The latest issue of our Together in Wellness Planner, available in English and French, has arrived to help you welcome the first day of winter! In this edition, you’ll find tips and inspiration for strengthening your emotional intelligence, building communities of practice, and exercising mindfulness in your daily interactions with others. 

We can all agree that the last few school years have been tough for education workers. With needing to pivot at a moment’s notice due to school closures (and re-openings), navigating school communities through a global pandemic, all while keeping up with regular work duties, education workers have truly gone above and beyond. 

It's annual flu season, and with COVID-19 creating added complications, it’s important to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting yourself and others, especially vulnerable populations. The most effective ways to do this is by: 

• getting your annual flu immunization  

In honour of World Teachers’ Day, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the teachers here in Alberta and across the country. Your dedication, kindness, generosity, and patience is inspiring, and is what truly makes our world a better place!

Trigger warning: this statement contains references to residential schools.

Today, September 30, 2021, marks the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day is about honouring residential school survivors and their families, acknowledging the harms caused by the residential school system, and reflecting on the significance of truth and reconciliation. It is also an opportunity to recognize the resiliency and strength of Canada’s Indigenous and Métis peoples.

If you’re turning 65, you should know that some of your retirement benefits will change. This heads-up can help you navigate the coming changes and any steps you may need to take to prepare.  

Updated October 4, 2021: download your free ASEBP Together in Wellness Planner in English or French!

As you settle into September and the back-to-school routine, why not put your health and well-being at the top of your to-do list? If it’s introducing small changes or working toward a big(ger) personal goal, ASEBP has practical wellness tips and inspiration to help you get started.  

Thinking of retiring from Alberta’s education sector? Or maybe you’re already retired? We’re excited to share that our MyRetiree Plan is here for you.  

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and, on behalf of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP), I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the past, present, and future contributions of Indigenous peoples in Alberta and Canada, as well as their rich heritage and culture. We also want to recognize the impacts that colonization has had and still has on Indigenous peoples.

Many of us have an idea of the path we want our lives to take—landing our first 'adult' job, moving into our own home, welcoming a baby (some with two legs, some with four), preparing for retirement and expanding our worldly knowledge.