Collective Bargaining Bulletin and Parent Engagement website

In the upcoming Collective Bargaining Bulletin:

In this bulletin, ETFO "does the math" and analyzes the financial implications of some of the demands made by the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) and the government at the Teacher and Occasional Teacher central bargaining table.

Parent Engagement website:

The Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) has developed a new website:  Parent Engagement
www.parentengagement.ca as a comprehensive guide to engaging and working with parents and guardians with the aim of assisting teachers in the classroom.  "School represents one of the most influential parts of young peoples' lives," states Rian McLaughlin, OTF President.  "It stands to reason, therefore, that teachers, parents and guardians should work in concert toward a shared goal - the best interests of their students and their children. Available in both French and English, it includes short vignettes, podcasts and practical tips and other helpful resources for teachers."

A companion print resource, Parent Engagement:  Supporting Elementary and Secondary Teachers Working with Parents and Guardians, is available.

We are looking forward to seeing all registrants for the Math Literacy Professional Development Event at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn on Tuesday, March 31st from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM.  This has been a very popular PD and we have a wait list for all 3 sessions being offered.  Please advise our office by telephone (519)641-3936 or email mail@etfotvot.com if you cannot attend the session for any reason, so that another member will be able to take your place.

LTOs and Inclement Weather on March 3, 2015 and ETFO Qualification Course Opportunity

LTOs and Inclement Weather on March 3, 2015 -

If you were in a LTO on March 3, 2015 and received  a call at home from Human Resources regarding your use of the "inclement weather" code, we would like to hear from you at the Local ETFO O.T. Office 519-641-3936 or etfotvot@gmail.com.

ETFO Kindergarten Part One Additional Qualification Course comes to Thames Valley -

This spring ETFO will be offering the Kindergarten Part One Additional Qualification Course in Thames Valley.  

Part Two will be offered here this summer in July with registration in late April.

Interested applicants for Kindergarten Part 1 can access the information and registration by visiting the following link, registration closes on April 1, 2015:

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

Please note that if you have been a member of the OT Local for at least one year, you are eligible to apply for the Local's Professional Learning Development Fund for a grant of $150 towards your tuition. The form can be found in the "Member Services" section > "Useful Forms/Documents" for those who have registered access to the secure section of our website www.etfotvot.com.

March 31st PD Event at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn

There are still several spots available in the 3rd mathematics workshop offered that evening:  Fractions for the Mathphobic OT.

This workshop is being presented by Perry Gelakis, TVDSB and will allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of fractions and become more confident in your teaching assignments in a relaxed, stress-free setting. 

A lovely dinner is included for all members. This Tuesday, March 31st workshop is scheduled from 4:30PM - 7:30 PM at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Rd. in London. 

Register at www.etfotvot.com under Member Services, Local PD Events by March 26th if you wish to participate.

Your ETFO O.T. Office will be closed over March Break so there will be no post to the Wednesday Blog next week.  We wish you all a lovely holiday. 

SMARTBoard, Interviews for the LTO List and another PD Opportunity

Just a note to members that a SMARTBoard file emailed as an attachment to a First Class email account may open differently and incompletely.  To avoid having trouble opening a SMARTBoard file sent attached to an email in First Class, ensure you log into First Class through the Teacher icon on the desktop, and NOT through the TVDSB's website.

Interviews for the LTO List:
The Board advises those who applied to be on the LTO List that interviews will be held on March 9th, March 10th, March 23rd, March 24th. The Board will notify those being considered for March 9th and 10th first with notification for later interviews to follow.

Upcoming PD Opportunity:
Join us for an evening of dinner and mathematics:
WHEN:    Tuesday March 31st, 2015   4:30pm to 7:30 pm (dinner included)
WHERE:  Best Western Lamplighter INN
WHAT:   Choose from one of the following:

1)  Gameapalooza - An ever-popular workshop!  Learn some interesting, engaging and creative mathematics games to integrate into your occasional teaching assignments. - Christopher Wilcox, TVDSB

2)  The New Occasional Teacher and Mathematics - You have heard terms like 3-part lesson; bansho; gallery walk; 4-step problem solving but know little about them or using them in your daily assignments.  Come out and get familiar with current mathematical practices and ideas.  - Ann Pigeon, TVDSB

3)  Fractions for the Mathphobic OT -  Do fractions make you frightened, fearful, or frantic? Fear not!  In this relaxed, stress-free workshop you will gain a deeper understanding of fractions and become more confident in your teaching assignments. - Perry Gelakis, TVDSB

Registration is open at www.etfotvot.com under Member Services, Local PD events.

Thank you to all those who attended and participated in our February 23rd, 2015 PD