STF advises teachers against volunteering for extracurricular activities

The union for Saskatchewan teachers is advising its members not to volunteer for extracurricular activities such as sports.

Patrick Maze, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, said those activities undermine efforts to keep students safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Whether it be sports or drama, all kinds of things that schools offer are really important," Maze said.

"However, at this time, with all the good work that's going on with cohorting students and block timetabling and staggered start and stop times, it just doesn't make sense to undo all of that good work for extracurricular offerings."

Deciding whether or not to proceed with such activities this school year has been left to each school division.

The STF said 18 divisions have already suspended extracurricular activities while Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools and the Northeast School Division plan to go ahead with those activities.

The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association has suspended all programs until Sept. 28 and Saskatoon high schools have put programs on hold for the fall. 

The Regina High Schools Athletics Association's tentative plan is to have some practices start in late September. Volleyball practices may begin in mid-October.

All teacher participation in extracurricular activities is strictly voluntary.

Maze said with the long gap since students have been in the classroom because of COVID-19, it's most important for teachers to focus on learning and safety.

He said that will allow everyone to adjust to the protective measures the school divisions have put in place.

'Doesn't feel like the right time' for extracurriculars

Elsie Hartnett is a Saskatoon mother of three, and a teacher who is taking time off to parent.

"I honestly think teachers are going to have to do so much extra prep for their classrooms because the entire year needs to be rethought," said Hartnett.

"Every teacher I'm talking to is completely overwhelmed with having to rethink their classroom management strategies. To add rethinking an entire extracurricular as well, and how to do that in COVID times and the liability if kids get sick on your watch and how scary that would be and how awful you would feel … it's huge." 

Hartnett says when she taught in Big River two years ago, she coached soccer and ran the art club at school, and also helped with the 4H Club. 

She said she thinks extracurricular activities are very important, but said she is happy the STF is telling teachers not to coach or run clubs this year. She said that way, they don't have to make the decision and may avoid judgment from people who want them to go ahead. 

Hartnett said her eldest daughter would've been in soccer, baseball, art and singing club this year at school if not for COVID-19. Instead, the whole family is taking a break from activities.

"Last year, I had my kids in music and swimming and dance and all kinds of stuff, but this year we're not doing it," she said. "It just doesn't feel like the right time to do it. And it's just a short amount of time, hopefully."

She shared her decision on a closed Facebook group for teachers and parents, and says there were dozens of comments in agreement. 

Hartnett said she is still deciding whether or not to send her daughter to Grade 1 in person.