethedepartmenthasnotnotifieduswhetheritwillpursuethiscourseof action
MemberswhoaremadeanoffershouldseekappropriatefinancialadvicebeforeacceptingitorringtheAEUforassistance
mdashMeredithPeacedeputybranchpresident
EXIT STRATEGY Applications flood in
OUTRAGE at Iranian teacherrsquos execution
THEAEUhaslearnedthatIranianteacherunionistFarzadKarmangar35wasoneof fivepeople
executedinsecretonMay9Sincehissentencingin2008theAEUhadsent
actionemailstomemberswheneverwereceivedreportshisexecutionwasimminentandinterna-tionaleffortswereabletopreventhisexecutionThistimetherewasnowarning
FarzadKamangaramemberof theTeachersrsquoUnionof Kurdistanwasaccusedof ldquoendangeringnationalsecurityrdquoandldquoenmityagainstGodrdquoandsentencedtodeathinashamtrialthatlastedlessthanfiveminutes
EducationInternationalgeneralsecretaryFredvanLeeuwensaidldquoWearealldeeplyshockedandsaddenedtohearthatFarzadhasbeenexecuted
ldquoHiscasewasparticularlytroublinghellipbecauseof theopaqueandsecretivemannerinwhichhistrialwasconductedthelackof basicrightshehadaccesstowhilstinprisonandthefactthatneitherhisfamilynorlegalrepresentativeswereinformedof hisexecutionrdquo
MemberscansendamessagetotheIranianauthoritiesprotestingabouthisexecutionandsupportingotherteacherunionistsstillinjailviatheLabourStartwebsitemdashgototinyccdhtmw
Going LIVE The Ultranet is here mdash but as the system rolls out across the state consultation will be the key to making sure it doesnrsquot increase workload and that staff get the training and support they need
Justin Mullaly vice president secondary
WITHthefirststageof theUltranetnowlaunchedschoolsacrossthestateatlasthave
accesstotheproductTherolloutisbeingstagedacrosseachnetwork
andthefirstreportsfrommembersarethatitisanimpressivepackagethatlooksthegoodswhenitcomestoanonlinelearningenvironment
Schoolsyettogetaccessarebeingencouragedtogetreadybyadvisingstaff of theUltranetrsquoscapa-bilitieslookingathowitcansupporttheprioritiessetoutintheirannualimplementationplanreviewtheirICTinfrastructureensurethatCASES21dataisasaccurateaspossibleandconsiderhowUltranettrainingandsupportaretobeincludedinstaff meetingsandprofessionallearningtime
Thedepartmentalsosuggeststhatstudentsandparentswillneedsupporttobuildtheirunder-standingof andconfidenceintheproduct
ThedepartmentrsquosUltranetwebsitehasplentyof informationandiscertainlyworthexploringmdashgototinycctb1ydYouwillneedyouredumaillogintogainaccess
Wecontinuetoholddiscussionswiththe
departmentoverarangeof issuesconnectedwiththeUltranetincludingpotentialworkloadincreasesteacher-student-parentcommunicationsresourcesthepaceof implementationatschoollevelcyber-securityandsafetyandtechnicalsupport
Onthesubjectof parentsthedepartmenthasmadeclearthattheirroleistomonitortheirchildrsquoslearningTeacherswillbeabletoinitiatedialoguewithparentsbutasdeputysecretaryof thedepartmentDarrellFrasersaidinoneof hisregularnewslettersldquoparentswillnotbeablecontactteachersdirectlythroughtheUltranetinterfacerdquo
ParentswillnothaveaccesstoteachersrsquoemailaddressesteacherswillneedtoexplicitlyinviteparentfeedbackordiscussionExamplesof parent-teachercontactinclude
bull Whenaparentbecomesamemberof aspecificcommunitywithintheschool(egschoolcouncilparentsandfriendsgrouporsportsclub)theUltranetwillenablethatcommunitytoshareinformationandholddiscussions
bull Whenateacherinvitesaparenttocommentonaspecificpieceof workbytheirchild
ItisalsobeenmadeclearthatschoolswilldeterminethepaceatwhichtheUltranetisimplementedateachschoolThePre-deploymentChecklistandAdvicedocumentencouragesprincipalsldquototailorUltranetimplementationtobeconsistentwiththe[schoolrsquos]goalsandpriorities
anddeterminethisusingtheirusualschool-basedconsultationprocessesrdquo
Of courseanyconsultationmusthavethedirectinputof theAEUsub-branchattheschool
SchoolsthataremostsuccessfulinintroducingtheUltranetwillbetheonesthattaketheirtimeandconsidertheinitiativeinthecontextof theoverallworkloadof staff
AstheUltranetbecomesavailabletoyourschoolitisessentialthatgenuineconsultationoccursthroughtheschoolrsquosconsultativecommitteeandotherforumssuchasstaff meetings
Consultativecommitteesshouldbeadvisingtheprincipalonarangeof mattersincluding
bull HowtheschoolwillusetheAugust9pupil-freeday
bull PlansfortheschoolrsquosUltranetprofessionallearningprogramincludingusingthetwohoursof scheduledmeetingtimeperweekprovidedforintheSchoolsAgreementforstaff tolearnaboutandgainconfidenceinusingthepackage
bull RelievingUltranetleadusersof somescheduleddutiestosupportcolleaguesinusingtheprogram
bull Reviewingtheschoolrsquosacceptableusepolicyforinternet(andnowUltranet)use
bull ImplementingtheUltranetatapacewhichrecognisescapacityof teacherstouseICTintheclassroomandtheirexistingworkload
4 Primarynewsletter|May2010
savings that soar
Victoria Teachers Credit Union LimitedABN 44 087 651 769 AFSL 240 960
Conditions apply Bonus interest of an additional 125 pa above the standard Online Saver Account interest rate is earned when no withdrawals are made and at least $200 is deposited in the calendar month Victoria Teachers Credit Union reserves the right to cease offering this product at any time The Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account will convert to the standard Online Saver Account (S99) on 31 December 2010 Existing Online Saver (S99) holders are not eligible to open the Online Saver - Bonus Rate (S89) Interest rate correct as at 17 May 2010 Check website for current rates This information does not take into account your objectives financial situation or needs Therefore you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the Terms and Conditions before acquiring a product These documents are available at our branches or by contacting us on 1300 654 822
Send your savings soaring with 125 pa in bonus interestWith our Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account you can earn up to
615 panNo account keeping fees nFunds available at call
Call 1300 654 822 or visit wwwvicteachcomau
The Federal Governmentrsquos overhaul of schools funding will be the best chance in a generation to get a fair deal for public education But the campaign will require every member to play their part
Funding review begins
Meredith Peace deputy branch president
THEAEUlauncheditsfederalschoolsfundingcampaignmdashPublicEducationforourFuturemdash
attheNationalPublicEducationForuminCanberrainlateMarchOurfocusnowmovesfederallyfromNAPLANtoacampaignthatwillbeincrediblyimportantforthefutureof publiceducationinthiscountry
ThiscampaignisaboutbringingallteachersandparentstogethertomakeadifferenceWeneedstrongwellresourcedpublicschoolstoensurethateveryfamilyhasaccesstoaneducationof thehighestqualityintheircommunityandtomakesureallchildrengettheeducationtheydeservetoachievetheirfullpotential
Investinginpublicschoolsisthekeytoastrongereconomyamoreskilledworkforceandaprosperousandsociallycohesivesociety
Schools fundingCurrentlytheFederalGovernmentsharesrespon-sibilitywithstateandterritorygovernmentsforfundingschoolswithmoneyprovidedbothforongoingoperationsof schoolsandforthecapitalworksthatschoolsneed
AccordingtoOECDreportsAustralialagsbadlybehindotherdevelopedcountriesmdashourgovernmentwouldneedtoincreasefundingbyaround$6billionayeartobringittotheaverageof thedevelopednationsOverthepast13yearsthebiggestproblemhasbeenthelackof fundingprovidedbytheFederalGovernment
Inadditionovertwo-thirdsof childrenattendgovernmentschoolsyetreceiveonlyonethirdof theFederalGovernmentrsquosrecurrentspendingThisequatesto$1051perpublicschoolstudentcomparedto$4515perprivateschoolstudent(sourceProductivityCommissionReport)
ClearlytheFederalGovernmentrsquosfundingsystemisfundamentallyflawedandneedstobeoverhauledtodeliverabetterdealforpublicschools
The reviewTheFederalMinisterforEducationJuliaGillardannouncedon15Aprilthatthefirstreviewof schoolfundingarrangementssince1973wouldstartthisyearandconcludein2011
TheGovernmentiscurrentlyconsultingonitstermsof referenceandtheAEUwillbeinvolvedinthisprocessThediscussionpapercanbedown-loadedattinycce2adx(PDF)
ThepaperstatesldquoThereviewrsquosrecommen-dationsshouldbedirectedtowardsachievingafundingsystemfortheperiodbeyond2012whichistransparentfairfinanciallysustainableandeffectiveinpromotingexcellenteducationaloutcomesforallAustralianstudentsrdquo
Thereviewwillexaminebull HowallAustraliarsquosschoolsarecurrently
fundedbull Improvementstothedistributionof resources
towheretheyareneededmosttoraiseachievementandnarrowthegapscausedbydisadvantageandotherfactors
bull Whatinvestmentsinschoolingworkwellandwhatcanbeimproved
Thepaperalsooutlinesotherissuestoconsiderincluding
bull Thecostof educatingastudenttoworldclasseducationalstandards
bull Waystoincreasethesimplicitytransparencyandeffectivenessof funding
bull Whetherabasicentitlementforeverystudentisrequired
bull Thebestwaytomeetthecostsof specificfactorssuchasindigeneitylocationdisabilityandsocio-economicdisadvantage
bull Cost-effectivefundingbull Lessonstobelearnedfromfundingarrange-
mentsoverseasandinAustraliaespeciallythoseinhigh-performingsystems
bull Compositionof fundingincludingteachingcapitalandothercosts
bull Indexationbull Theplaceof voluntaryandprivatecontribu-
tionsandfeesbull Appropriatepublicaccountabilityforschools
receivingpublicfundsThedrafttermsof referenceareopenforpubliccommentuntiltheendof MayandafinalversionisexpectedtobeannouncedbyJune2010
Public education mdash for our futureTheAEUcampaignisacommunity-basedcampaignwithanumberof broadaims
bull Todeliverafundingmodelbasedonneednotentitlement
bull Toenhancepartnershipswithparentgroupsotherkeystakeholdersandlocalstateandnationalpoliticiansforlong-termsupportof governmentschools
bull TogeneratesubmissionstothereviewfromallgovernmentschoolsinAustralia
InVictoriawewillalsobefocusingonanumberof targetedfederalseatswhichincludeDeakinLatrobeMcEwenCorangamite(allmarginal)andLalor(theEducationMinisterrsquosseat)
Asthiswillverymuchbeacommunitygrass-rootscampaigntherewillbeavarietyof activitiesthatmemberswillbeaskedtobeinvolvedinsuchasletterboxingcommunitymeetingslobbyinglocalMPsanduseof freeandpaidmedia
AllAEUmembersshouldregisterattheForourFuturecampaignwebsitemdashwwwforourfutureorgauforregularupdatesandactivitiesyoucanbeinvolvedin
4 Primarynewsletter|May2010
savings that soar
Victoria Teachers Credit Union LimitedABN 44 087 651 769 AFSL 240 960
Conditions apply Bonus interest of an additional 125 pa above the standard Online Saver Account interest rate is earned when no withdrawals are made and at least $200 is deposited in the calendar month Victoria Teachers Credit Union reserves the right to cease offering this product at any time The Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account will convert to the standard Online Saver Account (S99) on 31 December 2010 Existing Online Saver (S99) holders are not eligible to open the Online Saver - Bonus Rate (S89) Interest rate correct as at 17 May 2010 Check website for current rates This information does not take into account your objectives financial situation or needs Therefore you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the Terms and Conditions before acquiring a product These documents are available at our branches or by contacting us on 1300 654 822
Send your savings soaring with 125 pa in bonus interestWith our Online Saver - Bonus Rate Account you can earn up to
615 panNo account keeping fees nFunds available at call
Call 1300 654 822 or visit wwwvicteachcomau
The Federal Governmentrsquos overhaul of schools funding will be the best chance in a generation to get a fair deal for public education But the campaign will require every member to play their part
Funding review begins
Meredith Peace deputy branch president
THEAEUlauncheditsfederalschoolsfundingcampaignmdashPublicEducationforourFuturemdash
attheNationalPublicEducationForuminCanberrainlateMarchOurfocusnowmovesfederallyfromNAPLANtoacampaignthatwillbeincrediblyimportantforthefutureof publiceducationinthiscountry
ThiscampaignisaboutbringingallteachersandparentstogethertomakeadifferenceWeneedstrongwellresourcedpublicschoolstoensurethateveryfamilyhasaccesstoaneducationof thehighestqualityintheircommunityandtomakesureallchildrengettheeducationtheydeservetoachievetheirfullpotential
Investinginpublicschoolsisthekeytoastrongereconomyamoreskilledworkforceandaprosperousandsociallycohesivesociety
Schools fundingCurrentlytheFederalGovernmentsharesrespon-sibilitywithstateandterritorygovernmentsforfundingschoolswithmoneyprovidedbothforongoingoperationsof schoolsandforthecapitalworksthatschoolsneed
AccordingtoOECDreportsAustralialagsbadlybehindotherdevelopedcountriesmdashourgovernmentwouldneedtoincreasefundingbyaround$6billionayeartobringittotheaverageof thedevelopednationsOverthepast13yearsthebiggestproblemhasbeenthelackof fundingprovidedbytheFederalGovernment
Inadditionovertwo-thirdsof childrenattendgovernmentschoolsyetreceiveonlyonethirdof theFederalGovernmentrsquosrecurrentspendingThisequatesto$1051perpublicschoolstudentcomparedto$4515perprivateschoolstudent(sourceProductivityCommissionReport)
ClearlytheFederalGovernmentrsquosfundingsystemisfundamentallyflawedandneedstobeoverhauledtodeliverabetterdealforpublicschools
The reviewTheFederalMinisterforEducationJuliaGillardannouncedon15Aprilthatthefirstreviewof schoolfundingarrangementssince1973wouldstartthisyearandconcludein2011
TheGovernmentiscurrentlyconsultingonitstermsof referenceandtheAEUwillbeinvolvedinthisprocessThediscussionpapercanbedown-loadedattinycce2adx(PDF)
ThepaperstatesldquoThereviewrsquosrecommen-dationsshouldbedirectedtowardsachievingafundingsystemfortheperiodbeyond2012whichistransparentfairfinanciallysustainableandeffectiveinpromotingexcellenteducationaloutcomesforallAustralianstudentsrdquo
Thereviewwillexaminebull HowallAustraliarsquosschoolsarecurrently
fundedbull Improvementstothedistributionof resources
towheretheyareneededmosttoraiseachievementandnarrowthegapscausedbydisadvantageandotherfactors
bull Whatinvestmentsinschoolingworkwellandwhatcanbeimproved
Thepaperalsooutlinesotherissuestoconsiderincluding
bull Thecostof educatingastudenttoworldclasseducationalstandards
bull Waystoincreasethesimplicitytransparencyandeffectivenessof funding
bull Whetherabasicentitlementforeverystudentisrequired
bull Thebestwaytomeetthecostsof specificfactorssuchasindigeneitylocationdisabilityandsocio-economicdisadvantage
bull Cost-effectivefundingbull Lessonstobelearnedfromfundingarrange-
mentsoverseasandinAustraliaespeciallythoseinhigh-performingsystems
bull Compositionof fundingincludingteachingcapitalandothercosts
bull Indexationbull Theplaceof voluntaryandprivatecontribu-
tionsandfeesbull Appropriatepublicaccountabilityforschools
receivingpublicfundsThedrafttermsof referenceareopenforpubliccommentuntiltheendof MayandafinalversionisexpectedtobeannouncedbyJune2010
Public education mdash for our futureTheAEUcampaignisacommunity-basedcampaignwithanumberof broadaims
bull Todeliverafundingmodelbasedonneednotentitlement
bull Toenhancepartnershipswithparentgroupsotherkeystakeholdersandlocalstateandnationalpoliticiansforlong-termsupportof governmentschools
bull TogeneratesubmissionstothereviewfromallgovernmentschoolsinAustralia
InVictoriawewillalsobefocusingonanumberof targetedfederalseatswhichincludeDeakinLatrobeMcEwenCorangamite(allmarginal)andLalor(theEducationMinisterrsquosseat)
Asthiswillverymuchbeacommunitygrass-rootscampaigntherewillbeavarietyof activitiesthatmemberswillbeaskedtobeinvolvedinsuchasletterboxingcommunitymeetingslobbyinglocalMPsanduseof freeandpaidmedia
AllAEUmembersshouldregisterattheForourFuturecampaignwebsitemdashwwwforourfutureorgauforregularupdatesandactivitiesyoucanbeinvolvedin
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