Good morning,
It has definitely been a busy week! First, thank you to the staff at CPA for having me out this week on the anniversary of the assaults at your school. I want you to know that 2300 members are thinking about you all and that workplace violence will continue to be addressed by this local and the NSTU as a whole. There is NO place in our system for incidents like this and the issues and concerns around school safety has gone on far too long without being addressed.
And please see the Announcements for the week, there are quite a few with the recent Strike announced this past Wednesday. There are some important upcoming dates for both the local and the NSTU (local President election, Bursary, Rally/Strike Vote, etc.) so please make members aware of these.
Last, but not least, I want everyone to have a great long weekend, after report cards and PT interviews you all deserved some much needed time to rest and relax with your families.
Announcements
Strike Vote April 11th
Just wanted to pass on some info regarding Wednesday’s Strike announcement. Central NSTU has a section on its web page dedicated to the Strike Vote with communications, memos and FAQs for members. There is also a dedicated email for members’ questions at strikevote@nstu.ca Please see the links below to the NSTU webpage.
Nova Scotia Teachers Union (nstu.ca)
And, as always, I can do school visits (in-person or ZOOM) with any staff who have any questions regarding the announced Strike vote.
Communications
Kids Can’t Wait Rally-April 10th 4-6pm
Kids Can’t Wait Rally will begin at 4pm at the Sackville Legion (45 Sackville Cross Rd.). We will have a few speakers then we will walk to Sackville Drive with our signs until 5:30 or 6. Pizza and snacks will be available. Please dress for the weather.
Remind others to come out with you and make some noise!
Cash for Classrooms
Emails have gone out regarding applications for the Halifax County Local Cash for Classrooms. Anyone with questions around the initiative should reach out to halifaxcountypd@nstu.ca
Local President Election
On Wednesday March 27th the local will elect its next President. Voting cards were emailed from the central NSTU and any Rep with a concern can email the REO Jason Jennings (VP of Nominations) Jason can be reached at hfxconominations@nstu.ca or 902.293.2732
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary will open on Monday, March 18th, 2024. The link will be found in the Check In and announcements will be made on our social media. Halifax County bursaries are given to the children/stepchildren of Halifax County Local members (not PSAANS members) who are currently (2023-2024) teaching in a term or permanent position. Applicants must be graduating from High School in June 2024. This bursary must be used for enrolment in secondary education in September 2024 and cannot be deferred to another school year. The amount received by each recipient will be dependent on how many applications are received in total. The deadline for application is Friday, May 24th, 2024.
Successful applicants will be notified by email after the deadline. Due to confidentiality, all correspondence will be between the applicant (not a parent) and the Halifax County Local Treasurer only. Applicants are responsible for keeping the confirmation notification that is received once the Google form is completed. Successful applicants will be asked to supply their Confirmation of Enrollment for a September 2024 start by September 27th, 2024 to receive the funds. Failure to submit the required document by the deadline will forfeit the funds to be shared amongst the applicants who completed the requirements.
Nominations
The Nominations Committee has opened nominations for this year’s INSPIRE Awards. The link to the Google Form is:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqhyCB1Uj11Y8NFVIZjHPuQeTMFZKlJSFh6nQm6XAf1Y6z5g/viewform
Concept
Many members in our Local are not only inspiring their students and providing incredible public education but also inspiring their colleagues and the ripple effect is immeasurable.
Rationale
The INSPIRE Awards will acknowledge those members fulfilling the mandate of the NSTU in such a way as to have a positive impact on their school and colleagues. These awards will promote spirit, goodwill, connections, and excellence in education. It will also give voice and recognition to our members.
Criteria
The foundation of the awards stems from the NSTU Mission Statement:
“As the unified voice for the advocacy and support of all its members, the NSTU promotes and advances the teaching profession and quality public education.”
The awards would be granted on the basis of teachers who exemplify the mission of our Union through: Educational Leadership, Mentorship, Community, Passion and Excellence in Teaching.
Two types of INSPIRE Awards are given:
- The Preman Edwards Award, given to a Local representative or alternate (2 recipients)
- The Susan Noiles Award, given to a general Local member (3 recipients)
Nominations deadline is Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 4 pm. Nominations must be made by current NSTU members from Halifax County Local. NOTE: members may make several nominations to one or both INSPIRE Awards.
Jason Jennings
Vice-President: Nominating
Halifax County Local NSTU
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
VALUABLE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO PUBLICS SCHOOL MEMBERS
NSTU Member Assistance Program (MAP)
There are many programs and services that form part of the NSTU Member Assistance Program. Over the next few Check-Ins each will be briefly described.
HealthCareAssist Program
All active and retired members of the NSTU Group Insurance Plan are eligible to use this service provided through CAREpath. The CAREpath navigation system is a service provided by the NSTU Group Insurance Trustees. The HealthCareAssist Program is a comprehensive navigation service that provides members, spouses and dependent children with answers, guidance and support before, during and after treatment in the event of an illness or health crisis. The premium for this program is paid 100% by the NSTU Group Insurance Trust Fund.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Provincial
ARTICLE 28 COMPASSIONATE CARE LEAVE
28.01 The Director of Human Resources shall grant a teacher unpaid leave, to be taken in blocks of not less than two weeks. Entitlement to the leave shall be consistent with the Compassionate Care provisions of the Employment Insurance Act and Regulations.
28.02 All insurance benefits shall remain in effect while the teacher is on leave.
28.03 A teacher shall give two (2) teaching days notice to the Director of Human Resources prior to returning to work.
28.04 If there is a death of the family member during the Compassionate Care Leave, the teacher will be entitled to Special Leave/Bereavement Leave according to the Local Agreement that applies to the teacher on leave. Where this Article conflicts with Special Leave/Bereavement Leave, the Local Agreement shall prevail.
28.05 Subject to the provisions of the Article 32.21 through 32.25 Substitute Teachers of this Agreement, where a replacement teacher is required for a teacher on Compassionate Care Leave, the replacement shall be a substitute teacher
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen