More front-line supports to address the classroom violence issue are called for. Please consider participating in ETFO's letter campaign to the Minister of Education.
You can access the letter through ETFO's Building Better Scholls campaign website:
http://www.buildingbetterschools.ca/action_centre
_______________________________________________________
Your TVOT Local is sad to share the following message from TVDSB:
With mixed emotions we announce the retirement of Sandi Douglas, effective 2017 August 31. Sandi's last day of work will be July 27. Sandi has been the key driver in our Junk Food Friday events and an avid supporter of United Way and Heart and Stroke fundraisers. We wish Sandi loads of health, happiness and the best retirement ever!
Sandi Douglas has been TVOT's invaluable contact with the Board's HR department since the inception of the Thames Valley District School Board and of ETFO. We will greatly miss her professionalism and assistance.
Congratulations Sandi and best wishes for fun and happiness as you start this next phase of your life!
____________________________________________________________
NOTE FROM THE TVARRIS COORDINATOR:
Over the summer months maintenance will be taking place in TVARRIS and your Substitute schedule/locations will be cleared out. To receive a TVARRIS call and to be pre-arranged into a job this must be populated.
Please review the job aids regarding location selection and schedule availability to update your profile including AVAILABILITY and LOCATIONS AFTER AUGUST 7th. Recognizing TVARRIS will begin calling up to two weeks in advance for future dated absences. You will need a schedule for a school to create your LTO/LTA job, or to be pre-arranged.
This is a reminder to maintain an accurate availability in your TVARRIS Substitute profile at all times. You should not be getting a TVARRIS call if you are not able to accept it. If you are on a leave please delete your schedule. Having an accurate location selection and schedule will allow TVARRIS to match you up more accurately to jobs so that you are not ignoring a TVARRIS call. Please ANSWER WHEN TVARRIS CALLS.
______________________________________________________________
Until September -
This is our last edition of the WEDNESDAY BLOG for the 2016-2017 school year!
Please note the ETFO-TVOT office will be closed from July 1st - September 5th, 2017.
On behalf of your President, Terry Card and the Executive, we would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you an enjoyable and safe summer break.
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Important June 30th Deadlines; National Aboriginal Day; QECO
June 30th Deadlines and Important Information:
- Mandatory online training modules: a condition of remaining active on OT Roster and worth .5 credit as a day of work; Thirteen modules beginning with Fire Code Training and ending with Slips, Trips and Falls. LTOs must also submit these modules and will have completed most of them with the staff at their schools. NB: This year, daily OTs must ensure they are "Available" June 30th so that their pay can be entered in TVARRIS.
- Extra 1.5 day of pay: for daily OTs or those in less than .5 LTO. Check out the Employee Portal > Conference Registration > Elementary OT PD and the online options listed under July 1. Complete these anytime but make sure to submit a Reflection Form (available on the site) by 4 PM on June 30. Each module earns .5 of a day credit for all purposes including seniority, pay, EI, pension etc.
N.B. - All LTOs with an end date of June 30 are expected to attend school and be paid according to their grid rate that day so long as the permanent Teacher is not attending school that day. LTOs are paid at grid rate for all PA days within their assignment.
___________________________
National Aboriginal Day
Today, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day - a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples. Although similar, each group has its own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose the summer solstice for National Aboriginal Day. Historically, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day, the year's longest day.
Deepen your understanding of FNMI issues and perspectives with ETFO resources available at www.SpiritHorse.ca.
_____________________________
QECO and Grid Pay
If you are in a LTO and still being paid at the daily OT rate, you need to apply for a QECO rating and submit it to the Board Staffing Officer Sandi Douglas s.douglas@tvdsb.on.ca by the July 31st deadline. The application process can take several weeks so start the process immediately and submit the green QECO confirmation card if it seems the final statement will not be available in time.
- Mandatory online training modules: a condition of remaining active on OT Roster and worth .5 credit as a day of work; Thirteen modules beginning with Fire Code Training and ending with Slips, Trips and Falls. LTOs must also submit these modules and will have completed most of them with the staff at their schools. NB: This year, daily OTs must ensure they are "Available" June 30th so that their pay can be entered in TVARRIS.
- Extra 1.5 day of pay: for daily OTs or those in less than .5 LTO. Check out the Employee Portal > Conference Registration > Elementary OT PD and the online options listed under July 1. Complete these anytime but make sure to submit a Reflection Form (available on the site) by 4 PM on June 30. Each module earns .5 of a day credit for all purposes including seniority, pay, EI, pension etc.
N.B. - All LTOs with an end date of June 30 are expected to attend school and be paid according to their grid rate that day so long as the permanent Teacher is not attending school that day. LTOs are paid at grid rate for all PA days within their assignment.
___________________________
National Aboriginal Day
Today, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day - a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples. Although similar, each group has its own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose the summer solstice for National Aboriginal Day. Historically, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day, the year's longest day.
Deepen your understanding of FNMI issues and perspectives with ETFO resources available at www.SpiritHorse.ca.
_____________________________
QECO and Grid Pay
If you are in a LTO and still being paid at the daily OT rate, you need to apply for a QECO rating and submit it to the Board Staffing Officer Sandi Douglas s.douglas@tvdsb.on.ca by the July 31st deadline. The application process can take several weeks so start the process immediately and submit the green QECO confirmation card if it seems the final statement will not be available in time.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Good news about your Teachers' Pension & 2 New Schools
The Ontario Teachers' Federation who oversees our Teachers' Pension Plan has just released the following:
Full inflation protection for retired teachers and a contribution rate reduction for active teachers.
The Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and the Ontario Government, joint sponsors of the $175.6 billion Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Plan), will use a portion of the $11.5 billion surplus in the Plan (as of January 1, 2017) to complete the restoration of inflation protection for teachers who retired after 2009. As well, the contribution rate for the Plan's active members will be reduced by 1.1%. Both changes are effective January 1, 2018.
"Conditional inflation protection has been proven to be an effective tool for managing Plan deficits and now, for the fourth year in a row, the sponsors will use some of the surplus to finish the restoration of indexing that pensioners lost in recent years," said OTF President Mike Foulds. "In addition, the Plan's active members will enjoy a 1.1% reduction in the contribution rate. The remainder of the surplus will be kept in reserve to provide benefit and contribution rate stability against future funding challenges such as low interest rates and increasing longevity, both of which increase the Plan's liabilities."
Pensioners who retired after 2009 will receive a one-time increase in January 2018 to restore their pensions to the levels they would have been at, had full inflation protection been provided each year since they retired. They will also receive a slightly higher inflation increase next year for the portion of their pensions earned after 2009. Cost-of-living increases for this portion of pension credit will equal 100% of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), up from the current level of 90%. Pension credits earned before 2010 remain fully inflation-protected.
Active Plan members will enjoy a 1.1% reduction in the contribution rate they pay to the Plan.
Last March, Teachers' reported its fourth surplus in a decade. A preliminary funding valuation showed that the Plan was 105% funded at the beginning of 2017, based on current benefits and contribution rates.
For more information on these changes, please go to www.otpp.com<http://otffeo.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=990c4057179a7ed504464e546&id=4acd72773d&e=3d665608e6>.
_________________________________________________________
Reminder: 2 new schools will be opening up in September- here is the contact information:
Sir Arthur Currie P.S.
2435 Buroak Drive
London, ON N6G 5B6
Cedar Hollow P.S.
1800 Cedarhollow Boulevard
London, ON N5X 0C5
Full inflation protection for retired teachers and a contribution rate reduction for active teachers.
The Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and the Ontario Government, joint sponsors of the $175.6 billion Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Plan), will use a portion of the $11.5 billion surplus in the Plan (as of January 1, 2017) to complete the restoration of inflation protection for teachers who retired after 2009. As well, the contribution rate for the Plan's active members will be reduced by 1.1%. Both changes are effective January 1, 2018.
"Conditional inflation protection has been proven to be an effective tool for managing Plan deficits and now, for the fourth year in a row, the sponsors will use some of the surplus to finish the restoration of indexing that pensioners lost in recent years," said OTF President Mike Foulds. "In addition, the Plan's active members will enjoy a 1.1% reduction in the contribution rate. The remainder of the surplus will be kept in reserve to provide benefit and contribution rate stability against future funding challenges such as low interest rates and increasing longevity, both of which increase the Plan's liabilities."
Pensioners who retired after 2009 will receive a one-time increase in January 2018 to restore their pensions to the levels they would have been at, had full inflation protection been provided each year since they retired. They will also receive a slightly higher inflation increase next year for the portion of their pensions earned after 2009. Cost-of-living increases for this portion of pension credit will equal 100% of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), up from the current level of 90%. Pension credits earned before 2010 remain fully inflation-protected.
Active Plan members will enjoy a 1.1% reduction in the contribution rate they pay to the Plan.
Last March, Teachers' reported its fourth surplus in a decade. A preliminary funding valuation showed that the Plan was 105% funded at the beginning of 2017, based on current benefits and contribution rates.
For more information on these changes, please go to www.otpp.com<http://otffeo.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=990c4057179a7ed504464e546&id=4acd72773d&e=3d665608e6>.
_________________________________________________________
Reminder: 2 new schools will be opening up in September- here is the contact information:
Sir Arthur Currie P.S.
2435 Buroak Drive
London, ON N6G 5B6
Cedar Hollow P.S.
1800 Cedarhollow Boulevard
London, ON N5X 0C5
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Note to LTOs re June 30th PD Day, PLDF Reminder; Regulation 274
Note to LTOs re June 30th PD Day
Please be aware that the Agreement provides that:
L20.03 A Long-Term Occasional Teacher who is scheduled to work when there is a Professional Activity Day will be paid for the day and will be required to participate in the scheduled professional activity sessions, pro-rated according to the FTE of the assignment.
This means that full LTOs are to be in school on June 30th and will be paid at grid rate on the last day of school unless the permanent Teacher is being paid to return to the job that day.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.
________________________________________
PLDF Reminder
If you are considering submitting a request for the Professional Learning Development Fund for a course you will be taking over the summer, we wish to remind you to send your application before the end of the month. Approval for retroactive applications will not be approved. Please ensure all requirements as stated on the application form are met. Download applications from the ETFO-TVOT website under useful forms/documents in Member Services. Applicants must have been on the OT List for one year in order to be eligible.
_________________________________________
Regulation 274
Just a reminder of the steps to hiring as legislated under Regulation 274:
1) All elementary Occasional Teachers are member of the Roster and are ranked according to seniority. Seniority is not transferable from Board to Board or panel to panel.
2) After being a Board employee for 10 months and having taught 20 days, those on the Roster are eligible to apply to be interviewed for the LTO List. Unsuccessful candidates can ask for a debriefing from those who conducted the interview.
3) LTO positions are posted and will be filled first from those most senior qualified candidates from the LTO List who apply, and if the position remains unfilled, the posting becomes open to applicants from the OT Roster.
4) An OT who successfully completes a 4 month long-term assignment once they are on the LTO List, becomes eligible for permanent hire with interviews again offered by seniority. Unsuccessful applicants may request debriefing.
A few TVDSB specifics:
- In TVDSB seniority is defined as the accumulated number of days taught since hire to the Board's elementary OT Roster. (Those returning from maternity leave may apply to have their seniority adjusted so that the average number of days previously taught in the time period is added back).
- This year, more than 60% of those interviewed in TVDSB were successful.
- September LTO assignments will be posted by TVDSB on August 14th and placement will be by central staffing by seniority from those who apply i.e., there will no interviews.
- TVDSB Permanent postings for "Round 4" are expected in the last week of June.
Please do not hesitate to contact the OT Office for further clarification.
Please be aware that the Agreement provides that:
L20.03 A Long-Term Occasional Teacher who is scheduled to work when there is a Professional Activity Day will be paid for the day and will be required to participate in the scheduled professional activity sessions, pro-rated according to the FTE of the assignment.
This means that full LTOs are to be in school on June 30th and will be paid at grid rate on the last day of school unless the permanent Teacher is being paid to return to the job that day.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.
________________________________________
PLDF Reminder
If you are considering submitting a request for the Professional Learning Development Fund for a course you will be taking over the summer, we wish to remind you to send your application before the end of the month. Approval for retroactive applications will not be approved. Please ensure all requirements as stated on the application form are met. Download applications from the ETFO-TVOT website under useful forms/documents in Member Services. Applicants must have been on the OT List for one year in order to be eligible.
_________________________________________
Regulation 274
Just a reminder of the steps to hiring as legislated under Regulation 274:
1) All elementary Occasional Teachers are member of the Roster and are ranked according to seniority. Seniority is not transferable from Board to Board or panel to panel.
2) After being a Board employee for 10 months and having taught 20 days, those on the Roster are eligible to apply to be interviewed for the LTO List. Unsuccessful candidates can ask for a debriefing from those who conducted the interview.
3) LTO positions are posted and will be filled first from those most senior qualified candidates from the LTO List who apply, and if the position remains unfilled, the posting becomes open to applicants from the OT Roster.
4) An OT who successfully completes a 4 month long-term assignment once they are on the LTO List, becomes eligible for permanent hire with interviews again offered by seniority. Unsuccessful applicants may request debriefing.
A few TVDSB specifics:
- In TVDSB seniority is defined as the accumulated number of days taught since hire to the Board's elementary OT Roster. (Those returning from maternity leave may apply to have their seniority adjusted so that the average number of days previously taught in the time period is added back).
- This year, more than 60% of those interviewed in TVDSB were successful.
- September LTO assignments will be posted by TVDSB on August 14th and placement will be by central staffing by seniority from those who apply i.e., there will no interviews.
- TVDSB Permanent postings for "Round 4" are expected in the last week of June.
Please do not hesitate to contact the OT Office for further clarification.
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