New principal Shendah Benoit of Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary is relieved the strike is over and can’t wait for back-to-school Monday.
Students are back to school on Monday after the news that BC teachers ratified a contract with the provincial government.
In a province-wide vote conducted on September 18, more than 85 per cent of teachers voted yes to the six-year agreement.
“We all know this deal isn’t perfect, but it provides some gains for teachers, protects our Charter rights, and increases support for students,” said Jim Iker, president of the BC Teachers’ Federation.
“This was a very tough round of negotiations and a difficult time for many of us on strike, but we successfully pushed back against concession demands and we have emerged as a stronger and more engaged union,” Iker said.
He noted that new gains will mean more classroom and specialist teachers to help students. It also means a 7.25 per cent salary boost for teachers.
In School District 53, students will head back to class on Monday, Sept. 22 for half a day. Classes and buses will resume normal schedules on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
There will be no early dismissal for the Team Enquiry Model on September 24.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said there are no plans to extend or add instructional days this year.
“It is their expectation that school districts will be able to deliver their educational programs and meet all learning outcomes in the curriculum within the remaining school calendar timeframe,” Young said.
For secondary school courses operating on a semester system, school districts have the option to equalize the length of the semesters. The Ministry of Education will provide a second set of provincial examination dates at the beginning of February to accommodate this option.
Young said no changes are being made to holiday periods or other days when schools will not be in session.
Elementary schools will be contacting parents of kindergarten students with information about the plan for “gradual entry” of these pupils.
