Message From Your Local Branch President

As April comes to mind, so do images of green, and perhaps a tulip or two. Instead, we are pummeled by snow, and out come the shovels again. Don’t take the winter tires off yet…

A few days ago I was driving to an event in Manitoba and passed through Melville. If you yearn for more snow, go visit Melville and the Asessippi area. They are still skiing.

On the return trip I stopped to look at an old schoolhouse. It sits forlorn and empty, holding the memories of children and teachers of years ago. I thought for a long while about the tasks of those early teachers and, also, of the early settlers who valued faith and education for their families. A church was built. A school was built. Often, the families lived in their “soddies” for years until there was money for a wood house.

An old farmer, Mr. W, once told me of living in the soddie—how it was warm in the winter and cool in the summer—but also a sign of being poor. Everyone wanted to build a wood house as soon as they were able. When his family finally had their new house, Mr. W. said they froze in the winter and cooked in the summer, and they longed for the soddie again.

The schools were the same. Newer buildings were erected. Electricity arrived. Wood stoves were replaced. However, it took many, many years for an organization to develop that offered pensions or benefits to those who laid the foundations of education in our province. We have many people to thank for what we, and our teaching colleagues, enjoy today. The next time you are out in the country you may come upon the remains of an old school. Stop for a minute and visualize what it may have been like to teach in a one-room schoolhouse with eight or nine grades. And, say a few words of gratitude.

The May Luncheon includes our annual general meeting. Please consider becoming a member of our chapter executive.

🗒️March Executive Notes Now Available

The Executive Notes for March’s STS meeting are now available to read online, at the following link:

March 2026 Executive Notes

🚶Taking a Walk for Warmth

On March 14th, 2026, Square One Community hosted its fundraiser event to address housing insecurity in the City of Moose Jaw with a goal to end homelessness.

I volunteered to accept the pledges, and we were registered as a group under the name ‘Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers”

The ‘Walk for Warmth’ began at 1:30 pm at the organization’s office in William Milne Place. Our group of over 100 people was welcomed to the event by Max Eckstein, general manager of Square One.

The participants followed a map route through downtown Moose Jaw before finishing at Zion United Church for a wind-up gathering.

Speakers expressed their gratitude to everyone who participated and shared their positive experiences about how by coming together, we are able to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Thanks to the superannuated teachers and our friends who walked, also to those who put forth pledges to total $490, which became part of the total, $20,508.13, raised by the event.

—Dalelene Yelland

⚕️Did You Know?: More Great Health Info from Sunil Pandila

There has been much talk and many articles written about the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Just as a reminder, superannuated teachers are not eligible for the plan as they have access to our current STS Dental Plan. There has been some confusion about eligibility for retired teachers, but in fact, we are not eligible. Now, if you chose not to join the STS plan, that does not mean you cannot join at this moment in time. Our plan is flexible; a superannuated teacher can join at any time. The only limitation is that after joining, the maximum benefit is limited to $100 for the first 12 months of coverage. After that, you will be eligible for full benefits as per the plan coverages.

🔒March: Fraud Prevention Month

At the March Luncheon, a presentation by Chanda Hetzel from the RCMP focused on seniors. Chanda spoke about recognizing some of the most common types of fraud, how to recognize the signs of fraud and how to protect yourself from fraud.

Some of the most common types of fraud are grandparent scams, extortion, romance scams, and marketing fraud. Fraud can be done by telephone, mail, e-mail, and internet scams, using Phishing which includes Vishing (voice mail), Smishing (texting), and Quishing (QR codes). Through these, your information can be stolen and used for criminal activity. It is important to remember not to give out personal information such as bank information, your SIN number, DOB, etc. Answer the numbers you know and be cautious as numbers can be redirected to appear as they are from the area. You can use a default for your voicemail so your voice cannot be copied. Make sure the texts and emails are legitimate. Websites should begin with HTTPS (secure and legitimate) not just HTTP (not secure and not legitimate) and always sign into mobile banking, etc. in the same way you normally do.

In order to protect yourself, one of the most important things to do is keep yourself informed and educated on the use of technology. Listen to your inner voice that tells you something does not sound right. Be cautious if something feels too good to be true as it likely is. Don’t be afraid to ask trusted people for help and never be too embarrassed to admit you have made a mistake.

Websites, Facebook and Twitter information from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center will be added to the local STS website.

☀️ We Can All Use a Little Support

WHO ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

Text them and let them know!

📢 ANNOUNCEMENTS 📢

🎺Volunteer for the MJ Band and Choral Festival

From Janie Fries:

We would love to add more people to our list of volunteers to help with the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival. May 11 -14, 2026. We currently have 102 groups registered from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. We have T-shirts for sale, free concerts - Moosic in the Park. See our website for details.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjbandfestival

Check out our website: mjbandandchoral.org

🤝 A New Contact with Heritage Saskatchewan

The Ministry of Education is seeking superannuated teachers for Heritage Fair judges. STS is pleased to introduce our chapter contact with a member of Heritage Saskatchewan:

Faith Boser (she/her)
Heritage Fairs Coordinator
306-780-9197
1867 MacKay Street
Regina, SK
S4N 6E7
heritagesask.ca