Last updated Saturday, January 14, 2012
Next Local Council Meeting - Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Grove Motor Inn, Spruce Grove
Our new email address is active - please change your contact list to parklandteachers@shaw.ca
Next Local Council Meeting - Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Grove Motor Inn, Spruce GroveOur new email address is active - please change your contact list to
Did You Know? …that the ATA has a fabulous collection of over 13 000 books and videos/DVDs and access to two online databases? Call (780) 447-9400 or email library@ATA.ab.ca to get your User Number. If you are an ATA member, go to the ATA website (http://www.teachers.ab.ca), hover over 'PUBLICATIONS', select 'ATA Library', and click on 'Search Library Catalogue'. Search library to find what you want and click on 'Reserve', enter your name and Library ID. The item(s) will be sent to you the next day by mail or courier with return costs covered by the ATA. There are NO costs to you.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Wednesday, December 11, 2012 - respectfully submitted by Paul McCann
Collective Agreement Expiring in 2012 - Message to Parkland Local 10 Teachers
While it is pretty much business as usual for the Local, we head into a new year expecting Parkland Teachers’ are fully aware that a high priority has been placed on preparations for the negotiation of a new collective agreement. The current five-year contract expires on August 31st, 2012. As of January 3rd, either party [Parkland School Division and Parkland Teachers’ Local 10] can serve notice, in writing, of its intention to commence collective bargaining. Ultimately, the decision as to when the talks will begin is going to be heavily influenced by external factors such as the progress of the current Tripartite discussions, an expected spring provincial election, and the parallel preparation for contract talks by Parkland School Division’s negotiating committee.
Your Local bargaining representatives will endeavor to keep you involved and fully informed during every step of the process. In return, the EPC and the NSC expect you and your colleagues to proactively interact with your negotiating team members. Our Negotiating Sub-Committee, consisting of Scott Onuczko (NSC Chair), Shauna Fleming, and Charlene Daub, will be your local representatives at the negotiation table. Peter Kalis (ATA) will serve as our bargaining agent.
Charlene Daub (Economic Policy Committee Chair) and her team have been diligent in making sure that you and your colleagues have been given an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about what should be included in our upcoming negotiations. They have also been collecting group data in many forms (current vs. historical data, and local vs. provincial data).
Prior to voting on any proposals, whenever that may be, I am asking you to please consider taking the time to engage your colleagues in conversation. Talk to, call, or email (use their home email addresses) any of the committee members if you have questions. Most importantly, plan to attend the meetings. Be involved, whether you are new to the profession, or at the top of the salary grid.
Jolene Côté Night of Comedy Fundraiser - Greystone Centenial Middle School isWe are hosting two nights of comedy on Monday, December 19 and Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Host. Graham Neil (CTV), and headliner, Kenny Valgardson, have graciously volunteered their talents. In conjunction with each of these comedy shows, a silent auction will be hosted. All funds raised from the two evenings will go directly to the Jolene Côté Memorial Trust Fund.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or at the Spruce Grove City Hall. We encourage you to support this event.
Tragically, on October 13, 2011, a teacher at Greystone, Jolene Côté’s life was ended. She was the victim of homicide at age 36, leaving her family, including her husband and two small children, many friends, students, colleagues, and teammates, devastated and overwhelmed with the loss.
Jolene’s two small children always came first in her life; she was a kind and gentle mother, a loving and adored wife, a cherished daughter, sister and friend to so many. Mrs. Côté was a dedicated and popular teacher at Greystone Centennial Middle School. Prior to that, she taught at Mayerthorpe Junior High School for many years. Jolene had a love for sports; she coached several athletic teams, such as basketball and golf, and played on many teams over the years including slowpitch, curling, team handball, and soccer. Jolene dedicated her life to helping others and enriching the community she lived in, and now it is our turn to give back to her.
Did You Know?: for Dec 2011 now out
An ATA Research Update: October 2011 Substitute Teachers in Alberta: A Research Report 
"This document analyzes the results of a 2010 online survey of substitute teachers that the ATA undertook with research assistance from the University of Alberta. The study, a follow-up to one conducted in 2008, seeks to identify the unique challenges that substitute teachers encounter on a daily basis and to suggest potential solutions." (PD-86-22 2011, 35 pp)
Did You Know?: for Nov 2011 Did you know that you should contact Member Services at 1-800-232-7208 or 780-447-9400 if you have ANY questions concerning issues such as colleague relations, evaluations, medical leaves, parental concerns, and teacher rights, responsibilities and legal liabilities? All calls are treated with total confidentiality by staff officers that are experienced classroom teachers with experience in administration, experience in local leadership and committed to helping teachers.
Facing Our Future Together: Calgary Public has just published a video called "Facing Our Future Together" to help their members understand the nature of collective bargaining, the history of collective bargaining in Local 38, the important role the Local and the Association plays in advocating for education in Calgary and Alberta, and the value teachers place on their Association. While the video is originally intended for Local 38 members, it may indeed be relevant in all Alberta locals! I encourage you to take a look (the video is 16 minutes in length).
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – to Local Council Wednesday, November 2, 2011
- Induction-Retirement Dinner – Monday, October 24th
A big thanks goes out to Liz Taylor for all the preparation she does every year to ensure that our induction-retirement dinner is a great success. This year was no exception. ATA vice-president Sharon Armstrong joined us for the event, and gave an eloquent address to those in attendance. Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 hosted five retirees and thirteen inductees. There were over fifty people in attendance. I consider this event to be one of the year’s highlites. For the cost of a good meal, it is a wonderful evening.
- Remembering Jolene Cote
Parkland Teachers’ wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of our colleague from Greystone Centennial Middle School, who tragically lost her life at the beginning of October. It’s been adifficult period for the Greystone staff. Your professionalism and leadership has been impeccable in the face of so much stress.
- Pension Seminar – October 13
Thank you to Sherry Constantin for agreeing to put on a pension seminar for Parkland teachers who are thinking about retiring by the end of this school year. There were thirteen colleagues who took Sherry up on her offer to advise them on the pros and cons of submitting a letter of resignation, signing a temporary contract, and working until the end of June, while at the same time, drawing a pension.
- Sgt. George R. Miok Memorial Scholarship Fund Report
Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 received a financial statement from the University of Alberta Endowment Fund last month. The value of the fund as of March 2011, was $65 567.53. Ms Shannon Clarke is the first recipient of a George Miok Memorial Scholarship.
Local President's Meeting Tidbits
One of the sessions I attended was by Phil McRae. It was called, ‘Emerging Technologies’. Although I experienced information overload, I must admit that I found it worthwhile to be in attendance. A couple of quotes that I managed to write down are:
- Technology is imbedded in our culture and work practices. Technology is not neutral.” – Phil McRae
- We shape our tools and they, in turn, shape us.” – Marshall McLuhan
- There was also a considerable amount of time (during the meetings) that was dedicated to working through Alberta Education’s “Action Agenda 2011-2014”. This document is the impetus for transformational changes.
Did You Know …October 5, 2011 – EPC Survey for Parkland Teachers' Local members only - now closed
Did You Know …October 5, 2011 – EPC Survey for Parkland Teachers' Local members only - now closed
Your Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 Economic Policy Committee is preparing for the next round of negotiations that will be in 2012. The negotiation of a successful Collective Agreement depends on the quality of the input that we receive from through our member survey. Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 members only, please use non-PSD technology and internet access to complete the online survey. You will need to log-in using your T-Net username and password to access the link. If you need to create a password, you will require your teacher certification number. The survey will be open until midnight October 14, 2011.
You should expect to spend under 30 minutes entering your data and opinions. If you do not have a copy of the current Collective Agreement to refer to, you can access it online by clicking on the right sidebar link.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – to Local Council Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Happy World Teachers’ Day – October 5, 2011 In 1994, UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the joint UNESCO and International Labour Organization’s (ILO) signing of the Recommendations Concerning the Status of Teachers.
World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. On October 5th, along with more than 30 million teachers, in over 100 countries around the world, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and its Member organizations across the country celebrate World Teachers’ Day through a public awareness campaign that highlights the contributions of the teaching profession. This year’s theme is - Teachers for Gender Equality. UNESCO or Time and Date.
Fall Education Transformation Meeting (Thursday, September 22nd) I would like to thank Marianne Rogers and Randy Hetherington for the distinct privilege of partnering with them in representing Parkland Teachers’ at the Fall Education Transformation Meeting, held on September 22, 2011. The day was productive, as representatives from Alberta Education, Parkland School Division, and our Local sat around a table and openly discussed the potential for moving forward, as the Alberta Government continues its mandate to transform education and prepare students, parents, and communities for these systemic changes.
Our day began with the facilitators of the event providing us with the opportunity to listen to high-level representatives from the three stakeholder groups (Alberta Education, Alberta School Boards, and the Alberta Teachers’ Association) discuss their respective positions on the direction that transformational talks should take. This ‘fireside’ chat was the jumping off point for local representatives to share, discuss, and make recommendations to the Alberta government on transformation for the remainder of the day. Three separate, one hour sessions, focused upon three general topics:
- Shared Understanding – Shared Opportunity
- Moving Forward Together: Who Does What?
- What Next?
My impression of the day is that Parkland School Division has much respect for their teachers and that there is a shared willingness to work, in partnership, in establishing foundational goals in education, from which we can best serve our students, our profession, and our communities.
Respectfully submitted by Paul McCann
For Parkland Teachers (members only) Collecting Pension while Continuing to Work - Oct 13 and How to read your paycheque.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – to Local Council Wednesday, September 6, 2011
Banff Summer Conference - 2011 - This years’ conference was held from August 8th to August 12th. Parkland Teachers’ had a very strong contingent of representatives in attendance, including Robert Twerdoclib as our District Representative and Sherry Constantin in her role as Pension Consultant. Charlene Daub attended the Local Programs Course and Shauna Fleming was enrolled in the Professional Development program. Gary Hanna and Garth Sloane were first-time attendees and took courses in Initiatives in Leadership and Local Programs, respectively.
Scott Onuczko represented Parkland Teachers’ at the Teacher Welfare sessions, in preparation for his very important role as the Economic Policy Committee Chair for the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations. On your behalf, I participated in the Local Presidents’ Program. A highlite of the week was the opportunity to listen to and speak with both Progressive Conservative and Liberal candidates in the upcoming party leadership races. There are some very clear choices in how these candidates support public education. You are encouraged to get out and vote. I certainly am appreciative of the time and effort that Summer Conference delegates give to the Local and to their teaching profession. On behalf of all of us, thank you for the privilege of representing you at the 2011 Summer Conference.
Members only: members will need your username and password to access these documents
Parkland Teachers' Local 10 - Expected Increases in Teachers' Paycheck Deductions for September, 2011 - Grid available to members after logging in.
Information for Substitute Teachers working with Parkland Local's teachers - thanks to Mary Ng-Norton and Russ Roskewich for compiling this.
Looking for a information or a notice that previously appeared on this page? It may have been relocated to our archives page.
Parkland Teachers’ Local 10 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association is comprised of 543 teachers. Bordering the City of Edmonton on its east, the Local geographically stretches 100 kilometers west along the Yellowhead Highway to the Pembina River at Entwistle while the North Saskatchewan River acts as southern border.
Teachers work in public schools in:
- the City of Spruce Grove
- the Town of Stony Plain
- the Villages of Seba Beach, Tomahawk, and Wabamun
- the hamlets of Duffield and Entwistle
- Parkland County communities of Blueberry, Graminia, Keephills, Muir Lake and Parkland Village.
Additionally, teachers are employed in outreach and alternate programs, in home-education and virtual delivery, and support roles within the district.
Questions about the content on this page should be addressed to Parkland Teachers' Local 10 at parklandteachers@shaw.ca
