One Year Leave of Absence Deadline; Columbia Sportswear; Compensation during Covid; End of LTO Assignments

The Deadline is December 30th

Under the terms of our Collective Agreement, TVOT members can request up to 2 years leave of absence from the elementary OT List.  To apply, log into the Employee Portal and click on "LaserFiche - Electronic Forms" (blue border on the left hand side) where you can access the "HR Leave Request Form" for a "Leave of absence for one (1) year" under Article L10.16 for the full school year.  The form will ask for the name of your supervisor, Elisha Greenham. 

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Daily OT Compensation for Covid Related Leaves

1) The Provincial government's Infectious Disease Emergency Leave has been extended to July 31/22 and provides up to $200 per day for those who need to quarantine either for themselves or to look after children who must quarantine.  To access the Board's instructions for applying for this leave, refer to the memo of May 31st from Lorraine Stewart McIntyre in the Board's Outlook emails.

2) The Federal government has legislation pending to extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit which if passed, would also offer compensation to eligible TVOT members. 

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Did you know about Prep Time Payback?

Article 18.03 provides:

- (b) that when a TVOT member is hired to provide prep time coverage or IPRC coverage, that OT shall be assigned no more than 1 supervisory duty

- (c) that for a full day prep time payback assignment, the TVOT member is to be provided with 40 minutes at the start of the day, to prepare.

Collective Agreement provisions cannot be waived - these are binding conditions of employment agreed to by both the Union and by TVDSB.

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When a LTO Assignment ends before Report Cards

At the end of a long-term assignment, LTOs are expected to leave behind all of their assessments for the returning Teacher. Article L35.00 allows an Administrator to request that the member return for 1 day to assist with report cards after the assignment has ended, and the member will be paid for that day at their LTO grid rate.

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Though your TVOT Office will be closed for the holidays and reopen when school resumes in January, we will monitor emails to the TVOT Local on a weekly basis. 

If you have an emergency that requires ETFO Provincial assistance, please call their office at 1-888-838-3836.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2022!

Columbia Sportswear Invitation; Raise to Resource Rebate and PLDF; International Women's Day; ETFO Opportunities

We've Increased the Amounts!

The TVOT Executive has raised the Resource Rebate amount for members who purchase a resource related to their professional needs. Your Resource Rebate is now $60 per year and the deadline to apply is May 31st.

The TVOT Executive has also increased the amount that members who have been with the Local for 12 months can receive if their Professional Learning Development Fund/PLDF applications are approved. TVOT members can now receive up to $400 towards the cost of an approved AQ course or other professional development applicable to elementary teaching.

Both forms are available at www.etfotvot.com for members who have registered on the site.  For further information, contact your TVOT Office or call us at 519-641-3936.

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Pre-Order your ETFO Provincial T-Shirt for International Women's Day!

March 8/22 is International Women's Day/IWD and this year ETFO celebrates the feminist movement and thw work for justice and solidarity. You can order your IWD short featuring artwork by Emmie Tsumura 

There are two shirt styles to choose from at a cost of $10 each so visit Shop ETFO by January 5th to order yours.

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ETFO's Signature Women's Conference

Registration is now open for this populare conference being held on February 10-11th at the InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel. Guest speakers include former MP and activist Olivia Chow, Samantha Yammine/Science Sam and blogger Bee Quammie.

The registration fee is $50 and all female TVOT Occasional Teachers are eligible to apply. Provincial ETFO Office will pay the release time (salary) for those selected to attend.

Applications are due by January 3/21 at 5 PM.

For more information go to ETFO Events

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Don't Foget these New Paid PD Options!

TVDSB will be offering a great selection of professional development sessions for daily Occasional Teachers and those in LTOs of .5 or less, to take place on the upcoming January 14th PA Day. For all purposes, participation counts as time worked on a day when OTs would not usually have a chance to earn money. Registration is via the Employee Portal > Conference/Session Registrations > Elementary Occasional Teacher PD and the workshops include:

• Interactive coding K - 8 (AM and PM options)
• Online platforms for OTs
• Teaching Literacy in a Pinch (Primary and J/I sessions)
• Exploring TVDSB's Indigenous Education Resources (full day)
• Using Loose Parts in Kindergarten
• Literacy Skills for Gr. 7-8
• Relationships and the Kindergarten
• French Strategies for FSL

Take this opportunity and Earn While You Learn!

New Paid PD options; Increase to Resource Rebate and PLDF; Full Year Leaves of Absence

 

New Paid PD Options!

TVDSB will be offering a great selection of professional development sessions for daily Occasional Teachers and those in LTOs of .5 or less, to take place on the upcoming January 14th PA Day. For all purposes, participation counts as time worked on a day when OTs would not usually have a chance to earn money. Registration is via the Employee Portal > Conference/Session Registrations > Elementary Occasional Teacher PD and the workshops include:

• Interactive coding K - 8 (AM and PM options)
• Online platforms for OTs
• Teaching Literacy in a Pinch (Primary and J/I sessions)
• Exploring TVDSB's Indigenous Education Resources (full day)
• Using Loose Parts in Kindergarten
• Literacy Skills for Gr. 7-8
• Relationships and the Kindergarten
• French Strategies for FSL

Registration opens tomorrow (Dec. 2/21) so take this opportunity and Earn While You Learn!

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More Money for Members

Those who participated last week in our Fall General Meeting were the first to hear that the Executive has approved a raise to both the Resource Rebate and the Professional Learning Development Fund/PLDF.

This year, members can apply for up to $60 for professional resources related to their elementary teaching needs.

Those members who have been with us for 12 months may now apply for up to $400 from the Professional Learning Development Fund/PLDF. 

Applications for both can be found on our TVOT Website for those who have registered for access.

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Applications Now Being Accepted!

ETFO Provincial has posted applications for positions at the 2022 ETFO Provincial Annual Meeting being held in Toronto next summer. Positions include Poll Clerks and Parliamentarians. Those selected must be available from Sunday, August 14/22 to Thursday, August 18/22.

To access these forms and to find out more about each position, go to ETFO Annual Meeting Applications.

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Deadline Fast Approaching - 

Those members will not be able to teach this school year, for whatever reason, only have until December 30th to apply for a voluntary leave of absence for this current school year under the provisions of Article L10.16 so if this is you, then do not delay. OTs can access this Leave in the Employee Portal under the LaserFiche section on the left hand side.

As always, contact your Local at 519-641-3936 or by email if you need assistance.

It's tonight! Paid PD Opportunity; Absent EAs/ECEs; Paid Sick Leave; Provincial Conferences

 

TVOT Members Last Chance to Register

We would love to meet you at the TVOT Fall General Meeting being hosted via Zoom tonight - Nov. 24th at 5 PM.

Register by email at mail@etfotvot.com or by calling the Local Office at 519-641-3936.

You could win a new Lenova Chromebook!

Wed. November 24/21 - 5 PM via Zoom

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Earn While You Learn - Paid PD

Your OT Local is pleased to offer the online paid PD session "Inspire to Inquire" on Wednesday, December 8th at 4:30 PM.  The workshop will explore the inquiry-based learning process, student engagement and innovative thinking through hands-on learning. We will explore an inquiry approach that promotes student exploration through passion projects and Makerspace using low and high-tech tools to empower student voice.

Registration is via the TVDSB Employee Portal in Conference/Session Registrations, listed in the "Elementary Occasional Teacher PD 2021-2022."  This session is capped at 30 participants. 

Look for many new paid PD opportunities from TVDSB for the January 14th PA day with registration to open in the TVDSB Portal on December 1st. 

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TVOT Occasional Teachers and EA or ECE Absences

There is a critical shortage of EAs and ECEs in Thames Valley and so there is a problem replacing them when they are absent, Sometimes the Board may ask a TVOT member to be an additional Teacher in the room if  there is a EA or ECE absence. Please note that OTs do not do the work of other unions so on those occasions, the OT will not take on any EA or ECE duties - we are not trained for these.  Again, OTs will be an extra Teacher providing assistance in that classroom and such OTs will be paid as  a regular TVOT member that day.

Please do not hesitate to contact the office at 519-641-3936 / OT Local Office if there are difficulties.

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Ford Government’s Resistance to Paid Sick Leave

Ontario’s three temporary paid sick days are set to end however there remains a need to ensure that paid sick days are legislated so that they continue. 

London West MPP, Peggy Sattler (NDP) has proposed Bill 8 - Stay Home If You Are Sick Act, 2021 which would permanently provide 10 paid sick days with 14 additional paid sick days during public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, for all workers in Ontario. 

You may recall that one of the first acts of the Ford government was to roll back worker protections, including eliminating the Liberal government's paid sick leave - a direct attack on workers’ rights.  Even in the midst of the pandemic, the Ford government resisted calls for paid sick leave. As a result, sick workers had no choice but to go into their jobs - a contributing factor to the second and third wave of the pandemic.  Occasional Teachers are some of those workers who have had to work without adequate paid sick leave protection.

Educators recognize how the pandemic has affected students, particularly those with family members who work front-line jobs. They have been negatively affected by witnessing families struggle because of the lack of legislated, employer-paid sick days. 

It is time that the Ford government listens to front-line workers, and health and labour experts, and legislates 10 permanent paid sick days. 

We urge members to contact their MPPs and insist that they do what is right and support Bill 8. 

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What is usage-based insurance and is it right for you? 

Usage-based insurance (UBI), also known as pay-as-you-drive insurance, has recently spiked in popularity amongst Canadian drivers who find themselves driving less since the arrival of COVID-19. More drivers are looking for a way to be rewarded for their good driving habits. Wondering if usage-based car insurance is right for you? We’ve put together a guide to help break down the FAQs of UBI programs. 

Learn more at https://otipinsurance.com/article129.

One week from today; when leaving a LTO; Call Us

 

It's One Week From Today -

TVOT members will have a chance to meet your Local Executive and to bring forward your questions at a virtual meeting on Wednesday, November 24th at 5 PM. 

One lucky member will win a new Lenovo Chromebook!

To register, email your Local TVOT Office and we will send out the meeting link the day of the meeting. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

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When Leaving 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.

Ensure that you have submitted your QECO rating and proof of any previous post-certification 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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Did You Know?

L5.07 (c)     A Short-Term or Long-Term Occasional Teacher hired to replace an absent Teacher, properly subject qualified for such position, will not be replaced by another Occasional Teacher other than by mutual agreement of the Occasional Teacher and the Board.

                    A Long-Term Occasional Teacher may leave an assignment by mutual agreement with two (2) weeks notice or until a suitable replacement is found. 

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How to maintain a vehicle you don’t drive often

From decreasing your commute to putting your car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road!

Learn more at https://otipinsurance.com/article128

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We only know if you tell us!

Whether you have issues with your pay, difficulty with an assignment(s), need to know what to do next or you just want a different perspective contact Your TVOT Office  - we are here to support you!

Win a Chromebook; Workplace Violence Workshop; Benefits for LTOs; Lest We Forget!

 

Win a New Chromebook!

We would love to meet you at the TVOT Fall General Meeting being hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 24th at 5 PM.

Register by email at mail@etfotvot.com or by calling the Local Office at 519-641-3936.

You could win a new Lenova Chromebook!

Wed. November 24/21 - 5 PM via Zoom

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LTOs and PD Days under the Collective Agreement -

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 includes any Professional Activity Day scheduled the last day of school in June provided the permanent Teacher being replaced does not return to work that day.

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Benefits for LTOs 

TVOT members in LTOs longer than 90 calendar days are eligible for benefits. Notification will come to you on your Board email once that information has been processed. Coverage will be retroactive to the beginning of the assignment so be sure to keep any eligible receipts. 

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the plan click on ETFO Employee Life & Health Trust .

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Winter AQ Courses

Registration is now open for ETFO AQs - courses taught for Teachers by Teachers. 

For more information visit ETFO AQ courses.

The deadline to register is January 4th, 2022.

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Home insurance 101 for homeowners and renters

The word “home” means something different to everyone. Whether home is a detached house, a duplex, a townhouse, or a condo, it’s important to ensure that your home and belongings are protected. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you determine what type of insurance policy is best suited for you and your home. 

 Learn more at https://otipinsurance.com/article127.

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TVOT Fall General Meeting; OTIP Contest; Treaties Recognition Week

TVOT Fall General Meeting - via Zoom

Wednesday, November 24th at 5 PM

Registration by email: mail@etfotvot.com 

or call: 519-641-3936

* Door prize of a new Chromebook *

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Notice of Proposed Constitutional Amendments to be presented at the Fall General Meeting - 

- Article III: Change "The objects of the Local shall be" to read "The objectives …" ; also change the title from "Objects" to "Objectives"

- 7.2.5: under duties of the Treasurer, combine (b) and (d) so that it reads: "to ensure the accuracy and detail of the Local's financial records, including the amounts held in each of the Local's separate funds, based on the fiscal year July 1 to June 30;"

- 7.2.5 (i): put capitals on "General Meeting" for consistency

- 7.2.6 (d): expand "CBC" to read "Collective Bargaining Committee"

- 7.2.6 (f): under duties of the Chief Negotiator, clarify the process to read: "i) to present  a draft of proposed preliminary submission to the Local Executive for approval; ii) then to send the proposed preliminary submission to ETFO Provincial for approval; iii) then to present the preliminary submission to the membership for approval; iv) and then to present the approved preliminary submission to the Board;"

- 7.2.7 (c): under duties of the Health and Safety Officer, amend to read: "to conduct and/or arrange for annual audits at sites for which the Local is responsible;"

- 7.3.4 (f): under duties of the Collective Bargaining Committee insert new clause to read, "present the proposed preliminary submission to the Local Executive for approval;" to mirror process set out in 7.2.6 

- 8.3.2 (b): add relevant articles from the Local Constitution linking a description of the duties for each position, so that it reads: " elect

• a President: Articles 6.1.3 and 7.2.1
• Vice President(s): Articles 7.2.2 and 7.2.3
• a Secretary: Article 7.2.4
• a Treasurer: Article 7.2.5
• a Chief Negotiator: Article 7.2.6
• a Health and Safety Officer: Article 7.2.7
• up to four Executive Members at Large: Articles 7.1.1 - 7.1.14
• the Collective Bargaining Committee members: Article 7.3.4

- 13.1: capital on the word "Local" for consistency

The Local will also be presenting for approval at this meeting:

- The Terms of Reference for the Building Fund

- The General Fund

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Treaties Recognition Week 

November 1-7, 2021 

In addition to the resources we highlighted last week, you may consider contacting the Indigenous Education Officer for the London Region JoAnn Henry and be sure to visit Treaties Recognition Week for further resources and more information about treaties.

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DEADLINE EXTENDED! 

Enter OTIP’s contest for a chance to win $10,000 in cash or 1 of 2 $500 Via Rail gift cards. You could save for your child’s education, buy a new car or plan a much-needed getaway! https://bit.ly/33O8UaF #OTIPupdate

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Provincial ETFO Bargaining Survey; 2 TVDSB Subsidies for AQs; Treaties Recognition Week; Brightspace and Google Classroom Resources

ETFO Provincial wants to hear from you! 

ETFO Collective Agreements expire in August 2022 but the goal setting process is already in the works. Member input is a vital part of this process so please take this opportunity to participate in ETFO Provincial's Goal Setting Survey. For more information visit ETFO Provincial Survey 

The deadline is November 2, 2021. 

(Please look for our Local membership survey in November for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate.) 

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Two New AQ Subsidies from TVDSB

1) French AQ Funding or Occasional Teachers Only:

TVDSB is offering a $200 reimbursement to active OTs who work at least 20 days this school year, for those who complete their French AQ course no later than July 31, 2022. Contact Terri Manning in Staff Development for further details.

2) Math AQ Funding:

TVDSB Teachers are eligible for up to $650 upon successful completion of any of the following AQ courses between Sept. 1/21 and Aug. 31/22:

- Mathematics, Primary and Junior, Part 1 or Part 2 or Part 3

- Mathematics, Grades 7 and 8

- Mathematics, Senior ABQ

- Mathematics, Honours Specialist

Further details are available in TVDSB's Outlook email from Jessica Grison Roeder of October 6, 2021 found in the Occasional Teacher folder.

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Roundabouts don’t have to be scary

 October usually brings images of ghosts, goblins, skeletons and other classic “spooky season” frights. If driving through a roundabout is on your list of “spooky” things, read on.

While roundabouts have become increasingly popular in Canada over the years, they still make up only a small fraction of the country’s intersections and continue to leave many Canadian drivers apprehensive. But navigating a roundabout doesn’t have to be scary! 

Learn more at https://www.otipinsurance.com/article125.

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Treaties Recognition Week 

November 1-7, 2021

For more information click on Interactive information on Treaties or Ontario Government resources for Indigenous Week

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Brightspace and Google Classroom Resources for OTs:  

Want to become more familiar with starting your day in Brightspace and Google Classroom? Here is a link to TVDSB's Sharepoint where you can check  this self-guided resource at your convenience - TVDSB digital resources

Please contact Terri Manning in System Staff Development if you have any questions.  N.B. This is not paid PD.

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