What's happening in D3 this month:
 

To say that September was a busy month is an understatement. While many of you dealt with the excitement and challenges that come with the start of another school year, the District Office and everyone in a local or provincial leadership position within OSSTF were busy informing the membership and mobilizing everyone to cast a ballot on a proposed bargaining pathway. As you may have heard by now, the proposal was adopted by a margin 78.4% of the members who voted. The next steps will include an arbitration hearing on a remedy for Bill 124 and continued central bargaining with a deadline of October 27^th.
 
October will be a hectic month for all Bargaining Units as they each turn their attention to adjusting their respective local negotiating brief, considering the new framework that was agreed upon. Each unit’s Protective Services Committee and negotiating teams will be meeting to finalize briefs by a deadline of November 15^th, with bargaining to begin soon after. Under the agreed to framework, all local bargaining will have a deadline of March 28^th, 2024, to arrive at a negotiated settlement. In the absence of a deal by this deadline, all remaining matters will go to an arbitrator for a final decision.
 
Four of our standing committees resumed their activities during the last week of September. Lots of great discussion took place with many committees already planning member engagement activities and community outreach initiatives for the coming Federation year. Speaking of which members should reserve the date of November 9^th for the first Ponderings & Potations event at a location yet to be determined. More information will be sent out to members when details are finalized. Each committee is still looking for reps from all Bargaining Units and secondary worksites to join. If you are interested in finding out more details on the work these committees do, you are invited to contact Katrina Ross at the District 3 Office. We would like to take this time to recognize our District Committee Officers who have stepped up to lead their respective groups for the next two years:
 
Communication & Political Action Officer – Karen Passi, TBU, Lasalle S.S.
Educational Services Officer – Heather Boychuk, TBU, Lasalle S.S.
Equity & Human Rights Officer – Andrew Kendall, TBU, Espanola H.S.
Health & Safety Officer – Mike Zegil, TBU, Manitoulin S.S.
Status of Women Officer – Sherri Winsa, TBU, Cecil Facer
 
We will be seeing many of you over the coming weeks as we visit secondary worksites and look forward to engaging in conversations with you. Enjoy the fall colours.

Eric laberge, 
District President
       

It is shaping up to be a busy school year. But aren’t they all! Here are some important dates to keep in mind as you take in the colour of the autumn leaves and enjoy these gorgeous fall days.
 
Retiring?
If you are considering retiring in the next 8 years (Me! I am!!), then you might want to attend a pension workshop. Even if you’ve already attended once, sitting in on it again might not be a bad idea. I very much intend to be a part of the audience this time around. Save the date:
 
OTPP (Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan) – October 23^rd at 4:30.
 
OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) – October 24^th at 5:00.
 
These presentations will be at the Lively office. Pizza and beverages available. Please feel free to bring your spouse. Please RSVP to Donna no later than October 16^th. osstf@d03.osstf.ca
 
Student Achievement Awards
Every year, OSSTF encourages students to participate in this competition for a chance to win 1 of 8 $1000 prizes. The theme this year: This Hits Different – The Power of Language.

                                                        

Students can write a poem, short story or essay. Create a drawing or painting. There is even a category for digital productions including videos and songs.
Judging for the categories takes place at the school level, the district level and finally the provincial level. Winners will be recognized during AMPA. Please ensure entry forms are complete and school winners are submitted to the district by Nov. 15^th. To find a copy of the application and for more information go to: https://www.osstf.on.ca/services/awards-scholarships-grants-and-bursaries/osstf-feeso-awards-for-non-members/student-achievement-awards.aspx
 
Women’s Advocate
District 3 is looking for another Women’s Advocate. This is a trained position that is shared with two other advocates. Training is taking place at the end of October in Sault Ste Marie. The deadline to register for the training is Oct. 13. If you think you might be interested in taking on this very important role, please contact the District Office.




Katrina Ross,
District Officer.

 

 

 

The ultimate fall home maintenance checklist

Preparing your home in the warmer weather could save you some headaches when winter starts blowing in. Wondering what kind of home maintenance tasks you need to do to get your property ready for fall and winter?
 
Read more at www.otip.com/article170. #OTIPUpdate

 

 

PSSP Bargaining Unit Award

                               
I just wanted to share that earlier this month, one of our own PSSP members, Social Worker Alison Orford, was in Toronto to be recognized for her work with students at RDSB.
 
Alison was very deservingly honoured with the OTIP Support Worker Staff Award.  
 
We are proud of Alison, who exemplifies the fine work and very important role that all of our PSSP members play in our schools.  
 
Congratulations Alison!