HDSB updates school operations during CUPE walkout

NEWS RELEASE - POSTED TO HDSB.CA NOV. 3
HALTON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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Dear HDSB families of elementary students (Kindergarten - Grade 8),

We are writing to update you on the current Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) labour situation.

As you know, the Ontario Ministry of Education passed legislation that prevents CUPE labour action. CUPE has indicated that members will protest this in the form of a walkout on Friday, Nov. 4 and possibly beyond. HDSB elementary and secondary schools remain open for in-person learning on Friday, Nov. 4. This includes Before and After School Programs. Within the HDSB, CUPE represents custodial staff. It does not represent educational assistants, early childhood educators or school support staff as it does in some other Ontario school boards.

The HDSB remains committed to doing everything we can to keep our schools open. If the CUPE walkout extends beyond Friday, Nov. 4, HDSB elementary schools (Kindergarten - Grade 8) will reinstate our contingency plan (as shared with families on Oct. 30) to alternate between in-person and remote learning. This would mean that elementary students would learn remotely (independently) on Monday, Nov. 7. Learning materials/tasks would be posted on Google Classroom by Period 2 on Nov. 7.

Students with special education needs

Elementary students with special education needs in the self-contained Life Skills and Communications classes will continue to attend school in person each day. Transportation will continue as scheduled on Monday for these students. Students with special education needs who are not in these classes will learn remotely on Monday, Nov. 7. Principals will determine which students with special education needs may be accommodated remotely and those with needs that require in-person, and communicate with families to confirm learning models for subsequent days by end of day on Monday, Nov. 7. Further information will be provided by your child’s school.

This is a fluid and changing situation. The HDSB is monitoring the situation daily and decisions will be made accordingly and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority. We strongly advise that parents/guardians make contingency plans in the event that it becomes necessary to switch to remote learning every day.

Alternate Schedule for Elementary Schools

The alternate day schedule for elementary students helps ensure we are able to implement contingency plans to address school cleanliness and ensure essential school operations are carried out safely during this period of job action. The HDSB will monitor the sustainability of continuing to keep our elementary schools open on alternate days for in-person learning.

In-person and remote learning schedule for elementary students

Friday, Nov. 4: Students learn in-person
Monday, Nov. 7: Students learn remotely (independent learning)
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Students learn in-person
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)
Thursday, Nov. 10: Students learn in-person
Friday, Nov. 11: Students learn remotely (real-time, teacher-led learning)

Technology

Schools will provide information for families regarding the distribution of school-based technology (Chromebooks) for remote learning. Please note that devices will be provided based on need and availability. Technology support is available for families through the following online HDSB resources:

Reminders:

Please be aware that you will likely see some disruptions to normal school operations and the physical condition of schools. The primary focus of Principals/Vice-principals is to ensure our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff. During this time, Principals/Vice-principals will be postponing non-essential and non-urgent activities such as school council meetings and school events.
Before and After School programs at our schools will continue to be offered on in-person learning days.
Transportation provided by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) will be unaffected by this job action.
The HDSB will not be accepting new Community Use rental requests and all existing permits will be cancelled Nov. 4-6.
The International & Indigenous Language Elementary Program (IILE) is cancelled, effective Nov. 4, until further notice.
Minimizing Waste & Continuing Environmental Initiatives: To support our efforts to keep schools open, families are asked to minimize food waste and packaging. Families are asked to use reusable containers for food and practice “boomerang” lunches/snacks, meaning that all packaging or food waste is taken home rather than being disposed of in green bins or garbage cans in schools. In an effort to continue EcoSchools waste minimization efforts and other environmental initiatives happening at your school, we encourage you to bring home recyclable materials when possible.
Picket Lines: It is not anticipated that CUPE members will picket at our schools and Board offices. However, if you happen to encounter picket lines on your way to school, please be aware that you have the right to cross picket lines at any time. If you have concerns about this, please contact your Principal or Vice-principal.
Secondary schools (Grade 9-12): HDSB secondary schools will continue to be open for in-person learning for all students each day. This includes Grade 7-12 schools (Aldershot, Burlington Central and Acton District). Under the current HDSB contract, secondary schools are permitted to use contract custodial services to maintain services in secondary schools. This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action.

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