The Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) strike has officially ended, with Montreal's two main school service centers confirming on Saturday that students' return to class will indeed take place on January 9th.
Published at 11:03 am. Updated at 11:29 a.m
An education day will be held the day before, January 8, at the facilities of the Montreal School Service Center (CSSDM) and the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Center (CSSMB), the two organizations announced on Saturday.
This day is intended to allow school teams to “prepare for the harmonious return of students, including the learning catch-up plan,” the CSSDM specified in an email to parents on Saturday.
Preschool and primary school children who have already registered for childcare for that day can be welcomed to their school as planned, it said.
The next day, dinner and meals as well as the food assistance program will be available as usual. However, parents of secondary school students are asked to plan lunch for their children on the first day, as operations in the canteens must gradually resume.
Student transportation is also available, except for students whose service has already been interrupted by a labor dispute with one of our private transportation companies. “A specific communication will be sent to the parents affected by this situation,” indicates the CSSDM.
“The reopening of our schools is an opportunity for students to consolidate their learning and for us to pursue the most beautiful mission: to help them advance, thrive and succeed,” explains the CSSDM.
Future arrangements
At the CSSMB it is noted that “the modalities related to the return to school (daycare, transport, extracurricular activities, cafeteria, internships, etc.) and the services offered in the primary sector will be determined during the Education Day on January 8th.” in sent to parents and adult students the week of January 1.”
For its part, the Laval CSS indicated on Friday that it was still “noting the different modalities surrounding the return to classes”. Details on the resumption of classes must be communicated “no later than January 5th,” he announced, already confirming that January 8th would also be an education day in his institutions.
Students attending schools in the Greater Montreal area endured a 22-day strike in late November due to pressure tactics by Autonomous Education Federation teachers.
The union finally agreed with Quebec this week on the terms of a proposed global settlement, which was presented to its delegates, who then ratified it. A formal agreement in principle was announced, which resulted in a suspension of pressure tactics.