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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 30, 2015 | 10 Public elementary teachers up their strike action by Tim Whitnell Metroland West Media Elementary teachers across Ontario have stopped participating in extracurricular activities -- and will not complete November student progress reports -- as part of a stepped-up workto-rule campaign. The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is considering its options including postponing elementary progress reports. "Our principals and vice-principals have done their very best to maintain school activities -- and we thank them for their work," states an email sent to all HDSB parents and guardians. "Our direction to principals and viceprincipals is to focus on student and staff safety, as well as keeping schools open and operating during these extraordinary times." As of Wednesday, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) was expected to ramp up its ongoing job action. The union said it was escalating its current job action because it has been unable to get a contract agreement with school boards and the provincial government. ETFO represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals including about 2,900 in the Halton public board. Teachers and occasional teachers were to withdraw from all voluntary extracurricular activities in Ontario public elementary schools. Voluntary extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, coaching sports teams, supervising clubs (i.e. chess, student advisory committee, etc.) and supervising performance and arts activities/events (choir, band, talent show, school play, school dance, etc.). ETFO says teachers will not complete November student progress reports. The board posts updated information on its website under the Labour Update link (www. hdsb.ca). PERFECT ELECTRIC Oakville Chamber tops in best practices The Oakville Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday it ranked first in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's annual best practices competition. This 10th year of the competition focused on creating community partnerships to expand the opportunities for community success. Submissions came from chambers across Canada. "It was an honour to share the Oakville Chamber's partnership strategy with chambers across the country," said Chamber Chair Kerry Colborne. "This simple approach to building relationships can be used by any chamber to become the go-to organization to partner with in the community. We are thrilled to be recognized by our peers." The chamber was among the top three entries and was asked to present at the Canadian Chamber annual general meeting, Oct. 17-18, in Ottawa. During his presentation, local chamber president John Sawyer said he explained the importance of developing a strategy to build partnerships that will increase the organization's influence and raise its profile in the community. As part of the winning presentation to the Canadian Chamber, a video was developed and played for the audience that included testimonials by representatives of the Town of Oakville Economic Development department, Professional Engineers of Ontario ­ Oakville Chapter, Downtown Oakville BIA, and Oakville, Milton District Real Estate Board. The video can be viewed on the chamber's website at www.oakvillechamber.com. Certified electricians Over 25 years experience Residential & commercial New construction or renovation Pot lights & fixture installation New circuits Hot tubs, panel upgrades Landscape lighting Emergency backup generators Inspections for insurance Free Estimates Licensed & Insured All Work Guaranteed (ECRA/ESA # 7001336) *Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires Aug 31, 2015. Call us at 905-829-1079 OR 416-806-9113 · Email: paul@perfectelectric.com CREATE YOUR DREAM Kitch h t a en or B Thank-you oakville! PLATINUM Cruise CoMPaNy 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE | QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP | CUSTOM DESIGNS Call for a Free Estimate www.aromakitchens.ca Visit our showroom: 333 Wyecroft Rd. Unit 3, Oakville Cruise Holidays of oakville 221 Lakeshore Road East · 905-337-2228 info@cruiseholidaysoakville.com www.cruiseholidaysoakville.com TICO# 4537114 ON REG# 970855995 905-844-3332