A reminder that registration is open for the All Superintendents and BCASBO association meetings (February 8) and the annual Partner Liaison meeting (February 9). These events will be held at the Radisson Vancouver Airport in Richmond, with agendas for both days to be provided in January. Please register for these events by January 9.
Friday December 22, 2023
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
Hi everyone,
This week’s bulletin includes a registration reminder for the All Superintendents and BCASBO association meetings and the annual Partner Liaison meeting in Richmond in February. Information on the 2023/24 recalculated operating grant and Classroom Education Fund allocations, crisis supports that are available during the holidays, and a new neuroscience program for Grades 4-6 students in B.C. are also provided.
Please note this is our last Deputy Minister’s Bulletin of the year. Look for the link to the next edition in your inbox in January.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued dedication, hard work, and collaboration in 2023. I hope you are all able to take some time to rest and recharge over the holidays and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together in 2024!
Happy Holidays!
Melanie Stewart
Associate Deputy Minister
(on behalf of Christina Zacharuk)
For Action
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2023/24 Recalculated Funding Allocations
The Ministry of Education and Child Care has posted the 2023/24 recalculated operating grant and Classroom Enhancement Fund allocations, which are based on actual September 29, 2023 enrolment. Please contact Tim Jah, Director, Funding and Financial Accountability Branch, with any questions. Districts must prepare, adopt by bylaw, and submit an Amended Annual Budget by February 29, 2024. Templates and instructions can be found on the School District Budget Reporting web page.
For Information
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New ChildCareBC’s Operating Funding Model Video
Earlier this fall, the ministry announced it was moving forward with a new ChildCareBC Operating Funding Model (OFM) test and invited roughly 50 current $10 a Day ChildCareBC centres to be test sites for the new model. As this test evolves, Government will continue to learn and improve the model before it is expanded further, meaning the final OFM may look different from this initial test. Learn more in this YouTube video.
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Crisis Supports During Holiday Season
While the holiday season is a time for celebrations, it can also be a time of year when people may feel lonely, stressed, or triggered. Crisis supports and resources are available online, over the phone, and in person for youth and adults. Learn more on the mental-health, substance-use supports available during holiday season web page and on the erase mental health and well-being web page.
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Brain Waves: A Fun Neuroscience Program for Grades 4-6
Brain Waves is a free, informative, and fun neuroscience program for Grades 4-6 students in B.C. Delivered by trained university student volunteers between February and March, 2024, these 1 to 1 ½-hour virtual live presentations focus on basic anatomy and functions of the brain, reviewing the nervous system and spinal cord. Highlights include proper helmet fitting and the importance of protecting the brain from preventable injuries. Presentations are also aligned with the school curriculum. More information on the program and how to register for a presentation can be found on the Brain Waves web page.
