[English] VIT's policing role

[Caruso, Greta]

For those who have serious misgivings about the role of the VIT in this
and previous cases, there is a VIT review in process. 
I have no more idea about it than the section below which is straight
from the VIT website, and I wonder who the "Key groups" might be. In
regards this issue and others it seems that VIT not only fails to
represent teachers, but is to the right of talkback radio. 

I have a difference of opinion with some of my VATE friends on the
performance of the VIT and find it even more of a worry that the unions
seem to have a conciliatory stance. 

To my mind VIT publications are as empty as government
advertorials(complete with innumerable baby-kissing, ribbon cutting,
self-congratulatory photos) and I have found the coverage of issues
related to teacher de-registration to be more thoughtful and balanced in
S-Press. 

For anyone who feels like submitting to the review (Run by the
government, not teachers, of course!) the details are below. 

Greta Caruso


The Minister for Education, John Lenders, has appointed Frank King to
conduct the review.
Public submissions based on the terms of reference will be accepted
until close of business on
Tuesday, 18th September 2007. Mr King will also meet key groups to
assist in his examination.
Mr King will deliver a report to the Minister by 31st December 2007.
How can submissions be made?
Submissions can be made electronically to vit at hlbvic.com.au or by mail
to:
VIT Review
Mr Frank King
GPO Box 2939
MELBOURNE 3001

-----Original Message-----
From: english-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:english-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of
stephen at melbpc.org.au
Sent: Sunday, 12 August 2007 4:16 PM
To: english at edulists.com.au; offtopic at edulists.com.au
Subject: [English] Guidelines on schoolyard brawls

"Teachers call for guidelines on schoolyard brawls"

Posted (on ABC website) 5 hours 30 minutes ago 
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/12/2002735.htm>

Victorian teachers are calling for official guidelines and training in
how 
to respond to schoolyard fights.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has reviewed the 
actions of a teacher who refused to step in during a brawl at a high 
school, south-east of Melbourne.

VCAT found there are no set rules requiring teachers to physically 
intervene and that there appears to be no clear guidelines to advise 
teachers on appropriate actions.

Australian Teachers Union (ATU) spokeswoman Mary Bluett says teachers
are 
concerned about the threat of litigation.

"When you are in a situation where a fight erupts, you are in two
minds," 
she said. 

"Do I go in and physically touch a student and open myself up perhaps to

legal action, or is the bigger issue my duty of care to prevent injury
to 
that student."

The state's regulatory body, the Victorian Institute of Teaching, says
it 
will examine VCAT's comments at its next executive meeting.

It says each school sets out its expectations of teachers in their 
employment contracts.

--
Cheers, people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia
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