NWTTA NEWS
NWTTA NEWS Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association V O L U M E Gayla Meredith NWTTA President Members First! POINTS OF INTEREST: NWTTA serves 800+ educators in 8 regions 1 6 ● I S S U E 1 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 NWTTA Territorial Educators’ Conference September 29 to October 1 Teachers School Administrators YK1 Educational Assistants 2014-2016 Central Executive: President: Gayla Meredith Vice-President: Fraser Oliver Secretary/Treasurer: Marnie Villeneuve Member-at-Large: Sonia Gregory Regional Presidents’ Rep - TBA Regional Executives - elected in each region to serve members Local Receiving Officers (LROs) - volunteer in each school to serve members Check the NWTTA website for Central and Regional Executive members’ contact information and LRO listings Have you renewed/ registered your NWTTA Online Membership? See page 7 See You in Yellowknife! INSIDE: President’s Message 2 Executive Director’s Message 3 NWTTA Website - Check 6 out your MEMBER AREA Membership Renewal 7 Professional Development 8 Assistant Executive Director’s Message 12 Ask your President & Executive Director 17 Educators’ Conference Special Events 20 NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association September 2014 Message from NWTTA President “Each fall, along with renewed energy and a fresh start, come excitement, expectations, hopes, plans and possibilities…” Message from NWTTA President quality member service, last spring the a large number of NWT educators ??????????????? Use quote here Central Professional Development Committee (CPDC) passed a motion to support an interm measure to The subject matter that appears in address this critical issue. Beginning in newsletters is virtually endless. You late September, a .75 2-year term Administrative Assistant position will can include stories that focus on be hired and funded by the CPDC to current technologies or innovations work under the direction of the PD Coordinator. in your field. From July 2013 to June 2014, Dave, You may also want to note business Adrien and I dealt with 2,333 to member concerns and issues or economic trends, orWelcome make prethe most exciting (including follow-ups) compared to dictions forone yourof customers or times of the year… Back to School! 1838 the year before, with 586 Thisclients. has always been one of my favourite addressed 3 years ago. Needless to times. Each fall, along with renewed If the newsletter is distributed in- say, with a 300% increase in energy and a fresh start, come member issues during this time ternally, expectations, you might comment excitement, hopes, upon plans on top of Education Renewal and and new possibilities for or teachers, students Innovation (ERI) demands and procedures improvements and to families. advocacy work, it is vital that we have the business. Sales figures or a capable and competent team to I have muchwill respect and admiration earnings show how your busifor you, our NWT educators. In serve our 800+ members. ness isto growing. addition your expertise, skills, This summer we spent time reviewing abilities and commitment to alife-long Some newsletters include column and providing feedback on the learning, you are dedicated, caring G N W T Department of that is updated issue, for to E d u c a t i o n , C u l t u r e a n d professionals. Each every day, you strive do instance, everythingan within your circle of Employment’s (ECE’s) ERI advice column, a book influence support NWT student confidential draft 3-year Action review,toa letter from the president, success. There is much to celebrate in Plan. The confidential draft Action or an editorial. alsolike profile education and this You yearcan we’d to Plan identified 18 intended initiatives newmore employees top newsletter! customers for implementation over the first 3 feature of this or in our Feel or free to send us photos and tell us years of the 10-year ERI Framework, vendors. about your exciting projects and activities. with a number of these already under Optimal learning environments for -way. ECE advised us that budgetary students stem from optimal conditions considerations will be provided once of professional practice for educators. the draft is finalized. You can rest assured that as your Suffice it to say, we flagged some NWTTA President, I continue to do ongoing concerns, including short everything within my circle of timelines that undermine/put ERI’s influence to support improved potential at risk, the need for working conditions for educators. adequate resources including funding We are fortunate to have an amazing and human capacity (for teachers, Central Office team with whom I administrators and ECE personnel), am thrilled to conduct NWTTA improved working conditions, the business and serve members: Executive i m p o r t a n c e o f i n t e r a g e n c y / Director, Dave Roebuck; Assistant interdepartmental supports and the Executive Director, Adrien Amirault; vital need for expertise in change N W T T A G N W T P r o f e s s i o n a l management as ERI rolls out. We also Development Coordinator, Colleen Eckert; noted our concern with the and Executive Assistant, André Corbeil. d i m i n i s h i n g i n t e g r i t y o f t h e Lynda Comerford has assisted Colleen engagement process as experienced since February 2014 with Territorial by a number of educator participants Conference preparations and will on ERI Working Groups, and flagged complete her 10-month work term the need to be aware of current NWTTA Collective Agreements with this November. their various conditions of While there is a definite increase in employment, including number of the volume of work at Central Office, school days, length of school years the exponential increase in workload and various aspects of professional over the past 5 years in the PD Office development. has grown beyond the capability of a single position. To support sufficient We will state that ECE has followed capacity within the PD office to ensure through on its commitment to include This story can fit 100-150 words. Gayla Meredith President David Reid “… is a great teacher, …fun and comical. Makes a difference in our school because … helps us understand our work more .” (age 15) Welcome Back to School ! NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 2 from various positions, grade levels and regions in its 23 Working Groups. However, it is the pace (extremely tight timelines) and thoroughness of engagement (too little time for meaningful discussion/input) that we feel puts the process at risk. Well-functioning work environments have at their core respectful, open, clear communication and teams with strong conflict resolution skills. The NWTTA Code of Ethics provides recommendations that support positive school and worksite environments (check the 2014/2015 NWTTA Pocket Planner). Often times member-to-member issues can be solved when they first arise with respectful, professional conversation. When dealing with such matters, the NWTTA requests that members FIRST speak directly to the member involved IN PRIVATE about the situation with the goal of finding resolution (please note – school administrators are NWTTA members). For more details on how members can work to resolve issues before they get out of hand check this year’s Pocket Planner. In addition, our Assistant Executive Director, Adrien Amirault, is trained in Conflict Resolution and offers workshops, upon request, to schools, DEC/Board Gatherings and he is on the docket for our fall conference! If at some point throughout the year you have questions or are faced with new challenges or uncertainties, remember – your NWTTA is here to support you, our NWT educators. Beginning with Local Receiving Officers in each school to Regional Presidents and their Executive members, along with your Central Executive and Central Office team, we are all here to assist you in a variety of capacities. Staying up-to-date on NWTTA happenings is an important part of being an NWTTA member. To do this you can check your email for information updates, bulletins and communiqués, including NWTTA NEWS publications. When you seek information about your collective agreement, NWTTA bylaws and policies, forms, PD or other association-related topics, the NWTTA Member Area of the website is a great source. You’ll also find a timeline of my Presidential Book online at firstair.ca September 2014 travels, meetings, discussions, presentations, and other advocacy efforts in Central Executive Meeting Minutes (NWTTA>>Member Login>>Central Executive Business) and regular Blog posts with news of NWTTA Central Office efforts on your behalf. This year’s Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) Presidents’ Forum in Ottawa, held in July prior to the Board of Directors’ Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), provided an array of guest speakers and focused roundtable discussions on ‘Equity and Social Justice at the Heart of Public Education’ specific to Poverty, Mental Health, Human Rights and Policy/Practice and Schools. At CTF’s AGM we elected a new Executive, with New Brunswick Past President Heather Smith now the new CTF President-Designate. We also welcomed Cassandra Hallett DaSilva, CTF’s new General Secretary taking office in January 2015. Cassie is a past NWTTA member who served the Association in a variety of capacities and will be remembered by many northern educators. The AGM also saw the Board of Directors conduct the affairs of this national organization representing nearly 200,000 elementary and secondary school teachers across Canada, and share Provincial and Territorial challenges and successes. Presentations and discussions touched on Work-Life Balance and how to move CTF’s recent survey work into action (check our Blog for a link to two informative documents; a hardcopy of Bernie Froese-Germain’s report is on its way to schools). We also learned about the History of Canadian Women in Education and the gains made by teacher unions on behalf of women (also on our website), and discussed CTF’s participation in the 2015 Education International (EI) 7th World Congress, Unite for Quality Education – Better Education for a Better World, that will be held in Ottawa next July 21-26, 2015. World Teachers’ Day is October 5th, a time to recognize and celebrate the work of educators at home and globally. CTF posters are enroute to each school with this year’s theme of “It all starts with a qualified teacher”. Your NWTTA Territorial Educators’ Conference has an exciting line-up of presenters and a wide-range of PD opportunities for you this September 29 to October 1. Colleen and Lynda worked over the summer to ensure everything comes together for this unique territorial PD conference. By now, you will have registered for conference sessions (if not, call Colleen or Lynda for assistance), or if there are circumstances preventing your participation you will have submitted the Alternative PD form. GNWT members will soon hear from the PD Office about details for travel and accommodation. If you have further conference questions – check the newsletter’s PD section, visit the NWTTA website or check with your LRO. For the first time ever, our fall NWTTA Regional Orientations will be held in Yellowknife! This will see over 80 NWTTA Local Receiving Officers and Executive Members together in Yellowknife for meetings, discussions and networking opportunities on Saturday and Sunday. What an exciting opportunity for our Association reps and leaders to share regional successes, challenges and effective solutions! We are also extending an invitation to any member interested in applying for the 2016 Negotiations Teams to attend a 2-hour Collective Bargaining Session on Sunday, September 28 from 7-9 PM. Myles Ellis of the CTF will provide an overview of what is happening across Canada in this area and the types of working condition clauses in various contracts. Fall is an exciting time, indeed! Thank you for your expertise and professionalism as you work to provide students across the NWT with the best possible education. With all of your responsibilities and demands on your time, remember that to be the best you can be for your students making time for personal wellness is foundational. As Dr. Shanker shared with me, Self-regulation is not only for students, it is also an important factor in adult personal wellness. Here’s to renewed energy, a fresh start, hopes, plans and possibilities along with all the excitement they bring! “Thanks for teaching me to read and write, you are a good teacher.” (age 5) Gayla Message from NWTTA Executive Director “Persons interested in serving on their bargaining units’ 2016 negotiation team should attend this important meeting.” Hello and welcome to all returning members and members new to the NWT! I hope everyone had a great summer holiday and thoroughly enjoyed whatever took your fancy to do! Rest was my top priority and I achieved it in spades. Here we are at the beginning of another school year. The excitement at this time of year is almost palpable as you prepare to greet your students into your classrooms. Big changes are in the offing as President Meredith has outlined in her article. Hopefully, these changes will lead to better outcomes for students and staffs. I am not going to echo Gayla’s article, but one thing I want to emphasize is the negotiations that will be taking place in the spring of 2016. These will be critical times for the Association. The employers will probably be seeking changes to working conditions such as school year and school day lengths to facilitate changes being brought about by Education Renewal and Innovation (ERI). To prepare for negotiations, we have invited Myles Ellis, Deputy General Secretary of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation to address interested members on Sunday, September 28, 2014…the evening before the start of our Territorial Educators’ Conference. Myles will give us an overview of teacher bargaining across the country with special emphasis on working conditions, scope of practice and other pertinent areas. Stay tuned for further information on this workshop. Persons interested in serving on their bargaining units’ 2016 negotiation team should attend this important meeting. The Association is also looking at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) “Labour Relations and the Negotiation Cycle” workshop. This is an excellent professional development opportunity for executive members and negotiation team chairs to attend. It is free of charge for a three-day workshop, is being held in Vancouver (not Ottawa) at an early NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 3 date in 2015. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. Of course, in the 2015/2016 academic year, the membership will be surveyed by each of your bargaining units to see what your priorities are for new collective agreements. As we progress over the next year-and-ahalf, think about changes, additions and improvements you would like to see in your agreement and send Adrien and I an email for inclusion in our pre-negotiations survey. It is great to get input from the membership, after all you are the front line workers and have a firm grasp of what works and what doesn’t. Please let us know. Wishing you all a great school year. I am always in awe of the work you do to educate our youth. The dedication and love you put into your chosen profession is amazing. Please know that Central Office staff are here to serve you. All the best, Dave Roebuck Dave September 2014 NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 4 September 2014 2014/2015 NWTTA Pocket Planner “…I want to say a Do you have yours? IF NOT Check with your LRO. special thanks to Here’s what you’ll find inside... my teacher be- Calendar NWTTA Reference Material cause … is the About the Organization Code of Ethics Lines of Communications Conflict Resolution/Professional Relations Grievance Deadlines Advice on what to do in situations of assault or accusation Awards and Bursaries NWTTA Committees most wonderful 2014/2015 School-year Calendars for each NWT School (including instructional minutes) When my stuff got wet … offered to keep me in her Variety of Contact Information NWTTA Central Office, Central Executive, Regional Presidents, Regional Delegates NWT Schools, Boards and District Education Councils (DECs) Numerous Education-Related Contact Numbers including Employee and Family Assistance Program, Online Counseling, Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, etc person I ever met. class while my class went out for recess WHERE TO FIND THE POCKET PLANNER... because almost all Hardcopies - at your school (ask your LRO) my stuff was wet. I PDF versions - NWTTA website GO TO: www.nwtta.nt.ca CLICK ON: MEMBER AREA (to sign-in) GO TO: PUBLICATIONS >> MEMOS, FORMS and DOCUMENTS >> and check under NWTTA Member Assistance have so many rea- NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 5 sons to nominate … (age 10.) September 2014 Look what’s available on your NWTTA Website... News updates, newsletters, publications, memos, forms, FAQs, contact info and much more! MEMBER AREA AREA MEMBER Check out the ‘What’s New’ column on the right-hand side for up-to-date news items, direct links to your MEMBER PROFILE and the NWTTA Incident Report form as well as School-year Calendars, Northern Allowance Rates, Pocket Planner and more! ct re Di MEMBER AREA Login Use MEMBERSHIP Username and Password! d len Ca ar to sound out words and now I read to my five year old sister." (age 6) ns About the NWTTA Teaching in the NWT Publications Frequently Asked Questions eds R yo ENE ur On W o by line r RE SE M GI PT em ST . 3 be ER 0t rsh h ip News Updat es Secure Member Area ages al P n o i Reg "...taught me how s es RSS Fe — LOG TA B NWT s Updates New QR Code: Scan with Smartphone to find www.nwtta.nt.ca c Ac tto Bu 1. Check the latest news updates under ‘What’s New’ 2. Find direct access to Member Profile and Incident Report (online submission and .pdf) 3. View Regional homepage and photos 4. Sign up for RSS Feeds 5. Locate all the NWTTA information you’re looking for! .ca t n . a t t w www.n Member Area Menu Items Check out the Member Area NWTTA All content from the Public area of the website is visible to members within the secure Member Area, along with the content for ‘members only’. Member Assistance; Member Profile; NWTTA and Members Teaching in the NWT School-year Calendars; Collective Agreements; Substitute Plus - EACH REGION HAS its own… Teachers; Prospective Teachers; Certification, Housing Matters Home page List of Regional Executive Members and contact information, and list of LROs Message from Regional President Access to Divisional Education Council/School Board webpage, Collective Agreements, Central Executive and Central Office contact information Photo page Members are welcome to contribute to this section. See page 14 of this newsletter for more information about contributing photos for the purpose of promoting education. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association About the NWTTA; Executive Members; Central Office Staff; 6 Frequently Asked Questions Publications News; Newsletters; Thank You for Making a Difference; Memos, Forms and Documents; RSS News Feeds Professional Development Conferences and Workshops; GNWT PD; YCS PD; YK1 PD; Opportunities-Awards-Bursaries; Resources/Links Public Relations/Communication Publication Content Requests; LRO - Communication Support; Thank You for Making a Difference Regional Sections September 2014 RENEW YOUR September 30th Deadline Online NWTTA Membership Renewal and Registration at www.nwtta.nt.ca! REGISTERED, RETURNING MEMBERS RENEW: SIGN-IN to the website’s MEMBER AREA If you have forgotten your password you can ask for it at the member area link on the top left hand column on the NWTTA webpage. www.nwtta.nt.ca S E’ EA T SI AR B E ER W B EM M CLICK the ‘MEMBER PROFILE’ link - You will be presented with one SUMMARY PAGE to REVIEW for accuracy CHOOSE ONE of two options: - ALL information is CORRECT: CLICK Renew As Is - IF CHANGES are required: COMPLETE updates and CLICK Save Changes & Renew LOOK for a THANK YOU page to confirm process completion. - You will IMMEDIATELY receive a confirmation email from [email protected] NEED TO REGISTER your MEMBERSHIP? See your school Local Receiving Officer for more information or contact [email protected]. Registered MEMBERSHIP Q&As What is a MEMBER PROFILE? An NWTTA database established to facilitate direct and immediate communication with EACH NWTTA member via email from [email protected] Emails may be sent on behalf of Central Office - OR - your Regional President Why should I register/renew? This database allows the NWTTA to communicate directly with members through its mass email capabilities, as well as target messages to specific groups (LROs, Regional Presidents, various Executive groupings, members in specific regions, etc.) Registered members receive current NWTTA information direct to their email address of choice. This will be of particular importance to members during times of negotiations or when it is vital for the Association to share critical information with members in an expedient manner. For security purposes to ensure ONLY active members receive email transmission, all non-renewed memberships are deleted each year after the September 30th renewal/registration deadline. Registered/renewed memberships make it possible to provide professional, personalized membership cards at a reasonable cost. The names of RETURNING members who RENEW and NEW members who REGISTER each year by the September 30th are included in the membership card printrun. What if I have questions? 2014/2015 Membership Renew BEFORE SEPT 30th & you are entered to win a flight from any First Air service location to Edmonton! FIRST, check with your school’s LR0. If you require further assistance, email: [email protected] NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 7 September 2014 Professional Development Corner PD Updates by Colleen Eckert, NWTTA Professional Development Coordinator Phone: 867-873-5759 • Fax: 867-873-2590 • Email: [email protected] (OR [email protected]) A working summer for 2014 was the plan for me! Thankfully I had my trusty colleague Lynda Comerford to work alongside me in the NWTTA office! Given the smoky air that enveloped Yellowknife for much of the summer, it was not a bad plan to work through it all. I hope each and every NWTTA member has enjoyed a rejuvenating summer of fun, family and friends! I am pleased to share that we are busy putting the last details together for the fall territorial conference, Our Students, Our North, Our Success! Many things are in place to make this event a meaningful learning experience. “… knows a lot of Gwichin, and I know a lot from her. teached me to communicate with my elders.” (age 14) We plan to send out a few mass emails during the weeks leading up to the conference with reminders of some of the elements of the conference that you just don’t want to miss! Delegate bag and final copies of each delegate’s schedule will be delivered right to all YCS and YK1 schools and District Offices along with Allain St-Cyr the week prior to the conference. Delegates flying into the conference will be greeted at the airport with their delegate bags, schedules and per diem cheques. We kindly ask those that are driving into Yellowknife to attend the conference, stop by the airport as you arrive to pick up your materials as well. The secondary arrivals area of the airport is where our happy conference team will be waiting to greet you for this special event! Colleen Are you a GNWT NWTTA member interested in taking a distance education course this fall or this winter? You must apply BEFORE starting your course! NWTTA members (in the GNWT bargaining unit) can apply for approval through an initiative called Distance Education Short Term Assistance for education related credit courses. An approval will enable you to be reimbursed for tuition fees upon successful completion of your education oriented credit course and submission of documentation. For more information or application forms please check the NWTTA website (www.nwtta.nt.ca), your school’s NWTTA resource manual or contact Colleen. Please note that the maximum tuition reimbursement for approved courses for this initiative is $2,500/per financial year for all reimbursements July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Looking for Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 Conferences? Check out the NWTTA website (www.nwtta.nt.ca under Professional Development) to view an up to date listing of conferences from across Canada that will be posted no later than September 1. Think about Summer 2015 Share your skills and energy with teachers overseas! Project Overseas is an initiative that is co-sponsored by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and member organizations across Canada, including the NWTTA. Funding is provided for a selected candidate upon the recommendation of the Central Professional Development Committee. Successful candidates travel to developing countries in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean in small teams to offer assistance to fellow teachers and struggling teacher organizations. Contact Colleen Eckert, PD Coordinator at 867.873.5759 for more information BEFORE the application deadline of October 31, 2014. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 8 Application DEADLINE: October 31, 201 2014 4 September 2014 Here’s an outline of the 2015 schedule for the major conventions in Alberta… Convention Location Dates North Central Calgary City Northeast Alberta Central Alberta Palliser District Southeastern Alberta South Western Alberta Greater Edmonton Central East Alberta Mighty Peace Edmonton Calgary Edmonton Red Deer Calgary Medicine Hat Lethbridge Edmonton Edmonton Grande Prairie February 5/6, 2015 February 12/13, 2015 February 12/13, 2015 February 19/20, 2015 February 19/20, 2015 February 19/20, 2015 February 19/20, 2015 February 26/27, 2015 March 5/6, 2015 March 5/6, 2015 "... taught my class and me for Please see the NWTTA webpage for information on other conferences that may be of interest. three years and GNWT Summer Reimbursement Deadline – DEC. 31st has INTENSIVELY Are you a GNWT NWTTA member who was approved for Short Term Assistance for any of the following summer 2014 initiatives? 2014 Summer Education Leadership Program (ELP) 2014 Summer Credit Course 2014 Summer Non-credit Course helped us prepare for our finals." (age 17) Remember, you have until December 31st, 2014 to submit the required documentation to the NWTTA PD office for reimbursement of your eligible costs WORKING WITH POOR AIR QUALITY Reprinted with permission from the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission. With a summer filled with extreme forest fires and a dump fire coined the "Dumpcano", air quality has been top of mind for many workers. The health effects from the smoke of a forest or dump fire may affect some people in the workplace more than others. People with heart or lung conditions, infants, young children, and the elderly are particularly at risk. To reduce exposure to smoke in the workplace, workers should stay indoors as much as possible; close doors and windows; and if you have to work outside, ensure you use the appropriate safety equipment and take regular breaks. We realize it is not always possible to follow these safe work practices. If you must work in conditions with poor air quality, some symptoms to watch out for include wheezing, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest, light headedness, and dizziness. Smoke may also irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. If symptoms persist and you cannot continue working seek medical attention. Remember, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of all persons in their establishment. And, it is the worker's right to refuse to perform duties which they feel pose an unusual danger to themselves or others. If you have questions, contact the WSCC at 1-800-661-0792. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 9 September 2014 ir First A s e Welcomard! o you Ab NWTTA Members - SAVE ON FLIGHTS Promo Codes for 2013-2015 Check the website’s ‘Member Area’ for more details: www.nwtta.nt.ca NWTTA Items Available for Purchase by Members ■ VESTS $40 ■ HOODIES $30 ■ JACKETS $110 "... is always so cheerful and happy, every single day! Even when I'm having a bad day, ... the THIS FALL you can buy NWTTA vests and hoodies at the Conference and SAVE SHIPPING COSTS! Black one person who can put a big smile on my face. ... is also Green an amazing teacher. Place jacket orders with ... makes social studies a lot of fun, not boring and Black George Nathanail from Mark’s Work Warehouse via email: [email protected] hard." (age 13) For more information, sign in to the website’s MEMBER AREA >> Click on NWTTA >> NWTTA and Members >> NWTTA Promotional Items - OR - contact Adrien Amirault NWTTA Assistant Executive Director via email: [email protected] Do you know someone who has achieved something we should know about? Please contact Adrien Amirault at [email protected] . Email a picture of the teacher in action and describe what they have been up to. We hope to feature teachers and the great things they are doing in upcoming Newsletters. (L-R) Seamus Quigg, Sahtu Superintendent, receiving an NWTTA Honourary Membership to commemorate his long service to the NWTTA before becoming the Superintendent. Last year’s NWTTA Sahtu Regional President, Trent Waterhouse presented Seamus with his certificate in May of 2014 at the Sahtu Principal’s Meeting. In prior years, Trent served the NWTTA as Regional President and Regional Presidents’ Representative on Central Council n and is presently the principal of ?ehtseo Ayha School in Deline. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 10 September 2014 More Free Draws! Congratulations to Holly Carpenter of Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk, June’s winner of a collection of math and science books! Enter to win this month’s NWTTA draw of a fashionable NWTTA hoodie as seen here modelled by NWTTA Assistant Executive Director, Adrien Amirault! Enter by emailing [email protected] with “NWTTA Hoodie” in the subject line. Please include your address in the email message as well as the size (men’s sizes from small to XXXL). "... is always so cheerful and happy, every single day! Our next winner will be announced in the November/December newsletter. Even when I'm hav- 2014-2016 NWTTA Committees Standing Committees *Executive Member-in-Charge Aboriginal Educators and Leadership Council - Marnie Villeneuve* - Lois Philipp - Sharon Allen - Angela Young - Velma Illasiak Curriculum - Sonia Gregory* - Gene Jenks - Kim Ivanko - Matthew Miller Public Relations - Gayla Meredith* - Adrien Amirault Legislation Professional Relations - Gayla Meredith* - Gayla Meredith* - David Murphy - Fraser Oliver - Fraser Oliver - Dave Roebuck - Dave Roebuck Finance - Marnie Villeneuve* - Gayla Meredith - Dave Roebuck Discipline - Gayla Meredith* - Fraser Oliver Special/Ad Hoc Committees Central Professional Development Committee (CPDC) - Lorraine Kuer (NWTTA) - Lorna Jones-Martin (NWTTA) - Seamus Quigg (GNWT) - Joanne McGrath (GNWT) - Colleen Eckert (Ex Officio NWTTA - PD Coordinator) ing a bad day, ... the one person who can put a big smile on my face. ... is also an amazing teacher. ... makes social studies a lot of fun, not boring and hard." (age 13) NWT Teacher Qualification Service (NWTTQS) - Fraser Oliver* - Al McDonald Nomination School Administrators Committee (SAC) TBA* (Regional Presidents' Representative) - Gayla Meredith* - SIdney Rodnunsky(Tlicho) - Christy MacKay - Amy Wilkinson - Deborah Maguire (BDEC) - Coleen McDonald(YCS) - Lorraine Kuer (Sahtu) - William Gowans(Dehcho) - Angela Young - Al Karasiuk (Ft. Smith/South Slave) - Adrien Amirault Student Success Initiative (SSI) Status Of Women Small Communities - Patricia Turner (NWTTA) - TBA (GNWT) Gayla Meredith* - Sonia Gregory* - Sonia Gregory (NWTTA) - TBA (GNWT) - Christy MacKay - Terry Davidson - Dorie Hanson (NWTTA) - TBA (GNWT) - Patricia Oliver - Catharine Mains Colleen Eckert (Ex Officio NWTTA PD Coordinator) - Reed Smith - Fraser Downie Property Management - Aaron Jezovit - Gayla Meredith* Teacher Welfare (GNWT) - Fraser Oliver - Marnie Villeneuve* - Dave Roebuck Teacher Welfare (YK1 & YCS) - Fraser Oliver* NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 11 September 2014 From the desk of the Assistant Executive Director... Phone: 867-873-8501 • Fax: 867-873-2590 • Email: [email protected] Payroll Changes for the GNWT Many teachers in the GNWT may have noticed their hourly rate changed in August. It may have even gone down from the rate in July. This year’s unique 27 pay periods have affected the hourly rates stated on your pay stubs. This does not mean that you are getting paid less. "... helped me to become a better reader. I am so grateful!" (age 15) charged 1/195 of your annual salary, booth set up in case you have any not 7.5 times your hourly rate. questions, and all Central Office staff Since annual salaries have been will be floating through the venues, divided into 27 pay periods, the when we are not in sessions. hourly rates are less than they Teachers new to the North (there would be if they were divided by 26. are over 65 of you) are especially As always please check your pay encouraged to connect with Central statements regularly to ensure that Office staff—introduce yourself, tell you are being paid at the correct us how your year is going, and ask The hourly rates are artificial for rate. Contact the HR Help Desk any questions that have come up teachers in that you are not hourly and copy a member of Central over the first month. wage earners. Between August 1st Office if you find an error. Pictures at the Conference and July 31st teachers are paid an Contact Time at the Territorial For those of you who are willing… I annual salary. This salary is divided Educators’ Conference will be taking photographs to feature by the pay periods (usually 26 but in upcoming NWTTA newsletters this year 27) and then each pay Though I will be delivering an all day along with answers to one of the period amount is divided by 75 (this session on Tuesday, Spetember30 following questions. “Why do you like gives the hourly rate). It is an and a 1/4 day session on teaching in the NWT?” or “What do artificial calculation that fits the Wednesday, October 1st, I hope to have a lot of time on Monday and in you love about teaching?” GNWT payroll system. the evenings to meet many of you Until the conference, I wish each of The hourly rates does not reflect that I only talk to on the phone or you a successful start to the school your work day, nor is it reflective of through email (maybe at the year. the money you earn each day that NWTTA and ECE receptions). you teach. For instance if you ever take a day without pay you are There will also be an NWTTA Adrien “...She helps me learn our language.” (age 6) NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 12 September 2014 “ ... kept me Canadian Teachers Federation working for You! focused in and out of the 2014-2015 CTF Executive Members (Back L-R) Calvin Fraser, CTF Secretary General; Maureen Weinberger, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario; Norm Gould, Manitoba Teachers' Society. classroom ” (age n/a) (Front L-R) Cassandra Hallett DaSilva, CTF Secretary General Designate; Heather Smith, CTF PresidentDesignate (New Brunswick Teachers' Association); Dianne Woloschuk, CTF President (Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation); Shelley Morse, Nova Scotia Teachers Union; H. Mark Ramsankar, Alberta Teachers’ Association. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 13 September 2014 . . . s o t o h p r u o y We need EDUCATION ACROSS THE NWT st ! m be r 1 e c e D nd NOW a n e e w t e be Your Photo anytim m e h t d n e Here s e s Plea Your Photo Here Your Photo Here Your Photo Here Your Photo Here Your Photo Here Your Photo Here Show us what ‘learning in action’ looks like for your students! Photos will be used in this year’s NWT EDUCATION TODAY publication to showcase NWT education. Education across the North has many faces - What does ‘learning in action’ look like in your community? NWTTA members are invited to share their passion and the positive impact they have on students. You could also submit short ‘Facts’ or ‘Did you know?’ points about your school or region. Your submissions will be considered for use in various NWTTA publications including the 16-page fullcolour publication - NWT EDUCATION TODAY, as well as newsletShow us photos of an interesting ters, website pages, slide shows, etc. education program, event or activiHelp us highlight the exciting ty in your classroom, school or learning opportunities your community. students receive. Give your We’re looking for photos of colleagues and the general pub‘learning in action’ with captions and/ lic a look inside the world of or 1-2 brief sentences describing NWT education through your the learning activity. eyes! They say ‘seeing is believing!’ Prior to submission, please ensure permission forms have been signed for items to allow the use of each photo/ quote/etc. for the purposes of promoting education. This may be a school-based form or you can use the NWTTA Consent and Release form. To download the NWTTA Consent and Release form log into the website’ Member Area: www.nwtta.nt.ca NOW & until DECEMBER 1st submit your material to the NWTTA office via email: [email protected] Email your photos to: [email protected] BY DECEMBER 1st NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 14 September 2014 Creative Basics gives you the best of the best... Locally owned National buying power Unlimited selection of products Knowledgeable staff Quality products Box 2096, 5012-48th Street Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P6 Tel: (867) 920-2486 Fax: (867) 920-7757 Toll Free: 1-800-661-0712 Email: [email protected] Management and staff at Creative Basics Yellowknife are proud to support the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association. Regional Orientation Meetings for LROs and Regional Executive Members Welcome to your new or returning role as NWTTA LRO or Regional Executive member! NWTTA Local Receiving Officers (LROs) and Regional Executive Members volunteer their time in a supporting role to assist the Association in serving its 800+ NWTTA members. LROs serve as a vital communications link between Regional Presidents and their membership as well as Central Office and NWTTA members. Regional Executive serves its regional members and provides support as needed by staying on top of local issues, connecting with LROs as well as local Superintendents and Central Office. To support members in these leadership roles, the NWTTA holds Regional Orientation Meetings each year. This year, the meetings will be held at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife prior to the Territorial Educators’ Conference. See below for the schedule of meetings and networking opportunities. Central Office has valuable information to share and the Orientation Meetings are for both LROs and Regional Executive Members. The role and responsibilities of LROs and Regional Executive Members were included in ‘Welcome’ cards this fall and are also available on the NWTTA website. Feel free to contact Central Office with any questions you may have. "… is good to me and he doesn't get mad at me. That makes me feel good about myself." (age n/a) Orientation meetings are important training workshops for those taking on LRO and Regional Executive responsibilities. Saturday, September 27 1:00 to 5:00pm: YCS and YK1 5:00 to 9:00pm : Meet & Greet Networking Session (ALL NWTTA Regional Executive Members and LRO’s—GNWT, YK1 and YCS) Check the NWTTA Pocket Planner or website for the names and contact information of your school’s LRO and your Regional Executive members. Sunday September 28 8:00am to 4:30pm: Beaufort Delta, Decho, Fort Smith, Sahtu, South Slave, and Tlicho (Breakfast Served at 8:00) NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 15 September 2014 A national teacher advocacy movement to build on strength at the grassroots By Bob McGahey “… Thank you, … for being a supportive, understanding, amazing teacher. I love the way you teach because I honestly learn a lot from you.” (age n/ a) “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…” The famous quote from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities describes a time when both England and France were undergoing turmoil created, in large part, by a poor economy and an aristocracy that cared little for those less fortunate. The result in France was a revolution at home and in England, a revolution in the colonies. There are many similarities between the circumstances leading up to these revolutions and today. Neo-liberal ideologies have widened the income gap and cut public services replacing them with pay-per-use services limited to those with sufficient resources. While this could be the worst of times, it may also be the best of times as there is an unprecedented unity building among progressive thinking organizations and citizens to reclaim the nation that once made us so proud. CTF is a part of this movement and is working diligently to represent teacher interests on a number of national issues. With the assistance of the Broadbent Institute, the CTF will be hosting a two-day “Camp” for teacher advocates as part of its national advocacy campaign: VOX. By focusing on positive messages and actions, we will encourage the disenfranchised electorate to exercise their franchise. The CTF VOX campaign aims at heightening the teacher voice to the federal political discourse. With partners in the labour movement, CTF addresses issues that affect all working Canadians, including access to Employment Insurance benefits and fair treatment in the workplace. The federal Conservatives have indicated that they’re not interested in spending any of the projected $3.6 billion surplus to help Canadians who cannot find stable work. While funds were contributed by workers and employers, they will likely be used to balance the federal budget in order to create a “good news” story ahead of the next election. CTF advocates for these funds to be used as intended – to help Canadians in dire financial situations who cannot find stable work. Every teacher knows the effect that an unstable family environment can have on the students in her/his classroom. Many studies arising from Statistics Canada National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth data have repeatedly shown that the socioeconomic factors have a substantial and persistent influence over student achievement. In partnership with Keep the Promise and Campaign 2000 and through its Imagineaction program, CTF continues to be a strong advocate for the elimination of child poverty. Despite the commitment made by NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 16 all federal political parties to eliminate poverty by the year 2000, almost one million children are living in poverty in Canada today, while the government continues to cut taxes and services. The creation of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ (CCPA) Alternate Federal Budget is another joint project involving CTF and other labour and progressive organizations. This document provides alternatives to the economic theories being used by many current governments across the country. Hollowing out the middle class and providing tax incentives to business does not improve the economy or create jobs. A healthy middle class creates a need for goods and services and the associated need for jobs. Alongside our provincial and territorial Member organizations, CTF continues to lobby for changes that promote a more progressive economic view. CTF also works with groups such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, MediaSmarts and PREVNet on issues related to creating safe and nurturing environments in the classroom. In concert with these partners, CTF helps to create educational resources – for example, an anti-stigma resource for teachers and an on-line repository of Canadian human rights resources linked to provincial and territorial curricula. Advocacy at CTF is founded on creating opportunities for dialogue and open communication. Unfortunately, the current federal government and other like -minded provincial governments do not appear to be interested in consultation. The use of ideology rather than evidence to make decisions is witnessed not only in Ottawa, but in recent education policies in Alberta, teacher regulation in British Columbia and hard-line collective bargaining in Newfoundland and Labrador, to name a few. CTF strives to effectively express the views of teachers and advocate on issues of importance to educators. The citizenry of Canada is manifesting a growing frustration with the current political environment. Although it is unlikely that Canada will see a revolution like the one in France in 1789, our revolution can take place at the ballot box. It is through our vote that we exercise our ultimate right to have our voices heard. Government is no place for aristocracy. Politicians must know that by ignoring the voice of its citizens, they will lose the opportunity and privilege of governing. Bob McGahey is Acting Director of CTF’s Research and Information. September 2014 Ask your President & Executive Director NWTTA member questions and Central Office answers Question: What can I do about concerns or questions in pay and benefits? Answer: Though we are sure that the GNWT, YCS, and YK1 are hopeful that mis- takes in salary and benefits do not happen, the employers like all of us occasionally make It IS important mistakes. If you are aware of an issue it is important to deal with it right away, and to make sure you have a record of any correspondence with your employer. There are also to check your times that you may have a question for the Human Resources departments, and not be familpay on a regular iar about benefits and the procedures to access them. An example of this is a benefit like maternity leave which has unique rules, and timelines, but is usually only accessed a few times in basis! a career. In the GNWT, if you can’t get the help you need at the school level the preferred way to action questions with payroll and benefits is through the help desk. Though you can call (866-475-8162) the NWTTA suggests that you email your concern, and copy Gayla, Dave or Adrien at Central Office. The advantage of an email is that it makes a record of your attempt to get your situation rectified. The other important item is that a ticket number will be generated that represents your particular concern. This ticket number makes it easier to follow up on your concern if an intervention from Central Office is needed. In YCS and YK1 there is no help desk, but the boards are smaller and contacting their Human Resources personnel directly is necessary. Try and get your answers at the school level (principal, local executive, LRO..). If this does not work in YCS email Amy Curran, Pay and Benefits Officer ([email protected]). In YK1 contact Stacey Scarf, Manager, Personnel Services ([email protected]). Again copy someone at Central Office in case we need to assist you at a later time. Please copy any emails regarding pay and benefits to one of the following: Dave Roebuck, NWTTA Executive Director ([email protected]) Adrien Amirault, NWTTA Assistant Executive Director ([email protected]) Gayla Meredith, NWTTA President ([email protected]) If you need further assistance contact Central Office (867-873-8501). Have questions for this section? Email them to Central Office: [email protected] Issues and Concerns Triage Central Office receives many calls on a daily basis regarding member issues and concerns within the workplace. Between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014, 2333 issues and concerns were addressed and followed up by staff at Central Office. This volume has increased by 300% in three years. While all inquiries are important and must be addressed we are finding a need to prioritize the issues and concerns as they come in to ensure crisis situations are addressed immediately. Gayla Meredith & Dave Roebuck “Awesome As a result of this need to ensure all member concerns and issues are addressed in a timely manner we have developed the following Issues and Concerns Triage System to prioritize needs bases on the level of crisis associated with each inquiry. science teacher! Level 1: Emergency Response - Drop everything and get on it! (age 15) Thank you.” Assault against a teacher; teacher accused of an offence by authorities; accusations of misconduct directed against a teacher; dismissal; legal trouble; harassment; traumatic events at a school, or if applicable the community; member safety at work issues; etc. Level 2: Urgent Response - Address as soon as possible! Incidents with supervisors, members, parents, students; issues regarding leave/sick days; pay and benefits issues if no pay is being received at all; etc. Level 3: Quick Response - Address as soon as possible; may be delayed if level 1 and 2 issues are being dealt with. Pay grid/salary issues of small amounts; issues not an immediate concern; inquiries on collective agreement interpretation that are not at a crisis level: supervision, professional development, retirement, benefits, etc. All inquiries/reports/issues will be addressed. This Triage System provides us with the ability to address varying levels of crisis and concerns in a sequence that best serves members. NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 17 September 2014 Here’s how it works... 1. Members with registered online memberships receive a direct email with a link to the newsletter posted on our website (nwtta.nt.ca). 2. IN SEPTEMBER ONLY - ALL members receive a hardcopy mailed to the schools. 3. For subsequent issues, LROs receive 3 hardcopies via Canada Post and will: Post one copy on the NWTTA bulletin board Place two copies on the staffroom table Archive the earlier publication and in the NWTTA area for future reference. you wish to further reduce the number of NWTTA newsletters sent to your school - let us know! Email Andre Corbeil, Executive Assistant: [email protected] “… was my teacher in Kindergarten. … did a lot of fun stuff with me. But the most special thing she did for me was when she helped me when my Grandpa died. Now I'm in The following PLENARY CHOICES are available to NWTTA members at the Territorial Educators’ Conference during the morning and/or afternoon of Monday, September 29. Note: A few sessions are repeated, while others are available one time only. grade 2 and when I see her around the school she does funny stuff with me and makes sure I'm happy.” (age 8) Dr. Stuart Shanker: Calm, Alert and Learning: Strategies to Enhance the Five Domains of SelfRegulation Dr. Anne Davies (Two separate Plenaries): Using Assessment in the Service of Learning; and A Fresh Look at Grading and Reporting at the High School Level Dr. Kristopher Wells: Homophobic Bullying: What You Need to Know to Create Safer Schools Usha James: Embedding Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum: An Introductory Session Dr. Roy Lyster: Pratiques pédagogiques en immersion pour optimizer la maîtrise du français Miriam Trehearne: Prevent the 4th Grade Reading Slump, the 8th Grade Reading Hump and the 12th Grade Reading Cliff: Proven High Yield Oral Language and Reading Comprehension Strategies Giovanna Longhi: Intégrer la pensée critique à travers le curriculum Dr. Gabor Maté: The Biology of Loss: What Happens When Attachments Are Impaired and How to Foster Resilience! Miriam Trehearne: Closing the Gaps Using a Comprehensive Whole School Approach to Prevention and Intervention: We Have the Proof! For more detailed information on these Plenaries, PD Sessions, and other conference information, visit the NWTTA website (nwtta.nt.ca) and click on the conference logo! NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 18 September 2014 Do you know about these NWTTA Member Benefits? Mark’s Work Wearhouse 10% Off Discount Card* Expires: 31 Dec. 2013 *See card for list of discount items. *Details on NWTTA Members shop at Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Save! Cards will be sent to schools with the September newsletter. Check with your LRO if you do not receive one! Visit the NWTTA website’s Member Area for more details..* Home & Auto Insurance First Air Travel NWTTA member leisure and business travel benefits with First Air continue... Each time NWTTA members book airline travel with First Air, they are encouraged to choose the NWTTA Booking Code that is right for them. One of these codes is to be used at all times, even for seat sale bookings. A partnership between the NWTTA and Johnson Inc. offers benefits to NWTTA members on all Home and Auto Insurance purchased through this long-standing Canadian company. See the NWTTA website’s Member Area for more details.* See the NWTTA website’s Member Area for more details.* www.firstair.ca Johnson Inc. has been serving Canadians from coast-tocoast for more than 125 years. www.johnson.ca/nwtta NWTTA Member Benefits are available in the Member Area of our website! Member-Only access: Registered members use personal login; unregistered members contact your LRO. Go To: www.nwtta.nt.ca >> Sign in to the Member Area >> Click on NWTTA >> NWTTA and Members >> What the NWTTA does for Members NWTTA Website: Check out your MEMBER AREA MEMBER AREA nwtta.nt.ca Exclusive Access Registered members use personal login; unregistered members contact your LRO. All Public Area Content plus Secure Info NWTTA Frequently Asked Questions Professional Development Publications Public Relations/Communication Regional Sections (8): Regional Executive NWTTA MEMBER AREA - Your source of information for all things NWTTA! NWTTA Collective Agreements Logo; Organizational Structure; Membership Registration and Renewal; History Executive Members Elected Leadership; Central Executive; Regional Executive Central Office Staff NWTTA President and Central Office Staff; Executive Director; Assistant Executive Director; Executive Assistant; Professional Development Coordinator. Central Executive Business Central Executive Meeting Minutes Member Assistance News Inciden t Repo rt AD TYFMrpts e c Ex Conferen ce Worksho s & ps NWTTA Bylaws and Policies Handbook NWTTA About the NWTTA Home Page Regional Information Collective Agreement Code of Ethics Regional Executive and LRO Contact Info Plus: Regional President’s Message and Past Photo Album LOOK WHAT YOU CAN FIND UNDER: News letter s RSS New s Feeds Media Releases NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association Pocket Planner 19 Protect Yourself; Legal Assistance; Assault or Abuse; Incident Report; Employee Assistance and other Contacts Member Profile Access Membership Registration and Renewal; Change your password; Update content NWTTA and Members NWTTA Members; What the NWTTA Does for Members (including Member Discount information such as First Air, Johnson Insurance and Mark’s Work Wearhouse); What Members Can do for the NWTTA; NWTTA Promotional Items (jackets, vests, and hoodies) September 2014 NWTTA NEWS Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association Special Events in Conjunction with the Territorial Educators’ Conference Members’ Collective Bargaining Seminar with Myles Ellis - Sunday, Sunday, September 28 @ 7pm - Explorer Hotel If you are interested in being on your 2016 negotiating team for the next round of collective bargaining — this semi n a r i s f o r y o u ! 2016 will see the NWTTA begin negotiations on all three collective agreements. NOTE: Members interested in applying to serve their fellow educators as a member of their unit’s bargaining team are asked to attend this informative session with Myles Ellis of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation NWTTA Committee Members’ Breakfast - Monday, Monday, September 29 @ 7:30am - École Sir John Franklin High School Foyer Committee members will meet over breakfast to discuss this year’s committee work and to plan conference calls. See list of committee members on page 11 of this newsletter. NOTE: Committee members will receive an email invitation and will be required to RSVP. PUBLIC SESSION - Monday, Monday, September 29 @ 7pm - NACC: The NWTTA is pleased to sponsor Brenda Robinson’s presentation on Working in today’s Intergenerational Environment. NWTTA Member Meet and Greet Monday, Monday, September 29 - 4:304:30- 6pm École St. Patrick’s High School Foyer: Members are invited to mix and mingle with colleagues, executive members and office staff immediately following the day’s conference sessions. Light refreshments will be served. CONTACT Box 2340 ● 5018-48th Street Yellowknife ● NT X1A 2P7 Phone: 867-873-8501 Fax: 867-873-2366 NWTTA Workload Study Participants’ Appreciation Luncheon and Email: [email protected] Website: www.nwtta.nt.ca Information Session - Tuesday, Tuesday, September 30 - 11:45am11:45am- 1:15pm École Sir John Franklin High School Foyer: Workload Study participants are OFFICE HOURS invited to join JC Couture, Alberta TeachMonday - Thursday ers’ Association’s Associate Coordinator of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Research, and his Research Assistant, Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Laura Servage, University of Alberta PhD ~ Candidate over lunch for an informative NWTTA PERSONNEL update on workload research. NOTE: Participants will receive an email invitaAndré Corbeil tion and will be required to RSVP. Executive Assistant Minister’s Meet and Greet - Tuesday, day, September 30 - 4:304:30- 6:00pm École St. Patrick’s High School Foyer: Sponsored by the GNWT Department of Education Culture and Employment. Light refreshments will be served. PUBLIC SESSION - Tuesday, Tuesday, September 30 - 7- 8:30pm - Explorer Hotel Katimavik Rooms: Opportunity for parents and students to interact with the giant 23’X34’ Boreal Forest map! PUBLIC SESSION - Education Trade Show - Wednesday, Wednesday, October 1 - 10am10am- 1pm - École Sir John Franklin High School: The NWTTA invites parents and the general public to visit the booths of 70 local and national businesses and organizations involved in education! Phone: 867-873-8501 Fax: 867-873-2366 Email: [email protected] Colleen Eckert Professional Development Coordinator Phone: 867-873-5759 Fax: 867-873-2590 Email: [email protected] FOR URGENT AFTER AFTER--HOURS CALLS CONTACT: Adrien Amirault, Assistant Executive Director Phone: 867-873-8501 Mobile: 867-446-8825 Email: [email protected] Dave Roebuck, Also - FREE PUBLIC SWIMMING Executive Director and SKATING SESSIONS: Sponsored Mobile: 867-445-3448 by the NWTTA for parents, children and Home: 867-669-8958 community members! Email: [email protected] Swim Monday afternoon @ the Pool Skate Tuesday afternoon @ the YK Gayla Meredith, President Community Arena Mobile/Home: 867-445-3634 Email: [email protected] Check Regional pages on the website for news and contact information for your school’s LRO and Regional Executive. www.nwtta.nt.ca NWTTA News ©2014 Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association 20 INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? Contact Adrien Amirault for more information. (See above for contact options) September 2014
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