Snow Day Cancellations; OCT fees; Full Year Leave From TVDSB; Pensionable Teaching Years; New Paid PD Sessions; Columbia Store Invitations

 

- The TVOT Local has heard from many daily OT  members who had their jobs cancelled during one of the recent snow days. It is the Union's position that many of these jobs were cancelled without the 2 hours advance notice provided by our Collective Agreement. The Local asks members to be patient and stay tuned as we work to resolve this issue with TVDSB.

- TVDSB automatically deducts the annual Ontario College of Teachers' (OCT) fee from the salary of those who are in a long-term assignment at the beginning of each January. OCT fees are due in January.

- TVOT members only have until December 30th to request a full year leave of absence for the current school year. To apply go to Laserfiche (left hand side in the TVDSB Employee Portal). This is a leave under Article L10.16 and the supervisor for this purpose is Roxanne Jones at roxanne.jones@tvdsb.ca 

- TVDSB only requires daily OTs to teach 10 days per school year in order to remain on the elementary OT List. 

- The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan requires daily OTs to work more than 10 days i.e., 11 days for that year to count as a year of teaching for pension eligibility purposes. 

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Newly posted in-person Paid Professional Development sessions are now open for registration through TVDSB. The Local will be hosting "A Night of Arts" after-school workshops with dinner on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and a full day session with lunch on the following day which is a TVDSB PD day - 

Where: BMO Centre London, 295 Rectory St., London

When: Thursday Jan. 16th, 2025 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

A buffet dinner will be served. Please advise the Local if you have any dietary restrictions. E-mail us at: mail@etfotvot.com

Sessions include - 

Exploring Elements of Design through Ceramic Painting.

Come out for a relaxing evening where participants will explore both elements and principles of design while painting ceramic objects. Learn about basic elements of designs such as line, shape, shade, space, colour while exploring techniques such as pointillism and, abstraction. Learn to create a foundation of design principles with a focus on proportion, balance, repetition, etc. Participants will have a choice of painting a mug, bowl, or plate!

Empowering Students through Drama!

Inclusive classrooms allow students creative expression of their unique interests while allowing for personal investment and accountability in meaningful, enriching activities. This workshop will focus on the use of dramatic techniques with a focus on effective collaboration with peers, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Participants will learn to use dramatization to connect abstract ideas and make them relatable to students with a focus on understanding, while giving students the structure to share their voices.

Using Abstract Art Expression to Include All Learners: An Indigenous Perspective

Learn to use elements and techniques of expressive art to allow students to consider and express the profound statement “I AM!” This Indigenous led, hands-on workshop will allow participants to consider shape and form, space, colour, texture and much more using a variety of mediums and techniques as they create pieces of abstract art. Abstract art allows students of all levels and abilities to express their inner self in engaging, unique artistic creations. This workshop will have an emphasis on activities that promote mindfulness, individual expression, and a structured safe space for creative exploration and artistic risk-taking!

Then on the PD Day on January 17th, the Local will host a full day PD session with lunch at the BMO Centre:

When: Friday Jan.17th 9am to 3:30 pm

Where: BMO Centre

A buffet lunch will be served. Please advise the Local if you have any dietary restrictions. E-mail us at: mail@etfotvot.com

Addressing Challenging Behaviours in the Classroom

Feelings of anxiety and stress are a normal part of occasional teaching but how we manage these emotions is both critical to our success as well as our students. This workshop will help us realize that we have more control than we often realize. This workshop will help participants consider strategies to create expectations with the goals of mutual respect and a positive learning environment. We’ll explore the crucial importance of mindset, getting students on task, timely and consistent skill-based interventions as well as responding to disruptions appropriately with care as a guiding principle. Learn simple-yet-effective strategies to engage and motivate the most challenging of students.

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It was such a pleasure to spend time and enjoy a lovely festive dinner with our members at the TVOT Fall General Meeting last week.

The donations which our members so generously donated for Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre have been delivered.  Merrymount has asked that we pass along their gratitude - 

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TVOT Membership Pass - Dec. 20/24 - Jan. 12/25

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Friends and Family Pass - Dec. 26/24 - Jan. 5/25

Your TVOT Office will be closed from Friday, December 20/24 until school resumes on Monday, January 6/25.

In an emergency situation, TVOT members should contact ETFO Provincial at 1-888-838-3836.

Enjoy your Holiday Break!

Columbia Employee Store Invitation; Cancelled Daily Assignments; Benefits for LTOs with no end date; Responsibilities at end of a LTO; Pay over the Holidays;

Your Columbia Employee Store Invitation has arrived!

All ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers and up to 4 of your guests, are invited to shop for brands such as Sorel, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, at the Employee Store from December 20th to January 12th. (Offer is not valid for online purchases)

Bring your digital invitation and proof of employment to access the store. 

Donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank will be accepted. Items must have labels and must not be expired.

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• Any daily assignment can be cancelled in Thames Valley so long as there is 2 hours advance notice. This includes school closure due to inclement weather.
• If you are in a LTO assignment with an undetermined end, then you need to wait 90 calendar days in order to become eligible for benefits. For more information go to https://etfo-elhtbenefits.ca/faqs/
• Article L35.00(iii) states: When a long-term occasional teaching assignment is completed, it is the Occasional Teacher’s responsibility to leave assessment data at the end of their assignment (e.g., grades, anecdotal observations, notes, etc.). The Occasional Teacher may be assigned to assist with the completion of these report cards. In such an event, the Occasional Teacher shall be paid for the time to complete the report cards up to a maximum of one (1) day. The rate of pay shall be the rate the Occasional Teacher received during the long-term occasional teaching assignment.
• Neither permanent Teachers or Occasional Teachers/LTOs receive pay for statutory holidays (we are exempted under the Employment Standards Act) and so members are urged to take this into account when planning their budgets over the Winter Break.

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Edvantage Discounts for ETFO Members - 

To access the Edvantage program (www.edvantage.ca) for discounts with Goodlife Fitness, Bell, Marks, Soft Moc and many other retailers, members need their Provincial ETFO ID number. Request yours by emailing memberrecords@etfo.org or calling thee Provincial ETFO office at 1-888-838-3836.

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Provincial ETFO reminds us that the cost for the provincial government's decision to send out $200 pre-election cheques is around $3.2 billion - the same amount the government would need to invest in public education just to restore us to 2018 funding levels. We understand many individuals are struggling financially and can use the direct support, but we criticize the government's attempt to buy votes, rather than support public services.

If you share this opinion, consider emailing your MPP and a template for this is available at https://www.buildingbetterschools.ca/support-not-rebates

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To see how funding cuts have hurt your school, visit - https://www.buildingbetterschools.ca/

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Wondering where is your annual TVOT Pocket Calendar and Newsletter?

Our printer tells us that with a Canada Post strike looming, the mailhouse they use was swamped and so our order was delayed and is now part of the backload that Canada Post will deal with when contract talks are settled.

All we can do at this point is to apoligize for the delay - we really did try our best to avoid this situation.

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Important year-end financial planning deadlines and tips

As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to review your financial situation and take advantage of year-end tax planning opportunities. With a little planning, you can maximize your savings, minimize your tax burden, and stay on track with your financial goals.

Here are a few key financial to-dos to consider:

• Saving for your first home or your child’s education? Contribute to your First Home Savings Account and/or your child’s Registered Education Savings Plan before December 31 to maximize tax benefits and government grants.
• Maximize any charitable donations. ‘Tis the season to give—so if you want to get a donation receipt (for this year) that you can claim on your tax return in the spring, be sure to give those charitable donations by December 31.
• If inflation has you worried about hitting your retirement goals, you’re not alone. See if you’re on track to enjoy the retirement you want using this Pension Income Gap Calculator, and you could receive a $25 Amazon gift card*: Learn more: https://bit.ly/49aow9U.

For a comprehensive checklist of to-dos, check out this helpful resource: https://bit.ly/3Ors3Hf.

Don’t let your finances drift

Schedule a year-end financial review with an Educators financial advisor to track your progress towards your goals, optimize your taxes, and plan for your future. Their professional accreditation and experience working with educators like yourself will help you keep on track to meet your goals.

Visit https://bit.ly/41oEZ8L or call 1.800.263.9541 to get started today.

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Leaves of Absence for Daily OTs; Switching LTOs; Inclement Weather; Math Proficiency Test; Lost Prep Time; ETFO Provincial Opportunities

- Full Year Leaves: Daily TVOT members have until December 30th to request a full year, retroactive leave of absence from TVDSB's elementary Occasional Teacher List. This leave per Article L10.16, would release them from the requirement to teach 10 days in the 2024 - 2025 school year.

- Part of a Year Leaves: Daily TVOT members can request a leave of absence at any time, however the number of days they are required to teach would be pro-rated to 1 day per each  month they were active on the elementary list that school year.

Contact your TVOT Local for further details at 519-641-3936 or etfotvot@gmail.com

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TVDSB does not allow LTOs to leave an assignment for a better/longer one. Members may however, leave any LTO by mutual consent per Article L 5.07(c). To do this, the LTO would first speak with the Administrator to say they would like to resign with 2 weeks notice (10 teaching days) from their current position. Any rationale given should be addressed in subsequent interviews e.g. financial reasons, need to gain more experience or classroom management skills etc. The LTO would be expected to leave behind any assessments etc. for the next Teacher.

The LTO must then email Jessica in HR at j.grisonroeder@tvdsb.ca to say that they have spoken to Administration and intend to resign by mutual consent as provided by Article L5.07(c).

The member can then apply for subsequent long-term positions which start after the last day. In future interviews it is recommended applicants assure the new school that the reasons given for leaving the previous assignment have been addressed or resolved. 

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It's the time of  year when weather conditions can determine if LTOs can safely report to work. Our Collective Agreement contains 2 relevant provisions for the safety of members:

1) Article L9.04 (b) Act of Nature: A Long-Term Occasional Teacher who is unavoidably absent due to a local act of nature over which no one has control may be granted up to three (3) school days leave per school year with no deduction of sick leave. A Teacher may apply in writing to the Superintendent of Human Resources or designate for an increase in the maximum allowable days under this section. It is understood and agreed that a “local act of nature” is an act of nature that occurs within the geographic area between the Teacher’s home address and the school or worksite of said Teacher.

It is understood as agreed to under the Central Letter of Agreement #7 that the combined maximum number of days for care days and act of nature days is five (5) days per school year. The days shall not be used for the purpose of sick leave nor shall they be accumulated from year to year.

2) Article L10.08 INCLEMENT WEATHER - A Long-Term Occasional Teacher or a Short-Term Occasional Teacher who is delayed by local weather and/or road conditions but arrives at school as soon as possible during the regular school hours of that day will not have a salary deduction made. It is the Occasional Teacher’s responsibility to notify the Principal, Supervisor or designate of the situation as soon as possible. “Local” means within the geographic area between the Occasional Teacher’s home address and the school or worksite of said Occasional Teacher.

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Beginning February 1 in 2025, applicants to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) applying for general certificates, must write a Math Proficiency Test (MPT) in order to be certified to teach in Ontario. Members teaching with transitional certificates and multi-session transitional certificates may want to apply for their general certificates well in advance of February 1/25, if they have completed all other teacher education program requirements and want to avoid the MPT requirement. To learn what to expect, EQAO is offering a series of live webinars at https://www.mathproficiencytest.ca/#/en/applicant/explore/webinars . Each session lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session with EQAO staff.

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TVOT members follow the timetable of the absent Teacher. This includes supervisory duties and prep periods. (Article L18.02). Should an Administrator ask you to forfeit your prep period, note the date, assignment and length of the lost prep time as we have negotiated compensation for lost prep time to be paid at the end of the school year. (Letter of Understanding #5)

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How to prepare for a safe winter road trip

Winter road trips offer breathtaking scenery, but conditions can sometimes be less than perfect. According to the National Collision Database, nearly 30 percent of collisions happen on wet, snowy, or icy roads in November, December, January, and February. Whether you're driving up to the cottage for a cozy weekend away or visiting family or friends in another city or province, be sure to keep these winter safety tips top of mind.

Read more at www.otip.com/article188. #OTIPUpdate

Insurance built for all members of the education community. Get personalized service, exclusive discounts on car and home insurance, and a $20 gift card of your choice when you get a quote. Get a quote online or call 1-888-892-4935 and mention this offer.

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On December 6 each year, we remember the 14 women who were killed at the Ecole Polytechnique 35 years ago in a violent act of misogyny :Genevieve Bergeron, Helene Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganiere, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michele Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

Important Grievance Update; Leaving LTOs by Mutual Consent; EI Hours and Pensionable Days; Win One of Five $100 Gift Cards: Where is the Reflection Form Survey? Merrymount Donations

ACTION  REQUIRED 

Provincial ETFO wants to engage with members who couldn't attend their in-person "Listening Tour" so they will be hosting all-member telephone town hall meetings.  The meeting for ETFO Thames Valley members will is Tuesday, December 3rd from 6PM - 7PM. Save the date and stay tuned for further details from Provincial ETFO.

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Q. Can I resign from my part-time LTO to take a full time LTO position?  A. To maintain continuity in the classroom, TVDSB will release an LTO to take a permanent position but not to take another (better) long-term assignment. A member may leave their current assignment after providing 2 weeks notice per Article L5.07(c). They must leave behind all assessment data etc., and they can apply for another LTO to begin after that end date. 

Q. What does TVDSB report as the number of hours worked? A. For purposes of Employment Insurance (EI), the Board reports a full day of teaching as 8 hours per Article L7.07. Part-time assignments are pro-rated accordingly. N.B., Participation in paid PD also  counts as time worked for these purposes.

Q. How many days does the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) require for it to be counted as a pensionable year of teaching? A. OTPP credits any year with more than 10 days of teaching, as a year for pension purposes. N.B., Participation in paid PD also  counts as time worked for these purposes.

Q. How can I register for the Edvantage discounts? A. The Edvantage discount website https://www.edvantage.ca/ will ask for your ETFO ID number which you can request by phone from the Provincial Office at 1-888-838-3836 or by emailing memberrecords@etfo.org .

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As the Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre website states: Merrymount exists to help children and families as they navigate through and beyond crisis, to build stronger, healthier families. Each year, the TVOT Local collects donations at our Fall General Meeting for this organization that serves the children in need in this region. 

This year Merrymount's Wish List includes:

- assorted sizes of running shoes

- small Lego sets and small science kits

- sports balls (basketballs, soccer balls etc.)

- digital camera

- nail polish kits, small jewellery kits

- bath bomb kits and bath toys

- small kinetic sand kits

- twin size bed in a bag sets

- gift cards for outings with the children such as: Cineplex; Adventures on Wonderland; Storybook Gardens; Palasad; Flying Squirrel etc. 

- Walmart gift cards

- craft kits, art kits, paint and paint supplies

- transformers  or plasma cars

- planetarium star projectors

- scooters and helmets

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We are really looking forward to meeting you at Stoneridge next Thursday!

The food is great and you could 

win one of 5 gift cards of $100 so register soon!

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ETFO members are encouraged to register at members.etfo.ca to receive content from the Provincial ETFO Office which includes member alerts, classroom resources and more. Register now at https://members.etfo.ca/ with your Provincial ETFO ID number, available from: memberrecords@etfo.org

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All ETFO TVOT members are eligible to attend ETFO Provincial Workshops such as - 

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December 1, 2024

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