Welcome to February, the month of love and kindness and the month after January’s Christmas hangover and the time where the weather always seems to slap us with its winter realities! Particularly difficult during this time where we are under the restrictions of what seems to be an unwavering COVID life – exhausting indeed. Although, there is much to be grateful for, and this is what we must continue to seek for ourselves and for all those around us who need to be showered with a community full of strength and love.
The Local has been up to many exciting things as we tackle 2021. I encourage you all to visit the Local’s website and to follow us on social media (@ectlocal54 and @ECTLocal54President). This is where we post current information that matters to you and where you can go to access forms, contest information and so much more. Make it part of your plan to check us out in our digital world as often as you are able to.
In particular, we are proud to announce that we have started a space on our website where teachers can find resources and information on Black History Month, anti-racism tips and “Did You Know?” facts about anti racism teaching and the factors that contribute to systemic racism in education and otherwise. The local is humbly working to learn and grow in this journey and we hope that you will join us. In addition, there are a variety of contests that are actively running and that will be running throughout the remainder of the year. Looking for some great prizes? Hit us up and take part of these fun contests! And, be sure to follow the Local’s calendar of events.
As always, advocacy continues on our part. Know that the Association has and continues to advocate for prioritizing the vaccination of teachers who would like the COVID 19 vaccine. Work to garner supports and voice in the curriculum roll-out is also happening with an ask that teachers be invited back to the table for this planning. Finally, as many of you know, there is a legal case against the government for their move to intervene on mediation that was occurring between ATRF and AIMCo regarding the management of teacher pension funds. Information on all of these are available at www.teachers.ab.ca. Make it a priority to visit the site and remain informed.
Finally, as you may know, the Association will be holding an election this year. We offer our congratulations to President Schilling who was acclaimed to the position of President. Two of our own EC teachers are running for other positions – Greg Carabine for Vice President and Darrin Bauer for District Representative. You can find out more information on all the candidates on the Association’s site. Voting will happen online and this process will require that you have an online ATA Members’ Only Account. Step by step instructions on how to do this are available on the site. Please make it a priority to set up your account and to participate in this vote.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Colossians 3:12
In the meantime, I hope that you are able to continue on filled with the love, compassion, kindness and humility that Paul calls for in his letter to the Colossians. It is undeniable and understandable that most may find the wavering of these natural “teacher qualities” but, together we continue to honor our work as teachers. Such an admirable way to show BIG love in this crazy time. Please accept my sincerest thank you for all that you do for our profession each day. Your incredible work is not lost on me and you have the upmost of my respect for this.
Please make yourself a priority and stay safe.
Be well,
Sandra