Wow, where did the year go. It seems like just yesterday I was walking into the office ready for another year. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and I enjoy every day working on behalf of members. This has been an interesting year with the second half full of government announcements and uncertainty. As we enter the summer break, I know that there will be a lot of work to do come September and I am excited to be able to work as your president as we encounter some of the upcoming challenges.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those committed members who work on behalf of all of us daily, mostly without appropriate recognition. Firstly, I would like to thank our Council members and especially our school contact reps without whose continued commitment RETTA would flounder. Our contact reps are our direct connection to the membership and how we can communicate information in both directions. Our Council is the lifeblood of our organization.

Secondly, I would like to thank our Executive members who attended numerous MTS seminars as well as committing to the many hours of committee work needed for our association to be successful. The commitment of those who work tirelessly on the executive is inspiring. It is with sadness that we bid farewell to a very long standing member of our executive, Yury Kruk. His counsel and insights around the executive table will be missed. I am thankful to continue to move forward working with the team that was established last year. These strong executive members represent our association tirelessly and diligently.

Thirdly, I would like to thank the staff at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society for all the help given to me and our members throughout this past year. Without the sage advice and expertise provided by our MTS staff officers, life around the office would have been much more difficult.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of RETTA for the kind comments and continued support you provide me day after day. It has been an honour to be your representative this past year, and humbling to know that I get to do it again. Thank you.

This has been a great year for me. I have learned much and made many connections and friends. As the year winds down and we prepare for summer break, I am already getting excited about the challenges a new year will bring. There is one thing I ask of you, please take the time this summer to enjoy your time with family and friends, get lots of rest and laugh.

Have a Wonderful Summer

Tim Breen
President,
River East Transcona Teachers’ Association