Working with School Staff

O When a member is accused of abuse or assault and is either reassigned or placed on leave by 

the school board, the school steward may be called upon to reassure staff colleagues that due 
process is being served and that the Federation is assisting the member.

O It is the responsibility of the principal, on behalf of the school board, to provide staff with specific 

advice for responding to student, parent and media enquiries relating to the colleague who is 
being investigated or accused of a criminal offense.

O You should refrain from providing any comments on the situation and should instead direct any 

such enquiries to the school principal.

O If you are contacted by anyone as a potential witness to the alleged conduct, you should contact 

PRS for advice.

Supporting Your Colleague

O The stress factors on a member facing allegations are enormous and should not be 

underestimated.

O If possible, staff should attempt to maintain regular communications with the member; this 

will help reduce the acute sense of isolation and despair, especially if the colleague has been 
suspended.

O Your colleague will have been advised not to make any statements about the allegations or 

the circumstances surrounding their case and you should be careful not to ask him or her any 
questions about the case or otherwise encourage a discussion about it. Making such statements, 
even in confidence, could be detrimental to your colleague’s case.

O If your colleague has not yet contacted PRS for assistance, you should urge them to do so 

immediately.

STAFF IN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS (PRS) CAN BE REACHED AT 416-962-3836 OR 

1-888-838-3836 SEE ALSO ETFO’S WEBSITE – ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

Balancing Career and Personal Life

Balancing Your Life

In your first few years of teaching you will be very concerned with giving your students every opportunity 
to succeed. To do this well sometimes you have to take a step back and remember that you have to take 
care of yourself so that you can give your best for your students.

Lack of time is a major concern of new teachers. As educators, we must learn strategies to manage time. 
We must determine what is important in our lives and plan accordingly. Although things may get hectic, 
remember to take time for yourself – to eat properly and get rest, to enjoy hobbies, friends, and interests 
outside of your work. Only you will know what techniques work for you, but here are some suggestions 
to help you maintain your balance and wellbeing:

O Eat well balanced meals.
O Get enough sleep.
O Call a friend or family member to talk.
O Take time to do something you enjoy doing.
O Practice saying the word “no.”

If you are 
experiencing 
difficulties and 
need to talk 
to someone in 
confidence call 
ETFO staff in 
professional 
relations at 416-
962-3836 or 1-888-
838-3836. 

69

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