Congratulations from CTF (CTF Report)

On behalf of  the  Canadian  Teachers’  Federation  (CTF),  please  accept my  sincerest  congratulations  to  you– members and leaders of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario – on the occasion of your tenth anniversary. It seems as if it were only yesterday that the federation came into existence.

When  I  think  of  this  anniversary, I   am  reminded  of  the  great  strides ETFO  has  made  during  the  past  10 years and of  its accomplishments on issues related to social justice, gender equity, professional development, and collective  bargaining.  ETFO’s  important contributions to the teaching profession  have  gone  beyond  provincial borders, through its involvement with CTF national committees, and engagement and participation in CTF’s international initiatives.

Of course, I also have very fond personal memories, having been a member of ETFO’s executive since its inception and its president during the last round of collective bargaining, which achieved such   important  gains  for  members. Thank you for giving me the privilege and opportunity of serving you during the federation’s first decade.

I am also extremely proud to be the first  ETFO  member  to  have  become CTF  president.  With  my  congratulations go my best wishes for your success and prosperity in the future as part of the CTF family.

Canada’s third  annual  National Media Education Week, Nov.  3–7, aims to promote the importance of media literacy as a key component in the education of children and youth. This year the  focus is on encouraging young people to practice ethical behaviour when using new technologies.

In keeping with this year’s theme “Think Critically, Act Ethically”, the Media Awareness Network (MNet)  and the  CTF have developed free resources for teachers and students that address the issue of cyber bullying and online harassment. These are available at mediaeducationweek.ca. MNet  and the CTF are working with education organizations and libraries, as well as with community, parent and  youth groups to organize and promote a variety of media education events leading up to and during the week,  including: youth forums, media production workshops, classroom activities, panel discussions,  parent information  sessions,  professional development workshops, and conference presentations. There are many excellent activities that can be implemented in your school or community.

Throughout the week, CTF and MNet  will be looking for innovative media education initiatives by educators and  youth to feature in newsletters and on the NMEW  website. Those interested in having their activity profiled should contact MNet  at info@media-awareness.ca.

For more information on how National Media  Education Week 2008, visit mediaeducationweek.ca  or contact MNet  at info@media-awareness.ca.