21st November 2022
Dear Parent/Carer,
You may be aware that the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) has confirmed that contingency planning has been taking place following the announcement by the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) of strike action by their members on the following days:
- Wednesday 30th November 2022
- Thursday 1st December 2022
- Wednesday 11th January 2023
- Thursday 12th January 2023
- Wednesday 15th February 2023
- Thursday 16th February 2023
The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) issued a press release on Friday 18th November regarding potential contingency arrangements. I will be able to share with you the details of the approach we intend to take here at Ballakermeen once planning is finalised this week and I will communicate to you in the coming weeks regarding the arrangements for later potential strike dates in 2023.
As the scale of this strike action has not yet been confirmed, contingency planning has proven difficult, however as the press release stated, we are planning on the basis that every teacher who is a member of the NASUWT will strike on all six days. Whilst I fully appreciate that a potential school closure to some students will have a far-reaching impact, I feel it is important to provide you with advance notice so that you may prepare for the possibility that students may be asked to remain at home on the strike days.
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students will be at the heart of any decisions taken.
Thank you in anticipation of your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Mr G Corrin
Head Teacher