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ETFO-YR Annual Dinner
Thursday June 6, 2024
Royal Venetian Manor, 400 Industrial Pkwy S, Aurora, ON L4G 6W8 (map)
View/Download Flyer and Registration Form
Celebrate Education Week!
The first full week of May marks Education Week worldwide. To celebrate educators’ contributions, ETFO will post and share messages on its social media accounts all week long. Look out for a special video message from Karen Brown, President.
In advance of this celebration, we want to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for all your efforts to make a better world for students!
Be part of the Rainbow Week of Action
With anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate on the rise across Canada, the Society of Queer Momentum is encouraging queer and trans people, allies, friends, and families to speak up during the Rainbow Week of Action from May 11 to 17.
Urge elected officials and governments at every level to take action to advance rainbow equality, address hate and advocate for a more free future for all families by attending a rally or sending a letter to your political representatives to express your support for equal treatment for all.
Find out more about ways to get involved in initiatives in your area!
ETFO Jewish Heritage Month Poster
The month of May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, as established by the federal government in 2018.
This year’s poster, with artwork by Toronto artist Rosette Sund, celebrates Jewish culture, resilience, and contributions in Ontario and beyond.
The artwork is entitled From Generation to Generation, the English translation of the Hebrew phrase, “l’dor va’dor.” It symbolizes the layered nature of Jewish people – cultural, religious, and ancestral – and fundamental Jewish values that continue to be passed down through the generations.
Download the ETFO Asian Heritage Month poster
This May, we honour and celebrate Asian Heritage Month by highlighting the diversity of the Asian experience across the diaspora through the metaphor of stories as woven fabrics.
Our stories, like the fabrics, tell of different experiences and are impacted by language, geography, communities, and traditions.
This year’s poster is our first produced in French, taking action on a motion passed at the 2023 Annual Meeting: “That ETFO produce at least one of three annually produced equity posters in French (Asian and South Asian History Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month).”
National Day of Mourning
April 28 is the annual National Day of Mourning to remember those who lost their lives or had their lives changed forever because of a workplace injury or occupational disease.
Our members continue to deal with the physical and psychological impacts of illnesses and increased workplace violence.
This year we will join labour allies to encourage workers to demand “Safe work now!”
This April 28th and every day, ETFO will continue to mourn the dead and fight for the living.
ETFO has created images you can use on to post a message of solidarity. Download them at etfo.ca.
International Day of Pink: April 10
This year, April 10 marks the International Day of Pink and we are taking a public stance to eradicate 2SLGBTQ+ bullying in all its forms.
Our 2024 theme addresses the fact that homophobia and transphobia are rooted in oppression that is taught and are not innate traits.
Please visit ETFO’s Day of Pink landing page to learn more!
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21, ETFO marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racism and hatred continue to affect the health, well-being, and safety of educators, students, families, and communities. Society can often seem polarizing in terms of differences, but it is crucial for all members to actively reflect on ways to dismantle racial discrimination daily. Please read more about the history of the events that led to the creation of this day of significance.
International Women’s Day – March 8
On March 8, we mark International Women’s Day by drawing attention to the gendered impacts of the affordability crisis, including its impacts on women’s economic security, their autonomy, and their rights.
This year, the ETFO T-shirt highlights the Canadian Labour Congress’ campaign, Rise Up for Gender Justice. The theme explores and connects a broad scope of barriers that women and gender-diverse people experience at work and in society and calls for meaningful action to address poverty and promote women’s economic justice.
ETFO YR Annual Meeting – May 27th, 2024
- To elect the 2024-2026 ETFO-YR Executive
- To approve the 2024-2025 Budget
- To vote on amendments to the Local Constitution and By-Laws (see Secure Members Area for flyer)
- Receive Committee Reports
ETFO YR Annual Meeting
Sheraton Parkway Hotel 600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON (map)
May 27, 2024, 5:00PM
Click Here to view/download the flyer
Amendments to the Local Constitution
Please log into the Secure Member’s Area
to view/download this document
Appeal Court confirms Bill 124 an unconstitutional infringement of education workers’ rights
President Karen Brown issued the following statement on the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling on Bill 124:
The ruling issued today by the Ontario Court of Appeal rightly confirms what we’ve known to be true since the unlawful legislation was introduced: Bill 124 is an unconstitutional attack on workers’ rights in this province. We are pleased that the court has upheld democracy and restored the rights of public sector workers in Ontario.
Read the statement in full.
ETFO bursaries and scholarships: apply now!
Did you know that ETFO offers financial support to its members and others to pursue higher education?
There are scholarships and bursaries for doctoral and master’s candidates, bursaries for members of designated groups and Indigenous education, and bursaries for children of ETFO members.
Learn more by visiting etfo.ca/awards. Apply by April 30!
Black History Month Poster
The 2024 ETFO Black History Month poster is a transgenerational representation of the strength and style of Blackness.
The accessories that both young people are wearing include a variety of symbols from across the African diaspora, past, present, and future, highlighting African Canadian contributions.
#BlackJoy is captured in the demeanor and beauty within this visual that is reflected in the Black community locally, provincially, nationally and across the world.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international memorial day on January 27 that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, the genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany.
January 27 was chosen to commemorate the date that the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945.
Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia
January 29 recognizes the Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia, the anniversary of the tragic attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City in 2017.
On January 29, we remember and honour the victims of Islamophobia and white supremacy as we fight to create a world where people of all faiths and traditions can live without fear.
New Member Town Hall in February
Are you a member in your first five years? You are invited to an interactive town hall with the president of ETFO.
Join this online town hall to learn about your membership services, your rights in the workplace, professional opportunities, and much more. The session will be 75 minutes long starting at 7 p.m. EST. There are two dates to select from: Monday, February 12 or Tuesday, February 13.
Register today by completing this form.
ETFO-YR General Membership Meeting
(Mandatory for Stewards)
February 12, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
The Royal Venetian Mansion
(400 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON)
Click Here for a map
- To elect Delegates to the 2024 ETFO Annual Meeting
- To approve Resolutions to forward to the 2024 ETFO Annual Meeting
- To receive the 2022-2023 Audited Financial Statement
ETFO Teacher, Occasional Teacher Members Ratify Central Agreement
Teacher and occasional teacher members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) voted 90 per cent in favour of accepting the 2022-2026 Teacher/Occasional Teacher (T/OT) Central Agreement reached with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Ontario government. The term of the four-year central agreement is from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2026. On December 19, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) also ratified the Teacher/Occasional Teacher Central Agreement Terms, which means that this central agreement is now in effect.
“While this round of bargaining was exceptionally lengthy and difficult, ETFO members stood firm in the face of cuts, pressed for improvements to working and learning conditions, and won,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “This agreement is proof that the legal bargaining process works when it’s allowed to unfold as intended. I want to thank members for their strength, resistance and persistence.”
Read the media release.T
Teacher/Occasional Teacher Tentative Central Agreement ratification
Are you a teacher or an occasional teacher member? Have you voted in the Tentative Central Agreement ratification vote yet? Make sure your voice is heard! Voting is open now and closes at 8:00 pm (EST) on Friday, December 15.
Visit etfocb.ca for the link and cast your ballot today!
Resources to support the new language curriculum
Don’t miss the new resources to support classroom practice!
Register or log in at members.etfo.ca to access these member developed webcasts and sample lesson plans that provide an overview of the new Language curriculum, with a focus on Strand B.
ETFO reaches tentative agreement at Teacher/Occasional Teacher Central Table
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has reached a tentative central agreement for its 80,000 teacher and occasional teacher members with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and the Ontario government.
“After 14 months of central bargaining, we’re pleased to be able to bring forward a tentative agreement to our teacher and occasional teacher members that protects their collective agreement entitlements and also addresses key bargaining goals,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “This has been the longest round of central bargaining in ETFO’s history, but we persisted. We remained focused on getting government cuts off the table and on addressing members’ working conditions, which are students’ learning conditions.”
ETFO issued a media release on Nov. 21 to announce the union had reached a tentative agreement at its Teacher/Occasional Teacher Central Table. The release led to media coverage across the country. Here are some highlights:
CP24 – Interview with ETFO President Karen Brown
Toronto Star – Ontario and elementary teachers reach tentative deal, averting strikes in public schools
CBC – Ontario elementary teachers reach tentative contract deal with province
CHCH – Ontario elementary teachers reach tentative deal with province
To view all of ETFO’s media releases and statements, visit etfo.ca.
December 6: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women takes place every year on December 6.
We remember and name the 14 women killed in Montreal in 1989. The day is also about speaking out and taking action against gender-based violence and misogyny in all forms in our classrooms, schools, and communities.
From November 25 to December 10, we also recognize the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This day and campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Get involved – join the Not Part of the Job: End Gender-Based Violence at Work campaign from the Canadian Labour Congress. Governments, employers, and unions must confront this issue together.
When violence comes to work
More than 40 per cent of women who have been in intimate partner relationships have been the victim of intimate partner violence (sometimes called domestic violence), according to Statistics Canada.
As Canada marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25, it is important to remember that intimate partner violence can follow someone into their workplace and the employer has a responsibility to keep workers safe while at work.
“Domestic violence” is included in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Ministry of Labour’s publication Workplace Violence in School Boards: A Guide to the Law.
To understand how the OHSA should protect workers from violence in schools, visit etfohealthandsafety.ca.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In 1992, the United Nations designated December 3 the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Observed annually, the day acknowledges the contributions made by people with disabilities, raises awareness of disability as a lived experience, and identifies the actions needed to create an inclusive world. In Canada, protecting the rights of people with disabilities is enshrined within legislation and informs how to remove barriers.
Remembering and commemorating those killed in war
Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, every 11 November at 11 a.m. The two minutes of silence mark the end of hostilities during the First World War. This day provides an opportunity to honour all those who have served in the nation’s defence. Find out more about Canada’s veterans.
Today we also observe Indigenous Veterans Day, which recognizes the military service by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. It is important that we honour, commemorate, and recognize their sacrifices, and acknowledge those who continue to step forward and serve.
We remember, and we work for peace.
Treaties Recognition Week (November 5-11, 2023)
Treaties Recognition Week (November 5-11, 2023) was established in 2016 in Ontario as an annual event. It is a time dedicated to honouring the treaties and learning about the rights and responsibilities of treaty partners to one another and the land on which we live, play, and work. Resources to support this work in classrooms can be found on etfofnmi.ca.
International Inuit Day
Did you know that Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland, encompasses 40 per cent of Canada’s land area and 72 per cent of its coastline? November 7 is International Inuit Day, an annual celebration and opportunity to learn about the diversity of Inuit in Canada and the world.
To learn more, listen to “Who Are the Inuit: A Conversation with Qauyisaq Etitiq,” an episode of ETFO’s Elementary podcast.
A complementary learning resource of the same name can be found at etfofnmi.ca.
Indigenous Veterans Day
Indigenous Veterans Day was first observed on November 8, 1994, in Winnipeg and is now marked across Canada each year to recognize the deep roots of military service by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada.
More than 12,000 Indigenous veterans served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It is important that we honour, commemorate, and recognize their sacrifices, and acknowledge those who continue to step forward and serve.
Resources to support classrooms can be found on the government’s website at veterans.gc.ca.
Labour Action Magazine (Winter 2023)
New Posting! The latest edition of Labour Action Magazine (Winter 2023) has information on Education Funding Cuts, Labour and Social Justice news and more.
October is Women’s History Month
October is Women’s History Month in Canada.
This year’s poster focuses on the social, cultural, legal, and economic rights guaranteed to all Canadians who self-identify as women. These gains remind us that we must use our collective efforts to create a truly equal world!
More upcoming dates of significance:
October is also Islamic Heritage Month recognizing the significant role that Muslim communities play in Canadian society and highlighting their extraordinary contributions.
October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and ETFO adds its voice to the call for urgent action on MMIWG2S+. For ETFO resources on this topic, find Healing Conversations at etfofnmi.ca.
October 5, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, recognizing the unwavering commitment of ETFO members and teachers across the globe to the students they teach.
Truth and Reconciliation Week
Truth and Reconciliation Week is a national program hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation that supports educators and learners in their work to take action toward reconciliation. The theme for 2023 is “Honouring Survivors.” Educators can register for free daily live and virtual events and learning sessions for their classes. There are also a number of lunch and learns available each day for educators and the general public. Registration is open through nctr.ca.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential school system. September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a reminder for us to become educated and take action to address past and current injustices against Indigenous Peoples, while centring Survivors, their descendants, and those who never made it home. To acknowledge and bring light to this day, ETFO will post a statement on our website and provide shareables through social media.
ETFO responds to Premier Ford’s comments that put 2SLGBTQ+ students at risk
This past weekend, Premier Doug Ford made it clear that he has no idea what “school boards actually do” when he dismissed their law-abiding efforts to protect 2SLGBTQ+ students’ rights.
In a perfect world, all students would go home to a safe and supportive environment, but we know this isn’t the case. ETFO stands in solidarity with students, families, and educators in the protection of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals’ rights, both in classrooms and workplaces. The full statement can be found here.
Celebrate Labour Day, September 4
This Labour Day, we stand together with workers. As teachers and education workers prepare to return to work, our solidarity is more important than ever.
For information on events in your area, find your local labour council.
ETFO Annual Meeting Roundup
Every August, more than 600 ETFO members from across the province attend the ETFO Annual Meeting to receive reports of the officers and committees, to elect officers, to receive financial statements, and to debate and vote on motions.
At this year’s meeting, which ran from August 14-17:
ETFO President Karen Brown was re-elected President. A complete list of the provincial executive can be viewed in the media release.
You can watch, listen, and read content from the Annual Meeting blog at members.etfo.ca (registration is required) and at these links:
- Watch President Brown’s opening address to the Annual Meeting on YouTube or hear it on the ETFO podcast, Elementary
- Press releases on elections and awards can be found on etfo.ca.
- Photos from Annual Meeting are available here.
- Read blog posts from the Annual Meeting here.
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
June 21 was established as National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, through proclamation, as a National Day of Recognition in 1996. It is a day that marks the summer solstice, and a day to recognize, celebrate, and honour the heritage of the many unique Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the nation host a variety of events to honour ceremony, and to engage and enjoy being in community.
Resources to support classroom activities can be found at etfofnmi.ca.
ETFO’s Summer Academy 2023 is here and registration is now open – Courses will fill up very quickly!
Summer Academy 2023 includes in-person courses at various locations across Ontario and virtual courses. The cost of registration for in-person courses is $75 and for virtual courses is $30.
All courses are facilitated by dynamic presenters and are structured to meet the personal and professional needs of your members.
Visit events.etfo.org for registration and additional information. Login is required.
ETFO YR Annual Dinner – June 14th, 2023
ETFO YR Annual Dinner
Sheraton Parkway Hotel 600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON (map)
June 14, 2023, 5:00PM
Click Here to view/download the flyer
Click Here to view/download the registration form
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 31, 2023
June 1: Justice for Injured Workers
In the days leading up to the 40th anniversary of Injured Workers’ Day, visit the 40 Stories Project to hear injured workers’ own experiences. Stories will be added daily.
Workers’ compensation law in Ontario was developed to avoid “half measures which mitigate but do not remove injustice”. Find out more about how you can support the rights of injured workers against the ongoing attacks from the government and WSIB.
Enough is enough! Join the June 3 Day of Action
Fed up with the rich getting richer, while workers struggle to get by? We are too. We’re done with waiting. Join the June 3 day of action to demand:
- Real wage increases
- Rent control & affordable housing
- Affordable groceries, gas & basic goods
- Keep schools & health care public
- Make the banks & corporations pay
Find an action near you by clicking here.
National Indigenous History Month
The House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009. It was renamed National Indigenous History Month in 2017. This month was chosen because for generations, many Indigenous groups celebrated their culture and heritage in June.
National Indigenous History Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the present-day cultural diversity of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada, and to celebrate the unique contributions and continued presence of Indigenous Peoples.
This is a time for educators to highlight Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Classroom resources can be found at etfofnmi.ca.
Don’t Mark those EQAO Assessments
June 14 is the last day of the 2022-23 EQAO administration window for the Primary and Junior divisions.
ETFO continues to advise members not to participate in EQAO marking exercises. The full text of the advisory, as well as others regarding EQAO, can be found on the ETFO member website.
Declining EQAO results should be seen as a measure of the chronic underfunding of schools and the learning debts the education system owes students and teachers.
To learn more about ETFO’s position on EQAO, visit our website, and read the recent article from ETFO Voice, “End EQAO”.
Celebrate PRIDE in your community
Pride is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate with those who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer, and to come together to support the ongoing fight against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and the broad range of intersectional oppression experienced by members of the queer communities.
Many Pride events offer a variety of activities for participation by ETFO locals, Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), equity and social justice clubs, and committees.
View the ETFO Ontario Pride poster featuring event dates.
Click here if you are interested in volunteering during the Pride Toronto ETFO events.
Asian and South Asian Heritage Month
THIS MAY, we honour and celebrate Asian & South Asian Heritage Month by highlighting the diversity of the Asian experience across the diaspora. As populations migrate, new cultures emerge, reimagining and pushing the borders and boundaries of what it means to be Asian beyond Asia.
ETFO YR Annual Meeting – May 11th, 2023
ETFO YR Annual Meeting
Sheraton Parkway Hotel 600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON (map)
May 11, 2023, 5:00PM
Click Here to view/download the flyer
It’s Education Week!
There is much to celebrate because wonderful and magical things happen in our public schools.
The magic of teaching is hard to describe, yet it is unmistakably special when witnessed in person in our schools each and every day. At the beginning of Education Week, ETFO released a statement reminding the public that this week is also an opportunity to renew our efforts and act to protect public education.
Watch the special Education Week message from President Karen Brown:
Asian and South Asian Heritage Month
This May, we honour and celebrate Asian & South Asian Heritage Month by highlighting the diversity of the Asian experience across the diaspora. As populations migrate, new cultures emerge, reimagining and pushing the borders and boundaries of what it means to be Asian beyond Asia.
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
In 2018, the Canadian government established May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. Canadian Jewish Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate Jewish communities and their many historical and contemporary contributions to Canadian society. Additionally, this month is an opportunity to reflect and act on countering antisemitism. Learn more here.
Click here for more information
National Day of Mourning
April 28 is the annual Day of Mourning to remember those who lost their lives or had their lives changed because of a workplace injury or occupational disease. Our members continue to deal with the physical and psychological impacts of COVID and increased workplace violence. This year we join labour allies to encourage workers to “Know your rights, use the tools, and defend our wins.”
After April 28, ETFO will continue to mourn the dead and fight for the living.
Download our image and post your own message on Friday, April 28 using the ETFO shareable on your social media feed.
2022-2023 ETFO-YR Proposed Constitutional Amendments
♦ Please login to the secure area to for details. (Click Here) ♦
Day of Pink 2023
This year, April 12 marks the International Day of Pink and we are taking a public stance to say NO to 2SLGBTQ+ bullying in all its forms.
Our 2023 theme focuses on the inner strength that we all maintain in advocating against homophobic and transphobic discrimination. Learn more here.
Say No to the EQAO teacher questionnaire
ETFO’s provincial Executive continues to advise members not to participate in the voluntary EQAO teacher questionnaire.
EQAO has indicated it is leveraging information from teacher questionnaires to investigate decreasing scores. Should the government link decreasing EQAO scores with results from the questionnaire, teachers would be blamed. This transfers accountability away from the government for its systematic underfunding of public education to teachers.
ETFO member advisories can be found on the ETFO member website. Register with your ETFO ID at members.etfo.ca. To learn more about ETFO’s position on EQAO, visit our website, and read “End EQAO” from ETFO Voice.
International Women’s Day
March 8, 2023 marks International Women’s Day (IWD). ETFO celebrates the feminist movement and the work for solidarity.
The annual IWD t-shirt features symbols of strength and building community. This year’s t-shirt also highlights the 2023 Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) campaign, “Union Women: Stronger Together.”
ETFO has also signed on to the National Coalition of Community Organizations statement “There’s no Gender Equality Without Trans Women.” You can read the statement here.
ETFO-YR General Membership Meeting (mandatory for Stewards)
March 21, 2023
5:00 p.m.
The Royal Venetian Mansion
(400 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora)
Click Here for a map
- presentation of the Preliminary Submission
News on Remedy Payment
The Ministry of Education has now completed a review of all Bill 115 Remedy Notices of Objections.
Ministry staff are in the process of updating the final eligibility payment list and are on schedule to have the transfer payment issued to all school boards by April 1, 2023. School boards will then issue payments to all eligible individuals by June 1, 2023.
Click here for background on ETFO’s Charter challenge against the government and Bill 115.
Bill 115 Remedy Update
The Ministry of Education has completed a review of all Bill 115 Remedy Notices of Objections. They are in the process of updating the final eligibility payment list and are on schedule to have the transfer payment to school boards by April 1st. School boards will then issue payments to eligible individuals by June 1st.
Petition Condemning Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Membership Fee Increase
At its December 8 Governing Council meeting, the OCT passed its 2023 budget, which included a 17.6% membership fee increase. This fee increase occurred without any discussion or debate from any of the 12 councilors and it comes at a time when millions of Ontarians are dealing with the impacts of inflation and increased costs of living.
Sign the petition to call on the Governing Council to reverse and refund the fee increase!
Black Excellence
Don’t miss this episode of ETFO’s podcast Elementary.
In this panel from the Generation Black: You’re Next! Symposium four speakers address Black Excellence and what it means in the education sector. Tyrone Russell is an occasional teacher, Pierrette Walker-Enniss is a vice-principal, Wesberlyne Avril is a teacher candidate, and the last speaker, Jhonel Morvan is a superintendent of education.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27 is an international memorial day that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, the genocide enacted by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945. As stated on the UN website, “The violence of exclusion began with disinformation and hate speech that lent support to systemic injustice and discrimination, and marginalization and ended with genocidal killing.”
Links to classroom resources are available here.
Black History Month
FEBRUARY 01, 2023
The 2023 ETFO Black History Month poster (artist Benny Bing) is a visual representation of the beauty that lies within Black features: specifically, hair, nose, and lips, that have been historically criminalized and degraded by white beauty standards.
The sisterhood and solidarity on display, speaks to the relationships and mentoring that is so crucial in the Black community and can be more widespread in classrooms with more Black educators. Our two subjects are a living representation of #Blackgirlmagic, the ability for Black love and joy to be found and celebrated in a world that often does not love them back.
ETFO’s Elementary podcast features an interview with filmmaker Jennifer Holness on this issue, which she explores in her documentary Subjects of Desire. You can listen to the podcast on most podcast apps or by clicking here.
OCT Outrageous Increase
At its December 8 meeting, the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Governing Council approved its 2023 budget, including a membership fee increase from $170 to $200 per member. That’s an outrageous and indefensible 17.64% increase.
The fee increase was a surprise. In response, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and its affiliates, including ETFO, issued a statement to call on the OCT to reverse its 2023 fee increase and find better, more accountable, and cost-effective ways to carry out its mandate.
With a united voice for educators, we stand in defence of members who will feel the burden of this indefensible fee increase.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6th, 2022
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.
For more information click on the link below to visit the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equality Canada
Women’s History Month
October is Women’s History Month in Canada. This year’s poster focuses on our intergenerational connections with the message that our collective future needs to be rooted in imagination, accountability, collaboration, and action. With these tools we are reminded that what we do today makes tomorrow better.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognized on September 30, provides an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the legacy of Canada’s residential school system. The day was originally established in 2013 as Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis Webstad shared her story of her favourite orange shirt being taken upon arrival at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School and this began a movement across Canada to honour communities, Survivors and families impacted by the legacy of residential schools.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to reflect, become educated and take action to address past and current injustices against Indigenous Peoples, while centring Survivors, their descendants and those who never made it home from residential schools. It is a day to recognize the work communities continue to do to bring their children home.
Click here for ETFO’s statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
ETFO Building Better Schools: Learning Comes Alive
Truth and Reconciliation Week
It is Truth and Reconciliation Week, a time to learn, reflect and honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities. Let us remember every day that advancing reconciliation is not possible without education!
To further learning opportunities, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering age-appropriate material for students in grades 1 through 12 nctr.ca/education/trw.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has also unveiled a cyber version of the Witness Blanket to be used in classrooms of all levels. We encourage you to bear witness and share this learning in your classroom; visit nctr.ca/education/trw to learn more.
New Resource: Niizh Manidoowag: Two-Spirit
This ETFO resource highlights the history and experiences of two-spirit people within the Indigenous context. Our booklet provides a starting point and some shared language to begin building capacity and culturally relevant and responsive learning materials that reflect the lived experiences of two-spirit (2S) people and communities for all students.
Download the PDF and visit etfofnmi.ca for other great tools!
Overseas Teachers’ Association – Department of National Defense Schools Recruitment
The following information and attached poster have been provided to ETFO by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF).
The CTF, in consultation and cooperation with the Overseas Teachers’ Association (OTA), is the official representative of OTA members in matters relating to the Tripartite Loan-of-Service Agreement and other aspects of their service overseas in dealings with the offices of the Director General of Dependants Education Programs and the Minister of National Defense.
Canadian teachers teaching overseas in Department of National Defense (DND) schools are members of the OTA.
The DND hires Canadian teachers for a period of two years under a loan of service agreement at Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) overseas schools located in The Netherlands (AFNorth) or Belgium (SHAPE). This agreement is a secondment where the teacher remains an employee of their respective board and the DND reimburses the school board for salary and benefits.
The 2022 CAF overseas recruitment process is open to teachers across Canada from September 1 to November 1, 2022 for the 2023-2025 school years.
For additional information on CAF overseas schools and the application process, interested candidates may visit the Children’s Education Management (CEM) website: https://www.cafconnection.ca/CEM/Teacher-Recruitment
Click on image for PDF.
Generation Black: You’re Next!
Generation Black: You’re Next! is a public symposium organized by ETFO in collaboration with Black community organizations and educational stakeholders.
The symposium will address the urgency for recruiting Black teachers and the necessity for retaining Black educators to improve the representation of Black people in education.
The symposium will take place on Saturday October 1, 2022 9:30am-5:00pm. Details for the symposium are attached. The keynote address is by Wes “Maestro” Williams, and the event will be moderated by educator Nastassia Subban.
Reconciliation Resources
As you are preparing your unit and lesson plans for Reconciliation Education and Reconciliation Week at the end of September, don’t forget that the First Nations Caring Society and Spirit Bear have great resources too!
Go to linktr.ee/FNCaringSocietyEdResources for resources and mark these events on your calendar. If you have questions or looking for more information, please email info@fncaringsociety.com.
Celebrate PRIDE in Your Community
Pride is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate with those who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer, and to come together to support the ongoing fight against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and the broad range of intersectional oppression experienced by members of the queer communities.
Many Pride events offer a variety of activities for participation by ETFO locals, Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), equity and social justice clubs, and committees.
View the ETFO Ontario Pride poster featuring event dates
Visit the ETFO-YR booth at York Pride (yorkpridefest.com)
Jewish Heritage Month
ETFO acknowledges and celebrates May as Jewish Heritage Month. Addressing Antisemitism and Holocaust Education: Annotated Bibliography of e-Resources is a resource that captures and highlights organizations with materials supporting schools, communities and workspaces on combatting antisemitism and addressing Holocaust education.
To view this new resource for educators, click here.
May is Asian Heritage Month
To celebrate the month, ETFO is proud to release a new poster. Japanese Canadian artist Emmie Tsumura offers 24 provocative images in the artwork to encourage conversations and reflections about the concepts of kindness, creativity, collectivity, peace, and non-violence.
Nobel Peace Laureate Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor, is featured in our 2022 poster with a message to us all:
“Think beyond the self. Life has so much more meaning when you do things for the collective good; things that you don’t really have to do, but ultimately give your existence a sense of purpose.”
Download the poster and curriculum resource guide here.
“Surviving Hybrid” in ETFO Voice Magazine
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 is annually recognized as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and this year’s international theme is “Fighting for Rights in the Post-COVID Era.” While the pandemic has deeply impacted many marginalized groups, including Black and Indigenous Peoples and women, people with disabilities are the most affected population.
Before the pandemic, classrooms across Ontario required more access to educational assistants, behavioural counsellors, child and youth workers, psychologists, and speech and language pathologists to meet needs and support students with special needs.
But now that the Ford government has failed to invest, students with special needs are being left behind. Things do not need to be this way, it can be different. With your help, we can vote Ford out this June and elect a government that will fund a more supportive and inclusive classroom for all!
If you are concerned about the future of public education, get involved with our campaign.
Joint Press Conference OSSTF & ETFO-YR: YRDSB No Hybrid
York school board staff objected to controversial hybrid learning model, but senior leaders pushed ahead anyway: Sources
Toronto Star Article – Click Here
National Day of Mourning
April 28, 2022
The Canadian Labour Congress endorsed the first Day of Mourning in 1984 and in 1991 the Canadian Parliament officially recognized the day. Since then, the Day of Mourning is now observed in nearly 100 countries worldwide.
All schools and other public buildings in Ontario must now lower their flags on the 28th of April each year due to An Act to proclaim a Workers Day of Mourning which was passed in 2016. Educators should use this as an opportunity to educate students about the importance of this day.
Each year, we need to recommit to protecting workers and preventing further tragedies – making every workplace safe and healthy for everyone. Watch @ETFOeducators social media for the campaign theme each year. Please help to send a message about the Day of Mourning and the importance of every workers’ health and safety.
For local Day of Mourning ceremonies where statistics and personal stories are shared, please watch for further details at https://www.whsc.on.ca/
“Fight for the Living, Mourn for the Dead”
World Teachers’ Day 2021
Media Release – Click Here
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation an opportunity to reflect on harmful legacy of residential schools
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognized on September 30, provides an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential school system. This is the first year this day is being federally recognized; however, it was originally established in 2013 as Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis Webstad shared her story of her favourite orange shirt being taken upon arrival at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School and this began a movement across Canada to honour communities, Survivors and families impacted by the legacy of residential schools.
The passing of Bill C-5 fulfilled the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. It was unanimously supported by the House of Commons in June 2021 after going through multiple revisions, and being stalled by Conservative Senators in 2019.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to reflect, become educated and take action to address past and current injustices against Indigenous Peoples, while centring Survivors, their descendants and those who never made it home. It is a day to mourn the loss of the children whose bodies were recovered this year, those still to come home, and all those affected by both the direct and intergenerational impact of residential schools.
Racial injustice did not end with the closing of residential schools; it continued through the Sixties Scoop, the criminal justice system, child welfare system, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and the lack of access to clean drinking water. It is important to acknowledge these systemic issues that are rooted in white supremacy, and the work that still needs to be done.
In 2015, ETFO endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and remains committed to supporting educators, communities and students in continuing these conversations. While we renew our call to demand action for reconciliation and justice, we also know this is a moment to engage in learning, but talking about residential schools requires care.
It is important that we approach this learning in culturally safe and trauma-informed ways to ensure we do not unintentionally perpetuate colonial violence and harm. ETFO’s Healing Conversations resource supports educators in discussing residential schools, the Sixties Scoop and MMIWG.
As we work to create spaces that are safe and inclusive for all, we must go beyond performative acts. We must demand justice and commit to continuing the work of reconciliation by taking actions like the following throughout the year: • reading the Calls to Action; • reading Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG; • reviewing the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website and resources; • learning about Indigenous histories in Canada and contemporary issues; • supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists and authors; and • visiting virtual museums.
Other resources to support educators in their unlearning, learning and re-learning are available on etfofnmi.ca.