AUTUMN 2020

1 Designed by E Foster 2 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS stories andlockdownheroes. Northen Irelandsharetheir Pupils fromeverycornerof realising abetterworldby2045. stimulate aglobalcoversationon UN fortheir75thanniversaryto Join ‘theconversation’withthe wellies. local carehomewithfloral Aughnacloy pupilsdecorate HighSchoolcomment. McCord andheadofscienceat UTU President,Stephen WELLIES WELCOMED HEROES LOCKDOWN FIRST UN75 -TOGETHER COMMENT PRESIDENTIAL CONTENTS AND MUCH MATHLETES OFDRUMGOR HEALTHY KIDZAT HART VIRTUAL CONFERENCE2020 personal bestin2020. Pupils atHartMemorialreachingtheirphysicaland participating. Conference’ withover400membersanddelegates UTU leadsthewaywithextraordinaryfirst‘Virtual the top4inUK. Math weekwithDrumgor PrimarySchoolpupilsmaking MORE! 34 34 35 3 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION Despite the Covid-19 situation the challenges change, and so the adapts UTU to your needs. a few days the issues that you as teachers face regarding identification of positive cases. Within to school, the “new normal” followed by issues key worker children, the preparation for returning guidance remote on blended learning, & for care different.very Now teachers require answers and are issues the this occasion, On development. professional and well-being and health mental safety, employment rights, pay and conditions, and health regarding issues on members principal undertakes, representing our teacher and President of role the that responsibility Ialready understood the huge sense of COVID-19 changed the education landscape. running in April, as the challenges resulting from workings that allowed me to hit the ground inner and mechanics the of understanding that my previous term of office gave mean fortunate was I and members, represent to have the opportunity to have asecond chance level too. Indeed, it was agreat privilege to working under, not only locally but on aglobal PRESIDENTIAL I unions would be be would unions trade and teachers circumstances different and difficult what earlier year a role the accepted I imagine when I in June. Little did conference virtual and extraordinary our at Union Teachers’ Ulster President of the the President of as installed be to t was agreat honour Primary 7teachers and pupils who have the meet. That has already been seen by our will we that trials and challenges we enter As the Winter, there will many be more ignorance of the pandemic we now live with. lack of amenities or at times some governments friends across the World are meeting due to teacher our circumstances dreadful the of some EI (Education International) and hear at times following from that, we were also able to join and listen to the challenges across Europe. Then the European Trade Union Group of teachers Internationally, it has been a great honour to join live. we where and these testing times are the same no matter jurisdictions.The issues around pupils, teachers was issued and picked up by the press in all summer. the statement during joint Unions A attended the British and Irish Group of Teacher Nationally, our GeneralSecretary and I have classroom home! or with our members from the comfort of our own suddenly become much smaller! We can network meetings and, thanks to Zoom, the world has the province at Branch and Area Association We were able to engage with members across submitted a pay claim for 2019/20 and 2020/21. UK for the same pay periods, and NITC have now which is in line with colleagues in the rest of the pay of level a delivers agreement This workload. and pay teachers’ of dispute industrial running formally ratified an agreement to resolve the long the Teachers’ Council Negotiating Committee, Management Sideand Locally, at the end of April the Teachers’ internationally. and nationally locally, both member the you represent UTU and issues facing teachers continue and the COMMENT UTU NEWS 4 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION our young people themselves and and themselves young people our “What gives me most optimism is recovery from all this and to envision ahope resilience which allows me to believe in a opportunity even though crisis. It’s their people themselves and their ability to see What gives me most optimism is our young forward. going education and globalits context differently and share our expertise. Hopefully we will see internationally to see how other countries cope, smaller! We can network with our profession Zoom the world has suddenly become much There are some positives however, thanks to that allowed the home learning to develop. teachers own initiatives and resourcefulness development too long teachers have lacked professional and under resourced educationsystem. For undervalued our of failings the highlighted and crisis we are living through has only deepened knees.on its Nothing has changed! Indeed, the Even before Covid our educationsystem was the new school day. parents and teachers who have all adapted to hear their positive comments regarding pupils, to great was it and members Principal our of group a with engaged hand, have we recently examinations taking place in 2021. On the other our Education Minister regarding GCSE and GCE colleagues have seen alack lustre response from moved by afew weeks. Our post-primary being dates test regarding worry unnecessary their ability to see opportunity even though crisis.”even though

and as entered lockdown it was PRESIDENTIAL in the coming months. well and safe remain will families your and you wish you well in your endeavours and trust that that you have done over the past few months. I In closing, may Ithank you the member for all circumstances. ever-changing the regarding members office hours, often advising and reassuring been responding to members outside normal of them over these past few months. They have wish to place on record my thanks to everyone staff UTU bring to our members is vast I and the that professionalism and experience The advocating on behalf of our Union. and right through the Summer, she has been Jacquie White. From of the lockdown start Education Authority by our General Secretary with the Department of Education and been represented in consultations and meetings emails, queries and concerns. We have also but continue to engage quickly with members’ Our staff and officials are working from home circumstances. changing the to At headquarters too we quickly very adapting are met as we move post-covid. pupils and teachers our of needs the that ensure to challenge those in positions of power and for the future. aUnion, As we will continue COMMENT UTU PRESIDENT UTU MCCORD STEPHEN UTU NEWS 5 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION I UTU NEWS Colleagues and well-being of the school population is the case. But we must put the health in school. There is no question that that is that the best place for our children is themselves teachers and principals the from politicians, parents, children or whether feeling, overwhelming The which is not manageable by society. serving to keep the Rnumber at alevel are they open being by whether and all at open be should schools whether to debate as going political and medical is growing. There is on- And the number of cases process. and trace track the with engagement children self-isolating and of bubbles diagnoses, the experience of positive had now have we unknown; In August we walked into the anxieties from our previous experience. has brought adifferentrange of half-term of Covid embedded education The return to school for this second Ministers has taken place. announced by the First and Deputy First reopening of schools on 2nd November We now know that the planned when you, the member, reads it. current be will it whether knowing not of this edition of the UTU News whilst immediately prior to the release release the to prior immediately Covid-19developments re schools in I am writing regarding the latest education in these recent times that t is indicative of the nature of GENERAL SECRETARY FOREWARD centre of our of decision- centre being of the school “we must put the population the at health and well- and health making” making” move forward. move advice and properly funded practices to need clear information, medically-based we that is clear is what and building is the mitigations inside the school What is the responsibility of schools schools. of responsibility Education to consider and is not the mitigations is for the Departmentof vicinity of the school building. He has parents to wear face coverings in the firstly, therefore,strongly encouraged the journey to and from school. He has undermined by the risks associated with place mitigations can be seriously the of schools efforts to put in The Minister has recognised that safe. everyone keep and effective range of mitigations to schools open but with amore robust work out how to move forward with and happening is exactly what unpack of schools sustainable, we need to and, if we want to make the reopening decision-making our of centre the at However, the enforcement of these ‘the ‘the that announced further school situation. situation. school wearing of face coverings on very beneficialvery impact on the all dedicated school buses buses school dedicated all if adhered to, could have a and public transport will will transport public and factors are welcomed and, factors be mandatory for all all for mandatory be week’ next reopen schools when childrenpost-primary . Whilst these added 6 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS And, of course, schools cannot cannot schools course, of And, accordingly. prepare teachers and the children in trying to huge barriers being faced by both the GCSE and Alevel examinations and the the current plans to continue with is of particular concern considering of face coverings in public areas. This wearing the of that and distancing social around guidance the include would generally. This adults for recommended acceptable in comparison to those of mitigations for this age groupis the questions as to why the ‘relaxing’ adult’ an are the teaching unions that 11-17 year olds primary settings. The PHA has informed this is particularly of concern in post- schools primary in cases of number Whilst we are aware of aconsiderable forward. pointstarting to reconsider and move the coming days which will as serve a this and we hope to have statisticsin children. DE is working with us on isolating amongst bothstaff and positivecases and numbers self- regarding data the of breakdown has UTU been seeking ameaningful mitigations. funded properly in and reality in both direction of travel is grounded robustly situation in our schools and that the proper scrutiny is given to the actual of members. It is imperative that and does not reflect the experiences disingenuous appears date to reported the manner in which the data has been teachers and other school staff and principals, our of well-being and health our educationsystem depends on the obtain relevant data. The functioning of and has been engaging with DE to diagnoses and associated self-isolating children in relation to positive Covid-19 impact of absences of both staff and hasUTU serious concerns regarding the ‘just as likely to spread infection as and we must therefore pose

the majority of our schools now have individual basis. Whilst it appears that an on teachers and Principals with and the Officials continue to work to answer queries and provide support ran UTU aseries of virtual workshops so far to be taken into account. to 31st October with the time worked with in schools, the date was extended deal to Principals for issues pressing in recognition that there were many and advice, and training facilitate to on the original timetable and, in order Events, most notably Covid, impacted year. academic the of beginning the particular roles in schools in place by reflecting the varying demands of their every teacher would have atime budget priority with the intention being that The time budget element was the first was agreed in April 2020. Pay and Workload Agreement which the of elements workload the regarding Work continues with Management Side PAY WORKLOAD AND AGREEMENT progress. of informed outlined above. We will keep you to this funding and the other issues as to the distribution of and access We are currently seeking clarification maintenance’. schools those in Special Educational Needs, and cover for arange of pressures including other pressures, and £12.8 million to maintenance, as and cleaning staffing, million to cover additional costs such monitoring round, includes £49.4 been allocated as of part the October He stated that ‘the funding, which has meals’ COVID-19 pressures and for free school manage Education Authority pressures, schools help ‘to million £64 almost of Minister, Weir, Peter funding announced Just prior to the return to school the the appropriate financial support. continue to move forward without . 7 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS to be provided by the Department Department the by provided be to to their members is in line with that generally, sector public and teaching to be released by unions, both scenes to ensure that the information work has been taking place behind the of deal great A regard. that in guidance have been seeking information and in responding to this consultation and members have expressed an interest McCloud/Sargeantjudgements. Many inequalities determined by the remedies required to redress the on public sector pensions and the The most pressing is the consultation schools and in the wider system. terms and conditions and in practice consultations on-going in respect of further are Covid-19 there on focus inevitable the Despite CONSULTATIONS 2021. January the work proper will commence in and expertise. It is the current aim that and establish the required personnel access and frameworks appropriate now being made to establish the Negotiating Committee, are efforts the reconstitution of the Teachers’ terms of the reviews. Following Progress has also been made in progress. on in the near future. We will back report meetings are scheduled to take place for each of these areas and further Reference and direction of travel Terms of establishing currently are representatives Side Management A working group comprising NITC and workload proofing of New Initiatives. ConsultativeCommittees and the Joint of establishment the were The other two priority issues further clarification or guidance. not hesitate to contact us if you need the time budget in place please do Enjoy –and keep safe. do. you of why you’re continuing to do what challenging times and will remind you which offer a beacon of light in these the News UTU –there are elements encourage you to browse through with any issues which arise. We continued help and support in dealing term and can assure you of UTU’s We wish you well for the half- next details. the receive you ensure details to [email protected] in the response UTU please email your involved be to like would member any responses to these consultations. If regarding shortly commencing be New SEN Framework. Meetings will Pilot’ – Schools Mainstream Framework for Specialist Provision in in Mainstream Schools and Draft Framework for Specialist Provision the Schools Area Planning Framework’ Consultation on theDraft Special Educational Needs: the ‘Public been released in regard to Special A number of consultations have arrangements/ consultation-transitional-protection- https://www.utu.edu/pension- in the coming days. issue will guidance further and website been made available on the UTU Finance. This information has now of Education and the Department of GENERAL SECRETARY GENERAL WHITE JACQUIE ‘Public Consultation on theDraft and we will will we and and the the and ; 8 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION W UTU NEWS T with with connection lockdown colourful Pupils from Augnacloy PS Home inAughnacloy. Copperfields PrivateNursing heading toanewhome. Thespecialflowerpotswere had messagesattachedtothem. paint andribbons,whileothers jazzed upwithspecialsparkles, Manyhadbeendecoratedand all lookeddifferent. dozens ofpairswellies!They challenge. Therewereliterally how manypupilsrosetothe Wewereamazedatjust flowerpot! boot tomakeaspecialkindof a flowerinRecycledwelly challenged ourpupilstoplant proud of.Duringlockdownwe something thatwearevery Wewantedtotellyouabout NewsDesk. challenges andreportson enjoying lots of different articles, Around Uspacksaswell Literacy, NumeracyandWorld working ontheirHome-learning of months.Theyhavebeen Socially distanced wellies elcomed wellies B elcomed local carehome residents over thispastnumber all beenreallybusy Primary Schoolhave from Aughnacloy he boysandgirls the time,reallyenjoyed not allowedanyvisitorsat Theresidents,whowere wall outsidethehome. conservatory andalongthe positioned themaroundthe the donationsandshe just delightedtoreceive wellies. MrsMcKeown,was transport allthelovely Ittooktwocarloadsto Aughnacloy Primary School pupils with their wellie flower pots flower wellie their with pupils School Primary Aughnacloy R I G H T E N

up carehome up page. Nursing HomeFacebook out CopperfieldsPrivate colourful wellies,check the beautifuldisplayof some morepicturesof Ifyouwanttosee future. residents inthenear- and seeing allthestaff We alllookforwardto sing fortheresidents. we visitthehomeand Several timesayear who liveorworkthere. pupils haverelatives home, as manyofour connection withthe We haveaspecial Connection Special watered theplants. pots andsomeeven looking attheflower 9 Duneane Primary School classes moveDuneane Primary outdoors! W ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION Dunenae Primary School pupils are loving their required to provide shelter from the wind and rain. groups of children. Sides can easily be attached when a great area for practical activities and working with provides This picnic tables. been erected over existing purchased agazebo which has PTA the circumstances, current the in provision To enhance their outdoor adjoining church grounds. Forest School area in the making use of their seated in their school garden and pupils have been working regular play sessions, outdoor available to them. well As as full advantage of the space Primary School have taken Duneane learning, and much as possible for teaching must not be sidelined sidelined be not must Period poverty among Ireland Northern pupils they can’t afford appropriate products.” alreadylevels existing here, of poverty it thanis more important ever that girls don’t have to because school miss on out in schools, relying products instead tosanitary provide onacharity them,” said Jacquie White, with the crisis. Covid “We are the only region in the UK not to have centrally-funded free Ireland among Northern pupilsPeriod poverty is in danger of being sidelined as schools battle UTU NEWS missed an entire day of school school of day entire an missed which 59% made up a lie or an an or alie up made 59% which because of their period - of of 14 to 21 year olds have have olds year 21 to 14 of alternative excuse alternative outdoor areas as to use advice current the ith “The situation here wasn’t“The Executive our helped didn’t by fact the region in the UK has acentrally funded resource.” in other schools when every to products provide sanitary free later life. “It is shameful that Ireland Northern is relying on acharity mental health and well being and thatstaycan with stigma them in them is undignified and humiliating. a young person’s It impacts they because “Not can’t having products to access afford sanitary of the UlsterGeneral Secretary Teachers’ Union. losses whichlosses have and will in the future result from the pandemic, coupled with the acute have missed an entire daybecause school of of theirperiod. “Given the pay and job cuts the ages of 14 and 21 in the UK have been unable while to products, afford49% sanitary “Research published by Plan the charity International indicated that one in 10 girlsbetween are not forgotten. poverty period to some kind of and normality schools are operatingagain, we must ensure that issues like it was Covid timedid, agenda. of top the “Now we are returning pressing to forward help girls and young women. by Then the sit for three years while England, Scotland and Wales were extended extended experience. making the challenging circumstances into apositive l earning space and the opportunities available to them, 1 in 10 girls and women aged aged women and girls 10 1 in 14 to 21 years old said they they said old years 21 to 14 hadn’t been able to afford afford to able been hadn’t sanitary protection sanitary 10 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS T and concerns on issues theirvoice opinions which allow them to participate in events the opportunity to in particular, seize that young people, seen over many years and here in NI we have the aims of the UN promote which groups many worldwide UNA (UNA NI) is one of in Northern Ireland Association Nations United The Ireland. people in Northern young amongst flourishing already Conversation’ is is that ‘the experience of the UN. Our Anniversary100th world by 2045, the realising abetter conversation on stimulate a global 75th Anniversary to Nations (UN) for its year by the United instigated this project project worldwide a new First is ogether ‘THE CONVERSATION’ ‘THE FIRST- TOGETHER to link each of the 11 NI, created aproject Ireland we, in UNA UN. Here in Northern the founding of the 70th Anniversary of Consider 2015, the Change. Climate and Inequality Human Rights, Gender worldwide, such as which affect us all Mayor of each Council took Invariably part. the schools that eventually many the and Councils enthusiasm of both the the extent of the None of us foresaw of the UN Charter. presentation of a copy the through district with aschool in their Councils local new understanding about about understanding the pupils’ talk with to Listening Council. to the Mayor and of the UN Charter copy a presented activities. They also extra-curricular or curriculum the through engaged in which they were work international on thereports prepared students for the event and the hosted areception JOIN 11 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION had since been appointed as Chief Anti-SlaveryCommissioner, who Hyland OBE, the UK’s first Independent Keeping Force. He was joined by Kevin abroad as of part the UN Irish Peace to local sixth formers on his service UN Training School Ireland to speak invited Captain Tom Fitzpatrick of the at the Palace Demesne, Armagh and arranged ameeting for sixth formers the work of the UN. In 2018, we occasion to celebrate and promote UN Day, October 24th, is always an and human rights. values their for empathy temporary economy and politics and a sometimes knowledge of their country’s culture, gain students the research, preliminary Throughtheir concern. international the confidence to debate issues of world politics enables them to have play. This particular introduction to a UN member country through role take responsibility for representing Assembly (MUN), where students inpart aModel United Nations Many of you will remember taking wider world. in their own communities but in the people had arole to play, not only Speaker of the Assembly. These young presentation of the UN Charter to the Parliament Buildings, Stormont with a of events culminated in areception at projects was truly inspiring. The series their in involvement their demonstrate and Fairtrade, for instance, and Change, Food Security, Human Rights Sustainable Development, Climate UTU NEWS Sir Jeremy Greenstock spoke at a our colleagues based in London. endeavoured to organise visits from across Northern Ireland. We have schools, colleges and universities of seeking new ways to link with UNA NI has enjoyed the challenge Young People. NI Commissioner for Children and the Yiasouma, Koulla with celebrated 3 pupils from the Drelincourt School from the 18th century and Primary collectionits on children’s rights prepared an exhibition of items from on the Rights of the Child. The Library of the adoption of the ConventionUN toLibrary mark the Anniversary 30th was hosted by the Armagh Robinson The final young people’s event of 2019 convention on the safety of journalists. aim to encourage the UN to adopt a Boumelha who spoke of the current Jim including journalists senior to Lyra McKee and addressed by Matters’, the seminar was dedicated and Democracy –Why Journalism other senior pupils. Media Titled ‘The the Belfast Metropolitan College and University and the University of Ulster, for journalism students from Queen’s Freedom Day in May with aseminar raise awareness for World Press National Union of Journalists to year Last we teamed up with the children. protect that rights and campaigning for policies work includes promoting children’s an organisation whose worldwide ExecutiveOfficer of ChildFund Ireland,

12 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS excellent videos for the website UTU all. We have also produced alist of World Festival NI, an event open to Goals as of part the CADA One Development to highlight the UN’s Sustainable and writer who will be storytelling Weir, an NI award-winning storyteller but in the on-line company of Liz dinner in the Belfast Harbour Office, expected with aspecial event and the 75th Anniversary in NI, not as This year, we will be marking be broadcast on October 26th. for BBC Day’ NI the for to a ‘Thought Chief of Strategy but will be recording York serving as UN75 Deputy and She is currently on sabbatical in New had the pleasure of speaking with her. had set up the UNA NI website and who pupils the including visits, two on Samarasinghe, has inspired students Our Executive Director, Natalie in office as the UNA UK Chairman. meeting in Stormont during his term for alife worth living. …’ still without even the basic essentials young people in the world who are and opportunities to speak out for have aparticular to duty use our skills education is our right.birth … we and cherished and an excellent opportunity, where we are protected flourish and create futures full of our nations and where canwe grow, where we are valued as full citizens of We are fortunate to live in asociety of the challenges facing the world… the brink of adulthood, we are aware conclusion: ‘… as young people on uplifting an is Buildings Parliament our 70th Anniversary celebrations in pupil who spoke at the reception at to their daily lives. Aquote from a talking which will be of importance many topics to get them thinking and join the discussion –there are so have evidenced but even more could are already involved as we in UNA NI this than our young people? Many global governance. Who better to do to engage in the transformation of from the UN to encourage new voices article, is a 75th Anniversary initiative ‘ resource. Please take alook. Schools and are avaluable teaching suitability for Primary and Secondary have been according sorted to their UN works on, day by day. They on the wide range of issues that the Together First’ , from the title of this 8.19% APR

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UTU CompetitionUTU allows pupils to show creative flair of their heroes or best day during lockdown! T Facebookvideo. more on the UTU You can see many poems. and stories photos, winning at some of the looking enjoy you winners. We hope overall the to cards e-gift as distributed clips. Prizes were and even video work art stories, topoetry short to look at, from entries wonderful had so many committee the of members The amazing. absolutely was standard the and competition any previous exceeded far entries The lockdown. during day favourite Heroes or their to focus on Lockdown pupils allowed year competition this relations relations international annual he 15 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION By Aflie Lee you can and always be kind. when hug to Remember mind, in this keep Every day we are closer so back, that day will be cool. How Ilook forward to going be grateful for school, This virus has taught us to ensure thatto this ends. together working Everyone friends, some with Going to McDonalds, out clean. environment our keep to be now should mission Our been, never have we places in Taking walks long up at the coast. You and Iwill enjoy holidays most. them missed A lot of hugs because we fun in the sun. for TravellingGranny’s to lots of fun. Saturdays, on Swimming When over, isall this we and silence in the hall the in silence and empty Classes, views weSo will listen to their pushing Everyone, T.V, Radio, news papers, ‘go’ says England Scotland says ‘stop’ and ‘no’ says Australia America says ‘yes’ and except what is said And nothing to go by With doubt and dread With and worry fear, still inside we are cold In the warm mid-year air, But the world is on hold The clock’s ticking by ------WorldThe is on Hold STAY AT HOME will...... STAY ALERT

want to do. are the things Imost granted for But the things we took Your friends too. trips, day Like your those hobbies, anew discover can you You will see all the things and in to the blue skies grey the If you can see through light seeing tunnel, For the end of this It gives us hope night For the NHS we clap at For hanging on the wall. pictures new no are There Holland, not here! I could have been in tournaments and concerts trips, The that make ayear, a year things the We’re missing out on all too lessons and orchestras In groups: choirs, work How inspiring it will be to we can do No chance to show what gone and come Our time concert has Even going to school! park the in Playing Or splashing in the pool Going to the shop School Primary Strandtown P7 KS2 11 Age KatieSoper and look up to the skies... future the of think Just there’s rise a always But after a downhill And dips and ridges and twists turnsOf bridges and tunnels of But this life is ajourney I find the hardest thing. school primary But my abrupt end to bring. can And the restrictions it I can cope with isolation 16 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION friends. But Imiss my school and this. I can’t believe Iam saying Glens. And visiting the Gortin Riding tracks. motocross again. So, Ican visit my friends lockdown I can’t wait to be free of remain. to metres Social distances of 2 same. Things won’t be the over. When this lockdown’s Lockdown to AfterForward What Iam Looking about my friends thinking can’t stop I door. Can’t wait to get out the more. excitedSo for so much And playing golf. rugby. Ican’t wait to get back to NHS. the Who is working hard for Karen. Auntie But Ireally miss my house.her And have asleepover at from Granny. I can’t wait to get hugs I really miss ateacher. hard. is home-schooling The CPS CPS Strabane P6, Lennox be over. But Ican’t wait for it to sun. the enjoying and bike my Riding fun. having and games Playing family. Special time with my things. of lots Lockdown has given me thou. there Can’t wait to get back miss it so. I love my caravan and I again. playing I really want to get Carrickfergus 3rd Prize Prize 2nd Prize 1st KS3 3rd Prize Prize 2nd Prize 1st KS2 School Primary W, Millington &Abigail 3rd Prize Prize 2nd Prize 1st KS1 3rd Prize Prize 2nd Prize 1st Foundation 3rd Prize Prize 2nd Prize 1st Nursery Overall Winner: Alyssa E, Harding Memorial Primary School INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Dungannon School T, Royal Nicole school High Larne R, & Hannah College Integrated Ulidia Ulida M, Ethan Belfast School Grammar Aquinas L, Sri Sarah M, Larne High School School Primary Strandtown S, Katie School. Primary Garryduff M, Gracie CPS Strabane B, Lennox School Primary Carrowdore B, & Amelie School Primary Strandtown S, Katie School Primary Birches B, Jack Darcie K, Howard Primary school School, Primary W, Ballydown & Anna School, Primary Gardens Castle G, & Victoria school primary Pondpark H, Alex School Primary Aughnacloy L, Alfie Prep Strathearn M, Amelia School Primary Dromara R, &Ruby unit &Nursery School Primary Cooley A, Olivia School Primary BFivemiletown Emily Laura H, Enniskillen Model School unit &Nursey School Primary Cooley A, & Archie Nursery, Community Lisbellaw J, Eve School Nursery Millington W Charlotte Felicity M, Ballygawley Early Years WINNERS

17 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION O extraordinary event is a extraordinary and thisour members, areas of concern exercising have become aware of key the to coalesce, we normal starts offront new line. “As some sort their so class man parents the keep children key workers’ in to help worries, health own regardless ofschools, their man they as service emergency teachers become fourth the pandemic crisis has seen “The of UTU. the General Secretary upheaval,” Jacquie said White, this time of unprecedented for their profession during future the in helpingsay chart membership should have their that grassroots was vital felt it attending. members “We by were debated and supported motions which emergency decided tothree bring forward central committee executive the lockdown, Government the conference cancelled due to 17 March June. UTU the With 2020 CONFERENCEVIRTUAL TEACHERS’ULSTER UNION UTU NEWS Education Minister - Peter Weir -Peter Minister Education on Wednesday online conference extraordinary an delegates attended ‘virtual’ 400 ver Virtual Conference Virtual L eading that “In our first motion we our first that “In President,outgoing commented Thompson, keep Susan afloat. figures – thatand was to just – some running into seven to reduce gro,wing deficits roll in adesperate attempt ask to parents provide toilet classroom resources and even redundant,makecut staff as principals were forced to rocking our system education of financial new crisis some sort rarely aday went without by this “Before outbreak, forward. fears and going demand better chance for them to air their emergency service” emergency fourth the become has teachers seen pandemic crisis “The

the way with extraordinary the first assurances mental that want “We Thompson. Mrs continued us,” from ones has taken hundreds of loved which unprecedented crisis to normal anew following this acclimatiseteachers asthey for them and for their fall-out there health amental will be Undoubtedly,than others. mark more on some deeply whichwill leavetimes, their extraordinary through living children “Our assessment. are and workload addressing third pupils as well and as a staff, for support health mental for adequate pandemic post on aanother motion calling delegatesas this, will also vote As well and staffed.” funded adequatelywill be resourced, will changethings and schools that assurances demand will 18 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION by Mrby Peter Weir, Education addressed also were attending Delegatesa culture of trust. made clear that we require change in She education. also to demand up and make stand a time for profession the to that never before was there She made notecircumstances. and timing the given poignancy more even given was Teachers” understanding and trusting “Uniting, theme her Presidential The address. addressed with attendees thing.”right Thompson Susan and to do the best, know who those chalkface, the at those for Minister the to listen to timehas never abetter been on. There and could not carry however, mass reached critical of our profession. had, “It more than goodwill the little by up shored empty, on running been has system education too long For – clarity. the which we want –and deserve are on issues the “These this? forramifications teachers of all areand what workload the handled be issues assessment special educational needs and look like, for instance? How will day will school anew “What logistics. we also assurances need on level while on amore practical available for it, all need who readily will be support health UTU NEWS Daniel McCrossan -SDLP McCrossan Daniel home schooling. One Cohome schooling. One from and pupils parents about messages and calls taking hours night and early the latewere working into often Conference heard how they including teachers. it, need as as they soon it all need who for support health on mental calling motion the addressed impassionate speakers most disregarded.” of Some the and our hard has work been engagement no leadership, Mr McCord. have no seen “We disregarded,” said totally been in danger,put we feel we have any worker in NHS the to be heand would said not allow up MinisterHealth stood who Unlikehear any clarity. the our conference today Ididn’t Peter Weir “When spoke to leadership’. of ‘lack Minister’s was the he said what blasted asPresident, he installed conference being after just online emergency UTU’s ‘scandalous’. Addressing the towards his profession as attitude Education Minister’s Stephen McCord branded the Mr President incoming The Committee. Education the ofMinister, members and engagement and our our and engagement Robbie Butler -UUP Butler Robbie hard work has been been has work hard no leadership,no no “We have“We seen disregarded.” disregarded.” arrangements. pick up and drop offtransport, PPE, meals, school distancing, social hygiene, like regarding term look will school new the what on clarity demanded thirda motion teachers also from alower income family. In crisisthe as aresult of being by affected would adversely be and resourced no child so funded adequately staffed, were to ensure schools funding and resources for assurances on adequate conference, delegates called motion of this extraordinary crisiscontinued. In first the she schooling themselves,” home and maybe parents older challenges, after looking lockdown their own with teachers are too who coping take their on the toll mentally though instances these All things. through her to talk Imanaged but was distraught was also akey worker. “She educational needs and who have additionalwho children two from amum with teacher she said took acall 4andat 3, ABelfast 5am. from messages pupilswith ping wouldphone regularly her said another while eat, nothingdesperation to with to families rang who her in done food drops door step principal she said Down had Chris Lyttle - Alliance 19 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS Management cognisant to be mental of the and Employing the Authorities Conference asks communities. “Lockdown” will school have on Conference is also mindful of the trauma that to considering the safe return to school. regard with stakeholders with started already 2. being of both children and staff are prioritised. the authorities to ensure that the health and well- academicin the next year. Conference calls on resourced and staffed when we return schoolto full assurance that schools will fully be financed, give Education Minister Education Authority and ConferenceKey Workers. demands that the for their pupils and care for the children of learning to provide opportunities schools of education. Conference commends efforts the disruption that has caused been to children’s 1. WEDNESDAY JUNE 17 2020 CONFERENCE SPECIAL FOR MOTIONS Conference notes with concern the significant Conference commends that work the has and conditions of teachers should fulfilled. be which out clearly sets terms the statutory CEC to demand agreement new how the and Officers Secretary, General the instructs Conference pupils. to learning blended introduce the adaptation and assessment of work as we included clearly in the time budget to allow for routines and This practices. time should be to establish teachers and leaders school for Conferenceof teachers. demands firstly time managed and what workload may demanded be SEN issues and assessment procedures will be what anew school teaching day will look like, how regarding concerns serious our record on place 3. available before and during the return to school. are services reachable easily and active that health of both pupils and teachers and ensure As we returnAs to school, Conference wishes to 20 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS the UTU, shadowing Jacquie and Avril to Icompleted my alternate placement with to land my current permanent position. countless interviews), Iwas lucky enough Fast forward acouple of years and (after register. subbing the on teachers other completed, Ijoined the whole host of of their P1 classes. When my year was teaching job in the same school with one in turn led me to my first full-time very adaptable in aschool scenario, which This also meant that Ilearnt to become active ways to help their children learn. helping parents find more creative and and P7 class a part-teaching juggling also one of their support teachers, whilst creative job, working in one school as Barnardo’s. This was an exciting and a Stranmillis internship working for I interviewed for and was offered register, subbing the onto straight going my first teaching position. Rather than I took an alternative path in securing years at Stranmillis University College, After completing four fun very filled involved with the UTU. journey so far and how she became now. Here is alittle bit about her teaching and has been in this position for 4 years hats) in Desertmartin PrimarySchool leadership many other wearing (amongst Jillian is currently aKey Stage 2teacher In TeachingIn At the recent FIT ( In Teaching Group Chairperson of the Future elected as the new Vice AGM, was was Jones Jillian )

group group Future

details. HQ and the office staff willpass on your more information about FIT, contactUTU (Chair) or myself! If you want to find out why not introduce yourself to Ashton meeting. Watch out for the invite and teachers, I hope to see you at our next Any beginning/recently qualified everyday difficulties of being a teacher. listen to how others are dealing with the but it’s also somewhere you can go to just the awkward questions about schoolwork of teachers who you can come to ask all helped them along the way. It’s agroup or wanting to share ideas that have in some aspect of their teaching careers are in the same position – needing help the FIT group is that all the members in it One thing Ifind most beneficial about school!) and get help where you need it. teachers (even if it’s not talking about note, they’re agreat way to meet other FIT meetings are informative and on a plus those extremely long applications). The jobs (finding out exactly how you fill out found it highly useful when applying for I joined the FIT group after graduating and going to join after I had finished university. I knew that was UTU the union that Iwas Northern Ireland. It was at this point that how much the do UTU for teachers across many meetings. It was then I realised NEW FUTURE IN IN FUTURE NEW TEACHING TEACHING CHAIRPERSON CHAIRPERSON ELECTED VICE VICE 21 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS To apply andif find out you are here a due refund click 22 Early intervention ‘critical’ for autistic children in Northern Ireland Northern in children ‘critical’ autistic for intervention Early W teachers are calling for extra extra for calling are teachers Now Northern Ireland been left without support. parents who, they said, had their and children both by faced being challenges the highlighted They in the autism sector. parents and charities involved on 21 October 2020 by comments made to Ministers members, was speaking after represents about 6,000 Teachers’ Union, which Secretary for the Ulster Jacquie White, General Ireland risks alost generation. autistic tendencies, Northern generation of young people.”

ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION Honoured Principal Primary Park Pond UTU NEWS “Without it we risk“Without letting personally throughout my career. I also value career. value my also I throughout personally who have supported me professionally and to have worked with outstanding colleagues have journeyed with me. I’ve been blessed honour Iaccept on behalf of many people who a few weeks ago,” said Geoffrey. “It is an “I was obviously delighted to receive the news Ireland. of Church Parish Belvoir in pianist and choirmaster winners in recent years. He is also apopular and have been placed both as runners-up and competitors in the SchoolBBC Choir of the Year down and losing this children displaying displaying children for interventions ithout critical early and the pupils are regular regular are pupils the and Pond Park Primary School G Honours List for services to Education and awardedMBE. the Cherry has recently been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday The Principal of Pond Park Primary School, , Geoffrey Mr eoffrey is the Principal of support for these children situation“The regarding pupils. other their as well children who have autism as out from that among both fall- and impact full the back teachers too are facing are schools that now and affected by the pandemic, disproportionately been “Children with autism have in schools,” said Ms White. role their regarding especially of these support services, some with following up “We have actively been children. early interventions for these funding to be used towards congratulations to Mr Geoffrey MBE. The Ulster Teachers’Union sends our warmest all.” by appreciated and valued is worship exciting church to belong to and the music and each other in so many ways. Belvoir is such an choir, aunique group of people who support community of people. I’m ‘in charge’ of the said that “Belvoir is awonderful, accepting team in Belvoir Parish for almost 25 years. He Mr has Cherry also been involved in the music way. dedicated too to the children I’ve met along the I only ever wanted to teach and this award is selflessly invested so much time into Pond Park. the role of my school Governors who have people. young of generation this losing and down letting weit risk Without struggling. their teachers -will be left – as well as their families and children these assessments, “Without these critical so they can get support. extra who are awaiting assessment and foundationstage children intervention among nursery early for capacity in increase an towards used would urge this should be some funding and we Minister“The has secured greater challenges. even with now teachers have been left before Covid was in crisis and 23 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION How to activate your newPluscard... Membership over 1,500savings. has arrived! Activate itnow to access Your new PlusCard UTUMembership gain exclusive access to arange of1,500+exciting discounts. Make sure to activate itnow whileit’s onyour mind, andyou will Plus Card for 2020-2022. You shouldhave already received your new UTUMembership 3 2 1 the on-screen instructions. thisisyour Plus,Membership - If with simplyclickon Register firsttime andfollowregisterting Plus andclickonUpdate Card you- If already have Plusaccount aMembership from previous years, simplylogin to Membership which isfree to download from theApp Store for theiPhone orfrom Play Google for Android phones. Visit Plus website the Membership www.membershipplus.co.uk Plusapp ortheMembership card number Remove your Plus card Membership from theleafletitarrived inand locate your Plus Membership , printed onthefront ofyour Plus card. Membership , within Your Account. 24 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION discounted Shopping Card from Plus. Membership To save with bigbrand retailers suchas Tesco, Currys PC World and Topshop, you purchase can a Shopping Cards from Plus Membership save upto 50%offwhenshopping, grabbing atakeaway, outinthegymandmuchmore. working Once your Plus card Membership saving. isactivated, you canstart With over 1,500offers to enjoy, you can Save onyourSave groceries withaShoppingCard. depending ontheretailer, you canusethecard either in-store, onlineorbothto pay justlikeadebitcard! Shopping Card to getyour discount. You willreceive your ShoppingCard inthepostorby email, then Simply choosearetailer through Plus andfollow Membership to purchase theinstructions apre-paid Visit www.membershipplus.co.uk Plusappto browse ortheMembership theoffers available. savings you enjoy... can You’re in!Here’s aglimpseofthe E.g. £96eachweek Spend at Tesco withadiscounted Shopping Card, save £200 annually! Furniture, decor, motoring services, andmore. ”It’s card, abrilliant Ilove usingit. Keep theoffers coming!” ”It’s shops.” to great getthediscounts inparticipating soreadily Supermarket Discounts Savings onyour cravings Offer details correct details Offer at timeofpublication.correct Please always check the website orapp for fulldetailsofeachoffer before redeeming. Useful Home savings Discounted Days Out For fullterms ofuse for eachoffer,www.membershipplus.co.uk pleasevisit ONLINE NOW! USE 20% 5% Up to Up to off off

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Belfast Armatile, Armagh Planetarium, Armagh Armagh United Colors ofBenetton, Craigavon Edenmore Club, Country Craigavon Centre, Entertainment Airtastic Armagh Skechers, Craigavon Toymaster,Rogers Portadown One Fitness, Armagh Co. Londonderry Derry/ Moes Grill, Moes Banbridge Funky Monkeys, Bangor Bangor Sports, Eddie Irvine Culloden Estate andSpa,Holywood Crown Decorating Centres, Bangor Menswear,Bogart Aurora Leisure Complex, Bangor Armatile, Newry Paolos Pizzas, UpProMake Store, Derry/Londonderry Centre, Entertainment Airtastic Bangor Everglades Hotel, Derry/Londonderry JumpLanes, Crown Decorating Centres, Coleraine Joseph Rea JewellersJoseph Rea Gym Co. Belfast Grand Central Hotel Airport City Belfast George Best Funky Monkeys Frankie &Benny’s Europa Hotel Crown Decorating Centres Cotswold Outdoor Corries Farm Butchers Clements Coffee Clear Day Nurseries Café Parisien Menswear Bogart Better Leisure Centres Armatile Centre Entertainment Airtastic Derry/Londonderry

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26 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION SimplyCook, onlineFarm Butchers £1 trialbox with Save 15%at Corries app! Plus card through theoffer pageonthe Simply present your digital Membership Forgot your Pluscard? Membership Play for Android phones. App Store for theiPhone orGoogle isavailable forand about. It free from the your phoneto continue saving whileout PlusDownload appto theMembership Plus app Save onthegowithMembership checking thewebsite andapptochecking never missanewdiscount! for you andyour family. Newoffers are added Membership Plus to sobesureregularly to always be 2020,weDuring have addedmore onlineoffers thanever before to help you safely save money New offers added recently correctly, we willbeableto reimburse you for thediscount. Providing you have attempted to redeem theoffer Plus venue,Membership usstraight pleasecontact away. theunlikelyeventIn that you are refused discount ina Money backguarantee Offer details correct details Offer at time of publication.correct Please always check the website or app for full details of each offer before redeeming. For full terms ofuse for each offer,www.membershipplus.co.uk please visit exciting competitions andmore! to keep up to date withnew offers, Follow PlusonFacebook Membership 20%offa Fitbit 30%discount at 50%off yourfirst online Watch Shop, onlineHelloFresh box, digital card Use your 30/09/2022 in-store for any offer! online 27 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION H UTU NEWS with open arms. open with broadening of the Healthy Kidz approach the Memorial Hart staff embraced the at the heart of every decision we make!” “In the Hart, the needs of our pupils are people. Following their mission statement the Covid lockdown on children and young to educational research into theof effects emotional wellbeing took off in response This high level focus on physical and are total celebrities in the Hart! – Coach Steve and Assistant Coach Jamie Healthy Kidz coaches around the school Nursery to P7. Children love to see incredibly popular with all classes from Education Curriculum.The sessions are and link to all aspects of the NI Physical based at each year group’s level of skill, emotional health.The weekly sessions are the positive effect this has on mental and maximise the time spent outdoors and – and an additional outdoorto activity just get on the wet weather gear and go! sessions per week –regardless of weather: Every class has three full outdoor PE well. as classroom also bringing Healthy Mind lessons into the balance and speed. Now, in 2020, we are agility, co-ordination, strength, core enthusiasm for physical activity, building teamed up with Healthy Kidz, bringing real best in the year ahead. Memorial Hart has By Susan Thompson Wellbeing at the Hart the Wellbeing at reach their physical and personal personal and physical their reach children ensure all to out stepping Memorialart Primary School is everything they do!!!!! they everything make!” of every decisionheart we of our pupils are atthe the needs the Hart, “In of of 28 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION An additional benefitof term. half each bonus prizes are distributed additional rewards and plus part taking children all activities. Certificates for homework physical to linked Healthy Kidz app and are therecorded bespoke on to ensure all lessons are together work children between pupils. Staff and and no physical contact equipment minimal require classroom the in delivered of activities that be can range pupils.among The enthusiasm excitement and which createlessons time to deliver inspiring have teachers ensured has the Healthy Kidz website planningactivity aspect of Numeracy and more! The PDMU, WAU, Literacy, the statutory curriculum: focus to all other areas of and link the physical activity access awealth of resources website means all staffcan Wellbeing Emotional The new Healthy Kidz’ UTU NEWS are certainly lucky as well as healthy kids!! The pupils at Memorial Hart Primary School, Portadown, different classes during each term of the school year! their extra-curricular activities. This will be rolled outto October, at atime when most schools have had to suspend enjoy after school clubs for each class duringSeptember and Healthy Kidz is that it has enabled P6 and P7 children to www.healthy-kidz.com Tel: [email protected] informationFor more contact 07708 519 249

29 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS M stimulating environment “Pupils may sitting be all P4 at Drumgor, make from all their competitors, we had a P4 is nothing new at Drumgor Primary (a.k.a. pupils which “mathletes”) the brought out acompetitiveedge in competition, awith promise of prizes, Mathletics Awhole-school fortunateare to very have. we which pitch football 4G a including advantagetaking our of outdoor space outdoors, learning their brought classes with autumn leaves. Indeed, many chart a giant bar Quiz, to creating Maths in an onlinepart nationwide Mega ranging taking from numeracy activities; a range of daily fun class participated in Each lives. everyday our in maths of importance the celebrating week, the throughout effort whole-school was a 2020.October It 12-16th the from Craigavon, School, Primary Drumgor at Drumgor Primary strive children feel safe, loved in rows and confined to class bubblesto class but a warm, caring and to continue to have in which allof our and inspired.” and celebrated was week aths taking away taking without and follow),which wellas these as pun that pardon week (you’llthe enjoyment of our to Adding either). spirit competitive from exempt (staff are not through this! for the term and year ahead. We will get to all of our colleagues and their pupils feel safe, loved and inspired.luck Good children our of all which in environment a warm, caring and stimulating Primary strive to continue to have confined classto bubbles Drumgorbut Pupils may all besitting in rows and eh? respectively!UK, ‘Sum’ achievement, and aP5 class finish 4th and 6th the in UK top 4! 30 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS of Drumgor Mathletes 31 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION Teachers and Parents Teachers and apps for useful 6 most or slow the spread of stop help will you tracing app. By using it can use this HSC contact Northern Ireland you 11 or older and live in StopCovidNI - can be informed of any that are missed!! and parent can keep track of hand in dates and comments can be added and both the pupil activities.Grading and to upload homework For teachers it is easy and even detentions! timetables, behaviour keep tabs on homework, to pupils and parents allowsIt teachers, now using this software. are schools secondary Homework) (previouslySatchel: Show ONE My overall understand your children’s education and their are using it. the See information needed to are alsoAlerts able to be sent to all who can also update their information quickly. enables them to view school Parents reports. also and bad, and good behaviour: attendance, results, assessment viewing by progress to track their child’s Parents allows It schools. if they attend different children’s even their data all see can guardians ParentSIMS -With SIMS Parent, parents and Ireland. Northern across parents and pupils teachers, to available a teaching aide. Here we list some of the apps technology in the classroom and on phones as using and norms the outside thinking The Covid-19 situation has led to teachers UTU NEWS -across the UK around 1 in 3 If you are needed! you to ditch some of the paper edit the data. It does allow and columns add can you When using the grade book seating plans of the class. and can also be used to keep diary and planner a also is It a grade book for your classes. £12.99) that can be used like This is an app (can be alittle costly at around iDoceo engage! is wonderful to see reluctant readers begin to really captured children’s imaginations and it academics. The island king and monster have Designed in collaboration with leading sentences. full reading letters and sounds to from everything covers learning to read fun. It makes that game groundbreaking a is This Read Teach your Monster to back!and needbooks to be trailed from school to home to respond digitally –meaning less of those pupils to upload their work and for the teacher allows also It engagement. student encourage tools on teacher time. It’s creative their best work and saves do to pupils your inspires is adigital portfolio that SeeSaw Class -Seesaw where. or when an from alert this app. You won’t know who, their app that they have COVID-19, you will get in close contact with an app user who has told coronavirus. How does the app work? If you are 32 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS Walsh on 028Walsh 9032 6878 or by email to [email protected] to discuss. wishing to avail of this Please service. contact our Probate Clare specialist, and Wills Shean Dickson Merrick is currentlyfixed offering those fee offer a to UTUmembers would encourage everyone to have both aWill and an For peace of mind, we EPA place in . ‘ oversight by the Court. ongoing involves and longer, takes costly more is process This appointed. be to for a Controller Court High the in and Protection Care of Office to the made to be have may application an that means appointment an such of lack The behalf. your on this to do person asuitable appointed have you affairs, financial your with to deal capacity mental lose you if that ensure will This emphasised. over be (EPA) cannot place in Attorney of Power Enduring an having of importance the increase, the on conditions such other and Alzheimer’s dementia, with Also, estate. your from benefit will who and Executors your as appointed be will who dictate and Statute by down are set situation this in apply will which rules the and Intestacy an as known is aWill without Dying Will. drafted acarefully in exemptions or reliefs tax possible considering by Tax estate your on Inheritance the to mitigate steps to take opportunities are also There so. doing of are capable who and trust have you whom in people be will death your after wishes your out carry who persons or person the that so Executors, your to choose able being as such however considerations other are also There so. do will beneficiaries, your estate, your to inherit want you those that assured be can you that is aWill making for reason obvious The reasons.several for yes is answer The wealthy. especially are not they if particularly nowadays, to aWill make need real any is there if ask still clients Many 33 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION

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E P O L A F N F E E R L S 34 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION doing numeracy and literacy through through literacy and numeracy doing our teachers to spend the 2hours learning! Iam to trying encourage language and maths, which is all rote each day the children must only do has said that during the 2hours little focus on play.The Government Zambia it is education very based with cope as we best can. Also, in ECD in cases no water…well, we just have to of schools having no soap or in some here! Challenges assistants classroom materials between each session –no cleaning each class and all the play per day! Think of the implications– each class or has three or four classes classes on alternate days with 23 in This means either the teacher has as many as 70 in or 80 the ECD class. some of our classes would usually have to having 23 in aclass –of course Childhood class. Classes are restricted only 2hours daily for the Early guidelines to follow, and this includes of Education have given us some notice to open! However, the Ministry weekend’s a only given were schools but tense time in many ways as 21 September!!! It was exciting avery Schools have opened in Zambia on for schools across Zambia. challenging Covid-19 proved has The Synodprogramme of Zambia. for CCAP set up an early childhood development Diane moved to Zambia in 2016 to children. and resources practical for the purchase stationery, running water Contributions have been made to in Malawi and currently in Zambia. Diane’s work previously when she was Committee, have contributed to through our International Organisation UTU NEWS D Teachers’ Union, Union, Teachers’ in Zambia. Ulster The Childhood teachers Early training supporting supporting works iane Cusick Covid-19 stays away from us here! Lusaka over the December holidays if teachers from Southern Zambia and I intend to have aworkshop with resources! available locally using for making activities for the children These manuals give teachers ideas to covid-19 work was put on hold. which are almost finished but due manuals teachers making was I experience! the enjoy play so that at least the children Za in children and teachers for normal new The mb ia not pay school fees. We anticipate could parents mid-month, opened - only 10 children so far (as school today So Iam at one of our centres Lusaka. to returning before there centres our on Wednesday 28 October to visit tomorrow to Monze and Mazabuka teachers are facing. Iwill bemoving centre there and chatting withissues (Victoria Falls home) visiting our ECD Iam currently in Livingstone 35 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION their best. Ispent time helping teachers to and glad to beback -the teachers are trying happy are kids like that! the But anything was always the case), no hand sanitizers or hand washing bucket for the children (as though Gov say they should), there is a Teachers are not wearing face masks (even buildings! Sometimes hotcan be too hot!! here today -no aircon and tin roofs on the more children month). next It’s 38 degrees UTU continueUTU to give me for my work. Iam so grateful for the kind donation that least this centre has afew books! selling (for the same reason!) now So at gave them away because they were not Keep updated my with life and work by www.dianecusick.blogspot.com checking my blog checking make some pre- but Ithink they culturally, kids our for suitable that not are whichof books bookshop local a donationa by me. Iwas given with brought offcuts thatI and wood rubbish other with played while the kids rubbish of out maths activities masks there is a hand washing hand there bucket masks a is are happy and glad to be back -the for the children, no hand sanitizers or anything like that! But the kids

“ teachers are trying their best

Teachers are not wearing face

“ 36 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION POVERTY POVERTY NEED‘WE TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT, FOOD UTU NEWS they need to thrive and learn and so the vicious circle the brunt. They’re not receiving the nourishment result “The is that it’s the children who often bear abuse. health issues, an invalid parent, alcohol or domestic There may be other issues at work too –mental simply not having enough money to feed the children. “It is often much more complicated than thatfamily to school hungry in this day and age but it is afact. believe that pupils in their children’s class are coming “Families who are managing might find it hard to children who are suffering most. it’s becoming increasingly difficult and so it is these so many other financial issues pressing on schools tried to help these families whenever we can but with “As ateacher it’s hard to look at and we have always granted. for go on school trips, all the things everyone else takes hungry, with holes in their shoes, unable to afford to of us when we hear children are coming to school teachers as sadly we daily see the evidence in front coalition,Poverty said: “None of this is any surprise to Children’s Bureau, aleading member of the End Child Celine Mcstravick ,Director of the National here than in Scotland. which confirmed that more children live in poverty published child figures poverty for Northern Ireland In May 2020, the Department for Communities once the full effect of COVID-19 is felt. that many more families could be swept into poverty years up to March 2019. Campaigners are warning in the NI had flatlined, with little change over the five that before the pandemic, the rate of child poverty In the research by Loughborough University it shows opportunities for children across Northern Ireland. realise ambition its to build back better and levelup of the challenge faced by the NI Executive if it is to of improvement. The study emphasises the scale breadline, with overall numbers showing no signs more than 107,000 children are living below the now in factors housing it is costs estimated that End Child coalition. Poverty In their analysis which research published on 14 October 2020 by the Northern Ireland living according in poverty to With nearly aquarter (24 %) of children across mini lockdown.”current are struggling due to the Covid-19 crisis and the A increased numbers of families families of numbers increased especially at the time when “this is awelcomed initiative, President Stephen McCord said, the Hallowe’en break. UTU School Meal payments to cover have decided to extend Free FOR OUR CHILDREN IS AREAL ISSUE’ and the Stormont Executive Weir, Education Minister, s we go to press Mr Peter www.endchildpoverty.org.uk www.endchildpoverty.org.uk of aUK free of child poverty. For more details visit: groups, trade unions and others, united in our vision welfare organisations, social justice groups, faith from civic including society children’s charities, child End Child is Poverty acoalition of organisations Poverty End Child About hungry one day during their holiday.” re-evaluate our values and ensure that no child goes classrooms. The Covid-19 crisis must be achance to seen the real impact over hungry children in our lockdown periods. teachers As many of us have be supported during the Christmas and any further be important that those in real need continue to the Province as we enter the Winter months. It will across children and families many struggling the important that our executive continues to consider Stephen concluding by saying that “it will be provide for them during school closures. for over 1.5 million children to be given vouchers to been awarded an MBE he continues campaignto to the front of the National Press. Having recently provide free school meals during the holiday period Marcus Rashford has called for the UK Government to The England and Manchester United footballer communities receives the support they deserve.” ensure this most vulnerable section of our school alonepoverty and we would ask for the funders to “Teachers can only do so much. We can’t fight food itself. threatens repeat to 37 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION 38 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION UTU NEWS your UTU school representative school your UTU and write to or email haven’t received one after this date you should speak to could delayed be until October 2020.the 30 still If you was reached that in these circumstances time budgets delayed in giving training to leaders. school Agreement year, for both Principals and were teachers. EA also The This has been an exceptionallyto theschool start busy next? Ido should I haven’t 2020-2021. What for mybudget seen time not as time. class contact attendingit wouldbe included in their time budget but time in the time budget. For other teachers who are Leading an assembly is considered to class be contact budget? inmy time- included this Is week. per once assembly Year of I am aHead to take am expected and budget. part-time hours and should inbe reflected your time time and after-school should takealso intoaccount your time equivalent. Your of supervision morning, break- would hours per 15 week, be 3/5 of the 25hour full entitled to 75.9 hours PPA time. Your time class contact calculated basis. In on apro-rata your you case are for Time a part-timeDirected teacher shouldbe be workedout? time Howmy will directed week. per 3days working teacher primary time I am apart 2020.by 30October (NITC) the timecompletedbe budgetsto areexpected agreement management between and union trade side of the 1265 hours. to Due adelay in training and with webinars, on planning via the EA, and on the allocation Principals have and been supported have taken in part utilised. will not have freedom to determine how their time is reach agreement on ateacher’s time budget, teachers Principals and each member ofshould staff seek to teacher. While the spirit of the agreement is that due regard to the individual responsibilities of each budget for each member of the teaching staff, giving PrincipalThe is responsible for determining atime budget? ateacher’s time determining for responsible is Who system. education the of and effectiveness efficiency improve to the and accountability and workload about concerns teacher address to measures series of Agreement)a Conditions (Jordanstown and and the clarifies and out sets Teachers’Committee Terms Teachers’ the of side Negotiating union trade and management between Agreement 2020 April The TIME BUDGET FAQs unaccounted for within the time budget. to accommodate situations that may arise and are of contingency time to ensure thereflexibility is that each teacher’s time budget includes an element commitment.of Time Directed Itis recommended leftallocation following the istime time the Contingency this for? is What budget. ontime time my I have contingency balance have been considered. that your own health and well being and work-life adequate out your timedutiesbut carry alsoto ensure your Principal. Ensure that you have been allocated you should discuss the duties that you with undertake management side and teacher side. In the meantime been established in the April 2020 agreement between have that reviews the through Vice-Principals and will addressing be UTU The the workload of Principals do? is unfair. This budget. I atime require should What not Ido that have and told been I am avice-principal min break 12 and between 2pm. is aseparate paid and contract, you must still have a30 min lunch break. If you wish to over supervise lunch this your time budget. You would thenbe entitled to30 your as they queue for their lunch, this must included be in supervising your class down to the canteen and helping pupils and in what circumstances. example you For if are would you if are need to being clarify asked to supervise count towards Time. Directed With lunch duty, we least 30minutes. Lunch breaks are unpaid and do not All teachers are required to have alunch break of at this? Ido Must week. day one a duty alunch out I have asked to carry been circumstances will differfrom school school.to but this not does necessarily apply in all schools as this may mean you have in areduction teaching time, adequate out your time duties. carry some cases In to allocated have been you that ensure and principal time budget of 1265 hours. You should speak to your Theseduties. duties bemust also includedwithin the or Special Educational NeedsAllowances for specific teachersSome will in be receipt of Teaching Allowances time? to extra entitled I Am school. in staff of members other as hours of ordinator. same number the to teach Icontinue I have aTeaching aKey as Allowance Co- Stage at [email protected] after 5 daysstill you haven’treceived it please contact your Principal asking for acopy of the time budget. If 16110 UTU Poster09-20.indd 1 ULSTER TEACHERS’ UNION 16110 UTUPoster 09-20 Cornmarket Insurance Services, registered Ireland, inNorthern company numberNI030039. 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