It is November 28 as I write about H1N1. All across Canada today there are full page newspaper ads featuring Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer. He is encouraging all Canadians to get the H1N1 vaccine. By the time you read this, most, if not all Islanders, will have had the opportunity to receive their shot. This is remarkable when you consider that the roll-out campaign began only five weeks ago - the week of October 26.

Many were dismayed that they could not receive the vaccine at their convenience in the first round of clinics. We relied on medical professionals and public health officials to deem who was at greatest risk. This is as it should be. At the time of this writing, Prince Edward Island clinics are now open to all. Meanwhile, across the country many provinces have yet to complete vaccinating those at high risk. This is a time when our small size is an advantage.

On November 17 General Secretary Shaun MacCormac and I were in Ottawa to attend a national board meeting of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. Dr. David Butler-Jones addressed our group about H1N1 and the roll-out of vaccine. He explained that as a population Canadians are much healthier than people were in 1918 when the last pandemic occurred. We now have very effective anti-virals and vaccines. He explained that Canada had the first national plan in the world to distribute the H1N1 vaccine. As you know, those aged 20 and under and anyone with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of contracting the virus. Given an initial shortage of vaccine a decision was made to give it first to these high risk groups. Dr. Butler -Jones said he found it ironic and troubling that Canadians complained about having to line up to receive a safe, secure supply of vaccine. In some cases there were long wait times but, as he wryly noted, many have no hesitation and indeed almost view it as a badge of honour, to line up after midnight to capitalize on a Boxing Day sale at Future Shop.

He further noted that the spread of the virus has been slowed, due in large part to an effective public health campaign stressing hand washing. He applauded the efforts of teachers and the school system for conveying the message about coughing and sneezing etiquette and frequent hand washing. Let’s hope these behaviours become standard routine thereby limiting sickness at all times.

A new book, Soap and Water and Common Sense, has just been released. Dr. Bonnie Henry states: "A person living in Canada in 2009 is less likely to die from an infectious disease than anyone ever before in the history of the human species. About 20 times as many otherwise healthy Canadians will be killed by cars this year than by the dreaded H1N1 influenza virus. So, if you are concerned about protecting your health, a book on defensive driving would be far more useful."

A Special Thank You to Teachers and Administrators

A sincere thank you to all teachers and administrators for their patience and diligence around the H1N1 virus. Dealing with this issue has meant increased paper trails, phone calls, and eleventh hour changes. Of course, while the old adage to ‘wash your hands’ sounds simple, I realize that in the school situation it is anything but. There are only so many washrooms, sinks, and hand sanitizer bottles to go around. Once again our schools are stepping up and leading the way. Thank you for helping to ease the predicament of an ever changing and volatile situation.

I want to begin by thanking our CTF president Mary-Lou Donnelly for joining us here today. Also joining us from New Brunswick are presidents Monique Caissie, representing the French teachers and Noreen Bonnell, representing NBTA. To Minister Greenan, Gerard, welcome. We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with you and your department. Welcome to our PEITF members and to any kindergarten teachers who may be attending our convention for the first time.

When I began to write this speech I knew that I wanted some visuals, so I had some fun finding cartoons that I thought would resonate with teachers...

It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to speak to all of you today. So much is happening in education. Let’s begin with kindergarten... In late July Pat Mella’s much anticipated report was released to widespread acceptance. Kindergarten becoming part of the public school system has been one of our PEITF policies for years. It is overdue and welcomed. We commend the Ghiz government for advancing education in this province with this major policy initiative. Nine working groups have been established to iron out all the details. These groups are responsible for the action plans. As we speak, there are dozens of people working to ensure that all the bases are covered. The work groups will report to the Kindergarten Transition Team (KTT). There are 18 people on KTT and they are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that changes related to the integration into the school system be positive and seamless. This will be no small feat. At one of our meetings, Susan Ashley, a kindergarten instructor from Holland College, termed the details around the planning and implementation an "exciting nightmare". There are literally a thousand and one details to be considered.

But as we herald the arrival of kindergarten we are also aware that many of our beginning teachers are worried that their jobs may be at risk due to declining enrolment. The prospect of kindergarten teachers entering one door and the possibility that others will walk out another door is causing angst for some. The Binns government and the Ghiz government have been following Gar Andrew’s 2003 Instructional Staffing Model. This model has helped us to maintain positions, despite declining enrolment. To date, positions in the East have been maintained, but unfortunately, the application of this model has resulted in eight positions lost in the West. The Federation is eagerly awaiting the release of Gar Andrew’s new report that was commissioned by the Ghiz government. We will always strive to present the case for more, not fewer teachers. Can any of you picture your school functioning with fewer teachers? I doubt there are any administrators here today who feel that they have surplus staff.

Next September a double co-hort of students, kindergarten and grade one, will enter the school system. The resources MUST be in place to offer BOTH programs AND also to maintain sufficient staffing across the system. I think this is an excellent time to remind our politicians and the folks at Treasury Board that education is not an expense; it’s an investment!

At our recent Board of Governors workshop we heard member issues and concerns.

These issues will look very familiar to you. Let’s start with workload - this is everything from paperwork to extra curricular expectations. Teachers tell us they are still struggling with too many outcomes. Many of us find we are overwhelmed with meetings and committee work.

Class Composition and size continues to be a major issue. The $200,000 class composition fund has been very helpful and teachers are grateful for the support. However, the demand for that fund continues to outstrip the resources allocated. Some classes have students working at three to four different grade levels. The differentiated instruction that must occur and the materials that one must often develop for these situations leave our teachers exhausted. I contacted one of our jr. high teachers about the possibility of joining one of our Teachers’ Federation committees. This teacher explained to me that his assignment involves caring for over 100 students and teaching three subject levels. He has 10 "red file" students in his home room: 1 modified, 8 adapted, and 1 IEP. He clearly does not have time for any more responsibilities. His reality is the reality of many of you here today. I want to assure you that the Federation will take every opportunity to inform government and the public about the concerns and issues around class size and composition.

Non-teaching tasks continue to grow. This issue could also be grouped under teacher workload. At the elementary level especially, time is spent on food orders, collecting money and handling forms. There are mountains of paperwork at all levels. Time is lost waiting for Group Wise to open up-that is when it’s working at all! For our teachers in the rural areas, many are still on dial up and that makes it nearly impossible to use Group Wise, SAS and to work on on-line report cards! The heavy use of email is a current reality. I don’t know what it is about email, but for many it creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. Our administrators may be interested to know that a recent study from the University of Surrey in England found that emails coming from the boss make workers blood pressure go up! Teachers, break out of email jail; talk to your colleagues! Let’s have a look at a couple of cartoons that deal with the preponderance of email.

Teachers, you know the realities of the classroom, you live it every day. We continue to share those realities with government and the public every chance we get. And to quote Yogi Berra,"A fella can observe a lot just by watching" our Federation is planning a take an MLA to School Day. We will invite all twenty seven MLA’s to visit a school in their district and to spend a day in the classroom. Seeing is truly believing. We want the decision makers in this province to see the amazing things that teachers do with their students everyday. So Gerard,you and your colleagues can expect an invitation...

As many of you are aware, this is a negotiating year. Our preparations for bargaining have already begun. By the end of the month an Economic Welfare survey will be available on-line or in hard copy..I feel a sense of irony here as I have just talked about all the demands on your time..but teachers, we need as many of you as possible to complete the survey. Your insights, experiences and responses will steer our direction as we prepare for negotiations in the spring. Please make this a priority. When you complete the survey your name will go in a draw for a weekend for two at the Delta.

There are many stresses that threaten to overwhelm, but here is what I know about our teachers. We have a group of dedicated professionals who, after parents, are the most influential people in children’s lives. We have a group of teachers who are committed to providing the very best for their students. Each day that you walk into school you help build communities in your classroom. You uplift, challenge and inspire. Your words, your actions, your body language are all on display for impressionistic minds to see. The future sits in front of you. Although the responsibilities are enormous, the possibilities are boundless. You are part of the only profession that makes all other professions possible. You go the extra mile for your students; you are the music teachers who have their jazz and band students perform for others; you are the gym teacher who runs early morning and noon time intramurals; you are the classroom teacher who offers extra help at noon and after school; you are the teacher-librarian who leads a book club, you are the teacher who mentors our BEd. students; the teacher who runs the drama club; the teacher who coaches soccer or basketball.. You are the teacher who helps fund raise so he can take his students to Europe on the March break. You are the teachers helping with the breakfast program. You are the teachers who gather in PLC’s to improve their craft and enhance student learning. You are the teacher who sees that a child has boots or skates.. You are the teacher who models high standards and expects the same from your students. You are the teachers in our midst, making a difference.

I hope that you leave here today fully aware of the profound impact that you are having on the future. What you do today, helps shape your students’ tomorrows. Remember the wisdom of Mother Teresa: "help one person at a time, and start with the person nearest you."

From the President (PEITF Newsletter Article, Fall, 2009)

Greetings to all PEITF members,