What's happening in D3 this month:

Feb 2nd:  Ponderings & Potations @ The Pickled Pig, Hwy 69 N Val Caron 

Feb 7th: District Executive Meeting - 4:30 pm

Feb 8th: PSSP Executive Meeting - 4:30 pm

Feb 12th:  Focus on Poverty Workshop - 4:30 pm  (Spots still available - register here)

Feb 26th:  OTPP Retirement Workshop - 4:30 pm   Register here

Feb 27th: OMERS Pension Workshop - 4:30 pm  Register here 

Feb 28th: Health & Safety Committee Meeting - 4:30 pm

March 1st: Ponderings & Potations at Overtime Bar & Grill in Chelmsford - 3:30 pm
ALL MEMBERS WELCOME - Join us by registering HERE

 

For our members in secondary schools, semester two brings a sense of renewal that is welcomed by many. This change, coupled with a noticeable increase in daylight hours and unusually mild weather, bring a sense that spring is not that far off. One can only hope that Wiarton Willie was not messing with us with his prediction last week. Apologies to those members who revel in all outdoor winter activities and have been short-changed by the few opportunities to partake in them, with all this talk of wishing for warmer days.
 
On a more serious note, congratulations to the Educational Support Staff Unit (ESSU) who reached a tentative agreement with the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) last week. The ESSU leadership will be meeting with members soon to share details of the deal and specific information on how the ratification voting process will unfold.
 
The bargaining process will continue for all other units this month. The Teacher Bargaining Unit (TBU) made progress during bargaining on January 30^th & 31^st and is scheduled to meet with the RDSB on February 22^nd. The Professional Student Services Personnel Unit (PSSP) will begin their negotiations on February 20^th & 21^st, while the Occasional Teacher Bargaining Unit (OTBU) is slated to meet with the RDSB negotiators on February 12^th, 14^th, & 15^th. The Sudbury Student Services Consortium (SSSC) is continuing work on their negotiating brief and no bargaining dates have been set as of this writing.
 
We want to acknowledge the hard work being done by all bargaining teams, and thank them for all their efforts in reaching a fair, locally negotiated collective agreement on behalf of members.
 
Yours in Federation,
Eric Laberge
District President
 

I just want to give a big shout out to Lasalle Secondary School!

Once again, one of their submissions for the Student Achievement Awards has produced a regional winner. I thought this particular piece of digital art was both creative and insightful and spoke to the theme of:  "This Hits Different -The Power of Language".
I had my fingers crossed that they would move on and become a provincial winner, it was that good, but sadly this was not to be.



The regional win is still an impressive accomplishment.
Next year, I challenge our other schools to throw down the gauntlet and produce a winner of their own! 



February is shaping up to be a busy month. There are a number of events happening at the office this month so have a look and please don’t wait to get your name of the list. If you are interested, give Donna a call and let her know. You can reach her at: 705-692-3923.

February 12^th @ 4:30 - Focus on Poverty Workshop

I need numbers for this workshop ASAP. We have 14 people signed up but we can accommodate more. There will be chili and fresh buns, followed by dessert. You can’t beat the price – FREE
We will have OSSTF presenters join us and talk about this very relevant issue. Certainly, this is a growing problem and we are seeing more and more of this in our schools. I think this is a great opportunity to learn more and also get together with fellow OSSTF members.

February 20^th @ 4:30 - Beyond the Blackboard Writing Workshop



If you have ever considered writing a book, perhaps this is the workshop for you. Our very own Liisa Kovala will be hosting a writing workshop for anyone interested. She is a retired teacher as well as an author. Who better to give you tips and tricks on how to get the process started!?

Pension Workshops

February 26^th @ 4:30 – OTPP Workshop
February 27^th @ 5:00 – OMERS Workshop

If you are looking at retiring in the next 8 years or so, plan to join us for this very informative workshop. Those who have attended can confirm that you will likely need to attend this more than once. Don’t wait until you are in your last year. You want to be prepared for the next chapter of your life and ensure the transition is seamless.

March 1^st @ 3:30 – Ponderings and Potations at Overtime Bar & Grill in Chelmsford

March 1^st @ 6:00 - There are a limited number of Porketta Bingo tickets left - get yours HERE.



Katrina Ross,
District Officer.

Claims counselling – our dedicated team is here to help

The unfortunate reality is accidents happen. That's why insurance exists. However, we recommend you speak with your licensed insurance broker about whether making an official claim with your insurance company is in your best interest. That's where claims counselling comes in handy.

Read more at www.otip.com/article177. #OTIPUpdate
 

 

Six components that every education member should add to their financial plan

There are many building blocks to a successful financial plan, and it can be hard to create — and stick to — each block.

For many, the choice between stocks and bonds and the arrangement of pensions and taxes can be daunting. Personalized and professional financial advice can help you manage your unique needs and challenges to create a workable strategy.

                            

With the RRSP deadline around the corner, and tax deadline quickly approaching, here are key things you should know about financial planning and taxes: https://bit.ly/3SdKWPr.

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Contributor:  Vanessa Caddel - Secondary Teacher, Lockerby Composite School

I became a member of the District 3 Human Rights and Equity committee as I wanted to take part in actively supporting our community rather than just talking about it.

As a Law teacher, I attend as many OJEN-sponsored events as possible. I appreciate the financial support from OSSTF D3 to attend these amazing workshops.  For more info  (OSSTF D3 Education Services Committee) 
 
 

Justice for Children and Youth

  

JFCY (Justice for Children and Youth) is an organization which provides "legal services for young people under 18 and up to 25 for homeless or undocumented young people in Ontario". Their services are available to all children and youth in Ontario regardless of location. These services include access to a staff lawyer and educational resources about their legal rights.

As well, JFCY provides educational resources for adults who may be in a position to support young persons. In their resource section, there are several PDFs which can be downloaded to be used in classrooms, guidance offices, or administration offices. 
  
I had the privilege to hear them speak about their services, especially for homeless and undocumented youth at the last Ontario Justice Educators Network conference in August 2023. As our schools become more diverse and immigration increases teachers in Ontario need to be prepared to support our students in these areas. We can easily direct students to these services and know that experts will set them in the right direction. Further, teachers of Civics and Law can also use the video resources in their classrooms.
 
 
Their mission statement reads: 
 
At Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY), we provide child-centred legal services that enhance justice and support inclusion for vulnerable children and youth through:
 
- Specialized legal expertise and representation
 
- Leadership on systemic law reform and advocacy
 
- Legal education and outreach
 
LINKS
 
Primary website: Justice for Children and Youth – JFCY – protecting the legal rights and dignity of children and youth.

Vanessa Caddel

January has come and gone, and it ended with a bang.

Thanks to all who came out to Curling for a Cause.
As usual, it was a fun afternoon filled with great sportsmanship and lots of laughs.

Congratulations to the SINers for their stellar performance and taking home the top prize. The final numbers are not yet calculated in terms of the donation to the Sudbury Food Bank,  but we are guessing it will be about $500. Here is a photo display of the teams this year:

 

Who doesn't love winning!!
Those who attended the  "Ponderings & Potations" at the Pickled Pig in Val Caron last Friday, had their names entered into a draw for a $50.00 Canadian Tire Gift Card.

Becky Morse from Confederation SS was the lucky winner of the Feb 2nd draw.
 
The next "Ponderings & Potations" will take place at The Overtime Grill in Chelmsford, on March 1st. 

We hope to see many of our members there.  Maybe you will be the next lucky winner!

Let us know you want to attend by using this link  

And speaking of winning...

The District 3 CPAC Committee has generously donated funds to purchase gift cards as prizes for contests that will be featured in the LINK. 

!!!!!!

Tell me which button on the telephone keypad to press if you want to "touch, slap or hit someone" 😄
HINT:  The answer is in this edition of the LINK.

 
Send your answer using this button