Yole Prosperi-Porta (Vice-President), Sharon Von Hollen (Secretary) and I were pleased to represent you this year, virtually, and to engage in the presentations. Enough time has now passed that the full details can be found on the BCRTA website and you can review in detail the winners of the Postscript awards:
- Best Personal Experience Article – Leslie Davidson, “Dancing in Small Spaces”
- Best Travel Article-Lynda Grace Phillippsen, “I Rented an Old Man”
- Best Art or Photograph – Rheta Steer for her collection of images of wild mushrooms
A reminder that at last year’s AGM a fee increase was passed with the proviso the BCRTA membership would increase each July 1st in accordance with our COLA increase. Our fee for 2023/24 will be $52.00.
A motion was passed at the 2023 BCRTA AGM regarding the R.R. Smith Memorial Foundation membership fee. It has remained at $2.00 per year for many years for those who choose to support British Columbia and Canadian registered charitable organizations. As costs are rising and applications for funding are increasing, the membership fee for 2024 has been increased to $5.00 per year, which is still a very reasonable amount allowing members to support the great work of local and international Canadian charities focused on the advancement of education. The BCRTA Postscript Magazine donates the last page of each edition to highlighting the accomplishments of R.R. Smith, so you can educate yourself regarding their work via projects funded.
We were disappointed to miss the in-person interactions, but fully supported the BCRTA’s decision not to ask members to cross picket lines. You can review all the important information on the BCRTA’s website for more details.
The Joy of Having the BCRTA Come Right to my Home! (aka The Benefits of Zoom Technology)
Submitted by Sharon von Hollen
Well, it was rather nice to be warm & cozy on my couch at home to virtually attend this year’s BCRTA AGM! Though I supported the BCRTA Executive’s decision to honour the rights of striking hotel workers, I did actually miss the personal contact and discussions after hours with so many retired teacher friends from around the province.
The most memorable speaker of the Conference for me was Helene McGall, a 75 year-old “retired” BC teacher who continues to be fully engaged in teaching opportunities around the world. She presented us with many stories and pictures of her recent 2 years of teaching adventures in Kangirsuk, Nunavut. Click on the link below to see her presentation:
She said it was all about “watching, listening, understanding and fitting into the thousands of years old Inuit culture.” It brought wonderful memories back for me, as my grandmother taught in Nunavut for 10 years, in what was then called Cape Dorset and Frobisher Bay. Every summer she’d visit with her own stories and gifts of Inuit art & crafts for us.
Helene’s love of teaching, travel and of experiencing other cultures and people is inspiring. She has been an awarding winning contributor to our Postscript magazine, with tales of her previous teaching travels. Watch for more of her world teaching adventures ahead!
The AGM Agenda for Saturday was full, yet completed in less than the usual time, due to some limitations created by the need for a virtual meeting. Elections of the Executive, Reports from the President, Executive Director and all Committees were presented and the BCRTA Financial Audited statements and Proposed Budget for 2023-2024 were approved.
Of special note for Langley, elections for the RR Smith Memorial Foundation will see Langley well-represented with the addition of Gail Chaddock-Costello and Laurence Greeff to the Committee. Congratulations! Other business included the approval of a motion to increase the annual fee to the RR Smith Memorial Foundation, from $2 to $5 per member. The new Board will consider a referral to change the name of the Foundation to the BCRTA RR Smith Memorial Foundation and will report back to the next AGM.
LRTA members: Thanks for sending me to the AGM at my house!