Lanark District 29
District News
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District Executive Meetings and Workshops
Next Executive Meeting:
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Broadway Bar and Grill, 515 McNealy Ave., Carleton Place____________________
Next Executive/ Directors' Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Perth/Smiths Falls area____________________
Political Action Committee Workshop
The Workshop for PAC Reps is set for:
Date: March 8 and 9, 2009.
Place: Renaissance Hotel on Dixon Road, Toronto
Time: Registration, Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.
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District Leadership Workshop
Date: April 16, 2009
Place: Courtyard Marriott Hotel
Renaissance Hotel on Dixon Road, Toronto
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Spring Senate
Date: May 26 - 27
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Health Services Seminar
Date: June 8, 2009
Place: Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Toronto
Renaissance Hotel on Dixon Road
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Pension and Retirement Concerns Workshop
Date: September 21, 2009
Place: Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Toronto
Renaissance Hotel on Dixon Road, Toronto
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Historica Fair?
John McKenty spoke at our RTO District # 29 Executive Meeting about Historica Fair.
Volunteers Needed for Regional Historica Fair
Historica Canada will be sponsoring the third annual Regional Historica Fair
for this area on April 22nd, 2009 at the Perth Community Centre. At that
time participating schools from our area will have on display 100+ projects
on Canadian history from grades 4-10.A number of judges will be required in the morning. French language judges are definitely needed! If you and/or someone you know who was formerly involved in education would like to be part of this exciting venture, please contact David Poole at 613-267-0055 or cedarstrip@gmail.com. Because the Fair takes place in the arena and it can
WHAT IS A HISTORICA FAIR?
Student participants in the Historica Fairs program explore history and heritage in a dynamic learning environment. Students research our heroes, legends, milestones and achievements — and present their work at a public exhibition.
Volunteer committees involving educators, museums, — heritage groups and community associations organize School, Regional, and Provincial/Territorial Fairs.WHY PARTICIPATE?
* Historica Fairs support existing curricula in all provinces and territories
* Students proudly share their stories with each other and with the public
* Historica Fairs encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning
* Students improve literacy and communication skills such as reading, researching, interviewing, writing and speaking * Local and family project topics lead to valuable intergenerational dialogue
* Historica Fairs create positive connections between home, school and communitySTUDENT LEARNING
A Fair involves the entire school community in an exciting educational event. Students are encouraged to explore themes and subjects that interest them. Their enthusiasm and creativity create important learning opportunities; fascinating projects are inevitable! This project-based learning is cross curricular. Teachers from all departments (social sciences, humanities, literature, language and immersion, science and technology, fine arts) can encourage their students to learn more about history while developing an4 expressing their creative talents.
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Summary of Senate Meeting - Oct. 28 - 29, 2008
Senators: Harry Baker, Shirley Kelford
Observer: Doreen Wilson
Elections for the Provincial Executive were held with the following results:
President: Brian Kenny
Past President: Ron Poste
1st Vice-President: Margaret Couture
2nd Vice President: Joan Murphy
Executive Members: Doug Carter, Susan Stephenson
Once again, a very interesting and informative Senate dealt with the matters pertaining to the interests of our RTO/ERO members. On the first day George Lamoureux, OTF President spoke to the Assembly. The budget was presented and approved. The Provincial Executive and Committee Chairs presented their reports. Following are a few of the highlights.
The motion that was presented at last Senate by District 29, Lanark, "that RTO/ERO petition the government to develop a strategy to recruit, allocate and fund family doctors for all communities in a fair and equitable manner such that the need of communities facing doctor shortages are met" resulted in a letter being sent to the Premier’s Office. He declined to meet with RTO/ERO. Other avenues will be pursued to raise the profile of this issue with the government.
Our pensions will increase by 2.5% in January this year. There will be no increase in our fees. A Pension and Retirement workshop will be held next September. In the area of our Health Insurance Plan, we learned there will be a modest surplus. 98.3% of all money from fees is spent on benefits for members. Zostavax, an anti-shingles drug, has now been approved as a prescription drug in Canada. The motion, presented by District 29, Lanark, at the May Senate, has been approved and will be part of the plan changes for the 2009 benefit year. The motion read as follows: "That the Health and Services and Insurance Committee consider increasing the eligible expense of convalescent home care following non-elective day surgery to match the eligible expense allowed for a minimum hospital admission of 24 hours." 74% of our members are part of our HSIC.
The Political Action Committee identified some 23 area of concern for our members but will concentrate on two - Property Assessment and Long-Term Care. Districts are encouraged to lobby on issues they strongly believe in.
The second guest speaker was Janet Marissen, a Senator from District 19, who spoke to us about the Guide Dog program funded by the Lions Foundation of Canada. She brought along the delightful pup she is training so he could get experience in large groups of people. The final guest speaker for Senate was the Lieutenant - Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley. He gave a very engaging talk and congratulated RTO/ERO on their 40 years of success representing the interests of retired teachers of Ontario.
Submitted by Shirley Kelford
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The Member Services Committee
The Goodwill Committee representatives try to stay in touch with our more senior RTO members. We recognize special birthdays or other special occasions and times of illness. We appreciate hearing from the general membership when you think someone needs some attention from the Goodwill people.
Please contact Sherry Patterson or a Member Service Committee member in your area.
(Member Service Committee names and information are found on the Local Contact Page)
