New Horizons Banquet

By Dick Hehr, Executive Assistant

Usually reliable sources tell me that no one's final words while on their deathbed and before moving on to their eternal reward have been "I wish I had spent one more day at work".

With that comment serving as the initial impetus let me inform you that as of May 10, the Local #38 office was aware of 82 retirees who were eligible to attend the New Horizons Banquet on Thursday, 2006 June 22 at the Palliser Hotel's Crystal Ballroom.

The School Act allows a teacher to terminate a contract of employment by giving the board 30 days notice of their intention to terminate that contract or designation.

The School Act further states that the termination of a contract or a designation shall not take place in the 30 days preceding or during a vacation period of 14 or more days duration.

The School Act notwithstanding, with the consent of the Board, a teacher requesting termination of his/her contract may leave at anytime.

I am confident that the vast majority of teachers considering retiring will have made their decision prior to May 31 and have their resignation submitted to the Chief Superintendent by that time avoiding the necessity of a mutual consent situation.

I would predict that this year we will have upwards of 200 teachers who will decide it is time to move on to new challenges in the game of life.

I would hope that all of them, with at least one of their significant others, attend the New Horizons Banquet (I say at least one because each retiree gets two $60 complimentary tickets and it would be a shame to waste them).

As a long time union hack I have been able to attend at least twenty of these august galas representing Local #38. I have enjoyed every one of them.

It is significant soirée!

It is a class act!

It ushers in a new tomorrow!

I have never spoken to a teacher who had attended this event and was disappointed.

The company is excellent. The food is superb. The libations sufficient. The speakers habitually vie with each other to invent new, unique, sincere and humourous ways of extolling the virtues, skills and expertise of the honoured retirees. On this night and on this occasion both CBE and ATA officials are clearly aligned and on the same page.

Sadly over the years approximately one out of three retirees has declined to attend. I am more than sure they have their reasons but speaking only for myself I must admit to being saddened by their absence.

A life committed to the education of children; a life teaching in pubic schools dealing with every parent's best regardless of race, creed, colour, knowledge, temperament or ability; a life spent in a noble and glorious calling. This life is worthy of celebration.