KIT Magazine - Spring 2013

Volume 24 | Number 4 | Spring 2013 113-1555 St. James St., Wpg., MB R3H 1B5 • Phone 204-889-3660 • 1-888-393-8082 • Email: rtam@mymts.net • www.rtam.mb.ca

You are invited to attend the

2013 Annual General Meeting RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA in Dauphin, MB Tuesday, May 7, 2013 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – Noon Noon – 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Registration: AGM delegates and Chapter Presidents RTAM Board Meeting Lunch for Board Members and Chapter Presidents/Reps Chapter Presidents’ Meeting with Board Members Johnson Insurance information session on travel plans Evening Reception

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –

Registration Annual General Meeting (lunch provided)

9:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

Registration Form, pg. 5 Agenda and Distinguished Service Award, pg. 6 Invitation to become a RTAM Committee Member, pg. 7 RTAM Call for Nominations for RTAM Board, pg. 8 Accommodation Information, pg. 9

Travel Representatives will have displays and information on site.

Board of Directors 2012-2013

Note

Wayne Hughes, President Chair, Audit Chair, Membership Email database 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg R2C 2R9 204-222-4011 lwhughes@mymts.net

Carol Pelton, Treasurer Co-Chair, Website 23 Cornell Place Thompson R8N 0H4 204-670-2039 travelonly12@hotmail.ca

EDITOR OF KIT

Barbara McDole, Vice President 111 Vista Avenue Winnipeg R2M 4Y5 204-254-8965 barbaramcdole@hotmail.com

Richard R. Benoit, Past President 200 Point West Drive Winnipeg R3T 5H7 204-261-9839 lbenoit@mymts.net

PRIVACY OFFICER

Judy Olmstead, Secretary 150 Daly Crescent Brandon R7A 6W3 204-571-0224 Olmstead_judy@yahoo.ca

Alex Boyes 213 Lindsay Street Winnipeg, MB R3N 1G9 Phone: 204-489-1849 kiloh@mymts.net Peter Carney 190 Douglas Park Road Winnipeg RF3J 1Z2 204-837-5013 pdcarney@mymts.net Joan Dawson Box 516 Thompson R8N 1N4 204-778-4259 bjedawson@commstream.net Guy Hansen Chair, Public Relations 1705 – 11 Evergreen Place Winnipeg R2C 2R9 204-283-4265 guydhansen@hotmail.com Dolores Hébert Chair, Wellness 110 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg R2H 2M3 204-233-8618 dlhebert@shaw.ca Marvin Krawec 52 LaVerendrye Crescent Portage la Prairie R1N 1B2 204-857-8951 marcon@mymts.net

Wayne Hughes 82 Whiteshell Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2C 2R9 204-222-4011 lwhughes@mymts.net

Free Public Service Announcements

Directors-at-Large Rosalie Bornn Chair, Bylaws & Policy R.R. 4 Comp 47 Dauphin R7N 2T7 204-638-6731 rbornn@mymts.net

DOREEN SAGE Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: (204) 476-5772 Email: dsage@mts.net

Vel McAdam Box 775 The Pas R9A 1K8 204-623-3707 kelseybl@mymts.net Peggy Prendergast Chair, Pension Chair, Educational Advocacy & Scholarships 1 Bittersweet Bay Winnipeg R2J 2E5 204-257-1962 ppeggy@mymts.net Doreen Sage Chair, Editorial (KIT) Co-Chair, Website Box 252 Neepawa R0J 1H0 204-476-5772 dsage@mymts.net Ray Sitter 157 Lynx Crescent Brandon R7B 3R6 204-725-1745 rsitter@mymts.net John Sushelnitsky Chair, Membership & Chapter Co-Chair, Political Action 818 Crescent Road West Portage la Prairie R1N 0Z1 204-857-3014 jmsush@shaw.ca Norman Wiebe Chair, Travel Co-Chair Political Action Box 1325 Portage la Prairie R1N 3L5 204-857-9613 mwiebe@mymts.net

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.

Thanks For Your Contributions We would like to thank all those who contributed material for KIT. When sending in files please use Word, black ink only and no formatting. Please keep writing. Photos by Canada Post/E-mail.

Inside this issue President's Report  RTAM Board Appointment  ACER-CART  AGM Material & Forms  Registration Form Agenda Distinguished Service Award Become a Committee Member Board Nomination Form Dauphin Accomodations Committee Reports  Chapter Reports  Articles  Letters to the Editor  Classifieds 

3 3 4 5-9 5 6 6 7 8 9 10-13 10 14-20 17 21-23

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Jag Malik P.O. Box 303 Gilbert Plains R0L 0X0 204-548-2642 jmalik@mymts.net

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT Wayne Hughes As you can see from the cover, this issue of KIT is mainly concerned with our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The AGM is being held in Dauphin Tuesday May 7 and Wednesday May 8, 2013. I am really grateful we have so many chapters throughout Manitoba who are willing to plan and host our AGM. It is almost a tradition that our AGM is held in rural Manitoba every second year. I believe this is a significant “tradition” since it emphasizes our province-wide membership as well as allowing RTAM members to visit another rural area of our beautiful province. Let me issue a huge THANK YOU to the Dauphin Chapter for all the work and effort they have given in planning the upcoming AGM. Now it is up to the rest of our RTAM members to recognize the efforts of the Dauphin Chapter by supporting and attending the AGM. To that end the board has approved a number of strategies to encourage members to attend.

The registration fee has been reduced to only $15.00 if you register before April 30, 2013. While RTAM only pays for two (2) representatives per chapter, individual chapters might be able to give some support to additional members by sharing hotel space. If a chapter has not made use of the Chapter Initiative Grant from RTAM, they might decide to dedicate some assistance to helping another person attend the AGM. The Board also realizes that travel to Dauphin may be difficult for some. To ease any transportation concerns as well as increase attendance at our AGM, the Board has agreed to sponsor up to three buses: Winnipeg, western Manitoba and northern Manitoba, if there is sufficient interest. The buses could pick up members as they travel to Dauphin. For example, a bus starting in Virden could make pickups in Brandon and Minnedosa; similarly, starting from The Pas and Winnipeg. This could be great chance to reconnect with former colleagues.

I would also draw your attention to three important forms in the AGM material: 1. The Distinguished Service Award nomination that is due April 14. These awards are presented at the Tuesday evening, May 7, 2013 reception of the AGM. 2. The Nomination Form for the Board of Directors.

Spring 2013

Our association needs your participation.

3. The form asking for members to volunteer for one of the standing committees.

Have you visited our website recently? (www.rtam. mb.ca) If you have not, you may be surprised – take a look!

All the AGM material can be found there as well as Chapter information. The Chapter information is new and we are eagerly awaiting submissions from chapters on their upcoming events and activities. Chapter information must be forwarded to the RTAM office.

In consultation with Johnson Insurance, we have reviewed our numerous insurance plans and even more importantly, we have approved them with NO INCREASE in premiums. Again, the updated information is available on the website.

On the national front, ACER-CART President Tom Gaskell has written the Prime Minister on a number of health care issues. A copy of that letter may be seen under the ACER-CART report. RTAM will be writing a letter of support on these issues to the Prime Minister as well as to other federal and provincial politicians.

Enjoy reading this issue of KIT and please consider joining us in Dauphin May 7 and 8, 2013.

RTAM BOARD APPOINTMENT Alex Boyd, Winnipeg, Manitoba I was born in Brandon and lived there until we moved to Thunder Bay where I completed my High School education before obtaining my Arts and Education degrees at the University of Manitoba.

My first teaching experience was in Beausejour, followed by 27 years in St. Vital and 11 years in Norwood as Superintendent. My last 5 years were spent back in St.Vital/Louis Riel SD. Along the way, I was fortunate to serve on many Divisional and Provincial MTS Committees. Also, during those years I read books onto tape for the CNIB, was President of the United Way of Winnipeg and served as a Goldwing Ambassador for the WAA. Currently I chair the Board of Reference for the Province.

I look forward for the opportunity to serve on the RTAM Board for this interim period.

RTAM KIT • 3

On your behalf, the following letter has been sent to the Prime Minister by ACER-CART President, Tom Gaskell.

December 20, 2012 The Right Honorable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada Dear Prime Minister The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers ( ACER-CART ) has, by resolution, instructed me to write your office on behalf of the 127,000 retired teachers it represents to express concern on a number of health related issues. I will attempt to be brief, but wish to add that we are available to provide further information and/or clarification should you require same.

The first recommendation would see the appointment of a National Medicare Oversight Council.

This Council, independent of Government, would monitor the implementation and maintenance of national standards of health services provided under the Canada Health Act, and where advisable, propose necessary changes.

The second recommendation would complement the first and assure the implementation of national standards. This would see the Federal Government make transfer of health care funds contingent upon assurances from the provinces and territories that such funding be used to support the provisions of the Canada Health Act. The other areas of concern deal with the need of a comprehensive national pharmacare program and a national pharmaceutical formulary. While initial talks and discussion may have taken place, little information re possible progress has been forthcoming. We urge and encourage provincial and territorial governments to work cooperatively with you to make this a reality. The potential savings of millions of dollars could then be channeled into other needed areas of health improvement.

If we can offer any assistance or clarification do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours truly,

Thomas Gaskell President President Dr. Thomas Gaskell, Président 59 Rendell Drive, Little Bras d’Or, NS B1Y 2Y7, (902) 736-1267, gaskelltag@hotmail.com 4 • RTAM KIT

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RTAM 2013 Annual General Meeting

May 7 & May 8, 2013 Parkland Recreation Complex, 200 – 1st St., S.E. Dauphin, MB Parking at rear (South Entrance) In an effort to encourage increased participation at the AGM, the Board is offering a reduced advanced registration fee. The registration fee for RTAM members who register before April 30, 2013, is $15.00.

The registration fee for RTAM members who register after April 30, 2013, is $25.00.

Please make your own hotel reservations (reference RTAM) by April 7, 2013.

Dauphin AGM accommodation options listed on page 9. (Space is limited—reserve early)

2013 REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE PRINT

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City and Prov. ___________________________ Postal Code: ____________ Phone: ____________________ Email: ______________________________ Full RTAM Member: c Yes

c No

or Associate RTAM Member: c Yes

c No

If you belong to a Chapter, please state Chapter Name: ___________________________________________

REGISTRATION Advanced Registration by April 30: (includes reception, meetings & lunch) ______ @ $15.00 =__________ Registration after April 30: (includes reception, meetings & lunch)

______ @ $25.00 =__________

Guest attending ONLY lunch (Wednesday, May 8)

______ @ $10.00 =__________

Guest attending ONLY reception (Wednesday, May 8)

______ @ 0

Cheque enclosed and made payable to RTAM: in the amount of $__________ On site catered lunch is included. If you have a specific health related dietary concern, please provide details: _______________________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER PRESIDENTS’ Meeting at 1:00 p.m., May 7, 2013, Parkland Recreation Complex. This meeting is for the Chapter President (or designate) and one Chapter Representative (The AGM registration fee is covered if attending both Chapter President’s Meeting and the AGM.)

All registrants please indicate your attendance: Tuesday Chapter Presidents’ Meeting: c Yes c No Tuesday (4:15p.m. -5:15 p.m.) Johnson Insurance Travel Plans Info Session: c Yes c No Tuesday Evening Reception: c Yes c No Additional Reception Guest: c Yes Shuttle Service between hotels and Recreation Centre: c Yes c No Wednesday AGM: c Yes c No Interested in free bus charter to Dauphin? c Yes

c No c No

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Are you the Chapter President?________________ Are you the second Chapter delegate?_______________

Mail to: RTAM—AGM 2013, 113 – 1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5 Spring 2013

RTAM KIT • 5

RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MAY 7 & MAY 8, 2013

Parkland Recreation Complex—(Lions Den) 200–1st St., S.E., Dauphin, MB Parking at rear (South Entrance) All members of RTAM are welcome and encouraged to attend the AGM and associated events.

All RTAM members and a guest are invited to a reception hosted by RTAM on Tuesday evening, May 7, 2013.

AGENDA TUESDAY, MAY 7: Annual General Meeting Related Activities 10:00 a.m.

Registration: AGM and Chapter Presidents’ Meeting 10:00 a.m. – Noon RTAM Board Meeting Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch for Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Reps 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Chapter Presidents’ Meeting with RTAM Board 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Information Session: Johnson Travel Health Plans (Premier and Medoc Plans) 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

EVENING RECEPTION Reception with hot & cold appetizers, beverages and cash bar Distinguished Service Award(s) Local Dauphin Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

9:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Noon – 1:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

RTAM Annual General Meeting Registration at the Parkland Recreation Complex Opening and Greetings from invited guests Board Elections and Meeting Session Lunch, on site, is included with registration fee TRAF presentation Meeting Session

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS . . .

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

A Distinguished Service Award may be presented to an individual whose service to RTAM, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has been extraordinary. The Award may be given posthumously. a) The nominee and the nominator must each be a full member of RTAM. b) The nomination shall include a comprehensive description of the nominees involvement and service to RTAM. c) The Award shall consist of a framed certificate duly signed by the President. d) If possible, the award shall be made at the Annual General Meeting. RTAM shall assume all travel and accommodation expenses, incurred by the recipient to attend the AGM, on the same basis and rates allotted to Chapter Presidents. e) The RTAM Board shall make the final decision on the granting of the Distinguished Service Award(s). f) The President shall receive the nominations.

Deadline: Submission must reach the RTAM office by April 14, 2013.

Mail nominee submissions to: Wayne A. Hughes, RTAM President 113 – 1555 St. James Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

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Invitation to become a RTAM Committee Member It is an RTAM policy that RTAM members-at-large are encouraged to serve on a committee of the Board.

Therefore, we ask you to please submit your name to indicate your availability and areas of interest. We will endeavour to accommodate your offer within the parameters of Bylaws and Policy. Most Committees meet once a month, usually with the exception of July, August and December unless there are emergent circumstances.

Following are the 10 Standing Committees: 1) AGM and Elections 2) Benefits 3) Bylaws and Policy 4) Communications: a) Keep In Touch Newsletter (KIT)

b) Public Relations

c) Web Page 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Educational Advocacy (includes Scholarships/Awards) Membership & Chapters Pension Political Action Travel Wellness

My name is _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: _________________________________________ Home address: ___________________________________________________________________________ My interests would be for the following committee(s): ____________________________________________ Please provide a short reflection of your experiences that would lead to this committee. _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

Please submit this form to our Executive Assistant, Carol Gillis, at the conclusion of this AGM or email it NO LATER than Friday, May 17, 2013 to: rtam@mymts.net.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________

RTAM KIT • 7

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS . . .

RTAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2013–2014 Nominations for the Board of Directors of RTAM will be accepted up to and including Thursday, April 4, 2013 (2:00 p.m.). The term of office is one year. Board members and nominators must be full members in good standing of RTAM. Any RTAM member may be nominated for a position of Director and one Officer position. An unsuccessful candidate for an Officer position has the right to stand for Director.

The positions open to election on May 8, 2013 are: Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer Directors: up to 15 Directors may be elected.

Nomination Process: (a) Nominations will be received by the Elections Committee up to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Nomination(s) must be accompanied by a signed statement from the nominee to acknowledge their willingness to accept the nomination.

Please forward your nomination to: RTAM – Nominations, 113–1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

(b) There will be an additional opportunity to nominate from amongst those who are present in the AGM assembly.

Any nomination from the floor will require the endorsement of ten (10) full members of RTAM who are in attendance. There will be a thirty (30) minute time frame from the time nominations open to nominations close.

If you have any questions, please call: Elections Committee Chair, Dolores Hébert at 204-233-8618 or the RTAM office at 204-889-3660; Toll Free 1-888-393-8082.

(Please print.)

RTAM BOARD NOMINATION FORM 2013–2014

As a full RTAM member, I, _________________________________ nominate the following full RTAM member: Nominee’s name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Phone: ___________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ for the position of: Officer (one position only) c President

c Vice-President

c Secretary

c Treasurer

. . . and/or for the position of c Director The signed permission of the nominee: _____________________________________________________________

D 14 Ph W R

C 16 Ph W Sm R

P 15 Ph W N R

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Or, attached is the signed permission of the nominee.

Please forward to: RTAM—Nominations, 113–1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5

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PLEASE NOTE: Only FULL RTAM members may hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers.

ASSOCIATE RTAM members may not hold office, vote, endorse or sign nomination papers.

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May 7 & 8, 2013 RTAM Annual General Meeting Accommodation Options – Dauphin, MB DAUPHIN SUPER 8 (Rooms are blocked for Retired Teachers’ AGM until April 7, 2013.)

1457 Main St. S Phone: 1-204-638-0800; Toll Free: 1-800-800-8000 Website: www.dauphinsuper8.com Room rates: (includes breakfast) $108.19+tax; Suite $118.19+tax CANWAY INN & SUITES (Rooms are blocked for Retired Teachers’ AGM until April 7, 2013.)

1601 Main St. South Phone: 1-204-638-5102; Toll Free: 1-888-325-3335 Website: www.canwayinnandsuites.com Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge on site Room rates: Single $94.95+tax; Double $102.95+tax; Suite $108.95+tax PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN INN 1501 Main St. South Phone: 204-638-4233; Toll Free: 1-877-638-4233 Website: www.prairiemountaininn.com Next to Tim Horton’s Room rates: Single $72.00+tax; Double $82.00+tax; Kitchenette $92.00+tax Various suites also available. The first three accommodation options listed are located on the same side of Main Street South within 3-3.5 km of the Parkland Recreation Complex meeting site.

DAUPHIN INN EXPRESS (basic motel directly across from Parkland Recreation Complex meeting site) 35 Memorial Boulevard Phone: 1-204-638-4430; Toll Free: 1-866-336-3500 Website: www.dauphininnexpress.com CC’s Restaurant & Thunders Restaurant nearby Room rates: Single $70.00+tax; Double $89.95+tax

There are a few other accommodation options available within the town. AGM attendees should book their accommodations well in advance as space is limited.

City of Dauphin Info Website at www.dauphin.ca (city & area maps on line) www.discoverdauphin.com.

CHARTER BUS SERVICE: If we have enough interest, there could be up to 3 (three) free charter bus services from Winnipeg, SW Manitoba, and the North with pick ups along the way. We are hoping this might encourage members and delegates to attend the Dauphin AGM. Indicate your interest on your registration form.

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RTAM KIT • 9

Do You Belong...?

John Sushelnitsky, Chair, Membership & Chapter Liason Well, of course, given that you are reading this in KIT you belong to RTAM! However, we at the RTAM Membership and Chapter Formation Committee know that a huge number of our RTAM members do not have the opportunity and fun of belonging to an RTAM Chapter.

Currently, there are twenty chapters: eighteen throughout Manitoba and two in British Columbia!

Please note that the list of chapters appears in the first edition of KIT each fall and you are most welcome to call the contact person listed to indicate your interest.

Articles detailing the adventures of various chapters frequently appear in KIT so you will have read of great bus excursions (mostly lasting a day) , mystery theatres, guest speakers with information on everything from wills to health care issues, and a host of other great “get together” activities. We know that such activities include everything from breakfast, lunch or dinner out to pot luck events to various card games, book clubs and community volunteerism.

The above suggestions are not all inclusive because, you, as a retired teacher, have the creative skills to devise plans that meet the interests of your circle of retirees.

This is where the Membership and Chapter Formation Committee offers you the support to create a new RTAM Chapter in your locale. A representative is available to assist you in the very simple process. In addition, RTAM offers some “seed money” to help you sprint from the starting line!

No local Chapter? Interested? We hope so! Form a Chapter and enjoy the pleasure of renewing acquaintances while chasing away the winter blues. Send an email to John Sushelnitsky: chapterformation@rtam.mb.ca.

We are waiting to hear from you!

RTAM/JOHNSON Benefit Concerns?

The RTAM Benefit Committee is working to ensure the best possible benefits are available to you, our members.

If at any time, you are concerned about or encounter issues with any of your plans, please contact us at benefits@rtam.mb.

Barbara McDole, Benefits Chair 10 • RTAM KIT

RTAM AWARD NOTICE The principle of scholarship/award was approved at the 2012 RTAM Annual General Meeting.

We are pleased to announce there will be up to four (4) post-secondary $500.00 awards for relatives of RTAM members in 2013.

Application forms will be available on the RTAM website by the end of April, 2013 with an application deadline of May 31, 2013.

RETIRED WOMENS TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION: Table Officers, 2012–2013 June Slobodian

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Dolores Hebert, President; Pat Opalka, Secretary; Dr. Mary Pankiw, Past President; Dolores Tutkaluk, Treasurer; Diane Bewell, Vice-President

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The Retired Women Teachers' Association is pleased to announce its Table Officers for 2012-2013. The RWTA is in its 61st year and is open to all retired women teachers. We host four luncheons, which provide an opportunity to meet and visit with old and new friends. Each luncheon has a theme and entertainment., including a fashion show featuring its members a models. RWTA also plans a day trip by bus to interesting locations, as well as visits and sends cards and flowers to members who are infirm.

RWTA is a great organization to join. All you have to do is show up and have fun. Upcoming events include: April 11, 2013: AGM Luncheon Surprise entertainment: Be prepared to laugh and gave a good time.

For membership details, please contact Cecile Alaire-Skene: 204-256-6176.

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The comprehensive RTAM's Premier Travel Plan is available to Full members of RTAM. Please note that only Full RTAM members can apply for RTAM's comprehensive Premier Travel Plan, which covers multiple trips up to 62 days each year (Supplementary coverage is also available). Please note that there is no 90 day Stability clause on the RTAM Premier Travel Plan. This plan provides coverage for eligible expenses arising from any Sudden and Unforeseen Medical Emergency.

Medical Emergency means: an emergency service rendered to the insured, for the sudden onset of a medical condition, manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could result in : - permanently placing the individual's health in jeopardy - serious impairment and dysfunction of any bodily organ part; or - other serious medical consequence.

Full and Associate members can apply for MEDOC Travel, with two options: multiple trips of 17 days or 35 days per year (Supplementary coverage is also available). Please note that a 90-day medical stability clause does apply to the MEDOC Plan, which limits a pre-existing medical condition, if in the 90 days before your day of departure or day of booking, that medical condition was not stable.

Note: For details on eligible travel insurance benefits, please refer to your certificate of insurance or contact Johnson at 1-877-989-2600.

Pension Report Peggy Prendergast, Chair On January 22, 2013, Wayne Hughes, RTAM President; Barbara McDole, Vice President; and representatives of the RTAM Pension committee met with the Honourable Nancy Allan; Andrew Clark, Minister’s Special Assistant; David Yeo, Director of Education Administration and Larry Grant, Director of Labour Relations, Treasury Board Secretariat.

We discussed with the Minister: • RTAM’s policy re: the nomination process for the TRAF Board Appointment • The 5-year impact of Bill 45 We issued an invitation for the government to commit and lead a process involving RTAM, to address the cost of living adjustment issues.

The following charts were part of the presentation: .

RTAM has consistently been asking for a forum to discuss and plan a reasonable solution to the COLA problem.

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RTAM KIT • 11

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Teachers' Retirement Allowances Fund Board Analysis Report - Listing Age, Gender, and Average Pension The following table illustrates the breakdown by age, gender and average gross amount received in December of 2012. The average gross amount received is indicated for the lowest age in that category with the number of individuals at that age in brackets().

Pensioner Statistics-excluding Marriage Break-up

Age Category

Total Female

Total Male

sq pr sh ni

[Male & Female: 12,189]

Avg. Gross Monthly Pension – Female

Avg. Gross Monthly Pension – Male

55–59

839

380

$1,968 (68)

$2,688 (28)

60–64

1,841

1,066

$2,192 (294)

$2,531 (152)

65–69

1,668

1,416

$1,952 (484)

$2,484 (319)

70–74

985

1,071

$1,790 (230)

$2,401 (242)

75–79

659

609

$1,651 (151)

$2,483 (144)

80–84

512

304

$1,466 (104)

$2,148 (74)

85–89

372

151

$1,531 (94)

$2,304 (46)

90–94

187

45

$1,182 (47)

$2,019 (16)

95–99

56

9

$978 (13)

$1,665 (5)

100+

17

2

$999 (5)

$12 (1)

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Some observations about the above statistics:

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• 2923 teachers are 75 and older – close to 25% of the total number of retired teachers.

• 316 teachers are 90 and older.

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• This chart does not include the 802 people receiving pensions as beneficiaries.

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• The total cost of living since the year 2000 has significantly exceeded the COLA s received.

• How many active teachers are 65 or older?

• Who is listening to retired teachers?

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POSTAGE STAMP NO MORE Guy Hansen, Public Relations Chair In 1870 our province was formed; it was small and square, and became known as the POSTAGE STAMP province. Manitoba eventually was changed its present shape in 1912. We are in the first year of our 100th anniversary of this new and final form.

The Public Relations Committee and Board of RTAM have chosen to celebrate this event; an historical presentation has been arranged.

Rupertsland Revels, a trio made up of Mary Louise Chown, Anne Morton and Virginia Stevens, will bring you stories from the fur trade, focusing on two historical people from the past, with musical accompaniment.

If you are interested in attending, RSVP to fidler.gaboury@rtam.mb.ca as soon as possible, certainly before April 1. Limited extra seats are available and we will confirm your attendance as soon as possible, certainly by April 10.

Mary Louise Chown is a Winnipeger well versed in the craft of storytelling. Slowly evolving from the traditional and mythical tales, the ones which were part of the foundation of the culture of the day, of the everyday people, she has moved towards presentations of historical events and people. In her research Mary Louise realized that the accomplishments of women were often overlooked, the old texts often had the phrase. . .“and wife”, not even mentioning Marie Anne (Gaboury) the wife’s name. It is no Lagimodière wonder that her presentation is of an historic female. Mary Louise chooses to tell the story of the life of Marie Anne Lagimodière.

She has found that whenever she tells the story of Marie Anne, young students and adults alike are very intrigued.

Once when Mary Louise was telling the story to a Grade 4 class, and she was describing an event which took place in the Lake of the Woods, one of the young girls piped up, “Oh, I know where that is, it’s on the lake by our cabin”. For that young lady, history had just come alive.

Another Manitoban of the time was Peter Fidler. He Spring 2013

was born in England, 1769, hired on with Hudson’s Bay Company and arrived in York Factory in 1788; he could read and write; Fidler was soon trained as the company mapmaker.

A n ne Mor ton, a not her Winnipeger, tells the story of Fidler’s winter in Isle a la Peter Fidler Crosse, 1810-1811; this was during a period of fierce fur trade competition between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. For 25 years Anne worked in the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives. “It was impossible to not know of this man, we were just surrounded by his work. Researching him was relatively easy, Fidler kept extensive written records.”

And as t he presentation goes f rom Fid ler to Lagimodière to Fidler, another Winnipeger, Virginia Stevens, also in costume, plays period music on her recorder.

It really is a riveting performance.

All our elected MLAs have been invited, as well as a number of dignitaries. The Board of RTAM will attend, MTS will be represented. It will be in the Golden Boy Room, the parliament building, 5:00 pm, April 17.

There will be a cash bar, a light lunch will be available.

Local High School students will attend a morning presentation.

Public Relations Committee: Fidler/Gabourey Committee: John Sushelnitsky, Linda McDowell, Guy Hansen, Marvin Krawec, Peter Carney, Dave McDowell.

RTAM KIT • 13

WRHA LAUNCHES WEBSITE: preventfalls.ca

A new interactive website aimed at reducing fall-related injuries in older adults and children was launched by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Preventfalls.ca focuses on preventing falls in older adults and children, the groups that are at most risk of serious injury from a fall. Preventfalls.ca provides evidence-based information to older adults, caregivers, parents, families and professionals to help reduce the risk of falls.

• For older adults, the key risk factors include health and physical condition, medications, nutrition and vision.

The Older Adult section of the website provides a large range of information on all aspects of falls prevention topics. It features two innovative tools: an interactive checklist to help older adults and their families identify individual falls risk factors and provide information to help reduce these risks and a postal code search tool to help people find local exercise programs that are appropriate for preventing falls.

• For children, the main risk factors vary by age with infants and toddlers more at risk of falling in the home, school age children are more likely to fall on the playground and youth/ teens falling during sport and leisure activities. The Children section provides information on what families and caregivers can do at the individual level and what organizations can do to help prevent falls.

For more information, contact: IMPACT at injuryinfo@ wrha.mb.ca. Phone: 204 940-8300.

Diamond Jubilee Normal School REUNION The Gimli Reunion Committee Class of 1952-53 Did you know that 2013 is a milestone? SIXTY years since we graduated from the Manitoba Provincial School as young teachers with our whole future ahead of us? We had a wonderful opportunity to change the world and inspire young students to succeed in any profession they would choose.

Age may have slowed our step but it cannot destroy our desire to celebrate our successes or curb our want to search for more adventures in life. We will never be mushrooms to be left in the dark.

In order to keep our spirit alive and recognize this milestone, a celebration will be held September 9 to September 11, 2013 in Gimli. This will give us a chance to renew old friendships and share new and old stories. We are planning our events to accommodate all members. Most events will be held in the Country Resort Hotel or within a block of the Hotel. Some events may be dependent on weather.

A diamond jubilee is 60 years, so let’s enjoy this occasion with friends of 60 years.

Isaac Brock School 100th Anniversary, 2013 Isaac Brock School in Winnipeg’s West End will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013. In addition to contacting former students and staff, the Alumni Committee would like to collect Class pictures, Yearbooks and other memorabilia. We would like to borrow these items in order to display them at the Reunion planned for May 23–25, 2013, but also to digitize them to create a new historic resource for the school. Borrowed items would be returned after the May events. Donations of these items to the school archives would also be gladly accepted. Events where the items will be displayed include a School concert on May 23, Wine & Chees on May 24, an Open House & Tea on May 25 and a Dinner & Dance on May 25.

The digitized files would be used in many ways. We have created a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ 14 • RTAM KIT

groups/Isaac.Brock.Winnipeg.100/ as well as a web site for those who are not members of facebook at http://www. isaacbrock100.com. The school has a closed circuit Apple TV system that will feature historic photos and information about the school throughout the year. We will also be able to use the archives for print and broadcast media.

We will also be working with the MHS to add to their web page on the school.

In order to fund these 100th Anniversary projects the Isaac Brock Alumni is presenting a “Sisters of the Holy Rock” concert on Saturday March 16, 2013, at the school.

Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door and available from Alumni, the School Office, ENCORE Music (1349 Portage Avenue, near Valour Road) and Viewer’s Choice Video, #2–680 St Anne’s Road.

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GEORGE (TED) POULTER GE O RGE E DWA R D ( T E D) POULTER: October 2, 1937 - December 12, 2012. Predeceased by parents George and Edith Poulter. Survived by wife of 52 years, Edna, daughter Pamela (Kevin Friesen), son John (Linda Yeo), grandchildren Aaron, Thomas, Cole, Jonas Friesen, Megan and Isaac Poulter and brother Jack of Victoria and his family.

Ted lived in St. Vital almost all his life, attended Norberry and Glenlawn schools and St John's College. For thirty years he worked for the St. Vital School Division as a teacher and administrator. His life was exemplified by service to his community, whether as a hockey coordinator, St. Vital Teachers' Society President, St. Vital Teachers' Curling, and for the last two years, served as Chair of the Benefits Committee on the Provincial Board of the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba. He was President of the Riel Retired Teachers' Association.

Ted was a graduate of the College in 1958 with a B.A., a Cert. Ed. in 1960 and in 1964 he received his B. Ed. Ted loved the outdoors, and Grass River Provincial Park (Iskwasum) was a special summer vacation destination. Breezy Point and the family cabin for fifty years was also key in his life. Above all of that, being in the bleachers for his grandchildren's games was a highlight of his life. The Community of St. John's College was dear to his heart. Donations to the Ted and Edna Poulter Scholarship Fund would be welcome or to a charity of your choice.

THE TED AND EDNA POULTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established in 2009, the Ted and Edna Poulter Scholarships are a result of Ted's involvement as a student, teacher and administrator in St. Vital School Divison # 6 for over 60 years and as a recognition of their belief in the importance of higher education in the lives of young people and in the belief that one should pay back something in return for benefit received. Two scholarships are awarded annually, one at Glenlawn Collegiate and one at Dakota Collegiate.

To make an online donation: www.umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_johns or cheque to: St. John's College, University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus.

Winnipeg, MB R3T 9Z9 An income tax receipt will be sent directly. Charitable Regisgtration # 11918 0495 RR0001.

Spring 2013

LOOKING TO THE PAST Ken Pearce, General Secretary, MTS For the most part, the normal ebb and flow of work we do at MTS is about dealing with day-to-day and week-to-week issues. Our members and affiliated associations are often in need of our immediate attention and help. That is our primary focus on any given day.

At the same time, however, we do look beyond the horizon, anticipating arising issues and needs of our members. Indeed, writing about visions of the future seems appropriate given this new magazine-style format for The Manitoba Teacher, the first such change in more than 25 years.

Currently, a number of projects at MTS have begun that are taking us far into the future as well as connecting us with the distant past. In seven years, the Society will be 100 years old. One initiative that we are undertaking is looking at the possibilities for celebrating those who worked on behalf of the Society to bring about changes both for our members and for the social conditions in which they work. For example, our own building(s) should reflect accomplishments from the past and be a place where visitors can view a permanently exhibited panorama of milestones.

We are digitally archiving all our AGM documents and are putting online the book “Chalk, Sweat and Cheers” which was written in 1969 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Society. This is one step we can take to enable all our members to read a reflection of our past. In addition, through the archiving process, we are searching for items to create a visual history covering those milestones that began in 1919 and which continue to unfold as the Society strives to create effective strategies to meet the needs of members.

By better organizing our records and by completing gaps that exist in our physical documents and photographs, we will be able to make our ongoing recordkeeping more effective and be able to use our past to help present discussions mould our future actions.

To help out the effort, if any teachers and retired teachers have photographs or documents involving teaching, schools and/or MTS from the past that we could copy and use, they can contact Ken Pearce at kpearce@mbteach.org or by phone at 204-888-7961.

As well, we are looking for copies of the MTS policy handbook from 1969 to 1974.

RTAM KIT • 15

SINGING VACATIONS

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Donna Komilo, Brandon, komilod@mymts.net If you like to both sing and travel, then I have some suggestions for you. Participants come from all across Canada and become a choir, practice together for several days, and then perform.

Mid-winter escape—try a week of singing in Cuba under the direction of Peter Dent of Victoria, BC, followed by a week of relaxation at Villas Jibacoa. Practice every morning learning Cuban folk songs and a couple of Canadian ones, accompanied by the resort band. End the week with

Experience the world all the while carrying a tune.

a performance in a neighboring community. If you like to snorkel, there is an added bonus – an interesting reef right at your doorstep. www.peterdent.com A similar program is with Oxford Churchmusic, with an annual two-week summer program set in historic Oxford, England and usually a spring program in continental Europe (e.g. Rome, Venice, Prague, Vienna). Singing an evening prayer service in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice is a vocal highlight for me. The acoustics from the choir loft are amazing, as is the view. www.oxfordchurchmusic.ca CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians) annually offers seven weeks of instrumental and vocal summer workshops for adults and youth at Lake Macdonald in the Laurentians, PQ. Each week is themed (e.g. early music, 16 • RTAM KIT

Broadway). You build your own schedule of what you want to take part in each day. www.cammac.ca , click on the Festival tab.

Lakefield Music Centre does a similar program in Lakefield, ON, for one week each summer. If you like jazz, classical or world music and want to learn how to sing or play it in a non-threatening congenial atmosphere, then this program is for you. There are a good variety of small group workshops to choose from, whether you are an instrumentalist or vocalist, or want to do both. lakefieldmusic.ca The International Peace Gardens Summer Music Camp on the Manitoba-North Dakota border offers a short adult program, usually during the August long weekend. www.internationalmusiccamp.com Want something more challenging vocally? Peter Dent also does an annual summer “Sing to the Lord” trip based in the Czech Republic. The repertoire has typically been a classical mass where some practice on your own prior to departure is expected. Starting in historic Prague, three days of intense rehearsing is then followed by touring and performing in churches around the country before returning to Prague for a final performance in the famous St. Nicholas Cathedral. www.peterdent.com Every two summers, St. John’s, Newfoundland, is the setting for “Festival 500: Sharing the Voices," an international choral festival. For single singers there is the “Come Solo” Choir, massed choir, and workshops to take part in, as well as daily concerts to attend. Festival 500 is happening in July 2013 and it’s not too late to sign up. www.festival500.com I personally have taken part in all of these programs and have found them to be challenging yet fun learning experiences with others who like to sing. Costs are reasonable and non-singers are also welcome to come along. Please contact me if you would like more info or know of other singing or music vacations that I could try.

Spring 2013

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CLIMATE CHANGE W. Anderson Climate warming is about people. If we examine the history of the earth, human presence is a tiniest fraction of the time the dinosaurs existed. Many people assume excuses for doing nothing about climate warming, such as:

Cluster bombs found Czech Republic.

Many of us are aware of the ongoing destruction caused by cluster bombs throughout our world. Tens of thousands of persons are killed and maimed; a quarter of them are children.

A November 5, 2012, article in the Winnipeg Free Press drew attention, once again, to this disturbing fact. What was equally disturbing was to read that, “according to a June 2012 report on Global investments in cluster munitions. . .Manulife Financial. . .has some investment in cluster bomb producers.” We, as teachers and retired teachers of Winnipeg #1, are well served by very good medical and travel coverage through Manulife. I believe, as persons who nurtured and educated children, we also will want to call Manulife to re-assess and cut its support of cluster bomb producers.

I have written them a letter expressing my concern about this issue and would invite you to join me in this. Manulife can be contacted at Manulife Financial, PO Box 1653, Waterloo, ON N2J 4W1 Sincerely, Madeleine Enns January 12, 2013 Spring 2013

• • • • • • • •

Climate is happening and we can do nothing.

God will take care of us.

You as an individual can do nothing.

If it really matters the government will do something.

As the oil companies say, it is of no concern.

Most people are not concerned enough to do anything, so why should I? The experts will look after it.

They haven't proven climate warming exists.

In all cases, they are wrong. Those scientists and authors who have done the research, studied it intensely, have written about climate or have produced video documentaries about it are knowledgeable, but not in control. It is true that they know most about the facts of climate warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has scientifically proven that warming exists. There are now thousands of events triggered by global warming. The costs are in the many billions or trillions. The United Nations Environmental Program has calculated the death rate from climate warming at 250,000 people a year, published in Time magazine, April, 2010.

Each year heating multiplies the long term impacts and makes reversing the problem much more difficult. What can you do?

1. Write letters to politicians internationally and at home to protect our children.

2. Reduce your own CO2 footprint.

3. Due to about 24 deaths from SARS, we mobilized the country, no less should be done for CO2 reduction.

4. Oil royalty gains should be equivalent to those for Texas and Norway - up to 25% of the cost of a barrel. Most should go to producing green energy.

5. Mobilize a green trading partnership through the United Nations and place tariffs on goods from those not participating in a CO2 reduction of 75% by 2020 to total change to green energy by that date.

6. Create a national energy grid and national energy policy as most modern nations do.

7. Collaborate, on line through Face Book and Twitter. Create an executive but with multiple regional co-chairs. Create a world attack program for greening our lifestyles. Create a citizens’ political force.

We need to solve climate warming. If we fail, the consequences for our children will be climatedisaster.com.

RTAM KIT • 17

AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME Barb Olynyk To retire or not to retire; that was the question I faced in 2005. What will I do with all the skills I have acquired over my 35 years of teaching? What a waste to not use them! Substitute teaching would be an option, so retire I did. Life hummed along—a wonderful mix of work, play and travel.

Then, one day in 2007, an email sparked my interest. It came from a friend who was travelling in Africa.

She said that they desperately needed native English speaking teachers in Burundi to help them set up an English school and in Tanzania to conduct Math and English workshops for teachers. “WOW!!” I thought. “I could do that.” I had the skills, the time, the means, the good health and now I had the opportunity. I called a teacher friend and put the bug in her ear, because having a partner would be much more fun.

Well, that bug began buzzing! To make a long story short, we both decided to go to Burundi for three months.

Research told me that Burundi is a very small country, about half the size of Nova Scotia, located near the equator bordering Rwanda, Tanzania and Lake Tanganyika [the third deepest lake in the world] with a population of eight million, most of whom belong to one of three tribes: the Hutus, the Tutsies or the Twa. There was a civil conflict in Burundi from 1994 – 2006.

The biggest problem I was concerned about was safety. I was assured by the Burundian founders of the school that the problems were over and that it was safe. Our plans were started: booking flights, applying for a visa, getting vaccinations, preparing a Grade One program to teach there 18 • RTAM KIT

Gr

A student reading to the class.

and deciding what to pack. We knew we would be living in a secure house and that there would be a cook and a houseboy. After packing two fiftypound suitcases with school supplies, there was little room left for clothes, but enough to get by with. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen were a must.

The day of departure came at the beginning of September, 2008. Off to the airport laden with 100 pounds of checked luggage, a carry-on packed to the max and a “purse” loaded to overflowing. After a tearful goodbye to my husband, children and grandchildren, I was off to London, then Nairobi and finally to my destination, Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. I travelled separately and my first sense of being on an adventure came when I was in the Nairobi airport. I was distinctly aware that I was the only white person in the room and it seemed that all eyes were on me. It was my first such experience. When I landed in Bujumbura, I was met by the school founder

as soon as I entered the airport from the outside, so all was well.

My first sights of Burundi left me awestruck! What an incredibly different world, and I was privileged to witness it! Bicycles laden with huge loads of bananas, sacks of charcoal, grass for cows, buckets and almost anything imaginable, all sharing the road with vehicles and people . . . people everywhere! There were men and women working in fields of rice and other vegetables; and color, so much color in their dress; activity of all kinds in the streets.

When I arrived at our very comfortable gated house, I met the cook and gardener, shared a delicious, nutritious supper with my friends and then slept and slept and slept. Travelling for thirty hours was exhausting, but I awoke late the next morning, refreshed and ready for whatever the day would bring.

The school is an old abandoned seminary. It had required some work Spring 2013

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to get it looking good enough to welcome students on Monday. I was excited to meet the staff, particularly the Grade One teacher I would be mentoring for the next three months. She was very eager to learn, but it was obvious that, though she had taught in an English Montessori School, she would be challenged by the curriculum. The Burundi school board had chosen to use the Alberta curriculum; but learn she did! I am sure she must have felt completely overwhelmed at times, but she persevered. After one week, she said, “One thing you have taught me is to work hard.”

We did work hard -- during the school day, after school and even on weekends. There was so much to do and such a short time to do it all.

The teachers were amazed at our stimulating methods of instruction. Education to them meant 70 to 100 students in one class with limited supplies and equipment sharing a few old textbooks. Teaching was by rote, there was little or no exposure to the rest of the world. Even their postsecondary training was very poor and did not prepare them for teaching as we know it. Teachers are poorly paid, especially in primary, as little as US$60 per month. Teaching in Burundi was not a job to aspire to.

Our school, the Burundi English School, offered many advantages, both to the teachers and the students, with very small classes, professional development for the teachers and plentiful supplies, books and equipment, which were sent in a container from Edmonton. They came to know about Canada. St. Maria Goretti Catholic School in Edmonton adopted the school as their social justice project and became their pen pals and sponsors.

The children were amazing! With their beautiful dark skin, wiry black hair and big beautiful eyes, they easily won my heart. How quickly they learned! All the children, aged three to six, started on an even playing field – no English at all! Through the “total physical response” method, they

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learned English vocabulary. Through animated literacy, they learned songs, letters and their sounds. When we were learning “M for monkey,” a group of monkeys appeared in the trees beside our windows! Perfect timing and great entertainment! Some of the three year olds learned faster than the six year olds; after all, they were just beginning to develop their language skills. Through shared reading and writing, the Grade Ones were exposed to sight words, phonetic attack and the semantics and syntax of the English language. There was no opportunity for the students to get help from home, but we still sent “home study” home with them so they could practice what they had learned and hopefully teach their siblings and parents. Read-alouds were a great time to build vocabulary and general knowledge because their teachers could translate when needed.

Much time was spent building bridges between western content and their lives. Drama was a great way to provide comprehension. And songs!!! How the children loved the songs we taught! The ABC song resonated throughout the school every morning. They even sang at recess, as they played in the sand courtyard with yogurt containers and any toys or balls sent from Edmonton. They were kids – just like kids in Canada but they lived in a different setting with a different language and different customs – customs

Grade 5 teaching drumming to younger students.

that we had the privilege of enjoying.

On weekends, we were often taken out to the country to see life outside the city, where traditional customs were more strongly observed. The sights were most interesting: many little villages joined with a winding, rough road that either went up a hill, down a hill or around a hill; hillsides spotted with shacks where families lived and worked the rich, reddish brown soil with crude, heavy hoes, growing vegetables of all kinds; worn paths up the hills where they walked to their shacks, carrying water and other staples on their heads; women, dressed in the traditional bright colors of Burundi with babies tied to their backs, working RTAM KIT • 19

in the fields, cooking over braziers, carrying loads on their heads or just sitting in the shade with their laundry drying on the grass; barefoot children dressed in tattered shorts and t-shirts, playing with sticks in the dirt. The men often worked in the city, leaving their families for months at a time.

We attended a traditional dowry party, which celebrated a couple's engagement. What an incredible, unique celebration filled with interesting customs! We also attended an anniversary of a church, a wedding, a funeral and a baptism, each with its own unique customs. Graceful, agile and strong dancers and drummers performed at most of the celebrations. Sunday was a great day to spend on the beaches of Lake Tanganyika.

In 2009, I went back for another three months, this time with another teacher friend who implemented the Grade Two program. This time it was easier. I already had my shots, I knew what to do, what to pack, what to expect. It felt like I was going home. This time I enjoyed watching my new partner experience Africa for the first time. I was very pleasantly surprised to see how much the students had learned from the time I left in November. We watched

them grow while we spent three more months with them.

How gratifying these experiences have been for us, knowing that we were making a difference. We were opening up new opportunities for their future.

Participating in an opportunity like this has many perks: a wonderful holiday in a warm, tropical setting; a chance to be pampered making one feel like royalty; wholesome, nutritious, meals cooked for us with natural, locally grown foods; very comfortable lodging; laundry and cleaning done; with the added bonus of losing at least ten pounds; it just happens. There are also opportunities to extend your travel to unique places you might not go to otherwise. After all, you ARE in Africa. For me, it was a visit to Egypt and a safari in Kenya. There are countless experiences to have!

We do not know what life will bring us. I did not wish for this experience. It happened because it was meant to be. I am hoping that reading this article will move you to respond as I did. We are always looking for volunteers for both projects: at the Burundi English School at any time during the school year as well as summer school in July and August, or in Tanzania to deliver math and English workshops at any time of the year. If you would like more information, please contact the TAAS project coordinator, Diana McIntyre at 780 469 4140 dianamci@shaw.ca.

NOVEMBER 2012 Life Members Eva Bially, Tolstoi, MB Marcel A. Bonneau, Winnipeg, MB Abram J. Dick, Winnipeg, MB Elin Jolly, Vancouver, BC John Martens, Winnipeg, MB Katherine Unruh, Winnipeg, MB

DECEMBER 2012 Life Members Doris W. Griffiths, Neepawa, MB Our theme for 2012—Yes we can!

20 • RTAM KIT

Margaret F. Woods, Winnipeg, MB Spring 2013

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CLASSIFIEDS Isaac Brock School 100th Anniversary 1913-2013 May 24 and 25, 2013 Celebrating its 100th Anniversary to find out more visit the web site www. isaacbrock100.com, Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/groups/Isaac.

Brock.Winnipeg.100/or contact the school 204-772-9527 isaacbrock@wsd1.org ROTARY CAREER SYMPOSIUM April 9 & 10, 2013 Volunteers are needed to help in various areas at the Rotary Career Sumposium during the day on Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10.

The Symposium will be taking place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

If you can help out or wish further information please contact Sandy Nimik at 204-254-4907 or email stnimik@mts.net.

WANTED – A copy of the school play about two bachelors who interview a series of females for a housekeeper job.

This play was put on by numerous one room schools as part of the Christmas concert. It could have a variable number of grade six to eight girls depending on enrollment. If I'm not mistaken, the play book was available from the Textbook Bureau.

I would love to acquire either an original or a photocopy of the play for my son who is enrolled in theatre studies at York University and is researching early community theatre in small Manitoba schools. It would be a shame if this part of our heritage was not recorded.

Any other plays used in one-room schools would be appreciated.

Contact Nick Andrusiak, 204-2339249 (Winnipeg) or nick.a@shaw.ca Spring 2013

Manitoba Provincial Normal School 1954 – 1955 Reunion Place: Canad Inn Polo Park Date: July 9, 10, 2013 If you wish to attend, and did not previously indicate your response to receive the registration package, please contact us so we can include you when we are mailing out registration forms in early May 2013.

We are looking forward to a good attendance.

Contact: Earl Brown – geblbb@mts.net Irene Huska – huskami1@shaw.ca MANITOBA NORMAL SCHOOL REUNION Class of 1952 – 1953 60th Anniversary Reunion September 9 – 11, 2013 The Lakeview Resort & Conference Centre Centre Street and First Avenue GIMLI, MB September 09: 7:00 P.M. Registration and Reception September 10: All day programs, including Banquet and Dance.

September 11: A.M. Program 12:00 noon/wind-up For further information and to confirm your address: Al Borys, 67 Baldry Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T 3C5 204-269-3408; alborys@mts.net; alborys2@gmail.com RTAM AGM 2013 May 7 & 8 at Dauphin, MB The Dauphin Area Retired Teachers look forward to welcoming RTAM to Dauphin – May 2013!

Manitoba Provincial Normal School 1954-1955 Reunion Place: Winnipeg, MB Date: July, 2013 Please provide feedback on the following suggestions.

Are you planning on attending? We need to know numbers.

Length of the reunion: 1, 2 or 3 days Suggestions on activities: What would you like to do?

Please respond as soon as possible so we can proceed with the planning.

Contact: Bev Smith – grandi2010@hotmail.com Earl Brown – gebibb@mts.net 56TH NORMAL SCHOOL REUNION Class of 1956 -1957 Thursday, May 23, 2013 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., North Entrance. Visitor parking.

10:15 a.m. Photo op and guided tour of the old Normal School 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. Luncheon: Inn at the Forks, 75 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg. Complimentary parking.

Check at desk inside for pass. Cost of luncheon payable by individual.

Sign in sheet and small fee of $2.00.

Phyllis Crosson, Brandon: 1-204726-4406; Janice Kelly, McGregor: 1-204-252-2124; Evelyn Rheaume, Portage la Prairie: 1-204-857-3094; Gloria Wilton, Winnipeg: 1-204-4876432.

Accommodation: Preferred rates.

No group rate. Phone Inn at the Forks: 1-204-926-3895. Specify the group you are with and date. Book at least a month in advance. Name tags: Be creative and DIY. RTAM KIT • 21

CLASSIFIEDS PEI RTA NEWSLETTER ONLINE The fall 2012 edition will be online at www.peitf.com and www.peirta.com

by October 3.

Sisters of the Holy Rock Alumni Fundraiser Saturday, March 16, 2013 In concert at Isaac Brock School 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5.00 in advance $20.00 at the door Tickets available from: Isaac Brock School office, Encore Music (Portage and Valour), Viewer's Choice Video, #2–680 St Anne's Road Alumni members contact Don at 204-801-4484.

"The show has been described as talented and teasing, serious and silly, faithful and frolicking and holy and hilarious, and I think that sums it up," The Sisters of the Holy Rock are enjoyed by people aged 8–80.

Based on Sister Act, you know there will be comedy and great singing for the whole family to enjoy.

DR. LOUISA LOEB NINTH ANNUAL REUNION PERMIT TEACHERS OF MANITOBA Ramada Viscount Gort, 1670 Portage Avenue. Winnipeg, MB Thursday, July 18, 2013 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.

All teachers who taught on permit are welcome to attend.

For further information contact Edith Alexiuk, registrar, at 204256-6484.

If you wish pictures, please bring your camera.

22 • RTAM KIT

QPARSE-APPERQ Newsletter The Fall Newsletter is now available on the website http://www. qparse-apperq.org/f/newsletterf. shtml and at http://www.qparseapperq.org/e/newsletter.shtml A big thank you to Dick Meades.

CUSO INTERNATIONAL is recruiting teachers to serve in several countries. These positions are ideal for teachers who are retiring or want to contribute to the efforts in education worldwide. Visit http://volunteerplacementsoverseas. org/english/volunteeropenings.asp

UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CLUB OF WINNIPEG Ralph Connor House at 54 West Gate, Winnipeg Presents: The Power of Print Series Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Beginning April 9, 2013 - May 4, 2013 "Books That Have Influenced the Way We See Our World" Cost $75 Featuring lectures on the authors: Gabrielle Roy, Marshall McLuhan, Charles Dickens, Mary Wollstonecraft, Hugh McLennan and Toni Morrison.

Registration opens March 11, 2013.

Call UWC office at 204-954-7880 www.uwcwinnipeg.ca.

Harold Hatcher School Staff Reunion 1974 to 1986 {Art Miki was principal} Date: Saturday May 11, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

Place: Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 180 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg A light lunch will be served for $15.00 per person. {Significant others can also attend}.

Deadline for payment: April 15, 2013.

Cheque to: Marilyn Bird, 3 Kronstal Place, Winnipeg, MB R2G 3J8 There will be a cash bar.

If you have not been contacted and are interested in attending, please send your email address to cmckinnon15@gmail.com so that you can receive information regarding this event.

If you have any staff photos from during 1974-1986, please send them to cmckinnon15@gmail.com to be scanned.

Partners for Learning Winnipeg based teachers interested in part time tutoring for Grades 1-8, Language Arts and Maths.

Please fax resume to Partners for Learning at 204-477-1124 or email to pfl1@mts.net.

MANITOBA TEACHERS' COLLEGE CLASS OF 1958 - 59 REUNION Plans are underway to celebrate our 55th year.

To make it happen, we need your help to serve on the organizing committee.

To volunteer, contact: Bert Suss, 204-326-9470, blsuss1@gmail.com or Joe Plett, 204-256-5062; 103 Worthington, Winnipeg R2M 1R8

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Winnipeg’s little radio station that could is moving down the dial, and UP in the world of our listeners CJNU is your memories station where you'll hear all your favourite music, whether that music is from the 1940s, '50s, '60s, or '70s.

CJNU's quest for a full-time broadcasting license from the CRTC has been successful. The Commission has announced that CJNU has been awarded a license to broadcast at 93.7 on the FM dial with a considerably stronger signal.

A welcome change will be the fact that CJNU will no longer have to go off the air at least one day each month.

This happens now because it’s required under terms of the Industry Canada permits the station has been receiving for more than five years.

The broadcast signal will move from its present frequency of 107.9 FM to 93.7, with the launch expected in late August or early September of this year. One thing that will not change is the type of music we play and the feature programs offered on CJNU. We will continue to be a 'wandering band of gypsies' with broadcasts originating from the facilities of various charitable and non-profit organizations. Consider becoming a member of our coop.

All members of the Nostalgia Broadcasting Cooperative are entitled to receive a copy of the current By-Laws upon request. Please call 942-2568 or send an e-mail to membership@cjnu.ca to arrange for delivery.

New members are always welcome!

You can apply for membership by downloading and mailing a Request for Membership Form in PDF format, by calling 204-942-CJNU (2568), or by sending an email to membership@cjnu.ca.

Forum Art Centre It’s Everything Art this spring at the Forum Art Centre, 120 Eugenie Street in St. Boniface. Spring art classes start April 1 with registration ongoing until classes start.

For details visit: www.forumartcentre.com/classes or 204-235-1069.

We've always offered drawing, painting & ceramics classes but we also have animation, manga, collage, young adult mixed media, artist touring & putting your art online! We are an artist run registered charity – free studio time with adult classes, centrally located, free parking, wheelchair access for most classes.

Waterbased Media Workshop with artist Alex Suprowich – Applying a Selected Palette to Achieve a Controlled Composition. Forum Art Centre, 120 Eugenie Street on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 – 3:30. B.Y.O. lunch & supplies. To register call 204-235-1069 or visit www. forumartcentre.com.

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RTAM KIT • 23

Coming Events April 17, 2013 Event at Legislative Building May 7, 2013 Chapters Presidents' Meeting, Dauphin, MB May 8, 2013 RTAM AGM, Dauphin, MB

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. Claims and Administration Information 11120 178th Street, Edmonton AB T5S 1P2 Toll Free 1-877-989-2600 | Phone (780) 413-6536 Fax (780) 420-6082 | Email: edmonton@johnson.ca

Photos

Photos enhance your submitted material. Send photos by Canada Post/E-mail dsage@mymts.net.

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 204-949-0048 or toll free at 1-800-782-0714 or mail to Room 330 Johnston Terminal 25 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4S8

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) 1/8 page (9.53 cm. wide x 6.5 cm. deep) ¼ page (9.53 cm. wide x 12.7 cm. deep) ½H page (19.6 cm. wide x 12.4 cm. deep) ½V page (9.53 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep) 1 page (19.6 cm. wide x 25.7 cm. deep)

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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.

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.

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

24 • RTAM KIT

The Editor of KIT Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba Box 252 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

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All materials for the next issue of KIT must be typed and E-mailed to dsage@mts.net and received by May 10, 2013 5:00 p.m.

Materials published herein do not necessarily represent the policies nor the views of RTAM.

Spring 2013