I have recently submitted my retirement from the Toronto District School Board as of June 30th. As such, I will not assume the role of OPC past-president for the upcoming school year, but will stay on to support our negotiations team to reach a central agreement. 

It has been an honour and a privilege to be your provincial president, and to have served students, educators, school leaders and communities for over three decades. I will continue to admire the work you do every day for your school communities. Our work is challenging, and often is not accompanied by the thanks that we deserve. But those in our sector and many in our school communities acknowledge and value our work and know how important we are in the success of students. I encourage you to focus your efforts on the work you do with students and communities, and ignore the “background noise.” Don’t let the latter dictate your work and legacy of service and dedication.

I have no doubt that my successor, Alison Osborne, will continue our important work and advocacy, and will be guided by her passion and commitment to public education and dedication to school leaders across Ontario. As we start our summer break, I wish all of you good health and happiness!

Members on Term Assignment Fees

This year, the fee for Members on Term Assignments, designed for retired administrators who were former OPC Members and return to work for up to 50 days during the school year, was $761. Last week, our Provincial Council voted to freeze this fee for the 2024-2025 school year as well.

Note: This will be the last President’s Message until August 26.

Quote to Ponder

“Finals are over. Textbooks are shut. Time to trade pencils for popsicles!” – Weareteachers.com

Media

Queen’s Park Update

The House is in recess until October 21.