Allison McCaffrey

November 2021
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​Never Forget, Always Remember...

I want to thank each of you for the continued work you do to support your students and the care and empathy you show to yourself and your colleagues.  
 
As we move through this month of remembrance, I find my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for those brave souls who lost their lives in battle defending our democracy so many years ago and appreciation for the many men and women who continue this honourable work today safeguarding spaces for others throughout the world. 
 
As we slowly make our way out of the fourth wave of COVID, I urge you to continue to follow all safety protocols and key health measures.
 
At the Local, we continue to work on your behalf.  Some of the highlights from our last CSR include:

• Executive By-Elections – Congratulations to Keri Tkachuk and Lindsay Dell who successfully put their names forward and were acclaimed as Secretary and Division II Representative, respectively.  They will be vocal advocates for members on the Executive team.
• #RedForEdAB – Weekly we see more and more of our colleagues wearing red on Fridays and posting their pictures on social media with comments stating the need for fully funded public catholic education.  Whether the posts highlight the importance of smaller class sizes, saying NO to the flawed draft curriculum or encouraging fair and equitable funding we, at the Local, love seeing your advocacy. Don’t forget to tag the Local @atalocal55 so you can be entered into our weekly prizing. You don’t have anything Red to wear? Never fear – our Political Engagement team is finalizing our #RedforEdAB clothing line, and it will be up on our website within the next few weeks for purchase.
• StandForEducation.ca – This hard-hitting advertising campaign has been launched by ATA Provincial in conjunction with ASCA (Alberta School Councils’ Association) to highlight underfunding, class size issues and the unsupported draft curriculum.  To show your support go to www.standforeducation.ca to sign their petition. 
• Bargainer’s Blog – Our Central Table Bargaining Committee (CTBC) is continuing in their process and encourages all members to read their updates at www.teachers.ab.ca. 
• PG Funding - Funding opportunities for sabbaticals, tuition and conferences/workshops are available.  Please go to our website www.atalocal55.ca to see how you can access funds to support your professional growth. 
• Standing Committees of the Local - Come join a committee of the Local!  Many of our committees (Professional Development, TWC, Political Engagement, Professional Recognition, etc.) are all looking for members to support the great work they do.  Fill in the self-nomination form found on the Local website or click here.
• CSR Highlights – Members asked if they could have a summary of the items discussed at the Council of School Representatives (CSR) meeting. You can access this document here for the October 26, 2021 meeting.  
• Art Contest – The Local’s annual Christmas Card Art Contest is well underway and we are receiving many entries.  Encourage your students to enter for a chance to be chosen as one of the winning designs.  Entry forms can be accessed here. 

 
I encourage you to visit our website www.atalocal55.ca to see the many different activities the committees of the Local are organizing to support members.  We are always available to add to our programming so feel free to reach out (403) 265-2678.
 
I leave you with my wish for you to continue to stay safe and well.  I thank you for the honour of supporting you as your President and know I am available should you wish to contact me.

Peace and blessings,

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Allison McCaffrey
President
Calgary Catholic Teachers’ ATA Local 55

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