1. MEMBERS’ ADDRESSES
There will be a ballot of members in early 2009 for the office of Vice-President 2009-2011. The ballot is to members’ home addresses. All members are urged to ensure that the Association holds the correct address on its database. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Association at info@ssta.org.uk or by telephone. It is helpful to quote your membership number or former address.
2. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS 2009-2011
The following nominations have been received:
President: Peter Wright, Broxburn Academy
Vice-President: Richard Goring, Hamilton Grammar School
Margaret Smith, St Andrews High School, Kirkcaldy
Subject to confirmation by the Association’s independent scrutineers:
Peter Wright will be President of the Association for the period 2009-2011;
A ballot will be held to elect the Association’s Vice-President for the period 2009-2011. The Ballot will be held in early 2009.
3. CONTACT WITH THE ASSOCIATION BY EMAIL
The Association is happy to receive requests for advice or information from members by email. Unless members are informed otherwise, use should be made of our info@ssta.org.uk address. Except at the weekend and during holidays, the vast majority of requests for information are dealt with within 36 hours (the majority are dealt with on the day of receipt). The Association has, however, noted problems with certain emails. A notification of receipt for the email may not be sufficient to indicate actual delivery of the email.
If a response is not received within 3 working days, the message should be resent.
4. ASSOCIATION HEADTEACHER CONSULTANT
The Association from time to time requires to advise its Headteacher members regarding unusual or difficult aspects of their remits. The Association engages as consultant, Douglas Campbell, former Headteacher of Bell Baxter High School and a Past President of the Association, to provide such support.
Headteachers (or DHT) members who might make use of such support should contact the General Secretary in the first instance.
5. COUNCIL 6 DECEMBER 2008
Council heard reports relating to
“Possible changes to the membership of the GTC(S) – Meeting with HMI and Schools Directorate with particular reference to the bullying of teachers – SNCT issues – Progress on the implementation of CfE – Motions for STUC Annual Congress 2009 – SQA issues.
Council remitted the following motion to the Health & Safety Panel:
This Association calls on the Scottish Government to issue mandatory instructions to local authorities requiring that they make adequate provision for first aid in schools. This should include the appointment of sufficient first aiders for both staff and children.
6. SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions to the Association are due to be renewed in January 2009 and Council has set an annual subscription of £163.90 for all members who pay their fees by 31 January 2009 (an increase of 2.75% on the 2008 figures). This reduced tariff includes annual direct debit, cheque, part-time, job-share and retired members. This saving is clearly of advantage to members and is only available to those who pay before the end of January.
Members who have elected to pay their subscription by annual cheque are reminded that these should be forwarded by 31 January 2009, either through school representatives or directly to the Association offices. The full range of rates set for 2009 is as follows:
– Full members �163.90 if paid annually by 31 January 2009, or �178.80 if paid afterwards; �14.90 if paid by monthly direct debit.
– Retired, part-time, job-share, temporary or supply members: �81.95 if paid annually by 31 January 2009 or �89.40 if paid afterwards; �7.45 per month if paid by monthly direct debit.
Members who have opted to receive information on revised subscription rates directly to their home addresses will be contacted early in the New Year.
7. LAWLINE SERVICE
Members are reminded of our free Lawline service which gives initial advice on a wide range of legal issues. The service is not intended to deal with issues associated with employment as a teacher (which should be sent direct to the General Secretary).
Members who have used the service have commented very favourably. The service can be accessed by telephone on 07770748556 between the hours of 8.30am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday, or e-mail at Lawline@morton-fraser.com.
8. PRE-RETIREMENT COURSE 2009
Members are reminded that these are arranged as follows:
Saturday 25 April 2009 in Forres
Saturday 09 May 2009 in Stirling
Saturday 30 May 2009 in Glasgow
Applications should be received by 31 March 2009.
9. SCHOOL INSPECTIONS
Members are reminded that much useful advice is available via the HMI website at http://www.hmie.gov.uk.
The Association also has detailed advice notes. This is best obtained by email at info@ssta.org.uk or by telephone as shown below.
Members are strongly encouraged to complete the pre-inspection questionnaire which should be available to all staff. This questionnaire is designed to ascertain teachers’ opinions on the operation of the school and is completely confidential.
10. CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR CLOSURE OF THE SSTA OFFICE
The limited service operating immediately prior to Christmas is extended. It will be available on Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December from 10am to 3pm.
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The President and Council of the Association wish all
members a very happy Christmas and peaceful and restful New Year
ANN BALLINGER President
JIM DOCHERTY Acting General Secretary