Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation
District 29 Hastings–Prince Edward

Distirct Officer's Report

Retirement and Leaves
Sound good ‘bout now? District 29 hosted another great OSSTF retirement workshop on October 24, 2019. It was very well attended and a lot of information was shared with members. Please contact the District Office with any further questions regarding the process for retirement. Deadline for retiring at the end of Semester 1
is November 15th.

November 15th is also the deadline to apply for a Semester II leave. The Joint Staffing Committee will meet on November 19th to look at Mobility and Semester II staffing so it is important that this deadline be met. If you are planning to retire, it may be that you are eligible to discontinue LTD premium payments. Contact the District Office for more information and the cancellation form.

Absences
‘Tis the season when absences peak because we are run ragged and run down. November 1st until the Christmas break represents the peak of stress and health related issues for educational workers in a secondary school setting. TAKE CARE.

All absences should be entered through SEMS. Out of consideration for our OT colleagues, please identify the periods/subjects taught, any supervisions to be covered and include any special instructions for the class not indicated by the course code (e.g. outdoor clothing/shoes for phys. ed. if class is leaving the gym) In addition to lesson plans, each class should have a supply duotang that contains emergency procdures, contact numbers, and bell times.

Feel free to contact the District Office and/or the board office (Sue Taylor at staylor@hpedsb.on.ca) if you have concerns about how an absence has been or should be recorded. If you are unsure of the number of top-up days available to you, please check your My Empath page.
Absences of longer than five days require medical documentation. Members should have their doctor fill out a Functional Abilities Form, found at http://www.hpedsb.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Form-423-6_FAF_OSSTF-Central-Agreement.pdf . The form can be submitted in person to HR, or as scanned attachment to sdearman@hpedsb.on.ca. The District office can assist members in navigating sick leave process.

Other Resources related to Personal Wellness
Employee Assistance Program        613-966-4262 or 1-800-527-7793  www.qxplore.com
Counseling:  individual, work, marriage, family, stress, financial, nutritional, grief, addiction

Feeling Better Now (OTIP)        www.feelingbetternow.com/otip
Mental and emotional health care: Sadness, anxiety, depression, stress, low energy, poor sleep, poor concentration, poor function at home, work or school

CAREpath (OTIP)            1-800-290-5106    www.otip.com
Cancer Navigation System: prepare for, understand, and discuss appointments and treatment options
Cancer Survivor Support Program

(contact the District Office for policy number and codes needed to access OTIP services)