The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Ukrainian arts and education awards available

The Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (URDC) at Grant MacEwan University invites applications for two awards in Ukrainian folk and visual art, and choral/vocal music. The Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts Award ($500) is offered annually for a project that fosters a greater awareness of Ukrainian art in Alberta. This project may be in the form of an exhibit, tour, festival, educational program or special project. The Roman Soltykewych Music Scholarship ($500) is available to applicants (individual or group) determined to pursue further studies in the field of Ukrainian choral or vocal music. Application deadline is November 30, 2011. Contact Alice Chumer for application details. Telephone: 780-497-4374; fax: 780-497-4377; e-mail: chumera@macewan.ca.

Youth privacy tool unveiled

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has launched a tool to help teachers and community leaders talk with young Canadians about protecting their privacy online. Protecting Your Online Rep is engaging and effective. The package includes a PowerPoint presentation with detailed notes for each slide, along with class discussion topics, targeted at Grades 9–12. A package suitable for Grades 4–8 will be available later this fall. The package is available online at www.youthprivacy.ca. For more information, contact Anne-Marie Hayden, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Telephone: 613-995-0103; e-mail: Anne-Marie.Hayden@priv.gc.ca.

Artist-in-residence inspires creativity in schools

Norene Procter teaches K–12 students the art and skill of silk painting, pencil sketching and working with pastels, acrylics and watercolours. Samples of Proctor’s and students’ artwork are featured on the artist’s website. For information, contact Proctor. Telephone: 403-242-6102; e-mail: silks@shaw.ca; website: www.sixfootsilks.com.

We’d like to hear your story

Did you leave teaching after three to five years in an Alberta school? Did you graduate from an Alberta faculty of education? Did you graduate with a BEd but have never had a full-time continuing contract in a school? Do you want to tell your story? Researchers at the University of Alberta are interested in learning why teachers leave teaching after only a few years. It is hoped that the information gathered will influence schools and government policies. Identities of participants will be kept confidential. For more information, contact the researchers at teacherattrition@gmail.com or 780-492-7770.

Autos for sale

2008 Nissan Rouge—Airstream (Silver) with grey leather; remote starter; tinted windows; studded ice radials; Bose stereo system; power windows, locks and mirrors; tilt/cruise and air-conditioning; ­approximately126,350 kilometers.

2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Tech—Blue Pearl; cashmere/­leather bucket seats; HD radio technology package; tilt/cruise control; air-conditioning; navigation system, HID headlights; ­approximately 24,899 kilometers.

Sealed bids marked “Car Bid,” attention ATA Business Manager Jeffrey Loke, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1, will be accepted until 5 p.m., October 21, 2011. The Alberta Teachers’ Association reserves the right to refuse the highest bid if it’s deemed to be inadequate.

For more information, contact Mr. Loke. Telephone: 780-447-9458 in Edmonton and area, or 1-800-232-7208 (ext. 458) toll free from elsewhere in Alberta.

Stories and photos wanted

The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be ­accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, the ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.