ETFO Thames Valley Occasional Teachers' Local: Snow Day Cancellations; OCT fees; Full Year Leave From TVDSB; Pensionable Teaching Years; New Paid PD Sessions; Columbia Store Invitations

- The TVOT Local has heard from many daily OT members who had their jobs cancelled during one of the recent snow days. It is the Union's position that many of these jobs were cancelled without the 2 hours advance notice provided by our Collective Agreement. The Local asks members to be patient and stay tuned as we work to resolve this issue with TVDSB.

- TVDSB automatically deducts the annual Ontario College of Teachers' (OCT) fee from the salary of those who are in a long-term assignment at the beginning of each January. OCT fees are due in January.

- TVOT members only have until December 30th to request a full year leave of absence for the current school year. To apply go to Laserfiche (left hand side in the TVDSB Employee Portal). This is a leave under Article L10.16 and the supervisor for this purpose is Roxanne Jones at roxanne.jones@tvdsb.ca

- TVDSB only requires daily OTs to teach 10 days per school year in order to remain on the elementary OT List.

- The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan requires daily OTs to work more than 10 days i.e., 11 days for that year to count as a year of teaching for pension eligibility purposes.

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Newly posted in-person Paid Professional Development sessions are now open for registration through TVDSB. The Local will be hosting "A Night of Arts" after-school workshops with dinner on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and a full day session with lunch on the following day which is a TVDSB PD day -

Where: BMO Centre London, 295 Rectory St., London

When: Thursday Jan. 16th, 2025 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

A buffet dinner will be served. Please advise the Local if you have any dietary restrictions. E-mail us at: mail@etfotvot.com

Sessions include -

Exploring Elements of Design through Ceramic Painting.

Come out for a relaxing evening where participants will explore both elements and principles of design while painting ceramic objects. Learn about basic elements of designs such as line, shape, shade, space, colour while exploring techniques such as pointillism and, abstraction. Learn to create a foundation of design principles with a focus on proportion, balance, repetition, etc. Participants will have a choice of painting a mug, bowl, or plate!

Empowering Students through Drama!

Inclusive classrooms allow students creative expression of their unique interests while allowing for personal investment and accountability in meaningful, enriching activities. This workshop will focus on the use of dramatic techniques with a focus on effective collaboration with peers, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Participants will learn to use dramatization to connect abstract ideas and make them relatable to students with a focus on understanding, while giving students the structure to share their voices.

Using Abstract Art Expression to Include All Learners: An Indigenous Perspective

Learn to use elements and techniques of expressive art to allow students to consider and express the profound statement “I AM!” This Indigenous led, hands-on workshop will allow participants to consider shape and form, space, colour, texture and much more using a variety of mediums and techniques as they create pieces of abstract art. Abstract art allows students of all levels and abilities to express their inner self in engaging, unique artistic creations. This workshop will have an emphasis on activities that promote mindfulness, individual expression, and a structured safe space for creative exploration and artistic risk-taking!

Then on the PD Day on January 17th, the Local will host a full day PD session with lunch at the BMO Centre:

When: Friday Jan.17th 9am to 3:30 pm

Where: BMO Centre

A buffet lunch will be served. Please advise the Local if you have any dietary restrictions. E-mail us at: mail@etfotvot.com

Addressing Challenging Behaviours in the Classroom

Feelings of anxiety and stress are a normal part of occasional teaching but how we manage these emotions is both critical to our success as well as our students. This workshop will help us realize that we have more control than we often realize. This workshop will help participants consider strategies to create expectations with the goals of mutual respect and a positive learning environment. We’ll explore the crucial importance of mindset, getting students on task, timely and consistent skill-based interventions as well as responding to disruptions appropriately with care as a guiding principle. Learn simple-yet-effective strategies to engage and motivate the most challenging of students.

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It was such a pleasure to spend time and enjoy a lovely festive dinner with our members at the TVOT Fall General Meeting last week.

The donations which our members so generously donated for Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre have been delivered. Merrymount has asked that we pass along their gratitude -