President’s Message for October
Welcome to Fall.
Thank you to each of you for the work you have done to make your spaces welcoming for your students. It always seems to me that the first week of the school year is the longest, however the first month is done rather quickly. I am amazed at the work you all do to ensure your students have the best possible start to the school year.
At the Local office, our committees are preparing and planning many activities for the membership. This past month, we had our first in-person gathering of our Council of School Representatives (CSRs). We have not met as a group for over two years.
Other recent Local activities include:
- Stand up for Public Education rally at the Alberta legislature on Saturday, October 22 @ 1:00pm. Let us stand together to ensure all Alberta students have access to an exceptional public education system. We are working on dates for sign making here at Barnett House. Invite parent councils and friends to join us in support of public education. Hope to see you all there.
- World Teachers’ Day – Wednesday, October 5, 2022. In 1994, UNESCO adopted this day to provide the opportunity for the general public to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide and draw attention to the voice of teachers. To each and every teacher of ATA Local 54, we hope your day is filled with appreciation and joy.
- Lisa and I have had the opportunity to be invited out to some of your schools to share information about the Local, answer questions about the Collective Agreement and Professional Code of Conduct and provide information about the Teacher Professional Growth Fund.
- We are having our first in-person social event on October 13th at Arcadia Brewing Co. at 4pm with the theme of Get to Know Your Local. Please consider dropping by for a beverage and some appetizers. We can always use more people involved with various committees within our local.
- There are a variety of specialist councils that are hosting in-person conferences this year. Please see https://www.teachers.ab.ca/events for more information.
- We are entering the local bargaining phase of our contract. Look out for information from our Teacher Welfare Committee and make sure you complete the survey that will be out in the next few weeks.
Have a wonderful and joyful Thanksgiving with your families.
Peace and blessings,
Ron Zacharko
President, ECT Local #54