OSSTF District 25 OTBU - Archived News & Events

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Past Professional Development Opportunities

Improving our Practice

We are offering two workshops on October 20 & 21 - for members to expand their knowledge of strategies around Boundaries and effective Classroom Management. Workshops will occur after school at the union office at 9 Corvus Court. There are no fees to participate. For more information and to register, use this link.
Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression (EARAO)
The Equity Literacy Institute (Paul Gorski) is presenting a 4-session, virtual workshop series at the end of October to mid-November 2025, called LOVE & COMMUNITY CARE: TRANSFORMATIVE VISIONS IN TROUBLING TIMES. Our bargaining unit has used the ELI resources in the past, and Paul's panel composition is always engaging and informative. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about transforming our everyday practice to strengthen our school communities. If you are interested in registering for these workshops, please fill out this Google Form. Please commit to attending the majority of sessions, as we cannot guarantee that sessions will be recorded. The deadline to apply for this PD is October 10, 2025.

Archived Union News & Events

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News will be listed with the most recent at the top.

Let's Talk Strike! Come bowl with us! (Nov. 7th & Nov. 12th)

Join your OSSTF District 25 colleagues for some bowling fun and the sharing of important information about our bargaining year! There will also be free food + Union SWAG!

There are three date options! Please RSVP at least a week before the event date you choose so we have time to make changes to the number of lane reservations. RSVP Here!

If you have any questions about this event, please email jiwon.bae@d25.osstf.ca

Posted 10/16/2025

Paint Night! (Oct. 30th & Nov. 5th)

Join your OSSTF District 25 colleagues for a relaxing evening of painting, socializing and free dinner + Union SWAG. A local artist will be coming in to teach us, so beginner painters are more than welcome! We will also share important information about our bargaining year.

There are two date options! Please RSVP at least a week before the event date you choose so we can let the instructor know how many materials to have ready. There is a maximum of 60 spots for each date, and spots will be given in the order of RSVP submissions. RSVP Here!

If you have any questions about this event, please email jiwon.bae@d25.osstf.ca

Posted 10/16/2025

Bargaining Survey

As we begin the bargaining cycle, it is important that OSSTF members provide input at both the local and central levels. Central issues tend to be more money-based and include things like wages, benefits, leaves and paid training.

Sometimes those issues can be complicated - especially as applied to the Occasional Teacher role - we've tried to put together a "cheat sheet" for members to use while completing the survey.

To encourage member engagement, we are offering 4 gift-card prizes locally for D25 OT members who complete the central survey.

If you've already completed the survey, you're still entered into the pool, as we have a list of all our members who have completed the survey.

Here's the link to the survey -Central Bargaining Survey, and a link to the information sheet - Guide to the Central Survey.

Once the local survey is sent out, you can double your chances for the local survey prizes if you have completed the Central Negotiating survey as well. We look forward to hearing your input and assembling our bargaining brief to reflect member concerns and top-of-mind priorities.

Tips on spreading the message!

en-survey-flyer (1).pdf

OTBU Guide to the Central Bargaining Survey

Guide to the Central Bargaining Survey for District 25 Occasional Teachers

Bargaining Survey (Sept. 22 - Nov. 7)

Members should receive information on the provincial bargaining survey released on September 22nd. If you are new to OSSTF, make sure you provide your contact information through this link.

Posted 10/15/2025

Makatew Medicine Bag Making Workshop (Nov. 1st)

Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning? On November 1, from 10:30 -12PM, the Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression Committee will host a Medicine Bag making workshop by Marc Forgette, a French Algonquin member of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation. His company Makatew Workshops will conduct a crafting and learning session at 9 Corvus Court in a good way. This event is open to only 30 members on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration for the event will close on October 27 at 5:00PM. A light lunch will be served after the workshop.

Posted 10/20/2025

OTBU Virtual Orientation (Oct. 6 & 7)

Welcome to the new school year! Are you wondering what it means to be part of the OSSTF OTBU? Join us on October 6th or 7th at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm to learn about your membership, as well as some tips for a successful school year. Please choose which day you would like to attend.

Registration Link: Google Form to Register

Posted 09/18/2025

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - formerly known as Orange Shirt Day. We encourage members to reflect on their learning and unlearning as they work toward understanding the legacy of Residential Schools and its deep and enduring impact on Indigenous peoples and their ways of being and doing. APTN (Aboriginals Peoples Television Network) will be featuring documentaries and webinars throughout the week leading to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Image (click for larger view): Giant Tiger has again partnered with two-spirit Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter to offer affordable and family-sized shirts in support of Indspire! an investment in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth.

Posted 09/22/2025

Where's Your Voice? (Sept. 24)

Join a virtual panel discussion to explore the important role of school board trustees and how to protect Ontario schools from Bill 33. This event is open to all: Educators, Parents, and Community members. Please register to receive the link to the virtual (Zoom) meeting.