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April 2006
Our Mission statement is: To promote a climate which inspires all to learn
and grow in Christ!
Reaching Out! with faith
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For god sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (john 3:16-17)
The journey towards Easter
“…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24 The feast of the Resurrection is the high point of the Church calendar. It is a time of new beginnings—a time to live. It is time to go to the fountain of the Gospel and soak ourselves in its freshness. The District has also turned a new page this spring—a time of new beginnings—an opportunity for renewal and shared growth. It is time to maintain bonds with each other and with our District as we turn our focus to the future. Spring Staffing
With the new season comes one of the busiest times of the year for the District—spring staffing. It is a time for teachers and support staff to reflect on where they are in their careers, what they’ve done so far and what they still want to do. Our District offers so many opportunities for those who want to take the step. Transfers, exchanges, reassignments, and staffing bulletins are all opportunities for continuous staff to expand their career prospects. Take it from someone who spent the first 16 years with the District in the same school. I thought it was the best place in the world to work—it was and still is. At the same time, I would not change all the personal and professional growth I encountered by taking that step to move to another school. I have met new people and encountered new experiences—I highly recommend it. Each of you was sent a copy of the staffing procedures for teachers and support staff. I encourage you to be aware of these procedures as you explore your options.
A springtime full of Easter blessings to all staff, best wishes for a successful completion of the school year.
Paul Gagné Support Services Manager
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
♦ Long Service Recipients
♦ Teacher Certification
♦ Annette Stein Award
and much more...
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RECOGNIZING A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER IN A DISTRICT PROGRAM AND A SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER ASSISTANT WORKING WITH CHILDREN
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THE ANNETTE STEIN AWARD is presented to a special education teacher in a district program and a special needs teacher assistant for their outstanding contribution to the education of students with special needs in Edmonton Catholic Schools. $750 will be awarded to a special education teacher working in a district program and $500 will be awarded to a special needs teacher assistant on an annual basis when nominees meet the criteria. THEGOAL of the Award shall be educational and shall be for professional development activities.
CRITERIA:
THE ANNETTE STEIN AWARD will be based on the following criteria. Each nominee should have:
♦ completed at least two successful years as a special education teacher in a district program/special needs teacher assistant in the Edmonton Catholic School District;
♦ through their role, made a significant and outstanding contribution to the education of students with special needs; ♦ demonstrated excellence in the classroom; ♦ participated in professional development activities; and ♦ demonstrated involvement in extra curricular activities (district, school or professional.)
Please forward nomination letters to Paul Gagné, Human Resource Services, by Friday, April 28, 2006.
Please contact Beverley Doherty at 441-6187 for additional information.
THE ANNETTE STEIN AWARD For Professional Development
The Deferred Salary Leave Plan has been developed to afford all employees the opportunity to take a one year leave of absence with pay by deferring some portion of their salary to the year of the leave. Staff interested in participating ishould contact Linda Deans in Human Resource Services at 441-6055 for an application form. For further information, contact Paul Gagné at 441-6097. The application deadline is May 31, 2006.
An Exciting Opportunity Take a year leave of absence with pay. Study, travel, engage in the activities of your choice. Enjoy tax deferred advantages. What Is The Plan? Employees may defer up to thirty percent of their annual salary for any period not exceeding six years and receive this as income during a subsequent one year leave of absence. Who Is Eligible? Any employee of the Edmonton Catholic Separate School District No. 7 who is on a continuous contract with the District. What Does It Cost? There is no cost to the employee. You are actually paid interest during the period of deferral. Is This Plan Flexible? Arrange the plan to suit your financial needs now and during the leave. Deferral may be from one to six years with the leave of absence to be taken no later than the seventh year.
DEFERRED SALARY LEAVE PLAN
An Easter Wish!
At the heart of Easter are the beautiful promises of our Lord, love, grace, perfect peace, life and light that shine forever! May His promise bless you and bring you joy at Easter time and always.
(found at www.karen s sunshine spot)
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N O T I C E T O T E A C H E R S Expiry of Interim Teaching Certificates and
Application for Permanent Teaching Certificates
Teachers holding an Interim Teaching Certificate expiring on August 31, 2005 and who are employed by Edmonton Catholic Schools for the 2005-2006 school year, MUST contact Linda Deans at 441-6055 in order to facilitate the renewal of their certificate. The deadline for initiating renewal is May 31, 2006. There is a $25 renewal fee. Cheques are payable to the Minister of Finance.
Teachers who believe they are eligible for a Permanent Teaching Certificate should also contact Human Resource Services. You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria: 400 teaching days, or 2 full time contracts and 2 recent evaluations (required prior to recommendation for permanent certification). Teachers must have a contract for the 2005-2006 school year in order for the district to apply on their behalf. There is a $50 fee for permanent certification. Cheques are payable to the Minister of Finance.
We are on the web! www.hrs.ecsd.net
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
In 2005 a decision was made to implement a more effective method of classifiying support staff jobs in the district. The work to implement the new Classification Review System is well underway.
District support staff work in the following groupings:
♦ Administrative Support ♦ Coordinator and Counselor ♦ Instructor ♦ Media Resources ♦ Printing Services ♦ Special Needs Teacher Assistant ♦ Teacher Assistant
Job Specifications for these types of jobs are being developed. Not to be confused with a Job Description, Job Specifications are examples of the full range of work being done within the organization. Job Specifications are an integral part of the job evaluation process and a benchmark against which other jobs are measured and compared.
A Job Specification contains general information including a job summary, typical duties/responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. They are not “real jobs” rather they represent an example of typical work seen in a given class and at a specific level.
Job Descriptions provide a written statement identifying key information about a specific position within an organization. Job Descriptions represent “real jobs”.
Once the Job Specifications have been completed and approved, they will be posted in the shared files and accessible by all staff. Each Job Specification will be supported by sample Job Descriptions that demonstrate “real jobs” in the district. We anticipate the next phase of the project will be completed by June 2006 - making the Job Specifications available for the spring staffing cycle.
Until the new classification system is implemented the Joint Classification Review Committee will not be able to assess jobs. As the project progresses we will provide you with additional information, in the meantime, if you have questions about the review project please contact Patricia McLaughlin, HR Specialist – Compensation at 441-6120 or [email protected].
SUPPORT STAFF CLASSIFICATION REVIEW PROJECT UPDATE - APRIL 2006
Love is the one treasure that multiplies by division. It is the one gift that grows bigger the more you take from it. It is the one business in which it pays to be an absolute spend-thrift. You can give it away, throw it away, empty your pockets, shake the basket, turn the glass upside down, and tomorrow you will have more than ever. source unknown
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Another successful New Staff Orientation
143 new employees were invited to attended the Orientation held at the Italian Cultural Centre on Wednesday, March 22nd.
Acting Superintendent Joan Carr welcomed our new employees and introduced them to Edmonton Catholic Schools, providing a wealth of information about our history, achievements, and goals.
Karen Doyle led everyone in celebration cultivating the Orientation’s theme: Seeds of Knowledge: A Promise to Serve. The celebration inspired all present and focused everyone on the journey ahead.
Many thanks need to go out to the over 60 representatives from all district departments without whom this event would not have been the success it was. They were present to provide information and answer questions about the services provided to all our staff.
Much appreciation is given to the members of the New Staff Orientation Organizing Committee: Theresa Antonakis, Allison Betton, Karla Brophy, Emilie Decorby, Lana Dogor, Karen Doyle, Dan Durand, Paul Gagné, Robert Gagnon, Sharon Herout, Andy Isbister, Gordon Lupul, Lori Nagy, Nick Parrotta, and Marjorie Schrieber.
The New Staff Orientation would not be possible without their hard work and dedication.
NEW STAFF ORIENTATION Seeds Of Knowledge: A Promise To Serve
On Thursday, March 2, 141 Support Staff gathered at the Fantasyland Hotel Conference Centre for the 2006 Support Staff Conference. The Conference Committee was very pleased to have Debbie Cavaliere, Chairperson of the Board and Trustees Debbie Engel and Janice Sarich participate in the Welcome and Keynote Sessions.
Participants attended workshops on a variety of topics including:
♦ Autism Spectrum Disorders ♦ Career Development ♦ Change Management ♦ Communication ♦ Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ♦ Health and Wellness ♦ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ♦ Storytelling
The Conference Committee was thrilled to receive overwhelmingly positive and supportive feedback on the Participant Evaluations. The Evaluations also included great suggestions for enhancements – thank you very much to all participants for providing such helpful input.
As is always the case, there are many people whose time and effort made the 2006 Support Staff Conference possible. Many thanks to the members of the Conference Advisory Committee: Cheryl Andrews, Danny Burrell, Dawn Del Fabbro, Sharon Herout, Joanne Howell, Diane Lacika, Patti O’Keefe, Carol Siwicki and Lise Viel.
Thanks also to Dr. Brian Murphy, Serena Brown, Paul Gagne, Peg Mitchell, Janet Meara, Nick Parrotta of Human Resource Services for their support and assistance.
Today was a gift to me given by those who cared enough about Support Staff to make this possible. It was a trip to the spa, taking care of my spiritual,
mental, and emotional needs.
Conference Participant
SUPPORT STAFF CONFERENCE – MARCH 2006
A Time to Believe Found at http://www.inspirationallane.com/ATimetoBelieve
To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning. It is to trust that miracles do happen, and dreams really do come true.
To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds, to know the won-der of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon.
To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes and the beauty of an aging hand, for it is through their teachings that we learn to love.
To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us when it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.
To believe is to know that we are not alone, that Life is a gift, and this is our time to cherish it.
To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen, and all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
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Teachers Support Staff
March
1 Develop Staffing Plan – If there are known teachers and support staff to be reassigned refer to Principal’s Checklists for the steps to follow
6 Transfer/mobility process notice to schools and other sites
10 Vacant Consultant positions advertised Description of open Support Staff positions sent in to HR (Use form in Form section or in Public Folders
15 Support Staff Positions Bulletin sent to all sites
17 Evaluations and recommendations for all probationary, temporary and interim contract teachers in to Human Resource Services
22 Interview Support Staff Applicants
24
All staff planning on retiring at the end of the school year have notified HRS in writing
Site Based Reassignment Process for Teachers and Support Staff Begins (Follow Procedures 2-10 on Principal’s Checklists)
Selection of Consultants completed Assistant Principal evaluations due to M. Bessette
Successful Support Staff candidates’ names forwarded to HR (in writing or e-mail
April
3 Successful Support Staff begin their new assignment
3 Exchange Bulletin to all sites; Transfer Requests and names of Teachers who are known to be reassigned (e.g., teachers coming back from leave, etc.) forwarded to principals
5-22 Principals choose teachers for known open positions at their school from the voluntary transfer list. (Known Reassignment automatically on this list)
6 Information Meeting for Temporary, Probationary, Interim Contract Teachers and Substitute Teachers
Principals: Begin Registering for Sessions re: Staffing on PeopleSoft (register with Linda Deans)
7 Description of open Support Staff positions sent in to HR (Use form in Form section or in Public Folders)
12 Support Staff positions Bulletin sent to all sites
Teachers Support Staff
April, cont.
12 Information Meeting for Casual and Temporary Contract – Support Staff
19 Interview Support Staff Applicants
24 Successful Support Staff candidates’ names forwarded to HR (in writing or e-mail)
24 School Based Administration Placements Announced
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Principals have completed the following: Last day to choose staff from voluntary transfer list – Selection from this list from this day forward must be approved by Staffing Committee. Certificated positions vacated in PeopleSoft. Reassigned teachers have been entered into PeopleSoft (See Principal’s Checklist to be completed). Any Reassignments after this date need to be approved by the Staffing Committee.
Checklist & two Reassignment forms completed, signed and forwarded to Human Resource Services (for Certificated and Support Staff) Information Meeting for Teachers who are to be reassigned
25-28
BLUEPRINTS
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Reassignment Cycle Begins (Certificated Staff Only) List of remaining reassigned teachers e-mailed to all principals. All principals print open positions and make a copy available to all reassigned staff only.
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Reassigned Support Staff entered into PeopleSoft- Open, permanent positions vacated in PeopleSoft. Information Meeting for Support Staff who are to be reassigned.
MARCH/APRIL STAFFING TIMELINES - 2006-2007
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On Wednesday, April 19, 2006 the district will hold its annual Long Service Recognition. The employees listed below will be honoured for their service with the district. This year we will celebrate with 108 employees who have 15 years experience, 56 employees who have 25 years experience, and 24 employees who have been with the district for 35 years.
15 Years Sylvie Arsenault Rosemarie Auger Nicole Babiak Joseph Banek Suzanne Bergersen Brian Birch Teresa Blaszczynski Leanne Blatz Rosalie Boileau Chung Bui Patrick Burant Sandra Casella Helen Clevett Joanne Colborne Gisele Coles Robert Cormack Barry Cottrell Alessandra Courtepatte Leo Cuciz Karen Cummins Susanne Daoust Bev Davis Katherine Dekker Dawn Del Fabbro Loretta De-Maria-Leibel Adrienne Dilullo Julie-Ann Dron Dan Durand Joan Fedorow Anna Fialka Juliette Fields Anita Filiplic Denis Gauthier Eva Gazzola Marcel Graves Bev Gregory Angela Harmat Richard Higham
Terenia Ilkiw June Iwanicka Roman Iwanyk Karin Jackson Marilyn Jolly Stefan Kaczmar Cathy Kahanyshyn Cathy Kaup Debby Kerr Corinne King Dave King Guitta Kodershah Mike Kornak Joanne Krausert Bozena Kret Yolanta Kulasa Diane Lacika Henry Legutko Richard Leo Margaret Lewis Juliet Lidstone James Litvak Alain Manegre Anna Marrello Ida Mazzotta Gary McCook Dorothy McMaster Kathy Merrills Arthur Milan Jacinthe Moquin Kimberly Motoska Ursula Mroczek Lydia Murphy My Nguyen Bill Nixon Renata Olynyk Maria Owczarek Lorenzo Paniccia Livia Paradis
Bill Parker Krystyna Peret Aurelian Pietraszewski Willy Pioquinto Valerie Plamondon Sandra Potts Wayne Prokopiw Rita Raimundo Sandra Romanyk Susan Rudkowski Santo Saporito Wayne Saunders Lori Selzler Lynn Shaw-Frobel Vivian Sinal Joe Sirica Lorraine Spenrath Cindy Stang Dave Stawnichy Mark Sylvestre Stan Szydlik Fran Thiele Deana Valacco Tom Wasylenko Sonja Willier Nadia Willigar Roman Wujkowski Ron Zacharko Roland Zimmermann Josef Ziolkowski Janet Zuk 25 Years Len Acker David Andrews Donald Andrews Delores Antonello Anna Baldassarre Susan Basarab
Mariel Brochu John Campbell Susan Chevalier John Chu Karen De Milliano Linda Deans Louise Delaney Simone Desilets Simonne Doucette Cecile Dufresne Richard Durand Debbie Durante Mark Edwards Marie Eichenlaub Mary Lou Forest Janice Gibson Marcus Halley Audrey Harris Carmela Herbert Sharon Herout Greg Hopchin Robert Jong Bob Krzak Dennis Lesik Zofia Lukasiewicz Patricia Mayko Edith McElwain Maureen McGuire Luigina Migaldi Vivianne Montpellier Pat Morrison Catherine Nissen Patti O”Keefe Stephen Paul Shelagh Pedersen Jacqueline Pelkie Debbie Pierozinski Liz Relf Patricia Rolheiser
Laura Rousell Therese Savard Lorraine Scott Janice Semkow Pauline Smith Claire Théberge Lise Tremblay Laura Wong Catherine Woroschuk Halia Yarovenko David Zacharko 35 Years Therese Andrews Maurice Bessette Marusia Campbell Daniel Checknita Lynne De Zaeyer Gloria Hendel Linda Hennigar Leola Hildebrandt Danny Kinal Peter Kleparchuk Julia Kopala Gail Kossowan Ron Kutney Denis Landreville MaryAnn Lux Nicholas Parrotta Marion Pylypchan Theodore Pysyk Marian Reed Joanne Ritcey-Devaney Stanley Stevenson Elizabeth Szynkowski Leonard Tannas Mary Thibaudeau
Have you had a change in your marital status, had a child, or lost spousal coverage in the last 31 days? If so, have you advised the Benefits area in Human Resource Services? Failure to do so within a 31 day period will result in late applicant restrictions being imposed by ASEBP on Teachers. Classified Staff could also experience delays and restrictions which are not the same as those for teachers. When there is a change, ALL STAFF must call Linda Sandl at 441-6050 to arrange a convenient time to come in to Human Resource Services do the necessary paperwork.
IS SOMETHING HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
CONGRATULATIONS LONG SERVICE AWARDS honoUrees
Be Good To Yourself
Be Yourself -- Truthfully
Accept Yourself -- Gracefully
Value Yourself -- Joyfully
Forgive Yourself -- Completely
Treat Yourself -- Generously
Balance Yourself -- Harmoniously
Bless Yourself -- Abundantly
Trust Yourself -- Confidently
Love Yourself -- Wholeheartedly
Empower Yourself -- Prayerfully
Give Yourself -- Enthusiastically
Express Yourself -- Radiantly
found at Inspirational sayings www.netcomuk.co.uk/~echoes/inspire5.htmlp://
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PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINAR-EXPLORING YOUR FUTURE ECSSA, ATA and Out of Scope Groups, in partnership with Human Resource Services, have arranged a Retirement Planning Seminar designed to allow employees of all ages the opportunity to learn from an expert team of seminar leaders about a full range of retirement topics. Retirement planning is becoming more important for today's employees no matter what age you are.
The District’s committed team will offer a fall and winter session as follows: Dates: 1. October 5 (Thursday), October 11, 18, (2 Wednesdays) 2006 OR 2. February 7, 14, 21, (3 Wednesdays) 2007 Place: ST. ANTHONY CENTRE, 10425 – 84 Avenue Edmonton (439-7356) Time: 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. (Sessions begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.) Cost: $30.00 per couple, $20.00 per single Topics: Health/Lifestyle/Legal and Financial Matters/Pension - Local Authorities Pension Plan and Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund Board. Please complete the form at the bottom of this page and mail to Human Resource Services. Cheques should be made payable to Edmonton Catholic Schools. Registration will be on a first come first served basis. If you have any questions please call Irene at 441-6051 or Serena at 441-6186.
Pre-Retirement Registration Form
In order to provide employees with a current estimate for pension, the following information will be provided to the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board (ATRF)/Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Individual estimates provided by the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board/Local Authorities Pension Plan will be given directly to only those employees attending the seminar. Spouses attending this seminar who are also employees of Edmonton Catholic Schools must fill out a separate pre-retirement registration form in order to request their individual pension estimate.
Please check ( ) your preference in one of the boxes ( ) provided below.
Session 1 – October 5, October 11, 18, 2006 ST. ANTHONY CENTRE, 10425 – 84 AVENUE
OR Session 2 –February 7, 14, 21, 2007
ST. ANTHONY CENTRE, 10425 – 84 AVENUE
Name: School Location: Date of Birth: SIN#: Marital Status: Married Single
Is your spouse attending this seminar? Does spouse work for the District? _____________________ (Please provide a separate registration form) Name of Spouse: If Yes – Location: __________________________________ Spouse’s Date of Birth: I hereby grant permission to Edmonton Catholic Schools to release the information that I have provided above to the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board or Local Authorities Pension Plan for the purposes of providing an employee estimate for pension. _________________________________________________ Signature of Employee Date
Please check employee group : ATA (ATRF): ECSSA (LAPP):
Out of Scope (LAPP):
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The District has received numerous requests regarding whether benefit premiums are eligible to be claimed under the Health Care Spending Account. The Income Tax Act allows for the reimbursement of premiums paid by an individual to a private insurer for medical and hospital coverage if the individuals themselves have paid for the premium. This means that Extended Health Care (EHC), Dental, and Vision premiums are eligible as a claim under the Health Care Spending Ac-count if you have paid the premium.
How will I know if I have any premium to claim under the Health Care Spending Account?
Go to the Human Resource Services Self Service to view your pay advice. At the bottom of your pay advice there are 3 boxes. The middle box is titled “After Tax Deductions”. In that box you will see some deductions. These are deductions that you have paid for. Many of you will see AHC (Alberta Health Care). This is not an eligible deduction under the Health Care Spending Account. However, if you see a deduction for EHC, Dental, or Vision under the “After Tax Deductions” box that amount is eligible for you to claim. You will notice a YTD (year to date) amount. That amount is based on a calendar year (January to December). If you have an EHC, Dental or Vision amount in 2005 you can only claim the premium you paid from September 2005 to December 2005. You can also claim January 2006 to August 2006 if you paid premiums for EHC, Dental or Vision. The majority of employees will not have paid premiums for EHC, Dental or Vision. For those who have, please submit copies of your pay advices along with the Claims Reimbursement Form if you wish to claim these un-der the Health Care Spending Account.
For further information please contact Janet Meara at [email protected] or Serena Brown at [email protected].
Have you advised the Benefits area? If not, you may be paying premiums for coverage for which you are ineligible, or for which premiums are not required. Please contact Clare Baxter at 441-6052. Examples: 1. At age 65 you are not eligible for Extended Disability Benefits and therefore should not be paying premiums. 2. At age 65 your Life Insurance amount decreases to 1 x salary (employee’s premium reduced). If you or your spouse are 65 years of age, you are exempt from paying Alberta Health Care premiums. If this is the case, it is your or your spouse’s responsibility to contact Alberta Health and Wellness at 427-1432 for the necessary documents. It is advisable this be done 2 months prior to you or your spouse reaching 65 years of age.
ATA
You will be contacted by Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) regarding continuation or termination of your Health and Life coverage. While on leave you are responsible for your Alberta Health Care. All coverage will terminate through the board on your last day at work, except when your last day at work is June 30th in which case coverage will terminate on the last day prior to the start of the new school year.
AUPE, ECSSA and Out of Scope
ASEBP will contact you regarding Life/AD &D and Extended Disability. The board will contact you regarding your Blue Cross coverage. While on leave you are responsible for your Alberta Health Care coverage.
HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE REACHED AGE 65?
ARE YOU GOING ON A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
HEALTH CARE SPENDING ACCOUNT
It is that time of year when some staff begin to think about retirement at the end of the school year. In order to assist with your personal planning (e.g. contacting pension authorities) and also to assist the district in staffing for next year, we ask you to notify Human Resource Services by March 24, 2006, if it is your intention to retire. Letters should be forwarded to Paul Gagné, Support Services Manager. Any inquiries may be directed to Linda Deans at 441-6055. Your cooperation is appreciated.
ARE YOU THINKING OF RETIRING?
