School District No. 63 (Saanich)
Saanich Schools
2125 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, BC, Canada V8M 2A5 (250) 652‐7300 Fax: (250) 652‐6421
May 20, 2014
Important Message to all parents and students in the SD63 Saanich School community:
Over the last few months, teachers in British Columbia have been engaged in negotiations with the
BC Public Schools Employers’ Association (the bargaining agent for government), for a new contract
of employment. The parties have not been able to come to an agreement on a number of issues,
including salaries and class size and composition.
On Tuesday, May 20 the BC Teachers’ Federation announced that teachers would begin rotating
strikes starting next week. We are letting parents and students know that schools in Saanich will be
behind picket lines on Tuesday May 27, 2014. Classes will be in session until that day and starting
again on May 28. We will do our best to keep you informed about the following week and whether or
not rotating strikes are continuing.
The School District encourages parents, students and volunteers not to cross picket lines on May 27
as no instruction or any other activities will be taking place. Our other union employees (CUPE) will
very likely respect picket lines, so we cannot confirm that there be any bus transportation service on
May 27.
Some School District 63 facilities will be open and operating but are limited to:
* Before and after school child care
* Cordova Bay 55+ Seniors Centre
* Royal Oak and North Saanich Middle School Neighbourhood of Learning Centre activities
Other community use contracts are cancelled for that day.
We encourage parents to make alternative arrangements for their children on May 27. We thank you
for your patience and look forward to a speedy resolution to this matter.
Yours truly,
Nancy Macdonald
Superintendent of Schools
NM/klg