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Teacher interviews more valuable than District staff development days

This year, School District No. 79 has changed the format of parent teacher interviews on Feb. 26. Instead of being run after school and into the evening, they will only run until the dismissal bell.

The reason for the proposed change is to allow the District to utilize their days in lieu as staff development days. These days are in addition to the three days per year organized by teachers for their own professional development. Teachers believe evening parent teacher interviews are more valuable to student learning than district lead staff development days.

As the District may opt for this afternoon interview format in the 2014/15 school year, we wish to inform you of your options as a parent in terms of expressing your opinion on this matter. You can email Superintendent Joe Rhodes' administrative assistant, Tracy Jones, at tjones@sd79.bc.ca or contact the board office directly at 250-748-0321. Additionally, you may attend the March 5 Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at the Quamichan Campus of Cowichan Secondary School.

Teachers believe that parents are an integral part of their child's education and the role they play in enhancing the communication between home and school. Evening interviews work for most parents, as many work during the school day.

Please take the time to express your views on how the district can best support your child's learning.

Naomi Nilsson

President

Cowichan District Teachers' Association