Today, on World Teachers’ Day, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) joins people around the globe in recognizing and celebrating teachers for their outstanding commitment to the development, success and well-being of students. 

World Teachers’ Day, held annually on October 5, commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization, and Education International.

Locally, our members are dedicated professionals who have consistently shown compassion and dedication to their students over the last 18 months. They have been on the frontlines of this pandemic, handling the frequent pivots and last-minute announcements with grace and flexibility. Their commitment and passion for students and public education are an inspiration. 

ETFO Waterloo union thanks our members for everything that they do. 

ETFO is committed to promoting Reconciliation in our schools, across the province, and beyond.  As an organization, we have endorsed the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).  Thursday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and it provides us with another opportunity to recognize the survivors of the residential school system and teach our students the truths of Canadian history.  

What is Orange Shirt Day?

In 1973 six-year-old Phyllis Webstad was gifted a brand new orange shirt from her grandmother and wore it to the residential (mission) school she attended in British Columbia. Upon her arrival, school officials removed and discarded the shirt from her and replaced it with a school uniform. This greatly impacted the mental and emotional well-being of Webstad and symbolized that "her feelings never mattered." September was chosen as the time to commemorate all the children that attended residential schools as it was also the time of year that children had to leave their homes and communities to attend the schools. This annual campaign began in 2013 after Webstad shared this experience at a reunion with other survivors.

How should we observe Orange Shirt Day?

There are many options to choose from depending on whether you are planning a lesson for your classroom, organizing for your school, or planning a community event.  Some possible suggestions include:

• write announcements to be shared with the school
• plan to wear orange
• distribute orange cloth patches, ribbons, or buttons that can be worn in solidarity
• read books that share the experiences of Indigenous children who attended residential schools.  Examples include:

• choose from this menu of grade-appropriate lesson plans 

• Consider sharing your Orange Shirt Day initiatives on Twitter or Instagram using the #etfowr hashtag or by mentioning @etfowaterloo
• plan a virtual Google Meet assembly or classroom lessons (link to sample lesson plans in both English and French)
  • watch videos to learn more:
    • St. Joseph’s residential school 
    • Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation
  • check our additional ideas and resources online:
    • ETFO Orange Shirt Day
    • orangeshirtday.org
    • Chaque Enfant Compte

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) has created a new resource, Affirming Gender Diversity. The latest in the series of Student Voice Booklets is so important. Not only does the booklet support teachers in raising awareness and addressing questions from students around the diversity of gender, as well as social concepts such as cisnormativity, cissexism and transphobia, but it also does so through the students own experiences. 

Learn more on the CTF website by clicking here.

A reminder that Greg Weiler is no longer with the Waterloo local office as he is now a Provincial Staff officer in Public Relations Services. 

Until an election is held, please send emails to [email protected] and we will ensure the appropriate released officer responds. You can also use the chart below to determine who to contact:

World Teachers Day 2021

Posted by Jeff Pelich · October 05, 2021 9:18 AM · 1 reaction

Orange Shirt Day 2021

Posted by Ryan Wettlaufer · September 27, 2021 11:33 AM

Resource: AFFIRMING GENDER DIVERSITY

Posted by Jeff Pelich · September 23, 2021 10:38 AM · 1 reaction