In this issue:

1. School Executive Officer Mentoring Program
2. SAIP to Introduce Administrative Achievement Awards for School Clerical Staff
3. Footy Tipping Competitions in Schools
4. Reminder - Archiving Students on April 28th
5. Sheryl Roberts - Help in the North
6. SRP Support Comes to BSS
7. Emails from Independent Organisations Offering Training to School Staff
8. Would You Like a Visit from BSS?

1.  School Executive Officer Mentoring Program

Expressions of Interest are invited from staff holding School Executive Officers positions who wish to act as Mentors for newly appointed senior office staff. The selected nominees will be provided with training and expected to act in this capacity for a minimum of two years.

This is available to All DoE schools. For further information and expression of interest form - http://www.education.tas.gov.au/admin/hr/policies/stafflearninganddevelop/schooladminmentoringprogram.htm

Contact:  Sally Giacon, Senior Education Officer HR
Workplace Relations
Ph:  6233 6998
Email:  sally.giacon@education.tas.gov.au

2.  SAIP to Introduce Administrative Achievement Awards for School Clerical Staff

This year the SAIP (School Administrative Improvement Project) Committee will sponsor four Administrative Achievement Awards for non-senior clerical staff (level aca02 to aca04). Anyone in this category can be nominated for one of the four (two in the south and one each in the north and north-west) $500 awards by another individual or group of staff from the same school.

Award information

Nomination form

Contact:  Sally Giacon, Senior Education Officer HR
Workplace Relations
Ph:  6233 6998
Email:  sally.giacon@education.tas.gov.au

3.  Footy Tipping Competitions in Schools

A reminder that Footy Tipping Competitions cannot be used for fundraising in schools.  A memo was issued in 2000 stating that all proceeds from the competition must be distributed to the participants.  Competitions that raise funds for the school are unlawful and contravene the Racing and Gaming Act of 1952.

Competitions where all the money is used for prizes can be conducted.  However, if students are involved in the competitions, then the prizes should be in the form of vouchers or other goods rather than cash.

4.  Reminder - Archiving Students on April 28th

Students must be bulk archived in SSS once a year on the 28th April (or as directed otherwise). This establishes a correct and current database.

Further details and instructions are available on the website:  http://www.education.tas.gov.au/admin/ff/enrolment/sacs/archivingstudentsannually.doc

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the BSS Service Centre
Ph:  1800 816 057
Email:  servicecentre@education.tas.gov.au

5.  Sheryl Roberts - Help in the North

Sheryl Roberts is available to schools in the North for one-on-one support to school administration staff.   She can provide support in SACS Finance, Crystal Report and SSS.  She says she's lost track of how many schools she's visited, but would love to help any others in the area who may need some advice.

Sheryl is based in Devonport, but can travel to your school to meet with you.  Take advantage of Sheryl's vast experience while you can!

Ph:  0418 533 360
Email:  sheryl.roberts@education.tas.gov.au

6.  SRP Support Comes to BSS

BSS welcomes Donna Fittock to the unit!  Starting 2nd Term, the BSS Service Centre will be able to provide advice on SRP and school budgets. 

The BSS Service Centre provides the first level of advice and support.  If Service Centre representatives are unable to answer your question, finance officers will be consulted to provide further advice.

7.  Emails from Independent Organisations Offering Training to School Staff

Schools may be contacted by independent training providers stating that they offer government funded training in Business Administration.  While the programs may be legitimate, schools should be aware that the Department has an agreement with a Tasmanian training provider to conduct these courses on its behalf and all courses are government funded.  If you are uncertain about training courses or providers, contact the BSS Service Centre or the Human Resources Management Branch.

Service Centre
Ph:  1800 816 057
Email:  servicecentre@education.tas.gov.au

Human Resources Management Branch
Ph:  6233 6998
Email: learninganddevelopment@education.tas.gov.au

8.  Would You Like a Visit from BSS?
 
Are you new to the School Executive Officer role?  Would you like some one-on-one training with someone from BSS? 
 
OR....    Have you been in an SEO role for a while?  Would you like some additional support, clarification or may be just reassurance that you are doing things correctly? 
 
Contact us and we will arrange a mutually convenient time for one of the BSS team to pay you a visit.

Service Centre
Ph:  1800 816 057
Email:  servicecentre@education.tas.gov.au

Past BSS Banters

Want to have a quick look over some of the recent Banter articles?