Summer 2006 - The member magazine of the Elementary Teachers

FROM THE EDITORETFO Provincial Executive MembersPresident - Emily Noble, AlgomaFirst Vice-President - David Clegg, York RegionVice-President - Sam Hammond, Hamilton-WentworthVice-President - Barbara Burkett, Ontario North EastOTF Table Officer - Hilda Watkins, Greater EssexExecutive MembersRachel Gencey, DurhamShelly Jan, Peel OTMartin Long, TorontoMike Lumb, LimestoneGayle Manley, AlgomaLynda McDougall, Upper GrandRian McLaughlin, Hamilton-Wentworth OTSharron Raymond, PeelHelen Victoros, TorontoETFO VoiceJohanna Brand - EditorGene Lewis - Business ManagerArtifact graphic design - DesignContributors this issue:Jessica Boyer, Christine Brown, Barbara Burkett,Winston Carter, André Charlebois, Karen Chow,Catherine Cocchio, Jerry DeQuetteville, Lynn Fraser,Sam Hammond, Peter Harrison, Derek Hulse,Pat McAdie, Vitusha Oberoi, Sharon O’Halloran,Barbara Richter, Linda Rowatt, Kara Smith,Hilda Watkins, Carol Zavitz.Photography - Johanna Brand, Catherine Cocchio,Francine Filion, Anne de Haas, Sherry Lewis,Vitusha Oberoi.Member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) andCanadian Education Press AssociationIndexed in the Canadian Educational Index /Répertoire canadien sur l’éducationISSN: 1481-4072Articles contained herein reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarilyexpress official policy of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply ETFO endorsement of theproduct or service. Advertising contracts are subject to cancellation ifmembers complain.Publications Mail Agreement no. 40070000.Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:The resignation this spring of Education Minister Gerard Kennedy was the firstchange in education ministers this government has made. In her column (page 4)President Emily Noble welcomes the new minister, Sandra Pupatello.Although Gerard Kennedy has left his policy initiatives are still very much with us.One of these is the requirement that come September all students would haveto take part in 20 minutes of physical activity each day. This will require changesin schedules and approaches in some classrooms.Fortunately there are members whose schools are leading the way in providingstudents with many different kinds of activities. One of these is Queen ElizabethII School in Chatham. (See page 19.)The curriculum insert in this issue is designed to help you with the new physicalactivity requirements. ETFO member Kara Smith is also a member of Ophea (theOntario Physical and Health Education Association), a non-profit organizationdevoted to improving the physical health and well-being of children and youth.She provides guidelines, some model activities, and resources for classroom teachersjust starting a physical activity program.Education minister Gerard Kennedy recognized the important role teachersplay in the lives of children. In one of his last acts as minister, Kennedy madeavailable to teacher federations funds to enhance professional development activities.In his column the General Secretary outlines the funding ETFO has receivedfor programs that will focus on the early years and on helping teachers meet theeducational needs of children living in poverty.ETFO members are continually growing and developing as teachers. But theFederation is also changing – an increasing proportion of members are teachers intheir first 10 years. This is not surprising given that the Baby Boomer generationis now at retirement age. Those Boomers choosing to stay on the job for the timebeing, are working with much younger colleagues whose approach to their livesand to the profession may be quite different.In “X,Y, Boom!” (page 14) ETFO staff member Barbara Richter outlines howgenerational differences can affect relationships in the staff room and in theschool. This topic was the theme of Barbara’s popular workshop X,Y, Boom!– When generations collide.Barbara is a Boomer who is retiring. Thanks, Barbara, for making this researchavailable to all members, and best wishes for relaxation, fun, and happiness in theyears ahead.The rest of us can look forward to the summer break as a time to rest andrejuvenate. For members interested in professional rejuvenation – part of theprovincial funding the Federation received will be used to provide double thenumber of workshops in this year’s Summer Academy. Check out the enhancedofferings at etfo.ca E Professional Development. Also check out ETFO’s ProfessionalResources Catalogue provided as a pullout in this issue.Happy summer.480 University Avenue, Suite 1000Toronto, ON M5G 1V2Telephone: 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836E-mail: etfovoice@etfo.orgwww.etfo.ca© ETFO 2006Printed on 10% post-consumer stock by Thistle Printing.JOHANNA BRANDetfo voice SUMMER 2006 3