Your Member News
June 16, 2021
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It’s been a long year with many challenges, but this school year is almost done!
Over the past few weeks, tragic incidents have been a painful reminder about the need for educators and parents to teach equity and spread kindness. We have all felt sadness, anger and grief. Let this fuel our active allyship to build a better world.
And speaking of the need for change, we desperately need to change this government. Ford’s failures and selfish actions continue to hurt the people of Ontario.
Instead of focusing on a safe return to in-person learning, Ford has prioritized suppressing democratic rights to silence critics, favour rich donors and pave a path for re-election. But we can’t let it happen.
Keep talking with friends and family, keep posting and sharing on social media and let’s #MobilizeFor2022 to kick out the conservatives.
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👉 This newsletter is jam-packed because in July and August we shift to a monthly newsletter schedule. |
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Islamophobia Hurts All of Us |
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ETFO was horrified by the hateful and Islamophobic attack recently in London, Ontario. The union echoed the calls for justice, support and solidarity that has been issued by the London Muslim Mosque. We acknowledge the sadness and trauma this incident, motivated by hate, has caused members of the Muslim community, locally, across Canada and internationally. Read our statement here.
Together we must act and teach to combat all forms of hate and ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.
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Challenging Anti-Black Racism |
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ETFO recognizes the importance of understanding how anti-Black racism affects members in their workplaces. We remain committed to challenging and eliminating anti-Black racism within education and the broader society. Read our June 10 statement.
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Honouring Indigenous Peoples
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June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day; it was formally proclaimed in 1996 by the federal government. This year the day falls on a Monday and provides you with an opportunity to teach and honour the heritage, cultures and contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Visit etfofnmi.ca for great educational resources – posters, teacher learning resources, student learning supports, webinars and so much more.
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ETFO is proud to be a continued supporter of Pride events, and you are invited to join and celebrate Pride! This year's events are virtual, including the Toronto Trans Pride event on Friday, June 25, the Dyke Pride event on Saturday, June 26 and the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 27. For more details visit the Pride Toronto event listings.
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Educators play an informative role for students, and we know that often you are called upon by students and parents or guardians to provide professional leadership and advice. We do however want to advise you that educators should not engage in discussions or advise students and/or their families on vaccination or choices related to vaccinations. This falls outside the realm of your required duties. |
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President Sam Hammond sent a letter calling on the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) to take action to ensure that Arterra Wines Canada ends the impasse in collective bargaining between SEIU Local 2 and the Wine Rack.
This past weekend, Arterra Wines turned down calls from striking workers to resume bargaining and the Wine Rack continues to recruit strike-breakers.
ETFO added its voice to say workers deserve a fair wage increase. Read the letter here.
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The new website is being tested this summer between July 26 and August 6. To ensure that the site is tested on desktop and mobile devices, members are invited to volunteer to be part of the testing group. During a two-week period, you will be asked to complete three short surveys, each survey will take about 10 minutes.
If you want to volunteer, please register here.
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Professional Learning Events
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Summer with ETFO AQ
Registration closes June 22 at 5:00 p.m.
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Register today for the Reading Additional Qualification courses (registration dependant for all AQ courses) and explore all components of balanced literacy.
Discover the ways we are connected through the power of stories; focus on refining reading instruction, and practice to meet student needs. Let your imagination soar by celebrating the importance of reading. Our courses continue to offer high quality professional learning. These popular courses, developed by teachers for teachers, are current, practical and provide exemplary learning for teachers.
You better hurry! Summer registration closes June 22 at 5:00 p.m. and courses begin July 5. To register visit etfo-aq.ca.
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Planning for Retirement?
Now is the time to review your benefits coverage!
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Your ETFO ELHT benefits plan (health, dental, life and AD&D) ends effective 11:59 p.m. on your last day of work. For example, if your retirement date from your school board is June 30, 2021, your coverage will terminate at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021.
It’s important that you enroll in another extended health and/or dental plan within 31 days of your retirement date. Otherwise, you may need to provide evidence of insurability. For more information, check out the ETFO ELHT website.
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Benefit Entitlements When Your Status Changes |
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Members whose status is changing (e.g., if you are taking a leave of absence, reducing your FTE, have been laid off and are on the board’s recall list, etc.) should review the FAQs on the ETFO ELHT website for helpful information about benefit entitlements.
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A Member's Guide to Long Term Disability |
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An updated version of the Guide was posted on the ETFO website to provide valuable suggestions for education worker members who may be covered under a school board Long-Term Disability plan.
We recommend that prior to making an LTD application you review this updated version of the Guide to be aware of the requirements of the LTD plan and valuable tips for making a claim. Review the Guide here.
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OTIP is Here, to Get You There |
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Enter for your chance to win $10,000 in cash or 1 of 2 $500 VIA Rail gift cards!
Let OTIP help you to save for that new car, home renovation, child’s education fund or retirement. Enter today at OTIP.com/OTIPwin
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It’s a Teacher Celebration!
June 24 at 7:00 p.m.
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The Ontario Teachers’ Federation is holding a one-of-a-kind comedy event!
Hosted by award-winning comedian and CBC host, Steve Patterson, this special live event features Steve and two talented comedians performing a comedic debate. Learn more
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And the Lucky Winners Are . . . . . |
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We would like to thank all members who took time out of their busy schedules to complete the 2020-2021 All-Member Survey. The following members have won an iPad mini for successfully submitting their survey:
- Susan Aranha-Avila, Toronto Catholic DECE Local
- Olivia Flook, Lambton Kent Occasional Teacher Local
- Sylvia Ingruber, Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local
- Ashley Packham, Grand Erie Teacher Local
- Katherine Phelan, Renfrew County Teacher Local
- Tammy Somerset, Trillium Lakelands Teacher Local
- Michelle Thibert, Greater Essex County Teacher Local
- Katharine Werner, Waterloo Region Occasional Teacher Local
- Cheryl Whalen, Durham Teacher Local
- A member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local
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It has been disappointing that the Ontario government refused to act and ensure the return of in-person learning but Velvet Lacasse reminds us The Show Must Go On.
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Get social and follow us! |
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The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education professionals.
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