Hi everyone,
Just a brief Check in with our meeting dates for next year and some end of the year announcements. And a reminder of the meeting dates and NSTU Rep Site process. Also I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 28 retirees who were honored Friday night at a dinner and reception at the Prince George. And to also thank both the Social and Wellness committee and our VP of Wellness Gale Doyle for her organization of the event. Also to our MAL Jonathon Sproul for his technical assistance with the AV portion of the event.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2024/25 Meeting Dates
Will You Be a School/Site Union Rep Next Year?
Please consider volunteering for one of these important positions at your school or site. And a thank you to all who did this year, no small feat. Thank you for your continued support of the local and the NSTU as an organization.
As we start to put the finishing touches on this school year, some of you might want to consider running for the School/Site Union Rep position in September. We usually have quite a few Reps who continue on in their role but with retirements and teachers moving to different locations, there are usually some openings that need to be filled as well. On the Organization Day in September there should be a call for nominations among the NSTU members at your school/site.
Depending on the size of your staff, you may be able to elect 1, 2, or 3 Union Reps. Here are the guidelines:
Educational sites with up to 25 members—1 Rep
Educational sites with 26-50 members—2 Reps
Educational sites with over 50 members—3 Reps
If you have more nominations than spots available, then a vote should be held via secret ballot. You are also permitted alternate reps in the same format.
Its in Your Contract
Regional
ARTICLE 18 – DAILY PLAN BOOK
18.01 The staff of each school shall, at the Regional Centre’s expense, annually decide the Plan Book to be used and ordered by the Principal.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
Resilience
Employee and Family Assistance Program Resilience is an Employee and Family Assistance Program for active members of the NSTU Group Insurance Plan who have a permanent, probationary or term contract. Through Resilience, active members and their eligible dependents can reach a team of experienced counsellors from Homewood Health who will listen to the issue, offer sound advice and help you create an action plan to address issues.
This program also provides Plan Smart and Career Smart Services which includes Childcare and Parenting Caregiver Support Services, Elder & Family Care Services, Legal Advisory Services, Nutritional Support, and many others. The premium for this program is paid 100% by the NSTU Group Insurance Trust Fund.
Have a great week,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President
Hello everyone,
This week’s Check-In will be brief. Last Wednesday evening marked our final local meeting of the year. During this meeting, we conducted several elections for positions on the local executive board…
Congratulations to the above individuals, and a heartfelt thank you to all the members who offered their services to the local executive and the NSTU as a whole.
Congratulations are also extended to our Inspire Awards recipients: Peter Balcom, Katherine Bent, Tina Broderick, Angela Hausman, and Shelley Luddington for the 2023/24 period. These well-deserved accolades are a testament to their dedication. The awards are named in honor of Preman Edwards (School Representative Award) and Susan Noiles (Educator Award), both of whom were former members of the Halifax County local and served in various capacities within the NSTU. Preman was serving as an NSTU staff officer at the time of his passing, and Susan was a school counselor at Lockview.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nominations
The Nominations Committee is seeking applicants for two delegates positions at this years Leadership Institute at St. F.X. University August 14-16. The delegates are to be designated as: I. a school rep/alternate who has not yet served on any Local Executive & II. for a school rep/alternate who identifies as being Mi’kmaw, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis; Black, African Nova Scotian, or African descent; person of color or racialized; Two- Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or additional sexual orientation or gender identity; or a person with a disability .
Please use the google form link to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-L81I0BjSaIaWHtfiIC_gmygwVb0m2dTdjH_K6AVPQ_N5_g/viewform
Deadline for applications: Tuesday, June 12 @ 4pm
Will You Be a School/Site Union Rep Next Year?
Please consider volunteering for one of these important positions at your school or site. And a thank you to all who did this year, no small feat. Thank you for your continued support of the local and the NSTU as an organization.
As we start to put the finishing touches on this school year, some of you might want to consider running for the School/Site Union Rep position in September. We usually have quite a few Reps who continue on in their role but with retirements and teachers moving to different locations, there are usually some openings that need to be filled as well. On the Organization Day in September there should be a call for nominations among the NSTU members at your school/site.
Depending on the size of your staff, you may be able to elect 1, 2, or 3 Union Reps. Here are the guidelines:
Educational sites with up to 25 members—1 Rep
Educational sites with 26-50 members—2 Reps
Educational sites with over 50 members—3 Reps
If you have more nominations than spots available, then a vote should be held via secret ballot. You are also permitted alternate reps in the same format.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Regional
ARTICLE 17 – REGIONAL CENTRE INFORMATION
17.01 The Regional Centre shall provide to the Union, a draft of any new policy or change in policy that affects the terms and conditions of employment of teachers and the Union may provide a response. The Regional Centre will make the final draft of any such policy or policy change accessible to the Union prior to Regional Centre approval.
17.02 On written request to the Director of Human Resource Services, the Regional Centre shall also provide a copy of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development funding profile sheet after it has been made public.
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.
NSTU Counselling Services
The NSTU has two counsellors on staff that provide short term counselling services to members of the NSTU Group Insurance Plan, their partners, and dependent children. This service is designated to provide help and intervention at an early stage of difficulty. Intervention is also provided for schools in conflict and crisis. Members are referred to an appropriate community-based resource for long term counselling if the short-term model has not fully addressed the issue(s). This service is confidential.
Take care,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President
Hi everyone,
Just a very brief Check-In and please note the early supper start time. Also there will be elections and those can also come from the floor.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting date
The Halifax County AGM will be June 5 th 2024 at 6pm (5:00 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
(Provincial)
ARTICLE 69 ASSESSMENT
69.01 When a classroom teacher is required to perform Provincial or Education Entity mandated student assessments that require extended one-on-one student-teacher time, including, but not limited to, Oral Reading Assessments and Observation Surveys, supervision of the remaining students shall be provided by a substitute teacher unless the hiring of a substitute teacher is not operationally required. The obligation to hire a substitute shall be deemed to have been met in the event a substitute is not available after the Education Entity has made every reasonable effort to hire a substitute.
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:
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
Take care,
Shawn Hanifen
Halifax County Local President
Hi everyone,
Last week was hectic due to the ratification vote on the new provincial agreement. With a 91% turnout, the agreement was ratified with 80.5% approval. The new TPA is a three-year agreement, set to expire on July 31, 2026. Additionally, please remember the upcoming NSTU Presidential election, with Peter Day (CBDL) and Shawn Hanifen (Halifax County Local) as the final candidates in this Wednesday’s runoff.
Just a reminder about the June General Meeting happening next Wednesday at the Legion, featuring local elections and speeches from candidates vying for positions on the executive committee. Additionally, nominations can be made from the floor during the meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NSTU President Vote
A reminder there will be the election of a new NSTU President this Wednesday, May 29 th The candidates are Peter Day from the Cape Breton District Local and Shawn Hanifen from the Halifax County Local. The REO for both the ratification vote and election will be Duncan Cameron. His email is duncancameron@nstu.ca if any school needs more voter cards for this Wednesday.
Meeting dates
The Halifax County final General Meeting for this school year will be June 5 th 2024 at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Regional
ARTICLE 15 SUMMER SCHOOL
15.01 Teachers employed for summer school employment shall be appointed from the teachers employed by the Regional Centre with first consideration given to teachers who taught the course in the immediate preceding school year.
15.02 The rate of salary shall be seventy percent (70%) of the per diem rate applicable to each teacher. The rate of salary shall be as of August 1 of each year. 15.03 The Director of the program shall receive four hundred dollars ($400.00) in addition to the amount stipulated in Article 15.02
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
NSTU Benefits
Below is a link to many of the benefits available to NSTU members. After opening the link you can click on the corresponding bullet for information, details and contacts.
Active Members, Benefits at a Glance – NSTU Group Insurance Trust (nstuinsurance.ca)
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President
Hi everyone,
Hope everyone had a great long weekend and enjoyed the sun today. Just a brief Check-in with some important announcements on the Tentative Agreement vote this week and the deadline for the Halifax County Bursary this Friday.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tentative Agreement Vote/NSTU President Vote
A reminder there will be voting for the next two weeks on Wednesdays. The provincial Tentative Agreement vote is this Wednesday, May 22 nd . The election of a new NSTU President will be the following Wednesday, May 29 th . The two candidates are Peter Day from the Cape Breton District Local and Shawn Hanifen from the Halifax County Local. The REO for both the ratification vote and election will be Duncan Cameron. His email is duncancameron@nstu.ca
Meeting dates
The Halifax County AGM will be June 5 th 2024 at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
(Provincial)
ARTICLE 24 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
24.01 While the parties consider it desirable that teachers participate in extracurricular activities, it is recognized by the parties bound by this Agreement that any involvement, such as participation, supervision, administration, direction, coaching, by a teacher in extracurricular activities shall be on a voluntary basis.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
Active Members, Benefits at a Glance – NSTU Group Insurance Trust (nstuinsurance.ca)
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President
Hi everyone,
Just a brief Check-In this week. Please make sure to read the Announcements for some important upcoming dates, especially the deadline for Bursary applications. Our next, and final meeting of the year, is set for June 5 th at 6pm (supper at 5:30pm) at the Legion in Sackville.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NSTU Presidential Election
A reminder that this Wednesday, May 15 th , there will be an election for a new NSTU President. Please make sure to vote. The REO for the election is Duncan Cameron, his email is duncancameron@nstu.ca
Meeting dates
The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
June 5
*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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.
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:
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
Hi everyone,
Annual Council was last weekend and it was another amazing weekend of debate and unionism within our organization. I want to take this opportunity to thank our VP of Social Wellness, Gale Doyle and her committee for their hard work this past Annual Council. Our County delegation is so appreciative of all you do. I would also like to thank our VP of Nominations, Jason Jennings, who was our Council Coordinator and our MAL Jonathon Sproul for his help at AC. As well as Turk MacDonald our First VP for submission of our resolutions and also all the delegates for giving up their weekend.
Our next local meeting is set for this week on May 8 th at 6pm (supper at 5:30pm) at the Legion in Sackville. At this meeting there will be speeches and a Q&A for the 5 Provincial Presidential candidates.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting dates
The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
May 8 (this week)
June 5
*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
ARTICLE 26 LEAVE FOR INJURY ON DUTY
26.01 (i) When injured in the performance of the teacher’s duties, which duties have been approved by an Education Entity or its representative, the teacher, on application to the Education Entity, shall be placed on leave with full salary until the teacher is medically certified able to continue teaching.
Please remember that the teacher must report the injury immediately to their immediate supervisor (there is a timeline of within 14 calendar days unless incapacitated by the injury) and the leave is for up to 2 years. If the teacher cannot resume their duties after this period they are entitled to sick leave. Any teacher who is injured on duty should also reach out to their local’s NSTU Executive Staff Officer for assistance and interpretation of the article.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen
Local President
Good morning,
Please see the following Announcements below and their deadlines to apply. Please take special notice of the deadline for the Nominations and Local bursary dates. The attachments for Nominations were sent out to Reps last week as its own separate email.
Also, a reminder that the next local meeting is set for May 8 th at 5.30pm at the Legion in Lower Sackville as there will be a large section for speeches and Q&A. At that meeting you will have an opportunity to meet with the 5 candidates to be your next NSTU Provincial President.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting dates
The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
May 8
June 5
*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Provincial
ARTICLE 63 CLASS CLIMATE
63.01 The parties under this Agreement recognize the educational desirability of having classroom climate conducive to creating conditions under which teachers are able to carry out their duties pursuant to the Teachers’ Provincial Agreement.
63.02 A teacher who considers that her/his class climate is inconsistent with Article 63.01 may report the facts of the situation in writing to the Principal who shall investigate, take appropriate action, and report in writing within ten (10) school days to the teacher the action taken.
63.03 If the Principal is unable to resolve the concerns of the teacher, the teacher and/or Principal may report, in writing, the facts of the situation to a Classroom Climate Review Team. A Classroom Climate Review Team shall be comprised of a representative designated by the Regional Executive Director/Superintendent, and a representative designated by the Union.
63.04 The Team shall meet with the teacher and the Principal within ten (10) school days to review the teacher’s written concerns. The teacher may be accompanied by a representative of the Union.
63.05 The Team’s considerations shall include but not be limited to: (i) the physical limitations of the instructional area; (ii) the resources available to the classroom; (iii) the range of educational and behavioural needs of the students in the teacher’s class.
63.06 The Team shall examine all options available within the Education Entity and make recommendations within ten (10) school days of the meeting with the teacher and the Principal or such longer period as may be agreed by the Union and the Director. The recommendation(s) of the team shall be reported to a Director determined by the Regional Executive Director/Superintendent, with a copy to the teacher and the Principal.
63.07 The Director will review and assess the recommendation(s) of the Review Team and will report back within ten (10) days to the Review Team to identify which recommendations will be implemented, if any, and will provide status updates when accepted recommendations have been implemented. The Director’s decision as to whether or not to implement the recommendation(s) is final and non-grievable.
63.08 The parties recognize the sensitive nature of class climate issues, and accordingly agree that the process is to be kept confidential.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
In-Province Teacher Exchange Program
The In-Province Teacher Exchange Program was initiated to provide a mechanism for teachers to experience new work environments through alternate teaching assignments in different geographical settings. Such work experiences may be beneficial to the professional growth of NSTU members by providing new challenges and opportunities in their teaching careers.
Background
The In-Province Teacher Exchange Program has been in existence since the 1983-1984 school year. The program was negotiated on behalf of teachers between the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Department of Education. Official documentation of the program is found in the Teachers’ Provincial Agreement, Article 40 “In-Province Teacher Exchange Program.”
Application Procedure
Click here to access the In-Province Teacher Exchange application form ( Word / PDF ) or contact the NSTU: 1-800-565-6788 or by email: contractinfo@nstu.ca .
Forward the completed form to the NSTU Central Office by January 15 in any school year. Forms should be directed to:
Supervisory Committee
In-Province Teacher Exchange Program
Nova Scotia Teachers Union
3106 Joseph Howe Drive
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 4L7
or electronically to: contractinfo@nstu.ca
Selection Process
A Supervisory Committee made up of representatives from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is mandated to review all applications and make decisions regarding the status of each application.
Criteria used in the selection of exchanges are as follows: similar teaching positions; similar teaching experiences; similar teaching qualifications; similar extracurricular interests and complementary geographical site selection.
Conditions
Important Dates
|
January 15 |
Application Deadline |
|
March 10 |
Target date for notification of successful exchangees |
In the event of any conflict arising between the contents of this page and the Teachers’ Provincial Agreement, the Agreement shall prevail.
For further information contact:
email: contractinfo@nstu.ca
Take care,
Shawn Hanifen
Hello everyone,
Thank you to all the reps who have confirmed that they have enough voting cards for the ratification on the regional tentative agreement that is slated for Wednesday of this week.
Please see the following Announcements below and their deadlines to apply. Please take special notice of the deadline for the Nominations and Local bursary dates. The attachments for Nominations were sent out to Reps last week as its own separate email.
Also, a reminder that the next local meeting is set for May 8 th at 5.30pm at the Legion in Lower Sackville as there will be a large section for speeches and Q&A. At that meeting you will have an opportunity to meet with the 5 candidates to be your next NSTU Provincial President.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting dates
The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
May 8
June 5
*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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
Reminder: Pre-Council planning on Wednesday, April 24 at 530pm at the Sackville Legion. If you have any dietary concerns/restrictions, please let Jason Jennings know as soon as possible. His email is hfxconominations@nstu.ca
The Nominations Committee has opened application forms for next year’s local standing committees and CONTACT 2024 in July and nomination forms for the following local executive positions: VPs of Communication, Social & Wellness, Professional Development, Nominations & Equity & Reps (interim). Please share these form links with your staff. Also, posters with QR codes (in pdf) have been provided for you to print and post in your staff room to make applications and nominations more accessible to members.
PLEASE NOTE: if you currently sit on a local standing committee, you MUST re-apply for next year’s committees if you have not reached your term limit.
Local Standing Committee Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpObqEqRiYDUENUu6e6oWTB9wFrd_drh4Opt6SNlzkuoJuAA/viewform
CONTACT 2024
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9QS6D6ixIvEDrBNXz66pd_j2psYWruWHTMNMiYj7K9fPEPg/viewform
Local Executive Position
VP – Communications
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5yfzd4ZM_Q-hiBiCqasDAW2Yu-sBC-8LAjsp0Uxr1ZOyz9A/viewform
VP – Social & Wellness
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGB4GzY9MnOQWUEJGfa478KtPH6oSIuUJIHQxnBwHTO7F1kg/viewform
VP – Professional Development
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyX1FHue4REXROaJH9Z79IMz1kNclqLwo1JoMeouwlqOxd0A/viewform
VP – Nominations
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCRl1yD2UR0oYz98hHKMUbOrq8UlSWfvdp07hAd2nhpxxG0Q/viewform
VP – Equity & Reps (interim)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeV9-X5KobVRuMddWWABexeaSBXnBNHsnfV9hMhDuV9pCs27w/viewform
The Nominations Committee wishes to thank school reps for their efforts in the distribution of information for this important applications & nominations.
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Provincial
As some teachers have asked about their lost narking and preparation time, I have included the section in article 59 to clarify. Also, many teachers have expressed they have significant barriers to carrying out their duties, so a section of the Working Conditions article is also attached. A link to both articles in their entirety is listed below for your reference. Please email our local NSTU staff officer if you need assistance or clarification for either article, Wally’s email is wfiander@staff.nstu.ca .
Teachers’ Provincial Agreement 2015-2019 (windows.net)
ARTICLE 59 MARKING AND PREPARATION TIME
59.05 A teacher who is required by the Principal to fill in when a substitute is not hired pursuant to Article 32.23 (Substitute Teachers) of this Agreement shall have the lost marking and preparation time rescheduled within ten (10) school days.
ARTICLE 70 WORKING CONDITIONS
70.02 A teacher(s) who considers a system, policy or structure as causing a significant barrier(s) to carrying out the teacher’s duties may report the facts of the situation in writing to their immediate supervisor who shall investigate, take appropriate action, and report the response in writing within fifteen (15) days to the teacher(s).
In solidarity.
Shawn Hanifen
Hello everyone,
Please see the following Announcements below and their deadlines to apply. Please take special notice of the deadline for the Local bursary. Also, the next local meeting is set for May 8 at 5.30pm at the Legion in Lower Sackville as there will be a large section for speeches and Q&A. At that meeting you will have an opportunity to meet with the 5 candidates to be your next NSTU Provincial President.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting dates
The Halifax County Local General Meeting dates are as follows:
May 8
June 5
*Meetings are held at 6pm (5:30 supper) at the Legion in Lower Sackville.
Bursary News
Applications for the Halifax County Local Bursary are now open. Here is the link to the Google Form https://forms.gle/yvqGU1KocPuCw2cz9 . This link will also be posted on our social media and local website. 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
Reminder: Pre-Council planning on Wednesday, April 24 at 530pm at the Sackville Legion. If you have any dietary concerns/restrictions, please let Jason Jennings know as soon as possible. His email is hfxconominations@nstu.ca
It is in your Provincial/Regional Agreement
Regional
ARTICLE 20 – EDUCATIONAL CHANGE
20.01 Educational change refers to the introduction of methods, theories and practices that are intended to continually improve teachers’ professionalism and student learning. Such change may include new teaching practices and strategies, the use of new equipment and materials and changed teaching responsibilities.
20.02 Both parties recognize that continual improvements of educational process relies on the need to change and adjust and both parties recognize the importance of dialogues not only at the initial but at subsequent stages as a way of preparing for and encouraging change and adjustment.
20.03 The Regional Centre shall provide reasonable notice, where possible, to the chair of the Halifax Regional Representative Council of any significant impending changes referred to above.
20.04 Either party may convene a meeting of the Management/Teacher Committee to discuss significant impending changes referred to above. Such discussions shall include consideration of the impact on teaching staff, the re-training needs and the in-service needs of teachers.
NSTU Benefits at a Glance
NSTU Membership has its privileges, and those Deals and Discounts may be found on the NSTU page and range from Accommodations to Restaurants and Food; and all else in between. Please see the link below.
In solidarity,
Shawn Hanifen