Watching and waiting.

That's what the province will do with Ontario's public high school teachers on the first day of their job action.

Calling it unfortunate an agreement hasn't been reached between the province and its public high school teachers, Education Minister Laurel Broten tells Newstalk 1010 the job action makes clear that discussions at the provincial level are no longer possible.  She says she sat at the table with the head of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation (OSSTF) until one o'clock in the morning.

Broten reveals both Queen's Park and school boards will be watching the situation for the next few days "with a specific focus on student safety." She says that means what a lack of hallway or classroom supervision might mean to students.

Broten underlines the legislated teachers contract gives them what Broten refers to as the tools to act, noting she's ready to fully explore their options this week.