“…today is International Women’s Day. Celebrate yourselves and all women today, while taking the time to think about the women in Canada and around the world who continue to show courage, strength and creativity in the face of discrimination, violence and poverty. In our own small ways, let’s work to support women everywhere, and appreciate those women and men who advocate for justice.” ~ NWT Respite Coordinator, Jessica Florio

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ETFO Media Release…full text in right-hand frame: see Provincial Office folder/Media Releases.

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This current newsletter can be accessed from the right-hand frame, in the folder Provincial Office. You’ll find an intro to our new Education Minister, Leona Dombrowski, get an update on our union’s support contributions for Haiti and find out about upcoming workshops.

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Just visited the Ontario College of Teachers website (www.oct.ca) and paid my dues for the year 2010. It took just 2 minutes for $120 to fly out of my grasp and onto my credit card…a quick and easy process.

ETFO news items listed as they appear in the latest newsletter. To subscribe to this newsletter and receive it automatically in your email, visit the etfo website.

Nasty weather and poor driving conditions have necessitated some no-bus days for most schools in our Board this past week. Local President, Kathy McCarrel reminds us of our Local Agreement with the Board as it pertains to cancellation of job assignments for OTs due to inclement weather.

The start of a new year is just around the corner and that means maintaining our O.C.T. standing by paying the membership fees, $120 for the year 2010. Barbara Brown, supervisor of payroll for our Board, has sent the following message regard the deduction of O.C.T. payments for certain groups.

Title: …and still we rise
Location: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, ON
Start Time: 2/10/2010 8:00 AM
End Time: 2/12/2010 4:00 PM

OTIP offers insurance options for occasional teachers and retired occasional teachers:

- Life with accidental death & dismemberment

- Long term disability

- Extended health care

- Dental care

The following news release has been sent to all Ontario media.
Children Will Benefit From Government Decision On Early Learning

 For Immediate Release - October 27, 2009
 The model that the provincial government has chosen for full-day kindergarten – a teacher at the front of the classroom all day supported by an early childhood educator – is in the best …