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Labour Update – All Schools Closed Friday, February 21

Feb 14, 2020

All Schools Closed Friday, February 21

Due to a one-day province wide strike by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), ALL schools – Elementary, Secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre will be closed to students on Friday, February 21.

All schools will reopen to students on Monday, February 24.

Feb 7, 2020

Secondary and Adult Ed OPEN Thursday, February 13

All Lakehead Public Schools secondary schools and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be OPEN on Thursday, February 13.

Our Secondary Schools and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre will not be impacted by the strike action on Thursday, February 13.

Due to strikes by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), all ELEMENTARY schools will be CLOSED to students on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13.

Feb 6 2020

Elementary Schools Closed on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13 for ETFO Strikes

Due to strikes by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), all ELEMENTARY schools will be CLOSED to students on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13.

Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements for Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13. All child care centres located in elementary schools will remain open.

The ETFO strikes on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13 will not impact the Kickstart Programs. The programs will continue to run on these days and parents and guardians will be responsible for transportation.

All Lakehead Public Schools Secondary schools will be OPEN on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13 with busing available as per usual practice.

The Lakehead Adult Education Centre will be OPEN on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13.

Feb 1 2020
Talks between the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the province broke down last evening.

As a result, ETFO strikes will occur on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6. All elementary schools will be CLOSED to students. Secondary schools and The Lakehead Adult Education Centre will be OPEN on these two days with transportation available to secondary students as per usual practice.

All Elementary, Secondary and the Adult Education Centre, will be CLOSED to students on Tuesday, February 4 due to a one-day strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).

January 31

Kick Start Program Update
Due to the OSSTF one-day strike, all Kickstart programs will be cancelled on Tuesday, February 4.

The ETFO strikes on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 will not impact the Kickstart Programs. The programs will continue to run on these days.

***Parents and guardians will be responsible for transportation to and from Kickstart Programs on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6***

January 30, 2020

Important Strike Information for Secondary and Elementary Families

All Schools Closed for One Day OSSTF Strike Tuesday, February 4

Due to a one-day strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), all schools, Elementary, Secondary and the Adult Education Centre, will be CLOSED to students on Tuesday, February 4.

Secondary schools and the Adult Education Centre re-open with transportation to resume as per normal practice on Wednesday, February 5.

Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s), Student Support Professionals (SSP’s), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

All Elementary Schools Closed for ETFO Strikes on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6

If an agreement between the province and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is not reached by Friday, January 31, all elementary schools will be CLOSED to students on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 in addition to the one-day OSSTF strike on Tuesday, February 4.

Elementary schools will re-open with transportation to resume as per normal practice on Friday, February 7.

 

January 28, 2020

Elementary Schools Closed on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 for ETFO Strikes

Due to strikes by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), all ELEMENTARY schools will be CLOSED to students on Wednesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 6 . The strikes will occur if an agreement between ETFO and the province is not achieved by Friday, January 31.

Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements for Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6. All child care centres located in elementary schools will remain open.

All Lakehead Public Schools Secondary schools will be OPEN on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 with busing available as per usual practice.

The Lakehead Adult Education Centre will be OPEN on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6.

All ELEMENTARY schools will re-open with transportation to resume as per normal practice on Friday, February 7.

January 22, 2020

Dear Lakehead Public Schools Families,

As you are aware, Lakehead Public Schools elementary and secondary teachers are currently participating in a province-wide legal job action.

The provincial job action will have an impact on the following:

Elementary Term One Report Cards

Regular assessment practices will continue. However due to job sanctions this term, elementary teachers are writing and providing marks, but they are not inputting them electronically. Due to these circumstances, we are unable to provide parents/guardians with Term One Report Cards for elementary students. Parents/guardians can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress.

Kindergarten Communication of Learning

Due to the job action, families will not receive the Kindergarten Communication of Learning this term. Parents/guardians can contact their child’s Kindergarten teacher and/or designated early childhood educator to discuss their child’s progress.

Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

IEPs will be updated by teachers but will not be provided to families at this time. Parents/guardians can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress.

Parent/Teacher Interview Night

Parent/ Teacher Interview Night will not take place but parents/guardians can contact their child’s teacher to learn about their child’s progress.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact the principal of your school.

Elementary Schools Closed on January 23 for One-Day ETFO Strike
Due to a one-day strike by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), all ELEMENTARY schools will be CLOSED to students on Thursday, January 23.
Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements for Thursday, January 23. All child care centres located in elementary schools will remain open.
All Lakehead Public Schools Secondary schools will be OPEN for exams on Thursday January 23 with busing available as per usual practice.
The Lakehead Adult Education Centre will be OPEN on Thursday, January 23.
All ELEMENTARY schools will re-open with transportation and activities to resume as per normal practice on Monday, January 27 due to the Friday, January 24 Elementary School Professional Activity (PA) Day.

January 17

All Schools OPEN Tuesday, January 21

All Lakehead Public Schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be OPEN on Tuesday, January 21.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) have scheduled one day strikes at selected locations across the province on Tuesday, January 21.

Lakehead Public Schools is NOT one of the Boards that will be impacted by the one day strikes.

January 10

All Schools OPEN Wednesday, January 15

All Lakehead Public Schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be OPEN on Wednesday, January 15.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has scheduled a one day strike at selected locations across the province on Wednesday, January 15.

Lakehead Public Schools is NOT one of the Boards that will be impacted by the one day strike.

January 9

Grade 9 EQAO Math Assessment

Due to labour sanctions by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), Lakehead Public Schools will not be participating in the EQAO Grade 9 EQAO Math Assessment at this time.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of Lakehead Public Schools families.

January 6

All Schools OPEN Wednesday, January 8

All Lakehead Public Schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be OPEN on Wednesday, January 8.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has scheduled a one day strike at selected locations across the province on Wednesday, January 8

Lakehead Public Schools is NOT one of the Boards that will be impacted by the one day strike.

Wednesday, December 18

All Schools Open December 19

ALL schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education, will be open on Thursday, December 19 with transportation and activities resuming as per normal practice.

Thank you for your patience.

Tuesday, December 17

Schools Closed for One Day OSSTF Strike

Due to a one-day strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), all schools, Elementary, Secondary and the Adult Education Centre, will be closed to students on Wednesday, December 18.

Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s), Student Support Professionals (SSP’s), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

In addition to all schools being closed, the following will be cancelled on Wednesday, December 18:

  • all field trips, including trips to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre;
  • all co-op placements;
  • all transportation;
  • all before and after school programs; and
  • all sports and co-curricular activities and practices, scheduled for before and after school hours.

The Reino Niemi Memorial Wrestling Tournament date has been changed from Wednesday, December 18 to Thursday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. The Elementary Intermediate Boys’ Volleyball Tournament will now be held on Thursday, December 19.

All schools will re-open with transportation and activities to resume as per normal practice on Thursday, December 19.

 

Friday, December 13

Potential One Day OSSTF Strike – December 18

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has scheduled a one-day strike on Wednesday, December 18 if an agreement with the province is not achieved before that date. Talks between the OSSTF and the provincial government are scheduled for Monday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 17.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Student Support Professionals (SSPs), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

If the one-day strike is to occur, all Lakehead Public Schools (elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre) will be closed to students on Wednesday, December 18. Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements if the strike occurs. All daycares located in elementary schools will remain open.

All Community Use permits are being reviewed for Wednesday, December 18.

Additionally, the following will be cancelled if the one-day strike occurs on Wednesday, December 18:
– all field trips, including trips to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre;
– all transportation;
– all before and after school programs; and
– all sports and co-circular activities and practices, scheduled for before and after school hours.

Parents/guardians are urged to monitor the news, the Lakehead Public Schools website and social media.

Labour News

December 10

ETFO Moves to Phase 2

Ontario Boards have been notified that the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) have begun Phase 2 of a withdrawal of service.

Details here – https://etfocb.ca/strike-protocol-work-to-rule-phase-2/

December 6

All Schools OPEN Wednesday, December 11

All Lakehead Public Schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be OPEN on Wednesday, December 11.

Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has scheduled a one day strike at nine school boards across the province on Wednesday, December 11. .

Lakehead Public Schools is NOT one of the Boards that will be impacted by the one day strike.

December 5

All Schools Open December 5

ALL schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education, will be open on Thursday, December 5 with transportation and activities resuming as per normal practice.

Thank you for your patience.

December 4

Schools Closed for Province-Wide One Day OSSTF Strike

Due to a province-wide one day strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), all schools, Elementary, Secondary and the Adult Education Centre, will be closed to students on Wednesday, December 4.

Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s), Student Support Professionals (SSP’s), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

In addition to all schools being closed, the following will be cancelled on Wednesday, December 4:

– all field trips, including trips to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre;

– all co-op placements;

– all community use permits;

– all transportation;

– all before and after school programs; and

– all sports and co-curricular activities and practices, scheduled for before and after school hours.

The secondary school DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) oral test scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 has been postponed. The test will now be held on Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6 due to the availability of test markers.

All schools will re-open with transportation and activities to resume as per normal practice on Thursday, December 5.

December 3

Talks continuing

Talks between the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and the province are continuing today, Tuesday, December 3. OSSTF has scheduled a province-wide one day strike on Wednesday, December 4 if an agreement with the province is not achieved.

Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s), Student Support Professionals (SSP’s), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

All schools, elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre, will be closed to students if the one day strike occurs.

If an agreement is not reached and the strike is to occur, notification to parents/guardians and stakeholders will occur as soon as we receive official notification. As with weather closures, notification will be no later than 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4. Strike related information will be shared via text, media release, website and social media (Twitter and Facebook) postings. Additionally, parents/guardians are urged to monitor local news.

Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements if the strike occurs.

All daycares located in elementary schools will remain open.

In addition to all schools closing on Wednesday, December 4, the following will be cancelled:

– all field trips, including trips to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre;

– all co-op placements;

– all community use permits;

– all transportation;

– all before and after school programs; and

– all sports and co-curricular activities and practices, scheduled for before and after school hours.

The secondary school DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) oral test scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 has been postponed. The test will now be held on Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6 due to the availability of test markers.

November 29

Potential Province-Wide One Day OSSTF Strike

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has scheduled a province-wide one day strike on Wednesday, December 4 if an agreement with the province is not achieved before that date. Talks between the OSSTF and the provincial government are scheduled to resume this weekend.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Student Support Professionals (SSPs), Adult and Continuing Education Teachers and Secondary Teachers at Lakehead Public Schools are represented by OSSTF.

If the one day strike is to occur, all Lakehead Public Schools (elementary, secondary and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre) will be closed to students on Wednesday, December 4. Parents/guardians should make alternate arrangements if the strike occurs. All daycares located in elementary schools will remain open.

All Community Use permits for Wednesday, December 4 have been cancelled.

Additionally, the following will be cancelled if the province-wide one day strike occurs on Wednesday, December 4:

– all field trips, including trips to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre;

– all transportation;

– all before and after school programs; and

– all sports and co-circular activities and practices, scheduled for before and after school hours.

The secondary school DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) oral test scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 will be postponed. The new test date will be communicated to students.

Parents/guardians are urged to monitor the news, the Lakehead Public Schools website and social media.

November 28, 2019

Labour Update

The provincial OSSTF executive committee announced today that a one day strike will be held on Wednesday December 4, 2019.

We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.

November 26

Labour Update

November 26, 2019

While a provincial agreement has been reached with staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), agreements with a number of other unions and federations have not been reached and two groups have initiated job action starting November 26, 2019.

At this time, schools will continue to:

– Remain open

– Ensure students and staff are safe

– Ensure student learning continues

Individual Union and Federation Updates:

Secondary Teachers, Adult and Continuing Education Teachers, Student Support Professionals (SSP’s) and Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s)

– Secondary Teachers, Adult and Continuing Education Teachers, Student Support Professionals (SSP’s) and Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s) represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 6A Bargaining Unit will begin information pickets and limited withdrawal of administrative services on Tuesday, November 26.

For more information on the job action, please visit the OSSTF website at: https://www.osstf.on.ca/news/mr-nov-21-2019.aspx

Information for Crossing an Information Picket Lines

OSSTF has indicated that their members will not be holding up vehicles as they enter and exit school board premises. That being said, please review the following information in case a picket line is present at a school entrance or exit.

Students and their families have the right to cross picket lines without harassment or intimidation. At the same time, OSSTF members will be exercising their legal right to provide information to people crossing the information picket line.

Please be respectful in all interactions with staff.

Recommended Procedures When Crossing an Information Picket Line:

  • Students and their families crossing the information picket line are legally obliged to do so in a manner that does not endanger the life or safety of any person.
  • If you are driving into a school parking lot, approach the information picket line as you would a busy intersection.
  • Come to a full stop, watch for an opening and exercise caution before proceeding.
  • Whether you are driving or walking across the information picket line, you may be stopped by a person on the picket line for a short period of time so that they can provide information about the strike. Be patient and proceed when the person on the picket line is finished with the presentation.
  • Keep personal biases and emotions in check. Be friendly or neutral.
  • The police have no authority in the dispute unless there is a breach of the peace or a criminal offence such as causing a disturbance or intimidation. If there is the possibility of a physical altercation, do not become involved. Report any safety concerns about picket activities to your school principal.

If you are driving across the information picket line to leave the school, please only make right hand turns on to the street.

Other considerations:

  • In an effort to reduce traffic issues at picketed sites, please consider arranging carpools for the drive to and from school.
  • If at all possible, please avoid unnecessary departures and arrivals from the school.
  • If you do not feel comfortable crossing the information picket line, you may park your vehicle on the street as long as it is legally parked. Please do not park in private lots or block driveways/lane-ways. We have been told by Thunder Bay Police that illegally parked cars will be ticketed.

Elementary Teachers

Elementary Teachers represented by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will begin Phase 1 of a withdrawal of services Tuesday, November 26.

For a full list of sanctions, please visit the ETFO website at: https://etfocb.ca/strike-protocol-work-to-rule-phase-1/