The looming start of the withdrawal of volunteer and extra-curricular supports by Saskatchewan teacher has already triggered action. The Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association announced on March 10 that, barring the cessation of sanctions, this year’s high school provincial basketball season would come to an end. 

Already communication with parents is being undertaken by the Horizon School Division and other divisions across the province. Links to access released documents pertaining to the job action are up on Horizon’s website.  With no scheduled talks between teachers and the government-trustee bargaining team, it is likely that this weekend’s regional basketball playdowns and the provincial competition, Hoopla, will be cancelled.

Director of Education for the Horizon School Division, Kevin Garinger, spoke on the potential cancellation of the sporting season and other events.

“Our schools and our teachers are involved in that level of work. They take on these responsibilities voluntarily. At the same time, that withdrawal of extracurricular responsibility is part of the sanction. There would be no possibility to have those types of events move forward.”

Other types of events that may fall under the sanction would be band trips or possibly ski trips. While these may be educational in nature, they would fall outside the school hours guidelines and would still be considered extra-curricular. 

Garinger reiterated that instructional day supervision from 15 minutes before the commencement of school until 15 minutes after the regular school day, including noon hours, would continue to be handled by teachers. 

“We reminded parents to ensure that the students do not arrive before 15 minutes prior to morning classes beginning and not remain until 15 minutes after the last bell. We’ve been working with transportation to ensure that any situation that would have busses at our schools earlier than 15 minutes would have students remain on the bus.”

Transportation services will be adjusted to minimize the possibilities of early arrivals according to Garinger. Parent-teacher interviews are considered part of the instructional process and will be going on as scheduled in area schools.

Garinger, on behalf of the Division, recognizes that the situation, including the potential loss of the sporting events, has an all-around impact.

“We need to be respectful of the process. There are many, many hours that teachers put in outside of the regular instructional time. I know that it’s hard on our kids; it’s certainly hard on our educators as well, but at the same time, it’s all part of the process that is collective bargaining.”

Parents, students, and stakeholders can stay up to date on the Division’s website at horizonsd.ca. School offices may be able to answer questions specific to school events. Other inquiries can be directed to the Division Office.