PEA Clarification Regarding Attendance at Community Gatherings

Dear PEA members,

The union has been asked for clarification on the following message the employer sent in the Weekly Morning Community Gathering | October 13, 2026:

As a reminder, the Collective Agreement notes that teachers are expected to attend these gatherings within reason. We understand that exceptional circumstances may arise, but regular attendance is appreciated and helps contribute to the sense of community we strive to build.

Article 10.04(d)(ii) states that teachers are “expected, within reason, to be involved members of the community,” including participation in activities such as showcase events, recognition ceremonies, parent-teacher interviews, professional development days, curriculum nights, and the Weekly Morning Community Gathering.

In our view, the key phrase is “within reason.” The collective agreement establishes an expectation that teachers participate in the life of the school community, but it does not require attendance at every event or gathering, nor does it set a specific attendance standard or quota.

The school’s reminder that regular attendance is appreciated is generally consistent with the expectation language in the collective agreement. However, members may have legitimate reasons for missing particular events, including personal, family, medical, accommodation, workload, or other reasonable circumstances. The collective agreement language recognizes that participation must be assessed reasonably and in context.

The union’s position is that Article 10.04(d)(ii) creates an expectation of reasonable participation in the school community, not an absolute obligation to attend every gathering.

If you have questions about how this language applies to your specific circumstances, please contact a PEA representative.

In solidarity,

Rhiannon Bray
Labour Relations Representative