December 3, 2012

To all Parents/Guardians of Students in RCDSB schools,
In view of media reports of a strike action by elementary school teachers commencing Monday, December 3, 2012 the Renfrew County District School Board has taken the following position:
The Board’s primary interest in the event of this strike action is for the safety and well-being of students. The Board has a statutory responsibility to keep schools safe for the students in its care. Parents can expect that all regular classroom instruction will continue as usual; teachers will be in the classroom performing their instructional and supervisory duties. However, we have been advised that teachers will not participate in administrative and non-instructional duties such as extra-curricular activities, field trips, meetings, professional development, provincial assessments and any activities that occur outside of the regular school day.
The Board has been advised the elementary teachers union (ETFO) is planning to hold a one-day walk-out in every school district across the province. To ensure student safety in the event of a one-day walk-out, RCDSB elementary schools will be closed for the school day. The Board expects to have 72 hours notice of any walk-out and will communicate information through the media, the board website (www.renfrew.edu.on.ca) and via telephone voice message. Parents should make childcare arrangements for their child(ren) as students will not be able to attend their school.
Sincerely,
Roger Clarke
Director of Education
Renfrew County District School Board