By Stephanie Froese

Not just a day off: Striking teachers volunteer

May 25, 2011 | 2:03 PM

Teachers may not be in schools, but are they are out in the community during their province-wide job action.

It’s up to the teachers to decide what they will do to get their message across during a two-day strike, said Gwen Dueck, spokeswoman for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

Many local teachers are choosing to spend their strike day doing community service work.

“St Mary (High School) staff actually is cleaning up the riverbank west of Second Avenue there. Vickers School is cleaning up the Rotary Trail … Rather than picket we wanted to send a more positive message and support our community and give back to our community,” said Randy Kramer, president of the Prince Albert & Area Teachers' Association.

Michael Bowden is a teacher who volunteered his time at the SPCA.

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“It was more important to be seen helping out in the community then being seen picketing, blockading things or making a big scene. It’s more in teachers’ nature to be helpful,” Bowden said.

Teacher Kay Perreault is also spending her strike day at the animal shelter.

“As professionals and as teachers were really here to help the community. We’re trying to show that the strike isn’t really about getting out of school hours. It’s really about helping the community and trying to show that value that teachers have.”

Kramer said there is no question in his mind that this is sending a positive message and making an impact.

The strike has had an effect on students who were involved in extracurricular activities — the district track and field meet has been postponed.

“I know there are a lot of people saying you know if your there for the kids then why are you concerned about the money. I think this way ere showing we want to be there for our community. It’s not just a day off,” Perreault said.

Teachers have been invited to participate in a rally to be held on Thursday. Kramer said it will be respectful and lawful.

“In the morning we’ll be rallying outside Mr. Hickie’s office, MLA Darryl Hickie. We’ll get there probably around 10:30 or 11:00 and then in the afternoon were going to have a little rally outside Nadine Wilson’s office.”

Kramer said, though the rally is not mandatory he suspects there will be quite a large turnout.

“People are very determined and very motivated and very resolved that we need to get an agreement that affirms the worth of teachers and truly is fair compensation.”

Teachers are expected to be back in the Classroom on Friday.

sfroese@panow.com