As Nova Scotia parents rush to find alternative child care options following the provincial government’s decision to shut down schools, some students are taking to the streets to show support for their teachers. 

Provincial Education Minister Karen Casey told reporters Saturday that government cannot ensure student safety under the Nova Scotia Teacher Union's planned work-to-rule job action.

A small but vocal group gathered at Kentville's Centre Square in protest of that decision.

"We really want people to know this isn't just about students,” said Simon Wassef, vice-president of Horton High School Student Council. “It isn't just about the teachers, this isn't just about the government. This affects all of us."

Students from Central Kings and Horton High School organized the rally. Some of the older students are concerned with how school being closed could negatively affect their post-secondary applications.

“You can't get teachers reference letters because it's not in their contract, and a big part of getting into university is scholarships, and to get a scholarship you need a teacher reference letter," said Grade 12 student Emma Hachey.

The union representing 9,300 public school educators has directed staff to go to school 20 minutes before classes begin and leave 20 minutes after they end.

On Saturday, Casey said after consultations with school board officials, the provincial government determined that the job actions proposed by the NSTU could "put our students in an unsafe environment."

"The safety of our students is paramount in all of this," Casey said. "What we're saying to parents is that we recognize that this will be an inconvenience in the short-term, but we believe that the responsibility to ensure that their students are safe is a priority and we will err on the side of that.”

But not everyone is planning on following the government's orders. Kathleen White says she will be bringing her daughter to school on Monday, and if necessary will stay with her all day.

"I'd rather take my child to school and have her learn and take a day's vacation and stay with her so the safety issue is no longer an issue," said White.

She doesn't know whether her daughter Shannyn will be allowed to stay, but the Grade 8 student says she wouldn't mind having a classroom to herself.

"I like to learn so I probably wouldn't really care,” Shannyn said. “I'd be glad to have my teachers to myself and actually be able to learn."

More rallies are being planned across the province, including one Monday at province house.

With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic’s Allan April.