September 19, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12
Return to School
I am delighted to report that the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation (BCTF) has now ratified the tentative agreement with the British Columbia Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA). While we await ratification of the Agreement by Boards of Education later this afternoon, we will proceed with the start to the 2014/15 school year with school opening on Monday.
All schools in North Vancouver will open on Monday, September 22nd, for students in Grades 1 through 12, with a shortened first-day schedule. This will enable our schools to confirm student enrolment, review classroom organization, update student timetables, where necessary, and prepare for full days of instruction on Tuesday through Friday. Parents should check school websites and posted notices for school-specific schedules and operating hours.
Kindergarten students will be welcomed to our elementary schools starting on Tuesday, September 23rd with the Gradual Entry process established within the School Act. The first week of Kindergarten is an important transition for our youngest children. During the Gradual Entry period, Kindergarten teachers are able to work with smaller groups of children for shorter periods of time to help them develop independence in classroom and school routines. The details of the schedule for attendance of Kindergarten students will be provided by each elementary school.
Our main priority for the coming week is to welcome back our students and staff and to re-establish normal operations as quickly as possible. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we strive to achieve a smooth start to this school year.
I will be providing a further update next week as additional clarification is provided by the Ministry of Education regarding instructional time and decisions related to report cards from last June. There are numerous other details to be communicated in the coming weeks ahead.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school and a productive week ahead.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
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September 18, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12
Planning for Next Week
As noted in my letter on Tuesday, the members of the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation (BCTF) will conduct a ratification vote on Thursday to determine whether or not they support the tentative agreement with the British Columbia Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA).
If the agreement is ratified by the BCTF membership, all schools in the North Vancouver School District will open on Monday, September 22nd, with a shortened first-day schedule as per standard practice. The shortened first day allows us to welcome students in Grades 1 through 12, begin to address immediate enrolment and classroom assignments, and complete other essential preparatory work.
The first full day of school for all students, and the first day of gradual entry for Kindergarten students, will then be Tuesday, September 23rd. Where necessary, further adjustments will be made to school schedules to provide for full days of instruction for the remainder of the week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 24, 25, and 26.
I will be in touch again on Friday, following the results of the BCTF ratification vote.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
September 16, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12
Tentative Agreement Reached Between BCPSEA and BCTF
As announced through the media early this morning, September 16th, a tentative agreement has been negotiated between the British Columbia Teachers Federation (BCTF) and the British Columbia Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA), with the assistance of Vince Ready.
Details of this tentative agreement will not be available until later today with both parties expected to report through the media. The BCTF has indicated that teachers will vote on Thursday before the agreement may be ratified. In the meantime, pickets remain in place at all school locations and are expected to continue until the agreement is confirmed.
At this time, we are unable to provide confirmation of the start to the school year, as these details may be included within the tentative agreement. We expect to start our school year with the traditional procedures of welcoming students back for a shortened first day to enable confirmation of enrolment and class organization. Details will be provided to parents as soon as possible.
We look forward to a positive return for our students, parents, teachers, and staff in each and every one of our classrooms and schools. Everyone has been deeply affected by the disruption of the labour dispute and we are relieved that a tentative agreement has now been reached.
We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we move toward the opening of schools for the 2014-2015 school year.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
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Schools are not in session during BC Strike Action.
Any updates or announcements will be posted here.
September 9, 2014
BC School Trustees Association's Advocacy Update
As we enter the second week of the school year with classrooms still closed, the BC School Trustees Association is extremely concerned about the impact the continuing strike is having on students, staff, parents, and BC's public education system overall. As a member of the BCSTA, the North Vancouver Board of Education supports this position as a means to reopen schools for learning at the earliest possible opportunity.
September 1, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12
Schools Not Opening for Instruction on Tuesday, September 2, 2014
This letter is to confirm that North Vancouver schools will not be open for instruction on Tuesday, September 2. We expect that teachers will not report to work and that our schools will be behind picket lines. This is deeply disappointing news for our students, families, staff, and Board of Education.
Efforts over this past weekend to achieve a settlement of the ongoing labour dispute between the BC Teachersâ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA) were unsuccessful. As the distance between the two parties continues to be significant, the resolution of this dispute remains uncertain. We remain hopeful that progress will be achieved in the near future to work towards a settlement.
We encourage families to make alternate arrangements for their children, as necessary, during the continuing strike action. Although principals and vice-principals will be in schools, they will be unable to provide students with instruction or supervision. We respectfully ask that parents do not bring children to schools for the duration of the strike.
It is our current understanding that preschools and daycares operating on school sites will be open and parents will be allowed to cross picket lines to escort their children to daycares and preschools. Please contact your daycare and/or preschool provider to review opening and closing times and procedures.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during these difficult times. We will continue to keep you informed through direct messages and through our school district website at www.sd44.ca.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
Print copy of letter
August 31, 2014
Registration Opens for Parent Support Program
Parents of public school students 12 years-old and under can register for Temporary Education Support at
http://bcparentinfo.ca/ to receive $40 per student for each day school is not in session during the ongoing labour disruption in BC public schools.
This site also includes bargaining updates from the Ministry of Education.
Recent Statements from the Bargaining Parties
BC Public School Employers' Association - Update Following Meetings With Vice Ready - Barriers to Concluding a Negotiated Collective Agreement - Costing the BCTF Proposals Currently on the Table - August 31, 2014
August 29, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Preparing for September This letter is a follow-up to my message of August 25th to update you on the current labour dispute and provide information about the potential for schools to open, or not, on Tuesday, September 2nd. The possibility of mediation
Representatives of the British Columbia Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA) and the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation (BCTF) met yesterday, and are meeting again today, with mediator Vince Ready. The intention of these talks is to assess the readiness of both parties for mediation. Depending on developments over the weekend, there is a possibility that school may open on Tuesday for our standard shortened opening day. When will parents know if schools will open?
Please visit www.sd44.ca on Monday evening for an announcement to confirm whether or not school will be open on Tuesday, September 2nd. We realize and respect that teachers have not been at work for a long time and that schools are not fully prepared for our regular opening procedures. However, as soon as this yearâs opening date is confirmed, we will welcome staff and students back, go through our first day, and begin the work of the year ahead. Teachers and support staff are experienced and skilled in addressing the demands of this time of year, and principals and vice-principals have well-developed routines in place. Attached please find Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for further information on this yearâs start-up procedures. Keeping informed
I will write again next week and school principals are also in the process of sending important information and direction for the start of the school year. Whether or not our start date is delayed, please take the time to read these messages in order to assist us with our opening procedures and the smoothest start possible for students under the circumstances. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding. Sincerely, John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools Print copy of letter
â Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)September 2014 start-up Q: Is it still possible that schools will open on September 2nd?
A: Yes. If an agreement is reached for a negotiated settlement, or a lifting of strike/lockout action while mediation is underway, then we will be ready to open schools on September 2nd. Q: How will I know if school will open on September 2nd?
A: We encourage you to follow the media for any updates that may occur in the discussions scheduled for the weekend. We will also post any information to our website, www.sd44.ca , as soon as it has been confirmed. Other information sources available to consult are: Q: Who should I contact to voice my concerns regarding the current labour dispute?
A: You may wish to express your concerns to: - Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education Minister.Educ@gov.bc.ca
- Jim Iker, President, BC Teachersâ Federation presidentsoffice@bctf.ca
- Mr. Michael Marchbank, Public Administrator, BC Public School Employers Association contact.us@bcpsea.bc.ca
- The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia premier@gov.bc.ca
- Ralph Sultan, MLA West VancouverâCapilano ralph.sultan.mla@leg.bc.ca
- Jane Thornthwaite, MLA North VancouverâSeymour jane.thornthwaite.mla@leg.bc.ca
- Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business, MLA North VancouverâLonsdale naomi.yamamoto.mla@leg.bc.ca
Q: If school does not open on September 2nd, can I take my child to school anyway?
A: We cannot provide instruction or appropriate supervision without our full staff complement, and therefore ask that parents do not take or send children to school until our staff teams are once again in place and school is fully operational. Please make alternate arrangements, as necessary. Q: How can I get more information on registering my child for school?
A: Student registration information is available at: http://www.sd44.ca/Schools/StudentRegistration/Pages/default.aspx Q: If the labour dispute continues, can I still register my child for school?
A: Yes. Please ensure you have consulted our registration information for directions and guidance on what documents are required to register your child/children for school.
August 25, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 September Start Date and the Ongoing Labour DisputeThe BC Public School Employersâ Association (BCPSEA) and the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation (BCTF) have not yet been able to settle the current labour dispute. With September nearly upon us, we wish to advise you of the two most likely scenarios for which to plan and prepare. Scenario 1: Schools open on Tuesday, September 2 as scheduled. Provided an agreement is reached by Friday, August 29th, or over the Labour Day weekend, school could open as scheduled on Tuesday, September 2nd. Although some adjustments and corrections may need to be made for students with enrolment, scheduling or timetable changes, we will strive to create as smooth a start as possible should circumstances allow for us to begin the year on time. Scenario 2: No settlement. If no agreement is in place, picket lines at all schools will mean it is not possible to offer regular instruction and school would not begin on September 2nd. For this reason, we ask that parents do not send their children to school until the strike is resolved. Certainly we had all hoped for better news by this point and regret that the parties have been unable to find the resolution needed to begin the coming school year. As a member of the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA), our Board of Education is in full support of the BCSTAâs âBack to School Action Planâ which seeks to ensure that the public school year begins on time, with a negotiated agreement in place. As it is still possible a settlement could be reached before September 2, we encourage everyone to continue to follow any developments and directions as they are announced through the media and on our website at www.sd44.ca. Thank you for your understanding in what continues to be a very challenging situation for all concerned. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to classrooms as soon as a resolution has been achieved. Sincerely, Franci Stratton Chair Board of Education John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools |
August 14, 2014 - Updated
Status of Discussions and Negotiations - Statements from Minister of Education, BCTF and BCPSEA
Click link
July 2, 2014
Summer School and North Vancouver Distributed Learning Summer Session - REVISED UPDATE
North Vancouver Distributed Learning Summer Session
Due to the limitations of the Labour Relations Board Essential Services Order, we have made adjustments to the delivery of our online courses. All DL courses will be open and available to currently registered students during the summer months so they may continue toward completion. Students have a year from their registration date to complete their course(s).
Due to ongoing Provincial job action, these students will not receive any teacher support, which includes answering emails, marking tests and assignments and invigilation at the DL Centre. The DL Centre will not be open in July and August. Students may complete tests and exams when teachers return to work in the fall.
We will not be accepting any new registrations until September 2014.
For potential opportunities for other online summer programs from schools not impacted by the Essential Services Order, please go to the LearnNow BC website: http://www.learnnowbc.ca.
Summer School 2014
Due to the limitations of the Labour Relations Board Essential Services Order, the restrictions on Summer School will prevent us from offering our planned educational programs.
Students enrolled in both Review and Completion and Full Credit Summer School will be receiving full refunds over the next 4-6 weeks. These students should make arrangements to meet with their school counsellors in early September to adjust their timetable, where necessary.
For potential opportunities for online summer programs from schools not impacted by the Essential Services Order, please go to the LearnNow BC website: http://www.learnnowbc.ca.
June 30, 2014
Summer School and North Vancouver Distributed Learning Summer Session
Thank you for your patience and understanding during the ongoing Provincial job action.
A final decision on the North Vancouver Distributed Learning Schoolâs Summer Session and Summer School 2014 will be announced July 2. At this time, based on the current status of negotiations, our expectation is that job action will continue and we will be unable to offer Summer School or the Distributed Learning Summer Session this year.
June 27, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Grade 8 to 12 Students
Grades 8 to 12 Final Reporting
The ongoing labour dispute has seriously impacted our ability to provide final reports for students this school year. Without the availability of teachers to assess, evaluate, and report student learning, we are unable to provide final reports in the usual format. We regret the challenge this presents for our students, parents, teachers, and administrators, and sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding.
Our primary focus for final reporting is to meet the Graduation Requirements for our senior students (Grades 10 through 12). We are fulfilling the requirements of the Essential Services Order that was issued by the Labour Relations Board (LRB) on June 20, 2014. Provincial examinations have now been completed and marking is currently in process.
Grades 10, 11 and 12 Final Reports:
As required by the LRBâs Essential Services Order, final marks and reports will be generated for students in Grades 10, 11, and 12. These reports will include marks only as teacher comments are not available.
We acknowledge that student reporting information may be incomplete and that marks may be missing or left blank. In some instances, a report may include âNMâ where a letter grade, or percentage, would normally be provided. Corrections or additions to this reporting information will not be possible until schools are back in session and teachers are available.
Schools are now preparing reports for Grades 10, 11 and 12 students for distribution to parents next week, either by mail, or through pick up arrangements at the school. Each of our schools will communicate with parents regarding the arrangements for distribution of the Grades 10, 11, and 12 final reports.
June examination results will be released by the BC Ministry of Education on July 30, 2014. The results can be viewed on the
Student Secure Web (SSW). Student PEN numbers (provided on all prior student reports) are needed for access to the site. An official Transcript of Grades will be mailed to all Grade 12 students from the Ministry of Education at the end of July. For more information please refer to the
June 2014 Provincial Exam Bulletin.
Grades 8 and 9 Final Reports:
We are unable to generate reports for Grades 8 and 9 students at this time. All Grades 8 and 9 students will advance to the next grade and course levels. Where necessary, adjustments to grade and course levels will be made when school resumes.
Student assessment, evaluation, and reporting by teachers throughout the 2013/14 school year will be retained in our student information and reporting systems. Teachers will have the opportunity to address any student progress concerns with parents when schools are back in session.
We will continue to provide you with any updates through our school district website and communicate any further developments directly to you through the SchoolConnects messaging system.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
June 27, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians of Kindergarten to Grade 7 Students
Kindergarten to Grade 7 Final Reporting
The ongoing labour dispute has seriously impacted our ability to provide final reports for students this school year. Without the availability of teachers to assess, evaluate, and report student learning, we are unable to provide final reports in the usual format. We regret the challenge this presents for our students, parents, teachers, and administrators, and sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding.
Our primary focus for final reporting is to meet the Graduation Requirements for our senior students (Grades 10 through 12). We are fulfilling the requirements of the Essential Services Order that was issued by the Labour Relations Board on June 20, 2014.
Kindergarten through Grade 7 Final Reports:
All students in Kindergarten through Grade 7 are advanced to the next grade level. Learning supports and progress related to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will be addressed once schools are back in session.
Student assessment, evaluation, and reporting by teachers throughout the 2013/14 school year will be retained at the school level and in our student information and reporting systems. When schools return to normal operations, teachers will have the opportunity to address any student progress concerns with parents.
We will continue to provide you with updates through the School District website (
www.sd44.ca) and communicate any further developments directly to you through the SchoolConnects messaging system.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
June 27, 2014 - Summer School UPDATE
Labour Relations Board issues Essential Services Order
The steps required "to determine whether each Summer School course should be designated as an essential service"
June 26, 2014 - Information Update
Summer School UPDATE
An application has been made by the BC Public School Employers' Association to the Labour Relations Board (LRB) to have Summer School designated as an Essential Service. We are awaiting the ruling from the LRB to make our decision regarding the ability to provide classes through Summer School.
With the uncertainty of the ruling of the LRB, we have revised the potential start date of Summer School classes to Monday, July 7. Again, our final decisions related to Summer School will depend upon the LRB ruling.
As soon as we have further information that will enable us to make our decisions, we will provide updates through our website.
June 24, 2014 - Letter to Education Minister Peter Fassbender, BCTF President Jim Iker, and BCPSEA Public Administrator Michael Marchbank
North Vancouver Board of Education urges both parties to reach a negotiated agreement or mediated settlement as soon as possible
The North Vancouver Board of Education is writing you today to urge both parties to reach a negotiated agreement or mediated settlement as soon as possible. The bargaining impasse is directly impacting our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and support staff within our community.
As a School District, we are proud of the achievements and continuous strides we have made towards stability and towards our âVisionâ for the North Vancouver School District. We take time to celebrate and acknowledge our successes, honour our graduates and promote quality public education in our community. However, the current labour dispute is having a negative impact on our public education system.
We have heard from parents, students, teachers and members of our community who are trying to understand both sides of the issue, but donât see a solution happening any time soon.
While it is looking like school is over for students this year, everyone is very anxious and worried about summer school, start up for September and how this may impact students and staff.
We all value public education and we all value the relationships we have built and maintained with our partner groups. Relationships at all levels of the system are key to collaboratively working together to create a quality public education system that is thriving, innovative and sustainable for our students, now and into the future.
Yours truly,
Franci Stratton
Chair
North Vancouver Board of Education
June 23, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians
Changes to Provincial Exams - English 10 and Social Studies 11 / Sciences humaines 11
Based on concerns that were raised by BC Superintendents related to the quality and validity of the marking of English 10 and Social Studies 11 / Sciences humaines 11 (French Immersion), the Ministry of Education has just advised us that a decision has been taken to alter sections of these Provincial Exams.
Please note the sections a student must complete and which sections will be struck from the exam:
English 10:
- Students will complete the 29 Multiple Choice Questions in Part A and Part B
- Students will complete Written Response Question #30 in Part B
- Students will not complete Written Response Question #31 in Part C.
Social Studies 11 / Sciences humaines 11:
- Students will complete the 55 Multiple Choice Questions in Part A
- Students will not complete the 2 Written Response Questions 1 and 2 in Part B.
Student scores will be based on the reduced set of questions and the standards will be adjusted accordingly.
It is important to note that students have the opportunity to re-write any provincial exam for a one-year period. In addition, for the November 2014 exam session only, the Ministry of Education will be able to offer an electronic option to students who want an opportunity to write the portions of each of these exams that are not being offered during this June 2014 session.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
June 23, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians
Confirmation of Changes to Year-End Procedures
I would like to provide you with some important information regarding further changes to our year-end procedures that have been prompted by the ongoing labour dispute. At this time, bargaining between the British Columbia Public School Employersâ Association and the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation appears to be at an impasse and it is unlikely that a resolution will be achieved this week. As a result, several significant changes to our year-end procedures are necessary.
In accordance with the
Labour Relations Board ruling of June 20th, we will be preparing final reports for all students in Grades 10, 11 and 12. Marks for all courses are required, but the reports are not expected to include teachersâ comments. This information will be mailed home to parents upon verification during the week of June 30 to July 4. Report cards for students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 are not included in the Essential Services Order and the strike activity has limited the availability of this information. We will be sending a separate message to all parents of K â 9 students regarding progress reports later this week.
It is unlikely that Summer School and the North Vancouver Distributed Learningâs Summer Session will be able to proceed without an end to the labour dispute or an agreement by the BCTF to suspend strike activity over the summer. We apologize for the continued uncertainty, but donât wish to cancel the programs any sooner than is absolutely necessary.
We will keep you informed of any further changes. Please check the North Vancouver School District website for information updates,
www.sd44.ca.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
June 20, 2014
Labour Relations Board Issues Essential Services Order - Submission of Marks for Grades 10 and 11 Students
June 12, 2014 - Letter to Parents and Guardians
Update on BCTF Strike Action - Provincial Exams - Year-End Procedures
I am writing to you with an important update on the BC Teachersâ Federation declared withdrawal of services and several changes that will affect our end-of-year procedures, including Provincial Examinations, Grade 12 final grades, and the return of textbooks and resource materials.
Full scale strike action
On June 11, the BCTF provided notice that Stage 2 job action will be extended to Monday, June 16, 2014, with all teachers participating in âstudy sessionsâ province-wide. In addition, the BCTF announced that the full withdrawal of teachers' services will commence on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. These actions were sudden and unanticipated, and we regret the additional disruption to students and parents.
As a result of these actions, schools will not be in session for instruction beginning on Monday, June 16, 2014 in North Vancouver.
Provincial Examinations and Grade 12 final grades
The Ministry of Education has been clear in stating that Provincial Examinations will go ahead. The Labour Relations Board issued an Essential Services Order this morning regarding Provincial Examinations and the compilation and submission of final grades for Grade 12 students.
Effective immediately, we will be consulting with the North Vancouver Teachersâ Association regarding the number of teaching staff who will be required to invigilate Grade 10 â 12 Provincial Exams occurring between June 16 and June 24, 2014.
A separate application to the Labour Relations Board is now in process related to CUPE staff needed to support students in the completion of Provincial Examinations.
Further updates will be provided regarding the scheduling of Provincial Examinations. In the meantime, we encourage all students to continue with their review and completion work to prepare for these examinations.
Textbooks, library books, school supplies, locker clean-out, yearbooks
Unless the BCTF and BCPSEA are able to reach an agreement, it is possible that Friday, June 13th will be the last day of classes for students.
With this possibility in mind, students are encouraged to return school materials and property to their respective schools and classrooms at the earliest opportunity. At the same time, students will be asked to take personal materials and supplies home by Friday, June 13. Secondary students will be encouraged to clean out their lockers as soon as possible.
Students who will be writing Provincial Examinations (Grade 10, 11, 12) will be able to retain their textbooks until the exam has been completed. Students writing exams are asked to bring their textbook to the exam for collection.
Principals will be communicating directly with parents through SchoolConnects with further details related to school-based items, including the distribution of yearbooks, where applicable.
Final Reports to Parents
The status of final reports to parents is uncertain at this time as the recent Essential Services Order was limited to the provision of final marks for Grade 12 students. We realize how important reporting is to parents, and will inform you as soon as we receive further clarification on how final reports will be produced and distributed.
***
We are disheartened by this turn of events, and know that it has intensified feelings of frustration related to a very complex dispute. There is still hope, as bargaining continues throughout the weekend, that a settlement may be possible in the coming days. Although the resolution of this dispute is outside our control, we will, as always, continue to keep you informed as developments occur.
I regret not having better news for you at this time and realize that you may have many questions that this advisory does not address. In closing, please know that your understanding and cooperation in assisting us with these changes to our end-of-year procedures is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
June 12, 2014
Labour Relations Board Issues Essential Services Designation Order for BCTF Members
June 11, 2014
BCTF: Full Strike Notice Served
June 9, 2014
Ministry of Education: Information for Parents on the BCTF Strike
On Sunday, June 8, 2014, the Ministry of Education posted an information statement "to give parents greater certainty about what to expect and the potential impact on their children."
June 5, 2014
BCTF Notice: Rotating Strikes and School Closures Week of June 9 to 13, 2014
All schools and StrongStart Centres in the North Vancouver School District are not in session on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.
June 3, 2014 - Letter to Parents/Guardians
Unsanctioned Student-Organized Protests on Wednesday, June 4, 2014
As you may have heard, a student-organized walkout is being coordinated for Wednesday, June 4th. Students are being encouraged by other students to take part in this event in connection with the current labour dispute between the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA), which represents school boards in bargaining with the union. Details can be found on Facebook by searching âBC Student Walkout for Studentsâ.
As a School District, we recognize that the dispute has raised widespread concerns and frustrations. However, it is essential to note that our primary function is to ensure safe and orderly learning environments for all students. By encouraging students to leave school property during the instructional day, unsupervised activities such as walkouts place students at risk and are disruptive to learning and to the school community at large.
There are a number of options and channels available to students to express their concerns and opinions that do not impact class time and learning. For example, any student, or group of students, may choose to coordinate communication to express the perspectives of students to the negotiating parties. Specifically, students may choose to contact the BCTF or BCPSEA to respectfully express their concerns. These types of activities can be engaged in outside of class time, independently, or as part of a group, and need not create disruption to the school day.
As is the case with any non-sanctioned event during school time, students who do not report to their scheduled class will be marked as absent and are responsible for any missed work and assignments.
Thank you for your attention to this message. We hope it encourages dialogue around an important issue, while ultimately respecting the importance of student safety and scheduled instructional time.
Yours sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
May 29, 2014 - Letter to Parents/Guardians
Schools and StrongStart Centres in the North Vancouver School District Not In Session on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 Due to BCTF Rotating Strike Action
As you may already know, the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation announced yesterday that a second week of rotating, one-day strikes will take place throughout the province next week. The BCTFâs decision reflects a continuation of their job action related to teacher contract bargaining.
Locally, the Teachersâ Federation has directed its members in our school district to conduct their next one-day strike activity in North Vancouver on Tuesday, June 3rd.
We ask that all parents and guardians fully expect that school will not be in session on June 3rd. Please plan to make alternate arrangements for your child/children on that day.
We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you and your family. We will continue to communicate any significant developments as they unfold in this labour dispute both directly, and on our website at
www.sd44.ca. In the meantime, I thank you for your patience and understandingâit is appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools
Print copy of letter
May 28, 2014
BCTF Notice: Rotating Strikes and School Closures Week of June 2 to 6, 2014
All schools and StrongStart Centres in the North Vancouver School District are not in session on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
Ministry of Education - Strike Information for Parents
As you may be aware, the British Columbia Teachersâ Federation announced this morning a series of rotating, one-day strikes to occur throughout the province next week. The BCTFâs decision reflects an escalation in their job action related to teacher contract bargaining.
The Teachersâ Federation has directed its members in our school district to conduct their one-day strike activity in North Vancouver on Thursday, May 29th.
While both parties will continue to negotiate between now and May 29th, we are advising all parents and guardians to fully expect that school will not be in session on May 29th. Please plan to make alternate arrangements for your child/children on that day. Should there be any changes to this plan for closure, we will communicate them to you as soon as they are confirmed.
We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you and your family and continue to hope for a positive resolution between the Province and the BCTF to the current situation.
This job action is intended to target administrative duties only at this time. These duties include teacher attendance at meetings and electronic communication with Principals and Vice Principals.
The Order requires that BCTF will provide two working days notice in the event it is planning to escalate its strike activity to one day per week withdrawal of all services (a rotating strike), and three working days notice if it is planning to escalate its strike activity beyond the one day per week.
Bargaining continues between the BCTF and BC Public Schools Employersâ Association (BCPSEA) to achieve a negotiated settlement to the Collective Agreement.
We will continue to provide parents/guardians with updates through our SchoolConnects e-mail system and on the North Vancouver School District website. In urgent situations, the automated phone system will be used.
