To Members from ETFO Provincial -
https://www.etfo.ca/resources/
Dear Thames Valley Staff,
You may be aware of recent incidents involving the theft and vandalism of Pride flags at schools in our region, including schools within our own board. These are not isolated acts of mischief. They are targeted, hate-motivated acts. I am writing this message to let 2SLGBTQIA+ staff know you are seen, you are valued, and you belong here fully.
Thames Valley's commitment to every student and employee who walks through our doors is unwavering. That is true on the easiest days, and it is equally true now.
We know that for many of you, this moment may have stirred up feelings that go well beyond these specific incidents, and we do not take that lightly. Our responsibility is to keep working to make Thames Valley a place where you do not have to carry that weight alone.
If you or a colleague feels unsafe or targeted, please reach out. You are not alone in this. Incidents can be reported to your supervisor, and if for any reason that does not feel like the right path, you can also contact your superintendent or Jeff Beynon, Superintendent of Safe Schools and Wellbeing. If you need personal support, please remember that we have the Employee Assistance Program. All reports will be taken seriously and escalated appropriately. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incidents that have occurred.
To support students, please continue to check in with them. Some will be watching closely to see how the adults around them respond. Your calm, affirming presence matters. If students bring it up, name it honestly, acknowledge that these acts are harmful, and affirm that our schools need to be safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
Pride Month is about visibility and belonging, and those things are alive in our schools because of the people in them. Thank you for the care you bring to students every day, and especially right now.
Sincerely,
Bill Tucker
_________________________
Don't Forget These Important Deadlines -
- June 26, 4PM - mandatory online training modules are due. Here are the 16 modules that must be completed:
- July 4, 4 PM - claims for missed prep periods must be submitted for payment
- July 31 - QECO ratings must be submitted for retroactive salary adjustment for LTOs in 2025 - 2026
- July 31 - deadline to submit proof of post-certification teaching experience for grid placement for LTOs in 2025 - 2026
- August 31 - deadline to submit annual Offence Declaration (regardless of whether you submitted a vulnerable sector check)
- September 2,3 - PA Days: LTOs will attend; N.B., there may be paid PD opportunities for daily OTs those days so check your TVDSB emails for more information
- September 8, classes begin
_______________________
___________________________________
Should an emergency occur where members require assistance from ETFO Provincial, you can contact them at 1-888-838-3836.
________________
Time to Say Farewell -
It was more than twenty-five years ago, when I stepped into the role of your Local President. The Thames Valley District School Board had just been created by amalgamation and this new Local was negotiating its first Collective Agreement. As a former Middlesex OT, I had not been unionized so my days would be filled with additional duties for a daily rate of $137 whether I replaced the same Teacher for 1 day or for 30 days. The prospect of bargaining for better (and in my case, any) terms and conditions of employment was irresistible. It was an ordeal but with only eight minutes until the strike deadline, we reached our first Collective Agreement with TVDSB. What had seemed unachievable, became reality because of the collective determination and support of our membership. (And our daily rate increased to $155.)
As President, I have been the public face of our Local, but incredible teams have been working here on your behalf, two of whom will also be retiring this month:
- Many of you recognize that Nancy Springer has been with our Local since 2003, serving as your Vice President for most of those years, before taking on the duties of Treasurer and now, Executive at Large. Nancy has been an unwavering advocate for our members, a passionate supporter of LTOs experiencing difficulty in their assignments and always empathetic to the needs of our membership. In short, Nancy has been instrumental to every success this Local has achieved.
- Hard to believe but Debbie Laxer has been our Administrative Assistant for 15 years. It has been Debbie’s kind and patient voice that greets you when you call or visit the office, and Debbie who registers members at our events and responds to inquiries about our Resource Rebate and PLDF programs. Behind the scenes, it has been Debbie who has organized our events, helped us manage our books and generally kept the affairs of this busy Local in order.
Terry Card, Local President
_______________
