News

As we turn the page into the summer season, I am pleased to share this update with all of you, our dedicated and valued retired educators. Summer has always symbolized warmth, family picnics, renewing connections, and reflection, and this season has brought many exciting developments within our education community, as well as new opportunities to reconnect, advocate, and engage.

I often hear from members who are still finding ways to make a difference, whether through tutoring, volunteering, mentoring, or advocacy. Retirement hasn’t meant slowing down for everyone; for many, it’s a chance to re-channel our energy into new passions and causes. To all of you continuing to serve in big and small ways: thank you.

Executive Director:

Search for a new Executive Director has already begun. With short listing applicants to interviews to selecting an appropriate person to serve as our Executive Director will take time. We are looking for a person with passion, vision, and skills and ability to continue to move RTAM towards a sustainable future. We are looking for an individual that can promote RTAM processes and activities and serve the Board and our members.

Substitute Teacher Survey:

The results from the Substitute Teacher Survey were shared with Manitoba Teacher Society. The survey had 246 respondents. We hope to post the summary of this survey on the RTAM’s website soon.

RTAM Activities:

RTAM was one of the hosts for the May 24th IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s. What a phenomenal event. Thank you to all members that walked or volunteered at our tent to promote RTAM.

We’re excited to share information about RTAM’s upcoming events. By participating in these activities, members have opportunities to reconnect with fellow retirees. Please register for each in your member portal. Please note that there is a charge for participating in some these activities. Mark your calendars for:

• Retired Teacher Appreciation Day at the Winnipeg Goldeyes Game is on June 22. This exciting day is packed with activities for the whole family, and we can’t wait to see you there!
• RTAM is a proud to partner with Folklorama for the first time to bring RTAM members a unique opportunity to visit Pavilions on the RTAM Bus both in week 1 and week 2. Both on August 5 for Global Adventure with RTAM at Folklorama and on August 12 for Celebrate Community and Culture, bus tours are planned with RTAM at Folklorama. Join other members of the retired education community to experience Folklorama.
• RTAM is hosting our annual Summer Swing Golf Tournament on September 5 at Quarry Oaks Gold Course in Steinbach. Please call the RTAM Office to get more information.

Student Awards and Student Success Portfolio Committee:

Student Awards Committee will be starting up again. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact the RTAM Office or fill in the Volunteer Form and submit it to the RTAM Office.

Four student awards valued at $1,000.00 CDN are awarded each year to deserving students. Any RTAM member who has a relative entering their first year of post-secondary studies may sponsor this family member for the award. The student must apply. More information is available at the RTAM website or by contacting the RTAM Office. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025.

Chapters and Special Area Groups:

Chapters and Special Area Group activities have resumed in full swing. From book clubs to wellness walks to singing in a choir to afternoon teas, the creativity and commitment of our local chapter and special area group leaders are truly commendable. If you haven’t yet participated in a recent Chapter activity or a Special Area Group function, now is a great time to reconnect with peers and enjoy enriching get togethers.

ACER-CART:

ACER-CART, the national body that represents retired teachers across Canada, identified several key issues of importance to retired educators and Canadian seniors that will promote a vibrant, healthy, and a dignified lifestyle for retired educators. In working towards a National Seniors Strategy with the Federal Government, ACER CART is advocating for:

• Supporting an expanded comprehensive, single payer National Pharmacare Plan
• Ensuring seniors have a guaranteed and sufficient retirement income
• Prioritizing care in seniors’ own homes with community supports to Age in Place
• Opposing the Privatization of Health Services in Canada

In addition, there is a meeting of western Canadian retired teacher organizations in Saskatoon on June 9 and 10 where our Executive Committee will be representing RTAM. The focus of this meeting will be advocacy efforts and issues relating to aging in place.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for new programs or events, please contact any Board member or myself.

Wishing you a pleasant June.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Jayesh Maniar
President