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Labour Update – November 17

Labour Update to Families – Nov 17

November 17, 2022

Dear Families,

As I shared with you yesterday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has announced that if a deal is not reached with the Government of Ontario, they will take strike action, beginning on Monday, November 21, 2022.

In the event of a strike, schools will be CLOSED for in-person learning on Monday, November 21, 2022. Students would do real‐time, connected (synchronous) remote learning until further notice.

EarlyON Centres, all licensed before- and after-school programs, and all authorized recreation programs would be cancelled.

Early Learning and Child Care Centres (Birth to age 3.8) would be OPEN on a modified schedule to align with the school bell times.

Additional information for students and families to know:

• Students need to take home their essential items by Friday, November 18. Essential items include medication, glasses, shoes, coats, and devices for secondary students.
• Extra-curricular activities, including Arts and Athletics, and all rental permits on board property would be paused. Activities located off-site would continue under the supervision of HWDSB staff. Transportation will not be provided.
• Regular scheduled meetings offered after-hours will move to, or continue to be offered in, virtual using MS Teams. Examples include Board meetings, Committee meetings of the Board, School Council, Home & School Association meetings, and Expulsion meetings, etc.

Access to Technology

Devices will not be distributed in time for Monday. HWDSB is planning to initiate the process for device deployment should strike action continue. On Monday, we will begin to gather information for a device deployment process.

Students who use and require a device through Specialized Services will receive it on Friday, November 18 to take home.

Parents, guardians and caregivers who would be unable to engage in remote learning as of Monday, November 21 because they do not have a device should inform the classroom educator as soon as possible.

Online resources for Remote Learning are listed below and paper packages will be available at the school upon request.

• Independent learning activities: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/learn-at-home/
• Elementary Remote Learning Program resources: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/remotelearning/resources/
• Families whose child is supported by Specialized Services can access:
  • Learning4Success: https://learning4success.commons.hwdsb.on.ca/
  • Centre for Success: https://centreforsuccess.commons.hwdsb.on.ca/
  • Enrichment and Innovation Centre Resources: https://gifted.commons.hwdsb.on.ca/

We remain committed to the well-being, safety, and learning of HWDSB students.

We are hopeful that a deal will be reached to prevent any potential service disruption and that students can continue to learn in their school buildings.

The HWDSB Labour Updates web page is updated to reflect current information: (https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/labour-update/). Families can expect direct communication as updates become available.

Sincerely,

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini

Director of Education