Dear Parents and Guardians,
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an update on some of the matters that may be of concern to you as a result of the current labour disruption.
As you are aware, the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) have reached an impasse with regard to negotiating a new contract and, as a result, on June 17, 2014 the BCTF escalated to a full-scale strike. Unfortunately, it appears that the two parties are not making progress and the possibility of schools reconvening before the end of the school year seems very unlikely.
Report Cards
Grades K-7
The strike action will not allow for the completion and distribution of report cards for students in grades K through 7. The information that we need in order to produce report cards is not available due to the strike and therefore, we are not able to produce an accurate statement of your child’s progress. Unless you have been notified otherwise, your child will progress to the next grade and no report card will be issued.Grades 8-9
The strike action will not allow for the production of complete report cards for students in grades 8 and 9. The information that we need in order to produce report cards is not available due to the strike. We are unable to determine an accurate final grade and will therefore assign a grade of “No Mark” (NM) for grade 8 and 9 courses. The report cards will not include comments or a description of work habits.Grades 10, 11 and 12
The Labour Relations Board has ruled that final marks for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will be submitted by teachers. However, the strike action will not allow for the production of complete report cards for students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Students in these grades will receive report cards, which will include final course marks. However, the report cards will not include comments or a description of work habits.Summer School
At this date, the district does not have information from the BCTF about plans to continue the strike with picket lines through the summer. We recognize that this uncertainty is difficult for everyone. We will make a decision regarding the operation of summer school later this week and further information will be posted on the district website: http://www.vsb.bc.caYear End Routines
We are planning to distribute secondary report cards by the end of next week. Individual schools will make arrangements for students to pick up yearbooks/other belongings and drop off textbooks /library books later next week. Your school will provide more information about this.Communications
Parents are encouraged to review information posted on the following websites:BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA): http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca/
BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA): http://www.bcsta.org/
BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF): http://www.bctf.ca
Vancouver Teachers’ Federation - local (VTF): http://vesta.ca, http://vsta.ca
Ministry of Education: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/education/
Vancouver School District: http://www.vsb.bc.ca
If you have specific questions about school-related matters during the labour disruption, please contact your school principal directly.
I am sorry that I do not have more positive news for you. I am proud of the hard work and support provided by all staff in this complex school district. It is my hope that the labour dispute is resolved at the bargaining table and that our school district can soon return to normal operations.
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Cardwell
Superintendent of Schools
c. Vancouver Board of Education.
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