Smaller classes mean more time for every child - visit website
The ETFO eNewsletter Vol. 9 No. 17 | May 27, 2015
SUMMER ACADEMY 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Summer Academy logo

Visit the ETFO website for full details of this summer's exciting lineup of courses. There are 40 three-day professional learning courses offered as a partnership between locals and the provincial office throughout July and August.  

 

The Summer Academy registration site includes course descriptions and information about dates, times, and locations across the province. Be sure to check it out and choose a course or two for you.  These practical and dynamic courses fill up very quickly. Don't miss out!

PRIDEHOUSE THAT KIDS BUILT TO BE INSTALLED AT ONTARIO CELEBRATION ZONE

ETFO has confirmed that The PrideHouse That Kids Built will be installed at the Ontario Celebration Zone at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.

 

Through the ETFO stewards' mailing in April, all schools received The PrideHouse That Kids Built resource guide featuring nine short stories to spark creative discussion and critical thinking between students and their teachers about why some kids are excluded, or withdraw from, sport and recreation. Schools were invited to submit a decorated cardboard 'brick' with thoughts about inclusion in sport, which will form the basis of a professional art installation at the Ontario Celebration Zone.


Teachers are reporting back that their students loved the stories and had great discussions. One school in Lambton Kent is building their own PrideHouse. Make sure your students are part of this unique art installation by sending in your students' decorated cardboard 'brick' as soon as possible to ETFO.
Here are two example submissions:

PrideHouse That Kids Built brick
Example 2 - click to view full-size
PrideHouse That Kids Built brick
Example 1 - click to view full-size



INFLATION PROTECTION FURTHER RESTORED FOR RETIRED TEACHERS

Logo: Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan The Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and the Ontario government, which jointly sponsor the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP), are using some of the $6.8 billion funding surplus reported in March to restore inflation increases. Some surplus funds will also be reserved to help facilitate stability in contribution and benefit levels should a future funding valuation show a decline in assets or increase in pension costs.

This is the second consecutive year OTF and the government have allocated surplus funds to partially restore inflation protection levels.

Inflation protection for pension credit earned after 2009 is increasing to 70% from 60% of the annual increase in the cost of living. Teachers who retired after 2009 will see this increase reflected in their pensions in January 2016. Members who retired before 2010 are unaffected because they receive full inflation protection. Members who are still working are not currently affected because inflation increases are determined after retirement.

For additional information read the Funding Update at www.fundingyourpension.com.
LET'S KEEP HYDRO PUBLIC

Keep Hydro Public - visit website

The government is looking to privatize publicly-operated local utilities, including Hydro One and what are called "local distribution companies" or LDCs. These are the utilities that receive electricity from power plants and bring it from the major transmission lines to every home and business in our community.

 

The more our electricity system gets privatized, the less we'll be able to count on the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to prevent rate increases.

 

Increased hydro rates will hit lower income people the hardest and have an impact on school board budgets. Giving up a reliable, annual revenue stream that has averaged $913 million per year since 2000 for a one time only cash grab, and the loss of majority control, is bad public policy and will reduce government's ability to balance the budget and protect public services like education.

 

ETFO has endorsed the campaign to Keep Hydro Public.  Visit www.KeepHydroPublic.ca to learn more and to help protect our shared public services.

ETFO-AQ logo ETFO-AQ REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2015

Registration for Summer AQ Courses is underway. We have many courses being offered this summer including some onsite courses. Please visit our website for a list of courses and to register: http://etfo-aq.ca/catalogue/. Register this week for a chance to win one of five battery packs we are giving away! Please note that registration closes June 16, 2015.
SEEKING ESP/PSP/DECE MEMBERS

We are seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the ESP/PSP/DECE standing committee. Interested members should apply by June 1, 2015 by completing this online application form. You can learn more about ETFO standing committees and their terms of reference on our website.
Springtide Resources Presents: Be Aware, Prepare, Educate

FREE ONLINE COURSE

 

School can be a safe haven for children exposed to woman abuse.  Educators can make a difference. Be Aware, Prepare, Educate is an online course for ETFO members interested in learning about the effects woman abuse has on children and how to help them.

 
For more information, go to www.springtideresources.org.  To register, send Carol Zavitz ([email protected]) your full name, local, ETFO number, and the email address  you will use to access the program.