Allison McCaffrey

October 2022 Message
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Welcome Fall!
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Thanks to each of you for the work you have done to make your spaces welcoming for your students this year.  I am honoured to represent each of you and I hear daily the wonderful stories of your levels of professionalism, flexibility, compassion, passion and desire to support your students, your parents, your colleagues and yourselves.  You are changing the world, one student at a time. 
 
At the Local offices, our committees are going full tilt and planning many activities for the membership. Just last week we had our first Council of School Representatives (CSR).  Be ready to hear a summary of the action items from the meeting presented by your school’s CSR during their report at your next staff meeting.  We have initiated a new practice of releasing a document called 5 Things to Take Away from CSR.  It can be found here.  Feel free to copy and distribute to your colleagues.  If you want the full CSR Highlights (a more detailed accounting of our CSR meeting) they can be found here.  Should you have any questions, reach out to your school CSR representative, or contact our offices (403-265-2678).
 
The important items we want to highlight this month include:
 
Rally for Education – Saturday, October 22, 2022, 1:00pm  – Legislative Grounds, Edmonton

• Come join other Albertans from across the province and hundreds of your ATA Local 55 colleagues who will be in Edmonton on Saturday, October 22nd, to Stand Up for Public Education. Together, we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder to tell our government leaders that class sizes matter; that strong curriculum matters; that fully funding PUBLIC education matters!  

We appreciate that asking you to give your time on a Saturday is a huge request but know that by coming together we can collectively send a unified message that a strong public education system is worth fighting for.
 
To help members attend, your Local has organized two types of transportation assistance:
You can “Ride with Us” - be transported to Edmonton on a luxury coach bus or “Meet us There” – your option if you want to drive yourself.  The Local will provide you with a gas card to offset your transportation costs.  
 
Go to our Eventbrite site to find out more information and to register for your transportation choice.  Feel free to contact the local (403-265-2678) if you would like to discuss these options in more detail. We look forward to seeing all of you on October 22nd.
 
Local Bargaining Survey – Time Sensitive!

• Our Negotiating Sub Committee needs your input to craft their opening proposal for Local Bargaining. This survey is about to close, so don’t delay.  We need your input.  Go here to complete.

Calling all Beginning Teachers...
New Teacher Orientation – Tuesday, October 18, 2022  5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Glenmore Inn

• If you are a new teacher to the district or have new teachers at your worksite, please encourage them to come to this this PD opportunity where they can find out more about the Local and how it can support new teachers’ needs.  A light dinner will be offered while our new teachers learn more about the Association and how to access programs and services provided by the Local and the Provincial ATA.  Register here for this session.

BUGM – Bargaining Unit General Meeting – Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - 6:30pm – Glenmore Inn

• Join us at the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre where your NSC (Negotiating Sub Committee) will present the opening position compiled from the survey results received.  Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, amend, debate and vote on the proposal. Please encourage all to attend – no registration necessary. 

#RedForEdAB 

• As a Local we are actively advocating for fully funded public education. We encourage all teachers to show solidarity by wearing red on Fridays.  If you post a picture of you wearing Red to the local’s social media channels @atalocal55 you will be entered into our weekly draw for coffee cards. At the Local we sell T-shirts and other merchandise to support you in this grassroots movement.  Go here if you are interested in purchasing items.

Come serve on a Local Committee

• Do you want to serve the membership?  We have many committee positions open (including Social Committee, Teacher Welfare, Professional Recognition, Political Engagement Committee etc.)  Self-nominations close one week before CSR.  Please go here to self-nominate yourself.

Funding – Professional Growth and Professional Improvement Funds

• Are you considering attending a conference this year?  Are you doing any post-secondary studies?  We have funding available to support you.  Go to www.atalocal55.ca/funding to find out more and to apply. 

World Teachers’ Day – Wednesday, October 5, 2022

• This year’s theme is “the transformation of education begins with teachers”.  Enjoy the laptop/water bottle sticker sent to you by the Local and follow our social media channels @atalocal55 (facebook, Instagram, twitter) on October 5th, for the chance to win a coffee card.

 
And finally, my wish for each of you is to stay safe and well as you continue to find joy in the greatest profession in the world.  Have a wonderful, joyful thanksgiving with your families and thank you for all you do daily to change the world.

Peace and Blessings,
 

Allison McCaffrey
President
Calgary Catholic Teachers’ ATA Local 55

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