MATEFL AGM 2023 Date: 22 February 2023 Venue: ACE School of English
MATEFL Committee members:
Present: Alan Marsh (online), Bob Bejdak, Caroline Campbell, Ian Scerri, Jean Theuma, Julia Pearson, Larissa Jonk, Natasha Fabri
Chair: Larissa Jonk
Number of members present: 33
AGENDA:
Approval of Minutes
Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
President’s Keynote Address
Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Newsletter Editor Report
IATEFL Associate Membership Report
Any Other Business
Election for 2023 - 2025 committee
Workshop (1 hour) Matt Done – Small Steps to Better Listening
AGM opened at:
Approval of Minutes
Larissa Jonk handed out the AGM 2022 minutes and gave those present time to read them. Comments/Questions: None Proposed by: Ana Aleksic Seconded by: Andy Farrugia Approvals: All Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
Presentation of reports by the MATEFL Committee
President’s Keynote Address
Jean Theuma welcomed everybody and thanked the Committee for their efforts, especially for ensuring MATEFL events continued uninterrupted during COVID. Jean called for a round of applause for the Committee’s dedicated participation. After a few years now of events being held online, Jean expressed how special this event feels being the first in-person event since the pandemic. Jean stated that online events will continue now that we have the results from a survey carried out by Natasha Fabri indicating that there is no firm wish to either go online or in person. As a way forward, two events – forum and foreign speaker – will be online, and two – AGM and summer event – will be in person. Jean announced a big change in the Committee with Caroline Campbell and Larissa Jonk both stepping down. Jean expressed her gratitude for the work that they have contributed over the years and the time they have dedicated to ensure MATEFL was run in the best possible way. Jean called for a round of applause for both Committee members. With Covid, many teachers left the industry to find work in other sectors and as a result, MATEFL has lost many members. Jean reminded members that MATEFL is a teachers’ association for teachers and has a lot to offer teachers new in the industry. Jean raised an appeal for members present to raise awareness in their schools and amongst their peer teachers of what MATEFL can offer. Jean stated that she will be approaching schools with an extended hand and asked present members to spread the word, put up MATEFL mailshots on school notice boards, and encourage new teachers to join MATEFL. Jean invited Honorary President, Alan Marsh, to say a few words. Alan greeted and thanked members for their attendance and thanked ACE for hosting MATEFL. Alan acknowledged the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes with Committee members dedicating a considerable amount of personal time. With this year marking the twenty seventh year of MATEFL’s existence, Alan reminded members present that this is an association for teachers run by teachers, teachers who may have moved into different roles but who were ultimately still teachers. Alan said MATEFL owes its thanks to all the Committee members, and especially today marking a sad day with two Committee members stepping down—Larissa Jonk after 16 years and Caroline Campbell after 10 years. Alan thanked both Larissa and Caroline for their unfailing dedication and enthusiasm they demonstrated in their respective roles in MATEFL. He added that this also marks a fresh impetus with three new MATEFL members joining the Committee. Alan welcomed the three new members and wished all present a successful AGM and a stimulating and inspiring workshop with Matt Done. Comments/Questions: None Proposed by: Natasha Fabri Seconded by: Bob Bedjak Approvals: All -1 Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
A question was taken from the floor: Benny Vassallo asked whether there was a quorum; the Committee confirmed there was indeed a quorum.
Secretary’s Report
Larissa Jonk ran through the events for 2022. There were four events: AGM, Forum, Summer event, and November guest speaker. The talks were all varied and demonstrated a spread of speakers and topics. A new event introduced by the Committee was the Forum, where three guest speakers were asked to individually speak about a topic around a particular theme, after which the floor was opened up for questions and discussion. The event was well received and MATEFL would keep it in their calendar. Comments/Questions: Catherine Camilleri wanted to open a discussion about four-hour online CPD sessions offered by the ELT Council. Catherine felt that four hours at a stretch after a day’s work was rather too demanding and wanted to know whether other members thought the same. A discussion ensued where members were reminded that MATEFL and the ELT Council are two separate entities and that MATEFL’s activity is to solely act as a support for teachers concerning their role as teachers. Members and DOSs present were advised to contact Sue Falzon directly to discuss the matter if they felt the need. Proposed by: Ian Scerri Seconded by: Caroline Campbell Approvals: All Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
Treasurer’s Report
Caroline Campbell handed out copies of the treasurer’s report. Caroline made a correction on the handout: there were no membership subscriptions for 2021—only 40 euro worth in donations. MATEFL did not charge membership fees for 2022 and only started collecting membership fees at the end of last year bringing us up to 250 euro income from memberships. The year 2022 was closed with an excess in income, mainly due to an accumulation of funds—savings from events which were held online. Comments/Questions: Rebecca Portelli asked whether we organize fund-raising activities. Caroline answered that we are not a profit-making concern, so we do not get into the business of raising funds. Proposed by: Julia Pearson Seconded by: Catherine Camilleri Approvals: All Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
Newsletter Editor Report
Bob Bedjak thanked everyone for their attention and welcomed Matt Done back to Malta. Bob said that members would soon be able to see the newsletter in their maibox and thanked Committee members for articles they have presented. Bob mentioned that he hears a lot of fantastic teaching ideas from teachers in the staffroom and that yet teachers are not forthcoming with contributing these ideas in the newsletter. Bob made an appeal for members to share their wonderful ideas with other members via the newsletter. Comments/Questions: None Proposed by: Bernadette Vassallo Seconded by: Jean Fonkem Approvals: All Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
IATEFL Associate Membership Report
Natasha started off by asking how many members know about IATEFL. There was a healthy show of hands. Natasha reminded members that IATEFL is a well-established association and encouraged them to browse through the IATEFL website, which they can do even if they do not become a member; in fact, IATEFL online sessions are valid for local official CPD hours. Natasha went through several reasons to join IATEFL: they offered events, webinars, and special interest groups (SIGs)—there has to be one or two of interest to each individual present. Natasha recalled the 2022 International IATEFL Conference was held in Belfast and announced that this year the conference is going to be held in Harrogate 2023. Natasha recommended members to consider attending and reminded members present that MATEFL can sponsor part of the funds for MATEFL members. Natasha also reminded members present that MATEFL can actually help members join IATEFL with a discounted rate if they join through MATEFL. Natasha invited anyone interested in joining to write an email to MATEFL, copying Natasha. Natasha confirmed that this is only open to paid-up members. Comments/Questions: Caroline Campbell told members there is a form on MATEFL website to complete for requesting funding to attend the IATEFL International Conference and that all MATEFL asks is that members then give a workshop following the conference. Jean Theuma added that MATEFL also asks members availing themselves of this fund, to write a short article for the MATEFL on a workshop they would have attended. Proposed by: Rebecca Portelli Seconded by: Ana Aleksic Approvals: All Objections: 0 Abstentions: 0
Any Other Business
None
Election for 2023 - 2025 committee
Larissa Jonk explained that with two members stepping down, there was place on the Committee for three new members, so there was no need for an election. Larissa ran through the document displaying the nominations of members to join the Committee and told members they could access the document on the MATEFL website if they wanted to have an introduction to the Committee members. Jean added that the Committee was already operating with a vacant seat, so there was place for a third person without needing an election. Jean welcomed the new Committee members. New committee members, Becky Portelli and ana Aleksic, were invited to introduce themselves; Keith Borg, the third new Committee member was not present.
Workshop (1 hour) Matt Done – Small Steps to Better Listening