Elementary schools to be closed to students on Friday, January 11, 2013

Elementary schools to be closed to students on Friday, January 11, 2013
Posted on 01/11/2013

Public elementary teachers in Ontario will stage a one-day political protest in the form of a full-day walkout on Friday, January 11, 2013.

Parent letter about the political protest by elementary teachers (pdf)

Locally, this affects all elementary schools in Hastings and Prince Edward. It is being directed by the provincial Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and is in response to the provincial government imposing collective agreements on ETFO.

In the interest of student safety, and in accordance with section 19 of the Education Act, all elementary schools will be closed to students on Friday, January 11, 2013. Parents/guardians should not send their elementary children to school on Friday, January 11. Even though buses will be running for other schools, children who attend Hastings and Prince Edward elementary schools should not go on the bus. The school day will return to normal on Monday, January 14, 2013.

"Our focus remains on student safety, well-being and achievement. We thank our parents and guardians for their patience and understanding as we work through this complex situation," stated Rob McGall, Director of Education.

Secondary schools will remain open on Friday and the buses will run, as usual. Secondary school students (Grade 9 to 12) are expected to attend classes.

Should this situation change between now and Friday, another news release will be sent out.

For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]