Teachers Aide Special Newsletter, November

660 NEW TEACHERS' AIDES SPECIAL POSITIONS

It is anticipated that approximately 220 positions will be established in ED, BD and Autistic classes in 2005 and each class will be based on a staff student ration of 2:7. In 2006 there will be new positions created in IM services and IO, physical disability, hearing & vision services in regular schools and in 2007 there will be more positions in IO services in SSP's.

The Association has negotiated with the Department to ensure that these positions will be internally advertised first. This means that Teachers' Aide Specials currently employed will have an opportunity to apply for these permanent positions. As per the agreed staffing formula, nominated and service transfers will be filled before the internal advertising of positions. To ensure the integrity of this process there will be a merit based selection through an established committee. You will also have the right to bring your case before an appeals committee with PSA representation, if you believe you have missed out on an appointment unfairly.

PSA TRAINING DAYS IN 2005 FOR REGIONAL TEACHERS' AIDES SPECIAL

1. OH&S
2. Organising skills and unionism
3. Rights and responsibilities.

Q&A: DUTIES, RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES

Q: Should I be attending the staff development day on the first day back to school?
A: Yes, the Department employs you and you play an important part in the provision of public education. It is important that you know what is going on in the school and are afforded an opportunity to gain new skills. Furthermore, if you do not attend you may not be entitled to your stand down pay for the school vacation period.

Q: There are students at my school that require tube feeding and catheterisation. Do I have to tube feed and catheterise?
A: If you are undertaking health care procedures be aware that you must be trained, assessed and accredited and be in receipt of the allowance. This allowance indemnifies you. Please note that you are not able to insert feeding tubes, suctioning equipment or urinary drainage tubes. These are invasive and dangerous procedures and the agreement between the PSA, the Department and the NSW Nurses' Association states:

1. No feeding tube insertion will be performed by a teachers aide (special)
2. No insertion of suctioning equipment past the oral cavity or into a tracheostomy tube
3. No urinary drainage tube insertion will be performed by teachers aides (special).

Q: What has happened to the Teachers' Aide Special register?
A: The Association has been negotiating with the Department over the creation of a Teachers' Aide Special register. This would secure employment for long term temporary Teachers' Aide Special who face losing hours when funding is cut or student numbers decrease. We are fighting to have it implemented on a statewide basis and will be giving members regular updates on the status of the register.

Q: I am a temporary employee can I join the PSA?
A: Yes, you can join the PSA. We encourage all Teachers' Aide Specials to join the PSA. We fight for collective issues and represent and assist members on an individual basis. If you are interested in joining, please contact PSA membership on 9290 1555.

Sue Walsh, President
Bryony Feltham, Industrial Officer