The Alberta Teachers’ Association

A dashing crowd of teachers
Elk Island Catholic teachers wore yellow T-shirts featuring the local’s logo and the slogan “Caring for Our Community” at the Community Action Dash in May.
—Photo courtesy of Elk Island Catholic Teachers

Community relations a priority in 2009/10

More ATA locals are actively involved in their communities, thanks to the Association’s Community Relations Grant (CRG).

The 2009/10 school year has seen 18 applications for CRGs, which is good news to Phil McRae, the ATA executive staff officer responsible for administering CRGs. “This is a great year to see this happening. More than ever, teachers are seizing every opportunity to promote public education and the profession through their active citizenship.”

Of special interest this year, noted McRae, was the mental health of children and youth; eight locals received grants for projects relating to that area. Grants were used for camps for children with mental health challenges, resources for youth, public awareness campaigns, and mental health first aid training for teachers. As well, an awareness program for elementary school students and numerous fundraisers for the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) were carried out.

Teachers trumpet students’ mental wellness

Trumpeter Local spearheads Get Active

With the support of a CRG, Liam McCracken, ATA local communications officer for Trumpeter Local No. 26, and Hywel Williams, executive director of the Alberta Southeast Region of the CMHA, put together the Get Active campaign. The goal of the campaign was to help Trumpeter Local teachers encourage their students to live active lifestyles as a means to combat mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. The focal point of the campaign was the ATA/CMHA Bowlerama, which engaged teachers and students together in a fun activity.

The week before spring break, students received pamphlets describing the benefits of active living and its positive effects on the mind. They were encouraged to be active during their week off, to record their activities on the pamphlets and to return them to their teachers after the break. More than 600 pamphlets were returned and entered in a draw. ATA school representatives drew three names from each school and those drawn, along with three teachers from each school, were invited to the Bowlerama.

The Bowlerama was held March 20. Teachers wore matching bowling shirts featuring the slogan “Healthy Minds, Bright Futures.” The bowling alley was reserved for the event, and ­parents were invited to attend (some participated). Pizza Hut donated 14 pizzas.

Following the event, participating students were entered into a grand prize draw for six lift passes and rental equipment at the local ski hill, rental of the leisure centre pool for one hour, and theatre passes that included soft drinks and popcorn.

“This was a fabulous inaugural event,” said McCracken. “It was amazing to see the variety of activities our kids made a point of participating in over the spring break. Just by getting active, they all won. It was also great to see our teachers and our kids having a laugh and knocking down some pins at the Bowlerama!

Teachers show what they’re made of

Calgary Public local fights for good causes

This year, Calgary Public Teachers Local No. 38 embraced the statement from its Preferred Futures document that says that “Calgary Public teachers are recognized as being actively engaged in the community,” as teachers took off running, walking and conquering.

Teachers’ telling tats

The local offered to pay teachers’ registration fees (to a maximum of $100 per year) for charitable athletic events in Alberta, including the Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run and Walk, Betty’s Run for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and the Ride to Conquer Cancer. The only stipulation was that teachers had to wear a tattoo of the local’s logo in a visible location and submit a photo of the tattoo taken at the event.

“We received many fun photos,” said Jenny Regal, president of Calgary Public Teachers. “So far, we’ve had 97 applicants participate in 13 different events and have committed over $4,600. Our teachers have really taken to this idea and they’re running with it! We may have to apply again next year.”

Make the dragon roar!

Edmonton Catholic local paddles up

For the second straight summer, Edmonton Catholic Teachers Local No. 54, supported by a CRG to raise awareness for the CMHA, will be participating in the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival, to be held August 20–22.

Caring for their community

Elk Island Catholic teachers take action

With the help of a CRG, teachers from Elk Island ­Catholic Teachers Local No. 21 participated in the Community ­Action Dash five-kilometre walk sponsored by Action for Healthy Communities, on Sunday, May 16.

“Receiving the Community Relations Grant and participating in the Community Action Dash was a great opportunity to build community amongst our local ATA members, as well as providing us with the chance to support an organization that benefits many individuals,” commented organizer Kristine Willis ­Dengler. “Everyone who came out Sunday morning loved the event and can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Proceeds from the walk will support programs in the community, such as learning groups for seniors, self-help groups for single mothers, collective kitchens for the homeless, training workshops for the unemployed and underemployed, and cultural and recreational activities for low-income families.

Locals participating in the CRG program

The 18 locals that participated in the Community Relations Grant program in the 2009/10 school year are Aspen View Local No. 7, Battle River Local No. 32, Calgary Public Teachers Local No. 38, Calgary Separate School Local No. 55, Canadian Rockies Local No. 59, Chinook’s Edge Local No. 17, Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ Local No. 54, Edmonton Public Teachers Local No. 37, Elk ­Island Catholic Teachers Local No. 21, Grande Prairie and District Catholic Teachers Local No. 42, Greater Black Gold Teachers’ Local No. 8, Lakeland Catholic Separate Local No. 30, Northern Spirit Local No. 6, Pembina Hills Local No. 22, Red Deer Catholic Local No. 80, Sturgeon Local No. 27, Trumpeter Local No. 26 and Wetaskiwin  Local No. 18.