Around OECTA
Around OECTA
June 2025
June 2025
Embedded Files
From Your Local Unit
From Your Local Unit
President's Message
President's Message
Hello colleagues of Hamilton-Wentworth.
Happy Summer to you all. We have made it to the end of another school year.
On behalf of our Association I want to say ‘thank you’ to all of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to Catholic education here in Hamilton. Day after day, month after month, teachers in Hamilton continue to do more with less. In an era with near constant cuts to supports and resources you continue to carry yourselves with dignity and professionalism and our students are well serviced by your efforts. For this, you should all be proud.
Our unit has continued our advocacy work on your behalf. It seems like forever ago, but this year involved retro payments for arbitrated salary adjustments. The office has also been very busy this year monitoring and supporting new and existing collective agreement provisions. We push back on management and board overreach and continue to support teachers through challenging and difficult situations. This work is ever ongoing, but please be assured that the unit office is here to support you. We offer advice and guidance for teachers to advocate for themselves with principals and colleagues and more direct support with a variety of board departments. When in doubt, reach out.
As the school year winds down, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation. First, a huge thank you to Alison, Paul, and Dina. Your dedication and hard work this past year have been nothing short of inspiring. The steadfast commitment you show to our teachers provides an invaluable source of strength and support. We are truly blessed having each of you here at our unit office!
To our unit executive, your tireless advocacy makes a real difference. You consistently bring crucial issues to light and always go the extra mile, even when you're stretched for time. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you create for our members.
And to our incredible committee chairs and local committee members, thank you for truly living the spirit of "teachers working for teachers." Your generosity in sharing your talents and expertise for the benefit of everyone is deeply, deeply appreciated.
We also want to send my warmest wishes to those retiring and embarking on new adventures beyond the classroom, whether now or earlier this year. The mark you've left on your students and colleagues is simply immeasurable. You should feel immense pride in the countless lives you've shaped and the lasting legacy of knowledge you're leaving behind. Embrace this well-deserved retirement! While we'll certainly miss your presence, we're excited for the wonderful new chapters awaiting you.
Please note, the unit office will be closed for the summer. We'll be checking emails and voicemails periodically. For any emergencies, please reach out to the duty officer at the Provincial Office at 1-800-268-7230. All other matters will be addressed when we can.
Wishing you all a summer bursting with joy and rejuvenation! Whether you're reconnecting with loved ones, discovering new places, tending your garden, or simply soaking up the sun, I hope you take every opportunity to recharge your batteries and come back feeling completely refreshed and energized.
God bless.
Josh
Important Upcoming Dates
Important Upcoming Dates
Understanding Your End-of-Year and Summer Pay Schedule
Understanding Your End-of-Year and Summer Pay Schedule
Teachers on June 30
Teachers Reviewing August Bills
As the school year comes to a close, we often receive questions about the final pay cheque and how the summer pay schedule works. This is a perfect "know your contract" opportunity to ensure everyone feels confident about their earnings. Of note is that there have been no changes to how we are paid. The question was raised in bargaining but there wasn't significant enough interest to justify making any changes.
Permanent Teachers
Permanent Teachers
Permanent teachers are still paid on a "current" basis and your annual salary, as outlined in Article 5 of our local agreement, is divided into 26 equal pay cheques rather than the 22 that would normally fall from September to June. By spreading out our salary over more pay periods this does two things. It protects us from fluctuations in our pay as we go through the school year and encounter an unpaid day (or days) in a pay period from statutory holidays or school breaks since we are not paid for these. It also means we can predict how much money we will receive on each pay.
Are you surprised to learn that permanent teachers aren't paid for stat holidays? School breaks? You wouldn't be the only one as many people (teachers included) believe this to be the case.
Our final pay arrived yesterday, June 26. This pay is the equivalent of one "regular" pay, plus four additional pays for the summer. We call this our "lump sum payment." There are ways to manage your lump sum payment over the summer to ensure it gets you to your next pay in September. Some teachers put it in an account not linked to a debit card and pay themselves every two weeks, as normal. You can even set up an account and have it transfer automatically into your account as if this was a normal pay situation every two weeks. Talk to your bank if you need assistance with this.
Your first pay always falls on the first Thursday of work, in the new school year, which is September 4.
How to Verify Your Pay
How to Verify Your Pay
You should always check your pay stub to ensure it matches your grid rate. Here’s how:
Take your annual salary and divide it by 26. This is your gross (pre-deduction) pay for each pay period.
The final pay should be the equivalent of 5 pay periods.
Your final June pay cheque is the "paying out" of the full remainder of your salary.
Occasional Teachers
Occasional Teachers
Your daily rate (or grid rate while in an LTO) includes vacation pay, like permanent teachers. However, you receive all of your $$ up front, without any hold back or "lump sum" payment. Occasional Teachers are paid on a two-week delay so your final pay will be on July 10 for the work you completed from June 14 -27. There are a full 10 days in this pay period. For Employment Insurance purposes, the Board will report each day you worked as an Occasional Teacher as 8 hours on your Record of Employment. You will need 600 hours of work in order to qualify for EI, or 75 days of work completed since your last claim. Questions about EI are best directed to Service Canada.
Any concerns should be brought to the Board, first, and you can contact payroll@hwcdsb.ca with questions. You can copy us on the email.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and restful summer! Since I began my time working in the unit office, each year really seems to have its' own unique sets of challenges and issues. I'm beginning to this that a "normal" year doesn't actually exist, just the next thing to learn and adapt to. We see the hard work and dedication to your students, the growing challenges and yes, the impact that it has on you as educators trying to meet the increased demands placed on you. Thank you for sharing your stories with us because these stories are powerful. They help us to stay connected to the realities of the classroom and better advocate for you at the many tables where we have a voice, so we can fight on your behalf.
With sincerity,
Alison
1st Vice-President
Contract Manager/Lead Negotiator
Electing Your 2025-2026 Staff Representative
Electing Your 2025-2026 Staff Representative
The long, sun-filled days of summer are finally here, offering a well-deserved respite from the whirlwind of the academic year. This is a crucial time for teachers to step back, disconnect from the classroom, and truly recharge. Taking this time to rest and refresh is not just a benefit, but a necessity to return in September with the energy and resilience needed to inspire a new group of students.
While we want you to fully embrace your break, a moment of forward thinking now can significantly ease the transition back to school. Before the rush of September begins, we can lay the groundwork for a supportive and collaborative year. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by ensuring your school has a dedicated Association Representative in place for the 2025-2026 school year.
What is an Association Representative?
What is an Association Representative?
Often called the "Staff Rep," this person is the vital link between OECTA and the teachers in your school. They are the "eyes and ears" of the building—a volunteer colleague who provides on-site support and communication.
Key responsibilities include:
Answering questions from members about their rights and the collective agreement.
Helping colleagues navigate issues with administration, students, or parents.
Distributing materials from the OECTA unit and Provincial Office.
Voicing teacher concerns to the unit executive.
Acting as a witness or recorder for a colleague in meetings with the principal.
Why Become a Representative?
Why Become a Representative?
Serving as your school's Staff Rep is a fantastic way to make a tangible difference. It’s also an excellent opportunity to:
Develop leadership and advocacy skills that benefit you and your colleagues.
Gain a deeper understanding of how OECTA works to protect and support teachers.
Be a trusted leader and a go-to resource in your school community.
The Election Process: Key Details
The Election Process: Key Details
(According to Article 6.5 of the OECTA-HW Bylaws)
When: Elections (if necessary) should be held by September 30, 2025.
Who Can Vote: Only teachers confirmed to be on staff for 2025-2026 school year are eligible to vote.
Report the Results: Once a representative is chosen (whether by election or acclamation), please email their name to secretary@oectahw.com.
Need Help? If you have multiple candidates or questions about election procedures, please consult the unit office for guidance to ensure a fair and smooth process.
Ready to Learn More or Step Up?
Ready to Learn More or Step Up?
If you're interested in this rewarding role, or want to encourage a colleague, check out these resources. For any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the unit office.
Health and Safety - High Temperature Guidelines
Health and Safety - High Temperature Guidelines
No Prescribed Upper Limit
No Prescribed Upper Limit
The dog days of summer are here again, and with temperatures soaring, so, too, are the questions related to the health and safety rights of workers and responsibilities of employers to provide healthy working and learning environments.
In Ontario, it is important to note that while there is a lower temperature limit of 18 Celsius in workplaces which are normally heated, such as schools (O. Reg 851), no upper limit exists in legislation or regulation. Though it is true that employers still bear the general duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker, the lack of specific language in connection to an upper limit leaves the door open to interpretation and introduces "grey zones" where measures to be taken in high heat events are categorized more as recommendations - things an employer might try if they're feeling benevolent - and less as requirements.
On that vein, when Environment Canada issues a humidex advisory (air temperature over 30 Celsius, humidex over 40°C), the HWCDSB Extreme Temperature Guideline offers recommended responses to help mitigate the impacts to workers and students in schools. Members are invited to acquaint themselves with the guidelines, and refer to them if faced with conditions of high heat in their working environment.
Sweltering classrooms pose a direct threat to student and teacher well-being. Heat stress can lead to a domino effect, starting with decreased focus and concentration, then progressing to irritability and headaches, and potentially cascading toward much more serious health impacts if left to progress. These factors can disrupt classroom management and hinder learning. Ultimately, excessive heat can create a safety hazard, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for both students and educators.
Resources
Resources
Heat Stress Effects
CLICK TO ENLARGEHeat Stress Effects
Heat Stress Warning Signs
CLICK TO ENLARGEHeat Stress Warning Signs
OFL: The Heat Is On Campaign
OFL: The Heat Is On Campaign
Is anything being done to move the needle on this issue? Most certainly - advocacy on the matter has been ongoing, The Provincial Working Group on Health and Safety continues to hold consultations with the the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations related to workplace temperatures.
"Is there anything I can do to help out?" Great question. Members are encouraged to throw their support behind the OFL Heat Is On Campaign, which seeks to implement changes to the OHSA and/or regulations respecting temperatures in Ontario workplaces.
Visit the campaign website to add your name to the growing list of concerned citizens who are seeking increased protections for workers against heat stress. While there, browse from among several valuable resources which will educate you on the issue of heat stress in the workplace. Among those resources is the OHCOW Heat Stress Toolkit which offers literature, calculators, infographics, and more. Check it out today!
Taking a Course This Summer?
Taking a Course This Summer?
OECTA-HW PD Funds Available
OECTA-HW PD Funds Available
The OECTA Hamilton-Wentworth 2025-2026 budget continues to set aside funds accessible to members to assist with costs associated with professional development opportunities such as AQ courses, conferences, and workshops. To take advantage of this opportunity, please complete the application form linked below.
Please Note
Please Note
Each member is able to access up to $250.00, until the budget line is exhausted.
Included: AQ courses, conferences, workshops, classes, including OT coverage for an absence to attend a course/conference/workshop etc. The content of the opportunity must be supportive of your teaching practice.
Excluded: Expenses like accommodations, mileage, books, technology, monthly subscriptions, etc.
Priority given to members who did not access the funds last year.
Documentation of completion and a copy of the receipt will be required to receive reimbursement.
PD must be completed between July 1, 2024 June 30, 2025. Funds are not accessible for PD completed in prior years.
Persons working for another board are not eligible.
Occasional Teachers are eligible to access the fund after working their 45th day with the HWCDSB.
Applications are subject to the approval of the PD committee.
Promotional Material
Promotional Material
How to manage risks at home
How to manage risks at home
Ensuring the safety and security of your home is a crucial responsibility. By understanding common risks and taking proactive measures, you can protect your most valuable assets. Here, we’ll explore various ways to identify, assess, and manage risks in and around your home so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Read more at www.otip.com/article193. #OTIPUpdate
Celebrate the end of the school year with a bonus offer!
For the month of June only, get a $30 gift card of your choice when you get a car, home, or leisure product quote. Get a quote or call 1-888-892-4935 and mention this offer.
From the Provincial Office
From the Provincial Office
Summer Learning Institutes
Summer Learning Institutes
Summer Learning Institutes are scheduled as one day virtual interactive learning opportunities. Participants can expect to engage in meaningful learning and dialogue, come away with practical resources and classroom ready supports for implementation in the coming school year.
Sessions:
Sessions:
August 12: Fostering a Community of Learners (Classroom Management)
August 13: Building Inclusive Learning Environments: Effective Practices for Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting
August 14: Supporting the Success of our Math Learners (K-8)
August 18: Empowering Classrooms: Real-Time Solutions to Combat Anti-Black Racism
August 19: Changing the Narrative: Breaking Myths, Confronting Denial, and Advancing Justice in Catholic Education
August 20: Unlocking Potential: Empowering Learning Through Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction
Please note: All sessions will run from 9am - 12pm.
Invest in Yourself: OECTA AQ Courses
Invest in Yourself: OECTA AQ Courses
As another school year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on one's practice and look ahead to the school year on the horizon. What new skills will you bring to your classroom in September? What new doors do you want to open in your career journey?
And yes, what new column on the pay grid are you ready to conquer?
Investing in an OECTA AQ course is one of the most effective ways to enhance your skills, open career pathways, and directly impact your financial future—both now and at retirement.
This summer, you have the opportunity to invest in your professional growth in a way that is flexible, rewarding, and designed specifically for you. Our Additional Qualification (AQ) courses are taught by teachers, for teachers, grounded in the unique context of Ontario's Catholic education system.
For more information, follow the link below.
Promotional Material
Promotional Material
How you can have your summer fun, and your savings too
How you can have your summer fun, and your savings too
One of the wonderful things about being an education member is the summer. A chance to recharge, or renovate. Take a course, or take off. So, how can you embrace all that summer offers while protecting your financial well-being? Here are 3 practical tips to help you have your summer fun, and your savings too.
Set (and stick to) a budget. Having more ‘free time’ in July and August could potentially lead you to overspending if you’re not careful. This is why you should always have a separate spending budget in place to keep your finances on track for the summer months.
Stretch your money further by cashing in those loyalty rewards. With billions in unredeemed loyalty points in Canada, consider finally cashing in on any unused points you’ve racked up to enjoy discounted (or even free) meals, activities, transportation, or hotel stays this summer.
Make sure your money is still working hard while you’re on break. While you might be catching a bit of a respite over the summer—make sure your money is still working just as hard as you do during the school year. Get expert advice from a financial advisor.
For more tips on how to protect your finances, read the full article: https://bit.ly/3Sn3iOt.
Educators Financial Group has been offering financial planning and a wide selection of investing and lending products and services exclusively to education members and their families since 1975. It is this strong history that has enabled them to become the education community’s financial specialist — empowering educators to achieve their financial goals.
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