The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Gather the green team and take action

WWF-Canada announces the sixth cycle of the Green CommUnity School Grants Program. Through the support of Loblaw Companies Limited, WWF-Canada will grant $600,000 over the next three years, up to $200,000 a year, to Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The grant program supports school projects that connect students with nature, help reduce a community’s influence on the environment, increase understanding of environmental issues and solutions, stimulate environmental leadership and inspire students and communities to take action. With a chance to be awarded up to $5,000 to complete their projects, this is a great opportunity for schools to encourage their students to become engaged. The deadline for applications is October 16, 2012, 3 p.m. EST. The application process is open to schools and students across Canada—elementary to high school. For information, visit http://c.studentawards.com/greencommunityprogram/.

October is Cyber Security Awareness month

MediaSmarts/HabiloMédias (www.mediasmarts.ca) provides services and information to help children and youth develop the media smarts they need to be safe, savvy and informed in a digital world. Recently, MediaSmarts released findings from its Young Canadians in a Wired World study—Talking to Youth and Parents About Life Online highlights a dramatic shift in views toward the Internet, and a remarkable dichotomy between children and parents. The report can be downloaded from http://mediasmarts.ca/research-policy.

Junior high leadership is sweet

Did you inherit the Junior High Student Council or Leadership Class assignment this year? Are you a returning advisor? If so, congratulations! You have one of the most rewarding positions in your school. Many resources are available to assist you in your role. The Alberta Association of Student Councils and Advisors is sponsoring “Leadership is Sweet Junior High Leadership Conference,” in Nanton, October 19 and 20. The conference is an opportunity for you and your students to be exposed to ideas that will motivate you to do great things for your school. For information, visit the AASCA website (www.aasca.org). The website also features links to help you in your advisory role.

ATA launches iPhone app for teachers

The Alberta Teachers’ Association has launched a mobile application to help teachers connect with personalized information from their professional association. The new iOS app is available for download from the Apple App Store for use on iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads (download the app by clicking on “Alberta teachers” in the App Store). The application is customizable and based on a teacher’s local and teaching specialty. The My Info section of the app connects teachers to their ATA local, conventions and specialist councils. Teachers can also access collective agreements from their mobile devices to get on-the-spot information about salaries, benefits or leave-of-absence provisions.

Ukrainian arts and education awards available

The Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (URDC) at Grant MacEwan University invites applications for arts and education awards. The Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts (ACUA) Award ($500) is offered annually for a project that fosters a greater awareness of Ukrainian art in Alberta. The Roman Soltykewych Music Scholarship ($500) is available to applicants (individual or group) pursuing further studies in the field of Ukrainian choral or vocal music. The Anna Pidruchney Award for New Writers ($1,000) is available annually to a novice writer for a work on a Ukrainian Canadian theme. Submissions for this year’s award must be in English. The William and Mary Kostash Award for Media Arts ($1,000) is offered for a project that promotes Ukrainian Canadian identity through film, video or multimedia. Application forms and/or guidelines are available from URDC. Application deadline is November 30, 2012. For application details, contact Larisa Hayduk or Alice Chumer, Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre. Telephone: 780-497-5494 or 780-497-4374; fax: 780-497-4377; e-mail: haydukl@macewan.ca or chumera@macewan.ca.

Film institute offers free resources

Pacific Cinémathèque, a nonprofit film institute in Vancouver, is a national leader in the development and delivery of innovative media literacy and film education programs aimed at students, youth, educators and the community at large. The film institute offers free online resources for teachers as part of its Integrated Media Literacy Project, including more than 20 downloadable lesson plans for activities that showcase how Web 2.0 technologies can be used in the classroom and what it means to use this technology. For more information, visit http://education.cinematheque.bc.ca/.

Visit the ATA on social media

In addition to visiting the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca), teachers are invited to follow the ATA on Twitter (@albertateachers), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ABteachers) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/albertateachers).

Healthy Interactions workshops: Relationships are important

Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free for active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website. Space is limited. For more information, contact Joyce Sherwin at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9400 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-232-7208 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta). In Calgary, contact Cynthia Malner-Charest at SARO. Telephone: 403-265-2672 (toll-free from elsewhere in Alberta).

Auto for Sale

Car Bid Deadline: October 31, 2012

2009 Murano LE—Sandstone colour with charcoal leather ­interior; technology package; V6, 265 horsepower; AWD; ABS; high-intensity bi-xenon headlights; dual-power heated outside ­mirrors; chrome accent mouldings; roof rack, side rails and crossbar; DVD entertainment system with six speakers; power lift gate; rain sensing windshield wipers; rear back privacy glass and UV reducing solar glass; ­approximately 79,125 kilometers.

Sealed bids for above vehicle should be marked “Car Bid,” attention ATA Business Manager Jeffrey Loke. Bids will be accepted until 5 p.m., October 31, 2011.

Deliver bids to ATA Business Manager Jeffrey Loke, 11010-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1. For more information, contact Mr. Loke. Telephone: (toll free) from elsewhere in Alberta.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association reserves the right to refuse the ­highest bid if it’s deemed to be inadequate.

Healthy Interactions

Relationships are important

Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free for active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website. Space is limited. For more information, contact Joyce Sherwin at Barnett House, in Edmonton. Telephone: 780-447-9400 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-232-7208 (tollfree from elsewhere in Alberta). In Calgary, contact Cynthia Malner-Charest at SARO. Telephone: 403-265-2672 (Calgary and area) or 1-800-332-1280 (tollfree from elsewhere in Alberta).

Stories and photos wanted

The ATA News is always on the lookout for 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 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.