Welcome to 2021, K-12 CUPE members. We hope you had a much deserved restful break. As we enter the new year, we continue to serve a critical frontline role in our school systems in the face of the pandemic. We also want to recognize and applaud the important work that has continued throughout the winter break by many CUPE members to ensure continued operations and sanitization of schools and worksites.
Exciting opportunities planned for 2021 include:
- January 19 presentation on mental health
- Province-wide meetings for each classification
- Bargaining preparation
- …and more
Visit bcschools.cupe.ca frequently for updates and stay connected on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @cupek12bc
REGISTER NOW
A light-hearted approach to the serious subject of Mental Health
January 19: 5:30–7:00 PM (Pacific Time)
You will receive a meeting link unique to you by email.
A few reminders as we enter the new year:
COVID Safety Plans
Every school and worksite is required to have a COVID Safety Plan posted and have it available for review. We ask for your support in ensuring this is the case in your schools/worksites.
Any concerns with the content or enforcement of Safety Plans should be reported to your Workplace Joint Health and Safety Committee.
These plans are meant to be dynamic and change as per health authority requirements and specifics of each worksite/school.
Safety Plans should include ventilation systems, barriers, physical distancing, masks and PPE, cohorts, cleaning/sanitizing, and others as required.
To protect against COVID-19, it is important that we take a holistic view and use all preventative measures to help ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us.
Daily Health Checks/Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Testing
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has released updated guidance on when to get tested for COVID-19 information that applies to all British Columbians, including K-12 students and staff.
The new testing guidance is reflected in updates to BCCDC‘s Guidance for K-12 Settings, and the provincial K-12 health and safety guidelines. School and district administrators are also reminded to continue active daily health checks for staff and to communicate the importance to their schools of staying home when sick.
Surveys
Please watch for the Joint Health and Safety Committee survey and the Support Staff Education Committee survey. Your input is needed to inform the work of these two committees.
View PDF.