Teachers-when to take leave???

[BLBG]

In Vic, I'm required to take 6 weeks before the bub in born....the first 2 of the 6 weeks will be in the Christmas hols, - which is a bummer!
Has anyone had a similar situation?
If I'm able to 'work' ie taking four weeks pre bub, all I need to do is get a cert from my Dr stating that I am still fit to work, but when it's in my hols, I'm figuring this isn't an option...
Can anyone please pretty please shed any light on this?
I know condition vary alot from state to state, so if any one has any info in Vic, that would be fab!
Many thanks!

[Beach Mama]

Oh bummer BLBG... I'mpretty certain that you have to either work the first day of term 1 2009, or else your Prin can put in your leave as of that date. Problem is if you are actually due a week or so later that could put them in a tricky position. I had a similar thing happen with Iz where I left on the last day of term 1 2007, and my mat leave began officially on the first day of term 2 2008. As it was only 2 weeks difference my prin could enter in the system with no hassles.
To make sure of your options I would be calling the union to find out. Good luck with it!

[BLBG]

Hi Tan, - thanks for your reply.

I'm due 26/2/09, and Vic schools Term 1 starts 28/1/09...

I'm hoping my prin might put my mat leave starting 28/1/09, but I kinda doubt it. She's pretty by-the-books....
I guess it's worth asking??? What do you think?

Thanks!

[mrsmac]

In NSW you could easily put the first day back at school as your first day of mat leave but we no longer HAVE to take off 6 weeks before the due date.

[AliBaby]

Try and get your doctor to give you a certificate to say you are fit to work up until 2wks before you are due. Speak to the union as well. They weill be able to help you understand your rights

[caity83]

Hi girls! I am in a similar situation. I am a secondary school teacher in Victoria and bubs is due on February 28th. Here is the info I have for all other Victorian teachers:

A school teacher who is pregnant begins paid leave six weeks prior to the expected date of birth until six week after the actual date of confinement.

If the twelve week period includes any holiday period, the holidays are on paid maternity leave (i.e. you can't double-dip). We know from the calls we receive that quite a bit of planning goes in to the timing of these events!!!

So I have to start my maternity leave on the 19th of December (which is the last day of term 4 in Vic) which is a bit annoying - DEET HRM say that

An employee is permitted to attend for duty during any part of the required absence period if the principal is satisfied that:

**She will be fit for duty for the relevant period (proof of which is to be by medical certificate supplied by the employee), and
**The attendance sought by the employee is at a time employees ordinarily attend for duty at that school.

Where an employee is permitted to attend for duty during part of the required absence period before the birth of the child any paid maternity leave commences from the first day of absence from duty

So not sure if this means I can try and work the 1st day of term 1 and then get paid maternity leave from there if I have a letter from my care provider saying that I am capable to teach up until the 28th Jan which is exactly 4 weeks before bubs is due - I haven't really been much help at all!!

[BLBG]

So not sure if this means I can try and work the 1st day of term 1 and then get paid maternity leave from there if I have a letter from my care provider saying that I am capable to teach up until the 28th Jan which is exactly 4 weeks before bubs is due - I haven't really been much help at all!!

^^ Helloooo, - this is what I'm thiking about trying to do too, - working 1st day or two of term 1 09, as they're student free anyway. Only thing is though, it has to be ok-ed with prin.