Coast Mountains School District officials are warning parents about a potential student walkout this morning.
The possibility of a walkout by students protesting the ongoing contract dispute between teachers and the provincial government is a subject of widespread social media comment around the province.
In a June 3 notice sent by the school district, to parents and guardians are being told that while it is responsible for the safety of students while on school property, “student safety cannot be guaranteed for students participating in walkout activities outside of school property, even if those activities take place during school hours.”
The notice, distributed over the signature of school superintendent Katherine McIntosh, did say it respects “the voice of students and their legitimate right to share their concerns ….”
“We would ask that you please have a conversation with your children regarding your expectations as it relates to tomorrow's proposed walkout.”
Students at schools elsewhere have already left their classrooms.
Today's potential walkout comes in advance of a second strike day by Coast Mountains school teachers on Friday, June 6.
The strike day is a continuation of rotating strikes across the province.
Coast Mountains teachers held their first strike day on May 26.
Teachers and the province cannot agree on wage increases and teachers are additionally pressing the province to lower class sizes and to provide more assistance for students with special needs.