Join us virtually for “Pregnancy and Parental Leave: A Guide to Your Rights & Responsibilities” on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join Tracy Blodgett from ETFO as she guides us through the many questions and concerns that you may have during this exciting time of preparing for the birth or adoption of a child.
Please click here to register by February 24 at 5:00 p.m. A Zoom link and any resources will be sent to you prior to the workshop.
Consider getting involved with the provincial union by applying to an ETFO Standing Committee.
Serving on a committee will provide you with the opportunity to share your expertise and to have a voice on Federation issues related to provincial policies, positions, programs, and initiatives.
Read this flyer and apply before March 1 at etfo.ca.
TORONTO—The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and the
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) released the following statement today.
AEFO, ETFO, OECTA, and OSSTF/FEESO strongly oppose the government’s plan to postpone March Break. These are unprecedented times, and this is a much-needed break for students, teachers, education workers, and families who have been under tremendous pressure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s decision to postpone March Break does not take into consideration the mental health and well- being of those involved.
The postponement of March break shows, yet again, the inadequacies of the Progressive Conservative government’s planning. If there are concerns related to travel and gatherings during March Break, these should be addressed by the government through other means. Why did Premier Doug Ford reopen the economy when it is clear risks remain? Is he concerned that his stay-at-home orders are ineffective? If so, he should address the real issue: this government’s ongoing failure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Their decision to postpone, despite unanimous opposition from unions representing educators and other stakeholders in the sector, including all school board associations and the Ontario Principals’ Council, is another example of this government ignoring experts and making decisions that are reckless and baseless. The pattern the government has shown in making decisions while ignoring experts and the front-line workers that are most affected has only served to compound challenges.
This decision demonstrates their lack of understanding about the stress and pressures of learning and working in a pandemic. Teachers and education workers have gone to extraordinary lengths to teach and support students every day since the start of the school year, whether in person or online. Their efforts should be applauded not diminished.
The Ford government must listen to the voices of frontline workers in the education community and immediately reverse their decision to postpone March Break.
Black History Month exists to remind us all of the rich contributions within our society from people of African and Caribbean decent, and of their ongoing struggle for equity and social justice. Teachers have the opportunity to engage their students, not only during this month but throughout the school year, on recognizing the strengths and resiliency of communities that historically have been marginalized, as well examining issues of racism and the impact of discrimination on these communities.
The 2021 ETFO Black History Month Poster (artist Leone McComas) explores how the commonly used and accepted map of our world is not accurate and rooted in bias and colonialism.
As the Mae Jemison quote captures: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
ETFO has released a new video to celebrate 10 years of Full-Day Kindergarten in Ontario. This is an important milestone for our members and this video recognizes and celebrates this important event.
Ontario’s Kindergarten program was designed by education experts, and it has proven to be a successful learning program, a model for other jurisdictions to follow, and a fundamental piece of our world-class education system.
Even at the best of times, the demands of working in a school environment make it challenging for educators to maintain an optimal level of wellness. During the pandemic, the challenge to stay well has become even more difficult.
This bulletin provides ETFO members with information and advice about keeping well, including links to supports that are available to you during the pandemic.
PRS Matters 111 (PDF, 890 KB)
