This was the day I chose to speak to the principal Marcus Toneatto at SOSS.

Three subjects – Graduation 2014. Effect of strike/lockout on pupils. A planned student protest.

1. Last one first – Toneatto expects little student participation and gives notice that anyone not attending school Wednesday is marked down for skipping classes. The principal says a better way is not to lose more time but make a statement with action on Thursday. Teachers have announced Thursday this week is a one rotating strike day.

2. Effect of a labour management struggle on a school, its workers and students: nothing good says Toneatto and he has harsh criticism for the government/employer. The 10 percent docking of pay, locking out and restricting of activities by teachers is ridiculous and is hindering what is left of the final days of this year.

Provincial exams June 20-23-24. Who will conduct and mark exams?
Full lockout scheduled for June 25-26-27.

3. Graduation is going ahead as planned for Thursday June 26 with awards night two days earlier. Few teachers are expected to attend graduation while locked out with no likelihood of teacher speakers or volunteers. The many events will have to be organized and performed by administration, parents, volunteers and students. Toneatto says the volunteer help and participation of teachers in the past is appreciated and will never be forgotten.

All graduation events at SOSS this year in the gym and other venues like the one portrayed below.
The sign above in the atrium – makes you wonder what the writer of these words would say about the present situation.