The introduction of Pupil-free Days to Queensland schools was not without controversy. When first proposed in 1981, letters to the editor and radio comment from opposers of the concept suggested that teachers had sufficient holidays as it was, that such days should be held in vacation time, and, if they were introduced, the teachers should remain at their own school and perform their duties for full public service hours. The Director-General Clyde Gilmour [1976-83] tried to hold firm to the strictest of conditions, while Lyle Schuntner, President of the Queensland Teachers Union [1977-85], insisted that it was unreasonable to expect teachers to attend beyond normal school hours.Things have sorted themselves over the years, but, at the time, it was hectic.
PROs and CONs
[Tune: "Good King Wenceslas"]
Good King Gilmourtime spoke out
On our pupil-FREE days,
“Teacher, rid your mind of doubt -
They’re not nine to three days!
Nine to four or half-past-eight
To at least three-thirty:
Either plan effectuate
And I won’t get shir-ir-ty.”
In a News Flash Lyle the Brave
Sent a word to rally
Every wretched Union slave
Sweating in the galley:
“Only for the normal shift
Should you ply your paddle;
When it’s knockoff time, be swift -
Drop it and sked-a-addle!”
Doctors, as their incomes soar,
Cut down hours of surgery;
Lawyers in less time earn more
Briefing lax-lurk perjury;
What fine feathered friends we claim,
Queensland educators,
Now that we enjoy the same
Full professional sta-a-tus!
