Allison McCaffrey

October 2021
​Welcome Fall!
Thanks to each of you for the work you have done to make your spaces welcoming for your students.  We all had hoped that this year's start up would be “back to normal”, but now we realize we must focus instead on a “new normal”.  I am humbled daily by your levels of professionalism, passion, flexibility, compassion, and desire to support your students, your parents, your colleagues and yourself through these difficult times.  Thank you for always looking out for each other.

At the Local offices, our committees are going full throttle and planning many activities for the membership.  Earlier this week, we had our first online gathering of our Council of School Representatives (CSRs).  At your next staff meeting, be ready to hear from your CSR about the many action items discussed.  These may include: 

• Our Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC) has just finalized the List of All Matters that will be covered, and using this list they compiled the Initial Draft Proposal to be presented.  Input was requested from all members, late last month, via a Telephone Town Hall and Webinar.  If you would like to read the initial draft proposal, please go to: teachers.ab.ca. More information will follow as bargaining commences.
• #RedForEdAB – As a Local, we are actively advocating for fully funded public education.  This includes, demanding from the government, a new curriculum that is sound and not harmful to students.  Province wide, districts (including ours) have resoundingly said NO to this draft curriculum.  Despite the overwhelming negative public response, the government continues to push forward with an implementation date of September 2022 for this flawed curriculum.  We need to collectively say NO.  Ways we can show our solidarity is to wear red on Fridays for public education (and post to the Local’s social media channels @atalocal55) and begin the conversation with parents and the public about why we ALL must just say NO to this curriculum. 
• The search for our Executive Assistant continues.  We have contracted an HR specialist to support the Executive in crafting the job description and overseeing the hiring process.  As items are finalized, we will inform our membership, so please continue to check our website for updates. 
• Do you want to serve the membership?  We have many committee positions open (including Professional Development, Social, Teacher Welfare, Professional Recognition, and Political Engagement).  Self-nominations close on October 18th.  We also have two open positions on the Executive: Secretary and Div. II Representative. These nominations close on October 5th. To complete the nomination form, please go to the website: www.atalocal55.ca and click on the nomination banner.  It will bring you to the form to complete.  Should you have any questions about any of these committees or positions, please reach out and call the office (403) 265-2678.
• Are you considering attending a conference this year?  We have funding and guest teacher release days to help support you.  At this time, we are only funding virtual, in-city and in-province applicaitons. International conference applications will be on hold until further notice, though this policy will be reviewed regularly as the COVID situation and restrictions change.
• Municipal Elections are happening on Monday, October 18th.  Do you know who is running in your ward for Separate School Board Trustee?  Do you know what a trustee does and why their job is critical for advocating for teachers?  We are running an information social media campaign to highlight these Separate School Board Trustees and to ask them questions on issues that most affect public catholic education.  Go to any of our social media channels @atalocal55 to see the daily highlights . To read the candidates' platforms, visit vote4kids.ca.
• World Teachers’ Day – Tuesday, October 5, 2021.  In 1994, UNESCO adopted this day to provide the opportunity for the general public to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide and draw attention to the voice of teachers. To each and every teacher of ATA Local 55, we hope your day is filled with appreciation and joy.  If you have any pictures on WTD of you or your colleagues being celebrated, feel free to post on social media and tag the local @atalocal55.

As I wrap up this message to you, I note that I am composing it on the very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  The opportunity to use this day to commemorate and honour those who are victims of residential schools and those who continue to be impacted by these traumas is very much appreciated.  I am hopeful that this new tradition will continue in the years moving forward.

And finally, my wish for each of you is to stay safe and well.  To that end, I have received many calls over the past few days showing appreciation for the new Policy Statement on Vaccination Mandates issued by ATA Provincial.  This document, vetted by legal counsel, lays out the Association’s position and notes that the health and safety of teachers, students (especially those under 12 who are unable to vaccinate), families and the broader community is of utmost importance.  I have reminded all members who have reached out to me on this issue to fully read the policy statement, its rationale and especially the ATA Covid-19 FAQs by going to teachers.ab.ca.  These documents clearly illustrate that the policy is to protect members and their rights should an employer choose to put a mandate in place (which at this point, no Board in the province has done) and at no time does it take away personal choice.  Should you be affected or if you still have questions after reading the above, I encourage you to reach out to the Provincial ATA at 1-800-232-7208.

Have a wonderful and joyful thanksgiving with your families.

Peace and blessings,
 

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Allison McCaffrey
President
Calgary Catholic Teachers’ ATA Local 55

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