Men's Network Newsletter

Section 1 - Leave provisions

The STCA sets out a range of leave entitlements. Below is a plain-English summary of some of these provisions. NB for Area School Teachers your Leave Provisions are the same as for STCA.

Full leave provisions: STCA Part 6 — Leave

Sick Leave

STCA Reference: Clause 6.2

Leave for Sickness in the Home

If you must be absent from school to care for someone who is sick or injured and relies on you for care, this absence can be taken against your sick leave entitlement.

STCA Reference: Clause 6.5.3

Serious Illness Leave

Where a family member has a serious accident or severe illness, your principal may grant paid leave:

STCA Reference: Clause 6.5.2

Leave for Family Reasons

If you need to care for a near relative, your principal can grant you leave without pay. Near relatives include:

•      Grandparents or grandchildren

•      Father-in-law or mother-in-law

•      Brother-in-law or sister-in-law

STCA Reference: Clause 6.5.1

Important Occasions

One day of paid leave (plus reasonable travel time) can be granted for:

•      Your wedding or civil union

•      The wedding of a child, sibling, parent, grandchild, or grandparent

•      Your parents’ golden (50th) or diamond (60th) wedding anniversary

STCA Reference: Clause 6.5.5

Bereavement Leave

Paid leave will be granted to attend a funeral or tangī. The amount of leave depends on your relationship to the deceased and other circumstances.

Need to know more?

Contact your local Field Officer or check the STCA (Clause 6.4) for full bereavement leave entitlements.

STCA Reference: Clause 6.4

Refreshment Leave

Once you have achieved Experienced Teacher Status, you may apply for up to one year of unpaid leave from your school. Eligibility depends on several factors.

Find out if you qualify

Speak with your Field Officer or check the STCA (Clause 6.7) for eligibility criteria and how to apply.

STCA Reference: Clause 6.7

Section 2 - Workload provisions

Teachers’ working hours vary significantly across the year — they typically peak during term time and reduce a little over breaks. The work does not stop at the classroom door.

The STCA provides important workload protections. If your workload is averaging more than 40 hours per week across the approximately 48 working weeks of the year (excluding your four weeks’ annual leave after Term 4), your employer is required to address this.

If your workload feels unmanageable

Keep a record of your hours and speak with your Branch. STCA clauses 5.1.5–5.1.7 set out what your employer must do.

STCA Reference: Clauses 5.1.5–5.1.7

Section 3 - Where to get help if you're feeling overwhelmed