BCTF wins Supreme Court battle over class size and composition!!!!

November 10, 2016:  A critical day for BC educators, students and parents!


Dear Colleagues,

On November 10, 2016, counsel for the BC Teachers’ Federation will be appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada to present our case on collective bargaining rights. The BCTF will be represented by Federation General Counsel Diane MacDonald and John Rogers, QC, from Victory Square Law Office.

The Federation will not be commenting in the media about the case.

The Federation’s lawyers, who have been working incredibly hard on the case for several months, filed our 40-page written factum in June. They will have one hour to present our case and lawyers for the BC government will also have one hour. The Canadian Labour Congress and other national unions, including CUPE, have been granted intervener status on behalf of Canadian workers. They have each submitted a written factum and will have five minutes to address the Court. A number of provinces and the Federal government have also intervened to present the perspective of governments. (The Canadian Taxpayers Federation requested to intervene, but was not granted permission to do so.) All of the factums are available online.

It is not known when the Supreme Court will render its decision. Whenever the decision does come down, the Federation will promptly communicate it to members.

In solidarity,

Glen Hansman
President

PRN Teachers - please consider involving your students in this contest!

http://www.legion.ca/youth/contests/

A wise person said “change is the only constant in life” and when thinking about the new school year it is clear that we are in for a great deal of change:

• The K-9 curriculum is beginning to be rolled out.
• The 10-12 curriculum is nearing its final form.
• Assessment and reporting are being revamped. 
• You are meeting new students, perhaps teaching a new grade or subject.
• Colleagues have moved on and new ones have joined your staff.

Before you start to hyperventilate please remember:

• You should see a pay raise – 1% as of July, as well as the ESD (Economic Stability Dividend).  Check your pay stubs.
• You are bright and well-educated.
• When it comes to implementation of the new curricula it is expected that we will explore, attempt, and adjust according to our professional judgement and our students’ needs.
• Teachers are dedicated, determined and resilient people.
• You get to play with robots, write code and do other cool stuff.
• You need to remember to take care of yourself – find a life/work balance.
• Help is available – remember to reach out.

May the 2016-17 school year bring you new learning, exciting experiences as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in students’ lives.

Michele and Mary