1. COUNCIL 1 DECEMBER 2001

a) Council heard reports on the latest stage of implementing the McCrone Agreement. There were reports from the 5 working groups formed by the SNCT on:

• Conditions of Service
• Career Structure
• Discipline & Grievance
• Support Staff
• Advisers & Psychologists

and from the group working on the Chartered Teacher process.

b) Council also heard reports from the National Qualifications Steering Group and Ministerial Review Groups on aspects of the 2001 Examination Diet and plans for 2002 and subsequent Diets.

c) The following members were elected to the ICT Committee which will advise the Association on ICT matters within the schools curriculum and also on school related use of ICT.

d)   DISTRICT MOTIONS

The following motions were approved by Council:

• "This Association calls on the GTCS to undertake a thorough review of the procedures in disciplinary cases in the light of the recent controversial case reported in the media."
  
• "This Association calls on Scottish Borders Council to provide reassurance that sufficient financial resources will be available to ensure the successful delivery of the school curriculum in Scottish Borders schools in this and future sessions."

Members are reminded of the individual consultation being undertaken with regard to the Chartered Teacher process and are urged to ensure that they respond to the questionnaire before the deadline of 21 December. Members views on this are vital. Please feel free to add comments (with Question 11) on any matter of concern not covered in the questionnaire

3. USE OF TELEPHONE

Members are asked to note that the use of the telephone in contacting the Secretariat should be restricted to items which are urgent.

Routine membership administrative calls to the office staff eg change of address are quite in order but otherwise members are asked to contact the office in writing.

Items considered as not being urgent would include

• Retirement advice
• Sick pay regulations
• Superannuation
• Long term sick leave
• Conditions of Service in general except where there is an urgent aspect

Members are reminded that, while the Office can accept correspondence by e-mail, there are inherent dangers in this form of communication especially in respect of non-arrival of e-mailed items.

Members should also note that a matter is not given priority simply because it is referred by e-mail. Confidential replies will not be sent to any e-mail address which is seen to be an in-school address.

4. SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 2002

   Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be paid by 31 January 2002, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The rates set for 2002 are full members £114.40 if paid by 31 January 2002; retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: £62.40.

   If you currently pay by annual cheque, you are strongly advised to transfer to annual Direct Debit. This method considerably reduces workload for both school and office staff and costs you no more than at present. Forms for this purpose are available either from your school representative or directly from this office.
   
5. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF SSTA OFFICES

   Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Friday 21 December 2001 and reopen for normal business after the New Year break on Monday 7 January 2002.

6. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE

   Members who are considering retiring from the profession within the next two years may be interested in the pre-retirement course which has been arranged in conjunction with Planned Futures for the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February 2002. This residential course is to be held in the Marine Hotel, North Berwick and all interested members should telephone the office for further information and an application form. Please note that the course is free to SSTA members and spouses and partners may be able to attend, at a charge, if places are available.

7. DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENTS IN DECEMBER

   Members who pay subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December’s subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Thursday 27 December which will be processed on Friday 28 December for payment on Monday 31 December.

8. MUSIC INSTRUCTORS

   Any member who works as a Music Instructor is requested to contact the office with details of their post.  This is essential to allow the Association to consult such members on pay and conditions for Instructors.

The President and Council of the Association wish all members the compliments of the Season

DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary