Back to school for new school staff

On 16 and 17 January, 59 new employees of the Adventist School Company in North New South Wales (NNSW) undertook two days of orientation and training at the NNSW Conference Office in Wallsend.

The training was provided for graduate teachers, teachers new to the NNSW school system, support staff, teacher aides, clerical staff and IT staff.

The first day’s sessions started with a presentation by Dr David Faull, principal of Avondale School, about what is special about Seventh-day Adventist Schools.

In the third session of the day, Adelle Faull gave a presentation focusing on information from the Institute of Teaching and teacher accreditation. Information was also provided about employment matters, with topics covered including payroll, agreements and child protection. Linda Stuart gave a presentation about the NNSW website, followed by a presentation by James Sleight about salary sacrifice options.

David Tyson, Director of Workplace Health and Safety for the NNSW Conference, presented an informative session on workplace health and safety before Glen King, Executive Director of the Adventist School Company in NNSW, concluded the day with information about Adventist schools.

The second day’s program focused on information about Adventists, which was presented by Pastor Murray Chapman. Adelle, a new employee of the Education Department, also presented a stimulating session on quality teaching and learning.

Attendees were provided with an orientation pack, which contained contacts for schools, leave forms, policy and compliance information, and teaching standards information.

(Photo: Ann Stafford)

Marilyn Hansen, Associate Executive Director of the Adventist School Company in NNSW, says, “The purpose of the orientation was to get people together who are coming into the North New South Wales education system. We aim to provide them with inspiration and information, and make them feel welcome and valued as important contributors to their schools.”

Orientation days for education employees began in 2004 and have been run every year since then in January before school starts.

She says the orientation has been a generally positive experience for the new staff members. “One man came from New Zealand for orientation,” says Ms Hansen, “And another man who was employed by us on the Friday before orientation was there on the Monday. Feedback from him and many attendees was very positive.”

Mr King says of the training, “It was two full days, but the feedback we’ve had has been very positive. Those attending this year were a mixture of new employees and people who have taught in Adventist schools for years, but because they are new to NNSW, they have to undertake the training.

“We are trying to express what’s special about Adventist schools, as we have a whole lot of little things that make us unique. It’s important to explore our special character. We believe it’s critical for all new staff to know the School Company’s position in regards to compliance, and what our ethos and philosophy is. As we walk into each school it should be evident, even though there will be a different ‘flavour’ based on who’s running the school.”

He adds, “The North New South Wales School Company has really taken the initiative with doing this sort of training. It means the school company can sign off that all new employees have undertaken this training, and then they’ll receive additional training at their new school. They have an opportunity to get to know the key contacts here in the conference office too.”

Mr King says that Pastor Chapman’s presentations on the beliefs and lifestyle of Seventh-day Adventists was one of the parts of the two-day program he particularly enjoyed. “Murray really engaged attendees with his narrative in his sessions,” says Mr King.

“He also asked attendees a lot of questions, bringing things back to Genesis 1 and 2. Some of it was confronting, but it all drew a lot of discussion, and Murray always comes back to a Bible-based position on the issues discussed.”

Pastor Chapman says of the orientation days, “It’s a highlight of my year.”

This year was the fourth year that Pastor Chapman has presented sessions for orientation, and he focused on the topic of “What About the Adventist Church?”

“The purpose is to talk about Adventist beliefs and lifestyle so that new teachers and staff get a snapshot and understanding of what the church is about,” says Pastor Chapman. “I design my presentation for non-Adventist employees and don’t assume anything. I know that a lot of the staff who are Adventist will gain benefit from it too. We talk about the lifestyle and beliefs of Adventists. It’s a very interactive process with questions and answers, and sharing within the group.”

Pastor Chapman likes to tell stories to illustrate points and encourages attendees to share their experiences too. “I enjoy the interaction, especially with people who aren’t Adventists, as it’s very stimulating for me and other Adventists.”

He places a strong emphasis on respect in his presentations. “One thing that’s important to me as we do this is that we talk about respecting one another, and do our best to demonstrate this respect,” he notes.