Impending strike/industrial action scheduled for Wednesday 15 August.

The NZEI has advised the East Taieri School Board of Trustees that the principal and all teachers at our school will be taking strike action for the full day on Wednesday 15 August 2018.

The Board has carefully considered the availability of alternative teaching staff, and unfortunately concluded that we cannot provide the normal teaching services during the strike.

It is important that you make alternative arrangements for the care of your child/children on the day of the strike, 15th August as our school will be closed during the strike.

I know that this is inconvenient for parents and students alike, but please be assured that student safety is our main concern. This decision  has not been taken lightly. The following issues need to be addressed if we are able to recruit and retain teachers:

- Adequate resourcing and support for students with special needs or learning challenges

- Staffing entitlements that allow enough time to plan and teach quality programmes

- Salary offers that ensure teaching is a valued and attractive profession.

The Board of Trustees supports our teachers' views in relation to this matter, and supports the taking of industrial action. It is regrettable that such steps are required, given the disruption and inconvenience it will cause for our school community.

Please contact Jennifer Horgan or myself if you have any queries relating to this decision.

Yours sincerely

Jason Esplin

Chairperson

East Taieri School Board of Trustees