February 2015
Stormy times ahead for education INTO News Get Up Stand Up
INTO is a trade union, which at its heart is lobbying, emailing and letter writing. The tumn Statement. This will involve the INTO committed to the preservation and responses of our local politicians ranged continuing to campaign and organise promotion of social justice. At the end of from the supportive to disinterested. The against cuts which, if enacted, will reduce November the draft Budget for Education enormity of the INTO’s response seemed to our education system to a Dickensian was published and it was inevitable that it have taken them back and established a monochrome experience for our young would provoke the visceral reaction it did new record for a response to a consultation; people and those teachers who remain. amongst INTO members indeed, if the consultation INTO members across the north, with the and indeed the wider period had been of the support of our colleagues in the Republic, education community. The statutory length they are prepared to engage in what is going to Northern Committee of the might well have received be a difficult and prolonged campaign of union moved with double the 21,000 opposition to these proposed cuts. It is remarkable speed to responses officially important that our members understand challenge the threat this acknowledged. INTO’s that what we face now and over the next draft budget posed to the Northern Committee has four years is year on year job losses and provision of education demonstrated, by cuts. These cuts have not arisen simply as a across the north. They saw, engaging in this activity, result of a reduction in the block grant. before others in the trade that politicians in Stormont Rather, they are the outworking of the union movement, that are not immune to public ideology of the Conservative Party’s “think what was being proposed pressure no matter how tanks” which seek to remove reliance on would undermine the remote they can at times the state whilst purportedly incentivising educational advances appear. the individual to assume ever increasing achieved for young people Cuts of £162 million to levels of responsibility for themselves. One of the north. Furthermore, the education budget have manifestation of this idea is a reduction in it was apparent to the Gerry Murphy, now been reduced to cuts public spending, and a promotion of Northern Committee that Northern Secretary of £90 million. This reduc- austerity. The challenge INTO members teachers, whose hard work tion would not have been face is that in order to successfully combat and sacrifice had delivered these positive achieved without INTO taking a campaign- the present government’s austerity advances, were to suffer further with jobs ing stand against the draft budget. While it programme, we must undermine it and and professional support subjected to a is right to acknowledge the success that expose its limitations, while simultaneously fifth year of cuts. this represents, effectively reducing the offering an alternative credible option. It was hardly surprising that when INTO cuts in the 15/16 year by close to 50%, it is Furthermore, INTO must consider how our organised a series of public meetings to important to realise that our success is a response fits with the demands of broader provide a forum for teachers to come qualified one. The remaining £90 million in society in a way that draws support from a together and express their anger, that cuts will still have to be extracted from an wider base than we have previously hundreds of teachers, parents and education system already reeling from a considered necessary. colleagues employed in a support role in cycle of cuts dating back to 2010/11. Not INTO is determined to be successful. We schools turned our across the North to only is it imperative that INTO continues to will support our colleagues in the wider articulate their anger. The INTO resist the remaining cuts, we must steel trade union movement whose jobs are consolidated these public meetings with a ourselves for four more years of Tory in- threatened. Our campaign against the draft concerted lobbying campaign via social spired cuts to public service provision as Budget prior to Christmas is cause for us to media and the more traditional personal signalled by George Osbourne in the Au- be optimistic that we can succeed. Never-
Committee Information Area Branches Name Surname Title Mobile INTO Email CEC 1 District 1 0101-0113 Mary Cahillane CEC Representative 07522100726 [email protected] CEC 2 District 2 0201-0217 Dorothy McGinley CEC Representative 07736550457 [email protected] BFC Paddy McAllister BFC Representative 07828769034 [email protected] NEP NEELB Primary 0101/0102/0104/0107/0109/0111 Mark McTaggart INTO Northern Committee 07505113560 [email protected] NES NEELB Post-Primar 0101/0102/0104/0107/0109/0111 Seamus Hanna INTO Northern Committee 07720 775425 [email protected] SEP SEELB Primary 0110/0113 Brendan Sadlier INTO Northern Committee 07793243954 [email protected] SES SEELB Post Primary 0110/0113 Frank Quinn INTO Northern Committee 07969672616 [email protected] BP BELB Primary A 0106 Caroline McCarthy INTO Northern Committee 07977935988 [email protected] BP BELB Primary B 0105 Una Herdman INTO Northern Committee 07738833672 [email protected] BS BELB Post-Primary 0105/0106 Des McDonagh INTO Northern Committee 07508784486 [email protected] SP SELB Primary A 0202/0206/0208/0217 Mary Dorman INTO Northern Committee 07733020269 [email protected] SP SELB Primary B 0201/0203/0211/0214 Cathy Crozier INTO Northern Committee 07763197253 [email protected] SS SELB Post-Primary 0201/0202/0203/0206/0208/0211/0214/0217 Kevin Daly INTO Northern Committee 07568528951 [email protected] WP WELB Primary A 0209/0213/0215/0216 Paul Groogan INTO Northern Committee 07857851969 [email protected] WP WELB Primary B 0207/0212 Annette Comey INTO Northern Committee 07834380550 [email protected] WS WELB Post-Primary 0207/0209/0212/0213/0215/0216 Annmarie Conway INTO Northern Committee 07701049789 [email protected]
2 Printout February 2015 INTO News
Forthcoming Events theless, we must be careful not to become bers to mandate the union to initiate a se- complacent. It is reasonable to expect that ries of actions short of strike. These actions not only will we have to survive attacks will involve us in undertaking industrial ac- from the establishment, but we will also tion designed to frustrate the working of need to manage our own expectations and the employers and the Department of Edu- INTO Pre- Retirement those of our supporters. cation. These bodies cannot expect to facili- Seminars The pathway we are set on is one that tate reductions in the numbers of teachers, will demand discipline and an acceptance reduce the level of support to schools, pre- Thurs 5 February 2015 that there will be no quick fix. INTO has side over increases in class sizes and contin- Tullylagan Hotel, Cookstown, been engaged in helping to lay the ground ue to make ever increasing demands of 4-6pm work for such a campaign in the weeks INTO members without a serious backlash. since the draft Education and Executive INTO actions will also focus on the issue Thurs 12 February 2015 Budgets were published. Now that the of how our education system is funded and City Hotel, Derry, budgets have been passed by the adminis- the place it has in broader socio-economic 4-6pm tration at Stormont, it has fallen to INTO policy. We will seek to place this issue in the again to take the lead in the next step in forefront of the opinion formers and policy Tues 3 March 2015 this campaign .We are not prepared to see makers’ minds. It will also contribute to Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, what will amount to the loss of another challenging that flawed ideology men- 4-6pm thousand teaching posts to our education tioned previously. More importantly in the system neither can we simply acquiesce as short term it will ensure that INTO members Thurs 2 April 2015 the level of service provision is reduced will not have the inevitable service shortfall Northern Office, Belfast, again across the education system. It is im- thrust on them with the resultant increased 1.30 – 4pm perative we prevent the integrity of the sys- workload. tem from being weakened further so that It is vital that INTO members complete when the recovery comes we are better and return their ballot papers. It is essential placed to take advantage of the opportuni- that we all work together to maximise turn Northern Conference ties this will present. out and secure the necessary mandates for To this end, INTO will, in the first week in action. Over the next weeks your Branch Fri 27 Feb – Sat 28 Feb 2015: February be asking every INTO member in officers and Northern Committee members Radisson Roe Hotel, the north to cast their ballot in favour of in- will be in touch to inform and support you Limavady dustrial action. Members will also be asked through the process. Should you not to give a mandate to INTO to call them out receive a Ballot paper please contact your on strike as part of a trade union wide day Branch officers who will ensure you get a of action on March 13th. Unlike the previous ballot. The INTO commitment to social School Representative trade union wide action, INTO has been justice is absolute and a successful Ballot Event central to ensuring this will be more than a supporting the Northern Committees one day event. We supported this proposal position will confirm this. A resounding Fri 15 May – Sat 16 May 2015: on the basis there would be a genuine and level of support for industrial action will The Manor House Country Hotel, prolonged campaign which may involve also encourage our trade union colleagues Enniskillen further withdrawal of labour should that be and signal the beginning of the end for necessary. INTO will also be asking mem- austerity.
The INTO Benevolent Fund A special service to INTO members
A special feature of being a member of the INTO is access financial difficulty the BFC may be able to help. We to support from the Benefits Fund Committee or BFC. The cannot provide financial advice but give financial support BFC is made up of 5 elected members from different parts in certain circumstances. The member meets the BFC of Ireland. Paddy McAllister represents Ulster, Leitrim and representative to discuss the difficulty. It is then brought Louth. The BFC carries out two main functions. to the BFC for consideration. The BFC may decide to give support. All discussions are confidential within the 1. Death Grants. Death Grants are paid on the death of small committee. The member may however decide to member or their spouses. 4,000 Euros are paid in the share the outcome with family, friends or other INTO event of the death of a member and 2,000 Euros are paid members but that is up to them. on the death of a spouse. In the event of both teacher and the spouse being INTO members 6,000 Euros can be paid. If you wish to contact Paddy McAllister you can drop him an email at [email protected] or ring him on 2. Help in cases of hardship. If a member falls into severe 07828 768034. All contacts are confidential.
Printout February 2015 3 INTO News Employment issues for teachers
Recent Employment Law cases
Over the past few years a few teachers a number of issues including: It was clear. It was final. It upheld the ap- have found themselves at an independent • What was the legal effect of the deci- peal against the dismissal. The reference hearing before the Labour Relations sion of the LRA appeal on 5 December to returning at the earliest practical date Agency. Even with a positive outcome for 2013? Was the claimant’s employment with full continuity of service and pay and the teacher, a few Boards of Governors reinstated at that point? Did the first to an appropriate support mechanism have refused to accept the binding nature named respondent have the power in were over and above the clear and unam- of an Independent Appeal decision. This the circumstances of this case to refuse biguous finding within the terms of has led to further anguish and grief for the to comply with the LRA decision? TNC2007/5. The recommendations were teachers. However, a recent tribunal case In respect of the point above the tribu- therefore separate to the decision to up- in Belfast relating to unfair dismissal may nal found: hold the appeal against the decision to hopefully clarify this situation. The tribunal concluded, “The wording dismiss and related only to the practical The claimant was a teacher. He had of TNC 2007/5 does not state specifically outworking of that decision to uphold the been employed by a Voluntary Grammar that the decision on appeal is binding or appeal. School (VGS) since 1 March 2004. He was that the decision on appeal is merely advi- This should hopefully be a reassurance suspended on 22 August 2011 following sory. However it seems perfectly plain to to INTO members who are pursuing cases allegations of misconduct. Those allega- this tribunal that the ordinary meaning of through the agreed grievance procedure or tions led to a criminal prosecution. The the wording of this document means that are unfortunately facing a potential dis- claimant was acquitted on 18 January the decision of the Independent Appeals missal as a result of disciplinary proceed- 2013. He had, at that point, been suspend- Committee of the LRA was in fact bind- ings and are at an Independent Appeal ed on full pay from employment for some ing and final.” The tribunal concludes under the offices of the Labour Relations 16 months. that the decision of the LRA was not sim- Agency, that the decision is as the The tribunal was asked to adjudicate on ply advisory or simply a recommendation. tribunal made clear, “binding and final. ”
I’m working part time on a temporary contract. What are my rights?
The following apply to all individuals who treatment they consider less favourable objective grounds. Furthermore, it is no have completed at least four years on a under the Regulations. The employer longer acceptable to choose to make part- temporary basis in a school. must respond to a request by an employ- time workers redundant before full-time The Part-Time Workers (Prevention of ee for a written statement within 21 days. workers. This would be unlawful under the Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations Regulations and might also amount to sex came into force on 1st July 2000. To decide whether there has been unlawful discrimination if the majority of the part- The Regulations make it unlawful for treatment of a part-time worker they will time workers were women. The criteria for part-time workers to be treated less be able to compare themselves with full- selecting jobs for redundancy must be ob- favourably than full-time workers. This time workers on similar contracts working jectively justified and not cause less means the following: for the same firm. If there is no full-time favourable treatment between full-timers 1. Part-time workers should receive the worker in the same firm doing similar work and part-timers. same hourly rate as full-timers. the part-timer can compare themselves Career break schemes should be made 2. Part-time workers should not to be ex- with a full-timer engaged in similar work available to part-time staff in the same way cluded from training simply because in a different establishment for the same as that of full-timers, unless exclusion can they work part-time. employer. be objectively justified on grounds other 3. Part-time workers have the same entitle- As statistically most part-time workers than part-time status. Although there is no ment as full-timers to maternity / are women, an employer could also face a legal right for a worker to be able to change parental leave and annual leave on a pro claim for sex discrimination by discriminat- their hours of work, the employment rata basis. The calculations used and the ing against part-timers. Therefore, even if tribunals have in the past made rulings that length of service required should be the different treatment between part-timers where women returning from maternity same for both part-time and full-time and full-timers can be justified on objective leave are refused part-time hours this could staff. grounds, employers have to ensure that amount to indirect sex discrimination. As 4. Part-time workers have the same entitle- such grounds are unrelated to the sex of such employers must be sensitive to re- ments to pensions, perks and sick pay on the employee and there is no dispropor- quests to work part-time and look at such a pro rata basis as full-timers. This will in- tionate impact on women. requests sympathetically. Employers clude the same entitlement to bonuses, Part-timers should have the same access should consider establishing written proce- shift allowances etc. to occupational pension schemes as full- dures for considering requests by workers 5. Entitlement to written reasons for any timers, unless exclusion can be justified on to change their hours.
4 Printout February 2015 INTO News
Sick days
If your alarm clock’s going off but you still want more sleep, your friend’s in town for the weekend, there’s a project you’d like more time to work on or your DVR is about to reach its limit of saved shows, you’ve probably considered call- ing in sick from work. Here are some of the excuses perhaps you shouldn’t use!! • Employee’s false teeth flew out the window while driving down the road; • Employee’s favourite football team lost on Sunday so needed Monday to recover; • Employee was quitting smoking and was grouchy; • Employee said that someone glued her doors and windows shut so she couldn’t leave the house to come to work; • Employee bit her tongue and couldn’t talk; • Employee claimed a swarm of bees surrounded his vehicle and he could- n’t make it in; • Employee said the chemical in turkey made him fall asleep and he missed his shift; • Employee felt like he was so angry he was going to hurt someone if he Use of Management Consultants came in; • Employee received a threatening Over the past few months there has Office before attending any meeting. phone call from the electric company been an unexplained growth in the use To fail to do so may prejudice the and needed to report it to the police; of Management/ Legal /HR issue under examination as well as • Employee needed to finish Christmas consultants by Boards of Governors to impact on their rights. shopping; conduct so called independent • Employee’s fake eye was falling out of investigations in a range of issues its socket; relating to parental complaints and • Employee got lost and ended up in the terms and conditions of teachers. another town; and • Employee couldn’t decide what to INTO is very clear on this matter. The wear. agreed procedures specifically state that Legal representation is not permitted at any stage in the agreed procedures. Similarly, the use of other consultants should be resisted by INTO members where unless there has been specific agreement with INTO from the outset.
INTO members who are faced with attending such meetings should immediately contact their CEC, Tony Carlin, Northern Committee or the Northern Senior Official
Printout February 2015 5 INTO News The NEW Teachers' Pension Scheme from 1 April 2015
From 1 April 2015 there will be a new of the period from age 65 to their NPA. NB ‘Full and Tapered protection’ is only Northern Ireland Teachers’ Scheme NITPS. Public sector transfer club will continue available as long as a member does not The pension landscape for teachers’ but the existing arrangements for trans- have a continuous break of more than five pensions has changed dramatically over fer of service from Scotland, England years or does not take their pension bene- the past decade. In 2007 the NI Teachers and Wales will no longer apply. Previous fits (other than phased benefits). Pension Scheme (NITPS) was reformed re- pensionable teaching service in Scot- sulting in the normal pension age for new land England and Wales MUST be trans- 3. Transitional Members entrants increasing to 65 from 1 April ferred into the NITPS within two years, Teachers who were born after 1 October 2007.The changes being introduced from 1 by 31 March 2017, to be included in a 1965 move to the career average scheme April this year will see pension ages for teachers’ NITPS pension. on 1 April 2015. Their pen- many rise to 65, 66, 67 or 68. Members who leave the sion will be based on final Between April 2012 and April 2014 there scheme and return with- salary and career average. have been annual increases in member in 5 years will have their contribution rates. Scheme members now accrued service in the 4. New Entrants pay an average of 9.6% of Salary. Mem- current (NPA 60/65) New members who enter ber’s monthly contributions are based on scheme linked to their fi- the NITPS scheme on or their actual salary. From 1 April 2015 the nal salary at retirement. after 1 April 2015 will join contribution rates for the NITPS are chang- Flexibilities have been the career average ing to the table shown below: introduced in the new scheme and their pension scheme, Faster Accrual will be based on career Actual annual Member Contribution Rate and Actuarial Buy- average only. pensionable earnings Rate out: (see details below) Up to £25,999 7.4% Members who in the Flexibilities (these apply to £26,000 to £34,999 8.6% new scheme have a NPA members in the Career Average £35,000 to £41,499 9.6% higher than 65 will have scheme, CARE, only) £41,500 to £54,999 10.2% an option in the new 1. Faster Accrual Rate £55,000 to £74,999 11.3% scheme to pay addition- Nuala O’Donnell, Members, in the Career £75,000 and above 11.7% al contributors to reduce Senior Official average scheme only or, in some cases, re- CARE, can elect to pay The NEW Northern Ireland Teachers’ Pen- move any early retire- higher contributions to sions Scheme (NITPS) will come into effect ment reduction that would apply, if they earn a higher pension. on 1 April 2015. The main features of the retire before their normal pension age. The normal rate of accrual in the CARE new scheme include: Only reductions that would apply in re- scheme is based on 1/57th of their actual A pension design based on career aver- spect of years after age 65 can be bought earnings that year. age earnings instead of final salary. out and the maximum reduction that can If members elect to pay higher contribu- An accrual rate of 1/57th of pensionable be bought out is for 3 years (that would tions their accrual rate will rise to 1/45th, earnings each year rather than 1/80th or apply to a member with a Normal Pen- 1/50th or 1/55th, depending on how much 1/60th. sion Age of 68 or higher). ill-health bene- more the member elects to pay. Optional lump sum commutation at a fits the same as those in the current final Each election made lasts for 1 financial rate of 12:1, in accordance with HMRC salary scheme. year only. (1 April to 31 March the following limits and regulations. Annual Statements of benefits will be is- year.) Normal Pension Age (NPA) equal to sued to individual members from DE An election must be made in the year be- State Pension Age (SPA), which applies from September 2016. fore the member wants it to take effect, i.e. both to active members and deferred before the end of January preceding 1 April. members (new scheme service only). The changes do not apply to all If a member’s SPA rises, then NPA will do members of the current scheme. 2. Actuarial Buy-out so too for all post-2015 service. You can 1. Fully Protected Members Members, in CARE, can pay additional con- check your State Pension Age (SPA) by Teachers born on or before 1 April 1962 will tributions, which would allow them to re- filling in the calculator on the NI Direct be fully protected and remain in the cur- tire from age 65, but before their normal website or use the link: http://www.nidi- rent Final Salary Arrangements. pension age (NPA) of 66, 67 and 68, without rect.gov.uk/calculating-your-state-pen- their benefits being actuarially reduced. sion-age 2. Tapered Protection Members Members can purchase 1, 2 or 3 years buy- Revaluation of active members’ benefits Teachers born between 2 April 1962 and 1 out depending on their NPA of 66, 67 or 68. in line with consumer prices index (CPI ) October 1965 and who are active members The additional contributions are paid +1.6%. in the NITPS NPA 60 or NPA 65 schemes are throughout a member’s career. IT is not Average member contributions of 9.6% tapered protection members. possible to opt in and out of this flexibility. with some protection for the lowest This means that they will have a transi- NB To avail of this actuarial buy-out paid. (see table above) tion date to move to the career average members MUST make an election to do so Actuarially fair early/late retirement fac- scheme and their Pension will be based on within six months of entering the CARE tors on a cost neutral basis except for both final salary and career average. scheme. those with a NPA above age 65, who will Details of when these teaches will move Information on the additional cost to have early retirement factors of 3% per to the career average scheme will be avail- member’s contributions will be available year for a maximum of 3 years in respect able on eth DE and INTO websites. from the DE on request.
6 Printout February 2015 INTO News “So I can’t be forced to mark at home?” The Workload Agreement
Teachers from all over Northern Ireland tually required or obliged to complete ties will normally be completed within have been giving up their free time and their planning, preparation and assess- contractual hours’ and management al- battling the elements throughout January ment at home. They felt that their work- lowances, ‘Must also be allowed for within to attend the workload workshops that load was impacting on their home life but the time budget of 1265 hours.’ The teach- were organised by the Northern Commit- since it was part of their ers at the workshops wel- tee. These workshops kicked off in Lurgan contractual duties what comed this but were fur- and were followed by workshops in option had they? At this ther encouraged where the Belfast, Derry, Newry and Omagh. point attention was re- workload states, ‘If a The purpose of the workshops was, to peatedly brought to the teacher is expected to carry enlighten INTO members and provide finer detail of the work- out any duty that is them with a greater understanding of the load agreement to answer deemed reasonable and in workload agreement in particular the pos- some members’ queries. balance with the duties al- itive benefits it can have on their individ- In regards to Principals’ located to colleagues, then ual workloads. Ultimately the workshops instructions, teachers wel- it must be accounted for in were about empowering members to en- comed the Workload ad- the time budget.’ sure that this statutory agreement is fully vice that, ‘The practice of Paul Groogan, Northern applied in their own schools. teachers carrying out their Committee Primary Rep- The workshops were well attended by planning, preparation and resentative for the West- both teachers eager to have their queries assessment outside of ern Area Board did, at around the outworkings of the Workload their normal teaching each of the workshops, agreement addressed and teachers who hours, and in isolation Tommy McGlone, guide teachers through the were barely aware of its existence. How- from each other, is not Trade Union Official process of how an individ- ever, the feeling at the end of each work- considered satisfactory.’ ual time budget is arrived at, shop was that teachers came away with a “So I can’t be forced to mark at home?” he quoted from the Workload agreement clearer understanding of the detail of the “No.” by telling teachers that, ‘The Principal is agreement and felt a sense of empower- “And what about teaching allowances, responsible for determining a time budget ment for their return to work. what if I have teaching points?” At each workshop the detail of the The documents states, ‘Contractual du- Continues on p8 workload agreement was presented using PowerPoints, small focus groups and Attending time-budget workshops focusing on ei- workshops ther the primary or post-primary sector. Each teacher attending was given the training needed to fill out a time-budget and they felt they would be confident on their return to work to help other teach- ers draw up time budgets. A common question at all of the work- shops was in relation to being required to mark books and prepare lessons at home. Teachers attending the workshops were giving examples of how their Principals were telling them that they were contrac-
Printout February 2015 7 INTO News The Workload Agreement Have you
Continued from p7 a teacher shall not be required to under- The workload agreement established take mid-day supervision.’ Regarding limits to the demands that can be placed to each member of the teaching staff’, at- school trips, the workload agreement is on all teachers – primary, post-primary, tending teachers felt that the information quite clear. ‘Principals cannot direct including post holders. Everything that a provided by the workshop meant that teachers to take pupils on educational vis- teacher is required to do should be possi- teachers could challenge unfair interpre- its involving overnight stays.’ ble to be completed with contractual tations of the agreements. As they left the workshops some teach- hours (up to1265 hours per year). Other areas, besides school cover poli- ers said that they would probably think of cies, which were raised included ques- other queries when they got home but What am I expected to do? tions regarding lunchtime supervision were assured that the volume of literature and school trips. Teachers were pleased to they took away with them would answer The frequently referenced Jordanstown find that the workload agreement clearly all their future questions. agreement refers to the duties of a spelt out that, ‘Unless employed under a In the end they agreed it to be a case of teacher in the following terms; separate contract as a mid-day supervisor, knowledge being power. “A teacher shall be required to carry out a range of professional duties as may reasonably be determined by the rele- vant body or its representative to be ap- propriate in his/her case and a teacher shall obey the reasonable directions of an employing authority or its represen- tative.” The paragraph contains a number of im- portant phrases: Relevant body / representative – i.e. Board of Governors / Principal Reasonably – able to be performed to a professional standard within the time allocated. Teachers are required to The time allocated is as follows:
Pupil Contact Non Pupil Max working (max) Contact hours (max) (per week)
Primary 25h (includes 7.4h 32.4 1.5h religious education)
Post Primary 23.5h 8.9 32.4
Teachers are required to be available for work for 195 days and pupils must attend WORKINGWORKINNG FOFOROR YOU!YOOU! for 190 days (i.e. 38 weeks). The remain- ing time is to be used for staff develop- ForFor ddetailsetails onon thethe INTOINTO WorkloadWorkload CampaignCampaign pleaseplease visitvisit www.into.iewww.into.ie ment. Additional exceptional closure MembersMembers cacann downloaddownload a copycopy ofof thethe WorkloadWorkload AgreementAgreement andand days for training are taken out of the 190 “The“The WWorkloadorkload AgreementAgreement - a guide”guide” teaching days. What are the reasonable duties? The following are listed:
JanuaryJanuary 20152015 2323 - 2424 CollegeCollege Gardens,Gardens, Belfast.Belfast. BTBT99 66BSBS a) Planning and preparing courses and 02890 38 14 55 [email protected] lessons.
8 Printout February 2015 INTO News a work-life balance?
preparation and assessment outside of their normal teaching hours, and in iso- lation from each other, is not consid- ered satisfactory…’ para 5.2 Workload Agreement. How do I assess if my work is excessive? 1. Obtain a copy of the Workload Agree- ment (TNC 2011/ 8). Downloadable from the INTO website (www.into.ie).
2. Complete the time budget appendix associated with the Workload Agree- ment (below).
3. Raise the workload issue with your INTO school representative and Princi- pal. Use the information obtained to show that you workload is excessive and your work / life balance is being impacted.
b)Teaching, according to their educa- Work carried out at home DOES count 4. If you are unable to resolve these mat- tional needs, - the pupils assigned to toward the working hours and should ters informally with your Principal her/him, including the setting and be included in any discussion about a INTO members may wish to raise a for- marking of work to be carried out by teacher’s workload. The practice of mal grievance in accordance with the the pupil in school and elsewhere. teachers carrying out their planning, Workload Agreement.
c) Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attain- ment of pupils. Morning Number Total of Hours Number d)Making records of and reports on the of Hours personal and social needs of pupils ex- cept in instances where to do so might Directed Time before school X 190 be regarded as compromising a Teaching – time morning X 190 teacher’s own position. Morning Break X 190 Lunch time supervision at beginning e) Communicating and consulting with and end of break X 190 the parents of pupils. Afternoon The entire list is contained in the Jor- danstown Agreement or on the INTO Teaching- time X 190 website. However, there are few points to Supervision time after school X 190 note: Directed time after school Per week X 38 Baker Days X 5 The teacher should be consulted and Parents’ evenings; preparation for the range of duties agreed in advance. sacraments; school shows; sporting activities etc. The agreed duties should be able to be completed to an agreed professional The total number of hours cannot exceed 1265. Grand standard in the time allocated i.e. It must be remembered that this is a maximum Total 1265hours. number of hours. Most schools will wish to keep some hours in reserve for attendance at special Reserve Teachers should NOT be timetabled to events etc. the maximum.
Printout February 2015 9 INTO News Campaign of industrial action –
In the next few weeks you will receive a four years compromises the ability of ballot paper from INTO inviting you to INTO members to discharge their Important dates to note cast your vote in a ballot to determine professional responsibilities with whether or not INTO will involve itself integrity. Wed 4 March 2015: Ballot paper alongside the wider trade union move- must be returned to Henry Murray ment in a campaign of industrial action. Furthermore, in the Northern Commit- and Co, 23 Church Place, Lurgan, This invitation to participate in a ballot tees view, the cuts flowing from the 15/16 Craigavon, County Armagh that may lead to industrial action and de- Education Budget will: BT66 6EY, the independent pending on the result that action may in- undermine educational outcomes and scutineer, no later than 12.00pm clude strike action. pupil achievements, on Wednesday 4 March 2015 in The reasons the Northern Committee increase levels of risk to the health and the prepaid envelope provided. has decided to seek this mandate is its wellbeing of both pupils and teachers, Thurs 5 March 2015: Announcement of belief that the 15/16 Education Budget place further unreasonable workload ballot result. coming on the back of reduced funding demands on INTO members already to the education system over the previous subject to excessive workloads.
10 Printout February 2015 INTO News raising public awareness
Out and About
Printout February 2015 11 INTO News Round of Applause for School Reps
Support to colleagues, dealing with em- tions of employment. Representatives Friday, followed by a short evening ployers, working conditions and rights, through training, are made aware of any session, with dinner in the Hotel at 8pm. answering questions members may have, workplace issues affecting their members, Saturday’s session will begin at 10am and ensuring that all members are receiving they also develop a sound knowledge of conclude at 1pm. the benefits and rights they are entitled, the organisations for which their mem- This is an informal event where reps maternity leave queries, leave of absence bers work. Reps frequently act as a liaison will have an opportunity to meet North- queries, sick pay, discipline procedures, between the management and the union ern Committee members and officials; workload, CPD, PRSD, general agony members, often addressing large groups gain a better understanding of the struc- aunt and sounding board; all in a week’s of people on issues affecting their union, ture of the organisation and your role work for a school union representative. A making sure that all members understand within it. It will also provide an excellent lot of which, although much appreciated their rights. It cannot be underestimated forum for reps to network and share ex- by the recipient, goes generally unnoticed just how valuable a good school represen- periences with other reps in their area but and save for the satisfaction of helping a tative is, not only to members but the most importantly it will give INTO repre- colleague and standing up for what is entire organisation. sentatives an opportunity to let INTO right; generally unrewarded. With that in mind and in recognition of know what we can do for our representa- INTO currently offers a very compre- the important role played by INTO school tives, ensuring the continuation of a hensive training programme which is representative we would like to invite all strong and active union, strengthening availed of by large numbers of school reps our reps to a School Representative Event. the “Root and Branch” of this organisa- every year, leaving our school representa- This is a residential and will take place in tion. tives well-versed in industrial relations The Manor House Country Hotel, and employment contracts, management Enniskillen Friday 15th–16th May. Annmarie Conway, Northern Committee methods and general terms and condi- Registration will be at 4:30pm on the Chairperson If you’re not in you can’t win!
In updating the data base for Belfast Branch, school reps were contacted and asked to return contact in- formation for members in their schools. All who did so were entered into a draw for an ipad. The draw was held at the autumn branch meeting on 15th October in the newly refurbished Northern Office at 24 College Gardens. The excitement was tangible as the winner’s name was read out. Well done to Moya McParland from Scoil an Droichid who was phoned immediately and received her brand new device the following day !! tivewill bring?? Watch this space…. Many thanks to all those who took part, and com- (Please note that all information is treated in the miserations. Who knows what next year’s incen- strictest confidence)
Teachers’ Pension Specialists Pensions. Protection. Mortgages. Investments.
Platinum Financial Planning, 430 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3GY T (028) 9065 5305 F. (028) 9065 2305 E. [email protected] www.platinumgroup.co.uk
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12 Printout February 2015 INTO News End of Key Stage Assessment and ongoing industrial action
As we move into Term 2 of this Academic The misuse and abuse of the data profession in all sectors and in all phases is year many schools will be receiving generated for non teaching and learning experiencing. communications from CCEA with regard to purposes. Last year teachers and the End of Key Stage Assessments and INTO has continued to pupils were free to focus portfolios of evidence. As teachers, we engage with DENI and upon teaching and understand that assessment is a core tool CCEA to try and develop a learning. This year the in our endeavours to ensure that every process that prioritises the industrial action remains in child achieves their full potential. Teachers needs of pupils, teachers place. This is outlined in are continuously engaged in meaningful and schools. However, Bulletin 5 November 2014. assessment throughout the school year. despite this engagement Members are reminded Unfortunately the End of Key Stage the issues remain significant. that they should not use Assessments as currently configured, do The on-going industrial the new Levels of not assist us in this work. INTO continue to action related to the End of Progression (LoPs) to be opposed to the arrangements for End Key Stage Assessment has assess or grade pupil of Key Stage Assessments. The assessment been extremely effective. achievement, they should arrangements continue to be flawed in 80% of schools did not not use the LoPs in any several areas. return End of Key Stage moderation of pupils’ work Workload attached to the generation, Assessment data to CCEA and they should not use administration and moderation of the or DENI in 2013/14. This LoPs to report pupil assessment arrangements. overwhelming response to Mary Dorman, Northern outcomes to parents. No The distorting impact of the the call for industrial action Committee assessment data, which assessments on the teaching and is indicative of the total uses the new Levels, learning loss of confidence that the teaching should be submitted to CCEA/DE. Honouring retired members at Limavady Dungiven branch
A warm welcome was extended to our of the retired members. The President, branch: Anne Marie O’Hagan, Eamon President, Mr Seán McMahon on the accompanied by Annmarie Conway, Mullan, Mary Quigg and Bernie O’Kane. occasion of the retirement of members Chair of Northern Committee and the The President then regaled the branch in the Limavady/ Dungiven branch on Western Area Primary Representative with anecdotes from beautiful West 18th November. Seán was greatly im- Annette Comey, extended his best wish- Clare, drawing comparisons with the pressed by the collegiality and strength es to the Branch Chair Joan Guthrie, the stunning surroundings of the Roe of the Limavady/Dungiven Branch and branch officers and the newly retired Valley, finishing with the poem was delighted to share in the honouring members of Limavady/Dungiven ‘The Station’ by Robert J Hastings.
Back row (l. to r.), Sean Mullan, Limavady/Dungiven branch Back row (l. to r.), retiring teachers Anne Marie O’ Hagan, St treasurer, Moira O’ Kane, Limavady/Dungiven branch auditor, Canice’s, Feeny, Eamonn Mullan, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s, Debbie Mullan, Limavady/Dungiven branch auditor, Marty Khera Claudy, Mary Quigg, St Canice’s, Feeny, Bernie Kane, St Mary’s, (Limavady/Dungiven branch secretary). Front row (l. to r.) Joan Limavady. Front row (l. to r.) Joan Guthrie (Limavady/Dungiven Guthrie, Limavady/Dungiven branch Chairperson, Sean branch Chairperson), Sean McMahon President INTO, Briege O’ McMahon, President INTO, Briege O’ Neill, Limavady/Dungiven Neill, (Limavady/Dungiven branch Vice chairperson). branch Vice chairperson.
Printout February 2015 13 INTO News Official opening of no College
In 1963 INTO moved from High Street to lease offices on 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of 23 College Gardens. It was in 1971 that INTO purchased the leased floors and subsequently in 1973, the whole property, which included a sitting tenant, a Mrs Hall who lived on the ground floor rent free until her death in 1976. The building on 23 College gardens has remained INTO’s home ever since, servicing 6,000 plus Primary and Post Primary teachers in the north of Ireland. In 2011 Head office in Dublin took the innovative decision to expand its property portfolio in the north and acquire the property next door. As membership in the north expanded so too did the need for increased provision of service to members, so it was perhaps fortuitous and timely that the property became available when it did. Teachers in the north have seen an excessive increase in workload over the last number of years, this has been coupled with a decrease in budgets and a virtual halt in any meaning- ful CPD provision from the employers, here INTO realised that they could en- hance the already exceptional service they provide. Work on the Listed building began 2013 headed by Lisa Mc Veigh from DMVF Architects Dublin, it took twelve months to get the building ready for use, but it was most definitely worth the wait with many of the Victorian features refur- bished, while respecting all the important protected elements. The architect of 24 College Gardens managed to transform
14 Printout February 2015 INTO News Gardens
the late 19th Century property into a styl- not the INTO way, and 24 College determination used in ish mix of the historical with the modern, Gardens, its purchase and refurbishment the upcoming months in a fully functional working environment, is testament to that.” to circumvent the providing conference rooms; individual The Northern Chair went on to com- proposed budget cuts office space; with reception area; and mend the INTO branches in the north for and attacks on an al- catering facilities; all within the four their generous contributions that made ready exhausted over- storey terraced Victorian house. In the building possible, she also commend- worked underfunded essence INTO have doubled the size of ed our colleagues in the south for their education system.” the Belfast Head Quarters, ready to meet generosity and foresight in fa- the demands of its increasing member- cilitating the acquisition and ship and exceptional service and training refurbishment of the building, output. praising the salubrious sur- INTO members, officials previous and roundings and vision of the ar- current Northern Committee members chitect of the project Lisa Mc and friends of INTO were welcomed to the Veigh. official opening of the newly refurbished 24 “That is why this union is a College gardens on December 5th. success, because it is led by its The current Northern Chair, Annmarie members and it has its strength, Conway noted that, “it was nice to take power and determination in time to celebrate something in a week root and branch level.” that has left teachers and union represen- The Chair encouraged guests tatives very little worth celebrating. In fact to, “remember that strength, it has been a week where we may be for- power and determination, for it given for throwing our hands up in dis- will,” she concluded, “be the may and running for the hills. But that is same strength, power and
Printout February 2015 15 INTO News
Like to work An bhfuil tú ag iarraidh in INTO bheith ag obair in Northern Office? Oifig an Tuaiscirt CMÉ?
The INTO invites applications for the position of Tá CMÉ ag iarraidh iarratas don phost mar intéirn íoctha paid intern Mairfidh an post go deireadh na scoilbhliana 2015/2016. Beidh an This position will be for the remainder of school year 2015/2016. duine a cheapfar lonnaithe in Oifig an Tuaiscirt CMÉ (23 & 24 The person appointed will be located in INTO Northern Office Gairdíní an Choláiste, Béal Feirste, BT9 6BS). (23 & 24 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BS). Ball de chuid CMÉ atá ar iasacht óna phost múinteoireachta a The position will be filled by an INTO member on secondment líonfaidh an folúntas ach é an cead riachtanach a fháil óna Bhord from their teaching post and subject to the person concerned Gobharnóirí. securing approval as necessary from their Board of Governors. Beidh ar an duine a cheapfar obair le linn gnáthuaireanta oifige, The person appointed will be required to work normal office Luan go hAoine, ó 1 Meán Fomhair 2015 go 31 Lúnasa 2016. Beidh hours, Monday to Friday, from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016. sé faoi réir choinníollacha agus phrótocail Oifig an Tuaiscirt CMÉ, They will be subject to INTO Northern Office conditions and maidir le huaireanta oibre, laethanta saoire agus polasaithe foirne protocols, in terms of hours, holidays, and other relevant staff ábhartha eile. Gheobhaidh an duine a ghnáth-thuarastal i gcónaí policies. The person will continue to be paid their normal salary agus fabhróidh sé seirbhís inphinsin mar mhúinteoir, agus and to accrue pensionable service as teachers, and receive an gheobhaidh sé liúntas breise atá ag brath ar uasmhéid additional allowance subject to a maximum combined comhcheangailte. amount. Gheobhfar ráiteas iomlán coinníollacha fostaíochta ach sin a A full statement of conditions of employment is available on iarraidh: ríomhphost [email protected] request: email [email protected] Tá CMÉ ag iarraidh ball: INTO is seeking members who are: atá díograiseach faoi CMÉ agus a sheirbhísí dá bhaill; enthusiastic about INTO and its services to members; atá ag iarraidh tuilleadh taithí ar CMÉ agus a oibríocht; seeking more experience of INTO and its operation; a bhfuil scileanna labhartha, scríofa agus idirphearsanta have excellent oral, written, communication and sármhaithe acu; interpersonal skills; atá iontaofa agus ar mór leo an rúndacht a bhaineann le are trustworthy and appreciate the confidentiality ceisteanna a láimhseáil do bhaill CMÉ; associated with handling issues for INTO members; a bhfuil bunscileanna TF acu; have basic IT skills; a bhfuil ardchaighdeáin acu agus fís do CMÉ agus don have high standards and vision for INTO and for education. oideachas.
The responsibilities of the internship will include working directly Mar chuid de fhreagrachtaí na n-intéirneachtaí beidh ar an duine with sections within INTO as assigned, assisting with members’ obair go díreach le rannóga taobh istigh de CMÉ mar a shanntar, queries and cases as assigned, attending meetings and preparing cuidiú le ceisteanna agus cásanna ball nuair a shanntar, freastal ar papers as required, researching specific issues, participation in chruinnithe agus páipéir a ullmhú nuair is gá, taighde a internal meetings, providing administrative support and such dhéanamh ar cheisteanna áirithe, bheith rannpháirteach i other duties as may be assigned by the Northern Secretary. gcruinnithe inmheánacha, tacaíocht inmheánach a sholáthar agus dualgais eile a chomhlíonadh a shannfaí Rúnaí an Tuaiscirt. To apply, please forward: a copy of your CV; I d’iarratas, seol chugainn: a cover letter outlining your interest in INTO and how you cóip de do CV; believe you could contribute to/benefit from working with litir mhínithe ag cur síos ar an spéis atá agat in CMÉ agus ar an our Northern Office team; dóigh a síleann tú a chuideofá lenár bhfoireann in Oifig an names and contact details of two referees (with a note of Tuaiscirt agus ar an tairbhe a bhainfeá as; how each person knows you). ainmneacha agus sonraí teagmhála dhá réiteoir (inis cad é an aithne atá acu ort). Your application, including the above material, should be sent to Internships, Northern Secretary’s Office, INTO, 23 College Gardens Cuirtear d’iarratas, agus an t-ábhar thuasluaite iniata, chuig Belfast BT9 6BS, or by email entitled ‘Internships’ to Intéirneachtaí, Oifig Rúnaí an Tuaiscirt, CMÉ, 23 Gairdíní an [email protected] Choláiste Béal Feirste BT9 6BS, nó trí ríomhphost dar teideal All applications must be received not later than 5pm on ‘Intéirneachtaí’ chuig [email protected] Monday, 16 March 2015. Ní mór do gach iarratas bheith istigh tráth nach déanaí ná 5pm Dé Luain, 16 Márta 2015. It is anticipated that a short-listing and interview process will take place. All applicants will be advised of the outcome. The INTO is Síltear go dtarlóidh próiseas gearrliostaithe agus agallaimh. an equal opportunities employer. Inseofar an toradh do gach iarrthóir. Is fostóir comhionannas deiseanna é CMÉ.
16 Printout February 2015 INTO News
STORMONT HOUSE IS NO DEAL! Why the Trade Unions disagree with this agreement: • There is NOT £2 Billion in new money • • The Tories are making the NI Executive take a pay-day loan • • The biggest loan is for redundancy payments only • • At least 20,000 jobs may disappear - for ever • • The savings from these redundancies will pay for a tax cut for big business • • There is no guarantee that a single job will be created because of this hand-out to business • • There is an absolute certainty that thousands of jobs and millions of pounds will be taken from the public, never to return • • Those thousands of sacked public servants will face the UK’s lowest wages, or face the everyday humiliations built in to the cruel Tory vision of welfare • • Our inefficient private sector cannot provide enough decent jobs for school leavers and graduates • • We cannot afford to waste the talents of skilled public servants working in education, health, tourism, arts, transport, social care • • This is a bad deal, fit only for a land of pound shops and food banks, rather than the society YOU voted for at the last election • NO-ONE VOTED FOR OUR ELECTED POLITICIANS TO DO A DEAL LIKE THIS. THE TRADE UNIONS REJECT THE STORMONT HOUSE DEAL IT IS BAD FOR WORKERS, FOR ALL COMMUNITIES, FOR SOCIETY, AND FOR EQUALITY Join In With Our March And Rally On 13th March, Belfast! HEAR THE CASE AGAINST THE DEAL AT PUBLIC MEETINGS IN YOUR AREA: 21 January - Derry and Omagh Further Meetings to be held in - • Strabane • Enniskillen • Newry • Lurgan • Ballymena • Coleraine • • Bangor • Newtownards • Magherafelt • • Plus a series of public meetings around Belfast • See local press, Facebook and website for details www.ictuni.org A better, fairer way Fighting back against the Stormont sell out and austerity agenda
Printout February 2015 17 INTO News Presidential visit to Districts 1 and 2
Following an invitation from Northern Committee, INTO President Sean McMa- hon agreed to clear some time in his busy schedule to visit schools and members in Districts 1 and 2. St Patrick’s Primary School Crossmaglen was the first stop in a very busy three days for INTO President Sean McMahon. St Patrick’s Primary School sits in the shadow of Slieve Gullion. The school has a thriving Irish Medium unit-Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa and Nursery Unit. The President, having met an INTO member at Congress in Kilkenny, was keen to visit the area and meet members working in the school. The President was delighted to receive such a warm welcome from the children and staff. This was followed by a visit to St John’s Primary School Moy. This school close to the Armagh and Tyrone border provided an opportunity to meet hardworking INTO branch officers who undertake voluntary work throughout the year on behalf of members. This visit also provided an op- portunity to discuss the issues around small schools and the proposal for a Shared Education Campus with the local Controlled Moy Regional Primary School. The delegation then travelled back into met the current and previous principals and The school generously provided refresh- Belfast to visit Glenveagh Special School. discussed the very real challenges that the ments for the delegation before they made During this visit the President was im- school faces on an ongoing basis. the brief journey to the home of the pressed by the dedication of all the staff to This was followed by a short trip down O’Neills and the new established Gael Scoil work collectively to meet the challenges the Crumlin Road to the newly amalgamat- Aodh Rua in Dungannon. The school en- that this setting provides on a daily basis. ed St Patrick’s Primary School in North tertained the President with a range of tal- The final visit of the day was to the thriv- Belfast. The President was given the tour of ents. The children were delighted that ing Colaiste Feirste. This was a very differ- the split site and heard about the ambi- their visitor engaged with them as Gaeilge ent school environment from the rural pri- tious plans to develop a world class educa- and suggested they have a night free from mary school that the President is more fa- tional facility in one of the most economi- homework in recognition of their endeav- miliar with. The visit provided the opportu- cally deprived areas of Ireland. Staff spoke ours. This was followed by an opportunity nity for the President to meet post-primary about their hopes and expectations for the to meet the staff and investigate the chal- members and discover how INTO can meet future as well as the ongoing challenges lenges of teachers in this sector regarding the needs of this sector. that they are managing. the sourcing of appropriate resources. This The final morning for the President start- The final stop of the presidential tour of conversation was accompanied by Lemon ed with a visit to the Holy Cross Girls School northern schools was St Bernard’s Primary Drizzle Cake and a selection of pastries. in North Belfast. On a previous visit to School. St Bernard’s Primary School nestled The day was not yet over for the Presi- Belfast the President had been struck by the in the hills in East Belfast with views over dent as he made the scenic trip up the amount of security measures that continue the city, clearly demonstrated its motto ‘Be Glenshane Pass to one of the most to be required in a school on the interface. the best you can’ on this occasion. The northerly branches of INTO. The President On this occasion he was able to see the President was impressed by the enthusi- was there to assist with presentations to work that goes on inside the school rather asm for learning clearly evident through- long serving branch members who had re- than just the external view of the school. He out the school. tired. Sean spoke eloquently about the challenges facing members both north and south of the border. Day 2 of the visit started with a trip to Rathgael House as part of an inter-union del- egation to meet Minister O’Dowd. He spoke impassionedly about the impact upon all teachers of badly implemented policy. He also drew the Minister’s attention to the fact that despite all the financial challenges faced by the government in the south not one teaching post was made redundant.
18 Printout February 2015 INTO News Coping with Bereavement
We’re all adults here. We’ve all experi- As a Special School, that was experienc- loons. Every child or adult who wants a enced the death of family or friends. We ing the loss of children throughout the balloon gets one. The sky is quite beau- try to make sense of it. I have. I'm not years, we needed to spend time thinking tiful and there is a natural silence. good at it. I try to see the positive in every about how we dealt with this for our chil- No matter how many years pass we re- situation but death far too often defies dren, our staff and our parents. I have de- member all the children that have passed this. And yet I find myself needing to ex- veloped, with the help of an incredible away and fondly talk about the experi- plain death, loss and grief to the children I team of teachers & assistants a strategy at ences and mischief that they had at work with; wanting to provide support school that embraces the emotions and school. and guidance to the teams I work with; provides a structure that we can fall back A couple of years ago, a new teacher and helping, comforting, and grieving on when we become emotionally too came to my class the morning we heard with parents and family members. It's an drained to make a decision. In our school of a death. She had a card that her chil- emotional whirlwind. community we have evolved, through too dren and staff had made and signed for In my 17 years experience in a Special many experiences, a support that works my class. We encourage children to tell School setting I have had the pleasure of for us. us when they are upset, but it is all too teaching and learning with hundreds of When I've heard the sad news, after the easy not to mention it to a colleague, children & young adults. I have also had initial devastation (which isn't any easier if one of the few people who will under- the sadness of coping with the death of 11 you're prepared for it): stand the relationship we have with the of the pupils in my class. I think of my team & the staff that sup- children in our care. There is a lot of support out there. Amaz- ported that child outside the classroom. ing agencies that will step in to advise how How can I best support them? We take I don't have answers, but, if I was to pass we help the children or ourselves, there is a time. Time to talk, classes get covered, on two pieces of advice, it would be these: bounty of information on the internet and and a team is gathered to step in. 1. Talk openly about a strategy your some great literature. But it is essential that We arrange to visit the family together school does or should have before you the school community knows how we or alone – how an individual copes is need to. support each other, and that only happens respected. 2. If it happens in your class or in your through communication and trust. Anyone that wishes to attend the funer- school, show emotion, talk when you I have had the honour of being asked 3 al does, their peers or parents are always need to and if one of your colleagues is times to speak for my pupils at their fu- accommodating when they can be. experiencing it , let them know you care nerals. I have always approached these We get together as a whole school, with just a few words. with pride. Pride that we have created a gathering to remember and celebrate Thank you to Kalon, Gerard, Emma trust with that family, a belief that we the child; their friend. We talk directly Louise, Paul, Conor, Liam, Laura, Dami- knew, respected & enjoyed working with to the children and show them how an, Jordan, Beatta & Aisling who I so en- their child. The stories & pictures that I much we cared. The family are wel- joyed teaching & their families who I have shared with the families and friends come, with no pressure to attend. To think of often. have made me laugh and cry; I have cried make concrete the idea of letting go, a lot. Essentially what I have needed to which summarises grief for our chil- Caroline McCarthy, Northern cope with this, is the support of my school. dren, we release beautifully bright bal- Committee Representative
Sexual Orientation Survey
Evidence is the key to making services reflect every- for the training needs of teachers in general here in Conference: one’s experiences and meet their needs. It is the in- sexual orientation awareness. Furthermore we (i) Condemns the Office of the First Minister and tention of Northern Committee to survey each and have no data as to the amount of homophobic lan- deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) for its failure every member in term two that will gather specific guage or bullying endured by teachers or students to publish a sexual orientation strategy by the sexual orientation data in education. This is the in our schools here. The quantitative data that we end of 2013 in spite of repeated commitments first survey of its kind for teachers here, and the receive will instruct Northern Committee to inform to do so. INTO are proud to lead the way. We have shown policy, lobby our education authorities for the facil- (ii)Instructs Northern Committee to work with the year after year at Northern Conference, motions itation of sexual orientation training of our mem- NITC to call for immediate sexual orientation specific to the protection of our LGB&/T teachers, as bers and to continue to show excellence in our sup- awareness training for all GTCNI registered well as supporting Pride festivals throughout the port of our teachers with a same sex attraction. We teachers to ensure that teachers feel confidant country and numerous other events. Due to long are conducting this research on the instruction of and comfortable in talking about sexual standing nervousness and reluctance in dealing our Northern Conference in Enniskillen in 2014. (see orientation issues and responding to with LGB issues there has been little or no concert- Belfast West Branch motion below, and passionate homophobic incidents. ed effort to collect data on the size, location, or spe- speeches at the following link http://www.into.ie/ (iii) Instructs Northern Committee to conduct re- cific needs of the LGB population across education NI/NewsEvents/NorthernConference/NorthernCon- search on the experiences of LGB&/T INTO nor has there been any effort to gauge the appetite ference2014/ConferenceWebcast/) members within schools throughout the North.
Printout February 2015 19 INTO News TTIP – The Threat to Public Services and Education
What is TTIP? the ability of Education unions to bargain versing changes made under the agree- TTIP is the Transatlantic Trade and In- collectively and protect and promote ment, thus making reversal of the sell off vestment Partnership, a proposed Trade our members’ interests. It is worth re- of public assets and services very difficult Agreement between the EU and the membering that privatising of public if not impossible. USA. It is being driven in large part by services is to transfer public money and Transnational Private Corporations. assets to private companies whose pri- What, if anything, can be done about mary consideration is not the service they this? What does the TTIP agreement propose? provide but their shareholders money. The good news is that as a result of a Eu- TTIP is aimed in the main at harmonising According to leading Environmental ropean wide Trade Union led campaign Trade laws across the European Union and and Social Justice Activist, George Mon- to bring the TTIP negotiations out in to the USA. This will cover Employment Law, biot, Trade Agreements that were once the public eye the EU has already rolled Environmental Law, trading of goods and aimed at removing protectionism ‘now back on some elements of the TTIP pro- services and removing non-tariff trade barri- promote the interests of transnational posals and has been forced to negotiate ers. It is also aimed at ‘creating new markets’. capital by downgrading the defence of this treaty in full view of European Citi- human health, the natural world, labour zens and their representatives. What are the dangers of the TTIP rights and the poor’. That is the crux of As many as 150,000 responses were re- Agreement? the matter and the reason TTIP must be ceived in relation to the Investor State There are many. Among the most con- opposed by organised labour. Dispute Settlement, the vast majority of cerning elements are: which were against the idea. Over 52,000 Employment Law and Environmental How could TTIP effect Education? of these responses came from the Uk, in protections in the EU are generally bet- Primarily through an increased threat of large part as a result of the efforts of the ter than they are in the USA. While they the privatisation of Public Services. Gov- Trade Union Movement and Environ- are far from perfect here, there is a very ernments, including devolved assemblies mentalists. As a result the Investor State real danger that harmonisation will lead such as Stormont, would come under im- Dispute Settlement which would have set to further erosion of the rights of Euro- mense pressure to put more and more up offshore tribunals to arbitrate on dis- pean Workers and no improvement for services out to tender and could poten- putes and over ridden the legal systems of workers on the other side of the Atlantic. tially be sued by private corporations if sovereign states, has been taken off of the ‘Harmonisation’ may well be a by word they are seen to treat state schools more negotiating table. for ‘Deregulation’ that will lead to less favourably than private schools. It could Despite this victory the dangers of in- protection in Europe for Public Safety, lead to privatisation by stealth through in- creased privatisation and worsening of em- Food Safety, Health and Safety at work creased outsourcing of services within ployment and environmental protections is and so on. schools like the provision of teaching as- still a real danger and it remains incumbent The ‘creation of new markets’ essentially sistants, CPD courses and so on or the upon activists to campaign against this means more privatisation and opening more overt opening of Academies, low fee unfair trade agreement. As George Mon- up Health, Education and other key serv- private schools, for profit universities and biot stated in the Guardian newspaper, a ices to yet more private procurement. so on. Here in Northern Ireland, it does previous manifestation of this agreement History shows that Privatised Industries not take a great leap of imagination to re- (The Multilateral Agreement on Invest- invariably leads to worsening Terms and alise what this might mean for efforts to ment) was defeated by pressure from Conditions of employment and lower end academic selection in education. progressive elements in 1998. wages. This is the greatest danger for Ed- Keep responding to consultations and ucation here in Ireland, north and south. What is the Standstill Ratchet Clause petitions against TTIP and let your politi- Potentially this could lead to the type of that is proposed? cal and Trade Union representatives fragmented Education Service currently This is a clause that effectively ‘locks in’ know about it and ask them to speak out. in operation in England, with Free any privatisation or liberalisation. It Schools, Academies and a weakening of would impose punitive penalties for re- Kevin Daly, Northern Committee
INTO SEN SEMINAR
INTO presented the third in a series of SEN Seminars on tea, scones and chat in the amply furnished new Saturday 22 November 2014. The Seminar took place in kitchen, everyone made their way back to the Confer- the recently opened extension to Northern Office, 24 ence room, where Mary Dorman took us through the pit- College Gdns. falls and paperwork associated with Risk Assessment. The theme for the Seminar was Challenging Behav- Feedback from the Seminar was extremely positive, iour, a topic which obviously struck a chord as quite a with a request for it to be re-run on an evening after number of members were in attendance, foregoing school, so that more members could avail of the op- The Down Branch recently held a charity branch meeting their Saturday morning lie-in to be in Belfast for a 10 portunity to learn strategies that would be of benefit and quiz at the Harbour House Inn Newcastle, in aid of o'clock start. to them in their daily practice. The Belfast Royal Neo-Natal Unit in which over 500 The first session on Challenging Behaviour was deliv- In the meantime, the information from this and the was raised. (From left to right) Paula Tumelty Down ered by Peter McAllister and Caroline McCarthy, both 2 previous seminars is available on the INTO website. Branch Chairperson,Staff Nurse Yvonne Simpson, Dr with a wealth of experience in this field as a result of Una Robinson, Frank Quinn INTO Northern Committee. their work in the Special School sector. After a break for Cathy Crozier, SEN Sub-Committee
20 Printout February 2015 INTO News A Place with a Mission
I write to thank INTO northern secretary, Gerry Murphy, and members of INTO for their expressions of support at a very chal- lenging time for St Mary’s University Col- lege. This is also an opportunity, for which I am very grateful, to explain the main as- pects of the problems we are experiencing to INTO members, many of whom are graduates of St Mary’s. The facts of the situation are straightfor- ward. DEL Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has proposed to remove the small and special- ist premia payments which are received by St Mary’s and Stranmillis and which enable the institutions to be sustainable. The West- minster government devised premia fund- ing because it recognised that whilst the quality and diversity offered by small and specialist institutions was of significant val- ue, it could not be delivered solely based on jected the vision which St Mary’s present- regarded by many as the chief architect of a funding model that was geared to the ed in December 2013 to create a world- European unity, once said that people can economies of scale of a large university. class system of Initial Teacher Education in come up with ideas but only institutions The Minister insists that the proposal is a the north of Ireland which would display can turn ideas into concrete actions. That financial issue alone. However, I contend three key attributes: gives you an insight into why we are so de- that his plan has less to do with his Depart- It would be pluralist. termined to maintain the integrity of St ment facing budget cuts and more to do It should be shared. Mary’s as an autonomous institution, albeit with a blatantly opportunist decision to try It should have a distinctive role for St in a collaborative partnership with others. to force an outcome to his review of Initial Mary’s as an autonomous institution. The idea that we espouse, in the sense Teacher Education. In fact, in the same let- Minister Farry does not accept the Col- that Monnet used the term, is that of faith- ter in which he proposed the removal of lege’s case for autonomy. However, if an based education. In its final report, the in- the premia, he informed the College that institution such as St Mary’s loses the au- ternational panel appointed by the Minis- he has asked the Vice-Chancellors of the thority to take decisions on issues of signif- ter articulated the idea of faith-based edu- two universities to develop proposals for icance, then it no longer has the capacity cation so well that I will quote from section the future of initial teacher education to pursue its mission. Of course the College 6.4. In the faith-based model, it is argued: which have no place for an autonomous must operate within the same legislative “the process of becoming a teacher is not simply a Catholic higher education institution like framework as any other publicly-funded form of intellectual engagement with relevant St Mary’s. I am not alone in having this body, and is happy to do so. But without academic and pedagogical studies, combined with view of the Minister’s proposal. The chair- the capacity to make decisions about mat- the acquisition of a repertoire of skills and strategies man of the Employment and Learning ters such as values, priorities and ethos, the through which pupils’ learning is progressed … in Committee, Robin Swann of the UUP, has College’s provision would be no different addition … it is an integral feature of learning to also raised concerns. He told ‘The Irish from that of a secular university, and so it teach that students … espouse certain values, News’ that: would have no reason to exist. St Mary’s which give point and purpose to the whole has a very clear mission to make a distinc- “The Alliance Minister was accused, and rightly so, professional undertaking. These values are absorbed tive contribution of service and excellence, of using the opportunity presented by the budget through the lived experience of participating in an in the Catholic tradition, to higher educa- to circumvent the international panel’s work on the educational community; they are exerted by, and tion. The College has a Catholic identity future of teacher training, and he has used the implicit in, that community’s whole mode of and wherever Catholic higher education is information from the report to bring forward his operation.” found throughout the world, it seeks to in- own political agenda.” tegrate intellectual, personal, ethical and This pervasive and integrated lived ex- The Minister’s political agenda is the in- religious formation; and to unite high aca- perience of a faith based community can- tegration of initial teacher education and, demic achievement with service to others. not, we believe, be successfully accommo- if he had consensus for his agenda, St Such a mission, in my view, has sufficient dated by integration or merger into what Mary’s would have no case. His problem is common ground with the outlook of secu- is a secular system. I trust that members of that he does not have consensus and, in its lar universities for there to be ample op- INTO understand and appreciate why we absence, he plans to use financial leverage portunity for a shared approach to our col- take the position that we do. Put simply, St to force through his political goal before lective work. Mary’s requires autonomy to be mission- the next Assembly election in 2016. Whilst Dr Farry, speaking in the Northern Ire- effective and the Minister’s proposal is a di- most parties favour a shared approach as land Assembly on Monday January 19th rect attack on that. the way forward for education, Dr Farry 2015, also spoke about this “not being sees an opportunity to force the Alliance about institutions” as if institutions are not Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St agenda of integration. He has therefore re- important. How wrong he is. Jean Monnet, Mary’s University College, Belfast
Printout February 2015 21 INTO News Professional development
Are teachers too busy for professional de- velopment? What are the benefits of tak- ing time out to have an international expe- rience and why is it more than just ‘nice to Brian McGrath, have’? INTO Principal in Alexander Scott, Principal of Gracehill Pri- St Martin’s mary School, Ballymena and Brian McGrath, Primary School, Principal of St Martin’s Primary School, Gar- Garrison who took rison share their experience of the interna- part in a recent tional programmes run by British Council visit to China Northern Ireland and give some advice to those starting out in their careers. Alexander, who has been a head teacher for a number of years, has taken part in a variety of professional development op- portunities through the British Council, in- cluding the former Comenius programme their game. Brain McGrath is now in his ternational dimension to the school; with some of (now Erasmus+) and international study second year as Principal of St Martin’s Pri- the kids now learning Mandarin. visits. About these opportunities, he said: mary School, Garrison. He feels that tap- The experiences I brought back had a major im- ping into local resources, such as the pact on the children’s interest and willingness to Making time for Professional Development can be British Council, can create a wealth of op- become informed on international issues. very difficult as school life is always very busy and portunity. He said: sometimes there is the temptation not to bother. ‘SchoolsOnline’ is the British Council’s There are no easy answers but it’s important to The international dimension is one way teachers portal for teachers, pointing you to profes- build time both for your own development and for can develop their skills and gain knowledge. These sional development opportunities as well your staff. can then be taken forward into learning areas such as funding for international linking and In our school I think many of the teachers, in- as ‘The World Around Us’. free curricular resources to enhance the cluding myself, have gained significantly from in- teaching and learning of your pupils. Sign For Brian, who took part in a study visit ternational links. Recently I had the opportunity to up for the ‘SchoolsOnline’ newsletter, to China in early 2014, the British Council is: visit Brazil on an International Study Visit and was which from October 2014 will contain greatly impressed with the efforts that are being Northern Ireland news stories and an- … an excellent starting point for any new teach- made there to ensure that students from disadvan- nouncements. For more information visit ers…. It showed how much our school systems taged backgrounds are given opportunities to use https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org or have in common and helped us bring an extra in- technology and travel abroad. http://n.ireland.britishcouncil.org.
With a range of post-graduate studies The British Council is the UK’s international organisa- lion. We are a non-political organisation which oper- and courses run by the ELBs and the Re- tion for educational opportunities and cultural rela- ates at arm’s length from government. Our total gional Training Unit, teachers are constant- tions. We work in over 100 countries worldwide to turnover in 2009/10 was 705 million, of which our ly deepening their pedagogical knowledge build engagement and trust for the UK through the grant-in-aid from the British government was 211 and looking to specialise in areas such as exchange of knowledge and ideas between people. million. For every 1 of government grant we re- special education or CRED. We work in the arts, education, English, science, ceive, we earn 2.50 from other sources. For more in- In today’s more dynamic and competi- sport and governance and last year we engaged face formation, please visit: http://nireland.britishcoun- tive environment, thinking outside the box to face with 18.4 million people and reached 652 mil- cil.org or follow us on Twitter: @BCouncil_NI can help keep staff and pupils on top of
Retirement for Rita and Brendan Stranmillis Tyrone Central Branch were pleased to GAA Club be able to ‘celebrate’ the retirements of Rita Fox, Northern Committee Representative Western Area Primary A and Brendan Harron, Senior Official. Rita has been a stalwart for Tyrone Central for quite a number of years and thanks to her drive and passion Tyrone Central has become one of the strongest and most vibrant INTO branches in the North. Brendan, who also hails from Tyrone, has been a dedicated and tenacious servant for our members and Enniskillen Branch were able to show it was fitting that Tyrone Central their gratitude to Rita and Brendan on members and our comrades from their retirement.
22 Printout February 2015 INTO News INTO Sponsors Festival Concerts for Schools
Ireland’s ecclesiastical and cul- tural capital, Armagh City, was the setting as INTO Southern Area Branches were delighted to once again sponsor the William Kennedy Piping Festi- val School Concerts. This year Contributing to Greater the best part of a thousand young people and their teach- Understanding ers were treated to world class musical performances from the The NITC LGBT Group made its annual award for outstanding work in pro- best piping talents in Ireland, moting greater understanding of LGBT equality in Scotland, Galicia and beyond. November 2014. Schools from all sectors were Feis an Earraich Group from the Isle of 2014’s recipient was Hazelwood Integrated College for their creation of represented at Primary and Post Skye, Scotland a Gay Straight Alliance or “GSA”. GSA clubs provide a safe, welcoming and Primary level. supportive environment for all students and have been very effective in Kevin Daly, Northern Committee representative for the area said ‘For the dealing with homophobia through the promotion of mutual respect and second year I am delighted to have been involved in these events. They are greater understanding. Teacher Hilary Donnan, accepted the award on an important part of the cultural education of the young people in this area behalf of the school and the GSA. and it is always great to see INTO involved at the heart of community based The award was made in memory of Karen Sims, who sadly passed away educational activities fulfilling our remit as last year. Karen, a much missed member of the group, was a tireless worker a Union to support the arts and culture of in the area of LGBT issues and equality. working people.’ Among the performers were Monaghan musician and former INTO member Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn who gave an ex- pert recital of Uillean Pipe music as well as an explanation of the complicated work- ings of the pipes. Anxo Lorenzo, world fa- mous Galician Piper was also on hand to perform and stunned the large audience with a virtuoso performance of the Gali- cian pipes or ‘Gaita’ as they are more properly known. The festival coincided with the first ever visit north of the INTO Education Confer- ence and Printout is reliably informed that member of Anxo Lorenzo some delegates were entertained by a Band from Galicia in Spain. number of musicians in a local hostelry.
INTO Retired Teachers Group Retired or retiring soon?
If you wish to maintain contact with the fast changing worlds of education and trade union activitism and if you seek opportunities to connect with those with a similar background and range of interests then the INTO Retired Teachers' Group wants your input. You will have opportunity to form and influence the goals and direction of the group from its inception. St Patrick's PS Armagh, with Principal, INTO member Jarlaith Monaghan Interested? Contact Northern Office for more details.
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