**This email was sent to all members of the NBTF.**
NBTF advocating for appropriate measures in schools
The NBTF Executive Committee met on Saturday, January 15, 2022. During this meeting, several measures were identified to allow for a SAFE return to in-person learning soon after January 31.As a result, the NBTF is asking the employer to implement an operationally sound plan, which:
- Provides access to KN95 masks (or equivalent) for all teachers and any other personal protective equipment recommended by Public Health.
- Provides access to rapid testing kits.
- Makes public any available information on ventilation in New Brunswick schools.
- Reintroduces smaller class sizes to allow for physical distancing and minimal contacts.
- Redeploys and hires additional qualified human resources to meet the operational needs of schools.
- Sets parameters around what is acceptable staffing standards required for schools to remain open.
- Continues to encourage and prioritize teachers’ access to booster shots and student’s vaccination.
In the meantime, it is also critical in order for schools to operate safely and efficiently that school administrators have the discretion to determine which and how many students can continue in-person learning in their schools.Also, an explanation is required by the employer as to why paragraph 5 of the COVID-19 mandatory order dated January 14, 2022, does not apply to teachers. This order clearly states that “schools, colleges, universities and private schools must cease in classroom learning and move to virtual/online learning.”In order to protect the mental health of staff, students and families, we also ask that there be no further discussions of changes to the 2021-22 school calendar. To further support teachers, the Minister Cardy will be asked to generate a report on the increased number of teachers experiencing burnout in our schools since the beginning of the pandemic and provide an action plan on how this will be addressed. The NBTF wishes to remind members that the agreement with the employer regarding reassignments and leaves related to COVID-19 remains in place. (Refer to NBTF Newslettter – September 2021)For any questions related to your working conditions, please do not hesitate to contact the NBTF at 1-888-679-7044 or nbtf-fenb@nbtffenb.ca. Connie Keating and Nathalie BrideauNBTF Co-Presidents