dpsuoectapresident

Jennifer Pouw, President of the Dufferin-Peel Secondary Unit representing 2,400+ members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association

[Jennifer Pouw @J_NPouw]

Thank you to the @dpsuoecta Social Committee for putting on an amazing event. Spending a rainy Saturday with our #UnionFamily laughing and sharing stories in the @Jackson_Triggs wine cellar is a great way to build solidarity. Looking forward to our next event!

[René Jansen in de Wal, OECTA President @OECTAprez]

I have plans to be with other Affiliate presidents to visit some of the many local action on April 29th. What are your plans?

[Jennifer Pouw @J_NPouw]

Proud and honoured to emcee the Day of Mourning event in Peel today. Workplace safety is the responsibility of all-govt, systems, employees, and the labour movement. It was impressive to see all stakeholders come together and recognize that today.

[dpsuoectapresident @dpsuoectapres]

This account is being deactivated on April 30th 2026. You can follow Dufferin-Peel Secondary Unit at @dpsuoecta or on Instagram.

[Rob Cerjanec @RobCerjanec]

Crime has no place in our schools, and neither does racism. I’ve heard directly from Black students at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board with their concerns about systemic anti-Black racism. I hear it from Black community members in my riding of Ajax in Durham Region and across Ontario.

There was a presentation by Peel Police to school administrators that included material that Black administrators, students, and community members described as racist. The Director of Education apologized the next day and the police did as well, with commitments to review what happened and put measures in place to prevent it from happening again. It should have been left there.

But for some reason, the Minister of Education thought it would be a good idea to double down on everything presented and the school board that is currently under supervision by the Province walked back the Director’s apology to school administrators publicly.

It’s essential that the police, schools, and the community work together to combat gangs and criminal activity. It requires everyone at the table and can be done in a way that does not contribute to racist stereotypes that harm our society. The police have a tough job to do and deserve our respect. Educators do as well and students should be protected from harm.

I asked the Minister of Education directly if he or his Ministry directed the provincially appointed supervisor or influenced any effort at the school board to walk back the apology. He didn’t answer the question.

The Minister’s approach to our schools is counterproductive and going to make schools less safe, marginalize students, and diminish trust. You can’t run schools from an ivory tower at Queens Park and this government’s approach to public safety and our schools are failing our children and communities. The province can and must do better for everyone’s sake. I sincerely hope they will.

Link to full exchange, also located in my bio: https://t.co/2AvAQFbNqV

[David Bosveld @dbanner16]

@DPCDSBSchools @OntHumanRights @PaulCalandra @PeelPolice @IOrughu @DirectorDPCDSB
We are in big trouble when the people who control our publicly funded education system refuse to acknowledge ABR or do anything about it. Doubling down is unacceptable. https://t.co/LUDMGqfFKO

[René Jansen in de Wal, OECTA President @OECTAprez]

Leaders must call out what this presentation was: anti-Black racism.

It was harmful to Black students, teachers, families, & #OntEd. The response from @DPCDSBSchools and Minister Calandra, duty-holders legally obligated to fight discrimination, reveal why it will happen again.

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

The Cost of Doing More With Less means Reduced supports. Increased strain on staff. Growing inequities in classrooms. This isn’t sustainable and students deserve better/ Join us this Wednesday for a province-wide Day of Action. Wear red. Show your solidarity.
#RedForEd #OntEd

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

A fantastic day at our 2026 Sip & Savour Wine Tour! We savoured incredible wine, whiskey & chocolate, but the best part was the sense of solidarity and connection shared throughout the day.
Huge thank you to our Social Committee for organizing such an amazing event #unionfamily

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

April 29: #OntEdUnited Day of Action!
Educators & education workers are coming together to fight back against rising violence, underfunding & growing class sizes! We need you to join the movement to defend public education.
🔴 Wear #Red4Ed
💜 Wear PURPLE to support CUPE members

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Public education in Ontario is being cut—just not always on paper. In our classrooms, it looks like:
➡️ fewer supports
➡️ bigger classes
➡️ more strain on educators
Fund #Onted properly @fordnation
Join our Day of Action on April 29th!

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Publicly-funded education is a public good not a line item. The $ of doing more w/less means the erosion of #OntEd so @fordnation we are demanding you to fund it properly. #OntEdTruths are brought to you by you DPSU Political Advisory Ctte. Join us 4 a #DayofAction on April 29th

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

You asked so we brought it back! The DPSU Social Committee presents the Sip and Savour Wine Tour 2026. 3 stops. Luxury Coach. Solidarity and Connection! Check your personal emails for registration information. Tickets are limited.

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Celebrating @PeelLabour Int’l Women’s Day with strong union women from DPSU & @elemdp. Grateful to spend time w/our Status of Women Committee, Staff Reps, DPSU Exec Councillor Alana Cernjul & @OECTAProv 1st VP Lisa Licaria.
When women organize, unions get stronger. #IWD2026

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Our #DPSU President Jennifer Pouw bringing greetings on behalf of @PeelLabour at the #IWD2025 gala. Jennifer spoke about the importance of women supporting other women at work, at the bargaining table, and in all aspects of unionism. #WomenPowerWork

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

This month we celebrate the strength, leadership & solidarity of the incredible women of DPSU. In classrooms, staff rooms & in the union; women educators are shaping futures & driving change every day. We see you. We value you. We stand with you. #CatholicTeachers #IWD2026

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Whether through prayer, fasting, almsgiving or acts of kindness in your school communities, every small sacrifice offered in love matters.
May the 40 days of #Lent be an opportunity to deepen our compassion & strengthen our commitment to justice. #FaithInAction #CatholicTeachers

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Wednesday, February 25 is #PinkShirtDay 💗 Wear pink to stand united against bullying — at school, at home, in our communities, and online.
This year’s theme is Sprinkle Kindness 🌸 Let’s create caring, safe spaces & recommit to choosing kindness; not just today, but every day.

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Family is where we first learn love, sacrifice, patience & solidarity. It is the first community we belong to & the foundation on which everything else is built. Today we give thanks for our families; those we are born into & those we build in our communities #CatholicTeachers

[dpsu oecta @dpsuoecta]

Occasional Teachers; this one’s for you. We are hosting a meeting dedicated to our OT members. Join us 4 updates, discussion & connection around the issues that matter most to you. You play a vital role in our schools every single day & your voice matters. Virtual link available.