MATEFL AGM 2024
Date: Wednesday 21st February 2024
Venue: ACE School of English
MATEFL Committee members:
Present: Jean Theuma, Ana Aleksic, Rebecca Portelli, Ian Scerri, Julia Pearson
Apologies; Bob Bejdak
Chair: Rebecca Portelli
Number of members present: 19 at start of meeting/ final number 22
AGENDA:
Approval of Minutes
Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
President’s Keynote Address
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Membership Report
Newsletter Editor Report
Social Media Manager’s Report
MATEFL Associate Membership Report
Any Other Business
Workshop (1 hour) Jean Theuma – Game on!
AGM opened at: 5.38 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
Comments/Questions: 0
Proposed by: Joan Borg
Seconded by: Joseph Busutil
Approvals: 19
Objections: 0
Abstentions:0
2. Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
a. President’s Keynote Address
Jean Theuma welcomed everybody for attending, she noted that there was no quorum and that membership stands at around 52 members, so 30 % was required for a quorum. She announced that Evan Frendo has been confirmed as the speaker for the guest even tin November, we are still discussing whether or not this will be held on-line or face to face. Jean gave an overview of the current status of MATEFL membership, which has dwindled alarmingly, and she pointed out that the committee is introducing a number of initiatives over the coming months to rejuvenated MATEFL’s profile. MATEFL is introducing new incentives for teachers, and schools, to facilitate and increase membership numbers. She indicated that Julia will be outlining this in further detail during her speech on membership structure. Jean also mentioned that MATEFL will be introducing new training sessions in addition to the usual 4 annual events, Alan Marsh will be giving an extra session on 11th May entitled “Getting Creative with Grammar”. Jean highlighted how the MATEFL committee dedicate a number of hours within their free time and thanked all the members, she called for a round of applause for the committee members. Jean also thanked ACE school for hosting the meeting with such grace and generosity. A moment of silence was then held in honour of Lucy Darmanin, a long standing member of MATEFL.
Comments/Questions: Comment by Joan Borg was made regarding getting reminders of membership renewal. Ian clarified it was a 12 month period of membership, Jean explained we are looking into the system of getting reminders. Jean was asked to repeat the dates of the four annual events, which she did. Damiano Raviola asked for the website address for MATEFL. A final question was asked as to the location of the events by Kieren Mallia, Jean explained that not all locations had yet been finalized, and directed members to the website.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Ian Scerri
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
b. Secretary’s Report
Comments/Questions: 0
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Lousia Falzon
Approvals:22
Objections:0
Abstentions:0
Rebecca outlined the events which had taken place in 2023. (See report at the end of this document)
c. Treasurer’s Report
Ana went over the income and expenditure as listed below, and prepared a detailed document attached to these minutes in which she outlined the current state of the MATEFL accounts. (See report at the end of this document)
Comments/Questions:
Proposed by: Bianca Farrugia
Seconded by: Silvana Caruana
Approvals: 20
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0.
Ana also prepared a report on IATEFL memberships (see f below)
d. Membership Report
Julia reported that die to the pandemic membership fees were waived for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and were reintroduced for 2023. 73 members had already renewed for 2020 in November 2019 therefore, their membership was valid up to the end of 2023. At present there are 53 paid up members of MATEFL including 4 honorary members, and 5 committee members. With the addition of 14 at this meeting, that means 67 members in total. As of last year, Julia explained, MATEFL membership’s system of renewal has changed slightly, it will now run for a year from the month you join or renew. Julia also outlined the structure of the Newbie Membership fees, the Mature Members fees and the School Memberships in her report.
Comments/Questions:
Silvana Caruana asked what the deal was for teachers over the age of 65, and it was clarified that these teachers would be considered a concession, with the reduced fee of 15 euro.
Tiffany Borg asked if schools arranged memberships for teachers could these memberships be transferred between teachers, Jean replied that this was not possible. Joe Busutil asked if it would be better to have no limit on the number of teachers a school had, he pointed out it would be challenging for the DOS to select which teachers to award memberships to, however Jean said that MATEFL could not get into which teachers schools selected to fund.
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Approvals:
Objections:
Abstentions:
e. Newsletter Editor Report (submitted by Bob in letter format and read out to members)
Bob explained that the upcoming publication of the MATEFL newsletter will soon be published, and it promised to feature articles, updates and resources relevant to our field. As always active participation from our esteemed readership is encouraged and welcomed.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Louisa Falzon
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
f. IATEFL Associate Membership Report
Ana prepared a PPT which highlighted the following main points; Why join IATEFL? Past events and upcoming IATEFL events. RE. IATEFL memberships it was noted that anything organized by IATEFL is already automatically approved by the ELT council. The detailed PPT is attached to these minutes.
Comments/Questions:
Proposed by: Bianca Farrugia
Seconded by: Silvana Caruana
Approvals: 20
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
Ian highlighted his efforts to keep the members updated on CPD on a regular basis, he is helped by Ana’s posts on IATEFL, however, would encourage more members to post questions on the site. He encouraged members to engage and participate and assured members that posts will be placed if submitted. Posts from schools are also accepted, including vacancies as they are of interest to members, however, we do not advertise ELT courses or Induction Courses at this stage.
Comments/Questions: Joan Borg asked why these courses were not advertised. Ian explained that MATEFL would prefer to remain independent and does not ever wish to be connected to just one school.
Jo Busutil commented regarding paid adverts which might help with the financial situation. This idea had been floated and has not been discounted, however, Jean noted that when an email had been sent out to schools there had been no response.
Bianca Farrugia added that there were a list of sites online and Ian will send links. Ana asked the members to spread the word, submit or post online as the main purpose is to exchange ideas and generate discussions. Ian noted that there had been some discussion related to teaching rates online, but not relating to teaching itself. Kieren asked how to submit articles for newsletter, he was directed to the website and email address for MATEFL.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Louisa Falzon
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
Any Other Business
Workshop – Game On ! Jean Theuma
AGM closed at: 7.55
Date: Wednesday 21st February 2024
Venue: ACE School of English
MATEFL Committee members:
Present: Jean Theuma, Ana Aleksic, Rebecca Portelli, Ian Scerri, Julia Pearson
Apologies; Bob Bejdak
Chair: Rebecca Portelli
Number of members present: 19 at start of meeting/ final number 22
AGENDA:
Approval of Minutes
Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
President’s Keynote Address
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Membership Report
Newsletter Editor Report
Social Media Manager’s Report
MATEFL Associate Membership Report
Any Other Business
Workshop (1 hour) Jean Theuma – Game on!
AGM opened at: 5.38 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
Comments/Questions: 0
Proposed by: Joan Borg
Seconded by: Joseph Busutil
Approvals: 19
Objections: 0
Abstentions:0
2. Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
a. President’s Keynote Address
Jean Theuma welcomed everybody for attending, she noted that there was no quorum and that membership stands at around 52 members, so 30 % was required for a quorum. She announced that Evan Frendo has been confirmed as the speaker for the guest even tin November, we are still discussing whether or not this will be held on-line or face to face. Jean gave an overview of the current status of MATEFL membership, which has dwindled alarmingly, and she pointed out that the committee is introducing a number of initiatives over the coming months to rejuvenated MATEFL’s profile. MATEFL is introducing new incentives for teachers, and schools, to facilitate and increase membership numbers. She indicated that Julia will be outlining this in further detail during her speech on membership structure. Jean also mentioned that MATEFL will be introducing new training sessions in addition to the usual 4 annual events, Alan Marsh will be giving an extra session on 11th May entitled “Getting Creative with Grammar”. Jean highlighted how the MATEFL committee dedicate a number of hours within their free time and thanked all the members, she called for a round of applause for the committee members. Jean also thanked ACE school for hosting the meeting with such grace and generosity. A moment of silence was then held in honour of Lucy Darmanin, a long standing member of MATEFL.
Comments/Questions: Comment by Joan Borg was made regarding getting reminders of membership renewal. Ian clarified it was a 12 month period of membership, Jean explained we are looking into the system of getting reminders. Jean was asked to repeat the dates of the four annual events, which she did. Damiano Raviola asked for the website address for MATEFL. A final question was asked as to the location of the events by Kieren Mallia, Jean explained that not all locations had yet been finalized, and directed members to the website.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Ian Scerri
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
b. Secretary’s Report
Comments/Questions: 0
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Lousia Falzon
Approvals:22
Objections:0
Abstentions:0
Rebecca outlined the events which had taken place in 2023. (See report at the end of this document)
c. Treasurer’s Report
Ana went over the income and expenditure as listed below, and prepared a detailed document attached to these minutes in which she outlined the current state of the MATEFL accounts. (See report at the end of this document)
Comments/Questions:
Proposed by: Bianca Farrugia
Seconded by: Silvana Caruana
Approvals: 20
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0.
Ana also prepared a report on IATEFL memberships (see f below)
d. Membership Report
Julia reported that die to the pandemic membership fees were waived for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and were reintroduced for 2023. 73 members had already renewed for 2020 in November 2019 therefore, their membership was valid up to the end of 2023. At present there are 53 paid up members of MATEFL including 4 honorary members, and 5 committee members. With the addition of 14 at this meeting, that means 67 members in total. As of last year, Julia explained, MATEFL membership’s system of renewal has changed slightly, it will now run for a year from the month you join or renew. Julia also outlined the structure of the Newbie Membership fees, the Mature Members fees and the School Memberships in her report.
Comments/Questions:
Silvana Caruana asked what the deal was for teachers over the age of 65, and it was clarified that these teachers would be considered a concession, with the reduced fee of 15 euro.
Tiffany Borg asked if schools arranged memberships for teachers could these memberships be transferred between teachers, Jean replied that this was not possible. Joe Busutil asked if it would be better to have no limit on the number of teachers a school had, he pointed out it would be challenging for the DOS to select which teachers to award memberships to, however Jean said that MATEFL could not get into which teachers schools selected to fund.
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Approvals:
Objections:
Abstentions:
e. Newsletter Editor Report (submitted by Bob in letter format and read out to members)
Bob explained that the upcoming publication of the MATEFL newsletter will soon be published, and it promised to feature articles, updates and resources relevant to our field. As always active participation from our esteemed readership is encouraged and welcomed.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Louisa Falzon
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
f. IATEFL Associate Membership Report
Ana prepared a PPT which highlighted the following main points; Why join IATEFL? Past events and upcoming IATEFL events. RE. IATEFL memberships it was noted that anything organized by IATEFL is already automatically approved by the ELT council. The detailed PPT is attached to these minutes.
Comments/Questions:
Proposed by: Bianca Farrugia
Seconded by: Silvana Caruana
Approvals: 20
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
Ian highlighted his efforts to keep the members updated on CPD on a regular basis, he is helped by Ana’s posts on IATEFL, however, would encourage more members to post questions on the site. He encouraged members to engage and participate and assured members that posts will be placed if submitted. Posts from schools are also accepted, including vacancies as they are of interest to members, however, we do not advertise ELT courses or Induction Courses at this stage.
Comments/Questions: Joan Borg asked why these courses were not advertised. Ian explained that MATEFL would prefer to remain independent and does not ever wish to be connected to just one school.
Jo Busutil commented regarding paid adverts which might help with the financial situation. This idea had been floated and has not been discounted, however, Jean noted that when an email had been sent out to schools there had been no response.
Bianca Farrugia added that there were a list of sites online and Ian will send links. Ana asked the members to spread the word, submit or post online as the main purpose is to exchange ideas and generate discussions. Ian noted that there had been some discussion related to teaching rates online, but not relating to teaching itself. Kieren asked how to submit articles for newsletter, he was directed to the website and email address for MATEFL.
Proposed by: Julia Pearson
Seconded by: Louisa Falzon
Approvals: 22
Objections: 0
Abstentions: 0
Any Other Business
Workshop – Game On ! Jean Theuma
AGM closed at: 7.55
Secretary's Report
|
|