Marco Biagi MSP and James Forbes, SSTA President

Monique Dréon-Goold, representing the Equalities Panel, accompanied the President James Forbes to the Equality Network Annual Reception in the Scottish Parliament during early November.

After opening speeches from the Equality Network, guests heard Alex Neil MSP (SNP) make a very compelling speech in favour of a just and democratic Scotland which would leave no citizen excluded from full equality in law and society.

There followed speeches in support from Marco Biagi MSP (SNP), Margaret McCulloch MSP (Scottish Labour), Jackson Carlaw MSP (Scottish Conservatives), William Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats) and Patrick Harvie (Scottish Green Party).

The Loud and Proud Choir provided the entertainment.

The SSTA has a small group attending the above event on the 12th October led by the President. Details are as follows.

12.30pm: Assemble at eastern entrance to East Princes Street Gardens on Waverley Bridge to march to the International Brigade memorial for its rededication.

From the time when I studied teaching in Glasgow, I recall one particular lecture about multiculturalism and diversity. The students were asked to read silently a story written in what appeared to us to be standard English.

On Saturday the 17th August the President James Forbes had the great honour of awarding the SSTA prize for LGBT Learner of the Year to Eilidh Nicolson at an Awards ceremony in Ayr.

The new Council of the SSTA met briefly after Congress. The purpose was to elect a new Executive and Finance Committee. We announce the result below.

A sample of members were asked to complete an on-line survey on their readiness to deliver N4 and N5 qualifications next session.

Members are reminded that the season of Working Time Agreements is here. Given the increasing workload implications of National 4 and 5, it would be advisable to review the allocation of time in the school agreement devoted to curriculum development and Formal Assessment.

The Association is conducting a survey of members to find out how prepared they are for the delivery of the new courses next session. The survey should take no longer than a couple of minutes to complete.

Due to Lack of interest in the Seminar we have had to cancel the event. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. 7 March 2013

The Seminar is an all day event, which will take place on Friday 15 March at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld and is free to SSTA members.