The following nominations have been received:

President: Albert McKay Ellon Academy

Vice President: Ann Ballinger Bishopbriggs High School.

Subject to confirmation by our Scrutineers:

Albert McKay will, therefore, be President of the Association 2005-2007;
Ann Ballinger, Vice President 2005-2007.

2. COUNCIL 4 DECEMBER 2004

a) Council heard reports on progress on the implementation of the McCrone Agreement and on proposed changes to teachers’ pensions. Members are reminded that contributions to the Consultation Exercise on Teachers Pensions must be submitted to SPPA by 14 January 2005. The SSTA website contains full details and individual advice leaflets have been sent to all SSTA members.

b) Special Education Panel

Elizabeth McClure, Notre Dame High School, Greenock, was appointed to the Special Education Panel by Council.

3. SUBSCRIPTIONS

Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be paid by 31 January 2005, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The rates set for 2005 are: full members £162.00 (£148.50 if paid by 31 January 2004); retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: £81.00.

Those members who currently pay by annual cheque are strongly advised to transfer to annual Direct Debit. This method considerably reduces workload for both school representatives and office staff and costs no more than at present. Forms for this purpose are available either from school representatives or directly from this office.
Members who have opted to receive information on revised subscription rates directly to their home addresses will be contacted early in the New Year.

4. DIRECT DEBIT 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 Wednesday 29 December which will be processed on Thursday 30 December for payment on Friday 31 December.

5. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE

A series of one day pre-retirement courses will take place during the first half of 2005. Dates are likely to be in April and June and confirmation of dates and venues will be sent out to schools for the beginning of the next session.

6. HEADTEACHERS’ & DEPUTE HEADTEACHERS’ SEMINAR: 11 MARCH 2005

The annual seminar will be held in the Swallow Hotel, Dundee on Friday 11 March and is free to SSTA members. The programme will focus on School Management structures and the challenges arising from the National Curriculum Review and the Additional Support Need Legislation. Members may register online at www.ssta.org.uk no latter than Friday 14 January 2005.

7. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE

Members are asked to note that the Association office will close at noon on Wednesday 22nd December and will re-open for normal business after New Year on Thursday 6 January 2005.

There will be an emergency service available on Thursday 23 December 2004 and Wednesday 5 January 2005. Any member who wishes urgent advice on those dates should initially contact 0131 556 5919 for further information.

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

ALAN McKENZIE, President
DAVID EAGLESHAM, General Secretary