Hi everyone,
Just a brief Check-In and a reminder that Halifax County local members (all three local are now on board) are being asked to join a CUPE picket line (or create a picket off school property) this Thursday on your lunch hour (non-instructional time) to show our support for our striking colleagues. Also, please see the Announcements and note that our next local meeting is set for June 7th at 6pm (supper at 5:30pm) at the Legion in Sackville.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nominations
Nominations Committee is extending the standing local committee applications until Monday, May 29 at 4 pm in order to gather to fill committees for next year and develop at wait-list. Please note that current committee members MUST APPLY for next year’s committees. The link to the form is below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpObqEqRiYDUENUu6e6oWTB9wFrd_drh4Opt6SNlzkuoJuAA/viewform
Zoom Session for TPP and Term Round Teachers
Topic: Information Session for Teachers Headed to TPP & Term Rounds
Time: May 31, 2023 04:00 PM Halifax
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86158739984?pwd=RnRHcjhpVnliQnVIWFMwT3djakMzUT09
Meeting ID: 861 5873 9984
Passcode: 507542
Equity Event 2023 – Saturday, May 27th
Where rivers meet, Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence, encourages an ongoing dialogue about connection and exchange. It has been built on themes inspired by the work of selected First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists mainly from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Permanent Collection. This exhibition highlights seven guiding topics that collectively build caring relationships: Awareness, Reflection, Sustainability & Treaty, Community, Memory & Remembering, Gathering & Knowledge, and Sharing.
Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence celebrates works by 25 Indigenous artists practicing here on Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaq Territory) and activates engagement between generations through the Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight. This exhibition also includes (Tea)chings, a space for artwork created through Indigenous-centred programing by community members of all ages.
We will meet at 2:15 for a 2:30 start at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (1723 Hollis Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1V9) for a 1.5 hour guided tour of the exhibit followed by snacks in the private conference room on site from 4:00-5:00pm. We are looking forward to seeing you all there!
Please fill in the following Google Form ASAP to register: https://forms.gle/boRKBA451jmqSPsN9
The 2023 Halifax County Bursary is OPEN
https://forms.gle/kVqKEGe8dAMZP98VA
Halifax County Bursaries are given to the children/stepchildren of Halifax County Local members (not PSAANS members) who are currently (2022-23) teaching in a term or permanent position. Applicants must be graduating from High School in June 2023. This bursary must be used for enrollment in secondary education in September 2023 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 26th, 2023.
Successful applicants will be notified by email after the deadline of Friday, May 26th, 2023. 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 2023 start by September 22nd, 2023 in order 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.
Jodie MacIlreith
Treasurer
Halifax County Local NSTU
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Regional
ARTICLE 14 – UNION REPRESENTATION
14.01 Every teacher shall have the right to Union representation at any meeting called for disciplinary purposes by supervisory personnel.
14.02 A meeting for disciplinary purposes shall be understood to mean a meeting convened for the purpose of dealing with a verbal or written warning or reprimand, a suspension or the dismissal of the teacher. Any meeting in which it is not intended to deal with any of the aforementioned disciplines shall not be considered a meeting for disciplinary purposes.
14.03 Notwithstanding Article 14.01, any meeting called by an Administrator and which in the course of the conversation results in information being shared, the impact of which may result in discipline for the teacher, then such meeting shall cease and the teacher shall be given the opportunity to have a Union representative present at the ensuing meeting.
14.04 The teacher shall be notified in advance of any meeting pursuant to Article 14.01 as to the purpose of the said meeting and the teacher shall have the opportunity to contact the Local President or NSTU central office for representation at the meeting.
14.05 If a teacher does not avail themselves of the opportunity pursuant to Article 14.04 or refuses Union representation, any discipline imposed by the Regional Centre at the meeting shall not be held to be invalid for that reason.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS
There are a number of optional benefits available to Public School Members, PSAANS and APSEA Members that provide the opportunity to purchase additional insurance coverage through payroll deduction, including:
- optional group life/spousal life insurance
- voluntary accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- NSED travel insurance
- NSED trip cancellation / interruption insurance
- voluntary critical illness insurance • home/auto insurance.
These coverages are 100% paid by the member and are offered at competitive premium rates. Details on these programs are contained within the Group Insurance Profile via the NSTU Group Insurance Trust website at nstuinsurance.ca
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President