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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 19, 2012 · 10 As the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) advised members to write the minimum comment required on upcoming report cards, local elementary teachers are planning a rally at Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn's office -- again. Halton public and Catholic teachers, and support staff will protest Bill 115, for the second time this school year at Flynn's office in Bronte at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Among those scheduled to attend are representatives from ETFO, the Ontario Secondary Teachers' Federation Ontario Secondary Teachers' Federation, Peter Tabuns, MPP (Toronto-Danforth), New Democratic Party Teachers to protest, limit comments on report cards Education Critic and CUPE Ontario. Meanwhile, the report card initiative is the latest step in a bid by teachers to withdraw voluntary duties as a way to oppose the wage-freeze law that also curbs their bargaining rights. But it may leave great gaps on the new breezy, chatty fall "progress reports launched across Ontario two years ago that deliberately dropped marks such as A, B and C for more commentary by the teacher. The union has not made the advisory to its members public. Sources said members are encouraged to use their professional judgment as to how much they write, but they might wish to provide the mere minimum comment, which could be one sentence. It suggests teachers check off the boxes indicating how a student is doing in each subject -- progressing "with difficulty," "well" or "very well" -- and if a student's learning skills and work habits are E for excellent, G for good, S for satisfactory or N for needs improvement. ETFO, Halton president Marg Macfarlane said teachers are asked to write just what is required of them. "The board and ETFO have been working well over the last few days to try to clarify and problem-solve so things will be done properly," she said. Teachers have been given advice, not a directive by the ETFO. "If there is a child who is having some difficulty, a teacher will want to give further or more explanation," she said. Macfarlane said the progress report is one piece of communication between teachers and parents. Teachers still will meet with parents for one-on-one parent-teacher interviews about the report cards, which union president Hammond has said is not a volunteer activity. "By the time they have the interview, we would expect parents to have a good picture. There's no embargo on information here. Teachers have every intention of communicating with parents," said Macfarlane. -- with files from The Toronto Star SE ASON ENDING All Nursery Stock & Perennials 60% off regular prices October 19 to November 1 ! e c n Cleara Christmas ! Wonderland u y We will be read Rose Bouquets Dozen Short Stem Roses $ Pumpkins from $ 1.99 regularly $14.99 12.99 All Tropical Houseplants 8" or larger r Come see ou for yo November 1 25% off 30% off regular prices regular prices. (Hanging Baskets not included) All Bird Houses & Feeders All Halloween Décor 2243 Fairview Street 40% off regular prices. BURLINGTON (905) 639-7740 294 York Road DUNDAS (905) 628-8562 hollandpark.com Visit Selection may vary from store to store. All specials are while quantities last, unless otherwise stated. GARDEN GALLERY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.