QTAD: Q&A

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 3, 14 April 2022, page no. 27

Should the school provide release time for teachers to undertake a meeting with their line manager regarding their annual performance review?

Annual performance reviews are mandatory for all employees, however there is no additional time provided to employees to undertake the duties associated with the process (i.e. development of a performance development plan (PDP), initial conversations with their supervisor, and review of PDP). 

A teacher’s award entitlement to non-contact time is at their discretion, to use as they see fit, however as there is no additional funding provided centrally for APR activities, it may be necessary for a teacher to use their NCT for this purpose. While the QTU does not condone holding meetings to discuss APRs during morning tea, lunch or after school, this may be one option available to teachers, although not the preferred one. 

If a teacher has an over allocation of non-contact time, admin may direct teachers to attend a meeting during this time.  

Some schools, after consultation with staff, have agreed to hold APR conversations in lieu of a staff meeting for one hour per week, at the start of the year. Other schools have determined, through the LCC, to take all teachers in a certain year level or subject area offline for a day to have their APR conversations and bring in a supply teacher for the day. This is a school-based decision.

What is the minimum period of long service leave I can apply for?

The minimum period of long service leave which can be taken at any one time is one week, but state school teachers, including classroom teachers and those in classified positions, can access long service leave in periods of no less than one day per week or fortnight, provided requested periods of long service leave amount to: 

• five days or more in total to facilitate the engagement of a replacement temporary teacher 
• a lesser period, if there is no requirement to use the Teacher Relief Scheme (TRS). 
   

Please note, long service leave taken on a one day per week or one day per fortnight basis cannot be accessed at half-pay, unless you work 0.2 FTE. 

Except in exceptional circumstances, timely notice must be given when applying for long service leave, although most regional offices require two clear terms’ notice. Applications are granted subject to departmental convenience.
Further information on long service leave entitlements can be accessed in the QTU information brochure: http://www.qtu.asn.au/brilsl 

Can I leave school grounds during non-contact time?  

Non-contact time is counted as rostered duty time, i.e. time you are paid for. While the award entitlement to NCT is used at the teacher’s discretion, it is for preparation, planning and correction. 

Any teacher wishing to leave school grounds during a period of NCT must obtain approval from the principal for WorkCover purposes. 

Queensland Teachers' Assist Desk (QTAD)
1300 11 7823 | qtad@qtu.asn.au | www.qtu.asn.au/qtad