annual Reports - 2010/2011 Report

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

This report represents the highlights of the work of the Association over the last school year.  As you read the other Annual Reports found in this document, you will see that the Association has been involved in a wide-range of activities and the provision of many services to our 3000 plus members.

The year began with the membership raising concerns over attendance at Professional Development (PD) activities outside of the city.  After some discussion with the Division; the Superintendents’ Department has now stated that individuals can indicate to school administration their desire to not attend the event and they will be scheduled for some type of activity within the city.  The Superintendents’ Department has also made clear the fact that members are not required to provide a rationale or explanation for their non-participation.

There has been a great deal of change mandated by the Provincial Government over the last school year.  The WTA has been in ongoing discussions with the WSD related to the common administrative days, professional development days and Provincial report cards.  Each has the potential to impact the workload of members and the Association will continue to monitor these issues in the coming school year.

The Association has continued to share with the WSD specific membership concerns related to technological services provided by the Division.  Issues such as log-in times, lost data, system shut down periods and slow response times were discussed; along with the negative impact this has on teachers doing their jobs.  The Division has responded to the specific situations and engaged the Association in a broader discussion related to the changes that they will be undertaking in the future.

The single largest membership issue this school year was the implementation of the new Math CAP.  Once again the Division implemented a major change without first taking steps to ensure that the program would be successful with the classroom teachers who are responsible for making it work.  The Association heard from many members through phone calls, e-mails and the mini-feedback session hosted at a WTA Council meeting.  The concerns raised by the membership are directly linked to a lack of understanding at the divisional level, related to the impact the new Math CAP implementation has had on classroom teachers and schools.

The WTA has spoken with the Superintendents’ Department and Trustees since the early fall expressing concerns.  The issue of new program implementation has also been discussed at the negotiations table.  As President, I wrote the Division outlining a number of specific problems and making a series of recommendations.  It is my understanding that the response to this letter will be received in the near future and reported to Executive and Council by the time this document is published.

Only some of the work undertaken by the President is of a kind which can be easily reported on to Executive and Council.  Much of the day-to-day work is responding to individual member concerns as they are received through the office either by phone or e-mail.  The number of, and type of these concerns seems to be growing on a year-to-year basis.  The usual are linked to membership evaluation, assignments in schools, class-size and composition matters.  An area which is being reported more often over the past school year is linked to the issue of harassment of members in schools.  It is the job of the President to provide feedback and direction as these matters arise and help individuals work towards some type of satisfactory resolution.

The President is the public face of the organization, but much of the work of the WTA goes on through the Table Officers, Executive and Council.  To the membership involved in each of these, your efforts are very much appreciated and this Association could not function without your time and commitment.  I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Fraser Oakes and thank him for his efforts as the WTA Nominating and Elections Chair.  He took on the responsibility half-way into the process after the elected chair had to resign.  I am sure the role was interesting and a challenge.  Through his efforts and those of the Committee, the Association has a full slate of Executive members and Table Officers for the 2011/2012 school year.

The WTA office team is another critical component to the operation of the Association.  I would like to thank the outgoing Vice-President (VP), Joan Fransen for her service and efforts on behalf of the membership over these past few years.  I would like to welcome the incoming VP, Nathan Martindale, to the office team.  I look forward to working with Nathan and guarantee him the year will be interesting and educational.  To the Business Agent, Henry Shyka and our Administrative Assistant, Glenda Shepherd, I can only say thank you for your wise counsel this past year and I hope it will continue into the future.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, President

AD HOC COMMITTEE - SECESSION

This Committee was re-constituted for the 2010/2011 school year and met a total of three times as directed by last year’s Ad Hoc Committee.  The committee was composed of eight members.

During the first meeting the recommendations of last year’s committee were discussed, as well as various issues related to the WTA-MTS relationship.  We also discussed the pros and cons of remaining within the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.

We invited two members of the Louis Riel Teachers’ Association (LRTA) to our second meeting where they presented the findings of an LRTA Ad Hoc Committee that was struck to research the feasibility of seceding from MTS.  We had also invited Paul Olson, MTS Vice-President to make a presentation, but the MTS election prevented him from doing so.  We also requested that the Group Benefits Committee investigate the costs of bundling our Health and Dental Plans, as well as all three benefit plans i.e. health, dental and disability.  This research was conducted by Aon Hewitt Consulting.

At our third meeting we reviewed the report from Aon Hewitt and determined that bundling the different plans would create no financial benefit for the membership. 

Recommendations:

• An Ad Hoc Committee be struck in the 2011/2012 year.
• The Ad Hoc Committee write a series of articles for the WTA newsletter outlining the work of the Association in this area over the past two years.
• The Ad Hoc Committee invite the President of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to a meeting of the committee to discuss the relationship between the Association and the Society.
• The WTA explore the concept of an affiliate membership with the MTS.  This would consist of a reduced MTS fee along with a reduction in services provided by the Society.

Thank you to all the committee members for their time and contributions.

Respectfully submitted by,

Nathan Martindale, Chair

Other members:

Dave Najduch

Chris Pammenter

Gregg Walker

Pat Lewicki

Steve Patrick

Lyndon James

Shahram Hakimelahi

Winston Blakey

AD HOC COMMITTEE - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Number of Meetings:  3

The committee met three times this year.  The committee was composed of eight committee members and one guest.  We were able to look at and discuss issues pertaining to Special Education teachers.  We concentrated on safety issues that are an everyday occurrence in our Special Ed. Classrooms/programs. 

Recommendations:

• That the Ad Hoc Committee – Special Education become a Task Force under the umbrella of the WTA Workplace Safety and Health Committee.
• That if the Task Force is constituted, Jennie Matteis be the Chair of the Task Force.
• The Task Force should not be more than eight members only two of which should be Executive members.  Task Force members should be from:  N-6, 7-9, 10-12 and come from LAC, CAP, SERT, Special Ed. Centre and Coach.
• That a quote for a survey should be commissioned.  The survey should include safety concerns/creating a special program.  Once data is collected the information should be shared with The Winnipeg School Division.
• All members of this year’s Ad Hoc Committee would like to be named to the Task Force.

We would like to thank the committee for their hard work this year.  The discussions were great and thought-provoking.

Respectfully submitted by,

Jennie Matteis/Nathan Martindale, Co-Chairs

Other members:

Cree Crowchild

Paulette Krovats

Carol Boyko

Kyla Shore

Joyce Billinkoff

Lisa Costello

Guest:

AGM AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Number of Meetings:  5 (to date – April 15th, 2011)

The Annual General Meeting Committee has met five times to date, and will gather once more for the Committee’s binder night.  All of the delegates to The Manitoba Teachers’ Society Annual General Meeting will meet on Thursday, May 5th, 2011 for the Delegates’ Binder Night.

The Committee recommended three resolutions be brought forward to the AGM in May.  All three were approved by the Executive and by Council and have been forwarded to the MTS for inclusion in the binder.  Briefly, these resolutions were to:

• Alter wording of Welfare Policy WSII. 1 to remove reference to provincial bargaining and support solid bargaining principles;
• Request that The Manitoba Teachers’ Society develop a mechanism to elect Provincial Executive, prior to the AGM; and,
• Require that the election of members of the Provincial Executive be done regionally and according to proportional calculations.

A sub-committee has begun preparations for the WTA Hospitality room at the AGM.  The proposed theme is “spaghetti western.”

Recommendations:

• Depending on the composition of the committee, 12 members are sufficient, including Executive members.
• A balance of elementary/middle/senior years teachers is ideal.
• Clarify expectations of potential delegates to the AGM through discussion at Council i.e. It is not necessary to stay at the hotel, who covers what costs, etc.
• That the committee strives to increase interest in attending the MTS AGM.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work and dedication.  I would like to thank the Executive as a whole for their support, and lastly, I would like to extend much gratitude to Glenda Shepherd, WTA Administrative Assistant for her patience and assistance.

Respectfully submitted by,

Kristin Insull, Chair

Other members:

Gregg Walker

Jennie Matteis

Colin Montgomery

Christine Lachance

Iyvan Michalchyshyn

Paul Shiaro

Chris Pammenter

Nathan Martindale

Michelle Bradley Hakimelahi

J.P. Grosemans

Stephanie Krawchuk

Lauren Sterns

Terry Willerton

Lesley Wallis

David Costello

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

(No report submitted to date)

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD COMMITTEE

Number of meetings:  1

The DSA nomination form appeared in the WTA newsletter for a series of months and was also available on-line through the WTA website.

The Committee met once this year, reviewed policy and discussed various options for nominating individuals.  At the close of nominations, the Committee had not received a completed nomination form from any WTA member regarding the DSA.  The Committee did review a memo submitted to them which discussed a possible candidate but chose not to take action in this area for the 2011 year. The Committee has decided not to present a Distinguished Service Award for the 2010/2011 school year and is recommending that there be no DSA Reception at the June Council meeting.

I would like to thank the Committee for their discussion and consideration of the issues.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, Chair

Other members:

Brenda Craig

Kyle LeBlanc

Nathan Martindale

Winston Blakey

EXECUTIVE NOMINATING AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Number of meetings:  3

The Executive Nominating and Elections Committee encourages WTA members to run for various positions on Executive during the April elections.  Committee members contact potential candidates in person and by telephone.  This committee oversees the entire election process.

I would like to thank the volunteers who helped count ballots on April 19th, 2011.

Respectfully submitted by,

Fraser Oakes, Chair

Other members:

Dee Smith

Kevin Zuk

FINANCE COMMITTEE

No. of meetings:  4

The committee completed the following tasks this year:

• Presented updated financial statements to Executive/Council.
• Presented the audited financial statement to Executive/Council.
• Prepared and presented the Draft WTA Budget for the 2011/2012 year to Executive/Council.
• Reviewed and approved a request for an over-expenditure for the Ad Hoc Committee – Special Education and the Ad Hoc Committee – Secession.

The WTA is in a healthy financial situation.  By policy, the Reserve funds of the Association are required to be placed in conservative investments.  This means that the funds have performed well over the last year even with the downturn in the financial markets.

I would like to thank my committee for their time and hard work this year.  I would also like to thank Dave Najduch for his help and support.  To Glenda Shepherd, a special thanks for her patience and continued help and support.

Respectfully submitted by,

Jennie Matteis, Treasurer/Chair of Finance Committee

Other members:

Jeannette Neil

Gregg Walker

Joan Fransen

Richelle Desrosiers

Colin Montgomery

GROUP BENEFITS COMMITTEE

Number of meetings = 7

Pre-Retirement Seminars = 2

Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminar = 2

Year’s Achievements

• The Committee implemented a 2.2% increase in premiums for active members after taking into account rises in health pooling costs as well as health care inflation.  The new rates for actives are:  $51.00/single and $106.00/family.
• Retirees rates rose 7.5% because claim/loss ratios were consistently over 100%.  In addition TRAF asked for an administration fee of $0.35 per member/per month.  This request is for TRAF’s administrative costs related to the collecting and remitting of Manulife extended health benefit premiums for retirees.  The new rates for retirees are:  $60.23/single and $125.31/family.
• The 2011 Dental Fee Guide was adopted and a deductible holiday will continue for 2011.
• The Committee continued to help fund The Winnipeg School Division’s Pre-retirement Seminars.
• The Committee ran two successful Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminars.
• In collaboration with TRAF, a new online registration system for WTA Pre-retirement seminars was implemented.  The system will continue to be in operation in the coming years.
• The Committee ran two successful WTA Pre-retirement Seminars.

Recommendations:

• With respect to the online registration for Pre-retirement Seminars in future years participants will still be able to register for seminars, however no e-mail confirmation will be sent until a $15.00 per person fee for the seminar has been received by the WTA for each participant.
• The online registration system for 2011/2012 and beyond will be queued in order to allow for waiting lists so that in case of cancellations, spots can be given to other interested individuals.
• The WTA should offer at least two Pre-retirement Seminars in 2011/2012.
• The WTA should offer at least two Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminars in 2011/2012.
• Information to the membership regarding benefits should be provided through announcements at Council meeting as well as via articles in the WTA newsletter.
• The Committee should continue to monitor service delivery, usage and costs for both the Manulife extended health benefit plant and the Great-West Life Dental plan, as they pertain to members of each plan.
• Next year if the committee composition changes significantly, a half-day training workshop should be provided for new Committee members near the end of September.

The Group Benefits Committee is grateful to Glenda Shepherd and Henry Shyka for sharing their expertise and vast knowledge as the Committee continues to navigate the complex world of benefits.

Respectfully submitted by,

Shahram Hakimelahi, Chair

Other members:

Liz Kozoriz

Ana Dias

Paulette Krovats

Kyle LeBlanc

Bheesham Dabie

Winston Blakey

Henry Shyka

Lori Mark

Glenda Shepherd

MONITORING COMMITTEE

One of the roles of the WTA Secretary is to chair the Monitoring Committee.  The Monitoring Committee is present at every open WSD school board regular meeting and special board meetings.  There are usually two regular meetings and can be up to two special board meetings per month.  The purpose is to have a presence at all meetings and report back to the WTA anything that happens that may affect teachers. 

I would like to thank Fraser Oakes for attending the majority of the School Board meetings this year.  His dedication and commitment to the WTA is an example to the entire membership.  I would like to thank all members of the Committee for their willingness to volunteer and attend these meetings.

Respectfully submitted by,

Nathan Martindale, Secretary/Chair of Monitoring

Other member:

Fraser Oakes

Sarah Ducharme

Sheila Spooner

NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE

Number of meetings (Full Committee and/or Table Team):  7

At the outset of this year, the last of the provisions from the 2009/2010 Collective Agreement came into effect; namely, members are not paid semi-monthly (24 payments) throughout the year.  At the same time, the Collective Agreement expired.

The negotiating process has moved slowly this year.  In the fall, the Table Team was able to present its concerns to the WSD.  In response, the WSD rejected the bulk of our proposals.  Following approval from Council, the WTA declared an impasse on January 28th, 2011, indicating its intent to proceed to arbitration.  Since that time, both sides have appointed their nominees and are now in discussion as to the appointment of the third arbitrator, who will chair the proceedings.  It is our expectation that the course of arbitration from now until its culmination will be lengthy.

Due to the state of the process, Council has voted to suspend policy as it regards to timelines for the 2011/2012 package preparation.  In other words, a new committee has not been struck nor a new package prepared.

By Constitution, the current committee will remain in place until a settlement is reached.  Special mention and thanks to the Negotiations Committee members for their efforts and expertise.

*Melinda Guenther-Balodis, Lord Selkirk

*Shahram Hakimelahi, Montrose/Wolseley

Kristin Insull, Kelvin

Pat Lewicki, Shaughnessy Park

Cam Menzie, Wolseley

*Dave Najduch, WTA

*Chris Pammenter, WAEC

Kevin Zuk, Elmwood

*Henry Shyka, WTA Business Agent

Nathan Martindale, Shaughnessy Park (Guest)   

Respectfully submitted,

*Joan Fransen, WTA Vice-President/Negotiations Committee Chair

*denotes Table Team (2010-2011)

PARKING FACILITIES COMMITTEE

(No report submitted to date)

PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE

Number of meetings = 9

This Committee meets on a monthly basis and consists of the Chief Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, the WTA President, Vice-President and Business Agent.  It is an excellent opportunity to discuss issues and share matters of concern.

The following reflects some of the items considered by the Committee this year:

• New Math CAP
• Staff meetings – content, frequency and length
• Clarification of the awarding of hours for compensatory days
• Provincial report cards
• WSD computer system
• PD held outside the city
• PD held outside of the instructional day
• Training for Kindergarten report cards
• Painting in schools
• Adult English as an Additional Language concerns
• Teacher expectations regarding the tracking and reporting of attendance
• Electronic pay stubs
• Draft Divisional Policy documents
• WSD report cards and expectations for June of each year
• Common administrative/professional development days

As a result of these discussions, there was also a meeting held with the four Area Superintendents and Human Resources to discuss issues related to the May and June staffing process.

I would like to thank the Chief Superintendent and the Director of Human Resources for the opportunity to meet regularly and their frank and open discussion regarding a range of issues.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, President

WTA members:                                                     

Dave Najduch

Joan Fransen

Henry Shyka

WSD members:

Pauline Clarke

Eugene Gerbasi

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

(See Table Officers/Public Relations Report below.)

RECEPTION COMMITTEE

WTA Social Event

It was a fun night of bowling at the Academy Lanes on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011.  Members had a chance to compete against other teams for prizes.  It was a great chance for members to connect and network with each other outside the workplace.

Distinguished Service Award Reception

The Distinguished Service Award Reception was not held this year.

Retirement Reception

The Retirement Reception will once again be held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Tuesday, June 14th, 2011.  Although we are unaware of the number of members retiring in June we are eager to present the retirees with their gift.  Invitations to the event will be sent to retiring members in May.  This occasion offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow colleagues while we celebrate the life work of our members.  More information will follow in the weeks to come.

Recommendation:

• A motion was brought forward by Executive and passed to create a “New WTA Member Event” to be held annually at the end of September.  This will be an informal evening that will give a chance for new members to network and be introduced to the workings of the WTA.

I would like to thank the committee for their hard work and dedication in making sure every event was a success.  I am glad to work with a fun and hard working group of people.

Respectfully submitted by,

Kyle LeBlanc, Chair

Other members:

Winston Blakey

Gregg Walker

Terry Willerton

Tony Iannone

Fernando Batista

Caroline Cantafio

Melinda Guenther-Balodis

Shahram Hakimelahi

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Recommendations:

• That an Annual General Meeting be held early in the 2011/2012 school year (September or October.)
• That substitute teachers elect a member to represent them at WTA Council meetings and that this member be part of the Substitute Teachers’ Committee.
• That communication with substitute teachers regarding the General Meeting be made through the WSD Substitute Clerk and through the WTA Newsletter and website.
• That some form of professional development be provided for substitute teachers, possibly in the area of classroom management.

Thank you to the Substitute Teachers’ Committee members for their participation.

Respectfully submitted by,

Melinda Guenther-Balodis, Chair

Other members:

Marilyn Gadsby                 

Linda Kirkwood

Melissa Kwasny

TABLE OFFICERS

Number of meetings:  6

The WTA Table Officers consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.  These members are often supported at meetings by the Association’s Business Agent and Administrative Assistant.  Beyond the regularly scheduled meetings, the new Table Officer group will have met early in May as part of the new Executive Workshop to review this year and plan for the coming year.

The job of the Table Officers is to review issues and help provide direction to Executive and/or Council, as required.  Table Officers have also served as the Public Relations Committee over the past few years and have provided direction in this area as well.

The following reflects some of the issues discussed by Table Officers this year:

WTA Office Renovations

Executive Resignation Letter

Stoyko Memorial

WTA Executive Photos/Website

WTA Budget

WSD/WTA Joint Committee Topics

Bed Bugs

New Member Function

WTA Negotiations Policy

WSD/Assistant to the Chief Superintendent

WTA Council Mini-Sessions

New Math CAP

WSD PD Outside of the City

WTA Funding of MTS Sponsored Events

Ad Hoc Committee – Secession

Ad Hoc Committee – Special Education

Distribution of New Member “Schwag Items”

I would like to thank the Table Officers for their support over this last school year, and for their frank and open discussions during meetings.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, Chair

Other members:

Joan Fransen

Jennie Matteis

Nathan Martindale

Henry Shyka

Glenda Shepherd

TEACHER WELFARE COMMITTEE

Number of meetings (as of April 13): 6

The Teacher Welfare Committee has the sole mandate of fostering and promoting teacher health, wellness and welfare issues.

Achievements:

• Fully approved funds for 16 schools on a wide variety of wellness initiatives.
• Approved funding for one WTA member team to participate in The Manitoba Teachers’ Society Curling Bonspiel.
• Monitored the extent of usage of the WTA counseling services for members.
• Continued to develop and modify the existing Teacher Welfare Application form, in order to facilitate and reflect the values of ongoing teacher wellness and welfare.

Recommendations:

• Continue to modify the application form to reflect ongoing teacher welfare and wellness.
• Change the feedback form to provide more information available to other schools when planning a wellness initiative.
• Continue to be vigilant and promote ongoing teacher welfare/wellness when review future applications.
• Implement a system to track which members have accessed the grant.
• Continue to keep the communication lines open through newsletter articles, e-mail correspondence and being accessible at Council for questions.

Respectfully submitted by,

David Harack, Chair

Other members:

Christine Lachance

Jeff Lomas

Rui Carvalho

Michelle Bradley Hakimelahi

WTA/WINNIPEG PRINCIPALS' & VICE-PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION LIAISON COMMITTEE

Number of meetings = 3

This Committee is a good opportunity for the Association and the WP/VPA to meet and discuss issues of mutual concern and share information in an informal manner.

The following reflects some of the issues discussed by the committee this year:

• PD Travel Outside the City
• New Math CAP
• WTA Wellness Grant Funding Information
• Evaluations of Vice-Principals
• PD/Admin. Days  -- Next School Year
• WSD & Technology
• MTS Code of Professional Practice and Complaints Against Members

In addition to these meetings, the Vice-President and I attended the fall administrative conference in Gimli.  As always, it was an excellent opportunity to meet informally with administrators and hear about issues of importance to this group.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, President

Other WTA members:                                        

Joan Fransen

Henry Shyka

WP/VPA members:                                                                                    

Maxine Geller

Cristina Dias Acquisto

Giselle Mospanchuk

Chantel Deslauriers Gray

Lisa Calvez

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

Activities of the WTA Committee this year:

• WSD training sessions
• MTS Provincial training sessions
• MTS Regional meetings
• WSD Central Committee meetings (including WTA Co-chairing on a rotational basis)
• WTA WSH Committee meetings
• Regular newsletter articles published in The WTA News

The committee has sought to heighten member awareness and increase the profile of Workplace Safety and Health in its efforts to provide members with the information necessary for improved working conditions.  As such, a variety of topics have been pursued:

• The right for WTA membership on all WSD committees related to WS & H Policy.
• The Associations right to be notified regarding lockdowns/lock-outs in a timely manner.
• The Associations right to be made aware of incidents/accidents in a timely manner.
• The right for all WTA WS & H representatives/committee members to participate in their duties during the instructional day.
• The right for all members to be free from violence in the workplace.

Recommendations:

• That the WTA Constitution be amended to include the Workplace Safety and Health Committee as an Executive Standing Committee.
• That a representative of the Federation of Labour be invited to present a mini-session prior to a 2011/2012 council meeting relating to violence in the workplace, such mini-session to be held at the earliest mutual convenience.
• That the committee investigate school population levels – the combination of enrollment and employee levels – in order to make decisions regarding appropriate levels in reference to necessity for school committees/exemptions as under the WSD variance for future renewal discussions.

Respectfully submitted by,

Joan Fransen, Chair

Other members:

Chris Pammenter

Chris Goring

Sashira Gafic

Rui Carvalho

WSD/WTA JOINT COMMITTEE

Number of meetings = 4

This committee was established through the negotiations process and is part of the Collective Agreement.  It provides a direct link between the Association and the Board of Trustees.  The purpose of the committee is to discuss issues and concerns which are of mutual interest.  The WTA will bring forward a limited number of items through the year so that there is the opportunity to explore each in a more detailed fashion.

Items discussed this year included:

• WSD Budget
• New Math CAP
• WSD & Technology
• Provincial Report Cards

I appreciated the opportunity of meeting with the trustees and discussing issues with them.

Respectfully submitted by,

Dave Najduch, President

WTA members:                 

Dave Najduch

Joan Fransen

Nathan Martindale

Jennie Matteis

Trustee members:

Suzanne Hrynyk

Kristine Barr

Rita HIldahl