In light of recent discussions and feedback regarding the Independent Schools NSW/ACT Standards Model (Teachers) Multi-Enterprise Agreement (CMEA), Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) wishes to address our community and partners with an important update.
Recently, we have been actively engaging with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) to voice the concerns raised by our members and stakeholders within the outdoor education sector. These discussions have been fruitful, demonstrating a mutual commitment to the continuous support and development of outdoor education.
On that basis, we withdraw our communication on Monday urging members to vote no for the Teachers CMEA in the independent sector. We would be disappointed if the guaranteed increases for Teachers and Professional and Operational Staff across the 240 schools proposing to offer the new CMEAs would not be successful as a result of our communication. Outdoor Education NSW/ACT is in contact with AISNSW and is working collaboratively with AISNSW to ensure that staff are appropriately classified under the correct industrial instruments that apply. Any member schools who are concerned, are encouraged to contact the Workplace Management Team at AISNSW for specific industrial relations advice.
We have been made aware that the CMEA was negotiated over a period of 9 months and involved extensive consultation with member schools including a Bargaining Advisory Group made up of 30 Heads of schools and the Australian School Bursars Association. The voting process concluding this week marks a significant milestone, and while the CMEA may not fully meet the unique needs of all outdoor educational settings, it reflects a broad consensus that has been built over time.
We are committed to continuing our work with AISNSW to ensure that the value of outdoor education is adequately recognised within the educational framework. This includes advocating for the needs of teaching staff who facilitate these invaluable learning experiences outside the traditional classroom environment.
We understand the importance of outdoor education in fostering well-rounded, experiential learning that is crucial for the development of young people. To this end, ONSWACT will work diligently with schools to explore and implement strategies that allow them to continue their outstanding work in outdoor education under the new agreement or other industrial relations instruments that apply to staff in their schools.
We extend our sincere thanks to AISNSW for their openness and continued partnership. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that future generations of students do not miss out on the vital educational experiences provided by outdoor education programs.
As we move forward, ONSWACT remains dedicated to engaging with all stakeholders to support the integration of outdoor education into the curriculum effectively. We believe in the power of outdoor learning to enrich the educational journeys of students, and we are committed to advocating for policies and agreements that recognise and enhance this area of education.
We appreciate the understanding and support of our community as we navigate these developments. Together, we will strive to ensure that outdoor education continues to thrive and benefit our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to enriching student learning through outdoor education.
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