ETFO Algoma Occasional Teacher Local – Occasional teachers standing together for public education.

ETFO condemns government takeovers of Ontario school boards

The following is a statement from David Mastin, President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO):

“ETFO is once again raising urgent concerns about the Ford government’s escalating and unjustified takeovers of democratically elected school boards across Ontario. These interventions represent egregious government overreach, a troubling centralization of power, and a direct threat to local democracy in Ontario’s public education system.

There is growing concern that these takeovers are part of a broader plan to seize control of school board finances and real estate across the province. This treats public education as a profit‑making enterprise rather than a vital public service meant to serve every child. Parents and communities must join us and act now to prevent lasting damage to our high-quality public education system.

2026 ETFO Black History Month poster: We Didn’t Cross the Waters Alone

This year’s poster spans generations and continents to tie together the past, present, and future. It blends traditional West African folklore, imagery, and concepts with curriculum-based African Canadian history and the importance of looking to the future.

#FutureGriot is a hashtag that captures the reality that all Black students will ascend from their present experience of being learners to one day being the keepers of history and knowledge that can be shared through the long-kept practice of oral storytelling.

Black Canadians are never alone on our journeys, as our ancestors are always with us.

ADSB Game Day

ADSB is sponsoring the Sunday, February 8th game (start time 2:07pm). The Board will have students and staff on hand at concourse level promoting some of their special programs and they’ll have an entertaining intermission school mascot event, among other highlights!

Please present the flyer at the GFL Box Office to receive the discount. This can be done anytime (not just game day).

ADSB Staff Ticket Pricing Flyer

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January 23, 2026

Social Events

Pottery Painting Social

Saturday, February 21
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Paint & Decor Concepts, SSM

Unleash your creativity and paint a mug with us! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with creativity, snacks, and good company. Members may bring a guest.

Tickets are $20 per person. Register by February 12.

Register

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January 16, 2026

Professional Development

FSL Workshop with Étienne

Wednesday, February 18
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Zoom

The famous influencers @ATFrenchies call him “the GOAT of French!” Join fellow teacher-rockstar ÉTIENNE for a high-energy online session where he shares reading strategies that springboard students into higher-level French speaking and writing.

Explore 29 research-based strategies designed to engage students of all grades and abilities in authentic, spontaneous, and fun reading. All participants receive a digital copy of the IC Readers’ Playbook, and the first 20 teachers to register will also receive a hard copy of the best-selling IC Reader <<Je me présente>>.

Register

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January 16, 2026

General Announcements

Don’t forget your QECO updates!

Members are reminded to ensure your QECO Statement of Evaluation is updated. This is essential for salary grid placement for both permanent and LTO positions.

You can apply for upgrading advice or re-evaluation annually, including if qualifications were earned outside Ontario. Please see QECO’s website for applications and contact information.

For new employees, you have 60 calendar days from your date of hire to provide your QECO documentation (or proof of application) to HR. If you provide proof of application, submit your QECO statement to HR within 14 days of receiving it.

For existing employees, if you’re seeking a category upgrade because of a completed course, you must submit a new QECO evaluation statement (or proof of application) to ADSB before October 31. If you provide proof of application, submit your upgraded QECO statement to HR within 14 days of receiving it.

If the above timelines are met, you will receive retroactive salary adjustment to the beginning of your assignment. However, if the above timelines are not met, salary adjustments will take effect in the month following HR’s receipt of your QECO documentation.

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December 15, 2025

ETFO Provincial

Volunteer to be a poll clerk at Annual Meeting

Support ETFO’s democratic process by volunteering at Annual Meeting, which will take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel on August 10-13, 2026.

The deadline to apply is March 1. Expenses are paid per provincial guidelines.

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December 15, 2025

Local News

Snow Days and Inclement Weather

What do I do on days when buses are cancelled?

If safety allows, make a reasonable effort to report to work.

If you are unable to report to work because of weather, notify the principal as soon as possible. Make reasonable efforts to report to work if it becomes safe to do so. LTOs may have alternate sites — check with your admin.

You won’t lose pay or sick leave if inclement weather prevents you from reporting to work. Your safety comes first — period.

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November 27, 2025