Teachers to Withdraw Extracurricular Activities for One Day Provincewide

On Monday, February 26 Saskatchewan teachers will withdraw all extracurricular activities for the day, provincewide. Extracurricular activities include sports, drama, music, band, science clubs, intramurals, rehearsals, student leadership activities, planning for graduation celebrations, book fairs, and other clubs and activities. All extracurricular activities that take place before school, during lunch hour, after school and in the evening are included.

“Teachers are passionate about the work we do to support students in classrooms and within the school community. We never want to be in a situation where opportunities for students are impacted; however, this government has left us no other options,” says Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte. “Beginning with a one-day withdrawal of these services is not something that we take lightly. Government needs to recognize the magnitude of the situation they have caused and continue to contribute to, get serious, and return to the table ready to bargain on the real issues impacting Saskatchewan students. Once again, I encourage parents, families and community members to reach out to their MLAs, the Minister of Education and the Premier to voice their concerns.”

Monday, February 26 will also see the continuation of rotating noon-hour supervision withdrawals. Withdrawal of noon-hour supervision means teachers will not be available to supervise students who are eating lunch at school or taking part in noon-hour activities. Although teachers often provide lunch break supervision, it is done on a voluntary basis. Student supervision is the responsibility of the school division and supervisors are not required to be teachers. Withdrawal of noon-hour supervision will involve teachers who are members of the following local associations:

• Northern Area Teachers’ Association – All schools in Northern Lights School Division
• North West Teachers’ Association – All schools in Northwest School Division
• Prairie South Teachers’ Association – All schools in Prairie South School Division
• Saskatoon Teachers’ Association – All schools in Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
• Tri-West Teachers’ Association – All schools in Living Sky School Division, Light of Christ Catholic School Division and Sakewew High School (North Battleford).

Parents and caregivers are invited to attend a Parent and Caregiver Information Night being offered virtually through Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 26. STF President Samantha Becotte will provide information about the status of contract negotiations and teacher job action as part of this virtual event. Space is limited to 5,000 registrants, and registration is available on the STF website.