Elementary teachers get a green light on extracurriculars continued from p.1 has demonstrated a commitment to dealing with concrete items of importance to our members." In Halton, Euale said he's relieved to see progress in discussions between the teachers' union and the government, which will improve teacher-board relations. "We're also pleased the union has seen fit to take the actions it has taken, in terms of extracurriculars and we'll see how teachers locally react to that," he said. ETFO banned teacher participation in extracurricular activities in response to the provincial government's passage and use of Bill 115, which froze teachers wages, cut into benefits and took away their local bargaining rights. The Halton unit of ETFO did not comment on the return to extracurriculars, saying it will be open to interviews after an ETFO presidents' meeting next week. Approximately a month ago, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) lifted its own advisory to cut teacher participation in extracurricular activities. The local school board has reported that since the secondary ban was lifted, extracurriculars have returned to local high schools. Earlier this year, the school board created a procedure to allow members of the community to be the sole supervisors of extracurricular activities. For medium to high-risk activities, a board committee would have to approve a volunteer, while principals are able to approve volunteer positions for low risk activities. Euale said there may still be a need for volunteers, but to a lesser extent than before, now that the extracurriculars advisory has been lifted. "We still have the committee and procedure in place to review volunteers as they come forward should teachers still be reluctant to assume those voluntary responsibilities," he said. The ETFO said there will be an all-member vote conducted before any agreement is reached with the government. Premier Kathleen Wynne was happy to see the extracurriculars advisory lifted. "I hope that elementary school students, teachers and support staff across the province will once again enjoy the activities and programs that mean so much to them," she said in a news release. The release added this news is indicative of the hard work done by all parties to repair the teacher-government relationship. 9 | Thursday, March 28, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com NOW OPEN! Last Supper Mausoleum Reserve now for best selection. Call or visit Glen Oaks for details 905-257-1100 Limited time offer. Act now & save $1,000 per couple on selected crypts ARE YOUR WINDOWS FOGGY? Do you have condensation or water between the glass? You don't always need new windows. Most of the time you just need new sealed units. WE CAN HELP! Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens & Reception Centre by Arbor Memorial Call us today to book a free on-site measure & quotation for all your glass needs! Arbor Memorial Inc. 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951