Work to Rule Affects Fall Fair Participation

DISTRICT (Staff) – According to a release from District School Board Ontario North East, New Liskeard Public School and Haileybury Public School will not be participating in this year’s New Liskeard Fair Parade.

The release reads :

“The Elementary Teachers’ Federation (ETFO) is currently in a work-to rule position, which impacts teachers’ participation in field trips. This Friday will mark the opening of the Fall Fair in New Liskeard. Regretfully, both New Liskeard Pubic School and Haileybury Public School will not be participating in this year’s parade. Letters have been sent home to parents.

“’Unfortunately, due to the labour situation we won’t be able to bus students to the

assembly point,’ says Director of Education, Linda Knight. ‘We’ve looked at other options, like volunteers, but with the timing and background checks required, it would take too long to complete. Without that support there is a risk to student safety.’

“’We recognize the Fall Fair in Temiskaming Shores is an important community event and this situation will present challenges for student attendance. The schools are providing free admission tickets, as usual,’” adds Board Chair Doug Shearer. “’Parents are more than welcome to take their children to the new assembly point, behind T.D.S.S. towards Scott Street. They can walk with their children down to the fair or sign their children out of school and take them to the fair in the afternoon.’”

“’Grade 7 and 8 students at Timiskaming District Secondary School will be given the option to attend the parade with parental permission (they will be accompanied by their Principal and Vice-Principal), or they can remain at the school with teachers.

“’Again, we recognize that the Fall Fair in Temiskaming Shores is a very significant

function,” adds Shearer, “…and we sincerely hope that parents can take their children and participate as usual in the opening parade.’”

More on this story can be found in the upcoming print issue of The Weekender.