Black lives and what really matters
10 June 2020
Section: Columns
“We shouldn’t be importing the things that are happening overseas to Australia.” Such was Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s response to a question about a Black Lives Matter protest march in Sydney on 2 June.
A different take
25 May 2020
Section: Columns
As General Secretary of our union, I want to put on record my deep appreciation and admiration for the work of public school and TAFE college teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Menopause can lead to discrimination
21 May 2020
Section: Columns
Going through menopause while working can be difficult. Menopause typically occurs for women between 45-55 years of age and is often preceded by peri-menopause.
Staffing win helping to support students with disability during COVID-19
20 May 2020
Section: Columns
The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard our classes and teachers of students with disability. Responsive staff, additional staffing and the loud call for a targeted response to unique site and student needs relieved what threatened to be a disastrous outcome.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
20 May 2020
Section: Columns
These are indeed unprecedented times. Your days and weeks have blurred into one, as you’ve turned yourselves inside out and delivered over and above the call of duty. Your dedication and commitment to the cause of public education has been truly remarkable.
LGBTIQ events provide opportunity for recognition and inclusion
19 May 2020
Section: Columns
Specific days of recognition or celebration are an opportunity to reflect on how we incorporate and include LGBTIQ perspectives in our schools and subject areas.
Federation wins special considerations for IEC staff and students
18 May 2020
Section: Columns
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives, testing us like nothing ever before.
There’s nothing casual about teaching
15 March 2020
Section: Columns
A suite of casual teacher seminars for Federation members will be held in the school holidays this year.
Stay safe in cyberspace
14 March 2020
Section: Columns
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions fielded by Federation.
Support the safety of all
11 March 2020
Section: Columns
Safety in schools for teachers, support staff and students is paramount.
Our 2020 vision: A spotlight on the profession
9 March 2020
Section: Columns
The start to the school year brought with it tremendous challenges that we would all hope to never be experienced again. For many of our members, their students and families there was no summer vacation.
Maternity leave in schools
6 March 2020
Section: Columns
People use the term “maternity leave” to refer to a range of rights and entitlements related to pregnancy. However, those entitlements can vary depending on the nature of employment.
Racism is a virus – there’s an antidote
5 March 2020
Section: Columns
As a union of educators, all Federation members have the responsibility to organise, oppose, act and educate against racism in all its forms.
‘See yourself as part of the big picture’
25 February 2020
Section: Columns
The introduction of release from face-to-face teaching for infants/primary teachers in the late 1980s is a memorable moment for Paul Regan, because it changed his working conditions for the better.
Federation breaks staffing cap and secures additional EALD positions
Federation is proud to report that the arbitrary staffing cap, initially set in 1983, has been broken.
Members campaign for crucial leave provision for all workers
18 December 2019
Section: Columns
The We Won’t Wait domestic violence campaign continues to lobby for paid family and domestic violence (FDV) leave included in the National Employment Standards.
Women in education
11 December 2019
Section: Columns
Returning to work after maternity leave requires planning.
Public education: the bedrock of a democracy
10 December 2019
Section: Columns
It was Canadian philosopher John Ralston Saul who argued that any society that educates more than 10 per cent of its children in private schools can no longer call itself a democracy. Australia is well above that figure. Saul is right.
Enabling Equity
30 November 2019
Section: Columns
Programming for students with disability in regular classes in mainstream schools
There’s nothing casual about teaching
27 November 2019
Section: Columns
On my visits to schools, and through enquiries fielded by Officers, conversations with members are often the focus on the nature of temporary engagements.