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Volume 2, Issue 5: June 14, 2004

Communications / Excellence in Education Committee

In 2003-2004, the Communications / Excellence in Education Committee continued with several initiatives that are a major part of this committee's mandate.

First, the CEE Committee ran the annual Marion Drysdale Contest; this year's theme was "Appreciating One's Freedom". This year, we had a provincial level winner; Andy Berghuis won the Adult Learner category. Andy and his teacher, Dianne Ward a member of the Continuing Education Instructors' bargaining unit, attended AMPA where Andy was presented with his certificate and a cheque for $300 by Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy. Contest details and all of the results can be found on the District website. Next year's theme is "Perspectives" and it asks students to take a look outward for their perspective on global issues (ie environmental or political) or social issues (ie groups).

Next, the CEE Committee supported the Bishop Townshend Awards of Educator Excellence. These awards are presented annually and co-sponsored by OSSTF District 11, the TVDSB, and the Anglican Diocese of Huron. The awards dinner took place on February 17, 2004 at the Highland Country Club. Once again, Val Cavalini, the Townshend Awards Chairperson, did an outstanding job of coordinating this annual celebration of outstanding educators in District 11. Click here for details and photos of the award winners and dinner.

The District website continues to grow; there are sections for District documents and information, for each of the four bargaining units, for many of the District and bargaining unit committees, and for Education Matters Online. New pages this year include a section for the Teacher-Candidates at Althouse, and a page of links for professional growth linked to the five Standards of Practice that are the basis for the Teacher Performance Appraisal process. The website continues to be updated daily by the "Webmaster" so as to provide as much current information as possible for all members. While the website did not win the 2003 Amie Website award, Don Rowdon did receive a letter commending District 11 on its site.

Finally, Education Matters Online continues to grow also. Four issues have come out so far this year--November 5, 2003, December 15, 2003, March 3, 2004, and May 10--and there is one more in the works for about mid-June which will feature the 2004 Retirement Dinner, the 2004 E.C. McTavish awards, and the 2004 Citizenship Awards.

The webhome of the CEE Committee is http://www.osstf11.com/CEE.htm. New members of this committee are always welcome.

Submitted by Wendy Anes Hirschegger, Federation Services Officer Liaison

Educational Services Committee

STARS and Beyond Conference

DO NOT REGISTER THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL OFFICE.To Register, Contact:
Laurie Lafreniere, District Office, Telephone: (519) 659-6588 Fax: (519) 659-2421, E-mail: LaurieLafreniere@osstf11.com

Final Education Services Committee Meeting for 2003-2004

Submitted by Kathy Wildfong, Committee Chairperson and Nancy McDougall, Federation Services Officer Liaison 

Human Rights and Status of Women Committee

Terms of Reference:

The Committee reviewed its constitutional terms of reference, even though the deadline this year to submit changes and amendments had passed. The committee had some suggestions to add a clause that recognizes the review of requests for donations as well as a clause that would recognize the liaison work it does with community organizations as resources for the committee.

It was agreed that some of the successful strategies used to attract committee members would be continued again this fall and new strategies added. Creative thoughts are welcome!

Chair:

BIRT Bryan Smith be recommended to the District Executive Council as the appointed chair of Human Rights/Status of Women for the 2004-2005 year. Moved: Jennifer Hillis Seconded: Catherine Kurucz

Association for the Elimination of Hate:

Rich Hitchins and several guests presented a verbal update of the multitude of activities that the Association is planning for their busy next year. Print information is forthcoming on the Summer Institute with Romeo Dallaire and workshops for teachers at Althouse, August 9-11, 2004. OSSTF will communicate this information to all worksites once it is received. The Association also requested that they be a regular agenda item in future for communication purposes. The committee will take this under advisement and encouraged the Association to forward regular updates of their activities and projects to the Chair by fax or email. The Association continues to work closely with the program department for workshop presentations in the schools. They are available for a workshop for members on "Building Inclusive Classrooms" and this information will be forwarded to our District Educational Services Committee.

South Africa Project:

Bryan reported on the Provincial OSSTF call for applications for this project and indicated that a high number of applications were received. There were at least 3 applicants from District 11 and the participants are expected to be announced before the end of May.

Stephen Lewis Foundation activities:

In keeping with the Provincial priorities, the committee has made this project apriority for the upcoming year. Strategies will be developed in September.

Recent articles about Columbia were distributed and an update about the bombing of the Columbian teachers' union offices was given.

Thanks were extended to the Chair for a most successful year. The Chair extended his gratitude to the District Office for the assistance to the Committee.

Submitted by Bryan Smith, Committee Chairperson and Mary Lou Cunningham, Federation Services Officer Liaison

Political Action Committee

Terms of Reference

We reviewed our Committee budget proposal and terms of reference, suggesting some constitutional changes to more accurately reflect the scope of what we do, and the budget allocations from provincial office. These amendments will be voted on at the Annual General Meeting, Thursday, May 30, 2004.

Federal Election

We reviewed and revised our federal candidate survey, which will be issued soon to area candidates. Results will be collated and shared with members prior to the election, which we anticipate will be called for the end of June.

OSSTF has assisted in the development of a Labour Issues campaign through the Canadian Labour Congress, designed to persuade members to think and vote as union members. You will see and hear more about this when the election is called.

We encourage members to get involved in the federal campaign, and to offer some time to Irene Matthyssen's campaign in London-Fanshawe, managed by Occasional President Joe Wilson. To volunteer, please call: 952-7272.

Thanks

We received a letter of thanks for our support of her candidacy in the municipal election campaign form Susan Eagle.

New Chair

Andrew Smith was elected Committee Chair for 2004-05.

 Submitted by Marilyn Norman, Committee Chairperson

Finance Committee

After receiving the District Funding Master from OSSTF Provincial, the Finance Committee met this spring and reviewed the Status of Spending, received input from the various spending authorities and the bargaining units, and drafted a proposed budget for the District for the 2004-2005 fiscal year. The proposed budget has been received and endorsed by the District Executive Council and is attached to the Treasurer’s Report for the consideration of the general membership at the Annual Meeting. A motion to this effect will be presented by your District Treasurer, Ken Rochefort.

The District wishes to acknowledge the members of the Finance Committee, including:

Submitted by Don Edgar, Committee Chairperson

Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.
(OSSTF Motto)

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