I come to work sick when I should have been at home recovering

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

It means that I come to work sick when I should have been at home recovering. Not only does this put others at risk but it also adds so much stress to me as I cannot afford to take leave without pay. I used my 10 days within the first 6 months of this year and another allocation is not due until Jan 2023.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

Add more days to our allocation, we traditionally have had more sick leave than the general public due to the nature of the rate of infections we face on a day to day basis. Also stress leave would support our mental wellbeing.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

I will take leave when I need it so I do not put others at risk, which is a huge moral dilemma for me and others.