ETFO eNewsletter
November 23, 2017 
Vol. 12 No. 6  
Click to see full-size poster

DECEMBER 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities

We've come a long way but people with disabilities still face barriers to inclusion in the workplace, in schools and in our society. Whether the person with a disability is a student, a co-worker, a community member, or a family member, we know that the world is a better place because of their contributions. Many aspects of disability result from the barriers presented by the design of our society rather than being reflective of the ability of the individual to contribute to society.
EQAO
Make your views known

Logo_ EqaNo
The provincial government has begun a consultation process to review EQAO and classroom assessment. These sessions are an important means for ETFO locals and members to share concerns around the impact of EQAO testing on classroom instruction and school culture.

Here are the locations and dates of upcoming public consultation sessions:
  • BARRIE - November 27
  • SUDBURY - November 30
  • WINDSOR - December 4
  • HAMILTON - December 5
  • TORONTO - December 8
  • THUNDER BAY - December 12
Please visit the Ontario - A Learning Province website for more information on the consultation sessions.There will also be opportunities to complete an online survey, and to attend an online webcast.

Don't miss this chance to share a frontline perspective on EQAO and classroom assessment in public elementary schools.
REGISTER NOW!
ETFO Professional Learning
  • Building and Strengthening Partnerships in the Kindergarten Program - February 2-3, 2018. A Professional Relations Services conference for Kindergarten teachers and DECEs in their first five years. Register by December 11: Flyer.
  • Visions Program 2018 - January 23-24, 2018. Visions is a leadership program for women in their first five years of ETFO membership. Register by December 8: Flyer.
  • An Ounce of Prevention - January 12-13, 2018. A Professional Relations Services (PRS) conference for members in their first five years which focuses on 'knowing your rights and responsibilities.' Register by December 4: Flyer.
  • Financial Health and Wealth Conference - January 26-27, 2018. For members looking to increase their financial literacy and learn about proactive strategies to address their financial fitness. Register by December 5: Flyer.
  • ...and still we rise - February 21-23, 2018. ASWR is ETFO's premier leadership conference for women. Register by December 4: Flyer.
  • Math That Matters for Occasional Teachers - January 30-31, 2018. This two-day institute will provide opportunities for daily and long-term occasional teachers to deepen their mathematical knowledge. Register by December 8: Flyer.
APPLY NOW!
Seeking workshop presenters

ETFO workshop presenter
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is seeking dynamic workshop presenters for two conferences to be held in April 2018:

For more information, please visit the ETFO website.  
SURVEY
OCT proposed fee increase

OCT sign
The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) is considering another fee increase of between 11-19% just to help pay off their mortgage.

ETFO President Sam Hammond had this to say on Twitter: "The @OCT_OEEO wants to pay off their mortgage. How? With your money! Their plan... increase your college fee by almost 20%. Unconscionable!"

OTF has created an online survey to find out what OCT members think of this proposal. Cast your vote here. It takes less than a minute.
 
Please forward this link to colleagues who are OCT members.
RESOURCE
Social Justice Begins with Me

Resource cover_ Social Justice Begins with Me
Social Justice Begins With Me is an ETFO literature-based resource kit for the Early Years to Grade 8 that addresses issues of equity and social justice.

For more information on Social Justice Begins With Me please visit the ETFO website.
CALL TO ACTION
Kids Can't Wait

Campaign image_ girl looking upward
Mental health care for Ontario children and youth face a series of challenges including program cuts due to chronic underfunding, skyrocketing hospitalization rates, and long, growing wait lists for treatment. 

As educators, we experience firsthand the need for community-based child and youth mental health services. Wait times are long, and as many as 5 out of 6 kids with mental health issues don't get the treatment they need.

Please join Children's Mental Health Ontario in their call for the provincial government to increase services to ensure that no child or youth waits longer than 30 days for mental health treatment. Go to kidsmentalhealthcantwait.ca to email the premier on this important issue.

VIDEO RESOURCE
Member Well-Being and Mental Health

A short webcast related to member well-being and mental health has been posted on the ETFO website. This webcast highlights the importance of member well-being and mental health, and provides strategies to help keep you in a place of optimum well-being.
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© 2017 The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario. All rights reserved.
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