Functions & Services
CORE SERVICES
Core Services are functions that are funded predominantly from member school subscriptions and have been identified by the AISSA Board as essential support services for all members.
Funding, Legislation and Administration
The AISSA:
- facilitates the preparation of the Annual National Report and other accountability requirements on behalf of schools
- represents member schools on a wide range of government and major agency working parties, such as review of Protective Behaviours Program, review of work experience program
- co-ordinates and prepares submissions and responses to major legislative and policy reviews, such as New Schools Policy, Post-1996 Funding and review of primary and secondary education
- investigates the viability of new services to members schools and acts as a broker in the establishment of these services
- provides advice on legislation and regulations, such as child protection, copyright and animal ethics
- provides legal advice on a wide range of administrative and regulatory matters
- maintains an index of advice and policies relevant to member schools and facilitates communication and transfer of information to schools
- analyses census and demographic data to assist schools in relation to a range of administrative services and monitors changes in student profiles
- conducts strategic negotiations with the Department for Children's Services and Catholic Education Office on a wide range of administrative and regulatory matters.
Education Services
The AISSA:
- provides leadership and guidance on a wide range of curriculum initiatives
- assists with professional development of staff and the development of educational programs
- evaluates key education initiatives
- prepares responses to key educational issues and policies
- advises on primary and secondary curriculum issues and policies
- prepares submissions for external funding
- manages resources for externally funded projects
- advises on the relationship between curriculum and school organisation
- advises senior staff in member schools on school policy development and practices
- represents member schools on national and state education agencies/committees
- liaises with other education agencies
- develops curriculum related policy guidelines
- assists schools to develop educational programs
- monitors educational and financial accountability requirements for externally funded projects.
Industrial Relations
The AISSA:
- provides advice on industrial awards and other relevant industrial legislation, OHS&W, workers compensation, superannuation, etc.
- liaises and negotiates with employee organisations and other key employer organisations
- disseminates information on industrial issues and initiatives
- advises on individual staff industrial matters
- prepares policy advice to schools
- represents independent schools before industrial tribunals and other industrial hearings
- seeks advice from other professionals on industrial matters
- represents member schools on peak employer groups
- disseminates information on changes to industrial relations legislation, regulations, etc.
- provides professional development on key industrial policy issues
- services the AISSA Human Resources Management Reference Group
- prosecutes or defends any applications or proceedings before any court or tribunal
- acts as Organisation of Employers for the purpose of industrial laws for both Commonwealth and State legislatures.
Lobbying and Advocacy
The AISSA is recognised as the peak body for the non-government independent school sector in South Australia because it:
- promotes and protects the common interests of member schools
- is recognised by other key educational agencies, governments and the media as the credible advocate for independent schools in South Australia
- represents and acts on behalf of member schools
- provides a forum for open discussion of issues for various interest groups within the non-government independent school sector
- analyses emerging issues and trends and provides advice on appropriate actions to be taken
- provides policy advice and prepares responses on significant education policy issues
- lobbies governments and educational agencies on behalf of independent schools
- is a focal point for expert advice to member schools across a wide range of administrative, legislative, industrial and educational areas
- manages resources on behalf of governments, other agencies and member schools
- collects and analyses information to meet educational and financial accountability requirements
- disseminates and interprets information for the benefit of members
- facilitates co-operation with other education agencies.
Clerical/Administration Support
The AISSA Office:
- provides clerical/administrative support to professional staff
- provides support to AISSA Board and Standing Committees and other internal committees
- maintains bushfire and fire ban notification
- maintains teacher application information
- distributes information to member schools
- handles enquiries from parents and the public.
NON CORE SERVICES
Non-core Services are funded predominantly by external sources and are used by some member schools.
The AISSA:
- provides support to the Block Grant Authority, including interpretation and development of guidelines, processing of applications, payment of grants and preparation of accountability requirements
- maintains educational and financial accountability requirements for externally funded projects
- manages educational programs and projects on behalf of AISSA incorporated bodies
- manages government funds and staff associated with external projects
- establishes networks and reference groups among teachers and other clients in specialised areas (eg ESL, Special Education)
- represents the independent school sector on key government and non-government committees related to projects
- establishes networks across school education sectors and with other education institutions and agencies
- plans and conducts professional development activities for teachers, parents and other members of school communities
- services Program committees of AISSA incorporated bodies
- provides consultancy services in schools to Principals, teachers and parents
- seeks out funding sources for educational programs and prepares submissions to obtain funds
- prepares policy guidelines for specific areas approved by the AISSA Board
- contributes to the development of policy guidelines and advice to other education agencies.
Clerical/Administration Support
The AISSA Office:
- administers ACER scholarships and teacher exchanges
- handles Trans-Adelaide ID cards
- provides support to externally funded projects.
Organisational Change
The AISSA:
- facilitates group discussion among representatives of a school community
- provides advice on key educational, industrial, funding and other policy matters that may influence the directions of individual member schools
- provides advice on strategic planning to individual schools
- provides advice to new and existing schools on organisational requirements to establish and maintain high quality education.
International Student Education
The AISSA:
- provides a focal point for communication with key government agencies and private companies
- provides support to International Students Committee
- facilitates participation of member schools in overseas education exhibitions
- provides a contact point for the Australian International Education Foundation on behalf of consortium members by distributing information, meeting overseas visitors and attending consultations
- consults with Austrade and prepares Export Market Development Grant claim for consortium members
- investigates the opportunities for joint marketing ventures
- coordinates cooperative international marketing ventures.