Teachers issue clarification about report cards

The following news release was issued today under the letterhead of the Algoma District Elementary Teachers Federation, whose members are in a legal strike position:

***************************************************************** Clarification to parents regarding report cards

In response to concerns about report cards Algoma District Elementary Teachers Federation local president Gayle Manley, today issued the following clarification:

"While the Algoma teachers are in a legal strike position, they have decided not to withdraw their services at this point, and to continue negotiations, but to enforce a 'work to rule' job action.

As the first measure adopted, teachers have announced that they will not issue comments on the report cards due to be released the week of March 24th.

This will mean that your child's report card has marks which provide an accurate assessment of each child's progress at this time.

Report cards should be issued at the usual time with marks in the usual place, but there will be no comments accompanying the mark.

Parents who contact the school, can arrange for a parent teacher interview in order to discuss the marks and the student's progress.

Algoma teachers value open and direct communication with parents.

We are always willing to meet and talk with parents.

We have chosen this job action because it has the least impact on the children in our system.

We want to remain in our classes with the children."