No extracurriculars for public elementary school students

It is not the news public school students and their parents were hoping for.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario announced late this afternoon “no change” in the union’s position over extracurriculars, so students at public elementary schools won’t have them back for some time.

Education minister Liz Sandals responded to the teacher’s union announcement, saying “the government is pleased with the commitment by (ETFO) to continue to work with the government to find meaningful ways to address the issues facing the education sector. But it is disappointed that ETFO has decided not to resume the voluntary provision of extracurricular activities at this time.”

“Extracurricular activities enrich the educational experience of both students and teachers… to ensure progress we need to have strong, collaborative partnerships with teachers and the education sector.”

“We have worked hard to repair relationships with the education sector, and we will continue to engage in this process. We have had many constructive conversations with ETFO, and look forward to more in the future.”

Here’s how Tory education critic Lisa MacLeod responded to the ETFO announcement.