Dear Parents and Guardians, 

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an update on Summer School (https://summer.vsb.bc.ca)

As you are aware, the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) have reached an impasse with regard to negotiating a new contract and, as a result the BCTF escalated to a full-scale strike. On June 25, the BCTF announced that if there is no settlement by June 30, 2014, then summer school sites will be picketed.

A decision on summer school will be made on July 3, 2014.

1. If there is a settlement, all summer school programs in Vancouver will start on Monday July 7

(This includes Secondary Completion Program courses originally scheduled for July 2).

2. If there is no settlement, summer school programs and courses will not operate*

The likelihood of pickets at our summer school sites will have an impact on the school district's ability to operate summer programs and courses. While the sites will remain open, we do not anticipate that unionized staff will cross the picket lines. As a result, we will not be able to supervise students or offer instruction for the summer school courses and programs. We encourage parents to not send their children to summer school courses and programs and seek alternate childcare arrangements as needed.

* An application by BCPSEA to have the Secondary Remedial Program declared an essential service is currently before the Labour Relations Board (LRB).  A decision on this specific program operating or not will be made once we know the outcome of the LRB hearing.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steve Cardwell

Superintendent of Schools

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