New Zealand School Trustees Association
Memorandum to Boards: 2010/10
School:
Chair:
Principal:
From: Colin Davies(Manager, Service Delivery NZSTA cdavies@nzsta.org.nz)
Date: 2 July 2010
Subject: End of Term 2 Catch-Up
Purpose: As we come to the end of term 2 a few matters to draw to your attention. Also given a 30% turnover of chairs this year and with the new boards coming in its timely just to remind you of what’s there to support you.
- NZSTA website
- Advisory Services
- Professional Development for Trustees
- Trustee Handbook (Black Book)
- NZSTA Publications
- Expiry of Collective Agreements
- Concurrence Reminder
- A Vision for the Teaching Profession
NZSTA website: There is extensive information and resources on this site www.nzsta.org.nz. This month NZSTA launches our new look website. You will be advised once it has become “live” on the new features. Access to membership areas will also change with log-in details sent separately to 2010 members (our records show not applicable - please advise if this is incorrect).
The Ministry also operates a section of its website for supporting boards.
Advisory Services: The NZSTA provides this free and confidential service to all boards under a Ministry of Education contract. There are 2 main components of this service:
Helpdesk (0800 STAHELP (0800 782 435)): Boards of trustees can access advisers on the NZSTA Helpdesk for all matters relating to trusteeship. The Helpdesk is staffed five days a week 8:00am to 5:00pm. This toll free helpline is recognised by boards as the source of sound advice on trusteeship issues. Their email is helpdesk@nzsta.org.nz
Personnel/Industrial: NZSTA's Advisors are located in offices around the country and are available to advise, assist and provide an advocacy service to all boards of trustees, principals and school management on any matters relating to their employer role. They are often on the road so contacting them by cell phone is usually the best way of getting hold of them. For resourcing purposed we have allocated them to specific schools in your region. Your adviser is:
Name
Mobile
Email
This may be slightly different in some circumstances where we have made other arrangements for your adviser. In which case that arrangement will continue.
Professional Development for Trustees: A number of programmes are provided through our professional development team. In addition, the NZSTA Conference is held each year, the next one will be held 9-11 July 2010 in Christchurch, where over 600 trustees will be gathering. It is the key national event for trustees professional development and will be of particular benefit for new trustees. We look forward to seeing a number of you there (it’s not too late to enrol!).
Trustee Handbook (Black Book): Is provided to member boards in hard copy and also now as an online version. This contains sections on Trusteeship, Human Resources and Legislation.
NZSTA Publications: NZSTA produces of number of publications such as a monthly magazine (STAnews), and other written material, including the NZSTA Trustee Handbook, An Introduction to Trusteeship (A Guide for School Trustees) and various employment and governance related publications. Some of which are available only for NZSTA members.
Expiry of Collective Agreements: The collective agreements for teachers and principals reached their expiry date on 30 June 2010. Each of the respective unions has initiated bargaining and consequently the collectives remain in force for up to a further 12 months whilst bargaining continues. So no change there. As a result new employees must continue to be employed under the same process that existed prior to expiry so continue to use our template letters of appointment.
Concurrence Requests: We have been getting some inquiries about what the “rules” are to request concurrence from the Ministry in relation to terms and conditions for principals. For further information on this refer to the Ministry website and the following Circulars - 2008/1 (secondary) 2008/3 (primary) and 2008/4 (area).
A Vision for the Teaching Profession: Just a reminder (see Memo 2010/8) that the period for feedback closes on 6 August 2010. In preparation for the NZSTA submission we would appreciate hearing from a board perspective your views (you can make your views known to us direct using our online survey). Or send us a copy of your submissions (fax to 04 473 4706).
Colin Davies