February 28, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), which represents Catholic teachers in Ontario has advised the Board that, in the absence of a provincial agreement at the central bargaining table, its members will participate in a legal one-day full withdrawal of services (full strike action) on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

The Board is committed to the safety and well being of all students and staff; therefore, all St. Clair Catholic elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Although other teachers’ federations and associations may take strike action at other Ontario school boards on different days, as of today, the only full strike action to impact St. Clair Catholic schools is Thursday, March 5, 2020.  Should there be a change you will be notified by direct email, through the Board and school websites and posts to Edsby and the Board’s Facebook and Twitter platforms.

We pray for a resolution to the impasse at the provincial bargaining table and that negotiators on all sides will be able to find common ground that will lead to a settlement that is fair for all.

In the meantime, please continue to check the Board website at www.st-clair.net for labour relations updates.

Sincerely,

Deb Crawford

Director of Education