September 7, 2021

To: All Members
Re: Extra-curricular Activities and Committees 

Balancing work commitments and personal responsibilities is important to overall wellness and should be considered by members when making decisions regarding volunteer activities. The 2021-22 Return to School Plan announced by government in August indicates that school sponsored extra-curricular activities may resume this fall. The Association has advocated for a more cautious and gradual approach to school re-opening with respect to both the easing of Public Health measures and the resumption of non-essential activities. This communication provides important information for NLTA members who are considering taking on volunteer roles.

As per Clauses 29.03, 29.06 and 29.08 of the Provincial Collective Agreement (Clauses 17.02, 17.05 and 17.07 of the Labrador West Collective Agreement), teachers’ participation in extra-curricular activities and committees is voluntary:

  • 29.03: It is agreed that extra-curricular activities are a desirable part of a well-rounded education. It is also agreed that the principal and staff of each school will determine the extra-curricular activities to be provided in their school. Notwithstanding this, a teacher’s participation in any extra-curricular activity requires that teacher’s consent.
  • 29.08: A teacher’s participation on a school-based or board-based committee requires that teacher’s consent.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing Public Health state of emergency, there are obvious health and safety concerns associated with bringing groups of students together, from various cohorts, for additional periods of time. Community volunteers are sometimes involved as well. 

When it comes to volunteer commitments, teachers are entitled to take their own comfort level or “risk tolerance” into account and should, as always, be mindful of protecting their personal time and maintaining as reasonable a work/life balance as possible. Teacher volunteerism is always worthwhile and has a positive impact on school culture, but these are individual decisions based on personal circumstances. Having volunteered in the past does not obligate a teacher to continue in this capacity. As well, deciding not to volunteer during any particular period of time does not mean the teacher cannot choose to take on such a role in the future.

We know that all members of our school communities would like to see a return to near-normal operations and interactions for everyone who learns and works in our schools, and this is only natural. There is nothing to be lost in advancing slowly, erring on the side of caution, with the goal of minimizing the chances of experiencing the types of disruptions that occurred during the past two school years. As professionals, teachers should consider what they are comfortable with and can reasonably take on, prioritize, and know that they are entitled to exercise personal discretion to set professional limits on voluntary activities for 2021-22.

Any member directed to participate in a voluntary activity or who has questions on this issue should contact an NLTA Administrative Officer in Programs & Services for advice via mail@nlta.nl.ca.