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All Simcoe County Catholic elementary, secondary schools to close Tuesday

'With the absence of these employees we cannot reasonably proceed with classes or provide a safe learning environment for students,' official says in letter to parents
2019-12-04 Orillia OSSTF strike 5
Members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation took part in a one-day strike Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, outside Orillia Secondary School. Nathan Taylor/OrilliaMatters File Photo

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) is participating in a province-wide one-day strike on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

As a result, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) announced this afternoon that all elementary and secondary schools will be closed that day.

In Collingwood, this will include Jean Vanier Catholic High School and St. Mary's Catholic School. 

The board sent a letter home to parents today, signed by Brian Beal, the director of education. Here's what the letter said:

We have been given notice by OECTA, who represents our elementary, secondary and occasional teachers, that they are participating in a province-wide one day strike on Tuesday, Jan.21.

This will result in the closure of all SMCDSB elementary and secondary schools. This includes the cancellation of buses and before and after programming.

All classes will resume as normal on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

At the SMCDSB, OECTA represents 1,800 teachers. With the absence of these employees we cannot reasonably proceed with classes or provide a safe learning environment for students.

Leading up to and following this one-day strike, both OECTA and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, who collectively represent teachers, educational assistants, designated early childhood educators, office and clerical and maintenance staff at our board, will continue with their previously announced job action, including a limited withdrawal of services.

We know that school closures are difficult for students and families. We continue to hope and pray that fairly negotiated settlements are reached soon. In the meantime, we are committed to providing our families with updates as they become available.