Grand Erie Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario
49 Dalkeith Drive, Units 1 and 2 N3P 1M1 Brantford, ON, Canada

On April 28, the National Day of Mourning, take action to commemorate workers who have died on the job, or were injured or suffered illness due to workplace hazards. Let's fight for the safety of all workers.

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning to remember those workers who were killed on the job. As we will not be able to have in-person commemorations, please consider attending this virtual discussion presented by the Ontario Federation of Labour.

You have the right to refuse work if you have reason to believe it is likely to endanger you. And, you as a worker are protected against reprisals for exercisin...g your rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Read this new ETFO resource to understand health and safety in the workplace during COVID-19. http://etfohealthandsafety.ca//ETFO-COVID-checklist-for-Me See more

On Tuesday, April 20 at 5:00 p.m., #GEETF members will be invited to participate in an ETFO Townhall focusing on Health and Safety and how to exercise your right to refuse unsafe work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Joining us will be legal counsel, Howard Goldblatt from Goldblatt Partners LLP. When you get the call, don't hang up!

With yesterday's announcement of a return to online learning on April 19, please remember that THIS WEEK is your break! Continue to spend time on self-care, rest and rejuvenation. You will have the day on Monday to prepare.

#GEETF members and education partners, enjoy this much anticipated, postponed break. Disconnect from work and take care of yourself! More than ever, you have earned it through your steadfast efforts this past year.

The OFL Women’s Committee is hosting an online event this year in remembrance of the 14 young women who were killed at Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989 and in remembrance of all victims of violence against women. Please consider joining the vigil. December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. To reflect, support and remember the day, the Ontario Federation of Labour, under the privy of our Women’s Committee, will be hosting an Inaugural... Day of Remembrance Virtual Candlelight Vigil. The ZOOM/Facebook Live event will be an hour-long on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. RSVP your attendance to https://www.powerofmany.ca/december_6_day_of-remembrance_vi

Please check your personal email for a message from Sam Hammond. He wants to hear from you!

GEETF Members, Please check your personal email for an important message. Have a great weekend!

A reminder that the Grand Erie townhall is TONIGHT. Please don't hang up the phone if you don't recognize the number :-)

Today, November 20th, is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Rogers tv partnered with Gender Journey Brant to honour trans and gender diverse people that have been murdered in transphobia hate crimes. Each year, many memorialize the victims of these heinous crimes through candlelight vigils, marches, parades and film screening. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the ability for members of the community to gather and Gender Journey Brant wanted to find a way to pay tribute to those that have lost their lives. They’ve created a community art exhibit, along with a documentary sharing their own experiences living as trans people in Brant.

ETFO is excited and proud to offer the first leadership program for all members who self-identify as Black as part of ETFO’s multi-year strategy on addressing anti-Black racism and our commitment to equity and social justice. Code Black: Leaders with Purpose and Conviction, is a multi-session program that includes online sessions, webinars, assignments and development directly related to leadership roles within ETFO. Please use the following link to apply: https://events.etfo....org/upcoming-events/ Click on the Leadership Program for Black Members tab. Please have your ETFO membership number available. Deadline to apply is Friday, November 27, 2020. See more

Registration continues to be open for Ounce of Prevention: Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities, a virtual PRS conference being held on Saturday, November 21, 2020. This conference will provide members with an opportunity to review their responsibilities and rights as educators. Professional learning is offered on a variety of topics including professional boundaries, developing positive relationships with parents, and weaving electronic communication and social media into your professional practice in a thoughtful, measured way. The conference times have been slightly adjusted, to begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. There is a registration fee of $30.00. The registration deadline is this Friday, November 6, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

ETFO offers many workshop for members, on a variety of topics. It is important to know your professional rights. Learn more about this upcoming virtual conference by clicking the link below.

Happy World Teachers' Day!

ETFO’s ICT Learning Institute: Technology Tools for Learning will take place virtually on Saturday, December 5, 2020. The target audience is members interested in learning about new technology and online resources to enhance student learning. Please follow the link on the flyer for more information, and to register.

The final GEETF online election for 8 Table Executive positions begins tomorrow, Thursday, October 1st at 12:01 am and ends at 11:59 pm Friday, October 2nd. Follow the link that you received in your personal email.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from ETFO.

Happy Early Childhood Educator's Day! Our DECE partners are an invaluable part of our education team. Thank you for everything that you do for our youngest learners.

The GEETF online election for Secretary begins Thursday, Sept. 24th at 12:01 am and ends at 11:59 pm Friday, Sept. 25th. Follow the link that you received in your personal email.

The next GEETF online election, for Second Vice President, begins Monday, Sept. 21st at 12:01 am and ends at 11:59 pm Tuesday, Sept. 22nd. Follow the link that you received in your personal email.

The GEETF online election for First Vice President begins tomorrow, at 12:01 am Sept. 17 and ends at 11:59 pm Sept. 18. Follow the link that you received in your personal email.

GEETF Members, Please check your personal email for a TEST ELECTION in preparation for our 2020 GEETF Online Elections which begin Thursday, Sept. 17.

Sending good wishes for a great "first day of school" to all Grand Erie teachers and educators as you welcome your first group of students tomorrow. Your students will be so excited and happy to see you!Sending good wishes for a great "first day of school" to all Grand Erie teachers and educators as you welcome your first group of students tomorrow. Your students will be so excited and happy to see you!

Enjoy the long weekend. You deserve it after this past week, as you try to prepare for your students amid continued uncertainty and anxiety. Next week will come soon enough. We will support each other, as we always do, to ensure the best possible experience for our students.

Congratulations to #GEETF member Sabrina Sawyer as she embarks on a new adventure @ETFO Provincial as Executive Assistant in Equity and Women’s Services (FNMI). In this new role she will assist with the union's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education and, equity and social justice programs. Thank you for your years of dedicated service to our Local. The Provincial organization and all ETFO members will now benefit from your passionate advocacy for equity and social justice. Best wishes in your new role.

At the August 31 GEDSB Board Meeting, the Trustees will debate the topic of masks for K-3 students. The meeting starts at 7:15 p.m. Watch here: https://youtu.be/T9pGSAug0Rw... Agenda package: https://www.granderie.ca//9/5372/2020_08_31_Bd_Package.pdf

ATTENTION ETFO educators: To assist you in returning to school, your union is offering an important webinar next week, Know Your Health and Safety Rights! Thi...s webinar is for ETFO members only. Register for only one of the sessions offered before the deadline. Visit ETFO's events portal to register https://events.etfo.org or check the recent e-newsletter. Evening webinar: Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. *Deadline to register is Monday, Aug. 31 at noon. Afternoon webinar: Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m. *Deadline to register is Tuesday, Sept. 1 at noon.

Tues. Aug.18, GEETF Members and all GEDSB employees received an email from HR regarding the process for medical/family status accommodations.

GEETF Members, Please check your personal email for important information regarding Medical and Family Status Accomodations in relation to School Reopening and COVID19.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE by ETFO, OSSTF, AEFO and OECTA: Ford government jeopardizing safety of all Ontarians with underfunded return to school plan - https://shar.es/ab7Eb5