Families should be prepared for possible school closure: HCDSB

NEWS RELEASE - POSTED TO HCSB.CA NOV. 4
HALTON  CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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We have been closely monitoring the provincial labour dispute involving the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and as there have been no further updates at this time, we want to ensure that families are prepared for the possibility that the job action may extend into next week. 

We will continue following the situation as it unfolds over the weekend.

• If we receive notification that CUPE members will return to work on Monday, Nov. 7, all HCDSB schools will reopen to students and we will resume in-person learning.   
• If we receive information to indicate that the CUPE job action will continue (or in the absence of any definitive indication otherwise), school buildings will remain closed to all students, and we will proceed as follows:  

- On Monday, Nov. 7, we will continue with asynchronous instruction.

• Lessons and expectations will be shared via the learning platform. Learning materials for students will be adjusted and made available, as required.
• Schools will use this day to distribute technology to families and prepare for the provision of synchronous instruction.
• Educators who work at St. Clare of Assisi and the secondary virtual program will continue to deliver synchronous virtual instruction to their students.  

- If job action continues beyond Monday, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, we will transition to synchronous instruction for all students.  

• Special education supports and resources will be provided to support the continuity of learning and access to specialized equipment (i.e. SEA). 
• Virtual services and supports, through a variety of special education staff, will continue to be provided. 
• The Empower Reading Program will also continue to be offered in a virtual capacity. 
• School staff will ensure ongoing communication with parents/guardians to monitor progress and student needs. 

Further Updates and Additional Information 

We will be sharing updates over the weekend as they become available and will communicate with all families no later than Monday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 a.m. to confirm the final plan for next week.   

As always, information will be shared in the following ways:

• Email to parents/guardians and staff
• HCDSB’s website
• Twitter: @HCDSB

We understand that this is a challenging time for students, families and staff. As previously noted, a large portion of employee groups across our school district are represented by CUPE, and our CUPE staff provide a number of critical and essential services in our schools. We cannot maintain a safe learning environment for our students without the support and daily efforts of CUPE members.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we navigate through this unprecedented period of job action. We remain committed to the success of the negotiation process and pray for a positive resolution for all.  

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