TVARRIS Info; May 19th; The New Phys Ed and Health Curriculum: Win 1 of 10 iPad Minis

 TVARRIS and Speakerphones

Just a heads-up that the TVARRIS system may fail to recognize your PIN if you have answered using the speakerphone function.  Apparently using a speakerphone can create an "echo effect" which distorts the PIN number and makes it unrecognizable.  Problems have also been reported using systems such as "Magic Jack".  Remember that the telephone is your main access to daily employment so be sure you have a reliable carrier if using a cellphone and hardware that will allow you to accept work.

TVOT Spring Celebration and Elections
Please register on our website www.etfotvot.com to join us at the Lamplighter Inn on May 19th for a lovely banquet: California, Potato. Greek and Caesar Salads, Fire Roasted Atlantic Salmon, Pastas and Assorted Desserts. Take this opportunity to meet and mingle with your peers and have a say in the affairs of your OT Local.  We would love to see you there.


The New Phys. Ed and Health Curriculum
ETFO has just released a Professional Relations Services Matters sheet on what ETFO members need to know when it comes to this newly released curriculum.  It is unlikely that daily OTs would be asked to teach this because of the sensitivity of the subject but those in LTOs should make themselves aware of the expectations and their duties around delivering the material.  Follow this link for further information: http://www.etfo.ca/AdviceForMembers/PRSMattersBulletins/Pages/The%202015%20Health%20and%20Physical%20Education%20Curriculum%20and%20You.aspx



ETFO Provincial All-Member Survey
Complete this online survey for a chance to win one of ten mini iPads. Membership information is used to develop ETFO programs and ensure that contact information is up to date so that members remain informed. You can participate at:  https://events.etfo.org/announcements/42c2f143-a9a5-e511-940c-005056bc1cf0/

Nominations Open; 2015 Health and Physical Education Curriculum; ETFO AQ courses; Math Conference

Nomination Forms for Local Executive positions are now posted on our website  www.etfotvot.com . Please consider joining the Executive table for the upcoming school year.  Take advantage of the many leadership opportunities we can provide, find out more about your working relationship with the Board and offer input into services the Local provides to members.  We would love to have you on our team. Deadline for receipt of nominations is April 29, 2016 at 5 PM.
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2015 Health and Physical Education Curriculum
ETFO's Professional Relation's Services has just issued Volume #87 to advise members about issues regarding the 2015 Health and Physical Education Curriculum. We advise members to check the following link for important information:  http://www.etfo.ca/AdviceForMembers/PRSMattersBulletins/Pages/The%202015%20Health%20and%20Physical%20Education%20Curriculum%20and%20You.aspx
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ETFO AQ Courses
Provincial ETFO is a leader in offering high quality and affordable Additional Qualification courses in Ontario. The 2016 - 2017 course calendar is now posted with offerings throughout the Spring and Summer months. Please check http://etfo-aq.ca/catalogue/ for                                                         additional details.
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ETFO Learning Math in the Early Years Conference
Registration is now open for this exciting opportunity for members
to explore effective practices and pedagogy in Math instruction for
Kindergarten to Grade 3. This event will be held at the lovely Kingbridge Conference Centre in King City/Toronto from May 27 - May 28. Registration is $50 with most other costs paid. Check http://www.etfo.ca/CalAttach/mathconference.pdf for further information.

Have you considered joining the TVOT Executive

About the TVOT Executive
Nominations for Local Executive elections will soon be posted to our website www.etfotvot.com for positions to begin for next school year.  We meet for a full day in early September with the time to be paid as a day of teaching by TVDSB.  After that orientation session, we meet monthly after school (with the exception of January when the weather can be a factor) at our Local office where we share a catered dinner before discussing emergent issues that impact both daily and Long-Term Occasional Teachers.  The main focus of TVOT is member representation however we participate on many Board committees, host lots of professional development events and interact with organizations that can promote public education and the fine work of our elementary OTs. Your OT Local has the mandate to deal with every aspect of members working relationship with the Board and it can be rewarding to resolve member issues and debate interactions with the Board that can have such far-reaching consequences.
Executive positions require a commitment for just 1 year, except for the position of President which is a 2 year position.  We encourage members to give consideration to putting their names forward and learn more about the Union by serving on the Local Executive.  Your input is greatly valued and whether or not you decide to run, please join us at our Spring General Meeting on May 19th at the Lamplighter Inn for a fine dinner (free), great door prizes and an update on OT matters.  Registration will be on our Local website. We look forward to meeting lots of you there.

Upcoming April PD Opportunities for ETFO-TVOT Members

Please take note of and plan to join us for some or all of the following Professional Development being offered to you:

April 7th, 2016  Google Drive Classroom Workshop: Beginners - Part 1
Presenters: Cari Patterson and Carolyn Cowie
Where:  John Wise P.S.  (100 Parkside Dr. in St. Thomas, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM)

 April 12th, 2016  Choose one from the following:
1) Paper! Paper! Paper! -  Presenter: Polly Stringle  (limited to 25 participants)
2) Math Workshop - Part-Whole Relationships  -  Presenter: Ann Pigeon
3) IEP's in your LTO: A Case Study Approach  -  Presenter: Ray Wiersma
Where:  Best Western Lamplighter Inn  (591 Wellington Rd. south in London, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM)

NEW!
April 15th Paid PD Event (OTs paid to participate):
- Welcoming Syrian Refugees into our Schools (AM or PM Session)
- Dairy Farmers Nutrition workshops (AM or PM Session)
Where: BMO Centre (295 Rectory Street London) Registration via TVDSB Employee Portal > Conference Registrations

April 21st, 2016  Google Drive Classroom (More) Advanced - Part 2
Presenters:  Cari Patterson and Carolyn Cowie
Where:  John Wise P.S.  (100 Parkside Dr. in St. Thomas, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM)

Meal is included before each workshop!
Please register at www.etfotvot.com
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Perspectives and the Truth and Reconciliation Book Club
For all members who are interested in learning about the diversity of Aboriginal peoples, perspectives, the residential school system and reconciliation.
It's welcoming online learning environment is aimed at engaging members in critical thinking, rich dialogue and personal reflection and professional connection.

This opportunity is made available to you by ETFO Provincial.
For more information, contact Rachel Mishnene, ETFO Executive Staff 416-962-3836, ext. 2256
or Toll Free: 1-888-838-3836.
Registration required through FNMI Online Book Clubs
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