As School District 43 prepares for another day of walkouts Thursday, superintendent Tom Grant is advising parents to keep their children home from school while teachers are striking.
Thursday's walkout is expected to be a repeat of job action last Wednesday, when school administrators reported to school but teachers and support workers did not.
Grant said schools were quiet last Wednesday and no children showed up but a letter has gone out to parents reminding them of the rotating strikes that are taking place this week.
In addition to day-long strikes taking place in districts across the province, a partial lockout has been implemented by the BC Public School Employers' Association restricting paid hours teachers can work. That means extracurricular activities are not taking place in some schools and some field trips are being cancelled.
Grant said graduation ceremonies are still taking place at high schools, including ceremonies at Pinetree and Dr. Charles Best on the weekend. To make sure they run smoothly, he said, elementary and middle school principals are helping.
StrongStart programs will also be closed on Thursday and a family supports drop-in at Coquitlam's Alderson elementary is also cancelled, although some programs are stepping up to fill in the gaps.
Place des Arts in Coquitlam is holding a Day of the Arts from 8:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with optional after-hours care. Registration can be done online at www.placedesarts.ca.
