Category: Information for Members

Consultation on draft regulations to implement the new Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme with effect from 1 April 2015

The above consultation is available to view on the SPPA website and runs from 20 December 2013 to 16 February 2014.

Comments can be made on-line by completing the questionnaire or by completing the printable consultation form and returning it either by email to stsspensionreform@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or alternatively by mail to:

STSS Consultation (2015 Reform)
SPPA Policy
7 Tweedside Park
Tweedbank
Galashiels

The SSTA today called for Scottish Government to provide specific funding to encourage schools to have a co-ordinated programme of school visits to places of Scottish cultural and historical interest.

Alan McKenzie Acting General Secretary, said today “Many schools do this on a regular basis but rely on parents agreeing to meet the whole cost.  Clearly in the present economic climate, parents will struggle to meet that cost.  There is a funding source to allow selected pupils from each Scottish secondary school to visit Auschwitz.  This is a worthwhile spending.  However, we should like to see the funding extended to key sites in Scotland.  For example the site of the Battle of Culloden is worthy of a systematic programme of visits, the battle presaging the practice of an episode of genocide in our own nation.  Given the nature of Curriculum for Excellence it would seem appropriate to encourage our young people to sample such important historical and cultural sites in Scotland.”

For further information contact:-

Alan McKenzie

Acting General Secretary

0131 313 7300

Members should be aware of the recent guidelines from Scottish Government on Developing Policies to Promote Safe and Responsible Use of Mobile Technology in Schools.

The guidance can be downloaded from the Scottish Government’s website using the link below.

Guidance on Developing Policies to Promote Safe and Responsible Use of Mobile Technology in Schools

The SSTA would wish to bring to the attention of members Stonewall Scotland’s Campaign about the use of homophobic language in schools.  The SSTA supports this campaign.

The Association is pleased to inform members that increased cover for personal possessions and malicious damage to private motor vehicles has been arranged.  The cover provides insurance for damage to private vehicles, loss of personal possessions including bicycles and spectacles, loss of money and a large range of benefits for personal accidents.

Further details of the scheme is provided in the member only section of the website

The results of the recent survey of members who will be directly affected by the proposed pension changes are now available for members to view.

Summary of Results of the Survey on Pensions – October 2013 (Adobe Acrobat required to view)

The Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee will consider the results at their next meeting.

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.