ALT OSTA-AECO welcomes Paul Calandra as Ontario’s new Minister of Education. We look forward to working with him to further advance Ontario education in the best interest of students. We would also like to thank Minister Jill Dunlop and her team for their support and partnership with OSTA-AECO this past year and wish her the best in her future endeavours.

ALT Black History Month

ALT As February comes to a close, we reflect on the contributions of Black communities in Canada. In February and beyond, it is our responsibility to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes rooted in anti-Black racism and uplift the next generation of leaders.

ALT Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed on November 20 every year to honour the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives in acts of transphobic violence.

ALT On this day, we encourage students to: Learn more about the history of trans and gender non-conforming communities Attend/organize a vigil to remember the victims of anti-trans violence Stand up against discriminatory language or actions if you witness them

ALT “Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.” –Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance

ALT Each year, the third week of November is dedicated to raising awareness about bullying prevention in Ontario. During this week, communities can dedicate time to working on anti-bullying initiatives.

ALT In recognition of Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week, students are encouraged to: Report bullying and cyberbullying to a teacher or school administrator Form a connection: Support the person being bullied, offer help or a listening ear Learn more about bullying and prevention on websites like KidsHelpPhone.ca

ALT Indigenous Veterans’ Day is dedicated to commemorating Indigenous veterans and their service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), particularly during the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War. The day also recognizes the inequalities faced by Indigenous veterans during their military service.

ALT On this day, we encourage students to: Learn more about the contributions of Indigenous peoples in the CAF at vetrans.gc.ca Observe a moment of silence to remember the contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the CAF. Learn more about and volunteer with organizations that support Indigenous veterans in your community.

ALT October is Women's History Month

ALT This month, we would like to highlight trailblazing women whose work changed the course of history

ALT Jean Cuthand Goodwill was the first Indigenous Woman in Canada to complete a nursing program. She fiercely advocated for Indigenous healthcare workers.

ALT Dorothy Vaughan was the first African American woman to lead one of NASA's advisory committees. She made significant contributions to the USA's first ever space program.

ALT At OSTA-AECO, we believe in celebrating Pride year-round. Every June, we observe Pride Month in order to honour the resilience and achievements of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as the work that must be done to preserve and advance 2SLGBTQ+ rights. We will continue to stand in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQ+ friends, family, colleagues, and community members and advocate for inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.