This is a reminder that on Monday, October 7, 2024, from 8:30-9:45 am PDT, Safer Schools Together will be hosting a Community of Practice session focused on “Gang Trends within the B.C. landscape.” These virtual sessions offer a chance to learn about emerging trends and the latest research and serve as a platform for Safe School Coordinators and district safety teams to share experiences and ask questions. Please visit the Safer Schools Together Community of Practice web page to register.
Friday October 4, 2024
Acting Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
Happy Friday!
Suddenly it feels like we have officially moved into fall with some of you experiencing snow on the ground this week (sorry Fort St. John) while other areas are still enjoying the sunshine and expected warmer temperatures this weekend. As the government is still in interregnum and the school year seems to have settled into a reliable routine we have a shorter bulletin this week.
There is an upcoming community of practice session dedicated to gang trends in B.C. on Monday, as well as a reminder for administrators to carefully review coding for staff positions ahead of the Employment Data and Analysis System (EDAS) reporting deadline.
Results from the 2023 School Age Parent Survey are now published, and I’d like to thank you for helping ensure strong participation. We saw participation from nearly every single district and over 10% of all K to 7 parents!
Finally, World Mental Health Day is on Thursday, October 10, and we’ve included some resources in both official languages on how families, educators and communities can practice better mental health.
Wishing everyone a great weekend.
Jennifer McCrea
Acting Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
For Action
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Employment Data and Analysis System (EDAS) Q1 Reporting
As we approach the Q1 data collection for EDAS, a reminder to review your workforce data carefully, as the accuracy and completeness of this information are essential. Please pay special attention to the coding of positions such as Teacher Counsellors and Teacher Librarians. Ensure these roles are assigned the correct position codes in your upcoming Q1 EDAS submissions.
This data is used for various purposes in support of K–12 workforce initiatives, including responding to public inquiries and information requests. For any inquiries, please direct your questions to Dora Eng (dorae@bcpsea.bc.ca) and Sophia Joseph (Sophiaj@bcpsea.bc.ca) at BCPSEA.
For Information
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2023 School Age Parent Survey Findings
The 2023 School Age Parent Survey was conducted between November 22 and December 20, 2023, to gather information about the need for child care for B.C.’s school-aged (K-7) population. This voluntary survey had a two-step invitation process, with school principals and administrators distributing the survey to their K-7 parents and guardians.
A total of 45,797 surveys were completed, accounting for 11% of B.C.’s total K-7 population. Schools from 59 of 60 B.C. school districts participated in the survey. Please visit the School Age Parent Survey Summary of Findings page to see the results. -
World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2024
World Mental Health Day on October 10 aims to raise awareness and spotlight the importance of mental health education on a global level.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Mental Health in Schools Strategy (English) (Français) provides a vision and pathway to promote mental health and well-being into all aspects of our K to 12 education system. Resources are also available to support the mental health and well-being of school communities.
- The refreshed erase (Expect Respect and a Safe Education) site includes a Mental Health & Substance Use section which provides information and resources on mental health for students, adults, and school staff. The erase Have a conversation section also includes information on how to talk about mental health with children and youth.
- Language Matters! An Introductory Guide for Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: A Resource for Educators and School Communities supports mental health literacy and building capacity in the K to 12 system to facilitate conversations, build common understandings and support practice of mental health and substance use concepts and terms.
- The Decision-Making Tool: Supporting Educators in Selecting Mental Health and Substance Use Resources (English) (Français) is an optional toolkit to support educators in identifying appropriate and effective mental health and substance use resources for their learners.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use team at EDUC.MentalHealth@gov.bc.ca.
