• After many years of lobbying the government for changes to the reporting process, the first Progress Report went home in the fall—and when there were challenges with  implementing the change, ETFO worked hard to minimize the impact on members in both this, and future, years.
• ETFO convinced the government to review all data-gathering activities related to EQAO testing to determine their impact on the delivery of a well-rounded education for elementary students.
• ETFO continued to be a strong advocate for social justice and equity in our province and beyond, particularly in the areas of First Nations education and LGBT issues.
• Finally, ETFO representatives worked tirelessly as members of the OTPP Board of Directors to obtain the best possible scenario for our members in addressing an unprecedented $17.2 B funding shortfall in the pension plan.

I want to recognize the outstanding quality of ETFO professional learning programs for members. Two stand-out programs are ETFO-AQ and Summer Academy. Members have registered for these programs in record numbers, and will enjoy high-quality learning experiences this summer that are designed by members for members. If you haven’t yet experienced the 'ETFO Advantage' in professional learning, I encourage you to sign up for one of our programs in the coming year.

Despite these successes, we face daunting challenges over the next year.

The progress in elementary education of the last eight years could be undone depending on the outcome of the October provincial election. I encourage all of you to read ETFO’s election platform entitled Building Better Schools and to get involved in the upcoming election to help elect education-friendly MPPs. You’ll find helpful information sheets, guides, and checklists on our website.

The expiry of ETFO collective agreements in just over a year will likely usher in one of the toughest rounds of bargaining in our history. Given the recent attacks on public servants and their unions across North America, the ETFO Executive has approved an ambitious plan to inform and mobilize the membership well in advance of the expiration of your collective agreements. There will be many opportunities over the next year to keep informed about, or get involved with, the collective bargaining process.

I want to thank you for your continuing dedication to your students and to quality public education in Ontario. Teaching is both a challenging and a rewarding profession.  I hope you are able to renew yourself over the next few months by travelling, reading, learning, and spending quality time with family and friends. Enjoy a safe and happy summer.

Sincerely,

Sam Hammond
President
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario

Ultimate Block Party - A Wonderful Day Celebrating Play

The rain stopped, the sun came out, and thousands of children and their caregivers enjoyed playing and learning at Ontario's first Ultimate Block Party on June 5th at Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto.

View the full Photo Gallery

ETFO gathered 25 educational partners to develop play centres which showcased how adventure play, construction play, language play, creative play, physical play, and make believe relate to children’s brain development.

Kids peered through telescopes, created art, listened to stories, sang songs, and created innovative structures using Lego, Imagination Playground materials, clay, and boxes. They played ball and danced about.

"The research evidence is clear that play-based learning fosters creativity, initiative, collaboration and problem-solving," said ETFO President Sam Hammond at the event. "Our goal is to have parents understand that play is the work of children and that it fuels their brain development. That’s true for children through all elementary grade levels. Play is about developing innovation, creativity, and other skills to help children succeed in life."

A leading advocate for the science of play, ETFO has also developed a significant body of professional learning for teachers and early childhood educators to develop and implement play-based curriculum in Ontario's public elementary classrooms.

Additionally, ETFO has developed a playbook full of information, resources and activities to assist families with play at home. Called "My Playbook," it’s available for free online at www.ultimateblockparty.ca/home/your-playbook.  

• This will be the final eNewsletter of the 2010-2011 school year. Publication of @ETFO/FEEO will resume following Annual Meeting in August. On behalf of the website team at ETFO provincial, I wish you all the best this summer season ~the editor.
  
  

• A Call to DECE, ESP/PSP Members – apply to serve on the Education Support Personnel Committee. At the May 2011 Executive meeting a motion was passed calling for this committee to be active during the 2011-2012 school year with representation from ESP/PSP and DECE members. To apply, please visit the ETFO website and fill in the online application form. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2011.
  
  

• Summer Academy 2011 - apply soon as courses are filling up fast! To date over 1,000 members have signed up for one or more of the 60 professional learning courses available in locals across the province. At $55 for a three-day course—including learning, handouts, and lunch—spaces won't last long. Visit http://summeracademy.etfo.ca to view the catalogue and register online.
  
  

• On June 13, 2011, OTF directed the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan to file a valuation with Ontario's pension regulator one year ahead of schedule to address a preliminary $17.2 B funding shortfall. The changes to the pension plan announced on June 3rd will take effect January 1, 2012.
  
  

• Proud Rainbow Voices is an Ontario network for LGBTTQ educators. This is a safe, supportive, inviting forum to share and discuss the triumphs and challenges in addressing LGBTTTQ issues in the workplace. The next networking session will be in July 2011. For more information, please see the following flyer.
   

• Win a free spot at the 2011 Ophea Conference! Join educators and leaders in public health and recreation October 13-15, 2011 for an inspiring and interactive professional development experience designed to increase your physical and health literacy and provide you with tips on implementing the H&PE curriculum in your classroom. Register as a Full Delegate by the Early Bird Deadline of June 30, 2011, and you will automatically be entered to win FREE Registration.