When does the 2020/21 school year start?
Schools will reopen for students on September 8, 2020, after Labour Day. Teachers and staff will return to school on September 2, 2020.
Is the 2020/21 school year longer?
This school year will begin three days before the official back to school for students. This results in the addition of three days to the school year. The 2020/21 year is now 196 days long as opposed to 193 days. These three days are non-instructional days.
Since 2004, the regulations of the PSA indicated that the school year would start post Labour Day. As a result, the number of days in the school year has fluctuated, between 193 and 198 days.
Can the government make this change?
The Education Minister, under section 76 a) of the Public Schools Act, makes regulations regarding the number of teaching days in the year. Since the length of school year is only in regulation, not legislation, it can be changed through an Order in Council.
Will I be paid?
Teachers are salaried employees therefore pay does not change based on the number of days worked.
What will I be doing when I return on September 2nd?
According to information provided by Manitoba Education, this time will be used to prepare spaces, inform staff about health protocols, and engage collaboratively on recovery learning approaches. Please contact your school division for specific details.
What about my PD/Admin Days?
September 2, 3 and 4, 2020 will be mandated non-instructional days, one of which will be considered as an administration day and two as professional development days.
Existing requirements that at least five days be used for professional development and eight days be scheduled on common days within the division are maintained.
However, please note that the three mandated non-instructional days prior to the Labour Day weekend count toward these requirements.
Any of the three days used for professional development will count toward the required five days. Given that all three days will be scheduled on the same dates, all three will count toward the required eight common days leaving a requirement to schedule the remaining five days on common dates.
What about MTS PD Day?
The Society is committed to advocating for the professional learning of teachers, particularly in the COVID context when teaching and learning is requiring tremendous flexibility. We are currently reviewing how the public health advisories and projected second wave will affect MTS PD Day, and more information will be forthcoming.
What if I am unable to report to school on September 2nd?
All staff is expected to report to their school on September 2nd. If you are unable to do so, please contact your division. You may also contact a MTS Staff Officer at 204-888-7961 or 1-800-262-8803 for advice on individual circumstances.