Thursday, November 3, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As a follow up to the email you received on Monday, October 31, 2022, I am writing to provide an update and some additional information about the potential withdrawal of services by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on Friday, November 4, 2022.  

You may have seen in the media that the situation has continued to evolve over the past several days. A few minutes ago, it was announced that discussions between the Province and CUPE have ended. At this point, it remains unknown whether the Keeping Students in Class Act will come into effect by Friday, however CUPE has been consistent in its messaging that labour action will proceed.  

With this in mind, we want to ensure that families are prepared and know what to expect if this job action proceeds. Unless we receive information to the contrary by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, we will proceed as though the CUPE job action is happening tomorrow, and we will CLOSE all HCDSB school buildings to students on Friday, November 4th .  

What to Expect if CUPE Job Action Proceeds on Friday, November 4th 

As previously communicated, if CUPE proceeds with either a full withdrawal of services or a day of protest on Friday, November 4, 2022:  

  • All HCDSB school buildings will be CLOSED to students. 
  • We will move to asynchronous instruction.
    • Teachers will communicate lessons and expectations via the learning platform or by providing learning materials for students to take home. 
    • No synchronous (real-time) instruction will take place on this day.  
    • For students with special education needs, schools will communicate with parents/guardians to facilitate the distribution of any materials and/or SEA devices for students to support their asynchronous learning at home on Friday. 
  • Students enrolled at St. Clare of Assisi Virtual Catholic Elementary School or the Virtual program offered through St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Secondary School will continue to learn virtually.  
  • All Before & After School programs are CANCELLED.  
  • Childcare centres will remain OPEN as they run independently from our schools.  
  • All student transportation to and from school will be CANCELLED. 
  • All interschool athletics will be POSTPONED. 
  • At the secondary school level, OFSAA Cross Country will CONTINUE. 
  • Community use of schools are CANCELLED in all schools maintained by CUPE custodial staff. View the list of HCDSB schools that will be closed for community rentals from November 4 through November 7, 2022.  
  • All International and Indigenous Language Elementary (IILE) classes on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th will be DELIVERED ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUSLY. More information about your child鈥檚 lessons will be sent to parents through email. 

Information Updates

We are monitoring this situation very closely and will continue to provide updates to families and staff as new information becomes available.  

A message will be sent to all staff and families by 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, confirming the final plan, either way. 

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding during this period of job action. 

John Klein 
Director of Education

More Information

Labour Negotiations