October 2020 Presidents Message
I greet you all with warmth and an immense amount of gratitude in this month’s President’s Message. As we officially welcome fall and take in the last few weeks of sun and warmth, we have much to reflect on already in this school year. Many of us have been overcome with many emotions this month and it has not been easy. As I read on Social Media and listen to my colleagues accounts of their classroom experiences thus far I can openly say that I am troubled. Many have what feels like the weight of the world on their shoulders and, some are feeling that this cannot be sustained. And, this is accurate. This level of worry, work and responsibility is not reasonable and cannot be sustained. So, what can be done?
The Local remains in open and constant communication with the Provincial Association about work place protocols and safety for teachers and students. Currently, the Association is looking deep into the working conditions of teachers to ensure that schools are as safe as the Occupational Health and Safety requirements call for. I am proud to say that I hear many anecdotal incidents of open and honest conversation taking place in school sites among all education staff offering ways for everyone to stay well and be supported. The Local staff has been fielding phone calls and supporting teachers in their conversations with parents about expectations in and for pandemic teaching circumstances. We are after progress right now, not perfection and this is worth focusing on.
Last month, at our very first online Council Meeting, the Local welcomed newly elected members to the Executive in the roles of Member Services, Governance, Professional Development and Political Engagement. As a team, we are looking forward to digging in on the issues that face teachers today. At this time, on behalf of the Local I send a sincere thank you to Natalie Burns, Jonathan Sharek, Marina Thauvette, Karen Polard, Jessica Prodor and Daniel Filiatreau for their work on the Local’s Executive for the past few years.
Finally, on October 5th, we celebrate teachers on World Teachers Day 2020! The Local will be sending out a treat to all teachers, be sure to check your mail boxes to collect yours. This is a small token for each of you to say thank you for all that you do, have done and will continue to do to make our students and classrooms feel safe and welcomed.
Wishing you well always,
Sandra