Newsletters


E a s t e r n   U p d a t e - Wednesday, October 6, 2004

College of Teachers Fee Reduced

At the recent meeting of the Governing Council of College of Teachers, the Council voted unanimously in favour of reducing the College annual fee to $104. for the 2005 year. This reduction is directly attributed to the move on the part of the government to eliminate the Professional Learning Process – PLP, which the College would have overseen. This is certainly a step in the right direction. We thank the many teachers who participated in the petition campaign last spring. Over 20,000 OECTA members province wide signed the petition, a strong statement which the College did not ignore.

World Teacher Day Recognized

Yesterday was World Teacher Day which recognized the significant contributions teachers make each and every day. Education International and the United Nations, specifically UNESCO join together each year to mark this day to acknowledge the important role teachers play not only in the lives of their students, but also in their communities and in our greater society. Teachers hold the key to each child reaching their potential and to building caring and strong communities.

To mark World Teacher Day, our Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario placed both radio and print ads to highlight and acknowledge the role of teachers here in our system. We wish to thank the Trustees and Administration of our Board for this acknowledgement and gesture.

Beginning Teacher Conference

OECTA’s second annual conference for beginning teachers, OECTA: The Next Generation, is being planned for Friday February 18th and Saturday February 19th at the Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre in Mississauga. The conference is open to all OECTA members in their first five years of teaching (this includes any work as an occasional teacher). Registration information is available on OECTA Provincial website: www.oecta.on.ca .

E-Learning Survey

Provincial Office has just learned that the Ministry of Education is conducting an E-Learning Survey of teachers as part of its development of an e-learning strategy for the province.
OECTA has so far not been a party to any consultation on e-learning, although this has been promised by the ministry. We have serious concerns related to bargaining issues as well as professional issues stemming from efforts to expand e-learning opportunities. As the promised consultation at the provincial level has yet to take place, this Association believes that surveying teachers in the field is premature.

As a result, until the Association receives clarification from the Ministry of Education, we ask that members not to respond to the survey on e-learning that is currently being conducted.

Social Events

Renegades Football Game – Saturday October 30, 2004

Volleyball Tournament – Friday November 19, 2004

Contact Kevin Hogan at Notre Dame 613-253-4700 or the Unit Office for more information.