President's Message

Well. We’ve done it! We’ve made it to the end of school year 2022-2023.

Another in the books.

I wish that I could say it was a smooth ride, but in some areas, it has been anything but.

The transition to the new, old ‘normal’ has come with many challenges. Teachers continue to deal with Covid learning losses in class, lack of resources and training for curriculum updates (with more to come), escalating violence in schools, transitioning to a new operating system (Aspen), and a hazy labour landscape. All of which bring frustration to our jobs. The job of a teacher is becoming harder.

With that said, each of you has earned a much needed and well-deserved break for the summer. The work you have done this year does not go unnoticed. The commitment made by you to your jobs and your students shines through everyday. 

Here, in the office, the team works to support you in all your efforts. Although we aren’t always successful in resolving issues to our satisfaction, advocacy continues everyday. Our work continues on items such as violence reporting, staffing, support of teachers on leave, and counselling. 

The Provincial Bargaining Team has dates scheduled for the summer and are prepared to continue talks through July and August. We are somewhat hopeful that these talks will be fruitful as we move toward an agreement.

Contained in the Member Update (sent June 23rd) there was another mention of the Catholic Teachers member census being conducted by the OECTA Provincial Office. You should have received an email invitation reading “Pollara on behalf of OECTA” for this census. This is a monumental undertaking for our Association, which will provide a better understanding of our members and ensure that we continue to provide the resources and supports that best meet your needs. The unit strongly encourages all Catholic teachers to participate.

If you are a member in your first 10 years of teaching, then you are invited to attend OECTA’s Beginning Teachers Conference! Please consider this wonderful opportunity provided by the provincial office. The conference runs August 24-25 at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle hotel. There are still spots available. If you are interested, please contact me, 905-870-6483.

I would like to thank the office team; Alison, Paul, and Dina, as well as Kathryn, for their dedication and hard work throughout this year. Their commitment to the teachers of our unit is steadfast and inspiring. We are lucky to have each of them. I also want to thank the unit executive for their time and efforts this year. Their advocacy is crucial when bringing issues to the executive table. They also give their time, when no one seems to have enough, and I thank them for their work. As well, the various committee chairs and the members of our local committees. Teachers working for teachers, using their talents for the betterment of all. A sincere ‘thank you’.

I want to extend best wishes to those teachers who will be retiring from the profession, both at the end of June and those who moved on earlier this year. The difference you have made in the lives of your students and colleagues is immeasurable. You should be proud of the work you have done. Enjoy your retirement, you will be missed.

The unit office will be closed through the summer. Emails and voicemail will be monitored periodically. If there is an emergency, please contact the duty officer at the Provincial Office, at 1-800-268-7230. All non-pressing issues will be addressed when possible.

And with that, I want to wish each of you a happy and healthy summer. Spend time with family and close friends, travel if you’d like, enjoy the garden, enjoy the pool, or do nothing at all. Try to recharge and re energize. God bless.

Josh

Cashing Cheques

With so much personal banking now being done over our cell phones, increasingly cheques are inadvertently being cashed two (or more) times. This results in problems later on while reconciling the bank statement. To assist the unit in maintaining its books, members are asked to cash cheques ASAP '(and within 6 months)., Be sure to write "void" or "cancel" on remotely cashed cheques. 

2022-2023 Expenses and Mileage

All expenses and mileage claims (for union business) must be sent to the OECTA office by June 24th. Any expenses and mileage related to a specific committee must be signed for by the committee chairs before submitting to the office.

PD Funds Available

If you have taken a course which will help you to develop professionally, the unit may be able to help. PD funds (up to $250) are available for courses such as AQs, conferences, etc. Courses/Conferences must be completed by August 31 to qualify under this year's budgeted funds.  Courses/Conferences after August 31 may be claimed using next year's allocated funds.