Education Week is a time to honour those who dedicate their lives to shaping minds and fostering growth. Amidst this celebration, it’s crucial to highlight the indispensable contribution of occasional teachers to the education system.

Occasional teachers, often overlooked, are the backbone of continuity in education. They step in at a moment’s notice, seamlessly filling the gaps to ensure that learning never falters. Their adaptability and resilience in navigating diverse classrooms and subject matters are commendable.

You bring a fresh perspective to the classroom, infusing it with energy and innovation. Your ability to engage students and deliver quality education, even in temporary roles, is invaluable. You play a vital role in supporting the well-being of students, offering guidance and encouragement during times of transition.

On behalf of our AOTL leadership team, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of our occasional teachers for your unwavering commitment to our education system. Your dedication ensures that every student has access to quality learning experiences, regardless of circumstance. Thank you so much for all that you do.

Together, we’ll continue to champion the vital role that occasional teachers play in shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Ryan Geick
President

April 10 is the International Day of Pink, dedicated to standing against bullying, discrimination, and promoting acceptance for all. Wear pink, show support, and spread kindness.

More information and 2SLGBTQ+ resources can be found here.

Your AOTL office will be closed from Saturday, March 9 until the morning of Monday, March 18. Email will be checked periodically.

If you have an emergency which requires ETFO Provincial legal assistance, please contact their office at 1-888-838-3836.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women in every facet of society, including the education sector.

In classrooms around the world, women occasional teachers play a pivotal role in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and nurturing a love for learning. Their dedication, resilience, and passion inspire not only their students but also their peers.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women occasional teachers making a difference every day. Your contributions are invaluable, and your impact is immeasurable. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

We’d like to wish a happy World Teachers’ Day to our amazing ETFO occasional teachers and other local educators! You tirelessly provide our students quality opportunities to grow into the very best they can be.

THANK YOU for all you do as the heartbeat of public education here in Algoma District!

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation stands as a vital milestone in our collective journey toward healing and understanding. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities and the need for acknowledgment, reflection, and meaningful change.

This day is a call to action, encouraging all Canadians to engage in dialogue, educate themselves about the past, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognizing the truths of our shared history and honoring Indigenous voices, we can pave the way for genuine reconciliation and forge a stronger, more harmonious nation together.

The Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association is offering fully subsidized, one-year OMLTA memberships to all school board-employed FSL teachers in Ontario.  Teachers are eligible if they:

• are assigned to teach FSL (with or without FSL teaching qualifications);
• are interested in teaching FSL; or,
• support FSL teachers in a board role:  consultants, coordinators, etc.

If this opportunity interests you, please forward your name and contact information to Nancy Rancourt, FSL System Administrator (ac.no1716050299.bsda1716050299@nuoc1716050299nar1716050299) by Thursday, June 29.

The Ministry of Education has released The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, Language, 2023 and Le curriculum de l’Ontario, de la 1re à la 8e année, Français, 2023. The revision replaces the Language curriculum from 2006 and takes effect in September 2023.

The Ministry is offering an introductory Zoom webinar on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:00 pm EDT. Visit this link to register.

ADSB has developed draft student dress guidelines, which are intended to be used as school student dress codes starting in September 2023. You can view a recorded presentation here.

The Board is looking for your feedback. Feedback will be collected through ThoughtExchange until Thursday, May 25. In ThoughtExchange, you can provide your thoughts on the questions asked, and can also review and rate the thoughts of others.

For more information, including instructions on how to access ThoughtExchange, please review the email sent to you from the Local office.

Are you currently in receipt of pension?  The Ontario Teachers’ Federation has agreed to temporarily increase the 50-day reemployment rule to 95-days until June 30, 2023. 

This measure will help in a limited manner to address some of the teacher shortages we’re currently experiencing in Ontario’s publicly funded schools.