Archived Events and Notices:

moved from Splash Page

After a reasonable time period, events and notices once posted to our Home page are moved to this archive page.  We hope this keeps our website current, yet still allows members and visitors to locate previous information.

last updated Augusst 21, 2010
 
Alberta Education's "Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans"  is now available.

Survey of Digital and Online Reporting of Student Progress :    The Alberta Teachers’ Association, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Alberta and the Alberta Assessment Consortium, is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the growing uses of online and digital student reporting platforms across the province. The primary goal of this study is to assess the impact of the growing use of these reporting processes and software platforms on teachers’ workload and student learning, as well as on overall assessment practices.  

Success in School For Children and Youth in Care - This is a new cross-ministry initiative by the ministers of Eduction and Children and Youth Services to promote strategies and working relations between stakeholders that support success in schools for children and youth in care.  The Association has formally responded on two separate occasions and will continue to express our concerns that 1) caseworkers, not teachers, should be responsible for develoment of the Succss in School plan; 2) funding must be provided to support implementation at the school level, and 3) inservice must be provided for staff involved in the program.  - submitted by Robert Twerdoclib, DR Central North

Parkland Teachers' Local 10 awards member with recognition of service to the Local.  On June 3, Marianne Rogers was presented with the Local's award selected by the executive once per year.  Marianne was noted for her service since 1981 on many committees, previous executive roles including secretary and treasurer, past Communictions and ARA work, as well as currently serving on Convention Board as secretary and our webmanager.  Once again, congratulations, Marianne! 


ARA Held May 22 to 24 - President's Address "Thank you Kulbir, Shauna, Amar, Iona, Scott and Bruce for attending ARA over the May long weekend.  This was my (Paul's) initiation ARA and I must say that I respect the tremendous amount of fortitude and personal commitment that the attendees give to this event on your behalf.  If you have a passion for participating in a true democratic process, then ARA is for you." - Paul McCann, President Parkland Teachers' Local 10.  At ARA, delegates address the resolutions and examine the budget of our association. 

Local Teacher Recognized with Global Education Award - On May 7, Marianne Rogers and High Park School were recognized as exemplary global citizens.  The ATA Global, Environmental and Outdoor Education specialist council presented their Award of Merit to Marianne for the work she has been doing in promoting peace through her PeaceJam group.  The award is "in recognition of exemplary teaching and leadership in the field of Global, Environmental and Outdoor Education in Alberta".  Congratulations, Marianne!

Public Engagement Symposium - "Learning Our Way to the Next Alberta" - Parkland Teachers' had the distinct pleasure of hosting an evening with Dennis Shirley in Stony Plain last fall. A similar evening at the regional level is being planned with three well-known visionaries confirmed to speak.  On Tuesday, June 1st at the Mayfield Inn, Gwynne Dyer, David Peat and Scott Murray will be the guest lectureres.  Parkland Local has reserved a number of tables for the evening.  Contact our Local Office if you are interested in attending. The brochure is available for download at http://learningourway.ca.

Initiatives of Interest to Teachers - Professional Development (from the notes of our DR - Robert Twerdoclib) - more information is available from Barnett House   

• ATA 2010 Educational Leadership Academy - A leadership training opportunity will be held at the Banff Park Lodge, July 5 through 9.  The Academy program is directed toward principals, assisant principals and aspiring leaders whose goals are to achieve and maintain effective schools through strong leadership.  Dr. Robert Marzano will lead the Academy and university credit is available to those interested. 
• Graduate Course Announcement - A unique graduate level partnership between the University of Alberta and the ATA will offer EDSE 501 Lec 96: Extending the Professional Practice of Teachers: Leadership and Real Learning in the Early Years of Teaching, August 9 - 13 mornings.  All lectures will take place at Barnett House.

Scholarship will honour teacher and soldier: As of May 6, the George Miok Scholarship Fund has raised approximately $13 000 from 26 locals.  Along with the $25 000 raised by the family and the amounts directly from other locals, the fund stands at approx. $50 000 and represents two yearly $1000 scholarships for future education students.
Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 invited all locals across A­lberta to contribute to a scholarship fund honouring the memory of teacher colleague and soldier Sergeant George Miok, who was killed in Afghanistan on December 30, 2009. 

Trade Fair Successful Once Again - many thanks to all those members who helped out at the Trade Fair.  We had many visitors to our booth, some interesting conversations and a great interest in the draw for the watches.  What a great way to stay in touch with our community leading into Education Week.
April 19 to 25th is 2010 Global Action Week -- 1Goal: Education for All campaign rallies Canadian students and teachers.  We encourage everyone to get involved to help promote worldwide literacy. More information is available on the CTF Web site, www.ctf-fce.ca, under NEWSROOM.

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April 23, 2010
Interested in Serving on an ATA Committee?    Applications are now being accepted from members interested in serving on ATA committees during the 2010/11 school year. The deadline for applying is April 15, 2010.

Come and visit us at the annual Stony Plain & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair at the Trans-Alta TriLeasure Centre in Spruce Grove - Friday, April 16th to Sunday, April 18th. Drop by and say hello.


Town of Stony Plain offers opportunity for Parkland teacher to travel to Shikaoi, Japan in July - as part of their twinning project, Stony Plain sends a delegation of students to the town of Shikaoi in Hokaido, Japan each July.  They are currently looking for a Parkland teacher to accompany this group.  The deadline for application is April 16th, 2010.  For more information please contact The Town of Stony Plain, Melanie Samson, Community Services Coordinator, 780 963 8591  M.samson@stonyplain.com .
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April 13, 2010
Scholarship will honour teacher and soldier: Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 invited all locals across A­lberta to contribute to a scholarship fund honouring the memory of teacher colleague and soldier Sergeant George Miok, who was killed in Afghanistan on December 30, 2009.  As of April 7th, the George Miok Scholarship Fund has raised approximately 12000 dollars from 26 locals.  Along with the 25000 dollars raised by the family the fund stands at approx. 37 000 dollars and represents a substantial scholarship for future education students.  Individual schools looking to still donate can forward their donations to the local office by the end of next week.

George Miok from Sherwood Park, served in the Canadian Forces for twelve years and completed tours of duty in the former Yugoslavia and in Afghanistan. On his second Afghanistan tour  George was killed along with four others when the vehicle he was riding in struck an IED (improvised explosive device) in Kandahar City. Prior to his last tour, Miok was a teacher at St. Cecilia Junior High School in Edmonton.

The Parkland Teachers’ local will contribute the amount of $1 per Parkland teacher (approximately $550) to the George Miok Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Locals can contribute in one of two ways:
      - Collect donations from your local and send a cheque to Parkland Teachers’ Local No. 10. (Contributions from all locals will be combined and presented on behalf of Alberta teachers to the Miok family for deposit into the George Miok Memorial Scholarship Fund account.) 
      - Deposit your local’s contributions with any Scotiabank branch and inform Parkland Teacher’s Local 10 of the amount collected.
We will inform the Miok family about the total amount raised by Alberta teachers.





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Memorial service held for fellow teacher Eric Johnson - February 20, 2010: 

Eric loved his daughters above all else.  He was an avid English Literature fan and teaching to to others was his passion. His other interests were soccer, hiking, canoeing and his love of a good joke.  It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of fellow Parkland teacher Eric Johnson.  Eric was a father of two of our students, brother to Wendy Grant and a husband to Cheryl Johnson, two of our colleagues. A popular staff member, Eric was an inspiration to many of his students at Memorial Composite High.  He had earned a reputation as a quality teacher and will be truly missed by all of Parkland.  We extend our condolences to Eric’s entire family.  Special thanks to Sandy Adamson for his touching remembrance at the service, speaking with eloquence and humour to honour Eric.

Feb. 3 - Arbitrator settles on 5.99: Joint statement from the Minister of Education and the President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Congratulations to Greystone Centenial Middle School who have been featured in Canadian Education Association Vol. 49, 2009, "Greystone: A Family Lives Here."  In addition, the publication includes a second article featuring Greystone, "Inquiry-based Learning: Three Alberta Schools Know What it Takes".

Induction/Retirement Celebration Successful

Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 hosted its annual Induction and Retirement Dinner at the Spruce Grove Motor Inn on Monday, October 26th.  Parkland administrators, Local teachers, friends, spouses, and family  had the privilege of recognizing and thanking eight retirees.  Their pride in being a teacher and their inspirational words were the highlite of the evening.  It is quite fitting that nine new teachers were inducted into the Alberta Teachers’ Association at the same function.  At times it can be a struggle to fathom how difficult it is to replace key educators in our schools, especially when they are respected and recognized at the highest levels of education.  It is very clear, however, that the inductees are enthusiastic and more than capable of taking up their new roles as leaders of students.

 

Of interest to Parkland teachers: from www.teachers.ab.ca The joint media campaign to address proposed funding cuts has been launched.  Teachers are urged to visit http://www.stopthecuts.ca/ to contact their MLA and let them know this is unacceptable. Alberta Parents, Teachers and Trustees Join Forces to Oppose Education Cuts  Renew Your Annual Specialist Council Membership for 2009/10 - All active members of the ATA are entitled to one no-charge annual membership in the specialist council of their choice. Beginning Teachers' Conferences 2009 Bill 44 implementation delayed Association calls on provincial government to respect and fully fund collective agreements Funding cuts a possibility for 2009/10 Summer Series 2009

Wanted!  PD Committee Members! Are you a member of Parkland Teachers' Local 10 who is interested in providing fresh new ideas and contributing to our PD opportunities this year.  Would you like to join us in conducting a needs assessment and gathering innovative ways to get information out to our members? We plan to meet once per month and invite any interested members from early years, middle years and senior high to join our committee.  If you ar interested in being one of these people, please contact our Local office and leave a message with Liz (parkATA@telusplanet.net  or 780 963 5898).  Thanks for your willingness to be a part of our PD planning - Liza Clements

 

	Parkland Attends World Skills Competition  - Calgary - September 3, 2009 Many thanks to the teachers of Parkland who attended the field trip to the World Skills Competition in Calgary.  This day loooooooong event was another example of the lifelong learning opportunities we join our students in exeriencing. Photos are just a few of these enthusiastic and dedicated teachers. Thanks to the organizers and all the participants.

 

 October 5, 2009

ATA Summer Conference Report
Paul McCann, President Parkland Teachers' Local 10

Thank you for the opportunity to attend the ATA Summer Conference as your Local President.  The conference was conducted in Banff from Monday, August 10th, to Friday, August 14th.  Three other teacher colleagues were in attendance representing Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 (Shauna Fleming, Charlene Daub, Lisa Clements).  I was in attendance for about a dozen sessions – some good, some excellent, some not so good.

The keynote speaker for the week was Dr. Linda Duxbury.  I very much enjoyed her presentation and her topic.  She shared with the audience current and projected trends in the changing demographics of teachers in our province.  She presented some possible strategies for meeting the evolving needs of teachers over length of their career.  A strong theme that was particularly emphasized was the desire for younger generations to pursue a different work-life balance than preceding generations.

Among the sessions I attended were information seminars geared towards how I can effectively carry out my role as a Local President.

Thursday’s plenary session on Real Learning First had lots of good discussion.  Real Learning First is a long-term strategy for education in Alberta.  It is not a catch phrase to oppose provincial achievement testing.

Overall, the week was full.  It was a positive experience. - Paul

Summer Conference Thoughts: PD Session: Lisa Clements
I attended in the PD Session with a focus on Real Learning First. This opportunity was great and an energizing week.  Staying in the excellent setting with beautiful accomodations, we met many important, entertaining people including ATA staff members.  It was a great chance to met and share with other Locals to see what they are doing and where their successes lie.  It was a chance to make contacts with others for possibilities of sharing resources, speakers and other initiatives. - Lisa

• Managing the Impact of Bill 44 on the Classroom
• Amendments to Bill 44 fail to address concerns - Its time to start over - May 27 ATA news release on passing of bill 44
  
  
• Thanks to all who supported the auction of Bill's vests.  We now make a colourful crew and have a "Vested" interest in wishing Bill a happy retirement.  All proceeds will be donated to the ATA Education Trust Fund.

June, 2009
Teachers call on premier to remove provisions in Bill 44  dealing with education 
 (reprinted from www.teachers.ab.ca)  Alberta teachers are calling on Premier Ed Stelmach to intervene in the Bill 44 debacle.  The creation of a new human right to prior notification of any instruction, materials,  or exercises that a parent might construe as relating to religion, sexuality or sexual orientation will have a chilling effect on classroom discussions and only invites abuse. The School Act and the Guide to Education  regulation already address any concerns that parents and the public might have. The ATA's submission to the premier (.pdf).  Teachers are encouraged to write, email or call theri MLAs at their constituency offices to express concerns about Bill 44, The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Ac t, 2009. (For assistance indentifying MLAs and obtaining their contact information, go to http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/mla/mla_help.htm )

Longtime Parkland teacher and active member of our association Bill Fraser is retiring.  He is well known for sporting his colorful theme vests while acting as our (past) local president, on ARA and EPC and many more offices.  As a fund-raiser for th e ATA Education Trust, Bill is auctioning off these vests at our Annual General Meeting - May 27th.  We invite you to peruse the patterns and themes, and bid on these colorful vests when you come to the General Meeting to be held at Spruce Grove Motor Inn.  (information on sizes)

Our delegates will be attended our Annual Representative Assembly May 15th to 17th to discuss important policies and resolutions for our Association.  Thanks to all delegates for their time and commitment.

  Passionate?   Knowledgeable? - NCTCA Needs YOU!! If you have a convention session topic you would be prepared to share with colleagues at our Feb. 2010 convention, North Central Teachers' Convention Association is currently taking applications from teacher members.  If you are interested in helping to make Convention 2010 the BEST ever, email Laurie Hawley at laurie.hawley@nctca.ab.ca for more information.

Parkland Teachers' Local 10 encourages members to participate in Alberta Education's Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans.

 

Escuela Una de Octobre:

For the past two years, Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 has contributed financially to the Children Of Ecuador Fund. This local charity, steered by Parkland teacher David Oldham of Spruce Grove Composite High School, serves to enrich the lives and education of children in this South American country.  Future plans hope to see the funding of a new school.  Additional pictures that show the reality of schooling three years ago and changes as a result of recent construction can be found in our photo gallery.

Voluntary Interest Arbitration:

Meeting dates for the Voluntary Interest Arbitration have been set. The panel will meet on May 9 and 19^th, July 3 and 19^th, August 20, 23 and 28 to 31. In addition, the ruling from the December 2006 Arbitration Hearing on our Health Spending Account Grievances, has yet to be issued.

Our Local’s booth at the Tri-Municipal Trade Fair, April 13-15, 2007 was the place to be. Political Engagement Officer Marie Gauthier organized the booth at the TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove. Over a dozen teachers volunteered to meet and greet a multitude of members of our community over the three day event. This years' attendance surpassed the 15 000 who attended last year.   

Members Only:  

• Ask a question - Benefit Repayment as a result of the strike
• Feb. 28 to March 21: Announcements, news and messages transferred from this page
• Hints for acquiring a log-in name and password.  Members of Parkland Teachers' Local 10 will need to log in to Members Only to view all available pages. 

Visitors  - Strike action in brief

• March 20, 2007 News Release   After 21 school days, teachers and students will return to their classrooms and places of work on Tuesday morning, March 20th.The parties have agreed to a process of voluntary binding arbitration. The Voluntary Arbitration Report is expected some time in the spring or early fall.  The strike began Feb. 16, 2007.
• Feb. 28 to March 21: Announcements, news and messages transferred from this page
• Job Action: Media Coverage
• Wiki on Parkland Strike