Merry Christmas and all the best for the Holidays!

Here we are, the last BLOG for the 2015 school year!  Your Local has been very busy with Bargaining, Professional Development and always, representing it's members with professional and sound strength.  Stay tuned for our upcoming Newsletter, "The Supply Line" which will include new and unadvertised planned PD events for 2016.  The Supply Line will be sent to all members via Canada Post, so please advise our office if there has been a change to your residential address.
It is also a condition of employment that the Board have your correct address, so we also ask that you go to the Employee Portal under 'Your Personal Information' to ensure it is correct.  If you have a unit/apt/suite  # in your address, please ensure it is on the same line as your street address;
eg. Suite # 8 - 521 Nottinghill Road.

ETFO's Awards Program:
ETFO members often engage in activities and programs outside of their work responsibilities that deserve recognition.  This program honours these members and others for activities, academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education and the Federation. Locals and members may nominate a colleague or themselves for an award.  Categories include:

• Environmental Education Award
• Curriculum Development Award
• Humanitarian Award for an ETFO member
• Children's Literature Award
• Anti-Bias Award
• Honorary Life Membership
• Health and Safety Actvist Award
• Arts and Culture Award
• Writer's Award
• Humanitarian Award for a non-ETFO member
• Member Service and Engagement Award
• New Member Award
• Rainbow Visions Award

ETFO Women's Program Awards:

• Women Working in Social Activism on Behalf of Women and Children Award
• Writer's Award
• Curriculum Development Award
• Women Who Develop Special Projects in Science and Technology Award
• Outstanding Role Model for Women Award

For more information, contact Evelyn McGrogan at 1-888-838-3836, extension 2214 or emcgrogan@etfo.org.  To apply please visit etfo.ca/aboutetfo/awardsandscholarships.  Deadline is February 1, 2016.

The Local office will be closed during the Christmas Break and re-opening when school resumes on January 4, 2016.  Emails and telephone calls will be checked weekly.   If you have an emergency, please contact Provincial ETFO at 1-888-838-3836/www.etfo.ca.

On behalf of your President, Terry Card and your Local Executive, we wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 

  
 

Ratification of Local Agreement Tonight and other news

Ratification:
Thank you to everyone who came out this evening to the Best Western Lamplighter Inn for our all important meeting to vote on our tentative Local Agreement. The membership gave the agreement  100%  approval and your bargaining team of Terry Card - Local Pres/Chief Negotiator, Vivek Nath, Nancy Springer, Sharon Pinylo and ETFO Provincial CB Staff Officer Susan Ansara thank you for your support.
Our next step is to work with the Board to finalize enactment of the new terms.  Look for these details and other important information in our next newsletter which will be out by the new year.

ETFO Provincial Opportunities:
We encourage members to check the ETFO Provincial website on a frequent basis. ETFO offers many workshops, leadership and professional growth opportunities with very generous subsidies - most courses cost less than $100 and often provide release time (as if you worked a day) and cover accommodation and transportation and meal expenses.
ETFO is also well know for their Additional Qualification courses, practical and popular courses which are reasonable priced.
Don't forget that our Local offers a $150 grant to those who have been on the list for one year so be sure to register on our website and get your form - there are still funds available for this self-directed professional development as well as our $40 book rebate available to all members regardless of date of hire.

We Have a Deal!

Your Local bargaining team is happy to advise members that we have reached a tentative settlement for a local agreement.
Voting on the new terms will follow an information meeting being held at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, in London, N6C 4R3 on Wednesday, December 9th.
A light meal will be offered at 4:30 PM with the meeting to follow at 5 PM.
This meeting is for ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local only.

Registration for this meeting will be open shortly on the etfotvot website, www.etfotvot.com. Members with accounts on the secure portion of the site will be notified via email.

Outreach Donations

In light of ETFO Provincial's intent to match donations, your OT Local voted to send $1500 from our Outreach budget line to assist the Canadian Red Cross to provide  relief to those in refugee camps. Provincial's initial donation of $55,000, dispersed to the Canadian Council of Refugees, Oxfam Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross has now been increased another $25,000 so that ETFO's combined provincial and local donations total $112,800, a significant contribution to both the international relief efforts and the settlement projects in place to welcome Syrian refugees to Canada.

In the spirit of solidarity, our Locals and many others in ETFO have also donated $500 to Operation Christmas Cheer to assist union members currently on picket lines in Ontario who are facing hardship. Contributions are used to provide food hampers, grocery gift cards and one toy for each child over this Christmas season.

Local Negotiations and Next Week's Fall General Meeting

Congratulations to the ETFO Thames Valley Teachers' Local on attaining a tentative Local Collective Agreement and to Teacher President Craig Smith and his bargaining team.  Our OT Local will be returning to the local table next week and we will continue to advocate for Occasional Teacher issues. We will keep members apprised of the status of these talks and hope to have more news soon.

December Fall General Meeting and Banquet
Don't miss out on joining us for the ever-popular Fall General Meeting and Banquet on December 2nd, 2015 at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road South, London, N6C 4R3. 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
Dinner for this event is free to ETFO-TVOT members.

Holiday Celebration with Interactive Chef-Engaged Stations

California Mix Salad - Crisp Vegetable Crudites with Dip; Olive Oil Tossed Pasta Salad and Mediterranean Greek Salad; A Savory Assortment of European Breads and Rolls

Roast Breast of Young Ontario Turkey with a Traditional Savory Dressing and Cranberry Sauce; 
Stuffed Gigantic Pasta Shells along with Ricotta Cheese;

Sweet Selection including Coffee, Tea and Soft Drinks

Please consider bringing Children's goods to donate to Merrymount Children's Center
Merrymount's Family Support and Crisis Centre has children up to 12 years of age in its Overnight Care Program and needs new or very gently used  clothing.  We ask that you consider their Wish List:

• Warm pyjamas
• Socks, Underwear, all sizes
• Winter Coats and Snow Pants
• Winter Boots and Shoes
• Pants, Shirts and Sweatshirts
• Hats & Toques
• Mittens (waterproof)
• New Books
• Gift Cards, Movie Passes
• New Toys for Birthdays, Holidays
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Non-Perishable Food Items
• Art & Craft Supplies

Register at www.etfotvot.com under Member Services: Events, Fall General Meeting 2015.  Space is limited so please avoid disappointment.

ETFO Kindergarten Part 1 & Part 2 Courses being offered by TVDSB
This winter the ETFO Kindergarten Part 1 & Part 2 - Additional Qualification Courses in Thames Valley are being offered.  These are ETFO’s “Onsite” AQ courses which means that they are a blended model of face to face learning time with an instructor and also online learning time which is done independently by the course participant.

Rose Walton will be teaching these courses.

Interested applicants can access the information and registration by visiting:

http://etfo-aq.ca/catalogue/kindergarten-part-1-thames-valley/

http://etfo-aq.ca/catalogue/kindergarten-part-2-thames-valley/


Lastly, the following message has been forwarded from ETFO's Vivian McCaffrey:

This is an appeal for action.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is following through with his election commitment to have a House of Commons debate on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), but it would appear that the new federal government is planning to sign on regardless.
ETFO is joining other unions and social justice organizations that have concerns about the implications of the TPPA on unions and public services and that are calling for public hearings.
Please visit the ETFO website to access a Council of Canadians' overview of concerns about the TPPA and an online letter to Prime Minister Trudeau calling for public hearings:

http://www.etfo.ca/AdvocacyandAction/ETFOTakesAction/Pages/Join%20the%20campaign%20to%20have%20real%20public%20consultations%20on%20the%20TPPA.aspx

If this link doesn't work, you can access the page through the home page of the ETFO website.
Thanks for your support.







 

Upcoming Fall General Meeting

Registration is open for our Fall General Meeting on December 2, 2015 taking place at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn in London from 4:30 - 7:30 PM. Please register at www.etfotvot.com.

Thank you to all participants of yesterday's PD event at the Best Western Stoneridge Inn.  Over 100 registrants enjoyed and benefitted from Classroom Management - Presenter Connie Zoet or Interview Skills - Presenter Sylvia van Campen.  Both workshops were very well received.

Voting for the Tentative Agreement;

Your Tentative Central Agreement:
After fourteen months of negotiations, Provincial ETFO is presenting for ratification from the membership, a tentative central table agreement as announced by ETFO President Sam Hammond in the following video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMWpUEAs6zo&feature=youtu.be
Voting closes at midnight on Thursday, November 12th and though members can read the original documents for themselves by logging onto the voting site at http://www.etfocb.ca , below are a few of the reasons from an Occasional Teacher perspective, that your Local is recommending this deal to our members:

• Boards will be required to provide keys for daily OTs to lock classroom doors (a major concern of the membership as expressed in our last CB Survey),
• The superior terms in our current collective agreement are protected eg. 2 paid PD days, provisions for leave, experience credits, money in lieu of benefits for LTOs to name a few, 
• The 97 delay in grid advancement is to cease with credit retroactive to September 2015,
• All OTs will receive a lump sum payment equal to 1% of earned wages from 2014-2015, 
• Daily OTs and LTOs will receive an additional 1% raise as of September 2016 and an additional .5% in February 2017,
• Sick leave benefits for LTOs will be doubled to 120 days,
• One-time grant to be provided to Boards for H&S training for Occasional Teachers,
• Regulation 274 remains intact with enhanced provisions for feedback after interviews and a committee to further review the process,
• And finally, none of the OPSBA threats to enshrine language enabling Principals to direct an OTs prep time, assign additional duties or remove the provisions of Regulation 274, have been included.

Please note that members must have their ETFO ID number to participate in the site. Assistance is available at 1-877-869-8233. Access to the site and accompanying documents is terminated once members have submitted their vote so please review the materials before  you cast your ballot.

PD Opportunity on November 17, 2015 

Two of our most popular presenters are returning to offer members a session on Interview Skills and Classroom Management Strategies.  These workshops will be held at the Best Western Stoneridge Inn and Conference Centre, 6675 Burtwistle Lane, London, Ontario, N6L 1H5.
Registration is open and spots are filling quickly.  Please go to www.etfotvot.com to register.  You will need to have an account on the secure portion of the ETFO-TVOT website referred above.
Registration closes on November 13, 2015, at noon.

You can also register for our upcoming Fall General Meeting taking place on December 2, 2015 at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn.  Registration is open on the ETFO-TVOT website referenced above.

Elementary Occasional Teacher PD Offerings

Information regarding Elementary Occasional Teacher PD is now posted on the Staff Development website.

To see online offerings, please go onto the Employee Portal--> Conference/Session Registration -->
"Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2015-2016" conference.
Register for the offering you would like to complete and then proceed with the offering.  You will need to go back into the main conference page and click on the name of the offering (ie: ".5 French - Transforming FSL").  A second screen will appear with instructions, links etc.  Each offering constitutes a .5 day of PD.

Some important reminders:
1.  PD must be completed on a PD day (the next PD day is Friday November 20th, 2015).
2.  Your  submission of a reflection form is what initiates the payment process, so please submit them in a timely manner.
3.  Links to the reflection form and request form (if doing self-directed at a school location) are found in the Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2015-2016 conference text, or on the Staff Development website. There's additional information posted as well for OTs who are in a partial LTO or partial contract as your entitlement is pro-rated.
4.  Remember to save a .5 day for your mandatory training!

Please direct any questions directly to Lyndsey Kendall, Staff Development Coordinator, Organizational Support Services - HRS, Thames Valley District School Board,  Tel:  (519) 452-2000 ext. 20506

A Tentative Agreement; Save the Date - More PD Opportunities

Yes we have a Tentative Agreement - Action Required:
Today in Toronto, Local ETFO Leaders reviewed the terms of the Central Table tentative Agreement for Teachers and Occasional Teachers. It is a fair settlement and considers class sizes, the health and safety of our members, special education needs and matters of both direct and indirect compensation.
The Local will be posting the highlights of this agreement tomorrow in the Member's section of our website www.etfotvot.com 
CB e-newsletters will be sent to subscribers with answers to Frequently Asked Questions and later with the details regarding town halls and the process for ratification.
Then on Saturday, members will receive a robocall with these details and the information will be posted on ETFO's Twitter feed and Facebook page.
At noon on Sunday, the secure voting site will open and members will be able to review the agreement in detail.
Voting will not close until midnight on November 12th, so please avail yourself of this information and try to participate in one of the town halls where you can have your questions addressed, before you cast your electronic ballot.

New! November 17th PD Opportunity:
Your Executive/PD Committee has organized an additional Professional Development Event in response to your requests.
On November 17th, two of our most popular presenters will return to offer members a session on interview skills and another will present classroom management strategies.
These workshops will be held at Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre.
This is a new venue for us and we are excited to offer this location especially to those members travelling via the 401 or 402.  The Best Western Stoneridge can be accessed off the 401 on exit 177 (A) or off the 402 by exit 98.
Final details and registration will open tomorrow at www.etfotvot.com
As a reminder, please ensure that you have an account on the secure portion of the ETFO- TVOT website, referenced above.

Make Sure it is Accurate:
It has been brought to our attention that residential addresses are not complete if apt./unit,/suite numbers etc. are included on a separate line from the main address.  We would ask those members who have apt./unit/suite numbers to please go to the Employee Portal, under your Personal Information and put the unit/apt/suite # before the street address, i.e. 8 - 521 Nottinghill Rd, London, Ontario  N6K 4L4
As always, we ask that you contact our office (519-641-3936) should you have any questions or require any further information.

Tell the Minister you stand with ETFO; ETFO rejects kickbacks;

Please take Action:
Today is the first day of elementary Teachers withdrawing from extra-curricular activities and ETFO Provincial feels it may be close to a central table deal, but we need the government to step up to get the deal done.
Email Liz Sandals, the Minister of Education and urge her to ensure that OPSBA and the government bargain in good faith to achieve a Collective Agreement that respects the needs of elementary Teachers and their students.
Tell the Minister you stand with ETFO

Union Kickbacks for Bargaining:
Unlike some of the other unions in the education sector, members need to be aware that the press has not made it clear that ETFO turned down the money for bargaining expenses offered by the government in previous rounds, stating this money would be better spent on our students' learning conditions and our Teachers' working conditions.  President Hammond has affirmed ETFO will reject these funds if offered by the government again at the conclusion of bargaining.

Columbia Employee Store Invitation
Have you been to the Columbia Employee Store yet?  You have 12 days left to use your invitation as it expires on November 8^th(valid until end of day).  Your Invitation can be found on Page 5 of The Supply Line - October 2015.  The Supply Line can also be found at www.etfotvot.com.  Don't forget to bring the additional required documents for access to the store.

The Fall General Meeting and Banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at The Best Western Lamplighter Inn from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.  Registration is open at www.etfotvot.com.  


     

And still we wait; Our First PD event of 2015-2016 and Fall General Meeting

ETFO Representative Council Protest  

Central Table Negotiations 
Mid-October 2015 and ETFO Teachers and Occasional Teachers are still working under Collective Agreements that expired in August 2014. As you know last Wednesday, while Local Presidents and the Provincial Executive met in Toronto at Representative Council, the Ontario Public School Board's Association used the media to "update" the public on the status of our central negotiations. This at a time when President Hammond felt progress was being made at the table. In response, 200 ETFO leaders marched to the offices of OPSBA in protest, providing President Hammond a broader forum in which to condemn this flagrant violation of our bargaining ground rules. As I write this Blog, there have been no further negotiations though ETFO remains at the ready.

Local Negotiations
Your Local Collective Bargaining team of Susan Ansara - ETFO Provincial Staff Officer, Terry Card - Local Chief Negotiator, Vivek Nath, Sharon Pinylo and Nancy Springer has been bargaining with the TVDSB concurrent with central negotiations.
To date, we have met with the Board on five occasions and have another meeting set for Friday of this week. Talks have been collegial as always and though there is much work still to be done, we remain confident that we can make some improvement to the working conditions of our members.

Our first PD event is scheduled for October 27th from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road in London.  Registration closes tomorrow at noon.  Go to www.etfotvot.com to register. There are still spots available in workshops: 1 (Planning Junior mathematics with Assessment in Mind and 2 ( Voice Care - Understanding and Caring for your Teaching Voice.  Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with your OT colleagues, enjoy a lovely dinner and participate in beneficial professional development.

Registration is also open for our Fall General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2015, also at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road in London, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.

 

TVOT PD Fall Event, TVOT Fall General Meeting, Columbia Employee Store Invitation and the Federal Election

Join us on Tuesday, October 27th from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road in London for a lovely dinner then an evening workshop of your choice of one of these topics:

1. Planning Junior Mathematics with Assessment in Mind
Want to learn more about hands-on learning and using assessment to guide your planning for the junior mathematics?  During this evening workshop, we will focus on assessment in the Number Sense and Numeration strand.  Participants will engage in teacher-made, student-tested activities that teach and assess mathematics using a problem solving approach.
Presenter:  Sheila Smith-Jones

2. Voice Care - Understanding and Caring for your Teaching Voice
Today's teachers meet a variety of vocal challenges on a daily basis-from length of total talking time and the variety of situations in which they speak to the many ways they use their voices in the instruction, management and motivation of their students.  At the end of the workshop, the participant will: 1) understand the basic anatomy of voice; 2) understand how we create sound; 3) identify habits that inhibit the voice; 4) identify healthy voice use strategies; 5) identify ways to incorporate healthy voice habits into daily classroom use and 5) understand the basic warm-up tools required to produce an easy teaching voice.
Presenter: Lori Holmes

3. Ten Amazing Pastel Projects for J/I Students!
Almost every classroom has a bin of bits and pieces of oil pastels...so let's use them!  This workshop will give you curriculum-based art projects that will make use of pastels in unique and creative ways. This "make-and-take" will give you the opportunity to explore, experiment, and create finished works of art.  Materials, handouts and explicit instructions will be provided to guide you in completing a number of exemplars suitable for the J/I classroom. And it is fun!
Presenter:  Polly Stringle

                      Register at www.etfotvot.com by noon Thursday, October 22, 2015
                                                    Please select only one session
________________________________________________________________________

Keep the date open for our Fall General Meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 4:30 - 7:30 PM.  Enjoy a free fabulous dinner and door prizes.
Help us to support the children of Merrymount Children's Centre by bringing along new items for children up to 13 years of age from Merrymount's Wish List:  Pajamas, socks, sweatshirts, new books, art and craft supplies, movie passes, toys for birthdays, toothbrushes etc...
Merrymount is an accredited children's centre providing residential/respite accommodation and day to day support.  Our donations are much appreciated and much needed.

                                        Registration is open at www.etfotvot.com
________________________________________________________________________

Check out the Fall and Winter products now available at the Columbia Employee Store. Our invitation started on Saturday, October 10th, 2015 and ends November 8th, 2015.  Details and invitation included in your October 2015 Newsletter: The Supply Line and can also be found on our website at www.etfotvot.com.
________________________________________________________________________

Lastly, don't miss your right to vote in the upcoming Federal Election on October 19th, 2015.
Polls show this is a very tight three-way race and every vote counts.
 

Here's where we stand...

Bargaining Update:

It is definitely stressful for everyone in public education these days as Work to Rule by ETFO, CUPE and OSSTF begins to take a toll on everyone, including our daily Occasional Teachers who are finding fewer Teacher absences to fill than in a typical fall. If we are successful, this pressure will keep the parties at the table and prompt them to find a fair and reasonable settlement that addresses elementary Teacher and Occasional Teacher issues. 

For an enlightened perspective I recommend you read the article "Why Elementary Teachers Continue to Fight", by Sachin Maharaj which was published in the Toronto Star on Monday, Oct 05 2015. 

Here is the link http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2015/10/05/why-elementary-teachers-continue-to-fight.html

LTOs and Progress Reports for Grades 1 - 8:
As many of you have noted, in Phase 3 of ETFO's Work-to-Rule, Teachers and Long-term Occasional Teachers are not preparing comments, completing or packaging the Progress Report. We will provide the school administrator with a hard copy class list with the ratings for the Learning Skills and Work Habits section and the required Subject Area section completed for each child. Teachers of alternative programs will provided one brief comment per area. ETFO Teachers and LTOs are not conducting parent interviews related to the Progress Reports unless the Teacher / LTO has identified a concern about a child’s progress. Along with the ETFO Thames Valley Teacher Local, your OT Local is directing that Progress Reports for students are to be submitted by the Workplace Steward to the Principal at the end of the instructional day on Friday, October 30, 2015.  Please note that Provincial ETFO has developed a template that may be of assistance. You can download this template from our website www.etfotvot.com in Member Services.

Upcoming PD Opportunities sponsored by your OT Local:

Join us at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road in London on Tuesday, October 27th from 4:30 - 7:30 PM for a lovely dinner followed by an evening workshop on your choice of one of these topics: 

1. Planning Junior Mathematics with Assessment in Mind:

Want to learn more about hands-on learning and using assessment to guide your planning for the junior mathematics? During this evening workshop, we will focus on assessment in the Number Sense and Numeration strand. Participants will engage in teacher-made, student tested activities that teach and assess mathematics using a problem solving approach. Presenter: Sheila Smith-Jones 

2. Voice Care - Understanding and Caring for your Teaching Voice:

Today’s teachers meet a variety of vocal challenges on a daily basis- from length of total talking time and the variety of situations in which they speak to the many ways they use their voices in the instruction, management and motivation of their students. At the end of the workshop, the participant will: 1) understand the basic anatomy of voice; 2) understand how we create sound 3) identify habits that inhibit the voice; 4) identify healthy voice use strategies; 5) identify ways to incorporate healthy voice habits into daily classroom use and 5) understand the basic warm-up tools required to produce an easy teaching voice. Presenter: Lori Holmes 

3. Ten Amazing Pastel Projects for J/I Students! 

Almost every classroom has a bin of bits and pieces of oil pastels... so let`s use them! This workshop will give you curriculum-based art projects that will make use of pastels in unique and creative ways. This "make-and-take" will give you the opportunity to explore, experiment, and create finished works of art. Materials, handouts and explicit instructions will be provided to guide you in completing a number of exemplars suitable for the J/I classroom. And it is fun! Presenter: Polly Stringle 

Spots go quickly so please register for only one session at www.etfotvot.com by noon of Thursday, October 22nd. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Don't forget to ensure your residential information is current with the Board, your Local, ETFO Provincial, Ontario College of Teachers etc.  It is a condition of Employment with the Board and can be grounds to be taken off the list!
Don't hesitate to contact your Local with any questions.
ETFO - TVOT Local 519-641-3936

Please note that the Columbia Employee Store will be closed on Monday, October 12^th to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.  Enjoy your time with family and friends and don’t forget to count your blessings!

It's in the mail but you may not get it

Mailings -

You may not remember, but in Article 6.09 of your Collective Agreement, there is the requirement that OTs keep the Board up to date regarding your address and phone number. Failure to do so can result in termination. Information can be changed in the TVDSB Employee Portal.

Not only is it important for the Board to be able to contact their employees, but it is imperative that the Local be able to reach you and our information comes from the Board's records.

If the Local does not have your accurate mailing address, this week you will not receive:

• your annual (and always much anticipated) OT Pocket calendar with pertinent school contact info and notable dates
• our first newsletter of this school year with articles on liability should you volunteer in a schools, the Book Rebate and Professional Learning Development Fund, discounts offered by the Edvantage program and upcoming free PD opportunities
• ETFO Bargaining Bulletin #31
• information about the drop in meeting the Local is holding on October 5 at the BMO Centre on Rectory Street in London from 3 - 6 pm
• a members only invitation to the Columbia sportswear outlet

Emails -

Those of you who are registered on our Local website www.etfotvot.com have ready access to important information such as:

• the full Work to Rule protocols for our CUPE colleagues - the EAs, School Secretaries, custodians, ECEs.  Please respect their sanctions as they have respected our restrictions.  We acknowledge that this may be stressful but this is not business as usual and by standing together, not only are we stronger, but we can be effective in bringing about real bargaining
• an archived list of the ETFO Bargaining Bulletins - we are up to thirty-one mailings
• emails alerting members to emergent issues 
• details regarding professional learning opportunities 

Provincial Information -

Finally, please ensure that you have updated your contact information with provincial ETFO so that you will not miss out on telephone Town Halls (where members heard that ETFO had filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the government and OPSBA)  or electronic votes.  Go to www.etfo.ca > Being a Member (left hand side) > then Update Member Information under Quick Links on the Left.

Paid PD Day Update -

Many members have called the office to ask if there would be any paid PD opportunities on October 2nd.  The Union and the Board work on these jointly and at this time, though much is in the works, nothing has been finalized. We will let members know when these become available so again, please ensure we have accurate Contact Information!

And now for some levity -

Premier Kathleen Wynne has told the media that ETFO was offered the same deal as OSSTF and as OECTA. This is not true and contrary to some reports, salary has not been discussed by the parties. TVOT members need to assist in pressuring  OPSBA and the government so ETFO can address needs that are specific to elementary Teachers and Occasional Teachers.  Items such as FDK and Junior/Intermediate class sizes, ministry initiatives, report card issues and fair hiring practices. 
Work to Rule Phase 3 is an effort to get the parties back to the central table. 
Remember, ETFO is in a legal strike position - this is not business as usual. 

Want to stay in the loop?  Use this checklist:

	ETFO CB Communications Checklist
I receive Provincial ETFO bargaining bulletins	YES	√
	NO	Contact OT Local Office
I get ETFO CB newsletters by email	YES	√
	NO	Email Provincial ETFO at trecords@etfo.org. Provide your first name, last name, ETFO ID# and update your contact info
I get Provincial ETFO invitations to telephone town halls	YES	√
	NO	Email Provincial ETFO at trecords@etfo.org. Provide your first name, last name, ETFO ID# and update your contact info
I get ETFO bargaining letters and ETFO Voice at home	YES	√
	NO	Email Provincial ETFO at trecords@etfo.org. Provide your first name, last name, ETFO ID# and update your contact info
I get texts from Provincial ETFO	YES	√
	NO	Go to www.etfocb.ca and click on purple “Mobile Alerts” to subscribe
I follow Provincial ETFO on Twitter	YES	√
	NO	Follow @ETFO news; @ETFOpresident; @ETFOcb
I belong to Provincial ETFO’s bargaining Facebook group	YES	√
	NO	Sign up for the Facebook group at: https//www.facebook.com/groups/ETFOCB/

Fluid Times

Bargaining Update
You may be aware that currently ETFO has not been provided with further dates for central bargaining. OPSBA and the government have walked away from the table without offering even the same deals as they offered OECTA and OSSTF.  That is not to say that our members needs are comparable, but members need to be aware of this.
Bulletin #29 and Phase 3
As a result, members will receive Bargaining Bulletin #29 this week in the mail (it is available on the Members Only section of our website www.etfotvot.com) with news of Phase 3 which will begin on Monday. TVOT members who are registered on the site, will have received a blast email with further details.
Solidarity Wynne Wednesdays
The permanent Teachers' Local and CUPE 4222 and CUPE 7575 will be standing together for fair bargaining by dressing in orange and black for ETFO on Wednesday, September 23rd and in pink for CUPE on the following Wednesday, September 30th. We call this Solidarity Wynne Wednesdays.
Queens Park Rally
We also ask members to join us on Saturday, September 26th for a bus trip to rally at Queen's Park. The bus leaves the ETFO Thames Valley Teachers' Local on Bateman Trail at 8 AM and registration details are available at www.etfothamesvalley.com.  Call our office or email us for further details. We need to continue to put pressure to ensure that we get back to the table for fair negotiations.
Pocket Calendars
On a lighter note, the pocket calendars are at the printers and will be distributed shortly.  Since the Local does not receive membership information until mid-month, we always include September in last year's edition to carry members over until the new version arrives.

Welcome back to the Wednesday Blog

Hopefully everyone enjoyed a relaxing and rewarding summer because we are off to an eventful September.
Bargaining -
ETFO Provincial's Work to Rule Phase 2 is now in effect and builds on those areas of struck work were initiated under Phase 1. We remind members that these provisions can be found at www.etfocb.ca and are designed to put pressure on those at the central table to resolve this impasse and negotiate a fair settlement. Please be certain to register there as well as on our Local's website www.etfotvot.com so that we can communicate the latest news to you in a timely manner.
Our colleagues in CUPE are also in a work to rule situation. Please do all that you can to support them and ensure that at no time, do you take on their struck work and contact the office if you are asked to do so.
Local bargaining is underway with several productive meetings having already taken place and more scheduled into the fall. We will keep members apprised and again urge you to register on the local email system through www.etfotvot.com
Pilot LTO Process -
Hopefully everyone has had time to digest the new central staffing model of hiring to LTO positions that the Board piloted for September 2015 long-term assignments.  This is a process used in other progressive school boards and a practice that we had proposed in bargaining.  Ultimately it ensures that members who have been successful in their application to the LTO List will have access to permanent and LTO employment without having to go through yet another interview while adhering to the principle of seniority of Regulation 274. The process has proven to be popular with both OTs and Administrators in the other Boards where it is practiced.
Pocket Calendars and Newsletters -
Just a reminder that we will get pocket calendars and a newsletter out to all members who have accurate mailing information on file with TVDSB, hopefully by the end of the month. You will find that we include September in last year's edition to carry you over until the new one arrives.
Local Events -
We look forward to meeting many of you at our locally sponsored events this year.  Remember that meals are always included and these events are one of the benefits afforded to you by your dues. They are a great chance to meet other OTs and talk about your experiences so that you do not feel so isolated on the job.
We will be hosting large enrollment professional development workshops on:

• Thursday, October 27th at the Lamplighter Inn on Wellington Road in London
• Thursday, January 21st at the BMO Centre in London on Rectory Street in London
• Wednesday, February 24th at the Stoneridge Inn on Burtwistle Lane by Lambeth
• Assorted smaller workshops throughout the year with details to be announced

The Local Fall General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th with the Spring General Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 19th.

We look forward to serving your needs so please call or email us with any questions.

Stay tuned as negotiations progress and keep informed.

Best wishes to you from your Local Executive for a wonderfully successful school year.

Mandatory Requirements and June 26th

Daily Occasional Teachers must complete the 13 Mandatory training modules by June 26, 2015, for which they will be paid a half day of daily salary.  The WHMIS Review/Annual Offence Declaration/IT Security are also due that day as a condition of remaining on the OT List.

LTO's are generally expected to be at school June 26th and will be paid according to the FTE, unless the Permanent Teacher is returning that day.


http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=20a5c7b9-bbdf-4755-9edf-35d3010bebc1&c=1cfc6ac0-cc19-11e3-918f-d4ae529a824a&ch=1e0687c0-cc19-11e3-91f3-d4ae529a824a

Click on the above link to view Sam Hammond discuss the latest status in Bargaining.



Please ensure your Residential Contact Information is current with the following:

• the Board (via the Employee Portal under your "Personal Information")
• ETFO - Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local (mail@etfotvot.com)
• ETFO Provincial : www.ETFO.ca  (on the right hand side click on "Quick Links" then go to 'Member Update' - 'Contact Information'
• Ontario College of Teachers
• Your Apply to Education Account (if applicable)

If you haven't registered on your Local's website please go to www.etfotvot.com under Member Services.  Please register using your personal email address as it is inappropriate to use the Board's First Class for Union Business nor is it private.  By doing so you will have access to your Local's services, programs and communications. 

Local Protest and June 26th

June 26 and You

Daily Occasional Teachers must complete the 13 Mandatory training modules by June 26, 2015, for which they will be paid a half day of daily salary. The WHMIS review/Annual Offence Declaration/IT Security  are also due that day as a condition of remaining on the OT List.

LTOs are generally expected to be at school June 26th and will be paid according to their FTE, unless the permanent Teacher is returning that day. LTOs may use that time to conduct an inventory of classroom supplies, store items for the summer, remove classroom displays, research pedagogical issue, do research etc.  However, LTOs must also complete the 13 Mandatory training modules (many of which will have been completed at staff meetings) and LTOS must complete the WHMIS review/Annual Offence Declaration/IT Security by June 26th as a condition of remaining on the OT List.  If you have any questions, please contact us at the OT Office: 519-641-3936. 

June 26 Deadline for payment

The TVDSB mandatory training modules for elementary Occasional Teachers must be completed by June 26^th and you will be paid for half a day. To access the training modules log into the Employee Portal then by Staff Development and Training then click on "Mandatory Training" for the modules listed below:

• Module 2 - Handling a Violent Situation
• Module 3 - Post Incident Review and Documentation
• Module 4 - Safe Schools and Employee Roles
• Module 5 - Harassment
• Module 6 - Work Refusals
• Module 7 - Management of Aggressive Behaviour
• Module 10 - Working Late
• Module 12 - Workplace Design
• Module 13 - Recognizing and Coping with AB in a School Setting
• Mental Health Safety Spotlight
• Mental Health extra video: I had a black dog; his name is depression video
• Concussion
• Anaphylaxis (based on Sabrina's Law)

You must click on “Submit” at the bottom of the page once you have completed each module.

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WHMIS Review and Office Declaration and ITS Security

In addition to the noted mandatory training modules, all Occasional Teachers must complete the annual WHMIS Review and Office Declaration and ITS Security in order to remain on the OT List.  Links to these modules can be found through the portal under personal information.  

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Getting Ready to Retire

ETFO has posted a new webcast online called "Getting Ready to Retire - for Teachers".  The focus of the presentation is the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP).  To access this online learning opportunity, visit www.etfo.ca/multimedia/webcasts/OTPP.

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Here is how EI works this year:

One of our TVOT members would like to pass along this new information about Employment Insurance in our area.

For new employees:  To be in a position to qualify in the future for regular benefits, new entrants need 910 hours of insurable hours.  Apply anyway using the group code 3511012015201506 noted in the OT Conference on First Class.  (Code is valid until July 24.)

Returning claimants presently need 700 insurable hours (100 working days) to receive regular benefits.  http://srv129.services.gc.ca/eiregions/eng/rates_cur.aspx

This number, (based on current unemployment rates), is in effect until July 11.  OTs who did not work for 100 days can refer to the following site on July 12 and apply then if the number of hours required goes down.  Use group code.

For more information we recommend you visit:

http;//www.etfo.ca/Resources/ForTeachers/Documents/A%20Member%27s%20Guide%20to%20Employment%20Insurance.pdf

Building Better Schools and Onsite AQ Course

Building Better Schools: Smaller Classes Mean More Time For Every Child

This postcard addressed to the Education Minister provides an opportunity to engage parents and community members about the importance of class size and the one-on-one time every ETFO member spends with students. Your package contains one postcard per member in the school. 

The challenge to members is to use this as a prompt to engage a supportive parent or community member. On the BuildingBetterSchools.ca website anyone can also send an email version of the postcard to their own MPP as well as the Education Minister. 

For more information, please contact James Taylor, extension 2337, jtaylor@etfo.ca, at the provincial office.

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Part Two Onsite AQ Course in Thames Valley

ETFO is offering the Kindergarten Part Two Onsite Additional Qualification Course in Thames Valley this summer.  Because of the condensed timeframe, candidates will be have an opportunity to become immersed in the subject. Registration closes for onsite courses on June 20, 2015 and interested applicants can access the information and registration by visiting the following link: 

http://etfo-aq.ca/catalogue/kindergarten-part-2-thamesvalley/

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ETFO’S Summer Academy 2015 is here and registration is now open.  These 40 three-day professional learning courses are offered in partnership between locals and the provincial office throughout July and August. The Summer Academy registration site includes course descriptions and information about dates, times, and locations across the province. Please share this information with your members. These practical and dynamic courses fill up very quickly!

See the link below to the Summer Academy 2015 registration site: https://summeracademy.etfo.ca/

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ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local
521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8
London, Ontario  N6K 4L4
Phone: 519-641-3936
Facsimile: 519-641-6838

 

 

Confidentiality Warning: This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or personal information that may be subject to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message and any attachments.

The Latest!

Be a Part of the Rally for Education
ETFO Members have a perfect opportunity to tell the Liberal Government what we think of their approach to collective bargaining June 6th at the Liberal Annual General Meeting at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.  Our Occasional Teacher Local along with the ETFO Thames Valley Teacher Local will provide transportation for members to participate in the Rally for Education. Join us on Saturday, June 6 and help send the Liberals a message they can't ignore!

Transportation Information

• Buses will depart promptly from the Thames Valley Permanent Teacher Local office (2911 Bateman Trail) on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 a.m. sharp (Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time).
• Parking is available at the Local office and car pooling is recommended.
• Buses will stop at the Woodstock Quality Inn at 8:30 a.m. to pick up ETFO members in the eastern portion of the Local.
• Please register to reserve a seat on the bus before 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 3 by registering on-line (www.etfothamesvalley.com).
• Members are advised to bring a bag lunch.

The Rally for Education begins at 12:00 noon at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.  We plan to be back in the district around dinnertime on Saturday.
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Local Executive 2015 - 2016
Members elected the following ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers at the Spring General Meeting held on May 21, 2015 at the Lamplighter Inn:
President/Chief Negotiator - Terry Card
First Vice-President - Vivek Nath
Second Vice-President - Nancy Springer
Treasurer - Kevin Utley
Secretary - Gina Droppo
Health and Safety Officer - Nicole Henderson
Executives at Large - Sheri-Lynn Honyust, Meera Jain, Sarah Pye, Tammy Tourlas
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Summer Academy 2015 'Don't Miss Out' ...
Summer Academy 2015 is coming soon! Please visit the ETFO website for full details of this summer's exciting lineup of courses.  There are 40 three-day professional learning courses offered in partnership between locals and the provincial office throughout July and August.

The summer Academy registration site includes course descriptions and information about dates, times, and locations across the province.  Be sure to check it out and choose a course or two for you. Don't wait or you may miss out as courses fill up very quickly!

For more information, please visit the ETFO website, view this flyer (PDF|RTF) or contact Ruth Dawson, extension 2278, rdawson@etfot.org, at the provincial office.
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Just a reminder to complete your WHMIS Review/Offence Declaration/IT policy, mandatory online training modules and designated online Paid PD opportunities before June 26, 2015.

Cancellation of EQAO testing

The fact that EQAO testing has been cancelled this spring indicates that ETFO's work-to-rule strike action is putting pressure on the government and OPSBA.

The cancellation of EQAO tests in public elementary schools this spring will allow students to focus on more in-depth learning and teachers to use their professional judgment to provide more accurate student assessments.

The ETFO work-to rule will continue until the government and the Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) take the offensive concessions off the table.

Teachers'/OT Prep Time and Central Bargaining
As you are aware, part of the stalemate as ETFO sits at the central bargaining table is over the effort by the Government and by OPSBA to micro-manage Teachers' and Occasional Teachers' preparation time. Ontario ETFO members are now sharing on Twitter the many things they use their prep time for as they accommodate the needs of their students. Check out the many tweets under #MyPrepTime and #4MyStudents to see how your peers are responding to this challenge - we encourage TVOT members to share their own stories.

At a May 8th press conference, ETFO members Laurie Menard and Abayomi Aruso discussed the importance of teachers having self-directed preparation time to meet the individual needs of students. You can view their video at http://www.etfocb.ca/etfocb_videos/etfo-members-discuss-prep-time/

Book Rebate Deadline - fast approaching
Book Rebate requests must be received at the ETFO- TVOT office by May 31st!
Download the form at www.etfotvot.com in Member Services under Useful Forms/Documents.

Mandatory Modules = .5 day of pay and Online PD options = 3.5 days of pay
The following mandatory training modules must be completed on or before 2015 June 26 (with payment on 2015 July 10) for you to remain active on the elementary OT list for September 2015. Please ensure you are using Internet Explorer to view your mandatory training.  If you are using an alternate browser (i.e Google Chrome, Safari, etc.) then you may run into a compatibility issue.  If you are using the newest version of Internet Explorer you may have to add TVDSB as a compatible website to your computer using the instructions attached.

To access the training modules, please log into your portal. Under staff Development and Training there is a title "Mandatory Training".  Please click on "Mandatory Training" and all the modules listed below will be available to you. Instructions for confirming you've completed the modules are attached.  Please ensure confirmation of your training once you have completed it.

In addition to the noted mandatory training modules, all occasional teachers must complete the annual WHMIS Review and Office Declaration and ITS Security. Links to these modules can be found through the portal under personal information. Click on the link and you will be directed to the training requirements.

• Module 2 - Handling a Violent Situation
• Module 3 - Post Incident Review and Documentation
• Module 4 - Safe Schools and Employee Roles
• Module 5 - Harassment
• Module 6 - Work Refusals
• Module 7 - Management of Aggressive Behaviour
• Module 10 - Working Late
• Module 12 - Workplace Design
• Module 13 - Recognizing and Coping with AB in a School Setting
• Mental Health Safety Spotlight
• Mental Health extra video: I had a black dog; his name is depression video
• Concussion
• Anaphylaxis (based on Sabrina's Law)

  

Occasional Teachers and the ETFO Work to Rule - Phase 1

As of May 11th, ETFO is legally on strike - any withdrawal of services on the part of union members who are in a legal strike position is strike action.

Struck Work:
Most Administrators respect our right to strike but should you be requested to perform struck work, remind your Principal/Vice-Principal that we are on a legal strike and cannot do what has been requested.  If you don't feel comfortable having this type of conversation or if you feel threatened, please contact us immediately.  Bulletin #18 provided members with a detailed list of struck work, however if you have any questions, please call the Local.

Cancelled Jobs:
As expected, daily Occasional Teachers have had many of their pre-booked assignments cancelled in response to Phase 1 of ETFO's Work to Rule.  The Collective Agreement allows for cancellation of jobs if there is 2 hours notice prior to the start of the job.  Should an assignment be cancelled without 2 hours advance notice, please inform the Local with the TVARRIS job number and details so that we can seek payment from Human Resources.

LTO Communications:
Occasional Teachers in LTO assignments should not send anything home with students about our strike actions nor distributing school communications that involve labour/negotiations/Work To Rule issues.  Nor will we discuss the protocol with Administrators - this is the Board's responsibility.  LTOs will continue to distribute regular school communications (monthly newsletters, etc.) to parents.

Some areas not affected for Occasional Teachers and the ETFO Work to Rule:

• any work in the separate school system
• mandatory online training
• three half days of professional development available on Employee Portal>Conference registration
• NTIP
• LTO Evaluations

Don't forget to register for our upcoming Spring General Meeting and Elections taking place on Thursday, May 21st, 2015 at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM.  To register got to www.etfotvot.com . Dinner is included for all ETFO - TVOT members.

Also, the deadline to apply for the 2014-2015 Book Rebate Program is fast approaching. Book Rebate Forms are found on the www.etfotvot.com website under "Useful Documents and Forms" under "Member Services".  The $40 Book Rebate Form must be received by May 31st.

The CLC's "Time for a Change" Tour
The Canadian Labour Congress along with the Ontario Federation of Labour believe that workers and their community allies can make a better choice and win a new federal government that will put good jobs and affordable child care first - a new government that will invest in health care and will fix retirement security.

Join us for a short and fun evening at the Marconi Club, 120 Clarke Road in London on Thursday, June 18th from 7 PM - 9 PM.  It will be a great opportunity to meet fellow labour activists and pick up materials to help reach out to members in your workplace.

To find out more go to http://documents.clc-ctc.ca/ontario/London-T4C-EN.pdf