Wednesday, April 9, 2025

OTs and Ontario Teachers' Pensions; CRA T1198; Half-day assignments; Feedback after interviews; Employee Assistance Program

- Though TVDSB only requires TVOT members to teach a total of 10 full days in the elementary panel to remain on the elementary OT List, we urge all members to teach one day more so that the year will count as a qualifying year for the purposes of  the Teachers' Pension. Don't find yourself having to teach an additional year at the end of your career in order to qualify because of one day missed at the beginning of your career.
- Some members chose to remain as OTs for a variety of reasons. Career OTs are eligible for a Teachers' Pension but if they return to the list, their days will have the same limits as retired permanent Teachers. Contact https://www.otpp.com/en-ca/ for further information.
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For those awaiting their CRA T1198 Tax Forms, TVDSB has provided the following information - 
- forms are expected mid-April
- check the Payroll SharePoint FAQs for further details
- tax forms can be filed without the T1198 form and an adjustment requested afterwards https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t1-adj.html

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- Morning half-day assignments end no later than 20 minutes after the end of instruction and afternoon jobs begin no sooner than 20 minutes before class instructional time. (Article L18.07) Supervisory duties cannot exceed this.
- If you are interviewed for a long-term position and are unsuccessful, you have a right under -the Central Collective Agreement to request feedback from the Administrator who interviewed you.
- Members who apply for a position must be given at least 1 day's notice of a scheduled interview, where reasonable. (Article L37.01)
- OCT Fees are due in one week so check your TVDSB paystub, and if there is no deduction, then the onus is on you to pay your annual fee. A current OCT fee is necessary to teach in Ontario.
- Occasional Teachers/LTOs are never to transport students in their personal vehicles. (Article L34.01)
- If you are asked for a district code when installing an app such as TVARRIS, our Board uses: WWQM
- Your TVOT Local asks members to notify the OT Office 519-641-3936 / etfotvot@gmail.com if they become aware of a school calling in uncertified instructors, as we believe we have enough members to fill Teacher absences - we are eager to investigate specific occurrences to ensure there is no abuse of the process.
- April 13th is the last day for TVOT members to use their Columbia Outlet Store Invitations (for more  details, check our earlier posts)
- OTs/LTOs have confidential access to the Board's Telus operated Employee Assistance Program. Details are available in the TVDSB Employee Portal.
Daily OTs can accept TVARRIS daily assignments outside of their qualifications, e.g. French, Intermediate etc.
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TVOT members are urged to frequently check their pay stubs (available in the TVDSB  Employee Portal) for any errors.  Under the terms of Article L7.12 of our Collective Agreement, there is a time limit of 12 months for the Board to address any underpayments or overpayments.
N.B. No daily Occasional Teacher will be paid for less than a half day, as provided by Article L7.03. 
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6 tips to help you eliminate distractions and stay focused on the road

Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 fatal car accidents involve distractions? In Ontario, data shows someone is injured in a distracted driving accident every half hour. So whether you're teaching a new driver the ropes or working to improve your own habits, these tips can help you minimize distractions and keep our roads safe.

Read more at www.otip.com/article191. #OTIPUpdate

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