It was only a handful of about 30 Richmond High secondary students, who came to their school on Wednesday to lend support to striking teachers, but their message was a powerful one, nevertheless.
“We’re a part of this, it’s not just the teachers or government, it’s also the students. I’m graduating this year and have just two days left of school. I still feel for the younger generations — I have a younger sister — and this needs to be fixed,” said Tristan Durrad, who helped rally his fellow students along Minoru Boulevard and Moffat Road, in step with their teachers, soliciting honks from passing cars with signs of support.
Fellow Grade 12 student Florence Fong said the vibe in the school is depressed and students, like herself, are lacking motivation.
“It’s difficult to find the motivation when school is interrupted,” said Fong.
As a result of the three days of (rotating) strikes in as many weeks in Richmond, students have lost class time as exams approach. Also, a partial lockout of teachers by the government has resulted in several disruptions, according to many students the Richmond News spoke to; teachers have to leave school property during recess and lunch and can’t be at school 45 minutes before or after class times.
“It’s kind of sad that we can’t talk to them. And after school it’s limited to 45 minutes,” said Grade 12 student Emily Chow, who said she misses the personal connections.
One connection that was missed happened at the school’s graduation ceremony at the Chan Centre in Vancouver. Teachers were not allowed in the centre, as the school district had rented it. The lowlight for them came when they missed a paralyzed student walk across the stage, with assistance.
Also, students have voiced concerns that their dry grad celebration could be affected if teachers can’t help organize it.
Barring a settlement between the BC Teachers’ Federation and the provincial government today could mark the last day of classes for students. Teachers plan to start picketing full-time on Tuesday and Monday will be classified as a “study day,” as part of its limited job actions. The study day will see teachers gather off school premises.
BCTF president Jim Iker announced the full-scale strike notice on Wednesday following a record turnout of teachers who voted 86 per cent in favour of such action. All in all close to 33,400 out of the province’s 41,000 teachers voted.
“With this vote, B.C. teachers have sent a very strong message to Christy Clark and her government,” said Iker.
Meanwhile the Labour Relations Board has stipulated that provincial exams and report cards for seniors must be marked as they are now considered essential services.
“That means students in Grades 10 to 12 will be able to write their exams as scheduled and Grade 12 students will receive their final marks in a timely manner,” wrote Minister of Education Peter Fassbender in an online statement on Thursday.
Both sides are claiming to want a settlement by June 30. Teachers contest they need lower class sizes and more help in the classroom for special needs students. Both sides also remain apart on wages and length of contract.
@WestcoastWood
