VSTA Connect – 2025 Issue 17

Let’s celebrate teachers!

• Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
• Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
• Location: Steamworks Mount Pleasant, 2275 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0K2
• Details: Appetizers provided | Cash Bar. RSVP is not necessary but appreciated. Please email liz@vsta.ca to RSVP

In support of our 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and students, the VSTA Executive Committee at its September meeting carried the following motion:

Whereas the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event, that COPE and One City oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event, that JK Rowling publicly shares anti-trans rhetoric, and that JK Rowling receives funding from the Harry Potter events and JK Rowling has historically used her funding to support anti-trans legislation, we move that the VSTA put out a statement by September 19th, 2025 that we oppose the Parks Board Harry Potter event.

VSTA joins VEAES in calling on the Park Board to:

• Cancel or reframe the event so that it does not center the Harry Potter franchise.
• Consult with trans students and advocacy organizations to develop programming that affirms and celebrates all identities.
• Commit to ongoing training and education for staff to better understand the lived realities of trans and non-binary community members.

For coverage of this issue, please see:

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-harry-potter-park-board
• https://globalnews.ca/news/11405859/harry-potter-vancouver-stanley-park-backlash-jk-rowling/

Please review the VSB information package to understand the timelines as well as the process for TQS and Salary Upgrades. The Application for Change of Salary Category for Teachers Form can be submitted to Employee Services 3 times per year:

• September 1 to September 30
• January 1 to January 30
• May 1 to May 30

If your school has not completed your school union team elections, please consider putting your name forward for a role in September. Serving on a VSTA standing committee is a great way to connect with colleagues across the district and to learn more about our union.  We will hold training for new reps in October so please know that you will be well-supported if you are new to a union rep role. For more information, see:  Site-Based Union Team and School Union Team Descriptions

If you have not already registered, but would like to receive information about upcoming meetings please fill out the following forms below:

• 2SLGBTQIA+ Educators Committee – Registration Link
• BIPOC Educators Committee – Registration Link
• Indigenous Education Committee – Registration Link

If you are considering bringing a motion forward, please consult the RA Motion Process Checklist. Adhering to the outlined deadlines is essential for your motion to be considered successfully. Click here for the motion process.

Please ensure the VSTA has your current address, phone number, non-employer email address and your current school if you have changed schools since last year. Update here   To gain access to important information and documents that may not be posted for the general public, sign up for MYVSTA here.

• September 25 – Council
• October 1 – TECH
• October 2 – BIPOC
• October 7 – SEJ
• October 8 – WLCB
• October 9 – EC
• October 14 – 2SLGBTQIA+
• October 15 – TTOC
• October 23 – Council

In solidarity,
Carmen, Carl, and John