As Term 1 draws to a close, it is just incredible how busy everyone is. The day-to-day workload is ever increasing as we struggle to keep up with the fast pace of teaching.
It is however a relief that life is slowly returning back to normal and COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted.
In a recent article Saul Karnovsky from Curtin University wrote, “Teacher’s professional lives can be highly demanding, pressured, stressful and at times, emotionally exhausting. Many teachers are facing a range of emotional challenges including working with difficult students and communities, managing increasing administrative demands, meetings, programming and duties. One Australian study found increasing numbers of teachers suffer from persistent anxiety and depression. Up to 50 percent burn out or simply leave in the first five years of their career. All of these issues can contribute to mental health issues. Early studies are also showing the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 are further exacerbating the stresses facing Australian teachers”.
IWD
Last week we celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD), however, I ask myself what we really have to celebrate and just how far have we come in the past 12 months?
We have been inundated with news stories about the treatment of young women in the highest office of our nation, Parliament House.
We are constantly faced with sexual abuse and domestic violence towards women by our elite sportsmen who claim to have drug and alcohol problems. Are they the role models that we want our young students to look up to?
We as educators must empower our young female students that enough is enough, and it is time to stand up and say no to comments, bad behaviour and violence from young men.
Rallies and marches held around the country brought attention to those in power to bring a stop to this behaviour and bring about change in the workplace.
Face-to-face Council
Our first face-to-face Council was held this month and it was great to see everyone again. Sub branch meetings are also going live, so I encourage you to invite colleagues and members to attend a meeting next term.
I certainly hope that you all enjoy the end of term break and that you travel within Australia and enjoy the wonders it has to offer. Safe travels and a very happy Easter to you all.