Misilla Mouse

April 14, 15, 16, 2011. St. Petersburg. Even the sun joined in the celebration of this city of splendour. This is a rival of any European or South American capital. Endless canals, lined with gleaming palaces and Victorian-like edifices. This city was built on a grand scale and it is grand. This is Europe and, boy, can you see the difference. Cannot believe this is still Russia; vibrant, dynamic city, whose crown jewel is the Winter Palace. The Winter Palace, or more commonly, The Hermitage, is an all-day of discovering the complexities of palaces. How did the royal families find each other at supper time? We all love this city. I am taking an extra three days to just shop and explore this marvel . . . coffee shops everywhere! Bouquets of flowers and bunches of pussy willows are being sold on the street corners. There are kiosks of fresh fruit and the bakeshops are a lure not to be missed. It is very sunny and very warm.

Misilla Mouse

Written by dr. Mary Pankiw, illustrated by nadya Pankiw

dr. Mary Pankiw nadya Pankiw

This story combines reality with fantasy in an interesting way. Reading Misilla Mouse is an enjoyable and rewarding way to increase vocabulary and build lanuage repertoire. This story exposes the child to experiences, portrayed in a positive light, by Misilla Mouse and her friends as she excitedly prepares for a Christmas fun party for her friends.

To the editor of KIT:

During the recent election campaign RTAM conveyed to the membership the results of their survey. No sooner were the results in our hands than Paul Olson, President of the MTS, rushed to set us straight. I phoned three times about his stance against the ability of retired teachers to voice their opinions and did not have the courtesy of a reply.

For the sake of refreshing everyone’s memory, I repeat some of his arguments and the discussion points I would have given. PO: MTS would be the first to support any group's right to engage in the political process around a provincial election. However, as MTS is the representative for all members of TRAF, we are compelled to provide some clarification to ensure that our members have accurate information.

D: If he represents Retired Teachers, why is he unable to respond to a query from a caller, who did not identify himself as being retired?

PO: Here are the facts:

1. A retired teacher already sits at the TRAF table. The NDP government appointed a retired teacher as one of the government nominees.

D: The long-fought battle is that that position is a "grace-and-favour" appointment and MTS was silent when, last summer, a private member’s bill sought to have a permanent member in the legislation. PO: 2. The Pension Task Force is a statutory body created by the government. By statute, MTS represents all pension plan members, both active and retired.

D: Why is it that MTS takes such an adversarial stance against according RTAM members a voice? Surely representation means open dialogue and movement towards accommodation of the views of a group that all teachers are soon to be joining? PO: 3. Since 2000, government has made substantial improvements to our pension plan and has committed to correcting mistakes that were 25 years in the making. PO goes on to list the government contributions against the liability and subsequent changes in calculations. D: While some of these measures were necessary to keep the plan viable and meet the long-warned-about deficits, I hold that while it may help with the long-term debt it still leaves the inequity of a properly addressed COLA. Why are teachers any less worthy of a fair COLA than nurses or government employees? This is a situation that needs immediate attention!

Paul Olson concluded with a call to vote for the candidate of our choice. As our non-elected representative, he has, by his own admission, taken on the representation of a group, yet he gives short shrift to open communication. This does little to bridge that gap. I ask him to justify why we should continue to accord him allegiance.

david Mcdowell

emergency con't. from page 11 they may continue over the course of several weeks or longer. In a small percentage of such instances, the medical provider may try to "shortcircuit" the process and apply pressure on DFS by attempting to collect the undiscounted charges directly from the patient.

If a collection agency should contact you on behalf of a hospital at which you were treated, please contact DFS as soon as possible.

7.Where can more information be found?

Make sure you understand your insurance benefits and limitations. The governing document is the certificate of Insurance, which is posted on the website www.johnson.ca/rtam. For your safety, we recommend you leave a copy of all contact information and coverage with a close friend or family member.

To recap, Sigma is the members’ first point of contact in the event of an emergency. When notified of a Travel Claim by Sigma, DFS sends the member instructions and forms for completion of the claim submission process. Johnson assists members with the Travel claims process as needed - to clarify coverage, confirm eligibility, and communicate with Sigma and DFS regarding a specific situation. More information on each of the RTAM Group Benefits Program partners may be found at their respective web-sites and toll-free numbers:

Sigma Assistel

www.assistel.com 1-877-775-3695

Desjardins Financial Security

www.desjardinslifeinsurance.com 1-888-732-3212

Johnson Inc.

www.johnson.ca 1-877-989-2600

'58-'59 reunion

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTING TO BUY

A researcher and published author on the former use of the strap in commonwealth schools is looking for examples of the now-banned Regulation School Strap; price depending on model, condition and provenance. confidential inquiries: Harold, vintageschoolsupplies@cogeco.ca, (905) 627-4211.

PAID AD

THE PAS CENTENNIAL 1912-2012

Former teachers and residents of The Pas are invited to return on the August 3-5, 2012 weekend for the celebration of the town’s centennial. Information is available on a website (thepascentennial.bravehost.com).

tRAvEl WitH A PuRPoSE

Join a water team to give clean water in central America. one week around $3000 (tax Receipted). Family and friends can contribute/fundraise to project and share cost. no experience required. Be part of something significant. Water Ambassadors canada. Founded by two retired teachers.

1-877-988-4688 www.waterambassadorscanada.org.

DR. LOUISA LOEB EIGHTH ANNUAL REUNION PERMIT TEACHERS of MANITOBA

Where: viscount Gort Hotel When: thursday, July 12, 2012 time: 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m Registration begins at 10 a.m. All teachers who taught on PERMit are welcome to attend. contact Wally Stoyko at 204-222-0435 or Edith Alexiuk at 204-256-6484 1) this year's topic: open mic with a humorous anecdote from your year(s). 2) if you wish pictures, please bring your cameras.

MANITOBA NORMAL SCHOOL

Class of 1953-1954

will be celebrating our 58th year reunion on Saturday, September 22, 2012 in Brandon, Manitoba at the Royal canadian legion Hall 560-13th Street East For information contact Marg cullen: mcullen@wcgwave.ca or 204-727-8833 information and registration forms will be sent in June, 2011 to all members whose address is known.

to report any changes in your mailing address, phone number or e-mail contact: Matt kawchuk: mrmatt1@mts.net or 204-728-8432

EAL Classroom Assistants Needed

the immigrant & Refugee community organization of Manitoba (iRcoM) is currently recruiting reliable volunteers with classroom experience to assist with our newcomer literacy initiative. iRcoM's newcomer literacy initiative consists of free English as an Additional language (EAl) classes and free childcare services for newcomers to Winnipeg. volunteers can expect to assist EAl instructors to run small group activities and facilitate lessons for 2.5 hours per week from September to May. individuals interested in sharing their skills with the newcomer community are invited to contact iRcoM's volunteer coordinator, Erin Anderson, at 943-8765, ext 23 or erina@ircom.ca. to learn more about iRcoM and our programming please visit us at www.ircom.ca.

ECOLE BANNATYNE SCHOOL 100th Anniversary celebration Formerly Bannatyne School 363 thompson Drive St. James Assiniboia School Division #2 May 4 and May 6, 2012 Save the dates as celebration plans are underway! More information to follow.

cuBA – ‘Spanish Studies in cuba’ (Havana), $2,500.00 can. for 4 weeks. Hotel with breakfast and dinner, tuition fee. (Air fare not included). 250-478-0494 ssic@telus.net

PAID AD

JouRnEYS WitH JunE - liFElonG lEARninG AnD ADvEntuRE

METROPOLITAN OPERA TOUR WAGNER'S RING CYCLE NEW YORK CITY MAY 4 - 13, 2012 SOLD OUT

ALASKA TOUR, AUGUST, 2012 • Return air Winnipeg/vancouver • 7 day inner passage cruise • Holland America Ships • Educational Shore Excursions • Whales, seals, icebergs, glaciers • Suitable tour for families. • More complete info available February, 2012

Book early for best rooms ***NEW*** CUBA CRUISE & LAND FEBRUARY, 2013 • Be among the first to cruise around cuba • Return air Winnipeg/cuba • 7 days at sea • 7 shore excursions including several unESco sites • 7 additional days in cuba • Experience the real cuba in depth: - Artisans, museums, cathedrals - Golf, water sports, salsa - Dos Equis - Your choice • Book early as this unique tour will sell out quickly SEATTLE OPERA WAGNER’S RING CYCLE AUGUST 19 - 26, 2013 • Your final opportunity to see Wadsworth’s beautiful production of the Ring. • Return air Winnipeg/Seattle • orchestra Prime seats for 4 Ring operas • 9 nights at stately Marqueen Hotel • Excellent educational talks • 4 Post-opera wine and cheese Seattle is truly a Ring city Wadsworth’s Ring is the most accessible of the 22 Rings i have seen. Seating is assigned June 2012. Yes, June 2012!! Ring tickets are usually sold out one year before it begins. if you only see one Ring, this is the one!!! Book early for best seats.

tour leader, June Slobodian jodian@shaw.ca 204-237-4511 1-888-737-4511 Booking: charlene underhill continental travel 204-989-8576 1-800-665-2626 charlene@continentaltrav.com

An invitation to stay connected to your alma mater The Board of the Faculty and Staff Club reminds all Alumni of the university of Winnipeg that they are eligible to be Associate Members of the club at the incredible bargain of $40 per year. Why consider this opportunity? - Quiet downtown venue for coffee, lunch, refreshments - Rent-free booking for after-hour catered private events - networking in attractive and comfortable environments - Board Room, lounge, Dining Room, and Pub options - new food choices feature freshness and local in-house specialties - Free invitations to programs, parties, and Speakers Series complete information and Application Form are available: http://www.facultyandstaffclub.ca Ms. Pamela Delorme at (204) 786-9435 MAnitoBA noRMAl ScHool REunion clASS oF 1951 – 1952 “Join tHE cREW oF ‘52”

60th AnnivERSARY REunion Friday, June 18, 2012.

to be held at the victoria inn Hotel and convention centre, 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

1:00 p.m. until midnight. For more information contact

Barbara cochrane Box 969 Russell, MB, R0J 1W0 Phone: 204 – 773 - 2578

COMING EVENTS

May 8, 2012 - Chapter Presidents' Meeting May 9, 2012 - AGM, Winnipeg May 7, 2013 - Chapter Presidents' Meeting, Dauphin May 8, 2013 - AGM, Dauphin

RtAM PlAnS ADMiniStERED BY JOHNSON INC.

If you require information and brochures, or if you have any questions concerning these plans (Dental, House Insurance, Long Term Care, Life, Emergency Medical Travel) contact: Johnson Inc. Insurance Benefits Administration

11120 178th street, edmonton AB T5s 1P2 Toll Free 1-877-989-2600 | Phone (780) 413-6628 Fax (780) 420-6082 | email: cgrandish@johnson.ca

PHotoS

Photos enhance your submitted material. Send photo by Canada Post.

noticE to PAiD kit ADvERtiSERS

Please send your hard copy ad and cheque to the Editor (payable to RTAM) before each deadline.

HAvE You MovED oR cHAnGED YouR ADDRESS?

Contact TRAF at 949-0048 or toll-free at 1-800-782-0714 by mail/ change of address card to: TRAF, 330 Market, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4F8 RTAM OFFICE HAS MOVED

113 - 1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5.

Publication Agreement Number 40037581

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RTAM, Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

ADVERTISING IN KIT

The Editor and/or the Board of Directors of RTAM accept no responsibility or liability for failure to insert an advertisement for any reason. In such instances, full refund will be given.

Advertising Rates for KIT per issue are: 1/16 page (9.53 cm. wide x 3.2 cm. deep) $100.00 1/8 page (9.53 cm. wide x 6.5 cm. deep) $150.00 ¼ page (9.53 cm. wide x 12.7 cm. deep) $200.00 ½H page (19.6 cm. wide x 12.4 cm. deep) $250.00 ½V page (9.53 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep) $250.00 1 page (19.6 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep) $300.00

Free Public service Announcements:

Not-for-profit organizations who wish to place public service announcements, volunteer opportunities with service groups, school or teacher reunions are encouraged to do so. Submissions are printed free of charge.

Advertising on the RTAM Web Site: Membership reunions and Chapter events may be promoted on the RTAM web site at the discretion of and for a period determined by the Webmaster. There shall be no fee for posting these events. add 5% GST

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba does not endorse or promote any products, services or events presented in paid advertisements, the Announcements or Volunteer opportunities sections unless specified.

The editorial committee reserves the right to print, reject and/or edit for clarity, all materials received.

The Editor of KIT Retired teachers’ Association of Manitoba Box 252 neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

All materials for the next issue of kit must be typed and e-mailed to dsage@mts.net and received by February 24, 2012 Materials published herein do not necessarily represent the policies nor the views of RtAM.