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NWTTA
NEWS
Volume 22 • Issue 4
may 2021
NWTTA Members show how they
care for their Mental Health
NWTTA NEWS • MAY 2021 1
Inside: The Longest Northern Lights
NWTTA Members show how they
Year Meet
care for their Mental Health 1 Matthew Miller, President
to see a policy similar to Yukon and Michael Duclos
The Longest Year 2 The 2020-2021 school year has from Norman Wells (Sahtu region)
Northern Light
will wait to hear what the CPHO
Michael Duclos 3
somehow felt like the longest year but has planned in their updated policy Q. Where did you grow up?
has flown by. We have faced all things scheduled for the end of May.
Yellowknife Schools Meeting I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Home of the Best
of Gender and Sexuality/Rainbow COVID-19, Education Act Modernization, Pizza in the World. No jokes. Seriously. It’s amazing.
Clubs 4 JK-12 Curriculum Renewal, ratification I could write only of the positives
GNWT Teachers Have Been of three collective agreements and the of 2020-2021, but to be honest, the Q. What made you decide to become a teacher?
Taking Advantage of Distance year has been difficult and some
Credit Courses 5 beginning of negotiating all three again, I had some superb teachers growing up and some terrible
and recently flooding. Throughout all of have suffered more than others. ones. I wanted to become a teacher because of both. I
Northern Light
Kristen Machina 5 this, educators across the territory have Teachers have gone above and knew that I could make a difference in the lives of youth
remained professional and dedicated beyond often at the cost of their and be an inspiration to future generations. One of my favourite teachers was,
Member Concern Tracking 6
own mental health and wellbeing. ironically named, Mr. Best. He taught science (I’m not a science guy at all), but he just
Northern Light
to providing first-rate education to the made learning fun and built a relationship with all of us. Also, another solid influence
Alon Gilad 7 students of the Northwest Territories. We have had a number of calls was my drama teacher, Mrs. Rajnovich, because she was crazy and fun! She and my
Weekly Wellness Challenges 8
requesting early resignation, sick English teacher, Ms. Johnson, pushed me to be my best. They made learning fun and
I have made member communication a leave and long-term disability. interactive. No reading from textbooks and completing questions!
Northern Light priority. COVID-19 slowed my ability to reach out to members face-to-face, Teachers have called wanting
Lisandre St-Amant 9
but I continue to reach out to the membership through our use of mass to finish the year for the sake of Q. What do you teach?
Norman Wells Rainbow United emails combined with our newsletters, social media accounts, committees, This is my tenth year as principal at Mackenzie Mountain School (MMS) in Norman
GSA Small Town Pride 10 their students. Through their tears
and Zoom meetings. I believe members deserve to have a timely response Wells. I’ve taught something new each school year since I’ve started as principal. This
School Profile they state they want to continue, is everything from grade 3 mathematics to high school philosophy. As a philosopher, I
Moose Kerr School 11 and I make every effort to make contact the same day, weekends and but just cannot. These teachers often ask myself *Hand on chin. Stares up into the abyss* “Why?!?!”
Working for Our Members holidays included. I have worked to make the Association more transparent are not quitters. They have been
A Glimpse of What We Do 12 requesting the creation of a section on the NWTTA website member area to given an enormous task on top of This semester I’m teaching “Film Production” as a cluster of CTS credits for senior high
A Reflection on COVID-19 host approved minutes from the NWTTA Central Executive. I made a motion their personal obligations in a year school. It’s easily one of the most fun courses I’ve done and the students are loving it!
Uncertainty and Our Mental Health 14 at the Annual Meeting of Central Council (AMCC) for the NWTTA Legislation Watch out world of film, some MMS students are coming for you!
where many cannot be with their
Understanding Northern Allowance 16 Committee to create a policy for sharing the Association’s financials with loved ones. If you know one of Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Teaching Elections and Democracy members. these teachers, please reach out to The kids, hands down. Their uniqueness. Their personalities. The way they light up
During a Pandemic 18
Many of our members now have both shots of the Moderna vaccine. After them to offer or encourage them to when they get a concept that they were previously struggling with. I learned early on
Northern Light in my career that it’s so very important to learn alongside your pupils. I enjoy learning
Heather Evans 19 working with the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO), I was seek support.
from the students each day. I enjoy doing the fun activities that aren’t necessarily
Cross Country Skiing happy to see our members prioritized and having the opportunity to be We are on the downside of the prescribed in the curriculum with students so that the curricular things don’t seem to
in Ulukhaktok 20 vaccinated if they want it. This is a luxury many teachers across the country be as challenging. If they like hanging out with you, they will want to learn with you!
mountain, but in a year when
SJF Green Team Delivers did not receive. I encourage those who are able to receive the vaccine to teachers were “June Tired” in
Keynote on Climate Change 21
do so. I am hopeful this can assist in returning to something that resembles It also helps to have a super amazing staff that makes your job enjoyable each and
September, I can only imagine every day! Thank you MMS staff!
Northern Light normalcy for the 2021-2022 school year as well as protect those who
Nashra Kamal 21 how you feel now. I hope the
cannot be vaccinated such as our students. warmer weather and increased Q. How do you engage your students?
From the Archives
Head of Household 22 sunlight can offer some extra Passion. There’s not a solid teacher out there who doesn’t have it. We do what we
The NWT education system saw few disruptions to in class learning, but we do because of a love for learning. After 13 years in the profession, I still spend most
We’ve come a long way did not go without school closures. Fort Liard, YK1, YCS, École Allain St-Cyr stamina as you complete one
with a ways to go 23 evenings planning lessons, writing terrible jokes for the announcements, previewing
and Behchoko were all required by the Chief Public Health Officer to close more set of report cards and wrap videos, learning professionally, and finding cool activities to help my colleagues
NWTTA Professional Development for two weeks in May. The roll out of virtual learning was better than the up the year. Although this is the improve their own practice. I guess, most simply put, the students see how much I care
Conference and Women’s Symposium 24
2019-2020 school year, but expectations varied from school-to-school last newsletter of the year, I will and that makes them want to care, too. Humour helps, too. If you’re able to make light
AMCC 2021 25 continue to update members of a situation, it helps build that relationship with the students. Let them know you’re
causing some frustration without a guideline of what is reasonable for
Northern Light through mass emails. I encourage human, too!
Randy Caines 25
screen time for students and teachers. More work needs to be done here.
you to reach out to your Regional
Environment and Natural Resources Although not in our control, I am still advocating to change the requirement Perpetual Pranks on the Principal
Take a Kid Trapping Program 26
Executives, Central Executive,
for paying for self-isolation due to non-essential travel. I was happy to One year, the grads and some staff members (names not to be given) filled my entire
and NWTTA Central Office if you office with balloons. It smelled like latex in my office for a month! Another time, when
Northern Light see the fourteen days be reduced to eight days with a negative COVID-19
Sharon Barlott 27 have and questions, concerns, or I was on parental leave for September, I came back to an office filled with sticky notes
test result, but not all will benefit from that change, especially if you have celebrations. Wherever you find with personalized messages from all the staff and students. I wasn’t crying! It was
Newsletter Trivia 27
children who cannot be vaccinated currently. There is still time for further yourself this summer, I hope you really dusty in there! Another year, the grads placed sticky notes all over my entire
2020-2022 Central Executive 28 change in both the length of self-isolation and the need to pay. I would like find time to relax and stay safe. car! I didn’t realize how often I get pranked apparently!
Central Office Contact 28
2 NWTTA NEWS • MAY 2021 NWTTA NEWS • MAY 2021 3
Yellowknife Schools Meeting of GNWT Teachers Have Been Northern Lights
Gender and Sexuality / Rainbow Clubs Taking Advantage of Meet
Kirstin Prescott, Teacher, École Sir John Franklin High School
Distance Credit Courses Kristen Machina
from Fort Providence
The teacher advisors of the Gender and Sexuality or Rainbow Clubs from several of the Yellowknife schools all
Adrien Amirault, Professional Development Coordinator (Dehcho region)
met together at the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife on March 8. We are planning to meet again on a regular
basis with all Yellowknife-based teacher advisors, to facilitate club growth and sharing of resources between The Central Professional Development Committee
schools. increased the Distance Credit Course allocation from Q. Where did you grow up?
$2,500 to $4,000 per GNWT member this year, and they I grew up in Tecumseh,
have agreed to do it again next year. This has led to a a small town outside of
great uptake of course applications from GNWT teachers. Windsor, Ontario.
So far this year there have been 138 courses approved
for teachers to take. They have been from a number of Q. What made you decide to become a teacher?
universities in Canada and the United States. This is a I didn’t always want to be a teacher. I realized I
total of $150,782 in approved funding for courses. wanted to teach when I started teaching people
There have also been a number of courses approved about things that I love while working at a
for summer study in addition to the above amounts, museum.
some courses from the Canadian Indigenous Languages
and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI), and some Q. What do you teach?
summer non-credit courses approved as well. All in all, I currently teach Grades 8-9, all subjects except
a significant uptake in courses that teachers are able Dene Zhatie classes.
to take due to negotiated amounts in Article 16 of the
Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
collective agreement. There have been courses from
26 different universities taken, with Queen’s University What I enjoy most is being able to create new
being the most popular school to take courses from. and exciting lessons and resources that are able
to engage my students. I love seeing the looks on
So next year, GNWT members can take advantage of their faces when those things help them discover
this fund if you are interested. Both Yellowknife boards their ‘aha moments’.
also offer funding for courses through the Professional
Development committee in YK1 and the collective Q. How do you engage your students?
agreement for YCS. I try my best to get to know my students as soon
as I can, to create that trusting relationship with
Summer Study Opportunities them. I also try to engage my students through
creating lessons that are relevant to them,
All three bargaining groups have summer Professional whether that be a place, person, issue or concept
Development opportunities available. Deadline to apply that is happening in their lives. I do this by asking
to summer courses is: them what they WANT to learn about and then
connecting that into the existing curriculum.
• GNWT - May 30th
I also enjoy taking them on educational and
• YK1 - on or before the first Friday in June athletic experiences outside of school, such as
Back Row (left to right) Kirstin Prescott, École Sir John Franklin High School, Danika Jobin, École J.H. Sissons School, Shirley • YCS - teachers must apply through their school- the TAP Program and Traditional Games, which
Zouboules, YK1 District Office; (middle row) Derek Lindman, Range Lake North School, Laura Eby, N.J. Macpherson School, based PD committees give them something to look forward to and work
Elizabeth Brace, Mildred Hall School; Front Row (left to right) Kiera Hoekstra, École St. Joseph School, Stephane Sevigny, École towards.
J.H. Sissons School, and Alexis Ruettnauer, École St. Joseph School Due to COVID-19 many universities are offering summer
programs via distance, but slowly some universities are Break Out of My Comfort Zone
Every child deserves a champion – I cannot tell how long this will last, changing back to face-to-face courses. My current school is my first teaching job in
an adult who will never give up on Worry is a misuse of the or how long you will be here. But I Canada. It took me a few years to decide where
imagination. – Dan Zadra can tell you, in the waiting, you are Next year may be a good year to start some continuing I wanted to settle down, but I’m very glad it was
them, who understands the power
growing every day. You have learned studies of your own. Know that a significant benefit in all here. My parents encouraged me to break out of
of connection, and insists that three collective agreements is funding to take university my comfort zone and try something new, always
they become the best that they can Action expresses priorities. to carry on even when you were
afraid. – Morgan Harper Nichols courses. teaching me that the ‘best’ thing might not
possibly be. – Rita F. Pierson – Mahatma Gandhi always be the easiest thing.
4 NWTTANEWS
NWTTA NEWS •• APRIL
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2017 NWTTANEWS
NWTTA NEWS •• APRIL
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2017 5
Member Northern Lights
Concern Tracking Meet
Sara McCrea, Assistant Executive Director
Alon Gilad
The day-to-day inquiries from members make up the most significant work performed by Central Office staff. Questions from Fort Resolution (South Slave region)
regarding pay, benefits, pension, leaves, workload, supervision, evaluations, dismissals, resignation and hiring practices
were common areas of inquiry by members. Upholding the collective agreements and various related policies, directives, Q. Where did you grow up?
and legislation is an important part of our daily work. I was born in Israel in a relatively small town called Kiryat Ono. I moved to Calgary in 2009 when I was
13, finished my high school, and relocated to Ottawa to receive a Bachelor of Science with a major in
Since September 2020, the President, Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director and PD Coordinator responded to biochemistry. Once I graduated from the University of Ottawa, I moved back to Calgary to continue my
close to seven hundred (700) member inquires. It is important to note that this number does not include the countless education and received my Bachelor of Education in 2020.
next steps and follow-ups required to resolve some of these questions and concerns. For example, a member issue will
be recorded once but it can actually take months to resolve, involving numerous correspondences, meetings, and phone Q. What made you decide to become a teacher?
calls. The common story you often hear from teachers is something along the lines of “I’ve had inspiring teachers” or “I always
example, a member issue will be entered once but it can actually take months to resolve, involving countless knew I was going to become a teacher”. This wasn’t the case for me. At some point during my time in Ottawa, I’ve realized that
The pie chart shows the distribution in percentages
correspondences,of meetings,
concerns/inquires per Region. The legend on the right shows each
and phone calls. the majority of my professors simply lacked passion for teaching and did not seem to enjoy their job. I decided that I wanted
Region and their percentage of membership within the NWTTA. to change the system from within – and instill passion into the education system. I did always want to work with youth, and
Below is a Pie Chart showing the distribution of member concerns/inquires per Region. The legend on the I have always loved volunteering and helping others. Choosing education was almost natural after realizing all those things
For example: right represents each Region and their percentage of membership within the NWTTA. The second graph about myself.
demonstrates the member inquiries/concerns per category.
27% of concerns and inquiries were received by members from the Beaufort-Delta Region. The Beaufort-Delta Region
I did have some teacher role models growing up, though. My grandma has been a pre-school teacher for as far as anyone
represents 19% of NWTTA’s total
remembers her – no, really – she has parents in their mid-30’s that have attended her pre-school, dropping off their own
membership. Member Concerns / Inquires per Region children at her pre-school nowadays. Throughout my childhood, my mom had an after-school care program at home, and I
14% of concerns and inquires were consider her a life-long educator as well. Lastly, my dad is a pediatrician and has always been involved in my education, in
pushing me to extend my interests, and in supporting me throughout my education journey.
received by members of YK1 District.
YK1 represents 30 % of NWTTA’s total BEAUFORT DELTA 19%
Q. What do you teach?
membership. CSFTNO 4%
I am currently teaching grades 9-12 math & science, as well as Health 9, CALM-20, and Northern Studies 10.
14%
27% DEHCHO 5%
7% of concerns and inquires were 7% Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
FORT SMITH 6%
received by members of YCS District.
SAHTU 7% The students! I get to hang out with hilarious, bright, and fun students on a daily basis – AND get paid for it? What a deal!
YCS represents 12% of NWTTA’s total 11% 3%
membership SOUTH SLAVE 8%
The thing I value most about teaching is the pedagogical relationships with my students. It’s the ability to develop students
5% 13% TLICHO 9% beyond traditional teaching & learning practices. The opportunity I get to help shape the students’ characters into global
And so on… 12% 8% YCS 12% citizens and create fond memories for them gives me joy. For me, living away from my family and friends, the students fill
YK1 30% that role up and I truly consider them my family up North. This is my first-year teaching, and I couldn’t have asked for a better
The second graph lists the various
experience than the one I’m getting here at Deninu K’ue.
categories of member concerns and
inquiries. The three main categories Q. How do you engage your students?
with the most concerns/inquiries are: Some call me ‘cringe’, some just laugh – generally, I just bring a positive attitude to every day. I use humour as a part of
learning, I talk about my personal life and my time being in high school and do my best to relate to my students. As this was
1. Pay, Benefits, Pension Categories Member Concerns / Inquires my first class of my own, I made sure to create a safe and honest environment from day one, and student engagement came
2. Leaves PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS
naturally after.
20
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 8
3. Workload and Supervision NWTTA OPERATIONS 3 I try to get involved with the community as well, like going to public skating nights and hosting an open-gym session every
INCIDENT REPORTS 14 Friday night. Sports bring people together – and it helps that kids love running around!
This year has been difficult for HOUSING 3
many, and teachers have shown RESIGNATION / RETIREMENT / DISMISSAL 47 Lastly, I try to utilize technology to my advantage. I have a website created where students can find all schoolwork on,
STUDENT/PARENT/GUARDIAN ISSUE 22 announcements, and due dates. I also have a student-directed Instagram account that I use to engage students with posts
incredible resilience. I am pleased HEALTH AND SAFTEY 50
that I could assist members during WORKLOAD, SUPERVISION 68
about my personal experiences up North, quizzes to keep them engaged with schoolwork on weekends (not an official
some of the challenging times. It has NOTICE TO ATTEND / INVESTIGATION 47 assessment tool), and as a general communication means.
GRIEVANCE / ARBITRATION 18
been a rewarding and enlightening EVALUATIONS 11 Jordan vs. Einstein
experience for me, rich with learning PAY, BENEFITS, PENSION 185
I have two quotes that I try to incorporate in anything I teach. The first quote is by the great Michael Jordan, “I can accept
opportunities and professional LEAVES 112
failure, everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying”. One of my goals is to try to get students to try different,
DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE 8
relationship building. Please reach out HIRING/TRANSFER PROCESS challenging things in their life. Who knows, maybe they’ll fall in love with something new! The second quote is by Albert
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anytime if you have any questions or DISCIPLINE 6 Einstein, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school”. I have a big emphasis on
concerns, and I will do my utmost best NWTTQS 32 developing a strong work ethic, on developing abilities that are beyond just ‘math’ and ‘science’, like teamwork, supporting
to assist you. Stay Safe! 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 arguments with facts, respect for all, and kindness. These are the skills that will carry on beyond school and into adulthood.
Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association AMCC Page 2 of 4
6 AMCC –NEWS
NWTTA
NWTTA NEWS
May 7, •2021
• APRIL
MAY 2021
2017 Executive Director’s Report
–Assistant NWTTANEWS
NWTTA NEWS •• APRIL
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2017 7
Weekly Northern Lights
Wellness Challenges Rencontrer
Matthew Miller, President Lisandre St-Amant
In early April 2021, I was asked to take over the NWTTA de Yellowknife (région du CSFTNO)
Wellness Committee. The committee has the assigned duties Q. Où avez-vous grandi?
to focuses on member wellness and member engagement.
Je suis née à Prévost, au Québec. À l’âge de 10 ans,
With limited time left in the year I was looking for ways
ma famille et moi avons déménagé à Brampton en
all members could share what they do to take care of
Ontario, où j’y ai terminé mon primaire et fais mes
their mental health and wellness. That sparked the idea of
études secondaires
creating a campaign the NWTTA could share on our Facebook
and Twitter pages. Q. Qu’est-ce qui vous a décidé à devenir enseignant?
Mon choix dans le domaine de l’éducation s’est fait de manière assez
I called a meeting of the Wellness Committee (Colin Pybus,
naturelle. Je baigne dans ce monde depuis mon enfance étant donné que
Val Gendron, Naomi Cooke and Matthew Miller) who
mes deux parents ont travaillé en éducation au Québec, en Ontario et en
all attended with little notice via Zoom. We felt having
Colombie-Britannique. Toutefois, c’est en 11e année, dans le cadre d’un
Weekly Wellness Challenges would both promote member
cours de mentorat où j’ai travaillé avec un groupe de 9e année, que j’ai pris
wellness and enhance member engagement. As a group we
goût au partage de savoirs, à la mise sur pied et à l’animation d’activités
brainstormed what we could ask of members: photo/video pédagogiques.
challenges, trivia challenges, scavenger hunt challenges and
Minute to Win It challenges were all considered.
Q. Qu’est-ce que vous enseignez?
We created a model to follow where each week for ten J’enseigne le français de la 7e à la 12e année. Cette année, j’enseigne aussi
weeks, five winners are randomly selected from those who l’éducation physique à la classe de 1re année.
have submitted an entry to that week's Wellness Challenge.
The challenge is mass emailed to the membership on Q. Qu’aimez-vous le plus dans votre enseignement?
Mondays and close the following Sunday. The final draw will Un tournant dans ma carrière à l’École Allain St-Cyr fut l’année passée,
include all active NWTTA members regardless of submitting quand a gradué mon premier groupe de 7e années. Ce moment m’a
an entry to the challenge. Pictures are posted to the NWTTA pleinement fait réaliser et apprécier ma chance de travailler ici. En effet,
social media accounts. Winners are contacted to choose the travailler dans une petite école me donne l’opportunité de côtoyer
gift card/certificate they would like to receive. With the lack quotidiennement les élèves et les voir évoluer année après année. De ce
of spending on NWTTA committees during the pandemic, fait, cela me permet de suivre leur cheminement et célébrer leurs victoires
those unused funds ($5000) were re-purposed for the prizes. avec eux et leur famille.
On Monday, April 19, 2021, the NWTTA announced the first Q. Comment engagez-vous vos étudiants?
NWTTA Weekly Wellness Challenge. Unsure what kind of J’essaie dans mon quotidien de trouver différentes façons d’engager les
response we would receive as members are busy, we were élèves et de les intéresser à la matière. En français, la grammaire cause
overwhelmed with the response. Photos quickly rolled in souvent des difficultés, et donc, afin d’y remédier, nous créons ensemble
and we began posting them on our social media accounts des jeux pour faciliter la compréhension et briser quelque peu la routine.
(some photos and inspiration quotes from members are Les jeux impliquent souvent l’entraide, leurs intérêts et … l’altitude sur les
found in this newsletter). We saw the number of followers chaises! En rendant les concepts vivants, une augmentation d’intérêt se fait
of our social media accounts grow as members liked, shared, naturellement et la compréhension suit.
and re-Tweeted our posts. We saw support from across
Faire des amitiés durables
the Northwest Territories during week two’s challenge of
J’ai eu la chance de participer à l’organisation de trois voyages échanges
wearing green to support École St. Patrick School. Week
avec Expériences Canada. Avec les années, nous avons été jumelés à de
three saw motivational quotes and lyrics, and our current
magnifiques écoles et communautés : à St-Pierre-Jolys, à Halifax et aux
challenge of showing your Happy Place is off to a great
Îles de la Madeleine. Ces visites ici à Yellowknife et nos voyages là-bas
start. In a year of challenges, our social media has been
constituent des expériences incroyablement riches autant pour moi et les
transformed into something positive. Photo after photo of
autres accompagnateurs que pour les élèves. Non seulement avons-nous
smiles and ideas of how to take care of yourself. My goal was
pu découvrir d’autres régions, mais nous avons aussi eu la chance de créer
to engage members in something fun and I hope you can
des amitiés durables au travers du pays. Une expérience que je souhaite à
agree this is a step in the right direction.
tous!
8 NWTTANEWS
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Norman Wells Rainbow United GSA School Profile
Small Town Pride Moose Kerr School
Sarah Kelly, Teacher, Mackenzie Mountain School http://smalltownpridedoc.com/
Community: Aklavik
The Norman Wells Rainbow United GSA is delighted https://insideout.ca/toronto-films/shorts-stories-we- Governed by: Beaufort-Delta Divisional Education Council
to share their participation in Xtra's documentary tell/ NWTTA Region: Beaufort-Delta
entitled "Small Town Pride"! In 2019, co-Directors
If you'd ever like to get in touch to brainstorm more Grade Range: JK to 12
Chelle Turingan and Riley Sparks, and Directory of
Photography Corey Misquita from Xtra Magazine ways we can validate and celebrate lesbian, gay, Student Population: 143
(Canada's leading LGBTQ2S+ magazine) travelled bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, Two-Spirit, Staff: 36
to Taber, Alberta, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, and and all youth in your classroom and community, don't
Norman Wells, NT to capture Pride celebrations in the hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Kelly at skelly@
communities. The documentary will be featured at sahtudec.ca.
the upcoming Inside Out film fest, Canada's largest You can watch a teaser trailer of the film from Norman
LGBTQ2S+ film festival! This is certainly an exciting Wells on YouTube at the following link (or click
time for the Norman Wells GSA and we'd like to thank on the image below): https://www.youtube.com/
everyone for their continuing love, support, and watch?v=rQtP6ur_LYY
enthusiasm!
According to Inside Out, "Small Town Pride offers an
intimate look at the joys and challenges of being queer
in a small town. Filmed in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and
the Northwest Territories, the film follows LGBTQ2S+
people and allies as they prepare for their local
Pride celebrations. Organizing in church basements,
Back Row (left to right): Middle Row (left to right): Front Row (left to right):
classrooms and around kitchen tables, the various
Karine Belisle, Cheryl Hansen, Deana Greenland, Carlene Koe, Heather Greenland, Janine Johnson,
collectives take on conservative town councils that
Bonnie Koe, Melanie Silva, Cecilia Lorna Chambers, Mackenzi Mutch, Millie Greenland, Laura Martin,
won’t fly a rainbow flag, and bend rules to create a
McLeod, Sherra Arey, Prairie Dawn Nicole Sloan, Florence Greenland, Vivian Koe, Shannon Wright
safe space for youth to come out."
Edwards, Amanda Reynolds, Colin Courtney Charlie, Margo McLeod,
The documentary will be available on streaming Rose, Walid Ayache, Ryan Barbeau, Effie Paul, Charlene Smith, Heather
platforms in the near future, so stay tuned to the Olive Pascal, Crystal Norris, Amy Evans
following links for release info! Whynot, Anna Lee McLeod, Lamia
Obeid
10 NWTTANEWS
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2017 11
Working for Our Members
A Glimpse of What We Do
David Murphy, Executive Director for public comment. The Discussion Papers and survey importance to the members at the time were reducing
links can be found on the ECE website at https://www. class size and increasing student support money. The
Members contact the Association for a number of gov.nt.ca/EdAct. I believe it is very important that
reasons and to seek support with concerns they GNWT teachers engaged in work to rule and rotating
you take time to review these discussion papers to strikes in some schools. When negotiations resumed in
encounter. A number of these concerns are easy familiarize yourself with changes that ECE are focused
enough to address with the employers to seek January 2000, these two concerns were in the forefront
on. You may also wish to review the Education Act but were not successfully included in the collective
a resolution. Several of the concerns which I am document, https://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/files/
currently assisting members with include pay, agreement. The NWTTA and the GNWT did agree to a
legislation/education/education.a.pdf, to compare the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) where the decrease
increment, teacher qualification, pension, retirement focused changes with the current Act.
planning, prep time, medical travel and leaves. Other in PTR and the increase in student support funding was
concerns from members are not as easy to address The Education Act affects teachers and other placed in the Education Act. This MOA was signed by
with the employer and often causes a member much education staff in a number of ways including Premier Stephen Kakfwi as Chairman of the Executive
more stress and anxiety. These include Notice to certification, curriculum, inclusive schooling, culture Council of the NWT and then NWTTA President Pat
Attend meetings where the employer requests a and land-based learning, information sharing and Thomas.
member to attend a meeting to discuss an allegation student records, school calendars, school closures, Please take time to review the proposed changes, attend
where discipline may be the outcome. At these pupil teacher ratio, school counsellors, hours of the online meetings and complete the survey. As well Education Act Modernization
meetings a member has the option to have an operation, Strengthening Teacher Instructional you may contact the NWTTA with any comments or Discussion Paper for Public Engagement
Association representative attend the meeting with Practices (STIP), home schooling, duties of teachers, suggestions you may have. Winter and Spring 2021
them for support. duties of principals, teacher contracts, termination,
dismissal, transfers, resignations, role of District Remember, if you do encounter any bumps along the way
At times the Association will support a member by Education Authority (DEA), financial matters and the please contact us and we will try our best to level them
filing a grievance on their behalf when we believe role of the Minister. for you so your journey is more pleasant.
the discipline imposed by the employer to be unfair
or exceeds the discipline that the Association I would like to bring your attention to one important
believes should have been imposed in a particular inclusion in the Discussion Paper, Pupil Teacher Ratio
circumstance. The Association and the Employer (PTR). The PTR is a mechanism used by ECE to allocate
will discuss the concerns during the grievance stage resources to NWT schools for the JK-12 program. Have Your Say
Education Act Modernization
in an attempt to find a resolution suitable to the The PTR is included in the Education Act section 128
Association, the Employer and the grievor. If the under financial matters. When you review this you
parties cannot find a solution agreeable to all parties will see that the PTR and funding for student support
then the next step is to go to arbitration. services was changed for the 2000-2001 school
The Government of the Northwest Territories is working to
year and incrementally changed up to the 2003- modernize the Education Act. Updating this legislation is essential
Education Act Modernization 2004 school year. This decreased the previous PTR to improving student outcomes to the same level as
from 18:1 to 16:1 and increased the student support the rest of Canada.
In addition to supporting members with individual funding from 8.2% of total schools funding towards
concerns, the Association involves itself in issues the target of 15%. The legislative change to decrease Input from the NWT Teachers’ Association, and educators like you,
that affective the collective. One of these important in the PTR and the increase in the student support is critical to modernizing the Education Act.
issues at the moment is the modernization of the funding resulted in about $4.6 million in additional
Education Act. The GNWT is working to modernize the funding to education bodies in the 2000-2001 school How to take part
Education Act as a way to increase student education year and the further reduction in the PTR and increase Visit our website to read the discussion paper, and find out how
outcomes to the same level as the rest of Canada. The in funding for student services in subsequent years you can shape education in the NWT. The engagement period is
Department of Education, Culture and Employment allowed for even more funding for education.
(ECE) wants to hear from stakeholders about how the
open until June 30, 2021.
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system I mention this now to highlight the role of the NWTTA,
can better meet the needs of students across the especially the members of the GNWT bargaining
Northwest Territories. unit at the time, played in this legislative change. WWW.GOV.NT.CA/EDACT
This happened at a time when the NWTTA-GNWT
ECE has invited the NWTTA, Central Office and its bargaining team was in negotiations with the GNWT
members, to review Discussion Papers it has prepared for a new collective agreement. Two issues of
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A Reflection on COVID-19 What are some strategies setting strategy is to gain support through an accountability
partner. Your accountability partner could be a family
Uncertainty and Our Mental Health that work in trying times? member, friend, colleague or life partner. They are someone
who will help you when times are tough and you’re falling
Rebecca Chen, Starling Minds Community Manager Here are some examples: There are several tools and strategies that can help us behind on the goals you’ve set for yourself. Finding the right
manage our worries and maintain (or even improve) our person to be your stream of motivation, inspiration and
As someone who thrives on to-do lists and detailed ‘’If my entire territory has been vaccinated, will I still be position on the mental health continuum. Today, I would
mandated to complete a 14-day quarantine if I were to positivity can act as a source of energy that keeps you on
planning for the worst-case scenario, COVID-19 and all of like to share two of these strategies with you: Thought
leave and return?’’ track to success.
its uncertainty has made me feel very disoriented as I’ve Balancing and Goal Setting.
struggled to adapt to the constant changes. Not only do I Here are some journal prompts that can help you get
‘’Can we gather in large groups safely now?’’
need to worry about taking all the necessary precautions Thought balancing: started:
for keeping myself and others physically healthy, but I also ‘’ How will the rules and regulations change in 3
Many of us have the tendency to partake in “all-or-nothing 1. What is my goal?
need to make peace with the idea that there are things out months?’’
of my control and no amount of contingency planning will thinking”. We may interpret events in absolutes, which can 2. What will I do to achieve your goal?
erase that. ‘’ How can I prepare for the next phase?’’ and the list goes usher us towards the unhealthy end of the mental health
on... continuum as we are constantly ruminating over thoughts 3. How will I know when I’ve achieved my goal?
While some people thrive on spontaneity by living in the like “I am a failure”, “Nothing ever works out” or ‘’I’m not
Uncertainty also affects our position on the mental health 4. Who will hold me accountable?
moment and allowing things to simply happen, I’m the good enough’’. Thought balancing helps us recognize these
type of person who needs to have control of my life. I pride continuum. And what is the mental health continuum negative thoughts and enables us to transform them into What will your goal be? I invite you to write it down now and
myself as a thorough planner: a person who accounts for all exactly? The continuum describes how healthy we feel more balanced and positive ones. start thinking about how you’ll achieve it.
the different possibilities and outcomes. I often ask myself: mentally and emotionally at a certain point in time. On
“What do I need to get done today?” “How long should each the healthy end of the continuum, we will feel grounded, To balance a thought, ask yourself the following questions: If you’d like to learn more about these mental health tools,
task take?” and “What are some things that may keep me assertive, and confident. However, when we’re on the or discover different guided therapies and practices to help
1. What is a negative thought I would like to balance?
from completing my to-do list?” unhealthy side of the spectrum, we may experience you manage your worry, anxiety and stress, log in to your
symptoms of anxiety and depression - irritability, 2. What are 3 facts that support this thought? Starling Minds account and join the community!
And for a fact, I know I’m not alone in desiring this level of fatigue, insomnia and other sleeping problems, as well as
control over every major aspect of my life. difficulties concentrating. 3. What are 3 facts that DON’T support this thought?
What is Starling Minds?
4. Based on my answers from B & C, what is a balanced
In the past year, we’ve noticed many Starling Minds When taken separately, a single obstacle in our life will thought that I can create? Starling Minds is an online program designed to help us
Members share their feelings of helplessness and most likely not have a big impact on our mental health. build the skills we need to improve our mental health and
frustration as their existing stressors evolved and became However, the accumulation of multiple obstacles that we 5. Does this new balanced thought resonate with me? help you get into the Zone. The concepts are based on
more complex. Many members expressed feelings of face over a long period of time may deplete us and push us Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a form of
uncertainty and worry over aspects of their lives that they further down the mental health continuum. At this point in If this new balanced thought resonates with you, that’s
evidence-based treatment that helps us understand how
cannot control. time, each newly added trigger or stressor has the potential great! Keep that thought in mind and repeat it to yourself
our thoughts, behaviours, and physiology affect how we
to create great distress and lead us to burnout. on a daily basis. If it doesn’t, that’s alright. Not all balanced
feel.
As an example, some major thoughts will resonate, but we have the ability to go through
factors that trigger worry in the practice again to find another thought that resonates Please remember that the NWTTA and the GNWT
members are: the degree to better. Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE)
which others are following provides you and your family members with a free mental
pandemic regulations, the SMART Goal Setting: therapy resource called Starling Minds™. Your answers and
rate at which vaccines have interactions are always anonymous. Learn and practice
been rolling out, and the date Setting SMART goals helps me focus on the elements of my
tools like emotional regulation, thought balancing, mood
when travel restrictions will life that I have control over, such as my daily activities, my
tracking, and goal setting.
finally be lifted. leisure time, and my personal time.
How can I get started with the program?
While the desire for control What is a SMART Goal?
gives us the drive to excel • Specific (simple, sensible, significant). Register at member.starlingminds.com with access code
in both our professional NWTMEMBER
and personal lives, resisting • Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
uncertainty with excessive Family members can register through the same page with
• Achievable (attainable). access code NWTFAMILY
control may impact our
mental health negatively. • Relevant (reasonable, realistic, results-based).
If you already have an account, login at member.
The mental health continuum teaches us that the state of • Time bound (time-based, time limited, time- starlingminds.com
For one, uncertainty is the main cause of worry, as it
our mental health isn’t static and can change throughout sensitive).
manifests itself through thoughts that often start with Questions? Email Starling Support at members@
our lives. But most importantly the continuum shows
“What if…” and “I should…”. Interestingly enough, although starlingminds.com
us that we have the power to bring ourselves back into This strategy enables me to reflect on my current
vaccines were the solution to the pandemic, in some ways,
balance by focusing on the elements of our lives that expectations and priorities while also giving me the
their existence has prompted more worrisome questions
we can control, such as our reactions and the amount of opportunity to adjust them if need be to make sure that my
than certain answers. energy we choose to put into a thought or a situation. goals match my reality. One major component of this goal-
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Understanding
Northern Allowance
Adrien Amirault, Professional Development Coordinator Basket of Goods. This survey is conducted by Statistics
Canada. The results of the survey are used to figure YK1 and YCS Northern Allowance Rates
Every year the Northern Allowance that is provided out a Living Cost Differential (LCD) between each
to GNWT teachers changes amount. Usually there are
communities that the allowance increases and others
northern community and Yellowknife. The LCD is set
Northern Allowance has never been
part of the Yellowknife collective 2007 and 2021
for the next four to five years. agreements. That being said, both
where it decreases. Often our members are concerned
when decreases happen, as their perception (or As an association we can negotiate two aspects of boards do have aspects of their Change from
collective agreements to offset Community 2021 Rates 2007 Rates
reality) of the cost of living in their community is that the Northern Allowance. One is the Yellowknife base 2007 to 2021
the costs do not go down. Northern Allowance is not rate, the other is the percentage of allowance that is the high cost of living in the north.
Aklavik 20,430 16,619 + 3,811
tied to real time price changes, nor does it take into applied to travel and to the basket of goods. In the Both YK1 and YCS had a negotiated
housing allowance. This allowance Behchoko (Edzo) 5,517 3,682 + 1,835
account all the goods and services one might access. recent collective agreement, we negotiated to put less
is no longer paid as an allowance as Behchoko (Rae) 5,517 3,697 + 1,820
This article is to help understand how it is calculated. towards travel and more towards the Basket of Goods.
both boards negotiated to have the Colville Lake 28,858 18,170 + 10,688
First there are two parts to the Northern Allowance: It is important to realize that not all of the things allowance moved onto the pay grids. Deline 27,019 16,600 + 10,419
you might purchase affect the Northern Allowance. The advantage of this is that it is now
1. Travel Fort Good Hope 26,371 16,390 + 9,981
Cigarettes, liquor, electricity, and rent are examples pensionable income, and subject to
of costs that are not part of Northern Allowance any raises going forward. Fort Liard 7,803 6,443 + 1,360
2. Cost related to a specific Basket of Goods
calculations. Fort McPherson 20,011 13,148 + 6,863
Each board also offers a travel
Fort Providence 9,021 6,133 + 2,888
Travel Effect of COVID-19
allowance to employees, which
gets reported on Box 32 of their T4. Fort Resolution 14,167 7,435 + 6,732
Travel is calculated by looking at actual class H (what it This allowance is achieved by direct Fort Simpson 12,785 8,492 + 4,293
would cost for an economy/coach ticket if you bought We by chance have been fortunate in reducing the negotiation with the employer. Fort Smith 7,374 4,728 + 2,646
it today to travel today) fares. Prices from our small effect of travel on our Northern Allowance rate as
travel demand has gone down over the last year. Gameti 16,394 11,724 + 4,670
regional air carriers to get to regional centers are also
included. Ultimately it is the cost from your community This has directly reduced the cost of travel in most Change Since 2007 Hay River 5,282 4,525 + 757
to get to Edmonton. This is the actual costs on the day of the north (there were a few exceptions). Many Hay River Reserve 5,300 4,539 + 761
communities will see reduction in Northern Allowance The table at right shows the change
the prices are checked. in Northern Allowance since 2007. Inuvik 14,234 11,911 + 2,323
this year due to this reduction. Once travel gets back
This is the earliest year that I have the Jean Marie River 14,840 10,019 + 4,821
There is also a road travel component based on the to normal, we will expect travel rates to rise, and
increase to allowances. record of calculation for. In 2007 the Kakisa 8,931 6,062 + 2,869
current GNWT travel rates. This is prorated by the
Northern Allowance was divided as Lutselk’e 17,852 12,879 + 4,973
length of the year your community can access travel
The Basket of Goods pricing was affected by a low cost 93% towards travel and 7% towards
to Edmonton by road. Some communities can do so Nahanni Butte 19,492 13,137 + 6,355
of living increase last year; some of the costs of the the Basket of Goods costs.
year-round (Fort Providence), others for part of the Norman Wells 19,823 12,903 + 6,920
year (Tulita) and finally some have no road travel basket items actually went down. Overall, the Basket
of Goods pricing stayed almost the same with a near Paulatuk 33,120 19,567 + 13,553
component included (Sachs Harbour).
zero percent cost of living increase. Sachs Harbour 33,893 20,065 + 13,828
One advantage of having Northern Allowance mostly Sambaa K’e 26,521 16,555 + 9,966
to offset travel is that there is a tax saving against Travel still has the biggest effect on Northern
Allowance rates. At present, 75% of Northern Tsiigehtchic 21,172 13,333 + 7,839
the cost of travel in the north. Northern allowance
is reported in box 32 of a T4 slip to allow for this Allowance is due to travel, and 25% due to the Basket Tuktoyaktuk 19,686 16,866 + 2,820
deduction against cost of travel. of Goods calculation. Tulita 24,798 14,968 + 9,830
Each year the allowance rates are recalculated by Ulukhaktok 34,834 21,075 + 13,759
While talking of taxes, Northern Allowance is taxable
income, though it is not pensionable. asking for new travel costs and looking at the change Wekweeti 16,134 11,543 + 4,591
in the cost of the basket of goods. Though COVID-19 Whati 16,059 11,505 + 4,554
has reduced some of the costs, we do anticipate at the
Basket of Goods end of COVID-19 the rates will increase as travel gets
Wrigley
Yellowknife
19,297
3,700
13,177
2,275
+ 6,120
+ 1,425
back to normal.
Every four to five years a survey is conducted looking
at the cost in each northern community of a specific
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Teaching Elections and Democracy Northern Lights
During a Pandemic Meet
Rachel Collishaw, Pedagogical Advisor, Elections Canada integrity of These questions are carefully designed to engage Heather Evans
This article has been reprinted with permission. our inquiry- students in exploring the information in the from Aklavik (Beaufort-Delta region)
based learning resource and beyond.
With the ongoing talk of a experiences. By
federal election this year and April 2020, we While we have not physically attended teacher Q. Where did you grow up?
the unveiling of a historic spring published simple conferences this year, we now offer virtual PD I grew up in Surrey, BC.
budget, Elections Canada’s adaptations of sessions for groups of teachers across Canada.
Pedagogical Advisor Rachel our resources for We have also created a series of professional Q. What made you decide to
Collishaw discusses how teachers distance learning, learning videos that teachers can access anytime. become a teacher?
can maintain good inquiry-based using some online Each video includes an overview of one of our I always knew that I wanted a career working with
learning practices in a pandemic components such resources, tips for engaging students, and our own children. However, it wasn’t until I worked as a support
setting to engage students in conversations about as our videos stories from the classroom. We are dedicated to assistant for students with autism that I decided to
elections and democracy. and fact sheets supporting teachers virtually and to continuing to pursue teaching. Working in a variety of classrooms
while leaving the engage students in conversations about elections showed me just how much of an impact a teacher can
Inquiry-based learning, collaboration, student voice, and democracy. have on students who don’t fit within the ‘norm’.
clear learning goals and curricular relevance: these activity boards and card sets aside. Each resource was
are the hallmarks of good pedagogy. Depending on pared down to meet the needs of at-home learning, Despite the pandemic, our team has been busy Q. What do you teach?
their location, teachers have been maintaining these while keeping as many elements of critical thinking, releasing new tools to better support teachers. I teach ELA, social studies, psychology, sociology and a
key features during school building shutdowns in student voice and collaboration as possible. I am especially proud of our robust curriculum variety of CTS courses at Moose Kerr School in Aklavik.
the face of COVID-19. We don’t know when the next In addition to our adapted resources, teachers connections tool. With hundreds of citizenship-
federal election will be, but the civic education team related courses offered across Canada in both Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
continue to use the wealth of classroom-friendly
at Elections Canada will continue to support teachers official languages, understanding where a federal I love the adventure and learning opportunities that
information about Canada’s elections that is available
and students through these challenging times. resource intersects with a provincial or territorial come along with teaching in the North. My absolute
on the Elections and Democracy website. Access
curriculum is a challenge! Using a simple search favourite part of teaching is learning from my students
In 2017, when I joined Elections Canada as an to reliable information is key to successful inquiry-
tool, teachers can now look up resources by on the land. It is beautiful to see the pride they hold as
education consultant, the agency was looking to based learning, especially about political or electoral
province and course name based on their specific they share their traditional knowledge and skills. I have
renew its civic education program with an important topics. Teachers need background information for had the privilege of going muskrat trapping, checking
themselves and sources with accessible language needs. We know that engaging future voters is
mandate: to give future voters the knowledge and about informing and inspiring students not just in fish nets, skinning marten, fox, and caribou, and learning
interest needed to participate in our democracy. I for their students in order to investigate critical how to make dry meat. Each experience has enriched my
questions. Whether classrooms are online, in person, social studies or citizenship class but across the
brought my 20 years of experience as a classroom curriculum. Teachers will find that our resources life and deepened my respect for my students and their
teacher, resource writer, and instructional coach to or in a blended learning environment, we are pleased cultural background.
to provide teachers and students with accurate, have connections to language arts, mathematics,
the task, and the principles of classroom inquiry and and information technology courses throughout
collaboration guided our work. non-partisan information about our elections and Q. How do you engage your students?
democracy. the secondary years.
I engage my students by believing in and supporting
In 2018, we launched our series of free resources I am fortunate to work with a team that them as they reach for their goals. The world outside
designed primarily for inquiry-based learning,
collaboration and student voice. After establishing
Supporting teachers virtually understands that supporting teachers is one of of high school can seem so daunting and I count it an
honour to help students navigate the many decisions
the best ways to reach future voters and, in turn,
an Advisory Circle of Educators and pilot-testing the In September 2020, we launched our suite of blended strengthen our elections and democracy. While that need to be made as they approach graduation.
resources in classrooms across Canada, we heard again learning tools that present ways to combine both I miss the relationships with my students in the This year Moose Kerr School has nine graduates and
and again that teachers and students appreciated the online and in-person learning strategies. Blended classroom, I have built relationships with teachers it has been so exciting to see each of them pursue
hands-on classroom learning materials for small group pedagogy is a new type learning framework for many across Canada that have affirmed my belief in their different dreams. Six of our grads will be off to
activities. These materials enabled students to engage teachers but the goals remain the same. Teachers teacher dedication and professionalism, no matter post-secondary school and the others will be pursing
in meaningful in-person conversations that developed want to help students collaborate, discuss and inquire the circumstances. I look forward to providing new employment opportunities within Aklavik. Getting to
their knowledge and interest in our democracy. online and in person. kinds of virtual support, as education continues play a small role in their journey brings me so much joy!
to shift in response to the public health crisis. Enriched My Life
Adapting to the new reality While the resources themselves involve classroom-
ready activities, their pedagogical strategies can
Elections Canada is ready with adaptable tools to Teaching in the North has enriched my life in more
increase educators’ confidence in teaching about ways than I could have ever imagined or wished for. The
With the advent of emergency distance learning, go well beyond one class period. For example, each
Canada’s elections and democracy. stories, traditions, and experiences are ones I will carry
we began imagining how we could adapt our hands- activity includes a key inquiry question such as How
inclusive is our democracy? or Does Voting Matter? with me forever.
on resources in a relevant manner and maintain the
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