OSSTF District 4 ESSP

05/05/2026

Today, OSSTF District 4 ESSP stands in solidarity with Indigenous families and communities.

We observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people are 12 times more likely to experience violence than any other demographic in Canada.

This is not just a statistic; it is a national crisis rooted in systemic racism and colonial violence.

As education workers, we wear red today to:
Honour those who have been stolen from their families.
Listen to the voices of survivors and grassroots advocates.
Commit to the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry.

Justice is long overdue.

We must continue to educate ourselves and take action to ensure safety and dignity for all Indigenous peoples.

12/06/2025

Today we honour and remember them. Today we pause to acknowledge the bright futures that were ended abruptly by violence. These women were killed for being women. Their existence was what made then targets.

11/13/2025

Ontario teachers don’t need special credit cards. They need a government that properly funds schools!

OSSTF/FEESO President Martha Hradowy spoke with The Trillium this week about the Premier’s comments on giving teachers “purchase cards” to buy supplies, and how it is unclear whether this would even work.

But why are educators paying out of pocket for basic classroom needs in the first place? Could it have something to do with the $6.3 billion this government has taken away from Ontario’s schools since 2018?

Ontario’s students deserve far better than cuts.

11/12/2025

Join teachers, education workers, students, and community allies this Thursday, November 13 at 6 PM (ET) for an action meeting against Bill 33, legislation that would strip away local democracy and weaken Ontario’s public education system!

With Ontario NDP MPPs Chandra Pasma and Peggy Sattler, you’ll:
📞 Call Conservative MPP offices
📧 Send coordinated messages
📱 Mobilize on social media
💻 RSVP for Zoom link → https://bit.ly/3LwNpow

11/08/2025

D4 ESSP and Teachers Osstf statement on the Ministry Report on the NNDSB

09/25/2025

📢 Your Contract. Your Voice.

OSSTF/FEESO Members: Our Bargaining Priorities Survey is now live! Check your email today and make sure your voice helps shape the future of public education in Ontario.

Didn’t get the survey? Update your contact info here: https://bit.ly/4mq1TDh

Together, we’re stronger. Together, we win ✊🏽

09/18/2025

Advocates are expressing SHOCK at how thousands of violent incidents in schools are never reported by the province.

“I could not understand the numbers that were being reported. It just seemed so far away from what the actual numbers were.”

The problem lies in what the government chooses to count. A 2011 memo shows that the province only records serious violent incidents, such as ones that result in medical attention. But the daily reality for teachers and education workers—physical assaults such as hitting, slapping, biting, or kicking—are recorded by school boards but never passed on to the province.

“There seems to be this belief that it’s just a bruise, it’s just a bite.”

The Minister is reportedly reviewing the policy. OSSTF/FEESO urges him to work with us on developing a better system—one that properly records all violent incidents and focuses on finding solutions to end all violence in Ontario schools.

Full story at Global News.

09/17/2025

Solidarity in defending Ontario’s Public Education

Today, five education union presidents — representing thousands of teachers and education workers across Ontario — came together with one clear message: we are united in defence of public education 🙌🏽

Together, our strength is undeniable.
Together, our solidarity is our power.
Together, we will always stand up for our members & the students they serve.

09/17/2025

"Our schools are literally crumbling around us... Our custodians are run ragged. They call me, they email me daily because there's not enough of them and they need help, they need resources and they need to be funded properly... How are we supposed to maintain our schools like that?"

Gregory Patterson, President of the Custodial & Maintenance Bargaining Unit in OSSTF District 24 Waterloo, sheds light on the urgent reality in Ontario schools today.

Full story at the CBC.

09/13/2025

OSSTF/FEESO is pleased to welcome newly organized members working as Professional Student Services Personnel in the Ottawa Catholic School Board 👏🏽 👏🏻 👏🏼

It is wonderful to have you part of the OSSTF/FEESO family. We are stronger together with our collective strength and singular focus to protect and enhance public education.