"Talk to us" is Ontario Elementary Teachers' Message to Parents

ETFO Radio Ad, New Fall Progress Report Encourage Meaningful Communications

TORONTO, Oct 4 /CNW/ - In radio ads across the province tomorrow, Ontario's 76,000 elementary public school teachers and educational professionals are inviting parents to talk to, and work with them, to help their children succeed in school.

The ad has been prepared by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) as part of October 5^th World Teachers' Day, a day set aside to respect and honour the teaching profession.

"Every day in classrooms across the province, teachers are working diligently to help children succeed but they can't do it alone," says ETFO President Sam Hammond. "We want parents to talk to their child's teacher and work together as partners in the education process."

This fall between October 20^th and November 20^th, elementary teachers will be completing a new Elementary Progress Report Card, which is designed to show the development of a student's growth during the fall of the school year.

"Teachers, parents, and students made it clear that a Fall Progress Report in place of a formal report card would allow teachers to communicate overall growth in more meaningful ways to parents and students," added Hammond. "This report will be more personalized and will focus more on the child's learning skills and work habits. It promises to be an effective communication tool that will enhance teacher, parent, and student discussions."

"While the ETFO radio ad carries an important message for parents, it's also a way to pay tribute to the province's 76,000 elementary public teachers and educational professionals who continue to make us proud," said Hammond.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

For further information:

Valerie Dugale, [phone] (cell); [email protected]