A province-wide student walkout planned for Wednesday to protest the ongoing contract battle between government and teachers saw only a few in South Delta participate.
Word spread this week through social media promoting the student action, which was to begin at around 9 a.m. in Delta. Less than 20 students ended up walking out at Delta Secondary, while nothing took place at South Delta Secondary.
Those who did take part at DSS, some holding small, hastily made signs, were told by the principal to remain on school grounds.
The most vocal of the group, Gillian Gordon, said most students support the teachers and the difficulties they face when it comes to class size and composition.
"If we don't support out teachers our education will just go down the toilet," said Gordon. "I'm also finding it really hard getting learning done when they're not allowed being here at lunch or after school (due to partial lockout), so we're here supporting them."
She said there was interest among the school population to take part in the walkout but most didn't want to miss any more school following a couple of days already lost to rotating strikes.
Jamie Wells noted several of her high school classes have multiple students with special needs including one that has seven, while most classes are at 30 or more pupils.
When word got out about the planned walkout, the school and district issued an advisory to parents recommending students not take part for their own safety, as well as to avoid "adding further unnecessary and unproductive disruptions to their learning during this already difficult dispute." Delta Teachers' Association president Paul Steer on Twitter said students should remain in school.
It was reported that students who participated in walkouts in other districts didn't support either side, saying they are caught in the middle.
Top negotiators for both sides of the teachers' dispute this week conceded that a quick resolution is unlikely, eliminating a glimmer of hope earlier this week that they may be close.
BCTF vice-president Glen Hansman was quoted saying a deal was possible by this week or next. He made the comment at the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Council's annual general meeting, prompting Education Minister Peter Fassbender to say the two sides were still far apart.
The employer's chief negotiator Peter Cameron echoed the minister's comment, but noted he is more optimistic about reaching a deal by the end of June, and is also prepared to bargain throughout the summer if necessary.
Today is the only day this week the BCTF is not holding rotating strikes in B.C.
Meanwhile, Delta teachers and CUPE support workers are inviting the public to another rally at the Highway 17 overpass in Ladner this Thursday, starting at 3:30 p.m.
