Your Member News
June 22, 2022
|
|
Following the Ontario election, the union is shifting its work to prepare for the next mandate of the Conservatives. While ETFO is ready to work with the re-elected government, we must plan to remain vigilant in our advocacy to protect public education and defend members’ rights.
On June 3, ETFO President Karen Brown publicly called on Premier Ford to change his government’s approach during its second term.
Brown said, “ETFO is ready to work with this government to improve public education, but we are also fully prepared to challenge it, when necessary, to secure the adequate funding, support and resources needed to ensure Ontario students have access to the high-quality, equitable public education they deserve.”
In the weeks and months ahead, we hope all members continue to be courageous and stand for what we believe in.
Together as 83,000 educators, we will continue to create a bright and more equitable future for all children.
|
|
Bargaining Notice Served
On June 13, ETFO sent a formal notice to bargain for the 2022 round of central and local bargaining. The written communication has been served to OPSBA, OCSTA and the government to indicate our intent.
If you missed the original announcement, read it here.
|
|
In the News
Check out a few media highlights to see where and how your union was in the news. To view all of ETFO’s media releases and statements, visit etfo.ca.
|
|
Summer Newsletter Schedule
During the summer months, July and August, your ETFO News will be distributed on a monthly basis. Look for the next Member newsletter in your inbox on Wednesday, July 13.
|
|
And the Lucky Winners Are . . . . .
We want to thank all members who took time out of their busy schedules to complete the 2021-2022 All-Member Survey. The following members have won an iPad mini for completing and submitting their survey:
-
Heidi Carisse, Kawartha Pine Ridge Teacher Local
-
Heather Czarnota, Simcoe County Teacher Local
-
Daniel Ling, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local
-
Katherine Mackenzie, Peel Occasional Teacher Local
-
Nicole Miedema, Grand Erie Teacher Local
-
Cameron Perkins, Avon Maitland Occasional Teacher Local
-
Kaitlyn Shaver, Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local
-
Terri Lynn Tessier, Simcoe County Teacher Local
-
Robyn Lyn Wilson, Trillium Lakelands DECE Local
|
|
Tax Refund Update
A Notice of Assessment will now be issued, and tax refunds will be distributed.
The Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF) has been following this issue closely and constantly communicating with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). CTF will continue to advocate for better consultation on legislation that impacts educators and their families.
The Eligible Educator Tax Credit allows educators to claim up to $1,000 for eligible teaching supplies at 25 per cent. Members who have questions should follow up with the CRA.
|
|
Workplace Violence Hurts More than Your Body
The impact of workplace violence on members goes beyond physical injury. Violence (both verbal and physical) is associated with lasting effects on physical and mental health.
Psychosocial hazards should be addressed, and psychological injuries should be reported in the same way as any workplace injury.
To assist you in better understanding and to offer resources to address and prevent psychological injury in the workplace, we have compiled a series of tools that can be found here.
|
|
Professional Learning Events
|
|
|
Summer Academy
Registration is open! Each course runs throughout July and August for three consecutive days and will be held in person at locations across Ontario.
|
|
|
|
|
AQ Resilience
ETFO extends thanks to all AQ candidates, educators, and ETFO instructors for their resiliency.
We believe in job-embedded professional development and continue to offer high-quality job-embedded professional learning for educators. With focused, current, and practical courses provided by educators for educators, ETFO AQ is built on a strong foundation of learning and community.
At our recent AQ Conference, keynote speakers shared personal stories of resilience, empowerment, and community as instructors offered their unique experiences, instructional strategies, tools, and transition ideas. All these learnings will be shared within our AQ courses. Visit etfo-aq.ca to register.
|
|
|
|
|
Writers Wanted
Those applying should demonstrate a commitment to equity, passion for sharing their effective teaching practices, and strong writing skills. Apply today!
|
|
|
|
New Podcast Episode:
Educating on Climate Change and Environmental Racism
In this episode, we feature a panel discussion with JoAnne Formanek-Gustafson, Sarah Lowes, and Jaqueline L. Scott on Environmentally and Socially Active Communities, a curriculum resource to build allyship and community involvement on environmental racism, climate change, and the environment.
You can listen to Elementary: A podcast from ETFO on most podcast apps or at etfo.ca.
|
|
OTF Campground
One of the hidden gems is the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) Campground on picturesque Quinn Lake. The camp site is available to all OTF members and education workers in publicly-funded schools.
A receipt for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will be issued after the camp closes in October and before the 2022 tax season ends.
|
|
Starling Minds –
A Mental Health Resource
The Starling Mental Fitness Program is a support resource available to all members and their families through a partnership with Starling Minds and OTIP.
The program offers self-guided, unlimited, and personalized digital support and training to help you build the knowledge, tools and skills you need to manage stress, anxiety and burnout better.
To participate in the self-guided program or join live mental fitness training, conducted in weekly 30-minute drop-in sessions hosted by Dr. Andrew Miki, you must create an account at Starling Minds to access the Live Mental Fitness Training.
|
|
Environmental Resources
With summer in the air, it is a good time for ETFO to provide information about the available environmental resources to members through the etfo.ca website.
The following links provide information on learning tools and ways to address environmental issues and environmental racism:
-
links list of environmental articles at ETFO Voice.
|
|
Ways to Safely Tow
RVs are a great way to explore the beautiful natural landscapes Canada offers without giving up the comforts of home. However, while RVs provide comfort and flexibility on the road, they’re not ideal for exploring parks, driving around the city or residential streets, or finding a parking space.
Let’s look at the three methods you can choose to tow a vehicle behind your RV safely. Read more.
|
|
River Run 2022:
Walk with Grassy Narrows for Mercury Justice!
Date: Thursday, July 21 at noon (EDT)
Location: Downtown Toronto, TBD
Walk with Grassy Narrows' youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieving mercury justice and freedom! This is a family-friendly event.
|
|
Follow your union online!
|
|
|
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
represents more than 83,000 teachers and education workers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|