Message From Your Local Branch President

Welcome to the new year! Many of us will still be celebrating the Christmas season with family and friends while others may have departed for sunnier destinations. Wherever you are, take time to enjoy the winter, whether it be in snow or on the beach.

After the food excesses of the Christmas festivities you might want to check out the programs at Yara and Eaton’s. With the layers of ice along our trails it might be wise to walk indoors this month.

It has recently come to my attention via the provincial body that there have been issues arising with the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Murray Wall, from the STS Provincial office, has reported the following:

It appears (here in Saskatchewan anyway) that the Federal government has issued a new round of communications regarding the Canadian Dental Care Plan that has triggered a lot of calls to our office.

I just want to ensure that information regarding the Canadian Dental Care Plan has not changed and that retired teachers are not eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if they do have "access" to the retired teacher plan that we may offer provincially. Quite a number of individuals are also asking us to fill out a Federal form and indicate they do not have access. We have not been filling out this form as we are telling people they do have access to our plan. The form in fact is asking the "employer" or "pension plan administrator" to fill out the form and since we (at least the STS) is neither of these, we indicate to people that if they really want the form filled out, that they need to contact their pension plan to fill it out.

I trust that answers any questions some of you may have concerning the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Stay healthy and enjoy happy adventures in 2026.

🗞️ Have You Checked Out Our STS Outreach Publications?

If you haven’t already explored our STS Outreach Publications, I encourage you to check them out.

They’re easy to access on our website under Provincial, Membership & Benefits, Outreach Publications. You may also already have them in your inbox, as they’re sent directly to members four times a year.

These publications include many helpful and practical articles. In the Fall 2025 edition, you’ll find an article written by our own Elaine Parsons, as well as Part 1 of “A Cautionary Tale of Life Lessons”, by Jerome Linnell, which focuses on planning for the future, including making a will.

In the Winter 2025 edition, you can read Part 2 of “A Cautionary Tale of Life Lessons”, covering Wills and Estates, along with Planning for the Future – Power of Attorney.

These are easy-to-read articles filled with great suggestions, all written by superannuated teachers who understand the issues that matter to us.

🍽️ Save the Date: STS Luncheon Meeting Soon!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Location: Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK

10:30 – 11:00 - Coffee Chat: circulate and connect with past colleagues
11:00 - Program: Michelle Carline
12:00 -  Roast Beef Dinner: Catered by Charlotte’s
12:45 - Meeting for those of you who wish to stay

Cost: $20.00 per STS member and spouse. $25.00 for non-members

Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, January 18, 2026, @ 306-691-0696, email: stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, or click the button below.

🎤 January Luncheon Guest Speaker: Michelle Carline

I’m excited to share one of my post-teaching travel adventures at the January 21 STS luncheon. Please join me for a journey through the Galapagos Islands, where I’ll introduce you to some of the famous Galapagos Big 15 and share my experience aboard the Hurtigruten ship Santa Cruz II. Together we’ll explore sand-coloured beaches, cactus-covered landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of the most unique places on Earth.

I hope to see you there!

Michelle had Dave Wentworth of Destination Whatever as her travel agent. If you’re interested in a similar experience, check out his website: Destination Whatever.

🇪🇸 An Invitation to Travel with Dave Wentworth

Let's Walk Spain's Most Famous Trail Together

If this journey has been whispering to you, now is the moment to listen.

For many people, the Camino de Santiago is not just a walk. It’s a long-held idea. A quiet dream. Something they have been circling for years, waiting for the right time.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this:

I have fewer than 10 places remaining for my 2026 Camino de Santiago journey.

If you’ve been thinking about the Camino for a while, this is your nudge. It’s happening September 27 to October 4, 2026. And you are all invited! Click here or the image below for more info.

People choose the Camino for many reasons.

• To mark a transition.

• To take time after a busy chapter of life.

• To reconnect with themselves, or simply to walk somewhere beautiful with purpose.

Fewer than 10 spaces remain for 2026. If this feels like your moment, now is the time to claim it.

Reach out to reserve your spot or to have a conversation. I’d be honoured to walk this path with you.

DW
Dave Wentworth
destinationwhatever.com

📢 ANNOUNCEMENTS 📢

📨 Help Us Stay Connected!

We’re missing email addresses for some of our members and don’t want anyone left out. If you know a teacher who isn’t receiving our monthly newsletters, please encourage them to visit our website at www.stsmoosejaw.com to update their contact information and stay in the loop.

Also, if you have news or requests, please contact Sandi Hutchinson (Editor and Publicity) at stsmoosejaw@gmail.com.