As we turn the page into the summer season, I am pleased to share this update with all of you, our dedicated and valued retired educators. Summer has always symbolized warmth, family picnics, renewing connections, and reflection, and this season has brought many exciting developments within our education community, as well as new opportunities to reconnect, advocate, and engage.
Executive Director
It is with fond memories that we say farewell to our Executive Director, Sean Seywright. He has moved to a more challenging role with a different organization. While we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for the hard work, dedication, and innovative leadership that he has brought to our organization. We will deeply miss his vision and commitment. Sean has had a lasting impact that will ensure success for RTAM in many years to come. We wish him well. Search for a new Executive Director has begun already.
Substitute Teacher Survey
There are plans to share the results from the Substitute Teacher Survey with the MTS Bargaining Team. The results of this survey are being collated. The survey had 246 respondents.
RTAM Activities
We’re excited to share information about RTAM’s upcoming events. By participating in these activities, members have opportunities to reconnect with fellow retirees. Please register for each in your member portal. There is a charge for participating in these activities. Mark your calendars for:
• May 24 - IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, 9 am – 12 noon at the Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. Also, there are walks organized for other parts of Manitoba.
• June 22 – Retired Teacher Appreciation Day at the Winnipeg Goldeyes Game. This exciting day is packed with activities for the whole family, and we can’t wait to see you there!
• August 5 and August 12 - Global Adventure with RTAM at Folklorama (August 5) and Celebrate Community and Culture Tour with RTAM at Folklorama (August 12) - RTAM is proud to partner with Folklorama for the first time to bring RTAM
members a unique opportunity to visit Pavilions on the RTAM Bus in week 1 and week 2. Join other members of the retired education community to experience Folklorama.
Chapters and Special Area Groups
Chapters and Special Area Group activities have resumed in full swing. From book clubs to wellness walks to singing in a choir to afternoon teas, the creativity and commitment of our local chapter and special area group leaders are truly commendable. If you haven’t yet participated in a recent Chapter activity or a Special Area Group function, now is a great time to reconnect with peers and enjoy enriching get togethers.
ACER CART
ACER CART, the national body that represents retired teachers across Canada, identified several key issues of importance to retired educators and Canadian seniors that will promote a vibrant, healthy, and a dignified lifestyle for retired educators. In working towards a National Seniors Strategy with the Federal Government, ACER CART is advocating for:
• Supporting an expanded comprehensive, single payer National Pharmacare Plan;
• Ensuring seniors have a guaranteed and sufficient retirement income;
• Prioritizing care in seniors’ own homes with community supports to Age in Place;
• Opposing the Privatization of Health Services in Canada.
In addition, there is a meeting of Western Canadian retired teacher organizations in Saskatoon on June 9 and 10 where our Executive Committee and some Board members will be representing RTAM. The focus of this meeting will be advocacy efforts and issues relating to aging in place.
This President’s Report would not be complete without acknowledging the profound role you continue to play in shaping education, not just through past teaching, but through present advocacy, support, and wisdom. The influence of a teacher does not end at retirement; it evolves, deepens, and expands.
Thank you. We are stronger because of you.
Chers membres précieux,
RAPPoRT DE PRéSIDENT
Jayesh Maniar
Alors que nous tournons la page vers la saison estivale, je suis heureux de partager cette mise à jour avec vous tous, nos éducateurs retraités dévoués et estimés. L’été a toujours symbolisé la chaleur, les pique-niques en famille, le renouveau des liens et la réflexion. Cette saison a apporté de nombreux développements passionnants au sein de notre communauté éducative, ainsi que de nouvelles occasions de se reconnecter, de défendre nos valeurs et de s’engager.
Directeur exécutif
C’est avec émotion que nous faisons nos adieux à notre directeur exécutif, Sean Seywright, qui a accepté un poste plus exigeant dans une autre organisation. Bien que nous soyons attristés de le voir partir, nous lui sommes profondément reconnaissants pour son travail acharné, son dévouement et son leadership novateur au sein de notre organisation. Sa vision et son engagement nous manqueront énormément. Sean a eu un impact durable qui assurera le succès de la RTAM pour de nombreuses années à venir. Nous lui souhaitons le meilleur. La recherche d’un nouveau directeur exécutif est déjà en cours.
Sondage
sur les enseignants suppléants
Les résultats du sondage sur les enseignants suppléants seront partagés avec l’équipe de négociation de la MTS. Les réponses sont en cours de compilation. Le sondage a reçu 246 réponses.
Activités de la RTAM
Nous sommes ravis de vous présenter les événements à venir de la RTAM. En participant à ces activités, les membres auront l’occasion de renouer avec d’anciens collègues retraités. Veuillez-vous inscrire à chaque activité via votre portail de RTAM. Une contribution est requise pour participer à ces événements. Notez les dates suivantes dans vos calendriers :
• 24 mai – Marche pour l’Alzheimer organisée par IG Gestion de patrimoine, de 9h à 12h au Théâtre Lyric, parc Assiniboine à Winnipeg. D’autres marches auront également lieu ailleurs au Manitoba.
• 22 juin – Journée d’appréciation des enseignants retraités au match des Winnipeg Goldeyes. Cette journée passionnante regorge d’activités pour toute la famille. Nous avons hâte de vous y retrouver !
• 5 et 12 août – Aventure mondiale avec la RTAM à Folklorama
(5 août) et Tournée Célébrons la communauté et la culture avec la RTAM à Folklorama (12 août). La RTAM est fière de s’associer pour la première fois à Folklorama afin d’offrir à ses membres une occasion unique de visiter les pavillons à bord de l’autobus de la RTAM pendant les semaines 1 et 2. Venez vivre Folklorama avec d’autres membres de la communauté éducative retraitée.
Chapitres et groupes d’intérêt particulier
Les activités des chapitres et des groupes d’intérêt particulier ont repris de plus belle. Clubs de lecture, marches bien-être, chorales, thés de l’après-midi – la créativité et l’engagement de nos responsables locaux sont réellement admirables. Si vous n’avez pas encore participé récemment à une activité de chapitres ou à un événement de groupes d’intérêt particulier, c’est le moment idéal pour renouer avec vos pairs et profiter de ces rencontres enrichissantes.
ACER-CART
L’ACER-CART, l’organisme national qui représente les enseignants retraités à travers le Canada, a identifié plusieurs enjeux clés pour les éducateurs retraités et les aînés canadiens, afin de promouvoir un mode de vie sain, dynamique et digne. Dans le cadre de l’élaboration d’une stratégie nationale pour les aînés avec le gouvernement fédéral, l’ACER-CART plaide pour :
• Le soutien à un régime national d’assurance-médicaments universel et complet
• Un revenu de retraite suffisant et garanti pour les aînés
• La priorité à l’aide au maintien à domicile avec des soutiens communautaires pour favoriser le vieillissement chez soi
• L’opposition à la privatisation des services de santé au Canada.
De plus, une réunion des organisations d’enseignants retraités de l’Ouest canadien aura lieu à Saskatoon les 9 et 10 juin. Le comité exécutif et certains membres du conseil représenteront la RTAM. Cette réunion portera sur les efforts de défense des intérêts et les enjeux liés au vieillissement à domicile.
Ce rapport du président ne serait pas complet sans souligner le rôle essentiel que vous continuez de jouer dans le façonnement de l’éducation – non seulement à travers votre carrière passée, mais également par votre soutien, votre engagement et votre sagesse actuelle. L’influence d’un enseignant ne s’arrête pas à la retraite : elle évolue, s’approfondit et s’élargit.
Merci. C’est grâce à vous que nous sommes plus forts.
Sean Seywright, 2022-2025
A grateful farewell: Reflecting on an incredible journey with RTAM
After three unforgettable years as Executive Director of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, the time has come to turn the page and begin a new chapter. It’s hard to fully express what these years have meant to me, both professionally and personally. What I can say is that I leave filled with pride, love, and deep gratitude—for the people I’ve met, the changes we’ve made, and the future we’ve built together.
This journey was about growth—of an organization, of its reach and relevance, and, truthfully, of myself. RTAM is not the same association it was when I walked through the door in 2022. It’s stronger, more sustainable, more inclusive, more connected—and deeply committed to serving its 10,500+ members, with an eye toward 20,000 strong in the coming years.
Thanking the Village
There is no progress without people, and no change without partnerships.
To our political partners—your advocacy, collaboration, and generosity toward our community have been deeply appreciated. I thank Cindy Lamoureux from the Liberal Party, Grant Jackson and Wayne Ewasko from the Conservative Party, and both the late Nello Altomare and the current Minister Tracy Schmidt from the NDP for championing our members’ voices and needs.
To our partners in service: Jessica and Lisa at Johnson—your care for our members’ insurance needs has always gone above and beyond. Laurie, Cheryl, and Maren at Hearing Life—your support and compassion since joining our RTAM family have meant the world. Thank you for helping us grow.
To our Executive—Linda Blair, Jayesh Maniar, Trent Tuttosi, and Jocelyne Fraser—thank you. The time, energy, and commitment you give behind the scenes often go unseen, but never by me. Your sacrifices, your integrity, and your relentless dedication have helped lead RTAM with heart and purpose. I respect and appreciate each of you immensely.
To the RTAM staff—Grace, though new to our family, your presence is already felt, and your role in RTAM’s next chapter will be vital. Denise and Dianne, you are more than colleagues—you have become family. We have built and battled together, laughed and problem-solved, and carried forward big ideas in a small team. Your honesty, work ethic, and loyalty to our members have been the backbone of our progress. I will miss you both deeply.
A Time of Transformation
Looking back, I am incredibly proud of the tangible, measurable accomplishments we’ve made together:
We reviewed and renegotiated longstanding contracts, reducing annual costs by $80,000—returning $240,000 to operations over three years.
We modernized KIT magazine, now reaching readers across the globe in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and beyond.
Recognizing a gap in communication, we launched the E-Newsletter—now boasting an astonishing 75% open rate, more than double industry norms.
We built a brand-new website and added a CRM system, giving members full control over their profiles and engagement with RTAM—while also letting us track metrics to grow smarter.
We created an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, helping RTAM reflect the diverse tapestry of Manitoba’s educators.
• We made sincere, lasting commitments to the Francophone community—adding French forms and articles, increasing French Board representation, and moving toward a bilingual website.
• Partnerships blossomed: Hearing Life, Folklorama, Festival du Voyageur, the Winnipeg Football Club, the Goldeyes, Alzheimer’s Manitoba, and many more.
• We took leadership roles in the Manitoba Seniors Coalition and strengthened ties with national bodies like ACER-CART, even as Ontario exited.
• We introduced a new “Education Community Membership,” which brought in partners like the University of Manitoba Retiree Association and will help us expand our numbers and services.
• Our governance became sharper: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Policies were all updated.
• We addressed legacy accounting and financial issues, implementing best practices that led to our strongest audit in years.
• Chapter funding became stable and guaranteed—$2,000 annually without need for applications.
• We created new Special Interest Groups like the RTAM Choir and French Book Club.
• Our Winnipeg Foundation contributions will now permanently protect scholarship and grant funding—moving them off our operating budget and into long-term legacy.
• We’ve even explored a bold new office project, potentially over $30 million in size, in partnership with CMHC—one that could bring affordable housing, program space, and no cost to RTAM.
A Governance Evolution
Perhaps most crucially, we transitioned RTAM’s Board from an operational body to a true governance structure.
This change didn’t just professionalize our approach—it unlocked new potential. Events like the golf tournament became not just social wins but fundraising tools. We collaborated with Volunteer Manitoba to sharpen our nonprofit practices. And we developed a formal Strategic Plan— with goals, metrics, and timelines that we’re already halfway through achieving.
Together, we conducted a full SWOT analysis and laid out a roadmap for long-term organizational strength. That, to me, is legacy work.
Together, we conducted a full SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and laid out a roadmap for long-term organizational strength. That, to me, is legacy work.
Looking Ahead
It’s been an amazing three years—years of growth, reform, healing, and vision. I’m stepping into a new opportunity now, one that excites me and offers fresh challenges, but leaving RTAM is not easy. This organization has heart. It has grit. And it has a future that I believe in with everything I’ve got.
To our members: thank you for your trust and engagement. To our Board: thank you for your courage to lead. And to the RTAM family: thank you for the ride of a lifetime.
With Gratitude,
Sean Seywright Executive Director, 2022–2025 Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba
Sean Seywright , 2022-2025
Un au revoir reconnaissant : retour sur une aventure exceptionnelle avec la RTAM
Après trois années inoubliables en tant que directeur exécutif de l’Association des enseignantes et enseignants retraités du Manitoba (RTAM), il est temps pour moi de tourner la page et de commencer un nouveau chapitre. Il m’est difficile d’exprimer pleinement ce que ces années ont représenté pour moi, tant sur le plan professionnel que personnel. Ce que je peux dire, c’est que je pars avec un immense sentiment de fierté, d’amour et de profonde gratitude — pour les personnes que j’ai rencontrées, les changements que nous avons réalisés, et l’avenir que nous avons construit ensemble.
Ce parcours a été une véritable aventure de croissance — pour l’organisation, pour sa portée et sa pertinence, et, en toute honnêteté, pour moi-même. La RTAM n’est plus la même association que celle que j’ai rejointe en 2022. Elle est plus forte, plus durable, plus inclusive, plus connectée — et profondément engagée à servir ses plus de 10 500 membres, avec une ambition d’atteindre les 20 000 dans les années à venir.
Remerciements à tout
un village
Il n’y a pas de progrès sans les gens, ni de changement sans partenariats.
À nos partenaires politiques — votre soutien, votre collaboration et votre générosité envers notre communauté ont été profondément appréciés. Je remercie Cindy Lamoureux du Parti libéral, Grant Jackson et Wayne Ewasko du Parti conservateur, ainsi que feu Nello Altomare et l’actuelle ministre Tracy Schmidt du NPD pour avoir défendu la voix et les besoins de nos membres.
À nos partenaires de service : Jessica et Lisa chez Johnson — votre attention portée aux besoins d’assurance de nos membres a toujours dépassé les attentes.
Laurie, Cheryl et Maren de Hearing Life — votre soutien et votre compassion depuis votre arrivée dans la famille RTAM ont été inestimables. Merci de nous avoir aidés à évoluer.
À notre exécutif — Linda Blair, Jayesh Maniar, Trent Tuttosi et Jocelyne Fraser — merci. Le temps, l’énergie et l’engagement que vous consacrez dans les coulisses sont souvent invisibles, mais jamais pour moi. Vos sacrifices, votre intégrité et votre dévouement infatigable ont permis de guider la RTAM avec cœur et vision. Je vous estime et vous remercie sincèrement.
Au personnel de la RTAM — Grace, bien que nouvellement arrivée dans notre famille, ta présence se fait déjà sentir, et ton rôle dans le prochain chapitre de la RTAM sera essentiel. Denise et Dianne, vous êtes plus que des collègues — vous êtes devenues une famille. Nous avons construit et combattu ensemble, ri et trouvé des solutions, porté de grandes idées au sein d’une petite équipe. Votre honnêteté, votre éthique de travail et votre loyauté envers nos membres ont été la colonne vertébrale de nos progrès. Vous allez énormément me manquer.
Une période de transformation
En y repensant, je suis extrêmement fier des réalisations concrètes et mesurables que nous avons accomplies ensemble :
Nous avons revu et renégocié des contrats de longue date, réduisant les coûts annuels de 80 000 $ — soit 240 000 $ retournés aux opérations sur trois ans.
Nous avons modernisé le magazine KIT, désormais lu dans le monde entier : aux États-Unis, au Royaume-Uni, en Australie, et ailleurs.
Face à un déficit de communication, nous avons lancé l’infolettre électronique, atteignant un taux d’ouverture exceptionnel de 75 %, soit plus du double de la moyenne du secteur.
Nous avons conçu un tout nouveau site web et intégré un système CRM, permettant aux membres de gérer leurs profils et leur engagement avec la RTAM — tout en nous offrant des données pour croître intelligemment.
Nous avons créé un comité pour l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion, afin que la RTAM reflète la richesse du corps enseignant manitobain.
Nous avons pris des engagements sincères envers la communauté francophone : ajout de formulaires et d’articles en français, augmentation de la représentation francophone au conseil, et avancement vers un site web bilingue.
Les partenariats ont fleuri : Hearing Life, Folklorama, le Festival du Voyageur, le Club de football de Winnipeg, les Goldeyes, la Société Alzheimer du Manitoba, et bien d’autres encore.
Nous avons assumé un rôle de leadership au sein de la Coalition des aînés du Manitoba et renforcé nos liens avec des organismes
nationaux comme ACER-CART, même après le départ de l’Ontario.
Nous avons lancé un nouveau statut de « membre de la communauté éducative », qui a permis d’accueillir des partenaires comme l’Association des retraités de l’Université du Manitoba, et contribuera à élargir nos effectifs et nos services.
Notre gouvernance s’est affûtée : nos statuts constitutifs, règlements et politiques ont été mis à jour.
Nous avons résolu des problèmes comptables et financiers hérités du passé, en appliquant des pratiques exemplaires qui ont mené à notre meilleure vérification depuis des années.
Le financement des sections locales est désormais stable et garanti — 2 000 $ par an sans demande nécessaire.
Nous avons créé de nouveaux groupes d’intérêt : la chorale RTAM et le Club de lecture en français.
Nos contributions à la Winnipeg Foundation protégeront désormais de façon permanente les bourses et subventions — les retirant de notre budget opérationnel pour en faire un legs durable.
Nous avons même exploré un projet audacieux de nouveau bureau, potentiellement de plus de 30 millions de dollars, en partenariat avec la SCHL — un projet qui pourrait offrir des logements abordables, un espace de programme, et sans coût pour la RTAM.
Évolution de la gouvernance
Peut-être le plus important : nous avons transformé le conseil d’administration de la RTAM, passant d’un rôle opérationnel à une véritable structure de gouvernance.
Ce changement, a non seulement professionnalisé notre
ERRATUM: Canadian Trivia Quiz
It has been brought to my attention by Larry Ens that two of the answers provided in the past Canadian Trivia Quiz were not correct. Please note the correct responses below:
6. What were the names of the brothers featured in the SCTV sketch “The Great White North”?
Correct Answer: Bob and Doug McKenzie.
16. What flame grilled burger joint is Canadian owned and operated and found only in Canada, for 65 years?
approche, mais il a aussi libéré un nouveau potentiel. Des événements comme le tournoi de golf sont devenus non seulement des réussites sociales, mais aussi des outils de collecte de fonds. Nous avons collaboré avec Bénévoles
Manitoba pour renforcer nos pratiques à but non lucratif. Et nous avons développé un plan stratégique formel — avec des objectifs, des indicateurs et des échéances dont la moitié sont déjà atteints.
Ensemble, nous avons réalisé une analyse SWOT complète et tracé une feuille de route vers une force organisationnelle à long terme.
Pour moi, c’est ça, construire un héritage.
L’avenir
Ces trois années ont été extraordinaires — années de croissance, de réforme, de guérison et de vision. Je me lance maintenant dans une nouvelle aventure, qui m’enthousiasme et me met au défi. Mais quitter la RTAM n’est pas facile. Cette organisation a du cœur. Elle a du cran. Et elle a un avenir dans lequel je crois de tout mon être.
À nos membres : merci pour votre confiance et votre engagement.
Au conseil : merci pour votre courage à diriger.
Et à la famille RTAM : merci pour cette expérience de vie inoubliable.
Avec toute ma gratitude,
Sean Seywright
Directeur exécutif, 2022–2025
Association des enseignantes et enseignants retraités du Manitoba
Submitted by Joan Zaretsky
Correct Answer: Harvey’s.
Thank you, Larry, for bringing this to my attention. It is our hope that if you, or any other member finds something printed in our KIT magazines which is not correct, you will feel free to contact RTAM and let us know. I appreciated hearing from you as it tells me some of our members are enjoying our Canadian Trivia Quizzes.
Message from KIT Committee
Submitted by Jocelyne Fraser
Summer brings happiness
With the golden sun shining brightly, birds singing joyful melodies, and vibrant flowers in full bloom, it’s clear life is beautiful in the summertime.
In this edition of KIT, we invite you to embrace the warmth of the season and explore the many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it’s going to a Goldeyes baseball game, the rich cultural experience of Folklorama, or a relaxing day on the golf course, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check the RTAM e-newsletter and visit the RTAM website to register for these upcoming group activities.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the members who contributed articles for this special summer edition. Your stories, insights, and creativity help make KIT a true community publication. We are always on the lookout for fresh content—recipes, activities, travel tales, or anything you’d love to share. Your contributions keep our magazine vibrant and engaging.
Here’s to a season filled with sunshine, smiles, and shared adventures!
Message du Comité KIT
Soumis par Jocelyne Fraser
L’été apporte le bonheur
Avec le soleil doré qui brille de mille feux, les oiseaux qui chantent joyeusement et les fleurs éclatantes en pleine floraison, une chose est sûre : la vie est belle en été.
Dans cette édition de KIT, nous vous invitons à profiter pleinement de la chaleur estivale et à découvrir les nombreuses occasions de vous divertir en plein air. Que ce soit un match de baseball des Goldeyes, l’expérience culturelle unique de Folklorama ou une journée détendue sur le parcours de golf, il y en a pour tous les goûts. N’oubliez pas de consulter l’infolettre électronique de la RTAM et de visiter leur site web pour vous inscrire aux activités de groupe à venir.
Un grand merci à tous les membres qui ont contribué à cette édition d’été. Vos récits, idées et créativité font de KIT une publication communautaire riche et vivante. Nous sommes toujours à la recherche de nouveaux contenus — recettes, activités, récits de voyage, ou tout autre sujet que vous aimeriez partager. Vos contributions donnent vie à notre magazine.
Que cette saison vous apporte soleil, sourires et aventures partagées !
RTAM Advocacy Committee Report
A brief compilation of pension experiences submitted to KIT Magazine by the RTAM Advocacy Committee members; Joan Goble (Thompson), Julia McKay (The Pas), Karen Mozdzen (Winnipeg), Guy Hansen (Winnipeg), Marilyn Wiebe (Winnipeg; RTAM Chairperson) .
100 years and counting: Upcoming pension celebration
If the Teachers’ Retirement Allowance Fund hadn’t been established in 1925 what would our retired teachers have lost?
This question came to mind when I was reading a social media post where an active teacher was asking how they could cancel the TRAF deduction from their pay cheque and use the money now.
I had not heard any teacher pose a question of this nature during my teaching career. I had heard the debate at numerous Manitoba Teachers’ Society Annual General Meetings, I’d attended as an active contributing TRAF member, questioning what would be happening to members’ contributions when the number of retired teachers, whose longevity has increased, would eventually exceed the number of contributing working/ active teachers.
Many retirement funds, such as TRAF, are built on a defined benefit contribution. Employees in other occupations or careers no longer contribute to or expect to receive a guaranteed retirement income outside of the Federal Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS). Employees are being told to provide for their personal financial security by saving and investing with financial institutions that will allow them to supplement their fixed income independently.
The Manitoba Teachers’ Society and Teachers’ Retirement Allowance Fund both state that teachers can begin accessing retirement information seminars at 48 years of age. This is only a suggestion. Some teachers access this information at 40 years of age or younger. Our interest in learning more about our retirement benefits may be driven by a life change or partner’s proximity to retirement. Teachers report attending anywhere from 3 to 5 pre-retirement seminars before making an appointment to meet with TRAF.
Arriving at the TRAF offices included knowing in advance which of the Plans A to G would be on the table for the individual teacher’s consideration. Yes, it helps to include your partner in the meeting. In my case, my partner was already receiving a pension based on the Plan that was best for us, while I was still actively contributing to my own pension. TRAF personnel were helpful in giving information about the various plans and providing longer-term planning outcomes.
Practical considerations that impact your retirement planning should include:
Will I have enough money? I know there are many different opinions about the financial aspects of retirement. We try to ensure that we have relatively little debt remaining after our teeth and other health related items are taken care of. Out of pocket expenses like dental care, hearing loss and vision are the most common items. Frequently, these areas are compounded or exacerbated by preexisting medical conditions that are contributing to a person’s expenses in self-care and personal property maintenance.
Inflation is a fact of life. Budgeting is also key whether you have supplemented or defined income. I’ve always advocated for university faculties to provide Post Secondary students with Financial Planning courses. Students need knowledge about financial opportunities that will assist them in applying their earnings beyond meeting their basic needs. I recall hearing many conversations related to finances in every staffroom of every school. Too often teachers forget to find advice from a practicing financial planner. The lending institutions are frequently offering more money than is prudent to spend.
A financial planner can advise a person about future expenditures that are part of living on a fixed income. Health, lifestyle, travel and charitable contributions are things that occur throughout life but become more of a focus as you age. Having this in mind it is prudent to take stock of your streams of income. Government security benefits will support your company pension plan.
You may think about taking a part-time job, acquiring or creating a rental income, putting money into RRSP’s (Registered Retirement Savings Plans), TFSA’s (tax-free savings accounts) or annuity strategies. Securing an annuity as part of your retirement income, or perhaps acquiring a line of credit, together with CPP, OAS and other government health programs, which good financial advisors keep an eye on, could help seniors feel more secure.
Some recommended sources used in this article include: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/yourhealth/lifestyles/ seniors-aging-vision-care.html
askthemoneylady.ca; Christine Ibbotson is a regular contributor to The Community Review affiliated with the Thursday editions of the Winnipeg Free Press
joelschles@gmail.com: Winnipeg Freelance Journalist posted an article (02/22/2025 Winnipeg Free Press edition) titled Higher Costs of old age.
RTAM Volunteer Form
RTAM Volunteer Form
RTAM members with diverse skills, creativity, and innovative thinking are encouraged to volunteer on a committee, working group, or special interest group to help keep the organization moving forward and making it better.
RTAM members with diverse skills, creativity, and innovative thinking are encouraged to volunteer on a committee, working group, or special interest group to help keep the organization moving forward and making it better.
Volunteering provides RTAM members with the opportunity to get to know more about RTAM, meet other retired teachers, and share knowledge on various topics. For more information about committees, visit our website at https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/rtamcommittees.
Volunteering provides RTAM members with the opportunity to get to know more about RTAM, meet other retired teachers, and share knowledge on various topics. For more information about committees, visit our website at https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/rtamcommittees.
What to know about being a committee or working group member:
What to know about being a committee or working group member:
� The term for committee members is one year
� The term for committee members is one year
� Committee meetings are held once a month or at the discretion of the Chair, usually from September to May either via Zoom or in-person (some committees are active during summer months).
� Committee meetings are held once a month or at the discretion of the Chair, usually from September to May either via Zoom or in-person (some committees are active during summer months).
� A RTAM Board member is Chair of a committee (Policy 9.03 (a) i.)
� A RTAM Board member is Chair of a committee (Policy 9.03 (a) i.)
� At the Board’s discretion, working groups can be formed to complete background w ork on emergent topics. Working groups are short-term projects.
� At the Board’s discretion, working groups can be formed to complete background w ork on emergent topics. Working groups are short-term projects.
� Volunteers must be sufficiently conversant with current technological communication methods (Zoom and email).
� Volunteers must be sufficiently conversant with current technological communication methods (Zoom and email).
Please rank (1-4) the committee(s) you are interested in joining as a member. The Board will try to accommodate volunteer requests, to have balanced committees within the parameters of the RTAM Bylaws and Policies.
Please rank (1-4) the committee(s) you are interested in joining as a member. The Board will try to accommodate volunteer requests, to have balanced committees within the parameters of the RTAM Bylaws and Policies.
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
Advocacy (replaces Public Relations and Political Advocacy Committees)
MEMBER
Advocacy (replaces Public Relations and Political Advocacy Committees)
Substitute Teacher Concerns (for active substitutes)
Substitute Teacher Concerns (for active substitutes)
Editorial Wellness Advocacy
Wellness Advocacy
** New Committee Interests
** New Committee Interests
MEMBER
Pension
Pension
** RTAM welcomes members to share ideas for new committees they would like to see evolve for members.
** RTAM welcomes members to share ideas for new committees they would like to see evolve for members.
Please complete the information below. This information is used by the RTAM office and the Committee Chair to contact you.
Name:
Please complete the information below. This information is used by the RTAM office and the Committee Chair to contact you.
Name:
Address:
Address:
(include postal code)
(include postal code)
Email: Preferred Phone Number:
Email: Preferred Phone Number:
Provide a short reflection of your relevant skills or experiences:
Provide a short reflection of your relevant skills or experiences:
Submit this form by e-mail this form and relevant information to office@rtam.mb.ca
Submit this form by e-mail this form and relevant information to office@rtam.mb.ca
Formulaire de Bénévolat de la RTAM
La RTAM recherche des bénévoles possédant des compétences variées, de la créativité et une pensée innovante pour se joindre à un comité ou un groupe d’intérêt particulier afin de faire progresser l’organisation et l’améliorer. Le bénévolat offre aux individus l’occasion d’en apprendre davantage sur la RTAM, de rencontrer d’autres enseignants retraités et de partager leurs connaissances sur divers sujets. Les membres de la RTAM sont encouragés à faire du bénévolat dans un comité ou un groupe de travail. Pour plus d’informations sur les comités, visitez notre site Web : https://www.rtam.mb.ca/about-us/rtamcommittees
Ce qu’il faut savoir pour être membre d’un comité ou d’un groupe de travail :
� Le mandat d’un membre de comité est d’un an.
� Les réunions de comité ont lieu une fois par mois, généralement de septembre à avril, soit par Zoom, soit en personne (certains comités sont actifs pendant l’été).
� Un membre du conseil d’administration est président d’un comité (Politique 9.03 (a) i.).
� À la discrétion du conseil, des groupes de travail peuvent être formés pour traiter de sujets émergents. Les groupes de travail sont des projets à court terme.
� Les bénévoles doivent être suffisamment familiarisés avec les moyens de communication technologiques actuels (Zoom et courriel).
Veuillez classer (1 à 4) les comités auxquels vous souhaitez participer en tant que membre Le conseil d’administration tentera de répondre aux demandes tout en respectant les règlements et les politiques pour constituer des comités équilibrés. COMITÉ
Plaidoyer (remplace les comités de Relations publiques, Plaidoyer politique et Retraite)
Avantages sociaux (Régime collectif avec Belairdirect)
Communications : rédaction du bulletin KIT
Équité, diversité et inclusion
Pension
Prix étudiants / Portefeuille de réussite étudiante (groupe de travail)
Préoccupations des enseignants suppléants (pour les suppléants actifs)
Plaidoyer pour le bien-être
**Nouveaux intérêts de comité
**La RTAM invite ses membres à proposer des idées pour la création de nouveaux comités.
Veuillez remplir les informations ci-dessous. Ces informations seront utilisées par le bureau de la RTAM et les présidents de comité pour vous contacter.
Nom:
Adresse: (Inclure le code postal)
Courriel: Numéro de téléphone préféré :
Fournissez une brève réflexion sur vos compétences ou expériences pertinentes :
Soumettez ce formulaire par courriel avec les informations demandées à : office@rtam.mb.ca.
RTAM AT THE MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING FOR THE ANNUAL MANITOBA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS
On Friday, April 11th, 2025, RTAM Vice President Linda Blair and Treasurer
Jocelyne Fraser proudly represented our Association at the annual Manitoba Excellence in Education Awards ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
They had the pleasure of meeting with Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, and René Déquier, Deputy Minister of the Bureau de l'éducation française.
Linda and Jocelyne both expressed how much they enjoyed the opportunity to connect with key political leaders, to celebrate excellence in education, and to engage on behalf of our members and Manitoba's retired education community.
RTAM remains committed to advocating for strong educational values, equitable access, and meaningful engagement for all retired teachers in Manitoba — and we thank Linda and Jocelyne for carrying that torch forward with such heart and dedication.
LA RTAM À L’ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DU MANITOBA POUR LES PRIX DU MANITOBA POUR L’EXCELLENCE EN ÉDUCATION
Le vendredi 11 avril, la vice-présidente de la RTAM, Linda Blair, et la trésorière, Jocelyne Fraser, ont fièrement représenté notre association à l’occasion des annuels Prix du Manitoba pour l’Excellence en Éducation à l’Assemblée législative du Manitoba.
Elles ont eu le plaisir de rencontrer Tracy Schmidt, ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Apprentissage de la petite enfance, ainsi que René Déquier, sousministre du Bureau de l’éducation française.
Linda et Jocelyne ont grandement apprécié cette occasion de rencontrer des leaders politiques clés, de célébrer l’excellence en éducation, et d’agir au nom de nos membres et de la communauté des éducateurs retraités du Manitoba.
La RTAM demeure résolue à défendre des valeurs éducatives fortes, un accès équitable, et un engagement actif pour toutes et tous les enseignants retraités du Manitoba — et nous remercions
Linda et Jocelyne de porter fièrement cette mission avec cœur et détermination.
An update from Member services
RTAM Membership Fee Increase
On July 1, 2025, the RTAM membership fee will increase from $36.00 annually (or $3.00 monthly) to $48.00 annually ($4.00 monthly). The increase was approved by the RTAM membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually in November 2024.
Members who have their RTAM member fees deducted from their TRAF pension, will notice an increase to $4.00 in July.
For members who pay their membership fees directly to the RTAM office, you will receive a renewal invoice in late May or early June, to the email or mailing address (if no email is available) that RTAM has on file.
If you have recently moved or updated any part of your contact information, please log-in to your Member Profile to update the information with RTAM. If you have not setup your member profile and require assistance, please contact Dianne at the RTAM office.
Chapitre des ÉMR
Sortie à la Monnaie Royale Canadienne
Soumis par Robert Daigneault
Augmentation de la cotisation à la RTAM
À compter du 1er juillet 2025, la cotisation annuelle à la RTAM passera de 36,00 $ (ou 3,00 $ par mois) à 48,00 $ par an (ou 4,00 $ par mois). Cette augmentation a été approuvée par les membres de la RTAM lors de l’Assemblée générale annuelle (AGA) tenue virtuellement en novembre 2024.
Les membres dont la cotisation est prélevée directement sur leur pension de la TRAF verront une augmentation à 4,00 $ à partir de juillet.
Pour les membres qui paient leur cotisation directement au bureau de la RTAM, une facture de renouvellement sera envoyée à la fin mai ou au début juin, à l’adresse courriel ou postale (si aucune adresse courriel n’est disponible) que la RTAM a dans ses dossiers.
Si vous avez récemment déménagé ou mis à jour une partie de vos coordonnées, veuillez-vous connecter à votre profil de membre pour mettre vos informations à jour auprès de la RTAM. Si vous n’avez pas encore configuré votre profil de membre et avez besoin d’aide, veuillez communiquer avec Dianne au bureau de la RTAM.
ÉMR Chapter
Visit to the Royal Canadian Mint
Submitted by Robert
Daigneault
Un groupe de 13 membres des ÉMR se sont rencontrés le jeudi 15 mai pour une tournée guidée de la Monnaie Royale Canadienne. La tournée en français fut fort intéressante. Notre guide, un ancien du Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, était très intéressant et avait aussi le tour de nous faire rire. Il avait des réponses à toutes nos questions! Suite à la tournée, les membres de notre groupe se sont rencontrés à Santa Lucia (Sage Creek), pour un excellent dîner!
A group of 13 members from the ÉMR met on Thursday, May 15th for a guided tour of the Royal Canadian Mint. The tour, conducted in French, was very interesting. Our guide, a former student of Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, was engaging and also had a great sense of humor. He had answers to all our questions! After the tour, the members of our group met at Santa Lucia (Sage Creek) for an excellent lunch!
Submitted by Penny Hogan, Calgary & Area Chapter
These days, whether using a land line or a cell, you’ve likely received a phone call - “Hi Grandpa!”, “CRA owes you $$$”, “Your Visa has been compromised”, “Your computer is at risk!” or there’s just silence when you say “Hello”.
Recently, Calgary Chapter hosted Constable Michelle Janzen of the Calgary Police Service who spoke on the topic of ‘SCAMS’. By way of self-introduction, Constable Janzen told us she has worked for the CPS for almost 25 years. Previous to that she served with the military police. Two years ago, Constable Janzen was injured in a police incident. The resulting back injury now prevents the wearing of a gun belt and all that entails. So, Constable Janzen’s current role is speaking to groups ranging from very small to 300+ concerning Scam Prevention. By way of anecdotes from both her professional and personal life, Constable Janzen provided the following information:
Fast Facts: Scams are BIG business! In February 2025, in Calgary alone $7.2 million has been lost to scams. In 2024, Canadians were scammed out of $50 million. Most of these funds are unrecoverable. Even if $$ can be traced, scams operate in countries where Canada has no extradition treaties, and $$ is funneled to crime organizations to fund drug and human trafficking and terrorism.
Avoid being scammed:
• Telephone scams – Never answer a call from a number you don’t recognize. If by chance you do answer a suspect call, HANG UP and call your family member, CRA or bank directly. Don’t use the redial feature on your phone.
• Online - always be sure a website begins with https:// or that the site displays a lock symbol. Be wary of Pop Ups while online, even if you begin on a secure site. If you use Facebook, make sure your settings are ‘Private’.
• AI - Do not post pictures of yourself or allow your voice to be recorded. Don’t engage with scammers who get in touch by phone or online.
Scams are not new; they are just more sophisticated. The first Ponzi scam occurred in the 1920s. GREED keeps scams alive! The adage applies, “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s likely a scam”.
If you have lost money or the scam is in progress, contact your local Police Service on their non-emergency number.
To report a scam in general, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.
Portage la Prairie Chapter
Submitted by Betty-Jean Checkley
In March 2025, Portage la Prairie reinstated a chapter for members of RTAM. Betty-Jean Checkley and Vicki Hooke are the co-chairs of the chapter. To date there have been two events, one a Traditional High Tea in March followed by a coffee party in April.
It has been fun to have a place for members to meet and reconnect. We have had amazing contributions of homemade food, scones, muffins, biscotti, and tarts for our first event. Many thanks to those ladies, and those who helped with the set up and take down of tables and chairs.
The next event for the Portage Chapter will be outside on May 27th, 10 am, at Island Park. Those who wish to, may join us on the beautiful Pickle Ball courts for a fun hour or more of play. Also, another group may do the group walk around the park and then meet for lunch at the Portage Golf Course where they may purchase a lunch.
In the fall we plan to host an event at the National Indigenous Residential Museum of Canada Inc. located at the Keeshkeemaquah Village, on the beautiful property of Long Plain First Nation. Additionally, we hope to have a carolling session in the Christmas holiday season. There are many choir worthy voices in our group!
We welcome suggestions of activities that members are interested in exploring. Contact Betty-Jean @204-239-5976, or Vicki @ 204-871-5784.
The joys and benefits of VolUnTEERIng
Submitted by Joan Zaretsky
When you are looking for something to do to help you feel like you are making a difference in our world, look around you for any potential volunteering opportunities. Research over the past few years has determined there are many physical and mental health benefits when you reach out and help others.
According to research being done by the Heart Association and professors in the areas of gerontology, volunteers, compared to non-volunteers, “have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, greater happiness and a greater sense of meaning in life.” The act of giving back to others improves your personal health in many ways, including:
Reduces Stress: “The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. When volunteers spend time in service to others, they report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both of which can have stress-reducing effects.”
Lowers Depression: In older adults, research in the area of volunteering found lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Provides a Sense of Purpose: You will recall in the research done by Michael Unger in the area of resiliency, it is important for all people to experience a sense of purpose, but this is even
more important for older adults. Often, they experience feelings of loss as their capabilities become more diminished in many areas of their lives. Volunteering offers a sense of life satisfaction and happiness when they feel they have successfully achieved making someone else’s life more fulfilling.
Eliminates Feelings of Isolation: Older adults who move out of their comfort zone and support others can overcome any feelings of isolation they may be experiencing. Sue Lantz emphasized the importance of social connections in the development of a healthy self-identity. As social circles become smaller for some individuals, making new friends by volunteering to help others in many different settings expands their social community.
Keeps the Mind Active: For many older adults, volunteering provides unique opportunities to improve their cognitive functioning. Sometimes the volunteer will be taught new skills and may be involved in some problem-solving situations. This stimulates their minds and keeps them more alert.
Improves Happiness: When we can do something positive for someone else, it is a win-win situation. The volunteer feels an improved sense of happiness and self-efficacy and the person they support feels appreciative for whatever they gained from their help.
Promotes Physical Health: Some volunteer activities require physical activity which is out of the normal routine of the volunteer. Any type of light to moderate physical movement and activity beyond their regular routine contributes to their overall improvement in their physical health.
So, when you are having a down day, or perhaps you are feeling more energetic than usual, look for opportunities to volunteer to support others in your local neighborhood. Join organizations which encourage the use of volunteers to achieve their mission. You will improve your own self-esteem and feel better in the end while supporting the needs of others! Get creative and search out these win-win volunteering opportunities in the future!
This article was developed based on an article from the Prairie Sky News newspaper entitled “Volunteering Is Good for Your Health” found in the December 2024 edition.
Global Adventure Tour - week 1
Travel with RTAM on Tuesday, August 5th to the Africa Pavilion, the Chinese Pavilion and the Pavilion of Portugal. Cost of the tour is $80.95 per person.
RTAM is thrilled to partner with Folklorama to offer our members a unique tour experience and visit an amazing world renowned festival. Each tour is opened to RTAM members and includes - an air conditioned motorcoach, entrance fee, quick entrance and reserved seating to each pavilion. Bring a little extra to spend on souvenirs or your favourite foods. A designated pick-up and drop-off location will be determined by RTAM. Pavilions are held in various locations around Winnipeg.
Registration deadline is July 2, 2025, no registrations will be accepted after this date. For more information please visit: https://rtam.mb.ca/en/news-and-events/news/view/33/rtamand-folklorama-2025-bringing-our-community-to-the-world/ and log-in to your member profile to register. Cancellations will be offered until the registration deadline.
Celebrate Community & Culture - week 2
Join RTAM on Tuesday, August 12 as we visit the First Nations Pavilion and the Pavilion canadien-français. Cost of the tour is $71.95 per person. th
It’s Student Awards application time again!
Submitted by Joan Zaretsky
Applications due: July 31, 2025
You know the year has flown by when it’s Student Awards time again!
This is the time for all RTAM members to sponsor their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who are entering their first year of post-secondary education in the fall, for one of four RTAM Student Awards. Each year, RTAM offers four awards valued at $1000 to students who submit an application signed by their RTAM sponsor.
As is noted on our website, sponsoring your relatives allows you to develop a closer relationship as you discuss their career aspirations and educational requirements in the upcoming years. Talking with your family members gives you an opportunity to ask them some questions about their interests and passions and maybe even offer some sage advice. It opens the door to start more conversations which can continue in the future.
The Student Awards Applications are found within this summer edition of RTAM’s KIT magazine. They can also be found online. There is a space for your signature to demonstrate your support and inclusion in the student’s future education.
In early September, the Student Awards Committee reviews all the applications and selects the winners. We attempt to balance the winners in terms of geographical locations. We recently devised a rubric to support a consistent fair marking process.
It is important to start your discussions with your relatives in the near future as they have some paperwork to collect including their reference letter, their Grade 12 transcript and an outline of their community involvement and school activities. Unlike a scholarship, we review more than just their marks as we strive to select well-rounded students for our Awards!
Rassemblement
par Marc Beaudry (enseignant à la retraite)
Salle presque comble
Éducateurs devenus étudiants
Un conferencier chevronné
Discours illustré de tableaux colorés
Qui se succèdent
Une flûte à bec
Pour encadrer le message
En musique
Hommage au créateur
Raconteur qui ne sait se taire
Une histoire longue
Enracinée dans la terre
Dans les souvenirs d’antan
D’humiliations et de trahisons
Qui appellent au pardon
Et à la réconciliation
Paroles parfumées de sauge
Herbe sacrée
Et offrande de tabac
Pour remercier l’éternel
English translation of the essence of the poem:
A torrent of words spills from his mouth as this Métis speaker entertains the audience with the aid of music, images and symbolic offerings to illustrate the indigenous culture and traditions as well as the desire for reconciliation.
RTAM STUDENT AWARD APPLICATION FORM
The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) annually awards four (4) post-secondary STUDENT AWARDS of $1,000 each to relatives of RTAM members.
Criteria for selection (the applicant must be):
1) A relative of an RTAM Member (child, grandchild, niece or nephew)
2) Involved in school and community activities
3) A Grade 12 graduate
4) Entering the first year of a post-secondary education program (University or College)
Submissions to include the following:
Student Award Application Form
Applicant’s comprehensive written description of employment, school and community activities (one page)
One (1) letter of reference/support from a non-family member (one page)
Final official high school transcript of marks (copy only)
If further information is required, please contact the RTAM office (see below).
APPLICANT’S INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town:
Province/State:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
E-mail Address:
School Name (Graduated from Grade12):
School Street Address:
City/Town:
Province/State:
Did you receive an RTAM Student Success Portfolio? Yes No
Post Secondary Plans
Program Location
RTAM SPONSORING MEMBER INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
City/Town:
Postal Code/ZIP:
Year Graduated:
Postal Code/ZIP:
Province/State: Postal Code/ZIP:
Phone Number: Cell Number:
Email Address:
TO BE COMPLETED BY SPONSORING RTAM MEMBER:
I confirm that the applicant , has the following relationship to me
RTAM Member’s Signature:
Applicant’s Signature:
Date:
Date:
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 31, 2025 by mail/drop-off at 4:00 pm or by email at 11:59 pm Only the winners will be contacted in early fall.
DEMANDE DE BOURSE D’ÉTUDES DE LA RTAM
La Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) décerne chaque année quatre (4) BOURSES D’ÉTUDES postsecondaires d’une valeur de 1 000 $ chacune à des étudiants parents avec des membres de la RTAM.
Critères de sélection (l’étudiant(e) doit être) :
1) parent avec un membre de la RTAM (enfant, petit-enfant, nièce ou neveu)
2) engagé(e) dans des activités scolaires et communautaires
3) diplômé(e) de la 12e année
4) inscrit(e) en première année d’un programme d’études postsecondaires (d’une université ou d’un collège)
La demande doit inclure les documents suivants :
0 Formulaire de demande de bourse d’études
0 Description complète de l’emploi, de l’école et des activités communautaires de l’étudiant(e) (1 page)
0 Une lettre de référence ou d’appui d’une personne qui n’est pas un membre de la famille (1 page)
0 Dernier relevé de notes officiel de l’école secondaire (copie seulement) Pour de plus amples renseignements, prière de communiquer avec la RTAM (voir ci-dessous).
RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR L’ÉTUDIANT(E) (EN LETTRES MOULÉES)
Nom complet :
Adresse postale :
Ville/village :
Numéro de téléphone :
Adresse courriel :
Province/État :
Numéro de cellulaire :
Nom de l’école (d’où le diplôme de 12e année a été obtenu) :
Adresse de l’école :
Ville/village :
Province/État :
Avez-vous reçu un dossier de réussite scolaire de la RTAM? 0 Oui 0 Non
Projets d’études postsecondaires
Programme Endroit
Code postal/ZIP :
Année d’obtention du diplôme :
Code postal/ZIP :
RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR LE MEMBRE DE LA RTAM PARRAINANT L’ÉTUDIANT(E) (EN LETTRES MOULÉES)
Nom complet :
Adresse postale :
Ville/village :
Numéro de téléphone :
Adresse courriel :
Province/État :
Numéro de cellulaire :
À ÊTRE REMPLI PAR LE MEMBRE DE LA RTAM PARRAINANT L’ÉTUDIANT(E) :
Code postal/ZIP :
Je confirme que l’étudiant(e), , a le lien de parenté suivant avec moi :
Signature du membre de la RTAM : Date :
Signature de l’étudiant(e) : Date :
DATE LIMITE DE SOUMISSION DES DEMANDES : 31 JUILLET 2025 par la poste/livraison : 16 h; par courriel : 23 h 59 Seuls les récipiendaires seront contactés, et ce, en début d’automne.
*Large print versions of this guide are available.
For more information or to register: 204-956-6440 (Winnipeg) 1-888-333-3121 (Toll-free) info@aosupportservices.ca 200-207 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5
All participants will be called in ten minutes prior to the program start time using our audio conferencing system. Participants will also be provided with a toll-free number should they need to call themselves in. Information about this system and FAQs will be provided upon registration.
An interview with Irene Peters, a 102-year-old retired teacher
Interviewed and submitted by Audrey Siemens, RTAM Director
On behalf of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM), I would like to thank you for consenting to this interview. Our retired members will be very excited to read about your experiences as a teacher and how you have lived such a long life as an educator. I will ask you some questions about your career as a teacher and ask you for advice that I can share with our retired members as to the secret of living a long life.
Can you give us some history as to your life as a teacher and how it evolved? What were some of the challenges you faced as a young teacher and some highlights of your career? What was your position and salary? What are some tips you can give us in terms of longevity?”
“I have always found it easy to smile! I began teaching grades 1-4 in a two-room schoolhouse. The principal taught grades 5-8 in the same school. I had one year of normal school training. I started teaching at 19 years of age. I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school, and I always had to be the teacher. My mom found me an old desk, and I practiced teaching with it. I had two brothers and two sisters. As girls we always wanted to play school, but the boys did not want to. My sister taught school as well. She had a degree and could teach high school. I only had grade 12 and took one year of normal school. After I taught in New Bothwell for four years I came to Winnipeg. I had 42 grade one students at William Whyte Elementary School. There were only 25 students in the kindergarten class. They asked me to teach kindergarten, but I said no because
I wanted to teach kids how to read!
After I got my degree, I could be more selective. It is harder to teach grade 1 than high school! It was such a pleasure to see them learn to read! I also took them to the fire station, the police station and to see Santa Claus at Eaton’s. We would put on concerts for the parents and charge 10 cents a ticket. Then with the money we earned we got a bus, and I took 42 students to see Santa. The kids loved putting on the concerts! We sang and acted out plays at our concerts. The concert money was not always enough to pay for the bus, so the school gave us some money.
I had a principal at William Whyte who always had confidence in me! Once I took the students out to a circus! When we walked into the circus, the clown gave me a kiss. When the principal asked the kids when we came back what they liked the most they said when the clown kissed Mrs. Peters!
Of course, I didn’t take them on field trips until they would listen to me. One girl said, “I want to go home with you; I want you to be my mommy!” I think I taught for 10 years at William Whyte! My principal was so good! Later after I had my three children, I went to teach at a Hebrew school. I taught half days, so my daughter went to kindergarten. I also had two older boys who were already in school. This worked well as my daughter could come to school with me. My husband was taking his medical degree and then we moved to Vancouver. I taught school while he was in medicine. When he had a chance to come back to Winnipeg, I didn’t
teach while he was earning an income. At 38 he passed away and I was 36. I went back to teaching full time. I don’t remember all the schools where I taught. I had to teach close to home so I could feed my children lunch.
I was then asked to teach at the University of Manitoba for the Faculty of Education. My sister-in-law and I were in Winkler one day and she was asked to teach German at the Faculty of Education. We ended up both going to the University to teach and our offices were three doors down from each other. She didn’t have as many students in her German courses as I had. All the students in Education had to take my English course. I was teaching a required course, and I had a lot of papers to correct! I was an associate professor at the University.
I was quite happy to be a teacher! I think of teaching as a profession! We tend to downgrade teachers, but it is a profession!
Laughter and love are the secrets to my long life! Love is the most important and you need to love what you do, love others, and love can see you through anything! Venting about things doesn’t make things better! I have always been a small eater. I don’t eat a lot, and I enjoy cooking! I liked
both baking and cooking! My husband had a pharmacist he relied on, and he told him “My wife always has coffee and baking prepared!”
I enjoyed the rural school experience! It was a challenge to teach four grades at once! I walked several miles once and froze my legs. I had to walk four miles from home to the bus that would take me to the city. In New Bothwell, the parents didn’t want the children to get an education. It wasn’t a priority for them.
I have to tell you about the inspector! He came into my classroom and looked at
the children and said, “Look at my shoes, how much do they cost”? I thought what a dumb question for an inspector to ask! Of course, the children studied the Eaton’s catalogue because all they had at home was the Bible and the catalogue! So, they knew exactly how much the shoes cost!
I loved the children, but I didn’t care for the grownups. The inspector didn’t want me to leave and told me I would never get a job in the city. My parents said I had to go back to the city and if no one gave me a ride I couldn’t freeze my legs again! So, I did move back to the city to teach!
I didn’t find it hard to deal with challenges! I know life is not a bed of roses! I lived through the dirty ‘30s. I realized we could barely afford to eat! My father lost his job, so we were very poor! I never wanted to be poor again and I never was! I was taught the dollar in your hand you can only spend once!
May West said, “I’ve been rich, and I’ve been poor but rich is better.” I never wanted to be rich, but I never wanted to be poor!”
Irene Peters
A tribute to Doreen Sage
Submitted by Rosalie Bornn
Sadly, in March of this year, we said good-bye to one of the longest serving and hardest working members of RTAM’s Board of Directors. This year would have been a milestone year, as Doreen Sage would have achieved RTAM Life Membership status with her upcoming August 2025 birthday. Doreen’s life was a life well lived.
Doreen Sage spent most of her teaching career in the Neepawa, MB area. Doreen chose to retire at a time when the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba was in its infancy. Upon retirement, Doreen became an active member of RTAM and her local NARTA Chapter.
Doreen put as much energy into the RTAM volunteer advocacy group with her RTAM Board service, as she had put into advocating for the students in the many years of her Business Ed public school classes. A normal part of serving as a member of a not-for-profit Board of Directors such as the RTAM Board, was volunteer Standing Committee work to serve the RTAM membership. Early on, RTAM had very little to no paid Staff support. Doreen took on the committee work required seriously for several committees, such as Wellness, Benefits and others, as required. Doreen experienced various committees from time to time. However, her greatest gift to the RTAM growing membership over her many years of Board service was the establishment of the KIT quarterly magazine, the one method of communication to all members of RTAM, that early on regularly arrived by Canada Post mail on time and appreciated, with content that was included from retired Manitoba teachers and then received and read by all RTAM membership fee paying retired Manitoba teachers, wherever they had chosen to live, in Manitoba, in various areas within Canada, and also in places all over the world.
The onset of KIT occurred before the arrival of the Computer Age, with the technology magic of Microsoft, email and spell check, etc. It has been said that KIT began its life in someone’s donated space in a basement. KIT went from an early stark black and white copy, to later maturing as an attractive and colourful modern copy. Canada Post is still a popular method of receiving KIT, although the number of online recipients is slowly growing. More paid advertisements were tried for a short period. However, a concern from the readership of the time led the Board to cut back to retired teacher content with less paid advertising, which is what some current magazines and journals now largely contain.
Doreen’s time and efforts with RTAM did not go unnoticed and she was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award. The accolades were appreciated; however, Doreen continued for several more years with the same speed and energy to get the work for RTAM done as needed.
I first met Doreen when I was recruited by an RTAM Director from my community who wanted to take one year off the RTAM Board. At my initial Board meeting, Richard Benoit sat on my left side and promptly gave me the opportunity of becoming a member of the Bylaws and Policy Committee. I then chaired that committee the following year. Doreen Sage sat to my right side and immediately offered me the opportunity to serve on her KIT Committee, which I did not immediately join. I eventually caved and then stayed with the KIT Committee almost every year, that turned into multi years of my commitment to the RTAM Board. Doreen held the position of KIT Committee Chair and Editor for many years until more recently, when she stepped away from the RTAM Board. Knowing that Doreen was in charge of KIT made it easy to stay with the KIT Committee because she openly shared the necessary expectations required with the KIT committee members.
Doreen was a great mentor to new people who joined the Board. She gave many new Directors a sense of belonging and purpose. Several Directors who stayed on the RTAM Board for only a short time, would volunteer to remain as a KIT Committee member after they had left the Board. Some stayed with KIT volunteering for several years.
When I was encouraged to take on the Presidency of RTAM,
Doreen was a strong supporter and gave me the confidence to believe in my own competency.
Doreen was always a teacher, for KIT Committee members and other RTAM pursuits, as well as her many other pastimes. She loved to grow flowers, and she shared her knowledge with others who valued that same passion. She and her husband Ed spent several seasons gathering maple sap for syrup making, and she shared her knowledge with that pursuit. When she and Ed decided to give up their maple syrup hobby, Doreen let it be known that she would share at no cost their equipment to carry on that pursuit. My husband had just started that interest, so we met with Ed and Doreen to pick up some syrup-making paraphernalia. My husband piped up that their syrup-making gear offer was rather much more than we would ever need. Doreen gave a blunt reminder that “You take it ALL or you get NOTHING!” Many people who have never met Doreen, have benefitted from her generosity, by accepting some of what we have passed on because of her kindness. Doreen loved to travel and for years did that whenever she could. Doreen was also a confirmed “cat lady” long before Taylor Swift made it a popular and more current “thing”. Doreen loved the calmness of her family cabin and watching the birds that she and Ed routinely fed in the backyard.
Doreen’s family would tell you that they were strongly supportive of the time she spent on her “Second RTAM Board of Directors Family”. Her husband, Ed was always willing to keep Doreen
company on her driving trips to and from Winnipeg, and at times in not the best winter driving conditions. Ed spent the time on his own pursuits and waited patiently for Doreen to get through her RTAM duties as needed. Her daughter Catherine appreciated the “RTAM Family” for giving both of her parents a meaningful cause, to get out of the house and about with an important purpose. At times when her work schedule allowed it, Catherine (who was a former student in Doreen’s high school typing classes) also stopped by and briefly visited with her Mom’s RTAM cohorts, who also enjoyed meeting her. (And the leaf did not fall far from the tree!)
We are never sure when we meet someone new, just how much influence that new person makes upon you going forward. Many of us met Doreen as a solid advocate of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, because of our shared interest in the value of that organization. Several of us gained a new and dear friend when we met Doreen, a strong and valued friendship that went well beyond our shared interest in the RTAM organization.
I also would like to extend my sincere condolences to Doreen’s husband Ed and to her daughter Catherine, as well as to her extended family and her friends. May warm memories of happy and healthy times spent with Doreen be with you forever.
RTAM joins Rosalie in offering our heartfelt condolences to Doreen’s husband and daughter. Doreen will certainly be remembered for her many contributions to her RTAM family.
ANNoUNCEMENT – MARCH 11, 2025
Canada 55+ games 2026 postponed!
The Canada 55+ Games, originally set for Winnipeg in 2026, have been postponed to 2028 due to funding challenges and rapid growth in participation. Held every two years, the Games promote physical, social, and mental well-being for seniors aged 55+, featuring 20+ events and actvities. Participation surged to nearly 3,000 in 2024.
Run by the volunteer-led Canadian Senior Games Association (CSGA), the Games were cancelled in 2020 due to CoVID-19, but made strong comebacks in 2022 (Kalmoops) and 2024 (Quebec City). Since the Games support senior health,
social connection, and active living, they align well with public health and community well-being initiatives.
CSGA President Dave finn expressed disappointment over the postponement, citing the struggle to secure funding despite extensive efforts.
“This is such an unfortunate situation where we have a national event that encourages so many seniors to stay both physically and mentally active, and yet, despite constant door knocking, emails, and grant applications, we can’t find the funding to support it.”
Supporters/participants are encouraged to contact their local Members of Parliament (MPs) to highlight the importance of the Games and to support CSGA in advocating for funding to ensure the Canada 55+ Games long-term success.
During the delay, the CSGA will continue working to secure resources to make the 2028 Games even better.
In the meantime, seniors can stay engaged by participating in local and provincial 55+ Games, joining community activities, or staying active with fitness groups.
The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) launched a new website and a member portal in October. RTAM worked with local agency Luscious Orange to develop this new website. We encourage all RTAM members to visit these new online resources to stay up to date with everything at RTAM.
Website
Visit our new website at rtam.mb.ca. This is a public website where we can share news, engage with the community, and promote RTAM membership.
Visit Website (rtam.mb.ca)
Member Portal
Find the Member Portal at members.rtam.mb.ca . You can also access the Member Portal from the Member Login link at the top of the website. The Member Portal will be used to update your profile information, view and pay invoices, create or register for events, join chapters, and much more.
As the Member Portal is a new initiative for all RTAM members, there is no current username or password on file. All RTAM members are asked to create an account. Your TRAF login credentials will not work to login to the RTAM Member Portal.
Please follow these steps to create an account:
Please follow these steps to create an account:
1. G o t o m e m bers.rta m m b.c a
2. T o th e righ t o f th e “Sig n In ” button , yo u w il l notic e Don’ t hav e a n Accoun t an d a lin k t o “ C reat e O ne” C lic k o n thi s link
3. T o creat e you r account , ente r you r lega l firs t an d las t na m e an d you r e m ail . T he n clic k “Sub m it ” .
a .If you have accents, hyphens or spaces in your name please include them.
b.Should you receive an error or a message “Contact does not match”, this means that the information RTAM has in our database does not match what you have entered.
c.You will only be able to create an account with an exact match to that in the RTAM database.
4.You should then receive an email in your inbox, if successful, to continue to create your account.
5.Create a password; the password must be at least 8 characters and include a numeric and special character.
If you are having difficulty, contact Dianne at the RTAM office by email to info@rtam.mb.ca or call 204-889-3660; toll free 1-888-393-8082.
L’Association des Enseignants Retraités du Manitoba (RTAM) a lancé un nouveau site Web ainsi qu’un portail pour les membres en octobre RTAM a collaboré avec l’agence locale Luscious Orange pour développer ce nouveau site Web. Nous encourageons tous les membres de RTAM à visiter ces nouvelles ressources en ligne pour rester informés de tout ce qui concerne RTAM. Nous encourageons tous les membres de RTAM à visiter ces nouvelles ressources en ligne pour rester informés de tout ce qui concerne RTAM
Site Web
Rendez-vous sur notre nouveau site Web à l’adresse rtam.mb.ca. C’est un site public sur lequel nous pouvons partager des nouvelles, interagir avec la communauté et promouvoir l’adhésion à RTAM Visitez le site Web: www rtam@mb ca
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c r é e r o u v o u s i n s c r i r e à d e s é v é n e m e n t s ,
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V e u i l l e z s u i v r e l e s é t a p e s c i - d e s s o u s p o u r c r é e r u n c o m p t e :
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u n l i e n « C r é e z - e n u n » . C l i q u e z s u r c e l i e n .
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S i v o t r e n o m c o n t i e n t d e s a c c e n t s , d e s t r a i t s d ’ u n i o n o u d e s e s p a c e s , v e u i l l e z l e s
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s i g n i f i e q u e l e s i n f o r m a t i o n s d a n s n o t r e b a s e d e d o n n é e s n e c o r r e s p o n d e n t p a s à
c e l l e s q u e v o u s a v e z s a i s i e s .
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S i v o t r e d e m a n d e e s t r é u s s i e , v o u s r e c e v r e z u n c o u r r i e l v o u s p e r m e t t a n t d e
p o u r s u i v r e l a c r é a t i o n d e v o t r e c o m p t e .
C r é e z u n m o t d e p a s s e : i l d o i t c o m p o r t e r a u m o i n s 8 c a r a c t è r e s , u n c h i f f r e e t u n c a r a c t è r e s p é c i a l
Life Members
January 2025
Isabel M. Betz – Headingley, MB
G. Lloyd Fisher – Victoria, BC
Abraham Friesen – Portage la Prairie, MB
Jean J. Gisiger – Winnipeg, MB
Barbara Jackson – Gladstone, MB
Helen Kleiman – Winnipeg, MB
Victor W. Pruden – Winnipeg, MB
Wilfred P. Schaefer – Winnipeg, MB
February 2025
Larry B. Fleisher – Winnipeg, MB
Edward Gorchynski – Swan River, MB
Elizabeth Podolsky – Brandon, MB
March
2025
Desmond D. Fillis – Winnipeg, MB
Harvey C. Kingdon – Brandon, MB
Doreen A. Murray – Neepawa, MB
Roland L. Otto – Winnipeg, MB
Olia Susky – East St Paul, MB
To respect the privacy of RTAM members, who can no longer share their consent with the RTAM office, moving forward their names In Memoriam will no longer be listed quarterly in KIT. Family members who wish to provide consent for their loved one’s name to appear in the In Memoriam can contact the RTAM office by email info@rtam.mb.ca.
Only RTAM members will be listed.
In memory of RTAM members who dedicated their lives to education in Manitoba and beyond, we will remember you.
In Memoriam
October 2024
Anna P. Siryj – Winnipeg, MB
November 2024
H. David Wellard – Courtney, BC
December 2024
Ursula Schindel Ditchburn – Winnipeg, MB
March 2025
A. Robert Baird – Selkirk, MB
John K. Collins – Winnipeg, MB
Mark Peterson – Brandon, MB
In memory of RTAM members who have passed and dedicated their lives to education in Manitoba and beyond, we will remember you.
To respect the privacy of RTAM members, who cannot provide their consent to the RTAM office, moving forward the In Memoriam will no longer be listed quarterly in KIT. Family members wishing to provide consent for their loved one’s name to appear in the In Memoriam section of KIT can contact the RTAM office by email info@rtam.mb.ca or complete the online form on the RTAM website (under News and Events).
RTAM members who wish to provide pre-authorization to be listed in the In Memoriam, can complete the online form available on the RTAM website, under News & Events.
Only current RTAM members will be listed.
Quarry Oaks Golf Course
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 , 2025 TH 10:00AM TO 6:00PM 18 HOLES + LUNCH + DINNER
