Supporting Success in Education

Pink t-shirts and balloons - will it scare them?

I can't see that wearing pink t-shirts and putting up balloons is going to do anything to get us taken seriously, in fact if anything it makes us either look as if we're supporting breast cancer awareness or are silly pink girls who don't know serious when we're trying.

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Permalink Reply by Simone Ngaoa Nicholas on November 17, 2009 at 7:59am

i think having everyone wear one colour shows UNITY and PINK is probably one of the only colours that is not gang affiliated.

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Permalink Reply by Linda Jordan on November 17, 2009 at 10:34pm

I don't believe we are trying to scare anyone Marie. Is is about being a unified front and being noticed.

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Permalink Reply by Marie Greaney on November 18, 2009 at 8:40am

But what is the point of just "being noticed"? I can't see any benefit from the public or the Govt or whoever we're aiming at, saying "gosh there are quite a few support staff in schools aren't there?" Just being noticed isn't enough. You are right Linda, "scare" is the wrong word. But we surely want John Key to realise not just that we exist, but that our pay scale is not appropriate for the work we do. I'd be surprised if balloons and t-shirts will do that.

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Permalink Reply by Linda Jordan on November 22, 2009 at 8:20am

As a member of OUR Union, NZEI, it is then up to you to become active and prove what our worth is. Attend the combined rallies on Friday 27th OR if in Auckland attend the march up Queen Street. We need to ensure we have the support and continued backing of our colleagues and the parents of the Students we work with. We are now known for our Pink and Black T-Shirts in other unions, political parties and in the wider public arena.
We need your continued input and support to ensure we are going in the right direction.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Huggins on November 27, 2009 at 1:05pm

It's about raising awareness in our schools and community. The pink theme is simply the impetus to action. Our whole staff has come to the party today (and they are mostly PPTA members) and our Principal talked at assembly about the contribution of support staff. We are also mass emailing Bill English and others to invite them to "walk in our shoes" for a day. Any other ideas from Marie would be most welcome!