Check here for information about any upcoming events. Once registration is open, a link will be posted.
Upcoming Events
Thursday May 2
An Intermediate Book Club- Maybe He Just Likes You
The Status of Women Committee is hosting a book club for intermediate teachers who identify as women. Participants will receive a copy of the novel Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee. Pre-read the book, and participate in a discussion about how to incorporate this novel in the classroom. Dinner will be provided! Registration closed.
When: Thursday May 2nd, 2024
Location: ETFO-WR Office located at 610 Wabinaki Drive in Kitchener.
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Wednesday May 8
Wing Night!
Join us and recharge with like minded LTO’s & OTs! The Social Committee invites you to come for some good conversation, food and drinks. Always a popular event! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local, meet some of your executive, get questions answered and also to just have a great time. Food and beverages are taken care of, all you need to do is bring yourself! No registration required- but upon arrival the reservation will be under WROTL- please be sure to check in with the Social Committee Chair upon your arrival.
When: Wednesday May 8th, 2024
Location: Edelweiss Tavern located at 600 Doon Village Road in Kitchener.
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Saturday May 11
Outdoor Learning Workshop
*rain date is Saturday June 1
Did you know that Forest School does not always happen in a ‘forest’? Any outdoor space, including a school yard, can be used! Join our sister local the WRDECE’s as they host an Outdoor Learning Workshop for FDK!
During this workshop, you will learn about the 10 Forest and Nature School Principles and how to apply them in your Kindergarten programs. You will explore risky play, what risk looks like in a public school setting, and how to assess risk with your students. You will walk away with tangible activities, songs, and provocations to use in your practice. This workshop will be guided by Brittany Kivell who is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, Forest and Nature School Practitioner, and a mom to two young boys. Please check your email for confirmation that you are a participant in the workshop. Bring your own chair! Note: There WILL NOT be access to the school washrooms, so please prepare accordingly. Click here to register!
When: Saturday May 11th, 2024 (rain date of Saturday June 1st)
Location: Sheppard Public School (outside on the field) located at 278 Weber Street E in Kitchener
Time: 10am-12pm
Monday May 13
Politics in the Pub!
Our Politics in the Pub Event is BACK. Drop-in and chat, vent, and have a few laughs with fellow OTs. We will provide the snacks, you provide the good company. If you want to chat about the messy staffing process this year and MLL, bargaining, local politics, foreign politics, Taylor Swifts new album, or that student you had one time that made you laugh (or cry)…all topics are welcome! Just before 6:30pm, for those who are interested, we will move to the WRDSB Education Centre to watch the board meeting together (starting at 7:00pm), and observe the politics of the board. It is only a 4 minute walk, and an even shorter drive there from the Pub.
No registration required, just mark it in your calendar, and drop by whenever works for you between 4-6:15pm!
When: Monday May 13th, 2024
Location: Chicago Pub & Billiards located at 725 Ottawa Street South in Kitchener.
Time: 4pm-6:15pm (drop by whenever suits you between this time)!
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Wednesday May 15
Learn to Line Dance!
Come out and join your Social Committee for a fun night of dance and snack! We will be learning and having fun together with a fantastic Line Dancing instructor- this is open to beginners to advanced dancers who want to have fun! Instructors Katie & Laura are sisters, born and raised in Guelph, ON. They grew up listening to classic country music and have always shared a love for Country Line Dancing. They’ve been dancing together for 20+ years and enjoy sharing their passion with others in the community, both personally and professionally. They look forward to seeing ya’ll out on the dance floor! Appetizers and Charcuterie will be served. Register here!
When: Wednesday May 15th, 2024
Location: ETFO-WR Office located at 610 Wabanaki Drive in Kitchener
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Wednesday May 22
Affirming the Identities of 2SLGBTQ+
Join us for a night of delicious food and wonderful conversation, as we learn more about how we as educators can Affirm the Identities of 2SLGBTQ+ Families in Schools! This workshop will critically examine and challenge participants’ perceptions, biases, and assumptions while illuminating the many concerns that 2SLGBTQ+ families face in society and school. Members will reflect on their current practices and begin to develop more equitable and inclusive ones to engage with 2SLGBTQ+ families.
Light appetizers, lasagna, garlic bread, salad and dessert will be served. Register here!
When: Wednesday May 22nd, 2024
Location: Serenia Life building located at 470 Weber Street N, Waterloo (in the lower level of the building)!
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Thursday May 30
WROTL Annual Meeting
All members are invited to attend our Local Annual Meeting! Committees will be open for the 2024/2025 school year. Sign up forms will be available at the meeting. The business portion will go over executive and committee reports, elect next year’s executive and approve the 2024/2025 draft budget! Snacks will be served upon arrival , followed by a dinner and special presentations. Door prizes and other prizes available. An event you don’t want to miss. Register here!
When: Thursday May 30th, 2024
Location: Schwaben Club located at 50 Scheifele Place, Breslau, ON
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Dependent care subsidy is available for those needing childcare/respite care in order to attend.
Past events
Tuesday April 16
Teaching Tough Topics w/ Larry Swartz!
This workshop offers participants thoughts about why and how to teach tough topics with Larry Swartz! The workshop will include looking at recent examples of children’s picture books, novels, poetry and nonfiction selections will be used as sources for unpacking issues that may seem challenging, but are vital to teach in order to create caring citizens of the world! Topics such as Racism, The Immigrant Experience, Poverty, Gender Equity, Bullying, Kindness and Mental Challenges will be explored through response strategies that help build an understanding of social justice, diversity and equity issues.
Tuesday April 9
Escape Room Fun!
Join our Contract Teacher colleagues as you work in a team to escape- teamwork is the key to KW Escape! A KW Competition has your group split into two teams.
Tuesday April 2
OT Strike Rally!
Are you feeling frustrated with not always getting the resources you need for a successful day, like a chrome book, lesson plans or key fob? Is it just not worth it to you to do daily OT work? Have you needed flexibility as an LTO and been denied? Do you want to have your experience recognized in the staffing process? If so, come experience the strength of unity and support our bargaining for essential resources and fair practices. Your voice is crucial in this pivotal moment!
Friday March 22
Let’s Celebrate Ramadan!
Let’s celebrate Ramadan together! Please join your E&SJ Committee as we break fast together. This is an opportunity for Muslim members and those who wish to learn more about the traditions surrounding Ramadan. We will have a relaxed social evening ending with sharing of a meal at sunset. We will be doing Henna and enjoying a meal of fresh fruit, veggies, samosas, dates, panopticon, pakora, rice, Briana and more!
Tuesday March 19th
Pregnancy/Parental Workshop
WROTL will be hosting a workshop on pregnancy and parental leaves. This workshop is open to all WROTL members. Topics of discussion will include: Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Employment Insurance, Forms & Letters, Supplemental Employment Benefits (SEB) and a Q&A Session.
Tuesday March 19th
Wing Night!
Join us and recharge with like minded LTO’s & OTs! The Social Committee invites you to come for some good conversation, food and drinks. Always a popular event! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local, meet some of your executive, get questions answered and also to just have a great time!
Saturday March 2nd
International Women’s Day Lunch
The WROTL Status of Women Committee has sponsored a table! Join us for this amazing event, including a guest speaker, 50/50 draw, raffle prizes, games and a fabulous lunch! All money raised from the event will support the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. Feminine hygiene products will also be collected.
Monday March 4th
International Women’s Day Wellness Night
Please join your WROTL sisters to celebrate IWD 2024 by participating in three wellness activities. You will enjoy a yoga class led by a certified instructor, a breathwork session, and you will paint your own Empowerment Stone. Dress comfortably, ready to feed your mind and body. A light dinner is included.
Thursday February 29th- *cancelled*
Islamophobia Affects all or Students Workshop
Islamophobia is prejudice against, hatred towards, or fear of Islam or Muslims. This workshop is designed to build awareness relating to issues of Islamophobia and critically examine personal and professional biases, explore resources to meet the diverse needs of schools that represent a multiplicity of perspectives, and encourage members to take further actions relating to inclusion within their classrooms, schools, families, and communities. This workshop is being provided by ETFO. Now more than ever equity work in the classroom, the union, and the community is vital!
Tuesday February 27th
Themes and Functional Forms of Assessment
Join Mike Beetham as he takes us through different types of assessment to use in your classroom! This practical workshop will give you tools and resources to use as well as providing some talking points for interviews. Each participant will take home a resource and $50 door prizes to be won! Limited tickets available, register here today!
Wednesday February 21st
WROTL Winter General Meeting
All members are invited to join us for the Winter General Meeting at the Edelweiss Tavern! The purpose of the meeting is to elect Delegates to the Federation Annual Meeting, receive financial reports and to consider any resolutions brought forward. Dinner will be provided.
Wednesday February 21st
Initial BMS Training for OT’s (full day)
Are you interested in taking jobs in Congregated classes but do not have your BMS training? Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) has initial training available for OT’s who want to work in CONGREGATED classrooms. Sign up for this full day of BMS training (as an OT you will be paid for the training). Registration is available on ProLearn. Please enter section #40366 into the course search bar when registering.
Thursday February 8th
Recertification- BMS Training for OT’s (half day)
Are you interested in continuing to take jobs in Congregated classroom settings but your BMS training has expired? Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) has recertification training available for OT’s who want to work in CONGREGATED classrooms. Sign up for this half day (afternoon) of BMS training (as an OT you will be paid a half day for the training). Registration is available on ProLearn.
Wednesday February 7th
Status of Women Movie Night- Radium Girls
Join us for a FREE movie night watching “Radium Girls” at the Apollo Cinema! This event is being brought to us by our sister Local, ETFO-WR. Members may bring up to one guest and members will receive a free medium popcorn and drink.
Wednesday January 18th
Connecting with Colleagues
Drop by anytime between 4:00pm-5:30pm for informal discussions with some of the Local Executive members and fellow Occasional Teachers to discuss anything that is on your mind.
Thursday January 11th
WROTL Retirement/Pension Workshop
Join us Thursday January 11th from 4:30-7:00pm for the Retirement/Pension Workshop presented by Tania Kerr, ETFO Professional Relations Services.
* Minimum of 15 participants are required to run the workshop.
December 18, 2023
Paint Night!
The Social Committee invites you to come out and join a fun paint night before the break! Join us and ignite your creative side when painting a snow gnome! Social Art will be running this event and will guide you through step-by-step. Experience is not needed!
November 23, 2023 *cancelled* hopefully will run in the new year!
The Kindergarten Classroom with Sarah Son
This workshop will cover partnerships, assessments morning routines, classroom management, social thinking strategies, how to engage students, and promoting yourself as an educator in a new school! There will be opportunities for attendees to share strategies that work for them and to problem solve issues that arise in the classroom.
November 21, 2023
A Girl Like You- Primary Picture Book Event
The Status of Women Book Club will be of interest to members who teach in a primary setting. When you arrive you will receive a copy of the picture book, and we will discuss ways to incorporate it into your classroom! This event includes dinner and is offered free to members who identify as women!
November 16, 2023
Trauma and Resilience Workshop
Together with the WRDECE Local we invite you to come out to the Trauma and Resilience Workshop. Presenters Josh Dickson and Jen Pinder are back with their trauma and resilience workshop from the 2023 Carousel of Workshops! The workshop focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and childhood adversity on development and stress responses and brain states. The workshop also begins the conversation about the universal needs supporting resilience, and how those concepts apply to us as educators.
November 7, 2023
Beaded Poppy Workshop with Local Métis Artist
Join the Equity and Social Justice Committee at the WROTL office in North Waterloo to make beaded poppy pins! This workshop will be led by Local Metis Artist Pandora of Mulberry Design and Engravings.
Date TBD… (postponed from November 6th)
Meet and Greet with the WRDSB Trustees
We will be welcoming several of our current trustees for an evening of conversation and delicious snacks. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and/or concerns directly with these trustees. The event is being hosted jointly by our Political Action/ Public Relations Committee, and the Political Action Committee from both the permanent teachers’ local and the DECE local so that all our elementary classroom perspectives and voices can be heard together. No registration required!
November 2, 2023
Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLIFF)
The Waterloo Region Labour Council is hosting a screening of several short films as part of the Canadian Labour International Film Festival.
October 30, 2023
Connecting with Colleagues
Drop by for informal discussions with some of the Local Executive members and fellow Occasional Teachers to discuss anything that is on your mind.
October 26, 2023
FALL GENERAL MEETING
Join us as we celebrate our Long Service Award Recipients as well as presenting an Honorary Life Membership Award! We will also vote on the final 2023/2024 budget and receive Executive and Committee Reports. A light meal will be served.
October 24, 2023
Women to Women Event
Your Status of Women Committee is excited to partner with the ETFO-WR Status of Women Committee on this beautiful event and it is going to be fabulous! Delicious food from Little Mushroom Catering, an inspiring speaker (https://drthabo.com for more info) and live music from members of the KW Symphony. It’s going to be a great night!
October 19, 2023
Music Bingo
Music Bingo at EVO Kitchen & Bar is bound to be an entertaining night! Music, food, Bingo and laughs. Are you knowledgeable about music? Think you have what it takes to recognize a song with a short clip? Do you enjoy being social with food and like minded people? Your Social Committee has just the night for you then!
September 28th, 2023
Daily Occasional Teaching with Confidence Workshop (virtual)
Join us virtually as Amanda Yuill shares tips, lesson ideas and practical advice for OT’s. This workshop covers topics such as classroom management skills for OT’s, how to prepare for substitute teaching, tips on how to teach each grade level and how to get the students on your side within the first 10 minutes!
September 26th, 2023
ETFO Central Strike Vote
The central strike vote for ETFO members in the WRDSB will be conducted on Tuesday, September 26th at Marshall Hall, Bingemans Conference Centre.
Sept 21st, 2023
Take Back The Night
There will be two events, one in Kitchener and one in Cambridge.
KITCHENER
The WROTL Status of Women Committee is a supporter of the SASC Take Back the Night Event. Wear your ETFO swag if you have any, and join us in this annual call to end gender based violence.
Gaukel Block, Downtown Kitchener, 6:00-9:00
CAMBRIDGE
Want to add your voice in the call to end gender-based violence in Cambridge? Join fellow WROTL members at this event! Wear your ETFO swag if you have any.
20 Dickson Street, Cambridge, 6:30pm
September 4, 2023
WRLC Labour Day BBQ
The Waterloo Region Labour Council will be hosting its annual Ed Weidinger Memorial Picnic & Barbecue at Waterloo Park from 12:00-4:00. There will be food and drinks available for $1 per item, with proceeds going to help the United Way Waterloo Region Communities. There will be music, and activities for the kids.