Volume 43 • Issue 4 •June 2021 President’s Address hundred years and start over? Does this mean that everything Inside this issue that has been done over the last 1 century has been wrong? Cer- President’s Message tainly not! OSSTF has grown and changed throughout our his- 3 tory to meet the needs of our in- What is so “troublesome” about creasingly diverse membership, Critical Race Theory by Ann Bartok- and this is something that we Venetis must continue to do, both locally 4 and provincially. Retiree tributes To those members that claim Andrew Sobolewski, President OSSTF 9 District 19 - Peel Teachers’ Bargaining that OSSTF has done nothing The Ally as a Voice for the Voiceless Unit, 2019-2021 for them, I could point to a myr- by Doreen Nicholl iad of examples from OSSTF’s y father was a factory past, but I will focus on a very re- 11 worker for 35 years. cent and very public example that Award Winners One of the most im- demonstrates our strength when 12 Mportant things he taught me we stand together. At the start of The “Graduating” classes of 2020 was that there is strength in the the 2019-2020 school year, our and 2021 union, because the members give employer predicted that approxi- it strength. Together, we have mately 500 full-time secondary 15 opportunity. We have strength. teaching positions would be lost Updates And we have power. These words in Peel alone due to the pro- may seem familiar to you. This is posed Conservative Government part of what I wrote in my Oc- cuts. Initially, 193 Peel second- tober 2019 Appeel article, and it ary teachers received pink slips is just as true today. and were informed that their jobs would be cut prior to the 2019- This, however, does not mean 2020 school year. But together, that OSSTF is perfect. No or- with unified mind and purpose, ganization is. We have internal we made change happen. OSSTF issues that must be addressed - led a campaign to draw attention that is the state that any group, to the ridiculous path the Con- company, or organization are servative Government had put perpetually in. It is quite true Ontario on. And it worked. Not to say that the only constant is only were the vast majority of change, and OSSTF is no dif- these cuts (continued on page 2) ferent. We are made up of over 60000 members from numerous job classes working for a variety of employers. As our member- ship, employers, job classes, and society change, OSSTF must as well. But does this mean that we should cast aside the last one (Continued from page 1) clips. This is when the strength Unfortunately, COVID-19 2 of the population becomes was the biggest wrench that critically important. Dare to could have been thrown into reversed, but Peel placed all know! Have courage to use an already over worked engine. 193 teachers back into perma- your own reason! For you non- And we’re still living through nent full-time positions and history types, this is all Im- it. As I write this, there ap- hired additional permanent manuel Kant. And I would ar- pears to be a light at the end teachers as well. Without gue that this is phenomenally of the tunnel. Vaccinations the strength of the members, more applicable today than it are moving us back towards a without the strength of OSS- ever was in the 18th century. more normal life and we are TF, this would not have been almost finished the most chal- possible. This is exactly what The strength of any organi- lenging school year on record. my father was talking about. zation comes from the mem- Please, don’t neglect your own Together, we have opportuni- bers. Which means that the needs. Take care of yourself. ty. We have strength. And we onus and responsibility is on Make your health, happiness, have power. While one voice you, the members, to ask ques- and personal well-being your may be ignored, over 60000 tions, to scrutinize ideas, and top priority. Laugh and take cannot. to carefully listen to what is joy when you can. Take stock and is not being said by any- of what is most important in one at a podium. In short, to your life. “Together, we have be involved. And you must be opportunity. We involved, because the fight to have strength. And protect public eduction is not “Vaccinations are over. Our collective agreement moving us back we have power.” expires in August 2022, and there will also be a Provincial towards a more Every organization that has election. In the words of Ralph ever existed has had detrac- Nader, “If you’re not turned normal life” tors - both internal and exter- onto politics, politics will turn nal. OSSTF has gone through on you.” Pay attention. Open Since this is my final ad- this, and will most likely con- your eyes. Be aware. Be in- dress to the membership as tinue to go through this in volved. We’ve been through President, I would like to thank years to come. The difference this several times before, and the amazing people that I have today (and in the future) is we have always stepped up to worked with: Meaghan Ulla, the ease with which anyone the challenge. It won’t be easy. Toni Pellegrino, Mary Lu- can spread rumours, inaccu- It will be a marathon. But to- ciani, Kim Yamada, Dave Rus- rate information, and flat-out gether, we can again succeed. sell, Mary Arseneau, Michelle lies through social media, with Large, Mike Bettiol, Desiree little to no consequences. Francis, Terry Murphy, Lori In some cases it is these “The onus and Foote, Suzette Clarke, An- very lies, these false accusa- gela Sintzel, Bill Shaw, Alice tions and assertions; this bile responsibility is on Kong, Eleni Papaiconomou, that is spat out 140 characters you, the members, Dan Earle, Harvey Bischof, at a time, that results in seed- Paul Elliot, Martha Hradowy, ing doubt, discontent, and di- to ask questions, to Cindy Dube, the numerous vision within the population. scrutinize ideas, and Branch Presidents that have They rely on apathy, laziness, confided in me and I in them, cowardice, and fear to set to carefully listen to and once again Dave Russell. themselves up as guardians. what is and is not But above all, my lovely wife, Multi-faceted and complex Sandra. Your help and support situations should never be de- being said by anyone was always greatly appreciated, cided through sound bites and at a podium.” and will never be forgotten. What is so “troublesome” ments that students study the 3 about Critical Race writings or stories of multiple women and people of color Theory? and places an outright ban on Ann Bartok-Venetis, Cawthra Park any teaching of the 1619 Proj- ect. The passage of these laws ccasionally, I make my- would make it challenging for self watch Fox News. teachers to talk about issues Not because they have like Jim Crow, Civil Rights anything important to say, but in the 1960s, and Black Lives becauseO too many people listen Matter. to what they broadcast without I know what you are think- considering what evidence has These two textbooks are just some of been used to support opinions. ing – why is she writing about the ones being used by Faculties of Lately, they have had so much to something happening in Tex- Education. say about critical race theory be- as? Ontario’s Conservative gov- ing “trouble” and why it has no ernment has taken too many place in schools. Texas is one of the six major bad ideas from our southern textbook markets in the Unit- neighbours. Banning CRT Interviews on Fox News feature ed States. Their curriculum because it is “trouble” is a knee- parents stating that they do not influences the curricula and jerk reaction made by people understand why their children the textbook choices of the who are too scared to edu- are exposed to the “damaging states that surround it. Since cate our students beyond the or self-demoralizing” of CRT. the 1970s, most of the Secre- memorization of facts. Teach- They share the common fear taries of Education (equivalent ing students to think criti- that children who learn to con- to our Minister of Education) cally and to use theories like sider other’s points of view and have been priviledged and CRT is the only way to keep who question and analyze facts conservative white men. They them from believing the myth will turn into Marxists or Com- have embraced ideas like char- that those born into privilege munists ter schools, e-learning, com- have achieved success on their mon core curricula, and stan- own. We must teach students Critical Race Theory in educa- dardized testing. Ideas that to gather and analyze infor- tion is not a left-wing theory have now become accepted in mation, to ask questions, and whose purpose is to destroy so- the Texas and have gained a to understand that change, ciety. Instead, it is an intellectu- foothold among conservatives though sometimes painful, is ally rigorous theory whose pur- in Canada. good trouble. pose is to make the curriculum less Eurocentric and to change teaching and grading practic- es, so they are more equitable. CRT seeks to affirm students’ ethnic and racial background. The Texas legislature is consid- ering a bill which places severe limits on how teachers can talk about current events and Ameri- ca’s racist past. As the bill moved into the state senate, it was fur- ther changed by stripping more than two dozen require A TRIBUTE TO Celine DiNova 4 DISTRICT 19 School: West Credit Sept. 1996 - Jan.1997 (one semester) and RETIREES Lincoln M. Alexander Feb 1997 - Sept 2020. Years in education: 24 I loved my vocation - this is what being a teacher is. This was the most rewarding career of my life. My students’ helped shape Elliot Applebaum me as a person, and teacher, as I assisted in the development of the stu- dents’. I am truly grateful to God, for Blessing me with this Opportunity to mold another human being. School: Lincoln Alexander What I wish I knew then: A career filled with extreme highs and lows and Years in Education: 23 never boring. Federation Involvement: School Treasurer What I will miss most: Students’, Staff, and extra curricular was amazing and at times pushing boundaries that required new life. Retirement Plans: Golf, read, study. What I wish I knew then: Hard work Suzanne Drake pays off, but having a balanced approach to work is essential. School: Gordon Graydon Memorial,30 What I will miss most: The fabulous years Math Department Staff 1989-1993: Central Peel S.S.- Science/ Math 1993-2003: Heart Lake S.S.- Science/ Math 2003-2019: Gordon Graydon Memorial Mary Arseneau S.S- Special Ed/ASD Retirement Plans: Exploring the West School: District 19 Office Coast, Graydon reunions at Killbear P.P., cycling, hiking to waterfalls, yoga classes, Years in Education: 28 years in Peel spending time with family and my dog Askhim, watching Netflix, volunteering Worked 2 years as a Special Education E. A. at Mount Carmel in Dufferin Peel, What I wish I knew then: That learning is taught English at Central Peel and John as much about unquestioned answers as it is about unanswered questions. Fraser, Phys. Ed. at Turner Fenton and Glenforest, and Dept. Head of Health & What I will miss most: Organizing overnight trips for ASD students to Physical Education at Clarkson. Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls, Breakfast Club, Friday morning breakfast at the Skylight Cafe, Graydon Theatre productions, coaching Federation Involvement: Benefits & softball with Guad and Edwards. Retirement Counsellor – District 19 TBU, Provincial Collective Bargaining Committee – Vice Chair, Provincial LTD Renaty Friedrich and Benefits Advisory Workgroups, and AMPA delegate for 18 years. Retirement Plans: Travel, boat, play tennis, get back to the gym, learn Span- Current School: Bramalea S.S. ish, learn to play the violin, play piano and guitar, start a book club, spend Years in Education: 32 more time with my husband, children and grandchildren, play more with my dog, and just relax. Experiences in Education: What I wish I knew then: We have very little control over our lives – take 1983 Simcoe County supply teacher each day as it comes and try not to worry. 1989-90 Havergal College Math Teacher What I will miss most: Supporting our members through good times and bad, my OSSTF friends and colleagues, Meaghan and Toni (thank you for 1991-2021 Bramalea SS – Peel District keeping me organized), lunches with the D.19 staff, and the Petrick Breakfast. School Board OSSTF Involvement: Excellence in Ed Willi Clemens Rep 13 years total-on and off over the years), SAAC rep (8 years total-4 in the 90’s and again 2017-2020)...picket captain back in the 90’s through all the craziness School: Castlebrooke Retirement Plans: Travel, when its once again a thing that’s safe and en- Years in education26 years couraged, cycling, hiking, golf, skiing, volunteering, spend time with family Federation Involvement: Communications and friends, maybe check off all those other items on the “I’ll do this once Committee; Treasurer at Castlebrooke I have the time” list that’s been growing over the years... and...maybe even work at something completely new – the possibilities are endless!!! Retirement PlansMove to cottage country; get involved in the community; write and publish; I Wish I Knew Then… Pandemic....really!!?? – this is going to define my read and relax; avert dementia and live to be a last year in Education....who could have seen that one coming?? hundred. Will Miss Most… My peeps in the science dept. and around the school! So What I wish I knew then: The stress of teaching fortunate to have spent my days with such incredible colleagues and friends. becomes the joy of teaching. Already miss the coaching and in class teaching, the collaborative learning, and socializing with staff, the laughs in the science office and of course... What I will miss most: I will miss the students and my favourite colleagues. Bramalea Outdoor Education-a club that was part of every moment of my time at BSS. Keep Hiking Everyone...remember, Not all those who wander are lost!!! xo Kerri Hagerman Debra Kunkel School: Harold M Brathwaite 5 School: Peel Alternative School South Years in Education: 16 years Years in education: 28 Retirement Plans: Biking, Hiking, Ten- 1989 - 2003 Toronto DSB, opened East nis, Reading and learning to play the York Alternative School (1994- 2003) Piano 2002 -2004 Winnipeg School Division, What I wish I knew then: To worry less Occasional Teacher as in the end all works out 2009 - 2014 Peel Alternative School What I will miss most: Interaction South with students and staff. DECA, and Prom. 2014 - 2020 Ontario Youth Apprentice- ship Program (OYAP), Peel DSB Federation Involvement: OSSTF - Dis- trict 51, Status of Women Representa- tive, 1992 - 1994 Retirement Plans: To pick up dropped threads: reconnecting with friends Michelle Large and family, travel, studying, serving in my community of faith, writing, bik- ing, swimming and occasionally sleeping-in on week-days. What I wish I knew then: Carpe diem - seize the day! School: Assigned to Brathwaite but What I will miss most: All the “aha” moments with students, colleagues, released to the D19 Office community partners, pay-day breakfasts and Pho lunches. Years in Education: 31.5 Federation Involvement: Branch President at Applewood Heights and Jim Kinnie Brathwaite. Communications Chair (2 years), Executive Officer (1 year), TBU Vice President (3 years), Chief Nego- tiator (9.5 years). Provincial CBC and School: Clarkson Protective Services Committee. 15 years Years in Education: 33 AMPA delegate. Retirement Plans: Retiring to Canada’s Retirement Plans: Travel beautiful East Coast to be closer to family. Escaping winters by traveling to Mexico for as long as possible each year and lots of other traveling as well while creating, gardening and practicing lots of other self Kathy Matanovic care. What I wish I knew then: Always be pre- School: Harold M. Brathwaite pared to think outside the box to do what is best for each student as an individual. Years in Education: 33 What I will miss most: I will miss the energy of a regular school year, the Federation Involvement: Status of interaction with students, the camaraderie with staff and the laughter we Women Committee, Communications Committee *including Provincial Amie have shared every day. Award, AGMs, Strikes/demonstrations/ picketing Shelley Koehler Retirement Plans: Staying active and School: Stephen Lewis Secondary School healthy. And when the world has opened and it is safe: travel. Years in Education: 32 What I wish I knew then: Seek out Federation Involvement: Political Action Rep those special colleagues who love to have fun, share and collaborate and build your Retirement Plans: Catch up on lost sleep, ride my bike on le Petit Train tribe. Take all opportunities if and when du Nord in Quebec, hike the Bruce trail , travel anywhere that it is possible they come. , read juicy novels, continue to speak French, Spanish, learn Italian, take singing lessons, stay healthy and have fun playing with my grandchil- What I will miss most: I will miss my dearest colleagues and students. dren What I wish I knew then: Relationship first, curriculum second What I will miss most: I will miss the positive experiences with students, and my quest for teaching with finesse 6 John McLaughlin Chet Ramphal

School: Glenforest School: PAS North Years in Education: 29 Years in education; 25 1992-1997 Erindale SS Federation Involvement: Communications Rep. 2018 - 2021 1997-2021 Glenforest SS Retirement Plans: Read a lot Retirement Plans: Spending lots of time What I wish I knew then: Organize and plan, organize and plan outside motorcycling, bicycling, canoe trip- ping, fishing, dog walking, golfing, skiing in What I will miss most: Interacting with the school community Colorado, and keeping in touch and visiting friends around the country. I will also keep Maureen Shaw landscaping. What I wish I knew then: The hard work feels good. I will keep looking for knew op- School: John Fraser S.S. (2019-2020 portunities to grow and learn. retiree) What I will miss the most: The great people I worked with in education from Years in Education: 34 coworkers to federation people and the craziness of the classroom from all those unique students. Federation Involvement: Secretary, Excellence in Ed, Human Rights Doris Moretta Retirement Plans: Staying physically healthy by walking with friends, cycling and working out. Enhancing my French and Mandarin communication skills. School: Mississauga SS Volunteering with newcomers, and local Number of Years in Education: 32 environmental groups. Deepening my relationships with friends and family. Experiences in Education: Travelling when it’s safe to do so. 1988-1990 Supply teacher with DPCSB What I wish I knew then: I wish I knew how not to piss off every boss I had. 1991-2001 Glen Shields PS YRSB What I will miss most: I will miss the thrill of a great, interactive lesson 2001-2002 The Valleys Sr PS when I knew the kids had learned something they valued. I won’t miss 2002-2005 Meadowvale SS this, because there are still dedicated, altruistic people in my life, but I do treasure the countless hours my colleagues in OSSTF put in for the 2005-Oct 2020 Mississauga SS benefit of their colleagues, our students and our society Retirement Plans: travel, unlimited quality time with friends and family, finding new hobbies and interests, sleeping in, travel, try- ing new recipes, tutoring, puttering, binge- watching Netflix/Prime, doing home renos, travel, making more retirement Barbara Shein plans I Wish I Knew Then: how wonderfully fulfilling and rewarding a career in education was going to be; how many lifelong friends I would make along the School: West Credit Secondary School way Years in Education: 52 Will Miss Most: socializing with amazing co-workers, laughs with great department members, interacting with students, inspiring a love of language Federation Involvement: Served many learning and culture, and affecting change in our youth years on the Educational Services committee, Chair of Ed. Services 1999- 2000, prior to that was a member of Status of Women and Human Rights. Christine Pedersen-Brown Retirement Plans: Travel, quilting, giv- ing private sewing lessons, reading and engaging in various artistic activities. School: Clarkson Secondary School What I wish I knew then: Change will Years in Education: 26 always happen to us and around us, but plans for change are not always clearly thought out or crafted wisely. Federation Involvement: CBC and com- munications rep. Made it through the Harris When changes are proposed in education, always be aware of the changes years. Proud of my strike experience. that are suggested for the advancement of the proposer, as opposed to the ones that will make a real difference in the lives and learning opportu- Retirement Plans: My plans are to never nities of students. Teachers can make a difference. Be willing to take a wake up to an alarm clock ever again. stand for what matters. What I wish I knew then: Be the reason What I will miss most: Interactions with students and colleagues, someone has a good day at school, and don’t lunch time conversations and laughter, making learning fun, sharing my expect a thank you for it. Play. Make their knowedge and life experiences with my students. day. The kids who need you the most won’t tell you so. What I will miss most: I will miss the kids, and my colleagues. I’m proud of my longtime involvement with Cancer Drive and my union. Edmund Sestini Roy Spencer 7 School: Peel Alternative Central (Roy School: Gordon Graydon McMurtry School) Number of Years in Education: 29 Years in Education: 33 Experiences in Education and Federation Retirement Plans: Rebuild and modern- Involvement: ize mid century cabin up north. Keep on 1990-1995: Briefly Westwood then T.L. Learning. What I wish I knew Kennedy then: Teaching is like a box of chocolates. Great variety, mostly sweet, but can get 1995-2019: Gordon Graydon Memorial messy if you melt down. Stay cool and be Secondary School (Not Glenforest!) real. OSSTF Involvement: Metro PAC Rep- What I will miss most: The everyday joys resentative at Mobile Drive during some and challenges which keep one young and Harris/Eves years. Aways questioning is motivated. OSSTF a union, a federation or neither.

Roberto Silva Retirement Plans: Sailing. Indoor rowing. Improving my number calling School: Lorne Park S.S. skills for International Prime Number Dance Competitions. Roadtrip: “Travels with Charley” style across Canada. Taking a more active role in Years in Education: 19 the High Pi Society. Snowboard midweek. Experience a Pasta Harvest in Cosintano Italy. Woodworking. There is now only one five o’clock in my Federation Involvement: Involvement with day. the School Branch: Positions in Commu- nications Rep., Educational Services Rep. I Wish I Knew Then... It’s not about Education, only the appearance of Education. Life is hard and then you die. Retirement Plans: Keep Healthy and fit, keep the body moving. Visiting my Will Miss Most... Discussing Math Education through an international daughter and grandson in Vancouver. Visit lens at Graydon with the Math Dept. colleagues - I never stopped learn- family and friends in different parts of the ing. Working at Graydon with trusted friends for the last 24 years. Keep- globe. A bit of guitar. Continue working on ing high academic math standards despite the intense pressure to lower watercolours, woodworking and 3D print- standards. The 6:30 am trip to the gym. ing projects. As a way of acknowledging the rare camaraderie we had within the I Wish I Knew Then: It is not that I have Gordon Graydon Math Department. My colleagues in the Math De- to make sure that ‘students listen to me’, partment; friends with whom I have worked with for 24 years. They are it is also good, and most important, that I whom I will miss the most. listen to them first. Will Miss Most: The day to day interaction with staff and students. Jim Tanevski Coaching and celebrating or not the results of a game. Learning, getting School: Castlebrooke SS involved and sharing with great people! Years in Education: 15 David Spencer Retirement Plans: Travel, in general, and on my motorcycle. Finish off the “Honey Do” list. What I will miss most: Helping students grow. Daily interaction with School: Peel Alternative School North friends and colleagues. Years in Education: 38 Paul VanZant Federation Involvement: Co-author of the OSSTF Green School: A Guide for Envi- ronmental Education ISBN:0920930506 (1991), Excellence in Education Commit- School: Mayfield S.S tee (1992-1995), Communications Com- Years in Education: 30 mittee (1992 & 2003), Educational Services Committee (2019), ALPHA 1990-1993: North Park S.S. Peel Dis- Strike Captain (2020) trict School Board Retirement Plans: Providing consulting 1993-1996 Meadowvale Secondary services for school boards interested in School ORCKA 1996-2020 Mayfield Secondary School certifying their teachers in canoe tripping – Head of Geography, History and Li- skills. Training to become a location scout brary; Mayfield Federation Involvement: and drone pilot for film and television productions. And teaching outdoor SAAC Rep for 15 years education at summer camps and school board field centres. Retirement Plans: Travel; continuing What I wish I knew then: Teachers, please strive for balance in your life work as Chair of Canadian Geographic so that you have time to develop spiritually, time for your family, time for Education exercise and time to get outside and explore nature. What I wish I knew then: That older colleagues who challenged admin- What will you miss most: I’ll miss seeing the positive changes and hope istrative decisions weren’t speaking up because they were contrary, they that students experience throughout their school years. I’ll miss the profes- were speaking from a position of experience. sionalism and camaraderie of my fellow educators at OSSTF D19. What I will miss most: My students and my colleagues in the Geogra- phy, History and Library Department Karen Warner

8 School: Port Credit Secondary School Years in Education: 30 Retirement Plans: My retirement plans include spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking, road trips, going to concerts, fitness, shopping, gardening, and whatever else I feel like doing when- ever I feel like doing it because now I can. What I wish I knew then: Teaching has been an incredible journey for me and I hope it is for you too. Make the most of it, and get involved. What I will miss most: I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in teaching, especially all the good times in the phys. ed. department. I will miss working with the kids in the classroom and in extracurricular activities (i.e.) Athletic Council and coaching.

Lori Yaworski

School: David Suzuki S.S. Years in Education: 34 Experiences in Education and Federation Involvement: 1987-1990: Hamilton-Wentworth and Halton School boards 1990- 2020: Peel District School Board- 1990-1996- Brampton Centennial S.S.(Science, French, P.E.) 1996-1999-West Credit SS. (P.E) 2000- Teacher exchange Bright Victoria, Australia- P.E. years 7-11 2001-2011- West Credit S.S.-P.E.- P.E., GLE, Contact 2011-2016- David Suzuki S.S. Contact teacher 2017- Teacher exchange NSW Australia- Specialized Behaviour School Years 7-10 2018-2020- David Suzuki SS. Contact teacher + DDR OSSTF Involvement: 2011-2020-Branch president for 3 years and VP for 7. AMPA delegate. Participated in D19 social events and workshops. Retirement plans: Some OT during the pandemic, Cycling, Travelling with our T@B camper, Hiking in other countries. I wish I knew then: Play more because the work will always be there. Will Miss most: The interactions and conversations with the students, the great conversations with colleagues and celebrating the milestones and bloopers in our lives together.

Thank you for all your years in education. You made a real difference in the lives of students Congratulation and many warm wishes for a happy retirement! Four volumes make up the Canadian Geographic Indig9- THE ALLY AS A VOICE enous Peoples Atlas of Cana- da: Truth and Reconciliation; First Nations; Inuit; Metis. FOR THE VOICELESS The set is a wealth of knowl- edge for children, youth and Doreen Nicholl, Sandalwood Heights adults to explore, including maps, artwork, history, culture OVID-19 has shown into three sections: the 10 and so much more. Canada to be a country principles of reconciliation; that is inequitable to the 94 calls to action; and Future History, available CBlack, Indigenous and people the 46 articles of the United for free on Aboriginal Peoples of colour (BIPOC); 2SLG- Nations Declaration on the Television Network (APTN) BTQIA+ folk; disabled folk; Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as CBC Gem, packs the working poor , those living (UNDRIP). These documents each 20-minute episode full in poverty, and well the mi- are essential to repairing rela- of information about the his- grant workers who grow and tions between Indigenous and tory of First Nations, Inuit harvest our food, take care of non-Indigenous peoples in and Metis peoples. More im- our children and elderly, and Canada. The calls to action are portantly, it shows how richly do the work Canadians refuse specific actions that need to be wonderful a reconciled future to. All of these folks are more undertaken to redress the resi- could be. vulnerable to the coronavirus dential school legacy and pro- and generally have more seri- mote reconciliation. UNDRIP Today’s political climate ous outcomes, especially when establishes and maintains mu- makes the episode about “Mu- experiencing several intersect- tual respect between Indig- seums, Monuments and Liv- ing oppressions. enous and non-Indigenous ing History” particularly im- people in Canada. Class sets portant. It’s imperative that voices available from NCTR 1-855- from all marginalized com- 415-4534. The B.C. Museum Associ- munities are included in de- ation recently released a video signing the post-pandemic Elementary aged children titled “#MuseumsAreNot- vision of Canada. However, can learn about the 10-year Neutral: White Supremacy these voices need support from long legal battle fought against in Museums and Calls for privileged Canadians who of- the federal government to es- Immediate Action.” Sharan- ten have more import with tablish and enact Jordan’s jit Kaur Sandhra successfully representatives at various lev- Principle guaranteeing on-re- argues that museums’ focus els of government. So, in or- serve children the same rights comes through a predomi- der to be ready when called to health care as all Canadian nantly white, male lens. What upon to be an ally, here are children in the book, Spirit gets displayed, how it’s experi- some resources that will help Bear and Children Make His- enced and those welcomed to you see life through a Black, tory. that space or those who visit Indigenous and people of co- these cultural spaces are all lour (BIPOC) lens to better Go Show the World: A subject to this lens. inform your allyship. Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew is a Her observation that BI- The National Centre for way to get your children in- POC artists and employees Truth and Reconciliation terested in finding out more are hired to be seen and not (NCTR) has put together about these amazing women heard is echoed in the book, a booklet called “Truth and and men while they’re home Towards Braiding by Elwood Reconciliation Calls to Ac- over the summer. Jimmy, Vanessa Andreotti and tion.” The booklet is divided Sharon Stein. Tasha Hubbard’s docu- Sinding mentions the NFB 10mentary, We Will Stand Up, documentary, Speakers for the available free on the NFB web- Dead, which looks at the era- Film-maker and actress, site or on CBC Gem, explores sure of the history of Black set- Elliott Page, used social scien- the legacy of Colten Boushie tlers in the town of Priceville, tist Ingrid Waldron’s landmark and his family’s struggle to get Ontario. The Black community book, There’s Something In justice for his murder by a Sas- was eventually driven from their The Water, as the foundation katchewan farmer. homes and their graveyard was for their exposé on the health cleared of gravestones leaving and environmental destruc- Music is an important part no trace of their existence. That tion forced onto Black and of culture and also learning. is until the late 1980s when ef- First Nations communities in Here are a few song sugges- forts to recover the missing Nova Scotia. This is what en- tions for an enjoyable sum- stones led to Black and white vironmental racism looks like. mer: “Blackbird” in Mi’kmaq; people working together to “Heart of Gold” in Cree; Twin piece together the missing his- For some social justice in- Flames’ song, “Porchlight,” tory. spiration, listen to Marvin’s about missing and murdered Room with host Amanda Par- women, sung in English and For those who have grown ris. Here’s a great episode to Inuktitut; and Jarrett Martin- up and are living with white learn about empowerment. eau’s weekly radio program, privilege, it’s time to understand Reclaimed. the history that you defend. Go Each July 1, I take time to School, You’re a Little Black to reflect on how Canada can According to the United Boy, is Lincoln Alexander’s move forward from it’s rac- Nations definition of geno- memoir of his life living in a ist and exclusionary history cide, Canada is not only re- racist country. to create an inclusive, caring sponsible for trying to destroy country that actively listens Indigenous but also Black Desmond Cole’s award- to and incorporates all voices peoples and their history in winning article, “The Skin into its post-COVID reincar- this country. We’re In,” which became a nation. Then, I challenge my documentary and recently a full students to contemplate their Christina Sinding is a length book by the same name, role in making sure the well- professor in the school of so- chronicles acts of racism, cover- being of diverse folks and the cial work and department of ups and social justice activism health of our land and water health, aging and society, at during 2017. take priority in the post-pan- McMaster University. She demic recovery. recently wrote an article ad- Teaching for Black Lives is dressing the importance of an American-based book de- discussing the history that we signed to help white teachers not only want to preserve, but rethink the way they teach ra- honour. cialized students, but it’s also an eye-opening read for everyone Statues and street names who is not marginalized and don’t teach history. Instead, has not been the target of rac- they honour individuals and ism. hold them up as exemplary while simultaneously ignoring Haymarket Books is more the intergenerational trauma than a publisher of ground- inflicted, and, as Sinding states breaking works, it’s also where in her piece, “Makes this harm you can sign up for informa-

lasting, preserves it and allows tive teach-ins by Angela Davis, James McNellis from Washington, DC, via it to continue.” Cornel West, Naomi Klein and Wikimedia Commons Arundhati Roy. 11 12 Congratulations owards the end of May, our district has a celebratory dinner where we honour our award win- ners, retirees, and the members who have perfomed exemplary Federation service. Because of Covid, we have not been able to have that dinner. In lieu or that, please take a moment to Treach out to our “graduating” class of retirees for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Thank you for all you have done.

Alpha Brampton Centennial Erindale Arseneau, Mary (District Palmieri, Mary Marler, Lawrence 19 Office) Solomon, Winsome Bogles, Jenet (PAS South) Glenforest Byer, Brent (PAS North) Castlebrooke Dewar, Ken (PAS South) Csonka, Ilona Hagerman, Kerri (PAS Clemens, Willi Johnston, David South) Tanevski, Jim Mclaughlin, John Large, Michelle (District Nikoletos, Harry 19 Office) Cawthra Park Vitols, Alberts Levalds, Katie (PAS North) Wilson, Robert Ramphal, Chet (PAS Holmes, Lawrence North) Kernot, Allan Gordon Graydon Sintzel, Angela (District 19 Kirby, Darlene Office) Miller, Kenneth Drake, Suzanne Spencer, David (PAS Spencer, Roy North) Central Peel Harold M. Brathwaite Applewood Heights Cartmell, Nancy Tijanic, Nada Bakshi, Ashish Craigen, Paul Warren, Debbie Kunkel, Debra Joseph, Meeta Marchesano, Rocco Richards, Glen Chinguacousy Matanovic, Kathy Palmieri, Frank Applewood Acres Lisowsky, Victor MacDonald, Karen Humberview Thomas, Gail Williams, Randy ( Julian) Zawiski, Mary Allain, George Clarkson Youssef, Aziz Bramalea Heneault, Karen Friedrich, Renaty Kinnie, Jim Jean Augustine Horn, Nancy Pedersen-Brown, Christine Lyttle, Jennifer Mayer, Martin Shoesmith, Alan David Suzuki Stainton, Dorinda Tylicka-Wiercigroch, Leering-Smith, Micheline Halina Ponzi, Dawn Yaworski, Lori Meadowvale TL Kennedy Guthrie, Emily Seeback, Janet 13 John Fraser Khaper, Kanta Voros, Agnes Lane, Sharon Cohen, Barbaraann McCart, Sally Turner Fenton Dowey, Deborah-anne Taylor, Paul Maguire, John Lanktree, Robert Rayko, Wayne Mississauga Shaw, Maureen West Credit Timmings, Joan Moretta, Doris Kuta, James Judith Nyman North Park Nadin, Ken Shein, Barbara Bodach, Harvey Brown, Paul Walkling, Peter Kokinias, Toula Ward, Dale Parkinson, Jill Port Credit Wendland, Curtis Smith, Lawrence Fullerton, Yvonne Woodlands Lincoln M. Alexander Janasik, Anna Kolenko, Stan Cox, Nicholas Applebaum, Elliot Nesbitt, Alan Monetta, Canio Armocida, Mario Warner, Karen Price, Jennifer Battick, Cleve Di Nova, Celine Rick Hansen PSSP Ionescu-Simionescu, Gabri- ela Mcallister, David Collins-Williams,Mary Johnson, Ian Poudrette, Debbie Ann Grennell. Katherine Lorne Park Roy McMurtry School Lee, Linda Lomis, Marsha Gemmell, Wayne Sestini, Edmund MacKay, Maureen Kelly, Elaine Martone, Anna Newhook, Ross Sandalwood Heights Moustacalis, Estes Silva, Roberto Newhouse, Cathylou Tate, Mike Pressner, Donna Louise Arbour Steele, Mary Ann Stephen Lewis Nestor, Gregory Brenyo, Andrew Mayfield Harris, Brenda Koehler, Shelley Besworth, Richard Nguyen, Huu-Kim Bredschneider, Claus Durran, Cindy Streetsville Hallett, John Horton, John Kammermeier, Lynda Lever, Andrea Neufeld, Paul Passarelli, Eugene Quevillon-Raymond, Suzanne VanZant, Paul Robillard, Faith 14

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Brokerage License 12185 Branch Updates mo), Rupali Saddi (Math), Sobiga Thiyagasothy (Spec Ed). All of the staff at Judith Nyman wish you well during your time here. Welcome back to Angelique15 Cawthra Park D’mello and Sarah Skinner. Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations to Andrea Zagrodny who is going on Congratulations to the staff members joining another parental leave at the end of the year. school in 2021- 2022 school year; Dennis Kim (Port Farewell Credit SS), Jennifer Jeffery (Lincoln Alexander SS), Pomil Sandhu (PAS North), Jennifer Williams (Mead- Farewell to Lisa Fernandes (Mathematics and Business), owvale SS), Navnit Wirach (Mississauga S.S.), Nilani Gregory Dickison (Music), Mikael Taylor McNamara Kuhapalan (Medowale SS), Jenna Edwards (Mead- (Mathematics and History), and Khoi Ly (Guidance) as owvale S.S.), Jacquelyne Ferreira (Erindale S.S.), and they go on to other schools next year. We will miss all Anthony Samchek ( Jean Augustine S.S.) your amazing contributions. Farewell to our LTOs as Condolences well. Brittany Doerr, Shalini Gallen, Yannis Gianniotis, Alessia Prosperi, Christine Rabey, Yasmine Raymond- Condolences are sent to Angelique D’mello on the Wilson, Fatima Sheikh, and Caroline Yearwood. Thank passing of her mother and Anthony Samchek on the you for all the work you did - you will be missed and passing of his brother. best of luck next year. Lincoln M. Alexander Humberview Welcome Congratulations Welcome to Tina Sidhu who will be joining Lincoln Congratulations to Angelina Chiatto-Mead who wel- as a cross curricular head and special education teacher. comed her baby boy Nathan John in January, to Lesley Congratulations Utting-Polchak who welcomed her baby girl Brinley in January, and to Natasha Demme who welcomed her Congratulations to Heidi Krasnozon (Global Studies), baby girl Maggie Annijge in February. who is currently pregnant. Farewell Farewell Best wishes and farewell to the following LTO’s: Aneil Good-bye for now to Elliot Applebaum, a thoughtful Sharma, Theodore De Veyra, Tulay Yalcin , Dwayne Al- mathematics teacher who imparted his knowledge to meida, Fabrizio Oliveri, Branden Bauer, Francesca Wa- students and staff, for many dedicated decades. Farewell terton, Arissa Fogolin, Mark Stevens, Andrew Barson, to Celine Di Nova who contributed for many years, as Alisha Pancham, Caroline Cooper, Uttara Mukundan, a great cooperative education and technological teacher. Kelly Williams, and Darshna Suri. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students. Best wishes Louise Arbour Secondary School and farewell to Gunit Sukhija who will be joining Port Credit S.S in the fall. A special farewell and congratula- Welcome tions to Cecil Chappell who will be retiring after many Welcome to the following LTOs: Stephanie King years in Peel. We thank you for your many contribu- (Physical Education), Himshikha Bhutani (Mathemat- tions over the years and hope that you will enjoy this ics). Welcome back to Sandra Rodrigues (English), next chapter of your life. You will be missed. Debbie Foss (English), and Babitha Loganathan (Sci- ence). Judith Nyman Congratulations Welcome Congratulations to Covina Kwan and family on wel- Judith Nyman shares a big welcome to LTO’s: Samatha coming baby boy Cedric, Sheldon Lawrence and fam- Anderson (English), Jagdeep Balgoo (Math), Theresa ily on welcoming baby girl Dahlia-Sophia, and Scott Bryce (Spec Ed), Stephanie Casciaro (Spec Ed), Kath- McDooling and family on welcoming baby boy Owen. erine Conforto (Social Science), Dean Chherawala Farewell (Spec Ed), Dejan Grujicic (Spec Ed), Sumy John (Eng- lish), Leah Martelley (Spec Ed), Darshna Suri (Spec Farewell to Samar Qassem (Math) who moves on to Ed), Christopher Novia (Spec Ed), Olaide Oladejo Clarkson, Navjot Dhillon (Special Education) who (English),Andrea Ledgister-Parchment (Spec Ed), moves on to West Credit, and Tarmeet Sidhu (English) Erum Qureshi (English), Varshiini Ravishankar (Cos who moves on to Jean Augustine. Finally, farewell to Sonia Takhar (LTO - Science). Meadowvale Farewell LETS KEEP THE PRESSURE ON! Congratulations Farewell and congratulations to Dina Suppa, who will 16 be retiring at the end of year, after 36 years in educa- Congratulations to Zeeshan Macklai and Melissa Kosik tion. Farewell to Tara Konings, who will be working at on your new POR! Congratulations to Lindsay Kerr on Heartlake SS next school, James Kidston, who is heading 1 STAY INFORMED your new position at the board as an Inclusion Coach! to John Fraser, and Jennifer Williams, who will be join- Keep up with the news and social media. When you spot an error or omission, speak up! Congratulations to Richard Van on your new teaching ing Meadowvale SS as the acting Cross Curricular head. position. All the best in your new roles! Heather Magnus Turner Fenton would like to say thank you and farewell and husband Shawn Thompson (Applewood Heights to the following LTOs. Each and every one of you has 2 TALK TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS LTO) are thrilled to announce the birth of their first made a positive difference this year. So, farewell to Jessica Friends, family, and neighbours may not understand why child, son Corin, in February. Ready, Lavenia Kanagaratnam, Jashanjot-Gill, Krystyna hybrid learning is so bad - talk to them Farewell Pell, Madelle Wood, Kyle Manraj, Josette McKenzie, Devalina Mitra, David Bromstein, Hardeep Pahal, Al- 3 USE SOCIAL MEDIA Thank you to our LTOs: Anisa Hosein, Ghadah Sid- exandra Polanska, Natasha Bryan, Assad Rahim, Lucyna Post, comment, repost. diqui and Angelique Polizos for their ongoing work Michalkiewicz, Chris Kozovski, Nathan Girodat, Arti supporting student success. Congratulations and thank Behl, and Christopher Kim. you to Emily Guthrie for her dedication to student and 4 SEND AN EMAIL Send an email to a decision maker (either using a template school success over the years she has taught at Mead- from the shared drive below or your own composition). owvale. Happy Retirement, Emily! Congratulations and thank you to Kanta Khaper for all her support to our DD program and creating a strong learning environment FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TEMPLATES, PLEASE VISIT for our students. Happy Retirement, Kanta! Congratula- H T T P S : / / D R I V E . G O O G L E . C O M / D R I V E / F O L D E R S / 1 3 V 9 E Z D X tions and thank you to Sally McCart for your dedication M 2 B G D N T L F M E O H G 3 B 5 Y V Y 9 N A 8 F to our students. Happy Retirement, Sally! Get Well Best wishes for a full recovery to Emran Abid. We look forward to seeing you soon! Sandalwood Heights Farewell Thank you to Shivani Gandhi for her work in Family Studies. Thank you to Marta Kasnieryk for her work in Social Science this year. Both wonderful additions to the team Streetsville Farewell Sadly, we must say goodbye to eight Long-Term Occa- sional teachers who joined our staff this year: Jasmina Hadzic-Petrovic (English and Special Education), Fran- cis Manyanga (Special Education, ASD), Brianna Mas- tromatteo (French), Yoomi Oh (Science), Rebekah Park (Science), Tripti Walia (Science), and Susan Wang (Sci- ence). Thank you for your hard work during this excep- tional year. Turner Fenton Welcome Welcome back Katherine Liu, Lisa Lipcsei, and Jennifer Legare. Please join me in welcoming Bryan Gatehouse, who is returning to Turner Fenton in Science and Civics, and Sam Walker, who will be joining us in the English department. LETS KEEP THE PRESSURE ON! The Appeel

The Appeel is an independent publication for the STAY INFORMED membership of OSSTF District 19 – Peel, created 1 and edited by members of the Editorial Board who Keep up with the news and social media. When you spot are appointed by the Communications Committee. an error or omission, speak up! The Appeel provides a forum for discussion and exchanging information on educational issues, but it does not necessarily represent the policies TALK TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS of the District 19 Executive or OSSTF. Publishing 2 decisions are made by the Editorial Board, in Friends, family, and neighbours may not understand why consultation with the Executive. Submissions from hybrid learning is so bad - talk to them members including articles, letters, photographs, or drawings are always welcome. Submission from non-members will be considered. Electronic submission is encouraged at appeeld19@gmail. USE SOCIAL MEDIA com. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit, 3 hold or refuse submissions. Post, comment, repost. OSSTF District 19 – Peel Suite 102, Educators’ Centre SEND AN EMAIL 6435 Edwards Blvd 4 Mississauga ON L5T 2P7 Send an email to a decision maker (either using a template t: (905) 564-7255 from the shared drive below or your own composition). f: (905) 564-7265 Website: www.osstfd19.ca Twitter: @OSSTFD19 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TEMPLATES, PLEASE VISIT Facebook: facebook.com/osstfd19 Instagram: @OSSTFD19 H T T P S : / / D R I V E . G O O G L E . C O M / D R I V E / F O L D E R S / 1 3 V 9 E Z D X M 2 B G D N T L F M E O H G 3 B 5 Y V Y 9 N A 8 F

EDITORIAL BOARD Here are some of the templates you can use: Editor Chris Petrov, Streetsville Celine McDonald, Turner Fenton Annie Bartok-Venetis, Cawthra Park

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Chris Petrov, Chair Chet Ramphal, ALPHA Naveer Bahia, Applewood Heights Lisa Williamson, Applewood School Mirka Bogdanowicz, Bramalea Joanne Toon, Brampton Centennial Christina Barrager, Castlebrooke Ann Bartok-Venetis, Cawthra Park Saloni Ohri ,Central Peel Melissa Frost, Chinguacousy Kelly Shanahan, David Suzuki Jody Berardi, Erindale Candace Price, Glenforest Greg Woods, Harold M. Brathwaite Rosetta Reale, Humberview Tanya Tresise, Humberview Kristina Whitford, John Fraser Pomil Sandhu, Judith Nyman Andrea Williams, Lincoln M. Alexander Peter Huang, Lorne Park Laura Cherry, Louise Arbour Alissa Tan, Louise Arbour Jenn Barnhouse, Mayfield Christine Cote, Mayfield Rajdeep Nijjar, Meadowvale Kaileigh Driessen, Mississauga Ravi Panwar, North Park Kim Huynh, Parkholme School Jennifer Boston, Port Credit Daljit Sidhu, Sandalwood Heights Chris Aikman, Stephen Lewis Jayne Shewman, Streetsville Dolly Mehra, T. L. Kennedy Celine McDonald, Turner Fenton Traci Erkkila, West Credit Ryan Sparrow, OTBU Ryan Harper, OSSTF D19