Bulletin 386-02   15 October 2002

1. COUNCIL 5 OCTOBER 2002

a) Implementation of Agreement for a Teaching Profession for the 21st Century

Council heard reports on the latest progress in implementing the Agreement for a Teaching Profession for the 21st Century.

Members are advised that certain individuals and institutions have made statements on the implementation process which are either incorrect or misleading. To avoid uncertainty amongst members, any such statement should be referred to the General Secretary for advice. It is imperative that, as the process of implementation becomes increasingly devolved, the information upon which members act is fully correct.

b) SJCRME Nomination

Council agreed to the nomination of Ernie Peters, Johnstone High School to the Scottish Joint Committee on Religious and Moral Education.

c) Reports

Council received and approved a policy statement on “Guidance post-McCrone” and a Report from the Education Committee based on the Social Inclusion Questionnaire sent to a sample of members in May-June 2002. These documents are available on our website, and copies will shortly be sent to all schools.

d) Probationers’ Conference

Council heard details of the Probationers’ Conference to be held in Glasgow on 2 November. This Conference is open to all probationer teachers, both those currently in training posts and those who are not. Details should have been sent to all probationers’ home addresses. If these have not been received, details are available on the website and from the office

e) Council heard a report of a meeting between representatives of the Association and of the Educational Institute of Scotland regarding the future of educational trade unions in Scotland. The following statement, which had been drawn up at the joint meeting, was approved by Council.

“To set a Joint Working Group between the SSTA and EIS to explore and develop a model of a potential new trade union organisation which would meet the needs of Scotland’s educators in the 21st Century”.

f) Personal Effects Insurance and Malicious Damage to Vehicles Insurance Scheme

Council agreed to retain the present maximum of £125 for claims on the Personal Effects Insurance Scheme and cancelled the administration fee. The maximum amount which a member can claim under the Malicious Damage to Vehicles Insurance Scheme has increased to £190 with no administration fee. In addition, the excess which can be claimed has been changed to £100, again with no administration fee.


2. ADDENDUM TO AT YOUR SERVICE LEAFLET

Members should note that the AA scheme for annual payments has been amended: members should dial 08705 444 222 and quote “Unity customer”. The Association wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused through this change.

3. SUBSCRIPTIONS

It should be noted that December Council will approve subscription rates for 2003 and members will, therefore, be notified of any changes to these rates in the December Bulletin.

4. DIRECT DEBIT FOR PAYMENTS IN DECEMBER

Members who pay their subscription by monthly direct debit are advised of the following payment dates for December’s subscription. The Association will input data to BACS on Friday 27 December which will be processed on Monday 30 December for payment on Tuesday 31 December.

5. NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP

It would be extremely helpful to the office staff if school representatives would notify any changes in their school membership. At this time of year, some teachers may be retiring and the Association would take this opportunity of wishing them all a long and happy retirement. Such members can, if they wish, inform the office directly on any change in their circumstances.

6. SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES

We take this opportunity to record our thanks for the hard work done on members’ behalf by our school representatives. It is vital that regular meetings be held, to ensure that members’ views are heard, especially with regard to the McCrone negotiations. The Association is grateful for the work of the school representatives in this process.

We would also remind representatives that advice regarding members’ queries or problems is readily available, either from the District Secretary or the Association office.

7. BENEVOLENT FUND

School Representatives and members are reminded that the Association holds a Benevolent Fund which is available to all members who may be experiencing financial difficulties, for example through long-term illness. School Representatives, on behalf of members concerned, can forward to this office details of any such member, with that person’s consent, for follow-up by officials. Members themselves are free to contact the office for assistance. Each case is assessed on its individual merits and all applications are treated in the strictest confidence and as a matter of urgency.

8. 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 15 and Sunday 16 March 2003. 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. Spouses or partners may be able to attend, at a charge, if places are available.

9. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Friday 20th December and will re-open for normal business after the New Year on Monday 6 January 2003.



GEORGE STURROCK, President
DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary