World Support Staff Day on 16 May was an important acknowledgment of all the people in schools and colleges that oil the machinery every day, making sure students have the best environment in which to grow.
Vicki McSpadden, Senior School Officer at St Therese’s Primary School New Lambton, loves her job because of the value it brings to education, and the variety of people and tasks she approaches every day.
Vicki’s role encompasses a broad range across the school, everything from school fees, event and sport payments, maintenance, WHS, enrolments, communication to parents, first aid, volunteers, attendance rolls, medical records, and other tasks.
Joining the IEU is crucial for support staff, Vicki said, because they need to be clear about their entitlements.
‘Many people who work as support staff want to help, want to solve problems, it’s in their nature. But that leads to them doing things like staying back when they are not being paid or working in their unpaid lunch breaks,” Vicki said.
“Knowing clearly what the rules are and having someone there to support you, that has your back if there is an issue, is worthwhile.”
“Something like World Support Day is a reminder to everyone to think about these things.”
The recent Catholic systemic support staff pay rise, which has been negotiated by the IEU over many years, is another reminder of why everyone should be in the union.