Our benefits plan will be changing on November 1st.  If this is news to you, I am glad you are reading this now.  Ask people you work with if they know about the upcoming change.  
The world of insurance is a very picky one.  They have very particular rules. When everything is in place, it all works very well.  Ask someone who has missed an insurance deadline though how bad it can get if you don't make changes in that all important window.  This is a time when you really will want to make sure you are receiving all of our communications.
We will be communicating with members using our usual channels.  We will be passing on information to Branch Presidents and local leaders.  We will be emailing.  You will be receiving information through Canada Post.  It is still possible though that some people won't know they have some 'homework' to do.  
Please call our District office if you haven't been receiving our D17 Communications emails.  You can call even if you think you have been getting them but aren't quite sure.  
​We will be holding an information meeting, hopefully on October 19th at Liberty North in Barrie.  If you have ANY questions about the upcoming changes, make sure you can attend.  Being properly informed will be a great way to start!

2 down, 192 to go.  
Hoping the first two days went well for all of you.  For some of our members, yesterday wasn't actually the first day.  We have ConEd members who continue on with their programming throughout the summer.  Last year was difficult for many with the uncertainty of bargaining and the numerous redundancies.  Maybe this year will be a little more settled.  For some, there are retirement plans on the horizons.  I read several Facebook posts yesterday proclaiming this to be someone's 'last first day'.  For others, it may have been your actual first day.  Both of those groups may wonder what lies ahead.  There are a number of us in the middle.  We are midway through our careers and trying to keep momentum going.  No matter where you find yourself on that continuum, please remember that there are released officers here at 51 King St in Barrie who are working for you.  There is a Branch President who represents you and your interests.  There are Collective Bargaining representatives who will be asking you this year about your ideas for bargaining priorities.  There are Ed Services reps who will help to get financial assistance to further your Professional Development goals.  Together we are stronger.  Together we make public education work.  Together we head into another year.  Let's see where the road takes us.

You've made it to the Christmas Break.  Apologies if you don't celebrate Christmas but that is what the school board calls this upcoming 2 week period where you will be off work.  Congrats on getting this far.  It may not be snowy and white and it may not look like winter but it sure doesn't feel like summer any more.  The end of first semester is just around the corner and this, like so many other times, this is a very busy time of year.  Hopefully you will take some time for yourself to recharge and re-energize.  Read a book, go see a movie (I'd highly recommend Star Wars), take up knitting, whatever you do that relaxes you.  Sure, there may be holiday and family obligations but try to carve out some time just for you.  Those around you will also appreciate that you have done that.  If you need a little more help, don't forget that there is an employee assistance plan that is offered through your benefits with OTIP.  People who use PosAction say the only thing bad about it is that they didn't start using it earlier.  Here is a link to get more information: http://www.d17teachers.com/posaction.html_.  You also have access to a similar program through the board and you can find that information on the staff website.  When you take care of yourself, everyone benefits!!!

From the Imagineaction website http://www.imagine-action.ca/Initiatives.aspx?c=1009

PILOT PROJECT
​Targeting primary, elementary and high schools
Seeking ten (10) schools to become Fair Trade designated by June 30, 2016
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) in partnership with Fairtrade Canada (FTC) is seeking ten schools to pursue and achieve Fair Trade School designation by June 30, 2016.
How does it work?
To assist with the success of the Fair Trade designation, an incentive of $300 will be provided to each of the ten schools that qualify to participate. The funds are to be used to increase awareness of the Fair Trade School campaign within the school and local community. Examples of eligible expenses could be website and/or other social media development, a Fair Trade school flag, banana costumes, newsletter, posters, events such as a film night, lunch and learn etc.
The application form to participate in the pilot project is the standard Imagineaction project application form accessible through your current login. If you require a login, please create a profile to access the application form by clicking on ‘apply for subsidy’ which is found under the teachers’ tab of the website.
The deadline to apply to be considered one of the ten eligible schools by Fairtrade Canada is Nov 30, 2015. Successful applicants will be chosen by a panel representing Fairtrade Canada and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation.
Fairtrade Canada
Fairtrade empowers millions of farmers and workers in the Global South by providing a Fairtrade Minimum Price for their product and a Fairtrade Premium that they can use to invest in their businesses and communities such as improvements to education, health care and overall quality of life. Products include bananas, coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar, flower, soccer balls and many others.
When you buy products with the FAIRTRADE Mark, it means these products have been produced by small-scale farmers that meet Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards including protection of workers’ rights and the environment.
The Fair Trade Schools Program helps students understand the life of children in poorer countries and how our purchasing decisions for the products we enjoy every day can be powerful actions of change. You will find a few resources on this page to help guide the discussion and learning process. Additional resources and information can be obtained directly by Fairtrade Canada, www.fairtrade.ca.
For information on Imagineaction and this pilot project, please contact [email protected].

Have you  ever wondered what happens to your union dues?  Want to know why things are the way they are? Curious about constitutions?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, I may have  something to help you.  We are currently seeking Delegates and Alternates to attend the OSSTF Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly, aka AMPA.  AMPA is held annually at the beginning of March Break.  This year's edition will be at the Sheraton Centre at 123 Queen St W in Toronto from Friday March 11th to Monday March 14th.  Yes, you read that right, it's right at the beginning of March Break.  Despite the fact that it 'cuts into' our much deserved time off, over 500 OSSTF members will be in attendance.  Some have attended over 30 times!!! Delegates from across the province attend to make resolutions, amend the constitution and take part in democracy.  There's even training offered for first timers. There is no cost to attend and you are welcome to bring your family.  They can explore all that downtown Toronto has to offer while you represent our members and make serious decisions.   If this sounds at all intriguing to you, please see your Branch President.  They have additional information and can answer your questions.  They also have the Delegate and Alternate nomination forms that need to be filled in by the December 2nd Council meeting.  Please consider attending.  Pretty sure you won't regret it! 

Provincial Website Resources
 
OSSTF/FEESO Collective Bargaining Bulletins (Login and Password Required)
**Lost your login or password?  Call Provincial Office or email [email protected]
Latest Bulletins:                #56 – September 30         #57 – October 21              #58 – October 23
 
OSSTF/FEESO Labour Action Website        Conflits de travail d’OSSTF/FEESO
 
Media / News Articles
 
Premier threatening to dock pay of union members in contracts standoff (insidehalton.com)
Kathleen Wynne gives education unions until Nov. 1 to reach deal (Metro Media)
Wynne threatens teachers will be docked pay (Sault Star)           
School boards not sure how power to dock pay in contract disputes will work (Windsor Star)
OSSTF threatens job action if no deal reached between union, TDSB (CBC)
OSSTF/FEESO members in Ontario North East announce job action (OSSTF/FEESO)
Public high school teachers step up job action (London Free Press)
ETFO vows to withdraw from all extracurriculars amid teacher contract dispute (Metro Media)
Sandals says $1M payout to OSSTF ‘not unusual’ (CP24)
 
List of Bargaining Units that have reached local deals (may still be subject to ratification)
 
District/Bargaining Unit
1 – Ontario North East James Bay Lowlands Moosonee OTBU
1 – Ontario North East James Bay Lowlands Moosonee TBU
2 – Algoma OTBU
3 – Rainbow OTBU
3 – Rainbow TBU
4 – Near North T/OT BU
6A – Thunder Bay TBU
7 – Bluewater OTBU
7 – Bluewater TBU
8 – Avon Maitland TBU
10 – Lambton Kent T/OT BU
14 – Kawartha Pine Ridge OTBU
14 – Kawartha Pine Ridge TBU
19 – Peel OTBU
19 – Peel TBU
20 – Halton OTBU
20 – HaltonTBU
24 – Waterloo T/OT BU
25 – Ottawa-Carleton OTBU
25 – Ottawa-Carleton TBU
27 – Limestone T/OT BU
28 – Renfrew TBU
29 – Hastings Prince Edward T/OT BU

Social Media
 
OSSTF/FEESO - Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @osstf
Educators Matter – Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @educatorsmatter
 
Visit the Educators Matter website

Finally, after what seems like the longest election campaign ever, today is election day, or E day as the politicial junkies like to say.  It's time to have your say, to speak up for Canada, to cast your ballot.  I won't tell you how to vote, I just ask that you cast a ballot.  Consider the  platforms, consider the leaders, consider your future.  I will add though that I really like this video I saw this weekend.  Take it as you will.
Now go VOTE!!
​

Provincial Website Resources
 
OSSTF/FEESO Collective Bargaining Bulletins (Login and Password Required)
**Lost your login or password?  Call Provincial Office or email [email protected]
Latest Bulletins:                #54 – September 18         #55 – September 25         #56 – September 30
 
OSSTF/FEESO Labour Action Website        Conflits de travail d’OSSTF/FEESO
 
Media / News Articles
 
Halton faces heat over unlocked schools (Hamilton Spectator)
Support workers take strike action as elementary teachers return to table (Ottawa Community News)
Sault school adjust to support staff job action (Sault Star)
School officials scrambling to make sure students safe after labour dispute leaves entrance unlocked (National Post)
Bluewater Board says OSSTF Education Support Staff Begin Job Action (blackburn.com)
Public high school teachers ratify contract (Thunder Bay Newswatch)
 
List of Bargaining Units that have reached local deals (may still be subject to ratification)
 
District
Bargaining Unit

1 – Ontario North East
James Bay Lowlands Moosonee OTBU

1 – Ontario North East
James Bay Lowlands Moosonee TBU

3 – Rainbow
TBU

4 – Near North
T/OT BU

6A – Thunder Bay
TBU

14 – Kawartha Pine Ridge
OTBU

14 – Kawartha Pine Ridge
TBU

19 – Peel
OTBU

19 – Peel
TBU

20 – Halton
TBU

25 – Ottawa-Carleton
OTBU

25 – Ottawa-Carleton
TBU

27 – Limestone
T/OT BU
​
Social Media
 
OSSTF/FEESO - Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @osstf
Educators Matter – Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @educatorsmatter
 
Visit the Educators Matter website

It's time again  to celebrate the creativity of our students.  Entries for the OSSTF Student Achievement Awards can now be submitted for a chance at winning $1000.  We have had several winners from Simcoe County in the past.Students are encouraged to produce written, visual and digital pieces that address the assigned theme, Laugh Out Loud,  with thought and creativity.  There is more information on the main page of this website as well as on the Provincial Webpage.  You can also view the video produced last year that highlights the winners.  Get laughing!!!