February Newsletter and Ontario Legislation Petition Speaking Notes
By now, many of you are likely deep in the final stretch of report card season, fueled by coffee, professional dedication, and sheer will. While this newsletter is brief, it is an important opportunity for us all to stay connected and share a few timely updates. Most importantly, it is also a chance to say: THANK YOU!
First, a huge thank you to all ETFO members who ordered a Red4Ed T-shirt during the initial phase. With 993 shirts ordered, we are about to see a genuine wall of red rolling into schools across Thames Valley. The shirts are on track to be ready for pickup at the General Meeting on February 26th. If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry, your shirt will make its way to you shortly afterwards, either through your Workplace Steward, a colleague who was able to attend the meeting, an Executive visit, or a quick drop-off by your Released Team. No member left behind (or left out of the red).
Ontario Legislative Petition
In the coming days, you will receive an Ontario Legislative Petition. This is one we need you not only to sign, but to help circulate. Workplace Stewards will be distributing and collecting the petitions, with a short turnaround time.
We know the Ontario government has been influenced by public pressure, so it is important for us to put some collective pressure and voice on them, especially ahead of budget decisions and as we move toward bargaining. Taking the time to ask friends, family members, and community contacts to sign can help shine a light on the education funding gaps that directly impact our classrooms and schools. Every signature matters and just as importantly, so do the conversations that go along with them. These are opportunities to highlight the incredible work you do every day, often in spite of increasingly challenging working conditions.
To support you, key speaking points are attached to help share the message clearly and confidently as you collect signatures.
A Special Thank You to Workplace Stewards
To our Workplace Stewards, thank you for the work you do every single day to support members. Even when the weather has kept us from seeing each other in person, your emails, phone calls, and texts have kept members connected and supported. We are deeply grateful for your leadership, your responsiveness, and your efforts to mobilize members not only around the Ontario Legislative Petition but also in keeping members connected to the Local.
One More Thing…
Don’t forget that the Local is hosting a Family Skate Night at Storybook Gardens this Friday. It’s a great chance to reconnect with colleagues, bring your family along, and emerge from report-card hibernation for some fresh air and fun. Thank you for all who registered! We hope you enjoy the event!
Thank you, as always, for everything you do to support one another, your students, and our Local. Your professionalism, solidarity, and care for public education continue to make a difference.
Sincerley,
Mike Thomas, President