Around OECTA

This month has been a whirlwind at the office! With transfers, committee meetings, elections, and retirements, things have been busy. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding if our response times for emails and calls are a little longer than usual. Rest assured, our team is working diligently on your behalf.

Our unit has held numerous meetings with board officials, discussing issues like violence, reporting protocols, staffing, and staff support. With upcoming leadership changes at the board, we're committed to keeping these concerns at the forefront of every discussion. Your staff reps and JHSC worker co-chairs are invaluable in raising concerns to the office, directly shaping our advocacy efforts.

Unit Elections

Our Annual General Meeting on May 21st at St. Naum's was a success. Those who attended enjoyed a nice meal and heard from candidates for Unit Executive positions. We're pleased to announce the election of our new executive for 2025-2026. Please see the list below. Congratulations to all elected members, and a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing executive for their dedicated service.

Celebrating Diversity & History

Pride Month

As June begins, we proudly celebrate Pride Month and the rich diversity within our school communities. As Catholic educators, we are dedicated to fostering an environment of peace, respect, and compassion for everyone. Our shared humanity is what really matters. We're focused on making sure our schools are safe and welcoming for everyone, particularly our 2SLGBTQIA+ students, teachers, and staff.

National Indigenous History Month

June also marks National Indigenous History Month. As we honor the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, we must continue to participate in discussions about the rich histories and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. True and meaningful reconciliation is essential, not just this month, but throughout the year.

Get Involved: Join an OECTA Committee!

Calling all teachers – veterans and newcomers alike! Do you want to help shape our Association's future and connect with colleagues? Consider joining one of our many local OECTA committees next year. These committees address important issues and need your unique voice. Whether you bring years of experience or a fresh perspective, your ideas and enthusiasm are highly valued. Visit our website to explore the different committees and find contact information. Still unsure which is the best fit? Give us a call at the office – we'd love to chat and help you find your perfect committee! Click here to forward your name.

The end of the school year is almost here! Before you fully disconnect, take these last few weeks to enjoy connecting with your students and colleagues. Continue to find the joys in life.

Josh

Important Upcoming Dates

OECTA-HW Celebrates Pride Month

As we embrace the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Pride Month, we joyfully come together to celebrate and uplift one another. Pride Month is a time when we recognize and honour the diverse identities and experiences that enrich our communities.

During this month, we cherish the contributions and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, acknowledging the struggles they have faced and the progress that has been made towards equality. We strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel valued, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. By celebrating each other's unique journeys and fostering a culture of acceptance, we cultivate a sense of belonging that is fundamental to individual growth and collective well-being. We commit ourselves to promoting understanding, empathy, and love, rejecting discrimination and prejudice in all forms.

As Catholic educators, we recognize the importance of creating safe spaces where all can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. We affirm our dedication to providing comprehensive and inclusive education, where all feel loved. During this month, let us join hands, stand tall, and advocate for a world where every individual is celebrated, respected, and embraced for who they are. Together, we inspire a future generation that values diversity, compassion, and equality, nurturing a society where everyone can flourish and shine their brightest.

OECTA-HW Unit Executive 2025-2026

Following our Unit General Meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, we are excited to introduce the team that will lead and represent our OECTA-HW membership for the 2025-2026 school year. Their collective experience and dedication will be invaluable as we navigate the year ahead.

President - Josh Mamer

1st Vice-President - Alison Coyle

2nd Vice-President - Paul Kiely

3rd Vice-President - Lori Bell

Treasurer - Erin O'Neill

Recording Secretary - Marissa Woods

Councillors - Patty Campos-Besu, Joe Clinton, Larry Finocchi

Equity Councillor - Mary Grunda

Occasional Teacher Representative - Kristyn Kwarczynski

Our union thrives because of members who are willing to step up and serve. To every individual who put their name on the ballot, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your courage to stand for election, your passion for our profession, and your commitment to advocating for your colleagues are the bedrock of OECTA-HW. Whether elected or not, your contribution is vital and truly valued. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Remaining Teacher Transfer Timelines

The Chapters They Wrote: Celebrating Our Retirees

On May 29th, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum became a venue not just for taking in the remarkable aircraft with their storied histories, but also a place where the OECTA Hamilton-Wentworth community gathered to honour the incredible career stories written by our colleagues. These are stories rich with dedication—some marking a quarter-century of unwavering service, others concluding a distinguished professional journey into retirement.

The museum, against its backdrop of history and achievement, was filled with warmth of camaraderie as stories were shared and heartfelt tributes were paid. The evening was a vibrant reflection of the collective appreciation for several dedicated individuals, whose unique professional journeys have enriched our schools and the lives of countless students. It was truly a night to remember, celebrating not just milestones, but the enduring spirit of the teaching community in Hamilton.

OECTA-HW Legacy Project

Preserving Yesterday for Tomorrow

As we reflect on the wonderful memories created at our recent Retirement Celebration, it's a poignant reminder of the importance of capturing and preserving our collective OECTA-HW journey. Last month, we introduced the OECTA-HW Legacy Project, inviting you to share photographs from across the years.

These images – from staff rooms, school events, and union gatherings – are more than just snapshots; they are vital pieces of our shared story, testaments to the dedicated colleagues who came before us and the enduring spirit of our Hamilton Catholic community family.

If you haven't yet had a chance, please consider looking through your albums. Your contributions will enrich future celebrations and help build a lasting archive for generations to come.

Please send digital copies of your photos to: retirement@oectahw.com

Send original photos to the OECTA office in the mailbag.

We will return to you if requested.

Bowled Over by Fun

Pins clattered, laughter echoed, and a fantastic time was had by all at the Annual OECTA-HW Bowling Night! Members swapped their classroom gear for bowling shoes and hit the lanes for an evening packed with friendly competition, great company, and a whole lot of strikes - great union-fun!

It was the perfect opportunity to unwind, catch up with colleagues from across the city, and simply enjoy a fun night out. These OECTAgethers are a brilliant way to build connections and celebrate our OECTA-HW community spirit. A big thank you to our amazing Social Committee for organizing such a successful and enjoyable event.

Now, onto the highlights and to celebrate those who truly mastered the lanes. A huge round of applause for our prize winners:

Highest Bowler: A massive congratulations to Joe Curto, who owned the lanes with an impressive top score of 146!

Second Highest (and Most Generous!): Josh Mamer rolled a fantastic 141. In a wonderful display of camaraderie, Josh generously passed his prize onto our Third Highest Bowler, George Frade, who bowled a solid 138. Well played, all around!

Most... uh... Consistently Aiming for Fun? (Lowest Bowler): Keeping spirits high and ensuring every pin had its moment, Deprise Almeida gamely took home the prize for Lowest Bowler with a score of 42. Every point counts towards a good time!

The Early Bird Catches the... Bowling Ball? (First to Register): Props to Debbie Medeiros for being the keenest bowler, snagging the prize for being the very first person to register for the event!

And for the ultimate team glory, the coveted title of Winning Team went to Lane 6! The formidable "Dolls With Balls" from St. Ann's Hamilton truly dominated with a stellar team average of 111. Congratulations to team members: Joe Curto (pulling double duty!), Jackie DiPaulo, Steve Docherty, Rosanna Mastromarco, Patricia Polizzi, and Mary Tomasevic. Way to roll!

Thanks to everyone who came out to make it such a memorable and fun-filled evening. Keep an eye out for future Social Committee events – you won't want to miss out!

OECTA Strong

Members can order a free OECTA Strong t-shirt. Delivery is offered through the HWCDSB mailbag, or you can choose to pick it up from our office. We do not offer shipping to other addresses.

When selecting your size, plase note that these shirts fit a little on the larger side.

From the Treasurer

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 so that if they are "found" in the future, they are not accidentally cashed a second time.

2024-2025 Expenses and Mileage

All expenses and mileage claims (for union business) must be sent to the OECTA office by June 23rd. If associated with a committee, ensure that the committee chair has signed-off on the expense prior to submitting to the OECTA office.

Deadline for Submission: June 18, 2025

Mileage Claim Form

Expense Claim Form

Committee Budget Requests

Are you on an OECTA-HW committee? The committee should be looking ahead in its planning to anticipate financial resourcing needs and wishes. Any proposed increases to committee budgets must be passed through the Finance Committee at its yearly summer meeting where all annual budget planning is completed. OECTA-HW Bylaw 6.1.6 requires that the committee chairperson present a tentative program and budget request in writing to the executive by June 30. To facilitate this, committee chairpersons can complete the form linked below to make any requests for budget increases to the executive.

Committee Budget Requests

PD Funds Available

Have you taken a course this school year? OECTA-HW may be able to help. PD funds (up to $250) are available for professional practice growth opportunities such as AQs, conferences, and other opportunities directly supporting the improvement of one's practice in the classroom.

Courses/Conferences must be completed by June 30 to qualify under this year's budgeted funds. Taking a course this summer? PD completed after June 30 may be claimed using next year's allocated funds. We will not be processing those applications until the following school year.

PD Funds Application

Article 8.02 Mileage Claims

Each school will be provided with an annual allowance, which will be used by the Principal to reimburse Teachers who use their automobiles as a result of their involvement in extracurricular activities.

This allowance shall be calculated in the following manner:

i) Total number of frill-time equivalent students as at October 31 x 2.30 annual allowance

ii) No school shall receive less than $450 as an annual allowance.

These mileage claims are not directed to the OECTA office. Mileage related to Article 8.02A is submitted locally to your principal using the Article 8.02 Form.

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From the Provincial Office

Learning From Diverse Voices

Teaching in the 21st Century

Teaching in the 21st century is both challenging and rewarding. As contemporary society evolves and changes, so to do the needs of our students and the expectations placed on teachers. It is important that teachers recognize the complex and dynamic issues their students and families face, particularly in the province of Ontario, and stay up-to-date on current pedagogy, classroom practices, and cultural norms.

The Teaching in the 21st Century guidebook and video series was curated to help Catholic teachers navigate the complexities of their profession in the modern context.

Access the Guidebook and Videos

Additional Qualification Courses

Don't miss out on Early-Bird Pricing!

Courses will run from July 2nd - August 8th

Early bird registration opens from May 9th - June 20th at noon. Courses that do not have sufficient enrolment will be closed after June 20th at noon. Courses that are guaranteed to run will remain open until July 2nd as long as there's availability.

Early bird fees are available for registration from May 9th - June 22nd at midnight:

$599 for Religion Part 1 only
$649 for all other AQ courses

Registration from June 23rd - July 2nd:

$649 for Religion Part 1 only
$699 for all other AQ courses

Read the Spring Edition of Catholic Teacher

Click here to download.

Okay! Blue Jays! Let's Play Ball!

The Toronto Blue Jays are offering a discount to teachers and education workers for the 2025 season!

Step 1 – Click HERE to access the teachers and education workers special offer.

Step 2 – Click on the Buy Tickets button. All eligible games are listed until June 30th are listed, and the discount has been automatically applied.

Step 3 – You are requested to use your school board email address when purchasing to verify your status as a teacher.

Step 4 – Enjoy the game!

Additional offer details:

Discount valid for select games until June 30th
For select games (listed on the site), receive 30% off tickets in select Corner Reserved, 200 Level and 500 Level seats.
Receive 30% off tickets in the select selections of the 100, 200, & 500 levels
Offer subject to seat availability

Promotional Material

Ready, Set, WIN

Enter to win our monthly prize of 500 cash

and the grand prize of $10,000 cash!

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No purchase necessary. Open to all active and retired Ontario education members. Must be an Ontario resident, minimum 18 years of age to enter. Contest closes December 31, 2025. Selected winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question. Full contest rules at www.otip.com/contest-rules. Odds of winning depend on entries received by the draw date for the prizes.

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