Quarantine pay for Daily OTs; More Paid PD Options;

New - Covid Wage Supports in TVDSB

Daily Occasional Teachers in the TVDSB who are instructed by the relevant Health Unit to self-isolate or quarantine as a direct result of school exposure, will now be paid during the isolation period based on the average hours they have worked over the previous 4 weeks. Covid testing is required for Quarantine pay to be provided. LTOs have access to paid leave in such circumstances as provide in our Collective Agreement.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact your OT Local at etfotvot@gmail.com   

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ETFO's International Women's Day T Shirts - $9

International Women's Day for 2021 will be held on March 8th and the theme is "Amplify All Women's Voices".  The art on ETFO's shirts is by the acclaimed Indigenous artist, Selena Mills.

Provincial ETFO will only accept offers until January 4th, 2021 so for the Women's tapered cut, click Shop ETFO Women's Cut and for the unisex cut the link is Shop ETFO Unisex Cut .

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16 NEW Paid PD Sessions to be held January 22/21! 

Registration is now open in the TVDSB Employee Portal for paid PD on:

• Number Talks and Counting Circles
• Triangulation; Fractions and Decimals 
• Guiding Students to a Deeper Understanding 
• Accepting a Job in a Digital Classroom/Brightspace 
• Kindergarten 
• Practical Tips and Tricks for Teaching French
• Building Comprehension in the Classroom

These exciting new workshops will be held on the January 22, 2021 PD day and count for all purposes as time worked. To see the full slate and details of each session, log into the Employee Portal > Conference Registrations > Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2020-2021. These sessions fill quickly so we urge members to register ASAP, however please only register if you plan to attend. It is not fair to your peers to waste these spots and be aware that the Board notes those employees who are no-shows

The Local thanks those in Staff Development for their work in putting together this wonderful assortment of relevant workshops for TVOT members. 

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"Be Thankful" by Dennis Lee (2020, December 12) Letter to the Editor - London Free Press 

Imagine you were born in 1900. When you are 14, the First World War begins and 22 million die. When you are 18, fifty million will die from the Spanish Flu. When you turn 29 the global economy collapses bringing on the Great Depression. When you are 39 years old, the Second World War begins eventually leaving 60 million dead. Food and other essentials are rationed. At age 52, the Korean War begins and then at age 64, the Vietnam War begins.

Today we have many comforts that did not exist in our grandparents' day. We complain because we have to wear masks and stay home where we have food, electricity, running water, WiFi and Netflix, because of the corona virus.

None of our current luxuries existed for those grandparents, but humanity survived and they never lost their joy of living.

Be thankful you are alive. Do what you can to protect yourselves and help each other. 

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Your ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local and staff wish you -

           The Local TVOT Office will be closed during the Christmas Break

Benefits for LTOs; More Paid PD sessions and Columbia Employee Store Invitation

Benefit Plan for LTOs - Those Occasional Teachers who are in long-term assignments of 90 calendar days or longer, are eligible to participate in the ETFO Employee Life and Health Trust/ELHT. Participation is mandatory for those in a full FTE position, and available to those in part-time positions if they agree to pay the remainder of the premium. Those who accepted postings with defined end dates, would already have received communications from the Ontario Teachers' Insurance Plan/OTIP via their TVDSB Outlook email account. Those without an end date will receive word from OTIP shortly after they cross the 90 calendar day threshold. In both instances, coverage is for the duration of the assignment and is retroactive to the beginning, if receipts are provided. Unfortunately, there is no benefit plan yet available for daily Occasional Teachers, though OTIP does have a plan for purchase on their website https://www.otip.com/Group-Benefits/Occasional-Casual

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Did you know EduGAINS is closing?

This one stop website with Ministry policies and programs related to teaching and learning in Ontario will be closing on December 31st. EduGAINS was designed to support Teachers from K -12 and includes links to Ministry licensed resources and links to subject associations.  will be closing on December 31st. After that,  Teachers will have to log into eCommunityLearningontario in the Virtual Community and search for "EDU Resources Community". 

Teachers can also access Ministry of Ontario Curriculum and Resources by clicking here.

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More Paid PD Offerings 

Your OT Local has been meeting with the TVDSB Staff Development team on a regular basis and we are pleased to announce that there will be many new paid professional development opportunities in 2021. Registration will open in the Employee Portal next week, but spots fill quickly so don't wait too long before making your selection.

Just a reminder that participation counts for all purposes (E.I., seniority, Teachers' Pension etc.) as time worked so if you are a daily Occasional Teacher or someone in a long-term assignment of .5 or less, you are eligible.

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Shopping at Columbia Sportswear

TVOT members have again been invited to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store. Please find your invitation below -

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Your First LTO-Surviving to Thriving- repeat PD session; Comments from a TVOT member re OCT magazine; Please Participate in this Survey for Teachers

Your First LTO - Surviving to Thriving (repeated session)

Due to Popular demand, we are pleased to offer a REPEAT SESSION of Your First LTO - Surviving to Thriving on Tuesday December 8, 2020 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.  This session is intended for elementary OTs who are eligible for paid PD (those with an FTE/Contract equal to or less than 0.5).  If you are ineligible for pay but would like to attend, we kindly request that you wait until 24 hours before the session to register.

This session will be offered online via Zoom.  The link is located in the session description which is found by clicking on the session title within the registration section of the Employee Portal.

As a reminder the ONLINE reflection form link is located at the top of the Elementary Conference registration page:  https://tvdsbo365.sharepoint.com/teams/SSD/SitePages/OT-Elementary-PD.aspx . NOTE: This is a Google form so you will need to sign in to your gotvdsb (Google) account. If you are not signed in you receive an error message prompting you to request access.

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Covid Grinch Nomination - Ontario College of Teachers by Angus Johnson, TVOT member

Incredibly, the December issue of "Professionally Speaking" the publication of the OCT, stages a full cover portrait of teacher predation, trumpeting itself as provider of "Better Protection for Ontario Students".

Every classroom Teacher in Ontario, every day, is doing more to protect their students - at no small risk to their own health - than the College of Teachers has ever done or will ever do in its entire dubious tenure. Yet Ontario Teachers are forced to pay for publishing this trash and for operating this odious spawn of the Harris regime.

As repugnant as book burnings are, this rag cries out for a bonfire. Copies of the December issue should be gathered up and burned on the steps of 101 Bloor St. W.

Failing some convincing retraction or apology, every elected OCT Teacher should resign and future College elections should be boycotted by Ontario Teachers. 

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Survey from Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers and ETFO

Provincial ETFO is seeking data from their members so that they can better advocate for Teachers during this second wave of the pandemic.

Click here to access the survey which should only take a few minutes of your time.

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Website Development Continues 

Unfortunately, our new website is still not fully functional so we ask for your patience as we work to restore your access to the secure membership section. Hopefully we are within a week or two before members will again be able to register and have access to the full functions of the site.

 

Opportunities and items of Interest for daily and LTO members

... And Still We Rise - ETFO Annual Leadership Conference for Women -  February 24 and 25, 2021 Virtual Conference

This two-day annual leadership conference is for all women members. Numerous workshops will be offered on the following topics: professional and leadership skills building, social justice and unionism, and self-care and well-being. Registration fee is $50. Daily ETFO Provincial will cover release time for daily Occasional Teachers and LTOs.    

Note: Registration opens Wed., November 25 and closes Dec., 16.

Workshops will be offered on the following topics: 

• Professional and leadership skills building; 

• Social justice and unionism; and 

• Self-care and well-being. 

Priority will be given to those who were to participate in …and still we rise 2020; and to first time attendees. 

Registration fee: $50 Further event details and registration available November 25, 2020 at events.etfo.org/upcoming-events  

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Additional "Brightspace for the Daily OT" Paid PD

TVDSB is offering an additional afterschool virtual workshop for daily OTs on "Brightspace" to be held on Monday, December 14th.

Registration is via the Employee Portal > Conference/Session Registration > Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2020-2021. Click on "Register" to see the descriptions of this session and to find out more about the online PD opportunities that can be completed anytime before the end of June (including evenings and weekends). Spots fill quickly so act fast! 

Participation counts for all purposes as a half-day of teaching,

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At the End of a LTO Assignment

When leaving a long-term assignment, be sure to leave behind all assessment information that you have gathered during your time with the class. Though the Principal has the option of calling you back for one day to work on reports (for which you will be paid at your grid rate per Article L35.00(iii)), your evaluations and observations are very important to the next Teacher.

Then make sure that you have submitted your QECO rating and proof of any previous teaching experience to Jessica Grison Roeder in Human Resources. (N.B. Information you sent to the Board with your resume to be hired, is not adequate for this purpose) so that you are paid appropriately. Your OT Local is a great resource if you are unsure as to what may be recognized, so please contact us at etfotvot@gmail.com or by phone at 519-641-3936. 

Lastly, ensure that you check your TVARRIS profile to see that the school has released you from your LTO so you can receive calls from the system to replace daily absences. If not, contact you school so that we can make sure there is an Occasional Teacher in the role.

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Two New Kindergarten Workshops  offered virtually by ETFO Provincial 

1) Building and Strengthening Relationships in Kindergarten While Distance Learning: an opportunity to share experiences and develop a toolbox of ways to proactively build relationships, communicate and plan as a team in distance learning Registration Link

2) Teaching and Learning in the Distance Learning Kindergarten Environment: how learning through exploration, plan and inquiry works in distance learning. Webinar will explore a balance of pedagogical considerations, practical ideas and suggestions as educators collaboratively share positive experiences and successful practices Registration Link

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Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback to us regarding the new etfotvot.com website.

Elements are under development so we still cannot offer access to the Secure Membership section of the site, however we are assured this will be on line very soon. 

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Update to PPE; Changes for Retirees; Math Webcasts from ETFO Provincial; Making TVARRIS Efficient; Paid PD Opportunities

NEW: Alternative to Face Shields PPE TVDSB is now making goggles available on request at schools to those who would feel more comfortable wearing goggles instead of face shields. Remember that the public health unit recommends that Teachers wear face shields or goggles whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Kindergarten classes are one example of where such PPE is advised. N.B. Goggles and/or face shields are not a replacement for masks. The wearing of masks remains mandatory! 

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 Changes to Pension Plan Restrictions for Retirees 

The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is a partnership between the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Teachers' Federation which is the voice of the Teacher Federations at the table. Under the terms of the partnership, decisions are made jointly. 

Recent deliberations have resulted in a decision that for this current school year, retired Teachers will be able to teach up to the end of the month in which they exceed 95 days rather than 50 days, without affecting their pension.  

For further information from Teachers' Pension go to https://www.otpp.com/members/cms/en/life-career-events/retirement-life/working-after-retirement/reemployment-faq.html?intcmp=re-em_w_dmwk-779

To access the document below visit https://www.otpp.com/members/cms/en/life-career-events/retirement-life/working-after-retirement/reemployment-faq.html?intcmp=re-em_w_dmwk-779

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ETFO Provincial Revised Math 2020 Webcasts  TVOT members may not be aware that Provincial ETFO offers 6 webinars that are available for you at your convenience at https://www.etfo.ca/SupportingMembers/ProfLearning/Pages/MathWebcasts.aspx

Topics include "Demystifying Coding in the Primary Grades", "An Introduction to Coding in the Junior Grades", "Coding Connections in Intermediate Grade Mathematics" and "Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Skills in Mathematics". Most sessions are about an hour in length and the slides are available to download in either PDF or Word formats.

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When to block off in TVARRIS?

In order that Thames Valley Absence Reporting and Replacement System/TVARRIS operates as efficiently as possible, it is important that Occasional Teachers book as "unavailable" even if for only one day. Otherwise TVARRIS wastes time making needless calls which are either turned down or go unanswered and this results in unfilled Teacher absences. Please note that there is no penalty for making yourself "unavailable" so we encourage TVOT members to book off each and every time they chose not to teach. 

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Online Paid PD Opportunities

Did you know that there are many online paid PD opportunities now available in the Conference Registration section of the Employee Portal? These options include topics such as Online Literacy, Online Kindergarten and Online Spec Ed. To register, scroll down the list under "Elementary Occasional Teacher PD" and though they are listed with the date of June 29th, they can be completed by OTs on evenings, weekends or anytime at that is convenient. Payment is triggered when Staff Development receives your Reflection Form so be sure to submit one when you are done. Participation in paid PD sessions count as a half-day of work for all puposes.

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Note re: TVOT Member Portal - Just a note to members that our transition to the new etfotvot.com website is still in progress so you may have difficulties for a week or so in accessing the Member Portal / Secure area of the site.  __________________________________________________________ 

PD Sessions That Count as Teaching; TVDSB Reflection Forms; Employee and Family Assistance Program; Provincial Leadership Program for Black Members; Balancing Act - Women's Conference;

 PD Sessions That Count as Teaching - Your TVOT Local is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring three new paid PD sessions that count as a half day of teaching for daily OTs or LTOs in assignments of .5 or less. All workshops begins at 4:30 PM and will be offered via Zoom. Registration is now open on the Employee Portal and participation is limited to 30 participants per workshop.           The options are:

1) Art and Mental Health - Thursday, Nov. 26/20: focuses on integration of arts programming and positive student mental health                         

2) Flourish With French - Thursday, Dec. 3.20: Designed to provide tools and confidence for daily OTs so that they are prepared to accept a daily assignment in a FSL classroom. All participants will receive a copy of the companion TVOT "Flourish with French" resource                       

3) Classroom Management for Occasional Teachers - Thursday, Dec. 10/20: Learn practical and effective strategies that will increase your confidence and refine your teaching practice. Participants will receive a copy of Provincial ETFO's "I Am the Teacher" resource

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Accessing TVDSB Reflection Forms Online -

As a TVDSB employee, TVOT members receive both a Microsoft 360 account (#00000@tvdsb.ca) and a Google account (#00000@gototvdsb.ca) with #00000 being your employee number. Because the online Reflection form is a Google form, you need to be first logged into your gototvdsb.ca account before you open the link to the reflection form. This link is found at the top of where you register for paid PD in the Employee Portal > Conference Registrations. 

For further assistance in accessing the online Reflection Form, log into your Microsoft 360 account and go into the Elementary OT webpage in SharePoint at https://tvdsbo365.sharepoint.com/teams/SSD/SitePages/OT-Elementary-PD.aspx

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Employee and Family Assistance Program / EFAP -

As of September, all Occasional Teachers have access to the Board's EFAP supports, including the newly released webinar, "The Second Wave and Your Mental Health".  TVOT members can use of any of the EFAP services confidentially. 

Services include professional counselling for family issues such as separation, divorce and supporting parents; workplace issues; addictions; depression and/or anxiety; anger management; grief counselling; abuse and life coaching. For more information about services provided, log into the Employee Portal and click "View My Employee Assistance Program".

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Email difficulties; Prov. ETFO ICT Workshops; New Website; Treaties Recognition Week; Previous Teaching Experience

NOTICE - mail@etfotvot.com is undergoing maintenance until Friday evening - please use etfotvot@gmail.com ____________________________________

ETFO Provincial I.C.T. Opportunity

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for ETFO's virtual ICT Learning Institute - Technology Tools for Learning. The session will take place via Zoom on Saturday, December. Workshop selections include: How to Engage your Students using Brightspace, Digital Tools in the French Classroom, Communication with Families through Google Sites, Get Going with Coding etc.

For more information visit -  ICT Learning Institute Flyer

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Announcement - Your TVOT Local is pleased to announce that our new website now live. Please take time to visit us at www.etfotvot.com and let us know what you think.

Provincial ETFO is asking members for feedback about their provincial website www.etfo.ca and the link to participate is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRQPS3S

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Treaties Recognition Week November 2-6, 2020

As members reflect on the fact that we are living live and work on land that has been the subject of treaties between sovereign nations, please know that ETFO has resources that might be of use in your classrooms. For more information go to https://etfofnmi.ca/ and for an introduction to treaties, ETFO has an excellent resource complete with useful hyperlinks at Introduction to Treaties  

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Previous Teaching Experience

Just a reminder to those who are in LTO assignments, that going forward as of September, daily experience as an Occasional Teacher from other Ontario school boards, is now be credited for experience on the grid. Even if you have previously done LTOs with Thames Valley, it might be worthwhile to submit documentation to show you have taught with other Boards since this might move you to a higher salary placement. 

LTOs need to make sure when they sign their LTO contracts, that they are getting credit for previous teaching experience and that they have a QECO rating on file with Human Resources. It will take a moment but members only have until July 31st of the school year in which they held a long-term assignment, to ask for adjustments.  Call your OT Office if you have any questions.

New Mathematics Curriculum; Exposed to Covid-19 at School? ETFO Covid-19 FAQ #17; LTO Terminations for some; LTO Evaluations and Regulation 274; Brightspace Training

New Mathematics Curriculum - 
Members should be aware that this new curriculum is only available online - New Math Curriculum . Here is where members can access Videos and resources and for additional information, check your latest e-newsletter from Provincial.

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Exposed to Covid-19 at School? 

Members who have been exposed to Covid-19 at work but who have no symptoms, should submit a  WSIB Exposure Form .

Daily and LTO members who contract Covid-19 because of exposure at work should complete the TVDSB Accident Incident Report and submit it as soon as possible, noting if they have received a positive Covid-19 test result, that medical attention has been sought and that time has been lost from work. Keep a copy for your personal records.  NB. ensure the doctor is aware that this was contracted in the workplace. The doctor will complete their report, WSIB Form 8, and give the member a page to submit to the Board.

Members will also need to file a Worker's Report on WSIB Form 6 and submit a copy of this to the Board. Keep a copy of this for your personal records. Claimants will be contacted by a  WSIB Eligibility Adjudicator however WSIB decisions on claims can take up to one month.

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Just a reminder to register for ETFO Provincial's e-newsletters. COVID-19 FAQ#17 deals with issues such as exposure to Covid-19 at work, facts on hand sanitizers, information on progress reports, kindergarten observations and as mentioned earlier, the revised 2020 Mathematics curriculum.

Subscribe to receive these at www.etfo.ca

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LTO Terminations for some -

As you have likely heard, a thousand additional TVDSB students will be moving to full remote learning. This means that many permanent Teachers will again be moved as classes are re-organized. Some of these permanent Teachers will be switching over to remote learning classrooms that are currently being taught by Long-Term Occasional Teachers. As these are permanent teaching positions and an OT's job is to replace absent Teachers, the Board is within its rights. The Board has assured us that LTOs in these situations will be given two weeks notice of the end of their assignment, as provided by the Collective Agreement.

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LTO Evaluations and Regulation 274

Since Regulation 274 that set out the teaching hiring process is being revoked, it is no longer necessary for those in LTO assignments to be evaluated in order to be hired to a permanent teaching position. What will replace Regulation 274 is still under discussion, but Boards have been given until the end of December to replace that process and your Local will be in contact with the Board throughout that development.

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 TVOT offering Brightspace Drop-in

Have questions about using Brightspace? Are you in a full remote learning/FRL LTO assignment and need some assistance with the technology? Are you a daily OT who hesitates to take FRL assignments because you lack confidence using Brightspace?

Your TVOT Local is hosting a Brightspace drop-in meeting via Zoom, next Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 4:30pm - 6:30 pm. This is a drop in meeting so join when you can. Note: this session will focus on the technical use of Brightspace only. The meeting link will be sent prior to the meeting but just to those who register in advance. 

The Local is in the process of transitioning to a new website so, this one time, we ask members to notify us by email at mail@etfotvot.com if you are interested in attending.

Regulation 274 to be Revoked; Credit for Previous Teaching Experience; Prep pay back assignments; Multiple Classrooms in a Day?

 

Regulation 274 to be Revoked

Rather than focus on the safety of students and staff in schools, the Minister of Education has tried to deflect attention by revoking the law that ensured fair hiring practices by setting out the path to permanent employment - Reg. 274.

It has always been the Union's position that the Board should hire those Occasional Teachers that they know through the work they have done in TVDSB. Teachers should be hired based on their experience and qualifications. Regulation 274 removed any bias based on discrimination and was effective in promoting equity in hiring.

In light of this new announcement, OT Locals will be in discussions with their individual boards to develop new practices and protocols. The Thames Valley OT Collective Agreement has language previously negotiated with regards to posting and hiring - this will be the basis for our upcoming discussions. New hiring protocols are to be established by the end of December/20.

If you want to add your voice to those who are speaking out against this attack on fair hiring practices and why revoking this will not improve equity in hiring, we urge you to see https://www.etfo.ca/DefendingWorkingConditions/ETFOTakesAction/Pages/fairhiring.aspx

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NEW: Credit for Previous Teaching Experience

As of September of this school year, under the terms of our new Collective Agreement an Occasional Teacher who did daily OT work with another Ontario school board, can submit that to TVDSB for credit on the grid when they are in a LTO assignment. Credit will not be granted retroactively, but if you teach for more than one school Board or worked at another before coming to Thames Valley, this new provision may increase your long-term occasional salary.

As well, don't forget that QECO does not submit the ratings directly to school boards, so be sure you send yours to HR once you receive it. Please note that there is a delay in processing documents at QECO since they too are generally working remotely. 

N.B: Members only have until July 31st to submit documentation that will increase their grid rate salary for assignments completed during the school year.

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NEW: Prep periods for Prep Payback Assignments

Under the terms of the new Collective Agreement, an Occasional Teacher who is hired for a full day assignment to provide missed prep time, will have the first 40 minutes of that assignment free to prepare for these lessons.  OTs may wish to check with the Teachers they will be replacing to see what is going on in each class so that this is meaningful time for all.

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Multiple Classrooms in a Day?

As schools experience incidents of Covid-19, it has become apparent that daily Occasional Teachers need to record the rooms that they visit during the course of their assignment. 

That way, should there be an outbreak at a school you have visited, you will know if you have been exposed and need to self-isolate or quarantine.

And unlike this fellow, don't let down your guard. Follow the Covid-19 protocols and wear your mask at all times. If you are in a situation where you cannot maintain safe distancing (such as a kindergarten setting), then wear a face shield, available upon request at the school office. This mask will remain with you and it will be your responsibility to ensure it is clean before you need it at your next site.

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On behalf of your TVOT Local Executive to all those who are joining us tonight at our first virtual Fall General Meeting! 

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New Covid-19 Federal Benefits; Face Shields for Occasional Teachers; Columbia Outlet Store Invitation; Provincial ETFO Workshops; Local Fall Meeting

New Covid-19 Federal Benefits

Members may not be aware that the federal government now has several new benefit programs for those who are affected by the pandemic: 

1) Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit/CRSB: provides income support to those who are unable to work because they are sick or isolating due to Covid-19 or who are unable to work because they are at greater risk of contracting the disease because of an underlying medical condition. This plan provides up to 2 weeks of coverage that can be used up to September 21, 2021. Here is the link for further information - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit.html

2) Canada Recovery Benefit/CRB: provides income support to those directly affected by Covid-19 who are not eligible for Employment Insurance/EI.  For these details go to - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html

3) Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit/CRCB: provides income support to those who are unable to work because they must care for a child under 12 years of age or a family member who needs supervised care. You can find out more at - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html

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Face Shields are Recommended

Whenever safe distancing cannot be maintained, the Health Unit and TVDSB Covid-19 protocols recommend that Teachers/OTs wear face shields as well as their masks.  This is especially important in kindergarten classes where children often encroach on your personal space.

TVDSB has purchased face shields for Occasional Teachers - you can request one when you check into a school and one will be provided. These are not single use - at the end of the assignment, the OT will be responsible for cleaning the face shield so that they can use it at their next site. 

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ETFO Provincial Workshops 

Did you know that Occasional Teachers are eligible to register for conferences and workshops offered by ETFO Provincial? For instance, here are some of those upcoming opportunities:

Identity in Time of Crisis - a racialized members' virtual conference with Part 1 being held Saturday, Nov. 7 and Part 2 on Saturday, Nov. 28/20: 

https://www.etfo.ca/AboutETFO/Calendar/Lists/ETFO%20Calendar2/DispForm.aspx?ID=4782&InitialTabID=Ribbon.Read

An Ounce of Prevention - Knowing your rights and responsibilities is a one day conference to be held on Saturday, Nov. 21/20 for members who want to know more about professional boundaries, developing a positive relationship with parents and using social media:

https://www.etfo.ca/AboutETFO/Calendar/Lists/ETFO%20Calendar2/DispForm.aspx?ID=4784&InitialTabID=Ribbon.Read

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It's next week!

TVOT Local Fall General Meeting

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 

Via Zoom 

(desktop, laptop, cellphone, tablet - no microphone or camera necessary)

4:30pm - 7:00pm

Register at www.etfotvot.com - the meeting link will be emailed to registrants in advance

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Roster Applicants for LTOs; Keys for OTs; Nominations Have Closed; ETFO Provincial Covid Update #16

OT Roster Applicants for LTOs -  

Although hiring for LTO positions must follow the process legislated under Regulation 274, the Local encourages those on the OT Roster to apply for any posted position for which they are qualified and interested in teaching as the LTO List is soon depleted allowing Roster candidates an excellent chance of securing a long-term assignment. Please note that the Board does not have to consider seniority when hiring from Roster applicants. 

Long-term positions are posted throughout the course of the school year.  Most postings are up for 5 days, however in certain circumstances, the Local will agree to a 3 day posting so we urge members to get used to checking back throughout the week. 

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Keys for Occasional Teachers -

We remind TVOT members that as a Teacher, you are responsible for the safety of the children in your care. To that end, every Occasional Teacher needs to have access to the classroom keys so that they can lock their door when an emergency code has been called. The Local has heard reports that some schools feel they cannot share these keys because of concerns about sanitation. This is not acceptable. Keys can be sanitized and are essential.  Access to classroom keys was negotiated between ETFO Provincial and the Provincial government in 2015 so please do not hesitate to ask for keys when you check in at the school office and if you are not provided with them, please notify us at the TVOT Office 519-641-3936. We will take the matter to HR for resolution with reference to the name of the school but not to the name of the Occasional Teacher.

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TVOT Executive for 2020 - 2021 -

Nominations for the TVOT Executive have closed and we are pleased to report that the following members will be acclaimed to the Local Executive 2020-2021 at our Fall General Meeting on October 21st:

• Terry Card, President (two year term to end June 30, 2022)
• Nancy Springer, First Vice-President
• Vivek Nath, Second Vice-President
• Kevin Utley, Treasurer
• Sharon Pinylo, Secretary
• David Griffith, Health and Safety Officer
• Chief Negotiator, Terry Card
• Collective Bargaining Committee (alphabetically): Farida Makhani, Vivek Nath, Sharon Pinylo, Nancy Springer, Kevin Utley

Elections will be held on October 21st via Zoom, to fill four Executive at large positions. 

Listed inn alphabetical order, the candidates are:

• Sean Cousins
• Meera Jain
• Farida Makhani
• Krisanne Nunes
• Vandana Sharma
• Cindy Webb

It is very unfortunate that we won't be able to meet you in person that day, but we urge you to join your peers for a virtual meeting. Zoom is accessible by computer, cell phone or any device with an internet connection. No camera or microphone will be necessary for participants as we will accept questions from members typing in the "Chat" feature. 

Registration at www.etfotvot.com is necessary at this membership meeting is restricted to TVOT members per our Local Constitution. 

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ETFO Provincial's Covid-19 Update  #16 -

Hopefully members have registered to receive these regular updates from the ETFO Provincial Office. 

This latest e-edition contains timely information on PPE, the requirement to isolate, when to file a WSIB claim because of exposure, remote learning assignments, report cards etc. 

Register at www.etfo.ca if you are not yet on their mailing list - you need to know!

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Cancellation of LTO Assignments / Leaving by Mutual Consent; Orange Shirt Day; Fall General Meeting; Project Overseas; ofid-19 Protocols

 Cancellation of LTO Assignments  

Our job as Occasional Teachers is to replace absent permanent Teachers. When that absence extends to 10 days, the Occasional Teacher filling the job is eligible to be paid according to their qualifications and previous post-certification teaching as negotiated in the TVOT Collective Agreement. Article L7.01 (b)

Under certain circumstances however, a long-term assignment with a posted end date can end prematurely. In those situations, the Agreement stipulates that the LTO will be notified 10 days before the end date, or will receive payment in lieu of this notice. If the assignment does not have a posted end date, then the LTO is entitled to 2 days notice or money in lieu of that notice. Article L5.07

Leaving a LTO Assignment by Mutual Consent

Should an LTO finds it necessary to relinquish their long-term assignment (for personal reasons, a need to hone certain skills etc.), the Agreement enables a member to provide two-weeks notice of their need to leave the assignment. The member would notify both their Principal and HR per Article L5.07.  In subsequent interviews for LTO positions, the member would address why they left and how these issues have been addressed in the interim.

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Orange Shirt Day -

Since 2013, September 30th has been a day when we are asked to honour all those Indigenous children who were taken from their families and sent to Residential Schools across Canada. One place students and Teachers can learn more about this history is - https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/what-is-orange-shirt-day#:~:text=Orange%20Shirt%20Day%20(September%2030th,the%20history%20of%20those%20schools.

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Fall General Meeting

Just a reminder to register on our website www.etfotvot.com for the Local's first "Virtual" Fall General Meeting to be held via Zoom on October 21, 2020 at 4:30 PM - 7 PM. 

Though we will not have the luxury of those lovely meals we've come to expect from the Lamplighter Inn, the business of the Local will carry on with the addition this Fall of the elections for the Local Executive, as this was postponed from May because of the pandemic.

Nominations for candidates close October 1, 2020 at 5 PM. The names of those seeking office will be posted on our Local website by the Elections Officer, shortly afterwards.

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Project Overseas 2021

Applications are now being accepted by ETFO Provincial at https://www.etfo.ca/BuildingAJustSociety/WorldIssues/Pages/ProjectOverseas.aspx .

Sixteen ETFO members will be selected to lead professional development for Teachers in countries such as Burkina Faso, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Uganda. Placements are generally from 3 - 5 weeks in length so if you are a Canadian citizen with at least five years of teaching experience, you might be interested in volunteering. Find out more from the link above.

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Changes to TVDSB Covid-19 Protocols

Please be sure to revisit the TVDSB Covid-19 Protocols posted by the Board as these are frequently being revised. As of today, Protocols 2,3,4,6,7,9,11,12,16,18 and 19 have been amended. The revisions appear at the end of each protocol document so make it a practice to check these regularly via the Staff Hub (accessible in the Employee Portal at the top right).

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