Fate of Sask. high school sports, music, trips uncertain as teachers' contract impasse continues

Basketball games, track meets and band concerts. Easter trips to Europe. Graduation ceremonies.

These and other extracurricular activities are all in doubt for Saskatchewan students as the impasse continues in contract talks between the provincial government and the teachers' union.

Parents and students across Saskatchewan are hoping these activities will go ahead in the coming days and weeks, but nothing is certain.

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) withheld support for extracurricular activities Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

STF president Samantha Becotte said the union is hoping to get a deal soon, but without one the job action could continue or escalate in the coming weeks.

"We don't want to have to be making any of these decisions. We would much rather be at the table engaging in the conversations. But government continues to delay the process," Becotte said.

The STF's position is there will be no deal unless the government agrees to negotiate on classroom size and complexity.

The government's position is those issues are best addressed by local boards.

The STF decides whether to provide services for these extracurricular activities, but the school divisions make the announcements of what events may be cancelled.

Derrick Kunz, a communications consultant for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, said the division will try to inform parents and students of any cancellations to sports, music or other activities, but that disruption has been minimal to this point.

"We've had curling and wrestling city championships, basketball playoffs start this Friday. So disruption is there — and I don't want to minimize that for the students and families and teachers who've invested a lot of time and effort into that — but so far, we're thankful that those important things have been able to to continue," Kunz said.

Kunz said the division learned a lot about adapting to uncertainty during COVID. Anyone going on school trips must now pay for premium cancellation insurance. He said that extra expense is a burden for some families, but it's worth it if the trip is cancelled.

He said division officials, teachers and parents have spent a lot of time and energy organizing, fundraising and getting ready for these activities. He said everyone is aware of the deadlines for refunds and will make those decisions if needed.

He said no future activities have been cancelled to this point.