Remedial and Support Teachers' Association
of Queensland

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Welcome to the second AGM of the Remedial and Support Teachers’ Association of Queensland Inc.

A belated Happy Harmony Day wish to you all. May harmony be more than a wish and endure for longer than a day.

The year has been an active one with regular, fully attended committee meetings, although probably not as many aspects finalised as had been hoped. For each of us there is that constant tension caused by competing commitments. I have been pondering this issue of establishing balance to one’s life and decided a personal lifestyle coach could be the answer. (As well as a "personal" chef, trainer, wardrobe consultant, feng shui consultant and…) The point though is that this Association is only viable through the willingness of a number of people to be involved.

It would seem that in this day and age of user pay it is unlikely that the Association will find a facility that could be called a home base, however we have been fortunate that the Principal of Rainworth State School has made available this multi-purpose building for our meetings. I would like to officially thank her and that school community for their support. This issue of a home base is centred around the provision of secretarial services and record keeping. We have continued to employ Ross McGreevy to maintain the database and perform various account keeping tasks. This has been a successful partnership and one the Association would hope to continue if Ross considers he is able. I would also like to acknowledge Joy Seary, Vice-President, for her unofficial role of assistant to Ross. Their personal time and efforts are truly appreciated.

As well a thankyou is extended to Joy for standing in at the close of last year as unofficial Treasurer. Alana Harris has taken leave from Education Queensland to pursue other dreams. Alana took on the job of Treasurer efficiently and effectively by establishing and re-organising the accounts with The Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union.

Discussions at meetings are always interesting and pertinent. Essentially these involve discussions about the future directions of education, members employing bodies as well as the Association. The aim is to maintain the Association as a professional networking body for members as well as a body advocating for the role of Learning Support role.

A very successful Saturday workshop in October was organised by Joy and Alana. The presenter was Heather Allison, an Occupational Therapist, from the University of Queensland.

It has been proposed by Michael Boyle, that twice a year we hold a Teacher’s Chair evening in the style of a soiree. Lee Willett agreed to be the inaugural speaker on Friday, 23^rd April, 2002.

As you would be aware, Education Queensland is undertaking a number of initiatives to demonstrate that the public sector of education is competitive to equip all children for their futures. In 2001,this Association initiated meetings with the Minister of Education and Steve Miller, the Project Officer leading the Special Education review. In both instances, the purpose has been to introduce the Association and to profile the Learning Support role.

The Committee has begun an initial review of the Constitution as requested by the Solicitor who is prepared to advise and re-work the pertinent sections, in keeping with the change of name. It is a task that is to be completed this year.

Membership continues to grow however Secondary Learning Support teachers are under-represented. I think this is partly the result of role changes in the Secondary setting, the lack of formalised networking at the systemic level and natural attrition. The establishment of HOSES (Head of Special Education Services) seems to generate a focus on Students with Disabilities and the networking happens at the HOD level. Whether you work in the Primary or Secondary area, it is important that each member of our Association informs colleagues about our existence and encourages others to become members. We need to be involved in highly interactive and collaborative wide networks of learning, of which the Association is one such network.

With the establishment of the Inclusive Education Branch in November last year, it is essential that our Association engages in a continuous dialogue with Education Queensland to explore the future role for Learning Support. As well, we would hope to further develop links with SPELD and maintain our representation at The Joint Council of Queensland Teachers Association and The University Course Co-ordinating Committee.

I believe that in this climate of educational change there will be opportunities for us to work with colleagues in new structures and in new ways to develop greater professional knowledge and competence in the face of ever-increasing complex learning environments. It is my hope that Learning Support teachers will be at the forefront as leaders in pedagogical change – "figuring out effective approaches for creating and assessing learning under conditions of diversity and constant change"(Cohen and Spillane, 1992).

On behalf of all members of the Association I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the Editorial Committee, Joan Lane, Michael Boyle and Lee Willett. The professional quality of The Quarterly is due to their personal quest to understand the learner, learning and individual differences. The professional presentation is due to the collaboration of Michael and Marianne Bubb. As well, the existence of our website is due to the work of Jill Ogilvie, Marianne and Michael. Remember though, the value of the website is in our ability to contribute material to maintain its viability.

As you can see, some of the core activities of our Association, namely, providing a professional publication and website are dependent on the few. It is imperative that members come forward to undertake the committee work needed to keep the association going.

It is with sadness that we accept Joan Lane’s resignation as a member of the Committee. Joan has been tireless in her work as an educator as well as in establishing the former Remedial Teachers’ Association. We will miss Joan’s guidance, leadership, mentoring and friendship. We wish her a wonderful "retirement".

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee for your personal support. More importantly, thank you to each Committee member’s commitment to maintain a vibrant Association and to establish it as a significant force within the educational community.

Jennie Lawless
President