PROTESTS OR PICKET LINES
There may be protests or picket lines at elementary school sites and administration buildings on January 11th.
Protests or picket lines should not adversely affect secondary students access to secondary schools.
APPROACHING A PROTEST/PICKET LINE
• Students, parents, and employees have the right to cross a protest/picket line without harassment or intimidation.
• Delays and possible traffic or pedestrian access disruptions are possible to elementary school sites and administration buildings.
• Approach a protest/picket line as you would a busy intersection; come to a complete stop, watch for an opening, and exercise caution before proceeding.
• Keep personal biases and emotions in check. Be friendly or neutral. Avoid verbal or physical confrontation.
• If you are approaching a protest or crossing a picket line in your vehicle, do not force your way through in a way that may endanger your safety or the safety of others.
• If you feel your safety is at risk, do not cross the picket line. Contact the police to request assistance.
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KEY FACTS:
• The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has announced a one day protest in the form of a walk-out on Friday, January 11, 2013;
• Elementary schools will be closed to students for the day on January 11th;
• All students in JK-8 will be affected, including special education students.
• Extended day programs operated by the OCDSB will be open on that day for students who are already registered in the program;
• Before and after school programs operated by third parties at elementary schools may operate. Parents should contact their service provider.
• All secondary schools will be open on that day.
• There will be NO school bus service for elementary students
Elementary Schools closed – In the interest of student safety, all elementary schools will be closed to students on January 11th. Parents should make alternate childcare arrangements as students cannot attend school.
Secondary Schools open – All secondary schools will be open and a regular school day is planned. Students and staff are expected to attend school. Secondary schools should not be affected by the elementary union protest. However, in school sites which house both elementary and secondary students or which are adjacent to elementary schools, students and parents may encounter teacher protests and should review the guidelines for crossing protest lines.
Extended Day (Before and After School ) Programs – All extended day programs operated by the OCDSB will be open for students already registered in the program. Before and after school care and recreational programs operated by third party service providers may operate on January 11th. Parents should contact their program coordinator to confirm operation.
Childcare programs – Daycare programs operated in schools by third party service providers may continue to operate. Parents should contact their service provider to confirm the status of operations.
School buses – Bus service will not be operating for elementary students on January 11th. Bus service will continue as usual on that day for secondary students. Parents and students should be aware that bus delays are possible. Information on busing is available from the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority website (www.ottawaschoolbus.ca).
Community Use Permits – Community use permits for activities which operate in elementary schools after 6 p.m. will continue as usual.
More information – Stay informed through the district website at www.ocdsb.ca. We will also communicate any major announcements through the media and directly to parents via telephone message.
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