Firstly, Glynn O’Brien (SAPPA President) has confirmed that the Primary Principals Association is endorsing Jan Webber and her predominantly principal member ticket in the AEU elections. It is likely that SAPPA talk and SASPA chat lines will be used (again) to lobby for support amongst principal level members.
Secondly, DECS sent an email to the AEU declaring that “This is just a courtesy e-mail to advise you that election material for Jan Weber (sic) and Richard Baxter et al will be distributed through the DECS Distribution Centre. This service may be “extended” to other candidates on the proviso that: a service fee was payed(their spelling!) and the material presented is not inimical to DECS’ interests”.
"Inimical", of course, means "contrary, opposed, unfavourable". It's a sad reflection of where this principal-led ticket wants to take us with DECS that DECS is so comfortable with their election material!
So obvious was this DECS-Webber arrangement that wiser heads prevailed over in Flinders Street, and the deal was withdrawn a few hours later “after further consideration of the issues”.
This, combined with the recent attitude of a DECS officer in declaring” that things will be very different at the AEU after the elections, we won’t have to deal with things like we have to now” paints a grim picture of a future for the AEU that none of us wish to see. It also emphasizes how important your work over the next few weeks , and classroom teacher votes during the balloting period, will be.
This, combined with the recent attitude of a DECS officer in declaring” that things will be very different at the AEU after the elections, we won’t have to deal with things like we have to now” paints a grim picture of a future for the AEU that none of us wish to see. It also emphasizes how important your work over the next few weeks , and classroom teacher votes during the balloting period, will be.
We know there will be a bloc vote by DECS-funded principal associations in support of a conservative, principal-led faction.
Classroom teachers, other education workers, and progressive school leaders concerned about the quality of public education must encourage a huge participation rate to counter the principal push.
Talk the issues up as widely as possible.
Support the Unity. Action. Strength team led by classroom teacher and Women's Officer Correna Haythorpe (below, centre).
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