Principals’ Sub Branch holds AGM

The IEU thanks principal members for their engagement and support and acknowledges the challenges school communities face because of the COVID situation and extreme weather and flooding in some parts of NSW.

Principals’ Sub Branch AGM was held on 19 February with a welcome to familiar faces and those who were participating in the Sub Branch for the first time.

Congratulations to the re-elected Principals’ Sub Branch leadership group of Noeleen O’Neill as president, Kathy Neely as vice president, and Jude Ryan and Des Fox as joint secretaries.

Volunteers for the Sub Branch committee included Peter Meers, Anthony Weir, Alex Wharton, Cathy Young, Silvana Rossetti, Leah Taylor and Niamh Marzol.

As many principals have raised concerns about the NCCD, principals at the meeting welcomed the update from IEU Professional Officer Veronica Yewdall on the IEU’s agreement with the federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) for a new NCCD Fact Sheet to streamline evidence requirements at school level (see pages 9-12).

The IEU has also been meeting with employers to ensure they are aware of the agreed Fact Sheet and the evidence expectations of DESE.

All IEU principal members have been forwarded a copy of the agreed Fact Sheet and other information in relation to NCCD evidence requirements.

The IEU thanks principals in the Catholic systemic sector for their input into the enterprise agreement (EA) claim and formal bargaining has now commenced.

As well as enhancing remuneration and improving a range of working conditions, addressing staff shortages is also an important aspect of the union’s claim.

The IEU is engaging with Catholic Employment Relations regarding the Principals’ EA for NSW/ACT dioceses and with Sydney Catholic Schools about the Sydney Principals’ EA.

The first bargaining meeting with Sydney was held on 8 March and the IEU notes that SCS also issued an Enterprise Agreement Principals’ Consultation Survey to principals in the Archdiocese.

Principals’ Sub Branch meeting dates for the year ahead are proposed for 7 May, 6 August, 5 November and 18 February in 2023. COVID permitting, these meetings will be held at the IEU Parramatta office with a Zoom option available.

As always, principals are always welcome to contact the IEU for advice or support and we look forward to working with principal members to support their work and wellbeing.

Pam Smith
Assistant Secretary/Principals’ Organiser