Despite some concerns about the interruptions to learning caused by the strike actions, the principals back their teachers and their demands.
The strikes started in March and are set to continue throughout this term after a third offer from the Ministry of Education of three pay rises over two years and a $4500 payment was rejected.
Otago Boys’ High School rector Richard Hall said schools were considering options, including removing school and curriculum-based opportunities and extending time periods of assessments.
"Students have been impacted by the ongoing nature of this action, and with it starting to increase, with only three weeks left of this term, it is starting to bite."
The careers expo, scheduled for June 28, was an example of something that was in discussion to either be removed or shuffled around.
Otago Secondary Principals’ Association president and South Otago High School principal Mike Wright said the challenge of recruiting and retaining people was one of the reasons why there was industrial action.
"I know how challenging it is to recruit teachers when we have vacancies, so anything that’s going to enhance the career to make it appealing for people to come into the profession I have to support."
Kaikorai Valley College principal Richard Geerlofs said teachers were doing their best to minimise interruption caused to pupil learning and asked for patience.
Post Primary Teachers’ Association Otago regional chairwoman Amanda Ellwood said teachers were feeling just as frustrated by the interruptions as parents were.
"We’ve got programmes of work that we’ve put a lot of time and effort into - we’re excited about delivering them.
"It’s quite painful to have industrial action. The really sad part is that we expected it to be finished by now. We didn’t think it would last this long.
"It’s some sort of fun games for the Government but for us it’s a big deal."
She was disappointed to have essentially seen the ministry make the same offer three times.
"They’re obviously not taking it seriously."
A career in education was not sustainable, Ms Ellwood said.
"This career isn’t a place for a mother, or anyone with a family. It isn’t the place for someone who wants to ... own a home. It’s a place for martyrs, and that is all the Government wants us to be."
