Final Reminder! - ETFO Awards Program Deadline:
February 1, 2012

ETFO Awards with the above deadline recognize educators and members of the public who demonstrate a commitment to:

• serving the membership of ETFO
• humanitarian projects or social activism
• public education through the development of materials or practices that promote equity and social justice in both the school and community

A new award this year encourages members to nominate their local for the Member Service and Engagement Award. This award recognizes locals who provide excellent service to members and nurture member involvement in the local.

Most award recipients receive an award of up to $500.00 or are invited to the Annual Meeting to an awards ceremony that recognizes their achievements.

A full listing of awards with a February 1 deadline is available on the ETFO website. If you, or someone you know, would be a candidate for any of these awards, please apply or encourage them to apply.

For further information, please contact Mark Fallis at mfallis@etfo.org.  

Renfrew County Collective Bargaining Training

On January 18th union activists from the four Renfrew County locals gathered for the first of two rounds of CB training all locals will receive before the end of the school year. Executive members, Collective Bargaining Committees, and workplace stewards met at the Cobden Legion and heard a number of presentations, including: an outline of roles and responsibilities during collective bargaining, and a tour of some of the communications tools that will be used during the 2012 round of bargaining.

• The Annual Meeting committee invites applications from members to serve as poll clerks and assistants at the 2012 Annual Meeting. If this opportunity is of interest, you will find an application form on the ETFO website at ETFO.ca > About ETFO > Annual Meeting 2012 Documents. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2012.

• The latest issue of Research for Teachers, "How Teachers Can Use Research," is written by Ben Levin (OISE). It looks at why it is important for teachers to use research to inform their practice. However, that doesn’t mean teachers need to access academic research literature. The article also discusses how to make the best use of research summaries. To access this publication, please visit the ETFO website: ETFO.ca > Resources > Research for Teachers.

• ETFO Destination AQs - A Few Spots Remain . . . In 2012 ETFO is providing a unique opportunity for Ontario teachers to engage in professional learning and to explore Europe. We are offering FSL (1, 2, and Specialist) in France, ESL (1, 2, and Specialist) in Greece, Kindergarten (1, 2, and Specialist) in Italy, and Special Education (1, 2, and Specialist) in Spain. From April 15th to June 22nd candidates will participate in their course online. On July 1st they will travel to Europe and continue their learning in a face-to-face environment while enjoying deluxe accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours. For more information, visit: http://etfo-aq.ca/destination-aqs/.

• Did you know that Voice magazine is now available in an electronic format? Members can access each issue of ETFO's flagship publication at http://etfovoice.ca. Those who are comfortable reading the magazine online, or are interested in reducing their carbon footprint, can stop home delivery by filling out and submitting this online form. Members who stop home delivery will receive emails reminding them to access new online issues.

• Give Your School a Hug, February 13-17, 2012—an initiative of Heartspeak.ca. Participating schools choose one day that week to literally give their school a 'hug' by encircling the school (if possible). This shared, cross-grade experience reinforces the role we ALL play in creating a safe and caring school climate and provides an opportunity for students to identify ways to make school better. With the approval of school staff, photos/videos may subsequently be shared with Heartspeak and other schools via the Heartspeak website at www.heartspeak.ca.