Halton Highlights Happy Mother's Day and Happy Father's Day - May/June 2019 - OECTA Halton
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Halton Highlights
May/June 2019
Happy Mother's Day and Happy Father's Day
One of the greatest titles in the world is parent. One of the life's greatest
blessings is to have a parent who loves and supports you.
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Nina March, President
Halton Elementary OECTA
It will not come as a surprise to many of you that in the Unit office we receive more calls and emails from
permanent teachers from January through the end of June about the Board’s mysterious transfer process, than
any other issue and/or all other issues combined. These calls and emails originate from frustrated teachers who
have many worries about whether they will be able to maintain their current positions or if they will be able to
transfer out of a current worksite to one where they can:
• get a fresh start
• experience professional development opportunities
• leave a difficult work environment
• meet the needs of their families while remaining at work
• have medical accommodations met by the school board
The Board’s process begins in January where all teachers are provided with a Teacher Preference form. The form
notes that the teacher should provide three (3) options for teaching assignments at their current school location,
in the event that transfers are necessary.
There is no definition for the word necessary. The nebulous “needs of the school” phrase gives both
Administrators all of the discretion with regard to in school teaching assignments and Human Resources all of the
discretion with regard to the transfer process, where teachers can apply to vacant positions to work in another
school.
In the HCDSB a teacher has the right to apply to vacant teaching assignments that are posted to the teacher
transfer process – Full Stop.
Teachers have no language in the Collective Agreement that outlines what your rights are with regard to how you
can expect to receive a vacant teaching assignment on the rounds. There is no priority given to teachers with more
seniority than other applicants. There is no language noting that if a teacher has tried to “get out” of a worksite for
(x) years that priority will be given to that person in the rounds. Teachers have a right to apply and the board has
all of the discretion in awarding the jobs or not awarding jobs. There have been times when, despite the fact that
qualified teachers have applied to specific, vacant job postings, the board has reposted the job as if no one applied
at all.
The union recognizes that this historical language that cements the Board’s management rights around transfers is
a problem for many teachers. This process is not transparent and you have no real ability to determine where you
will work. The board has expressed no interest in changing this language. If teachers want it changed, you will
have to support your local bargaining team during this round of negotiations.
Page 2
Save the Dates:
June 28, 2019 is the last day of school!!
Please note, no teacher is required to be in their school building for any purpose between
Saturday, June 29, 2019 – Monday, September 2, 2019.
If there are transitional meetings that are necessary for students with IEPs, those meetings should be conducted in
June when your classroom is set up. If there are other students present and working, the transitioning child will
have a better understanding of what he/she can expect his/her new classroom to be like.
If “invitational” sessions of any kind are called during the summer, you are not required to attend, cannot be
compelled to attend, are not responsible for any information disseminated during this invitational session and no
operational items, i.e. scheduling gym, computers, library, safety training, etc., should be completed at meetings
outside of the school year. If you or your teaching colleagues have nothing better to do and you want to attend an
invitational session – feel free. Please remember that it is your choice and like it is your choice you cannot compel
someone else to attend. Your administrator(s) may send an email to provide staff with information prior to the
start of the first day of school. You should be aware and review this information.
Finally, there can be some WSIB implications to going to your worksite over the summer. Please be sure to read
Tara’s Topic of the Month for more information on this.
Information:
The Unit recently met with the school board to discuss Occasional Teacher issues. We were informed by the board
that they recently had a conference call with the College of Teachers where they were informed that Occasional
Teachers who had been disciplined and denied access to a specific school due to that discipline, would have to
have their names sent to the College. The reason for the discipline is irrelevant.
This has not previously been a common practice of the school board.
The board also noted that the OCT appeared to be advising the HCDSB to lower the threshold for submitting OCT
members’ names to the College, both permanent and occasional. The College would then make the determination
about whether to investigate.
This is very concerning to the Union. It appears that the OCT is creating a make work project on the backs of
teachers. We have currently reached out to other locals to determine if their school boards were provided the
same message.
In the meantime, if you receive a phone call or letter from the OCT identifying that there has been a complaint
made and they are considering an investigation, please tell them, “I am willing to cooperate but I must speak with
my Union first.” You would then contact the Unit office for support right away. To clarify, please do not make any
other statement without union representation.
Page 3
While this next school year promises to have its challenges, they can be overcome with support from
colleagues, your family, friends and OECTA. Remember you are not alone. We are all in this together and
together we are stronger.
Be sure to take some time for yourself to rest, recharge and enjoy all of life’s blessings.
On behalf of the Halton Elementary Executive, it has been our honour to represent you this past school
year. Have a safe and happy summer.
In solidarity,
Nina March
President
OECTA, Halton Elementary
I’m Moving: What Should I Do About My Home Insurance Policy?
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it’s also a very busy time. While you start checking off the
boxes on your moving to-do list, it’s important to remember that your home insurance has to be taken care
of well before your move-in date. Take a look at the moving and home insurance frequently asked questions
below so that you can look forward to making memories in your new home, confident that you have the
coverage you need.
To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article40
Page 4
Thank you Nina for serving as the Halton Elementary and
Halton Elementary Occasional Teacher Unit President.
All the best as you enter your new role in Counselling and
Member Services at the Provincial OECTA office.
2019-2020 HEU OECTA EXECUTIVE
President
Tara Hambly
1st Vice-President
Alicia Nunn, St. Timothy
2nd Vice President
Victoria Lipinski, St. Elizabeth Seton
3rd Vice-President
Jennifer De Meo, St. Nicholas
Treasurer
Krista Hutchinson, St. Joan of Arc
Recording Secretary
Kim Sas, St. Dominic
Councillors
Monica Bertuzzi-Matthews, St. Catherine of Alexandria
Lesia Kilyk, St. Catherine of Alexandria
Jill Mercer, St. Scholastica
Rose Pomponio, St. Gabriel
Alberta Erme, Our Lady of Fatima
OT Representative
Jessica Belmonte, St. Anthony of Padua
Page 5
TEACHERS
AID
or
You
As k f
OECTA advisor are not h e lp
Real life situations and solutions alone
By Joe Pece
Teaching is one of the most rewarding The Counselling and Member Services stress and establish a healthy approach
professions, but it is also one of the most Department developed the booklet to challenges you face as a teacher. The
demanding. Research shows that more and Managing Stress and Promoting Wellness: booklet contains a number of practical
more teachers are dealing with stress as a A guide for teachers on managing stress in the suggestions that you can adopt to create
result of their job, and it is contributing to workplace and beyond, which was recently a healthier work environment as well as
an increasing number of teachers leaving provided to all OECTA members and is reduce the impact of stress in your life.
the profession. available on the OECTA website, www.
oecta.on.ca, in the Contracts and Rights Additionally, every school board has some
As a teacher, managing the stress you section. This resource presents a summary form of Employee Assistance Program
experience, and the triggers that cause of concepts, ideas and suggestions to help (EAP) that offers access to services and
your stress, is critical to creating a healthy teachers deal with frustration, stress, professionals who provide external and
and productive work environment and burnout and other mental health related confidential support. Most programs offer
maintaining your overall health and well issues that can result from unprecedented some free services and/or counselling
being. pressures imposed on classroom teachers in the areas of family, marriage/divorce,
today. depression, grief, addiction, finances,
Interactions with co-workers, anger and stress management.
administration, students and parents The Managing Stress booklet is intended
can create a stressful workplace, even to help you assess your circumstances, OECTA can help you obtain support
under the best of circumstances. become aware of your responses to through your EAP and will be able to
Some of the more common workplace answer questions regarding access to sick
stressors for teachers include: leave, short-term disability (SSP) and/or
• Major change long-term disability (LTD) and workplace
• Teacher Performance Appraisal accommodations, if needed.
• Lack of peer support
• Reporting to parents By recognizing and addressing problems
• Limited affirmation of work early, you can prevent more serious issues
• Heavy workload, long working from developing and can create a healthier
hours, large class sizes and more productive work environment
• Conflict with other teachers and for you and your students.
professionals
Advice is always available through your
• Little opportunity to participate in
local OECTA unit or the provincial
decision making
Counselling and Member Services
• Lack of administrative supports Department.
• Unreasonable expectations
Everyone’s triggers and reactions to Joe Pece is the Department Head for the
stress are different. Managing your Counselling and Member Services Department
stress starts with identifying sources of at OECTA Provincial Office.
stress in your personal and work life.
Page 6
Tara’s Topic of the Month –
Any time you are injured at work or become ill due to workplace conditions and need to seek medical attention
you should be filing a WSIB claim and informing your administrator. Your administration will then complete an
Accident/Incident Report to be submitted to the Board office.
If your doctor indicates on an FAF or any other medical documentation that the accident/illness may be work
related, a claim should be filed and WSIB will determine whether or not it is work related.
A claim can be opened in one of two ways:
1. You are injured at work and seek medical attention from a doctor. When you are receiving medical
attention, you should be informing the doctor that you sustained the injury at work. The doctor
will then fill out a WSIB Form 8 and submit it to WSIB. You are then required to inform your
administration that you sought medical attention for a workplace injury. Once the Board is aware,
the Board will complete a WSIB Form 7 using the information provided and submit it to WSIB. You
would then be responsible for completing WSIB Form 6 which is your account of the injury.
2. Your doctor determines you require a medical leave of absence (including Traumatic Mental Stress)
and believes it is related to the workplace. When your doctor completes a Functional Abilities
Form (FAF) they would be required to check off “Occupational Illness” and they would complete
the WSIB Form 8. The FAF is returned to you and the WSIB Form 8 is submitted by the doctor
directly to WSIB. Once the Board is aware a claim is being made they may try to contact you so
that they can clarify the information for an Accident/Incident Report so that they can complete the
WSIB Form 7. If your doctor determines you require a medical leave of absence related to the
workplace you should be contacting the Unit office ASAP.
When time off for a WSIB claim is required the absence is to be booked off using the “WSIB Pending” code. All
days related to the claim should be booked off under this code. If you are approved by WSIB, those days
would be paid at 100% and would not be deducted from your sick leave allocation.
The Unit receives a copy of the WSIB Form 7 from the Board (usually within a month of the claim being
submitted) so we are eventually aware of the claims being made. If you have questions or concerns (require
further assistance) please contact the Unit directly by personal email or phone.
As per the Collective Agreement, the Unit is informed and invited to all WSIB return to work meetings and we
attend those to advocate for members. Aside from that, we are not authorized to speak to the WSIB on behalf
Page 7
of members unless the member has completed and submitted an Authorization Letter to WSIB. If you require
assistance or would like Union representation for a WSIB claim please contact the Unit office for an Authorization
letter.
As with all Accident/Incident Reports sometimes witnesses to the injury/illness may be named on a WSIB form
however, the Unit is not provided any information or details from WSIB or the Board about whether individuals
named as possible witnesses are contacted or not. If you are contacted by the Board or WSIB as a witness to a
claim we encourage you to contact the Unit office ASAP. You can tell the individual asking to speak to you that
“you are willing to cooperate; however, you would like to speak to your Union first.” This should be respected,
and time should be provided to you to contact the Unit office. If we are contacted, we can attend the
interview/meeting with you for support. If you are uncomfortable speaking to WSIB regarding another individual,
you have the right to decline such an interview/meeting.
If you intend to go into the school during the summer to prepare your classroom it is imperative to request
permission, via email, to go into the school to work and ensure that approval from your principal is provided
in writing. If you are in the school working over the summer months and become injured WSIB may deny
you unless you can prove you had permission to be in the schools on the outside the 194 instructional days
of the school year, this also goes for the week before school starts, when teachers go in to set up. If your
principal has not sent out an email informing you when the school is open for teachers to come in to set up,
send an email to confirm what days and times you are able to work in the school.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information or require assistance with WSIB please
contact the Unit office so that we may support you in any way we can.
In solidarity,
Tara Hambly
1st Vice-President, OECTA
Halton Elementary Unit
Page 8Health and Safety Minute: Top 10 Tips
for a Safe and Healthy Summer
The Canadian Cancer Society has published a list of tips for a safe and healthy summer. The following are some
of the tips from the site.
1. Cover up! Keeping your skin covered is the best way to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Practice safe grilling. Did you know that cooking meat, fish and poultry at high temperatures may increase
your risk of cancer.
3. Get active. Take advantage of the weather and time off to increase your levels of activity.
4. Wear your sunglasses. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with high quality sunglasses and shield your eyes
from the harmful UV rays.
5. Enjoy the season’s fresh and locally grown produce.
6. Use sunscreen properly. Choose an appropriate SPF and remember to reapply.
7. Don’t take a break from healthy eating habits.
8. Make your own shade. Planting trees and using garden structures are great ways to reduce your sun
exposure. UV rays can still damage your skin through scattered clouds.
For more tips and information on the ones listed above, please visit cancer.ca
In solidarity,
Krista Hutchinson
HEU Executive Treasurer, HEU Health and Safety Chair
Page 9Planning a Summer Road Trip Through Canada on a Budget
Canada is known worldwide for its natural beauty. With rolling hills, sparkling blue waters, boreal forests,
natural parks and mountain peaks, Canada really has it all.
If you’re looking to explore more of this beautiful country over the summer without breaking the bank,
follow this helpful guide of national attractions you can visit that won’t cost you much more than the gas
required to take you there.
To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article41
FAQ: Insuring Recreational Vehicles and Seasonal Properties
With the weather heating up and summer vacation quickly approaching, you’re probably thinking more
about trips to the cottage or camping trips in the RV rather than your insurance.
However, summer activities that involve the use of recreational vehicles or seasonal properties often require
specialized insurance coverage. It’s important to regularly review your insurance policies for these seasonal
items with your broker so that you can be confident that you and your loved ones are protected.
To learn more, click here: www.otipinsurance.com/article42
Page 10HEU
Top Ten free (or inexpensive) things to do in the GTA
There are so many to choose from.
10. Ride the Go Train! Kids under 12 ride free on the Go Train and Go Bus.
9. Go to Ontario provincial parks. The cost of a summer vehicle pass is $125, from April 1 - November 30, 2019
www.ontarioparks.com
8. Go to the Burlington Sound of Music Festival on Father’s Day weekend www.soundofmusic.ca
7. Go to an Art Gallery. Both the Hamilton and Burlington Art Galleries offer free exhibits.
www.artgalleryofburlington.com www.artgalleryofhamilton.com
6. In the Halton Region there are many family friendly parks with playgrounds and splash pads.
For more information, visit your city’s website.
5. Summer is the season for annual ribfests where you will often find great BBQ, fun activities and live bands.
www.canadaslargestribfest.com (Burlington Ribfest)
4. Go visit one of the area’s many waterfalls. Google “Waterfalls Hamilton” and “Waterfalls Halton” for more
information.
3. Attend a production at the local theatre www.theatreburlington.on.ca or if live theatre is not your thing,
you might enjoy Movie Under the Stars. For more information go to the City of Burlington website.
2. Go to the Oakville Children’s Festival and/or the Burlington Children’s Festival where you can enjoy free
entertainment. For information on these festivals and others around Halton go to your local city webpages.
1. Join the Toronto Labour Day Parade. This is a family friendly event and participants receive free entry to the
CNE grounds following the parade. For more information contact Nina and Tara in the Unit office, prior to
June 28th.
Whatever you choose to do this summer, we hope that you enjoy a blessed, fun and relaxing summer
with those you love.
Page 11Page 12
Pope Frances encourages us to appreciate that, as stewards of God’s creations, we are called to make the earth
a beautiful garden for the human family. Did you know that there are many flowers and plants which have
Christian meaning? Have you ever considered planting a garden based on a religious theme? Why not include
some of these flowers and plants in your garden this spring?
Clover = the trinity Ivy – faithfulness
Carnation = love Lily – purity
Cyclamen = Virgin Mary’s sorrow Lily of the Valley – Christ’s advent
Daisy = innocence Poppy – the Passion
Holly = Jesus’ passion Rose – heavenly joy
Hyacinth – peace of mind Violet – humility
http://www.planetgast.net/symbols/plants/plants.html
In solidarity,
Jill Mercer
HEU Executive Councillor
Page 13Gardening for the Soul
Page 14PD Retrospective
Did you know that you may be able to get some money for courses and conferences through your OECTA,
Halton Elementary Unit?
In the last few months, we have given our HEU permanent and Occasional Teacher Member’s subsidies for the
following professional development:
AQ/ABQ:
• Special Education Part 1
• Mathematics Primary/Junior Part 2
• Kindergarten Specialist
• Intermediate Division Math
• English Language Learners
Conferences:
• Solutions for learning
• Self-Regulation and Inclusive Schooling
• Reading for the love of it
If you are interested in accessing the PD subsidy for Halton Elementary teachers, please go to
www.haltonoecta.ca and look for the application form under PD subsidy in the drop down menu.
Please be sure to read and complete the form, fully and submit it to admin@haltonoecta.ca for consideration.
There are currently lots of great OECTA courses and OECTA PD to consider.
In solidarity,
Jennifer De Meo
HEU Executive Councillor
Page 15Page 16
Occasional Teachers Update
Congratulations to all those who participated in the Long-Term Occasional interviews in May. We wish you
every success!
A few important items to share:
• In order to stay on the occasional teacher roster, the minimum number of days an occasional teacher
is required to work in a school year is 10. Please make sure you have worked at least 10 days this
school year if you wish to remain eligible for occasional work with the board.
• If you are scheduled to work at a school for a half day, you may let the Smartfind administrator know
you are available to work the other half of the day. You may be assigned planning time payback or
meet another need at the school. You can contact Rema at extension 152 or send her an email.
• Human resources shared they expect to hire elementary teachers at the same rate as the last 3 or 4
years. This is positive news for all occasional teachers seeking permanent work with the board.
• Looking for some affordable professional learning? OECTA offers mini courses. They are short,
one-month, online courses, requiring about 25 hours of time with a manageable workload that you
complete on a schedule that works best for your busy life. Offered on a variety of topics, such as
classroom management and assessment, they are led by fully qualified instructors and participants
will get a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the course. And best of all, these courses
only cost $50. Improve your quality of life in the classroom and try one! Spaces are limited and
pre-registration for each course is required.
For more information go to http://www.catholicteachers.ca/For-Your-Classroom/Mini-Courses
• A free-of-charge professional learning opportunity is the OECTA Office Hours. Office Hours is an
opportunity for teachers to connect online with an experienced teacher leader about a topic. It is an
opportunity to ask questions about practice and pedagogy, get advice, share teaching tips and
network with other teachers. Office hours provides a safe space for teachers to ask questions about
topics that matter most to them. Previous topics include Getting Ready to Ace the Interview, English
Language Learners and Special Education.
For more information go to http://www.catholicteachers.ca/For-Your-Classroom/Office-Hours
It has been a pleasure to be your occasional teacher representative on the executive this year and I welcome
Jessica Belmonte to the position on next year’s executive.
In solidarity,
Anne McNeill
HEU Executive Occasional Teacher Representative
Page 17Page 18
WE DARED! The April 6, 2019 Education Rally
Following the dreaded “Ides of March” (March 15, 2019) announcement made by Lisa Thompson, Minister of
Education, education workers, teachers, parents and students were angry. It was at that press conference, held
at the Ontario Science Centre, that the government proposed to:
• Increase class averages in grades 4-8 to 24.5 and in high school from 22 to 28;
• Download its obligation to support children with autism to public schools without adequate funding;
• Introduce mandatory e-learn courses for secondary students in 2020; and,
• Reduce the number of teachers and support staff in schools across the province.
The Provincial Government, under the leadership of Doug Ford, assumed that students of secondary schools
would not be vocal or motivated as were the parents of children with autism and those who have children in
primary grades. They were wrong!
Teachers across the province expressed their concern and anger to these cuts on social media and the leadership
of all five teaching affiliates (OECTA, OSSTF, ETFO, AEFO and CUPE) spoke about the detrimental effects
increased class sizes would have on student learning. However, on March 22, in an outright challenge as reported
in The Toronto Star, “Ford warns teachers’ unions not to dare protest class-size increases.” In a true act of
solidarity, probably the first of many, the four affiliates joined together to organize what would prove to be the
largest education rally since the 1990s.
Receiving this news at the end of March left only two weeks to organize the rally. Organizing transportation,
ordering t-shirts, reaching out to inform members and encourage attendance took a great deal of planning, but
Premier Ford helped by motivating both our members, and members of the community.
In the days leading up to the rally Ford called teaching, a “good gig”; pompously warned teachers not to
protest; and blamed teachers for initiating the student walkout on April 4th, which involved more than 100,000
students in more than 600 schools across the province. The Education Minister, Lisa Thompson, responded to
the successful student rally by reporting that the government would not give in to “union stunts.” Premier Ford
continued to suggest that union leaders were behind it. Clearly, the Premier and Minister of Education
underestimated the abilities of our students and the power of their own words to ignite student activism.
Teachers across the province also accepted the dare to protest.
The daily announcements by the Minister and the Premier served as motivation to get as many people as
possible to attend this rally. The unit office was buzzing. School buses were booked, coordinated pick-ups were
organized and 200 t-shirts were ordered. It’s a miracle they arrived on time! We invited parents, teachers,
retired teachers and allies to join us.
On the morning of the rally wearing our red t-shirts, carrying water bottles, snacks and our signs, we were ready
to go. It was a beautiful sunny day. The energy was contagious. When we arrived at Queen’s Park, both the
number people and the number of buses lining the streets was remarkable. The lawn at Queen’s Park was
overflowing with people wearing union t-shirts, holding flags and signs of protest. A sea of blue OECTA flags and
signs showed that Catholic teachers were well represented. Thousands of OECTA members and retired teachers
Page 19WE DARED! The April 6, 2019 Education Rally cont’d
attended with their family and friends. It was estimated that 40,000 people were in attendance that day and it
was difficult not to be moved by this mass demonstration of labour and community solidarity. This was truly a
historic moment in Ontario.
As parents, educators and concerned community members we are standing together to defend high-quality,
publicly-funded education in the best possible learning conditions for students.
The cuts made by the Conservative government will be damaging to all students but especially to students with
special needs. It is very clear that our education system needs investments, not cuts. This is just the beginning.
As part of a broader labour movement we will be working closely with education affiliates, labour councils and
community allies to continue to fight for education. Together we must inform community members about the
impact these cuts will have on children and encourage them to join us in advocating for what is just and right.
ur message is clear; Cuts Hurts Kids!
In solidarity,
Nina March
President
OECTA, Halton Elementary
Page 20DBUIPMJDUFBDIFSTDB Page 21
Are components of your career causing you to feel stressed?
Students/Parents: Administration: • Consider establishing a professional
Be confident that you are a professional with a Everyone in the school has a job to do and the learning community with a few colleagues.
wealth of knowledge and experience that you principal’s/vice-principal’s role is to oversee Together you can explore new documents
bring to your teaching every day. the school, its staff and operations. Early in or initiatives. Sharing the task lightens the
the year, establish a relationship with your load.
Create and maintain positive relationships. principal/vice-principal to share good news as
Your interactions with parents and students well as any challenges. Research the myriad of resources and options
should always be professional, ensuring proper available for self-paced learning to stay current.
boundaries are maintained. If the pace and frequency of new initiatives,
or dealing with difficult people is causing you Key OECTA and other Resources:
Referring back to current curriculum documents stress in your relationship with administration, • Quick Tips for Completing the Elementary
and board policies ensures sound practice, and consider: Progress Report Card
continues to empower you when dealing with • Maintaining professionalism in all situations • Guide to Report Cards/Progress Reports for
students and parents. (e.g., tone of an email) Elementary and Secondary: Q & As.
• Discussing a situation with one or two trusted • Guide to the Individual Education Plan
If a situation is causing you stress: colleagues for support and perspective • AQ courses
• Remain calm • Documenting incidents that cause you • Ministry EDUGAINS – www.edugains.ca
• Speak to colleagues about the strategies you concern • webinars, blogs, and social media, etc.
intend to use, as they may have encountered • Contacting your local OECTA office for advice
this situation in the past
• Asking the association representative in
• If you feel harassed, refer the student/parent your school to attend a meeting with Colleagues:
to your school administrator administration to discuss your concerns Remember that schools are a microcosm of
• Before going into a meeting with a parent, and find an acceptable solution society. You cannot be friends with everyone
ensure you have full disclosure about the and you should not share your personal
concerns, and have discussed the matter business with everyone. Establish a professional
Key OECTA Resource:
with the administrator about the context relationship with your colleagues. Be aware
before the meeting ◊ Relationships: Appropriate and Professional
that, at times, colleagues may unintentionally
• Ensure you document all of your overstep professional boundaries. If this occurs:
concerns/interactions Curriculum: • Step away from the situation
• Remove yourself from a meeting if you feel There is no doubt that education has become • Listen without interruption
it is unproductive a results-oriented enterprise and curriculum • Talk to someone to gain perspective
is in a constant state of flux. • Wait 24 hours before responding to a
Key OECTA Resources: situation with a colleague
◊ Positive, Professional Parent Teacher You may feel stressed trying to cope with • Maintain professionalism at all times
Relationships all of the changes. Remember to:
• Set reasonable goals for yourself
◊ Electronic Communications, Appropriate and Key OECTA Resource:
Professional Use • Prioritize tasks into two groups; necessary
◊ Relationships: Appropriate and Professional
if time permits, and need to do/nice to do.
Page 22PAC: Stay Calm
I would like to take this opportunity to thank to Members of the Political Action Committee for their commitment
and dedication to what was a very busy year for our HEU PAC. A special thank you to:
Anthony Biggs Tara Hambly John MacPhail Nina March
Anne McNeill Alicia Nunn-DeLuca Claire Slaven Ann Wyroba
Your hard work and commitment really made being this year’s PAC chair a delight. Thank you also to some of our
retired Members and Members at Large who volunteered to serve in our community during the provincial
elections earlier this year and have come out to join our fellow education Brothers and Sisters at various rallies.
The fight for education continued over the month of May with rallies at local ONPC MPP offices in Halton. We
joined forces with our partner in education to say “No to Cuts” and remind the government that “Cuts hurts
Kids.” Rallies took place at:
May 3- Milton – Parm Gill
May 21- Oakville- Stephen Crawford
May 23- Burlington – Jane McKenna
As we enter into the summer I would like to remind you all about the “ Ford Tracker” – Available of OFL website
at http://ofl.ca/wp-content/uploads/19-05-22-BN-Ford-Tracker-1.pdf . This document is a report of the current
changes the Ford government has made in Ontario, especially to labour- inclusive of education. Please take a
minute to also visit the Ontario Federation of Labour (Power of Many Campaign) website and OECTA Provincial
website to remain up to date on ways that you can stay an active member of the Labour movement as well as
being engaged in education over the holidays.
Best wishes for your summer holidays!
Victoria Lipinski
PAC Chair
HEU, PAC Chair and HEU Executive Councillor
Page 23Preparing for Retirement? 5 Tips You Need to Follow
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Follow these five tips to make sure you’re on track for a fulfilling retirement: www.OTIPinsurance.com/article39
2019 HALTON ELEMENTARY UNIT BURSARY WINNERS
MEMBER NAME SCHOOL/WORKSITE WINNER
MARIANE IVANCIC ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE KATHERINE IVANCIC
LISA KAPSHEY-SKEETE OUR LADY OF FATIMA SYDNEY SKEETE
BARBARA KATTIS CANADIAN MARTYRS MADELINE KATTIS
ROSE POMPONIO ST. GABRIEL CHRISTIAN POMPONIO
MAUREEN ASSELIN ST. MARY SARAH ASSELIN
ELISABETH M. TOTH ST. MARY LAURA TOTH
ELISABETH M. TOTH ST. MARY STEVEN TOTH
PAULA LA PORTA LUMEN CHRISTI ADAM LA PORTA
AMY MALLET ST. ANNE WILLIAM MALLETT
BRAD MCKAY HOLY ROSARY (B) THOMAS MCCAY
MICHELLE BALDIN-PELRINE ESL-RESOURCE TIA PELRINE
DEBORAH KRAMPELJ ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI LEANNA KRAMPELJ
JOSIE NIBBERING ST. BRIGID SPENCER MORRIS
LUCIA SUNAVSKA ASCENSION/ST. PAUL JULIANA SUNAVSKY
SHARON DEERY HCDSB BOARD OFFICE CAITLIN DEERY
Advocacy Award Winner:
Angela De Palma
Page 242019 OECTA ELEMENTARY - 25 Years Name School Baus, Susan St. Anthony Boisvert, Adele St. Matthew/Our lady of Victory Boyle, Ronda SERT, Di Sabatino, Mary St. Matthew March, Nina Elementary Teacher, HEU President Mazer, Kathy St. Peter McCormick, Lisa St. Timothy Pietrantoni, Michelle Canadian Martyrs Pomponio, Rose St. Gabriel Pulsone, Camilla St. Gabriel Walker, Terri St. Gabriel Whatman, Ria Queen of Heaven 2019 OECTA Elementary - Retiring Name School Andrews, Diane Occasional Teacher Banton, Natalie Special Ed CES Beaton, Shelley St. Joseph Acton Beauchesne, Sandy St. Bernadette Becker, Karen Elem Teacher, Curriculum Services Brennan, Helen St. Joan of Arc Burella, Mellissa Elem Teacher (ESL Teac Resource Centre) Lumen Christi Cosulich, Brenda St. Catherine Donnelly, Patricia St. Marguerite d’Youville Esposto, Carmelo St. Timothy Graci, Santina Guardian Angels Harper, Sarah St. Dominic Hill, Inese St. Andrew Kasper, Kimberly St. Elizabeth Seton Kowalski, Connie St. Raphael Marquis, Rosemary St. Benedict Mazer, Katherine St. Peter McCarthy, Martha St. Timothy Merritt, Theresa St. Marguerite d’Youville Nagy, Lou St. John B O’Reilly, Gabriella St. Joan of Arc Pereira, Anna St. John Paul II Powell, Joanne Holy Family Rogulski, Grazyna St. Andrew Whatman, Ria Queen of Heaven Page 25
Photos
Page 26Photos
Page 27Photos
Page 28In Memoriam May/June 2019
Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the following members,
as well as to their family and friends:
Doris May Foster, mother of Joanne Tucker, School Administration System Liaison at Information
Technology Services at the Catholic Education Centre in Burlington and grandmother of Dana
Bedford, an elementary teacher at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Burlington, died on
Saturday, April 20, 2019.
John (Jack) Joseph Enright, a retired employee of the Board and father of Lindsey Beaudoin, a
Special Education Resource teacher at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School in Burlington,
of Lee Anne Burke, an elementary teacher at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School in Burlington,
and of Vince Enright, a retired ESL teacher (2018) from St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School in
Oakville, died on Saturday, April 27, 2019.
Page 292018-2019 OECTA Events
Blue Jays Game Sunday, September 9
Getting Hired Workshop Cancelled (lack of enrollment)
Maternity & Parental Leave Workshop Tuesday, October 23
Unit General Meeting Thursday, October 25
Paint Night Monday, October 29
Halton OT Welcome & Social Tuesday, November 20
Unit General Meeting Thursday, November 29
Volleyball Friday, November 16, 2018
Floor Hockey Friday, November 30, 2018
Skating & Santa Sunday, December 9
Pension Workshop January 26, 2019
Coldest Night of the Year Walk Saturday, February 23
Unit General Meeting Thursday, February 28
OTIP Retirement Workshop Wednesday, April 17
Maternity & Parental Leave Workshop Tuesday, April 23
3 on 3 Basketball Friday, May 3
Unit AGM Thursday, May 23
OECTA Recognition Night Thursday, May 23
Come out and get involved in
YOUR OECTA!
More Information can be found in Halton Highlights, Information
Updates and on www.haltonoecta.ca
Follow us on Twitter @oectaheu
Page 30You can also read
