Deadline Dec. 30/22; What's the Difference: Emergency Supplies, Uncertified OTs and Interim Certificates? Fifth Disease

 

What's the Difference?

Our TVOT members should have as much work as they wish since each day there are unfilled Teacher absences due to the OT shortage. (If you are not receiving calls, then log into TVARRIS and ensure you have completed your school selection and that your availability and contact information there is accurate.)

To address this shortage, for the first time in the history of the Board, TVDSB has hired hundreds of non-teachers to cover classroom assignments. The Education Act allows them to do so: "Where no teacher is available, a board may appoint, subject to section 22, a person who is not a teacher or a temporary teacher."

In TVDSB, this means an absent Teacher may be replaced in the following order by a:

1. OTE/OTS - an Occasional Teacher certified by OCT or Occasional Teacher with an OCT interim certificate (these are TVOT members with the rights and protections of our Collective Agreement);

2. UOTE - someone currently registered in a Faculty of Education; UOTEs can only be used when no OTE is available (they are not members and their salary reflects this); 

3. Emergency Supplies - someone with a university degree but no teaching education; only to be used when no OTE is available (they are not members and are paid the least).

As certified Teachers, our TVOT members must always have the first opportunity to teach in Thames Valley classrooms. If this does not happen then please contact your TVOT Local at etfotvot@gmail.com or 519-641-3936.

TVOT members are fully certified - 

We are indeed, real Teachers!

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Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre wishes to pass along their sincere gratitude for the generous support of those who attended our Fall General Meeting on November 30th at the Elm Hurst Inn in Ingersoll: "Your gifts and donations help ensure Merrymount's critical supports reach children and their families when they have nowhere else to turn. We are so grateful to have supporters like you in our community...Your contributions will truly make a difference..."

Here is just a sampling of the generosity of those who attended - 

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DEADLINE: December 30, 2022

Under the terms of our Collective Agreement, members can take up to two (2) years leave of absence from the elementary panel by logging into the Employee Portal and clicking on Laserfiche - Electronic Forms (in the blue border on the left hand side). There you can access the HR Leave Request Form for a "A leave of absence for one (1) year" as provided by Article L10.16. The form will ask for the name of your supervisor. This is Clare MacMillan (even for LTOs) and the email is clare.macmillan@tvdsb.ca. 

The deadline to request a leave of absence for the 2022 - 2023 school year is December 30/22. N.B. TVOT members who are not on a Board approved leave, are required to teach 10 days in elementary in order to remain on the OT List.

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FIFTH DISEASE, also known as erythema infectiosum (EI) or “slapped cheek syndrome,” is a very common viral respiratory infection that is contagious even before the rash appears. Fifth Disease occurs in child care settings, schools, and in the general community. It can lead to health problems for pregnant employees and for persons with chronic blood disorders or depressed immune systems. These employees should consult with their health care provider about the risks of Fifth Disease.

Schools with outbreaks are to post a notice to this effect at all entrances. TVARRIS calls will also note the outbreak at a site.

High risk TVOT members are urged to check for immunity to Fifth Disease before becoming pregnant as LTOs will need to use sick leave days as they await such test results. 

For more information, check TVDSB's Policy and Procedure document regarding Fifth Disease, available onlie at tvdsb.ca.

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Shop Safely Online This Holiday Season

Online shopping has become a big part of many Canadians' lives.  As an online shopper, you get to avoid checkout lines, scout for the best prices and shop whenever you want – all from the comfort of your home. Here are nine online shopping safety tips to help prevent scams and protect yourself and your family this holiday season.

Read more at www.otip.com/article157.

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Continue to Keep Track!

Your TVOT Collective Agreement provides that a daily OT assumes the schedule of the absent Teacher they are replacing, including scheduled prep periods and supervisory duties. Your TVOT Local is again advocating that members who lose prep periods, be compensated for this violation of the Agreement. We urge members to note each occurence and how many minutes were lost and we will advise members if we reach an agreement.

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Only Twelve More Teaching Days Until Winter Break!