Mailed under Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40063555. ISSN 0382-408X Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3106 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia CANADA B3L 4L7 NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION VOLUME 48, NUMBER 4 DECEMBER 2009 H1N1 and the NSTU: Pushing for protection After weeks of advocating on behalf vaccination sites and eliminate the need of teachers and their students, and pres- for parents to take their children out of suring the provincial government to set school to get the vaccine.” Community College agreements up H1N1 vaccine clinics in schools, the Another issue the NSTU has been NSTU is pleased it’s finally happening. tackling regarding the H1N1 crisis relates officially signed At press time, the first school-based to pregnant members. Pregnant women H1N1 vaccination clinics were being have been universally identified as a high set up in two high schools of the Halifax risk group. The Public Health Agency of Regional School Board, and in several Canada says that while pregnant women schools serving elementary, junior high are not more at risk of contracting the and high school students in the Tri- virus, those who do in their second or County Regional School Board. third trimester, or within four weeks of This is something the NSTU has giving birth, are more likely to suffer been requesting for more than a month. complications like pneumonia and severe On October 30, NSTU president respiratory distress. This can put both the Alexis Allen appealed to the Nova Scotia mother and the fetus’ health at risk. At Department of Health Promotion and the same time, children under 15 have Protection to set up H1N1 vaccine clin- been identified as the group with the ics in Nova Scotia schools. The NSTU highest risk of infection–the very same was receiving many calls and emails group with whom pregnant teachers are from concerned members, and rates in daily contact. The new agreements for Community College faculty and professional support of absenteeism were climbing steadily Based on this correlation, NSTU staff members were officially signed on November 25 at the Waterfront Campus throughout the province. president Alexis Allen has repeatedly called of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). “The concerns of our teachers have upon Marilyn More, Nova Scotia Minister NSCC president Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair (right) and NSTU president Alexis been absolutely valid,” says Allen. “From of Education, to instruct all boards and the Allen are shown above. The agreements were ratified in a vote of both bargaining units on October 23. The agreements were finalized after 16 months of negotia- the start, students and teachers have NSCC to reassign all pregnant teachers tions, a strike vote, a strike date of October 20, a rally in front of the Nova Scotia been on the until such time as legislature, and a last minute deal struck on October 19. front line of they receive the “This is an exciting day,” said NSTU president Alexis Allen. “I’d like to thank this pandemic, H1N1 vaccine, everybody that was involved throughout this difficult process. Everyone was and yet it seems and have had suf- professional and respectful. It speaks highly of the two groups that negotiated schools were ficient time for this contract.” left out of the the vaccine to “This is a great moment of celebration. I’d like to commend the faculty and original H1N1 take effect. professional support staff for their professional conduct throughout the process vaccination The NSTU’s and their commitment to students,” said McArthur-Blair. planning.” request was The new agreements expire on August 31, 2011. They contain a 2.9 per cent The Capital turned down annual salary increase in 2008-09, a one per cent salary increase in 2009-10, District Health by the province. and 2010-11. There is also a one per cent adjustment to salary grids applied on Authority says However, Dr. September 1, 2008 that responds to industry specific demands. Improvements the clinics at Robert Strang, that support continuing professional development include two self-directed Sackville High Chief Public learning days annually. Enhanced medical insurance benefits in both agreements bring them in line with those negotiated previously for public school teachers. and Citadel Health Officer Enhanced sick leave accumulation provisions were also attained. High are pi- for Nova Scotia lot projects. and Duff Mont- Students and gomerie, Deputy teachers will be Minister of the able to get the H1N1 shot during school Department of Health Promotion and Holiday Hours hours with both clinics opening to the Protection did meet with Allen and NSTU general public after school until 9 p.m. executive director Bill Redden. Nova Scotia Teachers Union South West Health says the vaccination “We were given the opportunity to meet Closes at noon on December 23 and reopens January 4, 2010 clinics being set up in local schools in the with Dr. Strang and express our concerns,” Teachers Plus Credit Union Tri-County Regional School Board will says Allen. “We informed him about the Closes at noon on December 24 be for students only; additional com- lack of protection for our teachers in the and reopens December 29 & 30 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closes at noon on December 31 and reopens January 4, 2010 munity health clinics in fire halls and classroom; they are in daily contact with legions will serve the general public. dozens of children and yet are unable to Johnson Inc. “This is a great start,” says Allen. “I leave a classroom full of students in order Closes at noon on December 24 and reopens December 29-30 Closes at 3:30 p.m. on December 31 and reopens January 4, 2010 hope other regional health authorities will to frequently wash their hands.” follow this lead and set up H1N1 clinics The NSTU remains committed in schools across the province. to keeping on top of any new H1N1 Season’s Greetings “Giving the vaccine at school will developments and will continue to not only ensure they receive it; it will advocate strongly on behalf of its from the staff of The Teacher! also cut down on lineups at the public membership. Anne Murray presents MusiCounts Teacher of the Year award Scott Leonard first Nova Scotia recipient MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity named Scott Leonard of Bridgewater’s P a r k V i e w E d u c a t i o n NSTU Local president wins Heritage National Centre (PVEC) the fifth annual Excellence Award for teachers winner of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. J U N O award-winning artist and Nova Scotia native, Anne Murray, presented Le- onard with the award at the Halifax Club on November 2. “ I a m s o grateful to everyone who From left to right are: Sherry Selvidge, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB) played a role in Member Jenny White, Cathy’s husband Jerry Reimer, Cathy Reimer, NSTU president my journey here Photo: Riley Smith Alexis Allen, Scott McIndless Chairman Heritage Education Funds, NSTU first vice- today. Teaching president, and vice-principal of Aldershot School Shelley Morse, Aldershot School principal music is an extremely rewarding career and one that has afforded me the oppor- Karen Dyke and Director of Programs and Services for the AVRSB, David Jones. tunity to work with exceptionally talented and passionate individuals,” Leonard said. “Through music, one can have a real impact on people’s lives, and through During a school assembly on October 26, Kings Local president, Cathy Reimer them, the broader community.” was presented with a cheque for $5,000 as the Atlantic Canadian recipient of the He has been a devoted mentor to music students for 24 years, 21 of which Heritage National Excellence Awards for Teachers (NEAT). Each year, the Heritage Educational Foundation recognizes the efforts of talented, he has spent at PVEC. Leonard epitomizes the spirit of the MusiCounts Teacher inspiring and dedicated teachers through Heritage NEAT. Reimer, who teaches of the Year Award as his commitment to music education extends far beyond the Grade 3 at Aldershot Elementary School in Kentville, was nominated by her col- classroom. He was the director of Park View’s first school musical and also teaches league Sherry Selvidge, an educational at Lunenburg County Band Camp where he frequently coaches former graduates. assistant at the school. In recognition of his commitment to enhancing his students’ learning experience “This is a wonderful opportunity for through music education and his contributions to the cultural life of the commu- me, but also for all teachers to be cel- nity, Leonard received a $10,000 cash award, plus an additional $10,000 for his ebrated,” said Reimer. “It’s an honour to school’s music program, and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2010 JUNO Awards ISSN 0382-408X receive this, thank you very much.” in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Managing Editor: Angela Murray “Mrs. Reimer is one of 20,000 teach- Leonard teaches guitar, band, and embraces innovative new ideas, having Assistant Editor: Clare MacIntyre ers in Atlantic Canada,” said NSTU created his own class—Recording Arts Technology. His talent and charisma led Advertising & Circulation: Sonia Matheson president Alexis Allen. “She is very to numerous opportunities to join bands, but he chose to channel his skills and Published ten times a year (September-June) by the deserving of the award.” energy through teaching and mentorship, for which PVEC students are extremely Nova Scotia Teachers Union Heritage NEAT acknowledges indi- grateful. When PVEC was unable to hire a new music teacher, Leonard added vidual teachers who have introduced Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: more classes to his already demanding schedule.