Saskatchewan Bulletin Columns
Thursday, June 24, 2021
The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling for the Government of Alberta to stop all work on the piloting and implementation of the draft curriculum until an independent, open and full review and rewrite can occur.
The Association has published full-page ads in daily newspapers across Alberta to issue the call for a moratorium and to show support for school boards and teachers that decide not to participate in piloting.
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Education Minister Dustin Duncan indicated that “the Ministry of Education recognizes the important role of principals and vice-principals within the school setting.
“There are no current plans to move principals or vice-principals out of the provincial teacher collective bargaining agreement, as this is a matter for the bargaining table.”
Thursday, June 17, 2021
“As the employers of education staff in this province, I want to collectively express my heartfelt thanks to the great work that has been done by teachers and school staff under very difficult circumstances,” said Shawn Davidson, President of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.
According to Davidson, “I know how challenging and hard it has been at all levels in our schools, and I have to say that throughout it all they have made it as good as possible for our students.”
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Under the tutelage of teachers Camille St. Amand and Rita Istifo, this group of inspiring young students from Bethlehem Catholic High School in Saskatoon shared their passions for social justice issues while emphasizing the importance of being part of a team with a similar commitment.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
As one who is approaching 30 years involvement in public education, it would be quite natural to be considering winding down and perhaps even contemplating retirement plans.
Yet in his own words, the “book” is only a guide. It is therefore not such a surprise that Darryl Bazylak is leaving his position as superintendent of human resources services at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools to become the new director of education with Prairie Spirit School Division on August 1
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
As we all know, COVID-19 has been challenging for everyone, but this is especially true for teachers and school communities. Too often during the past year Saskatchewan educators were asked to pick up the ball and run with it, without being told which direction to run or, worse yet, with conflicting and ever-changing instructions. While I wish our members hadn’t been put in this position, I have been so consistently impressed and proud of how you have responded to the pandemic. You have worked incredibly hard in less-than-ideal circumstances, often playing a key part in holding our communities together.
In case you haven’t heard this enough, thank you. Thank you as a parent, a community member and as STF President for the work, both seen and unseen, that you have done for your students, families and communities.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Victor Thunderchild.
Even though occasionally my mind takes a holiday when it comes to remembering names; I can say with 100 percent certainty (God willing) that I will never forget the name. For a multitude of reasons.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
For more than a year, the statistics have become a daily lead item on the newscasts and newspaper reports.
The numbers of newly confirmed COVID-19 positive tests, the deaths and those in hospital, while also noting the recoveries. Sad surely, but somehow context is often lacking.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
It hardly comes as a news flash anymore, but increasingly so the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has become more business-like in its approach as its assets in the pension game continue to grow to unprecedented levels.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Ho hum, so it’s same old, same old. Well hardly.
On the one hand, it was business as usual following the elections at this year’s virtual version of the Annual Meeting of Council with Patrick Maze acclaimed as President, returning for another two-year term which now dates back to 2015. Samantha Becotte was similarly acclaimed for the role of Vice-President on the Executive.