8 May 2023

Newsletter Articles

Kia Ora

In this edition of the Monday Mailing we delve into the complex and nuanced role of being a principal. Our Principal Tips section explores ‘reliever codes’ – it has some really helpful snippets around coding to ensure that relievers are paid what they deserve. Be sure to check it out!

In our May Rant section, we turn our attention to the hot-button issue of National Standards. As educators, we all know the importance of setting clear expectations and assessing student progress, but are National Standards the best way to do this? Our Ranters take a look at the controversial policy and offers their thoughts. Whether you're a staunch supporter or a vocal critic, you won't want to miss this engaging and thought-provoking read!

As always, we hope that this newsletter provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Nga Mihi
Chrissy Wakeman
Orini Combined School

From our WPA President

Kia ora tātou ngā Tumuaki o te rohe o Waikato,
I hope your start to Term 2 has gone well.

We are planning to go 'live' with our new WPA website this week. We invite you to have a look at the new website so that you can keep up to date with future WPA events.

You can find information on our website about our next Connections Day in June as well as our Study Tour to Brisbane in August. Registrations are now open for both of these events.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of the teachers' vote this week to determine whether they will accept the latest Government offer. As you will be aware, primary principals who are members of the PPCBU collective have settled and have accepted the offer made by the Government. Those principals who are members of the NZEI are still in negotiations with the Government.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Lesley

Important Dates 2023

Aaron Ironside: Connections Day – Term 2

Lead Counsellor Aaron Ironside has over 5000 hours of counselling experience, drawing on his Masters Degree in Psychology and a range of counselling modalities. He also leads a team of Welfare Officers at the Ports of Auckland.

Hundreds of clients have experienced the transformation found in discovering the truths that heal the pain and brokenness of our past.

Aaron is a diehard fan of the Warriors, American-style BBQ, and Professional Wrestling!

Hundreds of clients have experienced the transformation found in discovering the truths that heal the pain and brokenness of our past.

When things aren’t going well, it’s tempting to think that “the problem is me”, “maybe I’m broken or a bad person?” At Bridge The Gap we don’t believe that’s true. We think the issue is that the gap, between where you are and where you want to be, has become too big.

Most of the time we think that we should be able to handle all of life’s issues by ourselves, but it turns out that sometimes we need a professional counsellor or coach to help us close the gap.

Our team are not guru’s with all the answers. We think you are the biggest expert on your own life, but we might know a thing or two to help you move forward.

Tips & Tricks

This week’s topic relates to the use of “reliever codes” and ensuring some of your staff are being paid what they deserve.

If you have some part-time teachers who complete additional hours/relief work (i.e. additional non-regular work to their base contracts), then use the relevant additional hours payroll codes (see table further below), rather than DDR (Day Relief Teacher)

Why?

By using these codes, your part-time teacher can be paid their full salary rate for the extra hours/relieving they do, rather than the restricted capped reliever salary rate.

A teacher on $90,000 can receive $450 for their day’s work, rather than the capped reliever rate of just $346/day (because relieving is restricted to step 6 of the salary scale)

Does this cost the school?

No, so long as you are coding relievers/part-time teacher additional hours to Teacher Salaries (TS) then there is no cost to the school. Both days would use 0.14 staffing, regardless of whether you use DDR or PPTAH.

May Rant!

Brisbane Study Tour 2023

The WPA would love to invite our members to attend the National Education Summit in Brisbane from Wednesday 2nd August - Sunday 6th August. This conference allows our members the flexibility to cater to their own PLD needs, from STEM initiatives in schools, further developing our capacity with Diverse Learners and/or leading Well Being for Future Focussed Schools

If interested please register via the WPA website now. Confirmation of costs will follow shortly.

Some suggested flights for you are:

• Depart Auckland Wed 02 August 9.20am: NZ0145
• Arrive Brisbane 10.55am
• Depart Brisbane Sun 06 August 9.50am: NZ0144
• Arrive Auckland 3.00pm
• Depart Auckland Wed 02 August 4.10pm: NZ0147
• Arrive Brisbane 5.55pm
• Depart Brisbane Sun 06 August 12.10pm: NZ0146
• Arrive Auckland 5.25pm

Brisbane Study Tour U1+U2 Scholarship Applications

Keen to head to the conference and from a U1 or U2 School? The WPA wants to support you to get there!

Please take the time to fill out this google form to apply. We will be in touch as soon as possible.

2023 Subs

2023 Subs are now due – please head to our website to become a financial member.

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