PSTA

Thank you and congratulations to everyone who has been elected/acclaimed to serve on the PSTA Executive and standing committees!

Also, thank you to those currently serving on the PSTA Executive and standing committees who will not be returning next year. Your contributions to the teachers of Prairie Spirit are greatly appreciated!

The following position has been elected by a vote of the Representative Assembly:

Vice-President/STF Councillor: Sherry Nadeau (Osler School)

The following positions have been appointed by acclamation:

STF Councillors

• Jason Brose (Colonsay School)
• Janet Grant (Osler School)
• Deanna Koroluk (Warman Community Middle School)
• Amy Orth (Lake Vista)
• Jill Paulsen (Lake Vista)
• Cary Pepper-Martens (Dalmeny High School)
• Mark Perry (Warman High School)
• Chad Williams (Clavet Composite School)
• Scott Woods-Fehr (Warman Middle School)
• VACANT

As per Section 12.2.4 of the PSTA Constitution, the Executive will call for an election to fill the STF Councillor vacancy.

Local Implementation and Negotiation Committee (LINC)

• Zlatan Cilimdzic (Rosthern Elementary)
• Brenda Epp (Rosthern High School)
• Kirsten Tucker (South Corman Park School)
• JoAnne Lapierre (Waldheim School)
• VACANT
• VACANT

PD Committee

• Kirsten Dyck (Dalmeny High School)
• Carmen Kingsbury (Valley Manor)
• Marcy Racicot (Valley Manor)
• Chad Williams (Clavet Composite School)
• Heather Wolfe (Traditions Elementary School)

Communications Committee

• VACANT
• VACANT
• VACANT

As per Section 12.2.3 of the PSTA Constitution the Executive shall appoint members to fill vacancies on LINC and the Communications Committee.

The PSTA LGBTQ Committee is selling t-shirts to help students and staff celebrate and support inclusive, safe, and caring schools. These can be worn during Pride in June, or at any time throughout the year. Click here for the order form.

The STF will also be scheduling an SSL Forum in March (date TBD), and a Mini Council in March or April (TDB). These dates will be communicated through email.

Nominations for PSTA President closed on February 8th. Brian Knowles has been elected by acclamation.

Brian has served as PSTA President since April 1st, 2017. The new term of office will run from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2020.

Nominations for PSTA President close on Thursday February 8, 2018.

Brian Knowles

I have served as PSTA President since April 2017, and look forward to the opportunity to continue in this role for the 2018-2020 term. As President, I have worked to create and promote opportunities for teachers to engage in the work of our local, and pursue our collective interests. Central to these interests is our professional responsibility to support learning, as an association, we do this through the work of our committees. Their work always leads back to supporting student learning, whether it be securing working conditions that promote teacher wellness through LINC, collaborating with PSSD to ensure professional learning opportunities meet the needs of our members, responding to issues of teacher time and workload intensification with PSSD Sr. Administration, or supporting teachers in their political engagement. Improvements to the learning conditions of students are also improvements to the working conditions of teachers.

As President, I will engage our members, PSSD, and the STF to positively affect teaching and learning conditions, so we are supported in our goal of developing lifelong learners.

I hope to continue to represent our association and increase opportunities for our members to influence teaching and learning in Prairie Spirit.

Sincerely,

Brian Knowles

Applications for Education Bursaries are Due January 6th, 2018. Click the link for more information: EDUCATION BURSARIES Application 2017-2018

Cuts to education are being felt in classrooms. We need to act so that all students can become learners for life.

“The Pick a Premier campaign is the first step in a long-term strategy to get education back on the political agenda. It is a rare opportunity to influence the leadership contests in Saskatchewan’s two main political parties, and to ensure they understand the importance of properly funding public education.  This is about the future of our students and the future of our province” (STF, 2017).

Click here for information about how you can participate in raising the status of public education on the political agenda.

The PSTA is happy to welcome our members back for another year of teaching and learning! We began the year with our Annual General Assembly on Aug 28th, where we passed our 2018-2019 Budget, as well as two notices of motion. The day also included PD breakout sessions and time for staff to meet and plan for the year ahead. Thanks to our membership and General Assembly Planning Committee for making the day a success!

The PSTA Representative Assembly will have their first meeting of the year on Tuesday Sept 12th. All School Staff Liaisons are encouraged to attend. Please check the calendar page for upcoming meetings and events.

On behalf of the PSTA Executive I wish you and your students all the best in the year ahead!

Thank you for all that you do for students, colleagues, and communities. Have a fun and restful summer!

If you require any assistance from the PSTA over the summer, please contact Brian Knowles, PSTA President.