Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all from OSSTF District 21

If you're travelling over the holidays, please be safe. Teachers, please refer to the Benefits link on the left for the Benefits Cheat Sheet which has all the necessary information you'll need to take when travelling outside of Ontario.

In an emergency, over the holidays, the best way to contact OSSTF representation is by email. There will be no guarantee that any issues will be addressed before returning, but many of us do check our inbox every couple of days.

May you and your family enjoy the season. Try not to overdose on turkey or tofurkey.

Teachers - TGIF

This Friday, December 10th, 3pm

TGIF at The Endzone

1900 King Street East (King and Rosedale)

Hamilton, ON L8K 1W1

Food provided... come and join us!

Day of Remembrance - December 6th

Workload Committee Meeting

Just a quick reminder of the Workload Committee Meeting tonight at the District 21 Office at 5:00 p.m.

Mary Lou

Office Update

For all teacher bargaining unit members:

As I embark upon a maternity leave, please note that effective immediately Anthony Marco will assume my duties as Acting President. Dan Staples will also join Anthony and Trevor Powell, Chief Negotiator, in the District 21 Office as Acting 1st Vice President.

Thanks to everyone for their support, and I will see you at the AGM in April!

In federation,
Chantal Mancini

Teachers' Unit - Upcoming Events

November 12th - Retirement Planning Workshop (OTIP Benefits, OTG Financial Planning), 4pm @ District Office. Call to reserve a spot. Dinner will be provided.

Novermber 20th - Family Film Night. Bring the kids to the District Office at 7pm for a family film with snacks and soft drinks for all. Posters should be in schools soon. Parents are required to stay.

November 25th - Parental Leave Workshop, 4:30pm @ District Office. Call to reserve a spot. Dinner will be provided.

Teachers' Unit - Bill 177

1st Vice President, Anthony Marco was asked for input into a Ontario Network of Trustees press release that was issued earlier this week calling for public hearings on Bill 177. The press release was a combined effort of ONT (Ontario Network of Trustees), OSSTF District 21 and the Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers' Local.

The questions used to generate content for the press release included issues on the erosion of local democracy and the lack of definition for the term "Student Achievement" in the bill.

Here are the unedited quotations submitted for the release:

On the threat to local school board trustees...

"While we may not agree with our local trustees on everything, on this we do agree. Bill 177 strips away the voices of school trustees from voters in a way that is undemocratic and destructive to a peaceful, stable future for public education.”

On the lack of definition of the term "Student Achievement" as it relates to the job expectations of all employees...

"Bill 177 makes the jobs of everyone remotely tied to a school board responsible for a 'student achievement' without defining what students are supposed to 'achieve'. Education and learning are processes. Achievements are trophies. I hope the roles of education workers across Ontario are about contributing to the life-long learning of students, no matter which 'trophies' they might attain."

A recent press release put out by the OSSTF provincial office had similar concerns which are shared by District 21:

"Instead of supporting genuine student achievement, components of Bill 177 promote a system where statistical excellence is the goal, not quality education. Rather than increasing the public’s confidence in education, it will diminish it by creating an education system where authentic learning and assessment and evaluation are replaced by the fear of not measuring up to a benchmark, thus triggering intervention by the Ministry of Education.

The success of a student, a school or a school board cannot be measured solely by statistics. Ensuring that school boards are able to provide the necessary staff, resources, programs and supports to enable students to achieve their goals and be prepared for their futures is an important task entrusted to the Ministry of Education. Balancing the need for support and the necessity for intervention is difficult, but the Ministry must ensure that any actions it takes truly puts students first and everything else second. OSSTF/FEESO does not support Bill 177, in its current form, as this is clearly not the case. OSSTF/FEESO calls upon the government to delay final reading of Bill 177 and move to real public consultation on the legislation and its impact upon school board governance, student achievement and credit integrity."

The full provincial OSSTF press release can be found here.

For further information on Bill 177, please feel free to contact the District Office. The back page of the September issue of Insight provided some background on the key issues in the bill.

Bill 177 passed Second Reading at Queen's Park two days ago. There has still been no commitment on the part of the Liberal government for FULL PUBLIC hearings on this bill.

Provincial OSSTF Positions On H1N1

The information listed below indicates OSSTF positions on H1N1 for more extensive discussions to be conducted during the October 9, 2009 TTAC/SWAG meeting. (TTAC and SWAG are the Provincial Discussion Groups that include all education unions, the Ministry of Education, and OPSBA) The content below is abridged. The provincial office has indicated it will soon have information up on its website. These positions HAVE NOT been agreed to by our employer or the Ministry. We are hopeful, after further discussion, the Ministry will agree to some, if not all, of the following.

1) Medically Fragile Workers (e.g. Immuno-depressed, Expectant Mothers)

OSSTF/FEESO wants to be on the record that we disagree with the “no greater risk” position of the employers and insist that pregnant women and other medically fragile employees are accommodated to maximize their safety.

2) Reducing Exposure to Ill Staff and Students

Employers must take all necessary precautions to minimize the exposure to ill staff and students. OSSTF/FEESO is also concerned that established attendance management policy adopted by some employers will unduly pressure employees to go to work even if they have symptoms. OSSTF/FEESO believes it is reasonable, for tracking purposes, during the pandemic, to request that employees identify if "flu-like symptoms" are responsible for the absence. OSSTF/FEESO expects full disclosure of incidence levels at each workplace and within the system.

3) Hand Washing/Hand Sanitizers/Tissues

OSSTF/FEESO expects that prevention protocols are already in place and that each employer has met with union leaders to ensure that the prevention protocols are active and ready in each workplace. OSSTF/FEESO is also concerned that these protocols may rely heavily on staff in the system, increasing their supervision, reporting, cleaning etc work on top of their already full workload.

4) Special H1N1 Funding

The government must provide support funding for safety equipment, additional cleaning, appropriate additional cleaning supplies and temporary/replacement workers. If the outbreak materializes, the government and employer’s position that business will continue “as usual” will require replacement staff be available in all job categories.

5) School/Worksite Closure

OSSTF/FEESO demands that school closure information and thresholds are consistent and fully transparent. Criteria must be established to determine the viability of a worksite on any given day. It should never be up to the tolerance level of the staff that keeps a workplace open in high absentee conditions. Decisions to close schools/worksites will be discussed in collaboration with the local public health unit, the school board and union representatives.

6) School Year

There will be no extension to the school year due to closures of schools as a result of H1N1.

7) Education Sector Committee

The Ministries of Health and Education must commit that information dealing with the handling of H1N1 be made available to all key stakeholders and that the government will provide regular updates to the education sector. In addition, a K-12 Education Sector Committee must be established consisting of education sector unions, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour representatives to provide advice to the field and to the Ministries on H1N1.

Teachers' Unit - Information on H1N1

Information has been emailed to your Branch President's home email address. They should have documents which will be posted over the next couple of days. If you cannot wait for the information, and would like a copy of the email and documents sent to you. Please email a request to Anthony Marco: osstf21vp1@quickclic.net

OSSTF District 21 at Labour Day 2009

JOIN US AT THE LABOUR DAY PARADE

OSSTF members and their families are encouraged to join us at the Hamilton Labour Day Parade on Monday, September 7th.

The parade assembles on York Blvd at Queen St. North facing east. Line up begins at 9:30 a.m.
Parade moves off at 10:30 a.m. sharp.

We are in Section 1 this year--look for the OSSTF flags, and come and get a District 21 shirt and hat.

A BBQ for District 21 parade participants and their families will be held after the parade. Maps and location information will be distributed at the parade.

Teachers' Unit Executive Summer Hours

Please be aware that the Teachers' Unit Executive Officers do not have regular summer hours. The best way to reach us, if necessary, is via email. The email addresses for the three time-release officers are available on the left column of the district21.ca website.

If there is a serious emergency that threatens your employment, please contact the provincial office at 1-800-267-7867 and ask to speak to the Duty Officer.

Summer Travel Benefits Information

Please record the following information and keep it with you if you are travelling out of Ontario during the summer:

Your HWDSB Employee ID - paystub

Your Division Number - 102

Your Policy Number - 136993

Great West Life Phone - 1-800-957-9777 (Canada & US), 1-204-946-1190 (anywhere else)

You should also get in touch with Paul Baldwin, the HWDSB benefits officer for any major incidents that will go through the benefits plan. He can often act as an advocate with Great West Life to get

problems cleared up. His number is 905-527-5092 X2666. Wherever you are travelling this summer, be safe and have fun!

President's Vacation

I will be on vacation July 27 - 31, August 10 - 14, 2009. I have one other week to be posted when I schedule.

Thanks and have a safe and fun summer.

Mary Lou

USE OF PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS--SEPTEMBER STARTUP

RE: PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS – SEPTEMBER 2 AND 3, 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR

The HWDSB has agreed that Teachers are able to use their personal leave days for September 2nd and 3rd, 2009. However, the following important information applies:

* A written request, either letter or email, must be received by John Horgan – Manager of Employee Relations [6th floor – Human Resources – Education Centre] on or before June 24, 2009 by 4pm. Any request[s] received after this deadline will be reviewed but may not be approved. Faxes and telephone requests will not be accepted. If no email confirmation is received then HR has not received the request by the deadline and the days are not granted. The teacher will receive an email confirmation from HR by June 26, 2009.

* A written request must include the teachers name, school[current and September location if different], position and home phone number in the event contact is required.

* All approved leaves for these two dates will be entered into the system by Human Resources and coded as “no substitute required”.

If Teachers have questions about the above, please call the District 21 Office.

Your Pension, Your Future - an OTPP Q&A

Annual Family Picnic

The District 21 5th Annual Family Picnic will take place from 11am-3pm at Gage Park on June 7th.

We usually set up flags and tables within 100 yards of the Lawrence Rd. parking lot. There will be food and soft drinks provided. This is a free event for OSSTF members and their families.

There will be activities and prizes for the children.

As we are in a municipal park, this is a non-licensed event. The picnic is not meant to be used as a drop-off centre for children. We do not provide daycare; you are expected to be present with your children at all times.

Please come out and help us countdown the last 4 weeks of the school year!

Occasional Teacher Annual Meeting

Reminder to all D21 Secondary Occasional Teachers...

Annual Meeting - May 21st at the District Office

Be informed.

Elect your 09/10 Executive.

Discuss concerns.

Get involved.

Contact the D21 office: 905-574-8285 to confirm your attendance.

WHMIS TRAINING AND OFFENSE DECLARATIONS

The HWDSB will be asking members to complete their Offense Declarations and WHMIS training online from May 4th to June 5th. Members will be receiving information from their Principal/Supervisor on Monday May 4th. Both the Offense Declarations and WHMIS training are mandatory and required by law. Should you have any questions about these issues, please give us a call at the office.

Panel Discussion: Selling Our Schools

7pm, May 12th at the Workers' Health and Safety Centre on 51 Stuart Street, District 21 PAC and the Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers' Local co-sponsor a Panel Discussion entitled: Selling Our Schools - The Corporatization of Public Education. 

This is a public event. All members are encouraged to attend. We generated some great dialogue after our panel discussion last year and are happy to share this event with our local Elementary teachers. Hope to see you there!

TEACHERS WHO HAVE BEEN DECLARED REDUNDANT

INFORMATION MEETING FOR TEACHERS WHO HAVE BEEN DECLARED REDUNDANT

There will an information meeting for all teachers who have been declared redundant at the OSSTF Office on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:00 pm. At the meeting, teachers will be given information on their rights under the collective agreement and the opportunity to ask any questions that they have. Refreshments will be served.

We hope to see you there!

OCTU Elections

We have nominations for all positions on the 2009-2011 executive, except for the following: Communications Officer.

At this point in time there will be an election for the position of Secretary (more than two people have been nominated.

Please feel free to call me if you are interested in any of these positions regardless as to whether or not we have received nominations for the 2009-2011 executive.

Thank you,

Mary Lou
(905-574-8285)

Canadian Labour Congress Labour Solidarity Campaign

As part of its campaign Get real! It’s the economy, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is working with labour councils, unions and community groups this spring to organize a series of rallies and forums in communities across Canada. The goal is to highlight key issues of the current economic crisis for labour and put pressure on the Harper government to act on these concerns. More information on the campaign issues can be found on the CLC website at: http://canadianlabour.ca/en/get-real-its-economy-make-it-work-us.
A critical focus for the campaign is employment insurance and the need for immediate
government action to fix this programme so more people who are unemployed are covered. A recent CLC media release notes that only 42.8% of unemployed Canadians were receiving EI benefits in January 2009 and this number is actually down from December 2008. The wellbeing of unemployed workers and their families is seriously affected by not receiving EI benefits, and so is that of surrounding communities and local businesses.

Listed below are some local rallies and contact person:

Toronto, ON Saturday, June 13, 2009 1 p.m.
(Rally)
Metro Hall
King Street (between University
and John Street

John Cartwright, President
Toronto & York District Labour Council
council@labourcouncil.ca
416-441-3663

Kelly Hayes
kellyhayes@clc-ctc.ca
416-725-5704 cell

St. Catharines, ON Wednesday, May 27, 2009
7 p.m.
(Town Hall Mtg)
CAW, Local 199 Hall
124 Bunting Road
St. Catharines
Bruce Allen
905-934-6233
ballen@cogeco.ca
Eddie Ste-Marie
estemarie@clc-ctc.ca
416-904-9374 cell
Kitchener, ON Thursday, April 16, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.
(Community Resource Event
to assist unemployed people
in the Waterloo Region)
Cambridge Newfoundland Club
1500 Dunbar Road
Cambridge
Frank Curnew or Steve Sachs
519-744-8363
Sandi Ellis, CLC Representative
sellis@clc-ctc.ca
519-854-0261 cell

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 24th - Teachers and OCTU

Family Film Night @ District Office

7-9pm - Snacks and soft drinks provided

OSSTF Families of all ages welcome

Tuesday, May 12th - All Members

Panel Discussion: Selling our Students

(The Corporatization of Public Education)

7pm @ Workers' Arts and Heritage Centre

51 Stuart Street, Hamilton

Wednesday, May 13 - Teachers

Workshop @ District Office

"Putting the Work in Social Networking"

4:30-6:30 - Dinner provided

Call the office to sign up!

THINKING OF RETIRING?

If you have made the decision to retire in June 2009, it would be greatly appreciated that you provide the Board with your retirement letter as soon as possible. This will help facilitate the staffing process, and is of particular assistance to new teachers who are at the bottom of the seniority list and who are at risk of being declared surplus in a time of declining enrolment. If you need advice on how to word your letter, please give us a call at the District 21 Office.



ATTENTION TEACHERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY COLLECTING A PENSION

The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and the Ontario government changed the OTPP’s re-employment provisions on Jan. 1, 2009. The re-employment limits have been extended to pensioners of all ages. Before the change, the limits did not apply to members aged 71 or older.

You can work in education without affecting your pension for up to 95 days in each of the first three school years in which you return to work (these don’t need to be consecutive years) and 20 days each school year after that.

When determining the first three school years, the following rules apply:
Any school years you worked as a pensioner before Sept. 1, 2001, are included.
Any school years you worked as a pensioner during a five-year window that allowed for extended work in education – from Sept. 1, 2001, to Aug. 31, 2006 – are excluded.
Any school years you worked after Aug. 31, 2006, are included.
For a full explanation of the rules and for advice on your personal situation, please contact the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan at 1-800-668-0105 or at http://www.otpp.com/wps/wcm/connect/otpp_en/home

Please be reminded that our OCTU Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2009 at St. Naum hall on Stonechurch and Upper Ottawa. This is an important year to attend since we will be holding Executive elections. At the present time we will have two vacancies on the executive: Secretary and Political Action Representative. Please give me a call if you are interested in these positions and need more information on the duties. We are also looking for new Branch Reps for next year. Branch Representatives are needed to share information with the membership.

Thank you and I hope to see you at the P.D. Day on May 1

OSSTF OPPOSES MINISTRY OF EDUCATION'S 'SCHOOL INFORMATION FINDER' WEBSITE

Members may have heard media reports regarding the Ministry of Education's 'School Information Finder' Website that went live last week. It allows the public and parents to 'shop' for schools using demographic information on each school. This information includes percentages of students from low-income families, new Canadians, non-English speaking families, and students who use special education services. Additionally, the site gives the school average of standardized test scores and compares them to the rest of the Province as a measure of 'student achievement'.

The website originally included a 'School Bag' function by which parents could place their chosen schools in a 'shopping bag' and compare them. Outcry from educational groups, including OSSTF, has resulted in this function being removed. It should be noted that all education unions, many parent organizations including the Ontario Federation of Home and Schools, the Ontario Principals' Council, and the Ontario Public School Boards Association have all spoken in opposition to this site.

We believe that this website must be fully taken down. That the government has painted standardized test scores as the sole measure of student achievement and school effectiveness is deplorable. That the government assumes that things such as immigration information and socioeconomic status are valid ways for parents to 'shop' for schools is unacceptable.

People for Education is credited with bringing this website to public attention. OSSTF encourages our members to sign their open letter to the Premier and Minister of Education.
It can be found here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2gDbDb40viR8TodiNiXXFg_3d_3d

OSSTF District 21 will be lobbying MPPs on the issue next week. Please support our efforts by signing the letter.

In Federation
Chantal Mancini

TEACHERS UNIT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members of the Teachers' Unit are invited to attend our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 23, at LIUNA Station. The meeting begins at 4:30 pm.

Members will have the opportunity to:

• Elect their Unit Executive
• Debate business that affects the unit
• Receive annual reports by Executive members
• Enjoy a catered dinner and socialize with colleagues

It is important that the largest number of members possible decide the future of our district.

There is still time to register! Call the District 21 Office at 905-574-8285.

Professional Development Funds

Most members have received their Professional Development Fund cheques to date. Therefore, the balance of cheques owing will be available for pickup, by appointment only, until April 30, 2009. Any funds not picked up by April 30, 2009 will be applied to future Professional Development activities.

Thank you,
Mary Lou

To All OCTU Members: I will be attending AMPA in Toronto from Friday March 13 - 16, 2009. I will be on vacation from March 17 - 20, 2009 returning to the office on Monday March 23, 2009.

March Break Travel Insurance

For anyone travelling this March Break, make sure you have the following information:

Your Employee ID# (found on your paystub)
Policy Number: 136993-102
GWL Phone (Canada and US): 1-800-957-9777 

(International): 1-204-946-1190
HWDSB Benefits Office (Paul Baldwin): 1-905-527-5092 X2666

Teachers' Unit - Retirement Planning Workshop

As mentioned in last month's Insight, we are holding a Financial Planning Workshop featuring guest speakers from OTIP's Retiree Benefits Division and the Teachers' Credit Union. 

The workshop is on Tuesday, February 24th at 4pm. Please call the District Office at 905-574-8285 to reserve your spot. A light dinner will be included.

Occasional Teacher Agreement

The new Occasional Teacher Collective Agreement can be found in pdf form at the link down the left side of the page under "Occasional Teachers/Contract". While this message is near the top of this page, you can also click the link here.

You can print out a copy for yourself or come up to the District Office to get a hard copy.

Retro pay for any days worked since September 2008 will most likely be made available on the April 15th paycheque.

Please contact d21occpres@gmail.com or the District Office with any additional questions.

TEACHERS RATIFY NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Teachers' Unit members have ratified a new collective agreement, which will extend from September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2012.

The HWDSB also ratified the agreement this past Monday.

Members will receive copies of the new collective agreement once it is available.

CONTRACT RATIFICATION VOTE

OSSTF District 21 Teachers' Unit members are reminded that the ratification vote for our tentative contract will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Branch Presidents and members of the Branch Executive will provide you with details of the vote in your school.

MEMBERS WHO WORK AT OTHER BOARD SITES PLEASE NOTE:

1. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Education Centre will vote at Sir John A. Macdonald between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.
2. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the James Street Alternative Education Centre will vote at the Alternative Education Centre.
3. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at Crestwood may vote at their site.
4. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at the Detention Centre will vote at the Detention Centre.
5. Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at a Community Facility other than the Detention Center should vote at the nearest secondary school. They will be asked to vote in a double envelope, and to write their name on the outside envelope. This will allow their membership to be confirmed at the District 21 Office and protect the privacy of their vote.
6. Continuing Education Teachers who do not teach regular day school must vote at the District 21 Office, 1423 Upper Ottawa St. Unit 2 between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.
7. All Teacher Bargaining Unit members working at other HWDSB sites (eg. Memorial, Maple Lane, etc.) may vote at the closest school or at the District 21 Office.


IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT 21 OFFICE AT 905-574-8285.

TEACHERS' UNIT MASS MEETING

ATTENTION ALL TEACHER BARGAINING UNIT MEMBERS

We will be holding a MASS MEETING on Tuesday, February 3rd at 4pm at Michelangelo's Banquet Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa Street (just past the OSSTF office.)

Details of our new collective agreement will be shared with members at this time. A ratification vote will take place in schools on Thursday, February 5th.

This meeting is CONFIDENTIAL to teacher bargaining unit members only. Members who cannot arrange childcare are welcome to bring their children. Please note that long and short term occasional teachers are not eligible to to attend.

TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT PRESS RELEASE

Jan 31, 2009 02:28 ET

OSSTF Reaches Settlement With Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 31, 2009) - Public secondary school teachers in Hamilton-Wentworth, OSSTF District 21, reached a tentative collective agreement with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Upon ratification, the terms of the new contract would extend from September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2012.The negotiated settlement falls within the Provincial Framework Agreement set by the Ontario Government.

"OSSTF District 21 was pleased to work with Dr. Chris Spence, Director of Education and several Trustees to arrive at a final settlement prior to the government deadline," stated Chantal Mancini, President.

OSSTF DISTRICT 21 TEACHERS REACH TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT WITH THE HWDSB

OSSTF District 21 Teachers have reached a tentative settlement with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

The settlement falls within the provisions set out by the Provincial Framework agreement.

Members will be notified with more information as soon as possible.

2nd Annual Social Justice Film Festival

Our 2nd Annual Social Justice Film Festival takes place every Thursday night in February. All are at the Downtown Arts Centre at 28 Rebecca Street in Downtown Hamilton. Films begin at 7pm and admission is a suggested donation of at least $5 to our participating charity which will change each evening.

5th - Secret of the Grain

12th - Water Front

19th - Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad (subtitled)

26th - Frozen River

Pension and Retirement Planning Workshops

Are you planning on retiring this year, or maybe even a couple of years down the road? Make sure that your financial and personal future is secure as it can be when taking the step out of the classroom for good.

On Thursday, February 12th the annual OTPP Workshop will be provided by our provincial Pension Officer, Ruth Kirkham. This workshop deals strictly with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and gives advice on how to calculate future income to determine whether you will be able to live the lifestyle you want in your retirement.

Tuesday, February 24th is a Financial Planning workshop for soon-to-be retirees that will focus on benefits packages and costs along with investment strategies. Representatives from OTIP and the Teachers’ Credit Union will be on hand to present and answer questions.

Both workshops begin at 4pm at the District office which is located at 1423 Upper Ottawa Street, Unit 2. Registration for both workshops begins on Thursday, January 22nd. Call Joanne Stirling at the District Office and specify which workshop you wish to attend.

Both workshops will include a light supper. Be responsible if registering other people as these are very popular workshops and no-shows prevent other from attending.

Please call if you find that you will be unable to attend.

Teachers' Unit - TGIF This Friday

TGIF Friday, January 30th at Kelsey's across from Westdale High School. From 3:30pm until 6pm. If you're driving across the city on the way home, please stop by. Start off Semester Two with some good food and traditional social networking.

OCCASIONAL TEACHERS RATIFY NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

OSSTF District 21 Occasional Teachers and the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board have ratified a new collective agreement. This agreement will be in place from August 31, 2008 to August 31, 2012, and is in accordance with the Ontario Government's Provincial Framework.

Occasional Teachers will receive a copy of the new Collective Agreement when it becomes available. For more information, please contact the District 21 Office.

PLEASE DONATE TO THE UNITED WAY

Dear Colleagues,

You may have heard from news reports that the United Way is $400,000 short of our campaign target this year. With the economic turmoil, job loss in Hamilton has meant that more and more families are turning to the United Way for community services and support. We need to be there for them, now more than ever.

I am a Board member of the United Way, and I do not want to be faced with the situation of having less funding for the community organizations that depend on us for support. These organizations help our students, their families, and our own members and their families on a daily basis.

Think of the difference that just $20 could make if every OSSTF 21 member made a similar donation.

Please, please consider donating to the United Way. You can do this online at http://www.uwaybh.ca/donate-now.php

OSSTF SIP VISIT ADVICE FOR TEACHERS

OSSTF SIP Visit Advice for Teachers

The Board has informed us that Principals will be making daily 30-minute visits to classrooms in order to report on the success of their School Improvement Plans. Principals do have the right to visit classrooms, even unannounced. Teachers, however, should clarify with Principals that the visit is a SIP visit. If it is, the following applies:

1. Teachers have the right to ask what SMART goals/ 4 pillars are being observed and what the indicators are.

2. Principals should not be asking for any documentation, eg. teacher plans, student work, etc.

3. Principals have been permitted by the Board to take notes. However, these are to be non-evaluative and should be observational only. They should not go into any teacher file. Principals have also been directed to provide you with a copy. All teachers should ensure they get a copy, and if notes are evaluative, they should call the District Office.

4. Observations are to be shared with the individual teacher only, not with others. If this becomes evaluative in any way, and/or a meeting to follow up the visit is called by the Principal, an OSSTF representative must be present with you. Teachers have the right to stop any such dialogue/meeting in order to get OSSTF representation.

5. Teachers should not dialogue about the performance of other colleagues with the Principal.

6. Teachers have the right to consult OSSTF on anything related to their job, and should feel free to do so. In the event that a teacher feels that the process has been in any way evaluative of their performance, they should speak to an OSSTF representative.

OSSTF OCCASIONAL TEACHERS REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

A tentative agreement has been reached between OSSTF District 21 Occasional Teachers and the HWDSB. Occasional Teachers will be receiving a confidential copy of the new tentative agreement via mail.

A ratification vote will be held at the OSSTF District 21 Office, 1423 Upper Ottawa Street Units 2 and 3, on Thursday, January 15th between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. Please make yourself available to vote on this date.


Brian Radke, President, Occasional Teachers

SNOW DAYS

Members are reminded that the Board WILL deduct a sick day if you have called SEMS, even if that day turns out to be a snow day where schools are closed. In order to avoid this, members are advised not to call SEMS if there are inclement weather predictions until it is certain that schools will be open (usually after the 7 am news.)