High school students in the Saanich school district can still go to school next week, even if teachers strike, the district’s superintendent said.
“We are concerned about loss of learning time for all students, but particularly for students in Grade 12,” Keven Elder said in a statement Thursday. “As such, we are inviting all Grade 12 students to attend school on March 6 and 7 [Tuesday and Wednesday]. We will arrange for support staff to supervise self-directed study sessions.”
With Monday, March 5 being a professional development day, strike action planned for that day will not affect students.
Elder said all schools in the district will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, and limited staff will be available to supervise students.
“We are asking parents to keep children home on [Tuesday and Wednesday] as we will only have administration and support staff in attendance, so we cannot guarantee complete supervision and safety,” he said.
Elder added he expects Education Minister George Abbott’s back-to-work legislation to be passed early next week.
“If so, job action would become illegal and the strike may not be in effect on Wednesday, March 7.”