Welcome back, each of you, to the 2021-2022 school year. I truly hope that you have been able to receive the year with some excitement and energy that we are all owed and in such desperate need of! As I reflect on the summer and the moments of calm that it offered I have arrived at the point where I see the lessons of COVID in a fulsome way. I see past the masking, isolations and fear to the glimpses of hope and healing. This is not to say that COVID has left us fully because we all know that this not the case. Instead, I mean, to say that COVID has taught us so much about community, resilience, courage, strength and the value of the work that we do as teachers. It is true that we faced challenges, some that have not even fully come to their fruition but, I can’t help but keep the newness and beauty of trials passed in the centre of my mind.
With this, my heart is full and grateful and ready to receive the year with grace and I hope that you will join me. The Local is in full swing! The School Opening Mass was a resounding success with thanks to Floriana Bruno-Bossio, the chair of this committee, leading this joint effort between the Local and the Division and to her committee members. Stay tuned to the Local’s website, bathroom readers, Top 5 messages and our social media accounts to stay up to date with all that we do. Information will be wealth this year as we, as Alberta Teachers, enter into the full throws of Central Table negotiations and bargaining with the government. Each of you will need to create your online ATA account to read the Bargainers’ Blogs and see important messages about this process. This process must include all teachers. Yes, ALL teachers – as a group, united and strong.
With this, I wish each of you a remarkable September that is full of joyous moments (amid those of some worry I’m sure) and many smiles and much laughter. Thank you for all that you do and please, reach out any time.
Peace to you all,
Sandra