PD Opportunity for all ETFO - TVOT members

Registration is open and quickly filling up for our upcoming PD Event with full dinner on Januray 8, 2015 at the BMO Centre, 295 Rectory Street, in London.  4:30 - 7:30 PM.
Workshops being presented are:

Session 1:  PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Beyond Dodge ball:  Phys. Ed. Survival for the Occasional Teacher.  Come prepared to participate in this hands-on workshop. Learn new ideas, games and skills to handle your physical education assignments with ease! This workshop will be held on an indoor soccer field and track. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.

Session 2:  TEACH NUTRITION - Power to Play (Primary):  A curriculum-integrated workshop for primary teachers.  This program helps students build healthy living basics through videos, classroom activities, music and hands-on food activities. Meets curriculum expectations in H&PE, Language and Math and has been recently updated to reflect the FDK curriculum.  Each teacher that attends this workshop will receive a free program kit.

Session 3:  TEACH NUTRITION - Power 2B-Me (Intermediate):  This cross-curricular program enables intermediate students to eat well!  Through engaging in-class activities, food challenge videos, and online technology (including photo journaling, polls and food factoids). Grade 7&8 students explore personal healthy eating challenges and consider relevant solutions to make better food choices. The program meets curriculum expectations for H&PE, as well as cross-curricular connections to subjects including Math and Language.  Each teacher that attends this workshop will receive a free program kit.

REGISTRATION:  www.etfotvot.com       No cost for TVOT members
Deadline:  January 5, 2015

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Spots are still available for the ETFO Women’s Leadership Conference …and still we rise.  Please go to the following to register:
http://www.etfo.ca/professionaldevelopment/etfoconferences/pages/default.aspx

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On a final note, on behalf of your President, Terry Card and your Executive, we wish you a Festive and Joyful Holiday and all the best for 2015!

Inclement Weather, Transportation and School Disruptions

Before we get into further inclement weather that causes disruption to transportation and the operation of our schools we would like to take this opportunity to remind every one about the protocols during such times.

When buses are cancelled at schools that include students that walk AND ride the bus, the school remains open to receive students and an appropriate supervised instructional program is carried out. Staff are expected to make it to school when safety permits this to occur.

When TVDSB buses are cancelled at schools where all students are transported to school (100% bused schools), the school is closed.

When TVDSB delays buses for two hours, staff are expected to make it to school when safety permits this to occur, the school is open to receive students and an appropriate supervised instructional program is carried out.

When TVDSB delays buses for two hours, and subsequently cancels buses, staff are expected to make it to school when safety permits this to occur, the school remains open to receive students and an appropriate supervised instructional program is carried out.

Please note that when schools are open in the morning and a subsequent event occurs (could be weather, a cancellation of buses following a delay, an infrastructure problem...) that results in students leaving the building, the SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN and any and all students that remain in our care are supervised by Board staff until they are placed safely in the care of an authorized adult. We can transfer students into the care of authorized adults and dismiss staff as agreed with a member(s) of Senior Administration, but we do not close the school once it is opened in the morning. Please note that when schools are open, parents have the option of picking up their child early but they are not required to do so.

In all cases of inclement weather, staff should follow the inclement weather procedures and/or contact their supervisor if they have any concerns.   

SCHOOLS THAT CLOSE WHEN TRANSPORTATION IS CANCELLED FROM THE OUTSET

REGION:                                      SCHOOL:
Elgin County                                Aldborough, New Sarum, Port Stanley,
                                                      South Dorchester, Southwold, Sparta,                                                                             Summers' Corners  

Middlesex County                       Adelaide-W.G. MacDonald, Caradoc North,
                                                      Centennial Central, McGillivray Central,
                                                      Medway, Mosa Central, Oxbow, Valleyview,                                                                   West Nissouri

Oxford County                             East Oxford, Zorra Highland

London - Red/Yellow Zone        Westminster Central


Registration is now open for our Professional Development Event on January 8, 2015 at the BMO Centre, 295 Rectory Street, in London from 4:30 - 7:30 PM. with full dinner - No cost for TVOT members.  Registration:  www.etfotvots.com

Workshop 1:  Physical Education - Beyond Dodgeball
Workshop 2:  Teach Nutrition - Power to Play (Primary)
Workshop 3:  Teach Nutrition - Power 2B-Me (Intermediate)



  

Evaluations for LTOs of at least 4 months

Under Ontario Regulation 274/12 - Hiring Practices, part of the requirements for an Occasional Teacher on the long term occasional (LTO) list to apply for a posted permanent position is to have completed a LTO contract of at least 4 months long and in respect of which the teacher has not yet received an unsatisfactory evaluation.
There are 7 performance expectations:

1. Creates a safe and inclusive learning environment
2. Models and promotes positive and respectful student interactions
3. Demonstrates effective classroom management strategies
4. Demonstrates knowledge of the Ontario curriculum
5. Plans and implements meaningful learning experiences for all students
6. Differentiates instructional and assessment strategies based on student needs, interests and learning profiles
7. Utilizes a variety of evidence-based assessment and evaluation strategies

For more details on the process to be followed and the observable indicators of the LTO Evaluation, please go to the link below:

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/memos/feb2013/OT_EvaluationFramework.pdf


Registration for the January 8, 2015 PD Event at the BMO Centre is now open.  Please go to www.etfotvot.com to register.

Van full of Donations for Merrymount Children Centre

Thank you to those members who were able to attend our re-scheduled Fall General Meeting yesterday afternoon at the Elm Hurst Inn. We are pleased to announce that the Preliminary Submission for Local bargaining was passed by 100%.
Once again, our members stepped up to the plate and brought lots of donations for the Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre which were greatly appreciated by Anne Brooks, their Communications and Development Manager.
ETFO Staff Officer Susan Ansara brought those in attendance up to date with the provincial strike vote protocol and Craig Smith, ETFO- Permanent Teacher Local President brought warm wishes.

The ETFO 2014 Central Strike Vote is open and available on-line.  Please go to www.etfotcb.ca to vote now.  The voting period runs from November 24, to November 29, at 9 PM. If you have any questions or require any help, contact the Central Strike Vote Help Centre at 1-877-869-8233.

And Still We Rise... Registration is now open for ETFO's popular women's conference taking place the evening of February 25th to February 27th at Toronto's Royal York Hotel. The theme is women's leadership in the union and spots fill quickly so click on the link for more information and act quickly if you are interested. http://www.etfo.ca/CalAttach/aswr2015.pdf

Technology for Teachers

ETFO Opportunity - ICT Conference for Members
January 16-17, 2015   Network with colleagues, learn about exciting technology projects and take part in hands-on workshops that explore Gamification, Coding, Google Drive, iPads, Social Media, Critical Thinking, Inclusive Classrooms and more!
The registration fee is $75.00 for conference materials, travel, meals, accommodation (as required), release time and dependent care, subject to ETFO guidelines.
Registration Deadline:  December 1, 2014, 5 p.m.  Successful participants will be selected by a random draw and will be notified by email by December 12, 2014.

Go to www.etfo.ca to view further information, agenda and registration form for this opportunity.
You can also contact Jill Aoki-Barrett, Executive Staff, jaokibarrett@etfot.org.

Our Fall General Meeting is taking place tomorrow afternoon and we look forward to hosting members at the scenic Elm Hurst Inn in Ingersoll. We will approve the Preliminary Submission for local bargaining at the meeting and three lucky members will take home a gift card for $200.  Please remember to bring along a gift to donate to Merrymount Children's Centre.

Thanks to everyone who attended the All Member Meeting on Thursday at the Hellenic Centre.  If you missed out on the information discussed that evening, you are invited to participate in the ETFO Town Hall on Tuesday, November 25. Members who have provided ETFO’s Member Records Department with an up-to-date telephone number by Friday, November 7 will be receiving a call from ETFO with an invitation to the town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 25 (8:00 pm – 9:00 pm) a few minutes before it begins.


 

An ETFO Opportunity for Members

ETFO Connected Communities Online Learning is offering different webinars throughout the month of November, 2014.
If you're interested in:
- Knowing more about effective use of technology in the classroom?
- Looking for more effective practices for teaching and learning in a digital world?
- Developing your understanding of promoting digital citizenship and the safe use of the Internet?
- Enhancing your knowledge of mathematics curriculum and content?
- Increasing your understanding of balanced, effective, instructional strategies and assessment      practices in mathematics?

Math Topics:
- Communication (November 25)
- Getting Comfortable with Mathematics (November 26)

Technology Topics:
- 21st Century Learners (November 20)
- iPads/iPods (November 24)
- Media for Learning (November 27)

Each webinar will be held on the weekday evening listed from 8 PM to 9 PM.

To register, please fax the registration form found on the Provincial ETFO website; www.etfot.ca
to 416-355-6753.

Please note that registration closes one week prior to each webinar.  

There are still spots available for the Fall General Meeting taking place on Thursday November 20, 2014 at the Elm Hurst Inn in Ingersoll.  There will be much to discuss at this meeting and we encourage you to attend.  Dinner is included and door prizes including three $200 gift cards to be given out to lucky members.  For registration and notice of constitutional amendments check out the members section of www.etfotvot.com.
 

It is very important that Occasional Teachers have their ETFO Provincial ID number (from the "red apple card") as soon as possible.  This ID number will be necessary in order to participate in the upcoming information meeting being held November 18th at the Hellenic Centre at 5 PM.  Call 1-888-838-3836 if you have misplaced your ID number.  The ETFO ID number also enables you to participate in discounts through Edvantage and to register in ETFO Provincial workshops and conferences.

Microsoft Office

Did you know that TVDSB employees can purchase Microsoft Office Suite 2013 for only $11 (plus $13.99 if you opt for the back up CD as recommended)?

This is a home use, single computer version which contains Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Note, Publisher, Access, InfoPath and Link. You have the option of selecting either the Windows or Mac edition. Unfortunately MS Office 2013 is not compatible with Windows XP.

To purchase, log in to First Class > Conferences > IT Tips and FAQs > then scroll down to Microsoft Office Employee Purchase Plan and follow the steps listed there.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Interview Skills Professional Development at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, last Thursday.  Presenter Sylvia Van Campen provided excellent tips and guidance on the Interview process.  The interview begins as soon as you step out of your car or enter the building - be prepared and do your research so you can impress the interviewer.

Don't forget to register for our Fall General Meeting being held at Elm Hurst Inn in Ingersoll on November 20th, 2014 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.  where the preliminary submission will be presented to members.  Come enjoy a fabulous dinner (included)  and door prizes including three $200 gift cards.   

Members are encouraged to bring along donations in support of Merrymount Children's Centre.  For registration and notice of constitutional amendments, go to the members section of www.etfotvot.com.

A few house cleaning items, please ensure our office, the Board and The College of Teachers have your full and correct residential address.  We are receiving many returned mailings from Canada Post with incorrect/incomplete stickers on the envelopes.  Firstly, it is a condition of employment that the Board, have your correct address along with your Union.  Also, the cost involved in re-sending these mailings is unnecessary to all members.

On a similar note, meals are being purchased for members who are registering for various Professional Development events and then Members don't attend.  We understand that emergencies do arise and there isn't much one can do about those, however, should you become aware that you will not be able to attend, we ask that you edit your spot on the website so that another member who is on a wait list may take your place and meals will not go to waste.  Failing that you can always call the office to have your registration cancelled.