The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Send information about upcoming events to Raymond Gariépy (e-mail: raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca).

Turn inspiration into action

The ATA is hosting the inaugural Inspiration into Action—Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Development Conference on April 12–13, at Barnett House, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton. Teachers and administrators will explore diversity in the classroom and workplace and learn how to set up a local diversity, equity and human rights (DEHR) committee. Inspiration into Action will provide a space for people to come together to talk about diversity, equity and human rights issues, and is intended to create momentum for local associations that are considering or are in the process of establishing their own DEHR committee. David Bouchard, Métis author and storyteller, will present the keynote address on Friday night. For more information, visit the ATA website: www.teachers.ab.ca.

Work-life study highlights Alberta’s teachers

The Situation for Alberta Teachers is the fourth report stemming from the 2011/12 National Study on Balancing Work and Caregiving in Canada, authored by work-life balance experts Linda Duxbury and Christopher Higgins. The report compares the results from a sample of 2,462 Alberta teachers with national findings from 25,000 employed Canadians and highlights unique work-life challenges for Alberta teachers. The report is available online. Visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association website at www.teachers.ab.ca.

Edmonton Public Library cards are free—all year

You read right! As of March 13, library cards are free for all Edmontonians during Edmonton Public Library’s (EPL) centennial year. Sign up or renew your library card by June 1, 2013, and you could win round-trip airfare for two to New York. EPL memberships will be free for all Edmontonians until March 13, 2014. You can grab yours anytime at one of 17 city locations, online at epl.ca/signup or at pop-up membership locations. While memberships are free for now, EPL is counting on the generosity of Edmontonians to help keep library cards free for years to come. As a registered charity, EPL relies on donations to enhance services. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20. For more information, visit Edmonton Public Library website: www.epl.ca.

Whitecourt’s St. Joseph School celebrates milestone

St. Joseph School, in Whitecourt, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in July. Former teachers, staff and students are invited to participate in celebrations from July 5–7, 2013. Events take place at Westward Community Hall, located seven kilometres south of Whitecourt on Highway 32 or just past the Whitecourt airport if travelling on the Edson/Peers Highway. For information about tickets and events, contact Jennifer (Chartrand) Gerace (graduated 1991) at 587-891-9393.

Cree language comes alive for young readers

Caylie Gnyra turned her native studies class project into a series of free electronic books for Cree language teachers across Alberta. What Colour Are Your Little Ducks?/Tân’sesinâkosiwak kisîsîpimisiwâwak is the title of Gnyra’s e-book that has inspired more e-books that are now available online free of charge at www.littlecreebooks.com. For more about Gnyra, visit http://bit.ly/ZXSaVJ.

Teachers contribute to The Sky was on Fire

The Sky was on Fire: Slave Lake's Story of Disaster, Exodus, and New Beginnings is a collection of stories, poems and photos about the May 2011 fire that changed the lives of Slave Lake’s residents. Townspeople not only experienced fear and danger, they witnessed the best of the human spirit. Soon after the fire, a group of people wrote a book about the fire and its aftermath. Two members of the group were Len and Nicola Ramsey, teachers in Slave Lake and regular contributors to the Moot Points column of the ATA News. Many stories and images came from teachers, support staff and students. The Sky was on Fire was published with the help of grants from the United Way, Alberta Culture and a donation from the ATA’s English Language Arts Specialist Council. The book can be ordered online at www.stagenorth.org or at Audrey's Books, in Edmonton, or at the Calgary Firefighters Museum, in Calgary.

End violence against women

The annual CTF Women’s Issues Symposium is an event where teachers, teacher leaders and community representatives have an opportunity to connect and dialogue and mobilize around a theme developed in cooperation with the host organizations. This year’s theme is “Ending violence against women and girls, for one and for all.” The symposium will be held in Ottawa on April 17 and 18. The theme dovetails with this year’s 57th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Guest speakers will address this issue from myriad perspectives, including statistical, societal and policy based. For information, visit CTF’s website: www.ctf-fce.ca.

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 byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in activities are welcome. Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send submissions to Managing Editor, The ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.