The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Summit, Supporting a Child Care Ecosystem, on October 13 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver, is approaching. Top leaders in child care, business and community will join in meaningful discussion on supporting a quality early learning and child care system that families can rely on as a core service in this province. There are a few extra spots available for Superintendents or a delegate. School district staff have communicated interest in attending this event and the organizers have opened a waitlist. Those who register will be invited on a first-come-first-serve basis until event capacity is reached.
Friday October 6, 2023
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
Hi everyone,
I know for some of you, this week has been challenging with respect to protestors and the public discourse, including in the Legislature. Please find below a re-send of the Tools to Support Safe, Caring, and Inclusive Schools that was put together with education partners, in particular with the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) to support your boards with managing public meetings. We continue to coordinate with you individually, the British Columbia School Superintendents Association (BCSSA), the BCSTA, and others on what is happening around the province. Our priority remains supporting you in maintaining safe schools for you, students, and all staff. I’d also like to acknowledge World Teachers’ Day which was yesterday (October 5), a day to recognize the hard work, professionalism, and commitment that teachers demonstrate every day. On behalf of the ministry, please share our sincere appreciation with your teaching staff for all they do to ensure the success of B.C. students! Their work matters and makes a tremendous difference.
I wish everyone rest – or at least some re-energizing time – with family this Thanksgiving long weekend,
Christina
Christina Zacharuk
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
For Action
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Foundation Skills Assessment Supports
The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) administration window is open from October 2 to November 10. Information about the purpose and use of the FSA is now available in eight languages to support parents and caregivers. A short informational video is also available for educators to share with students in advance of the FSA administration to help students prepare for writing the assessment. Both resources can be found on the Foundation Skills Assessment web page.
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Register for the Great BC ShakeOut Annual Earthquake Drill – Oct 19
The Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill is on October 19. While potential earthquake hazards depend on your location, everywhere in B.C. is considered at high risk in relation to the rest of Canada. The Great BC ShakeOut drill provides the opportunity to practise how to be safer during earthquakes and engage students to practise “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Motivate others to register to be counted for the annual drill, to participate, and to receive information and invites to webinars such as Ask an Expert. Information on conducting a basic school BC ShakeOut drill is available on the ShakeOutBC website.
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erase Family Sessions on Establishing Safe, Caring, and Respectful Digital Communities
Three virtual erase learning sessions for families will be held on November 8, 28, and 30, focusing on establishing safe, caring, and respectful digital communities. These sessions are best suited for families and youth aged 10 and above. Safe school coordinators can login to share the session schedule with their school communities. Contact erase@gov.bc.ca with any questions or for more information.
For Information
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School District French Federal OLEP Funding FP-01
For the 2023/2024 school year, school districts will receive a single, 100% payment of OLEP federal funding in early October. This payment will cover the entire base funding for the year, eliminating the previous split of 70% and 30%. From 2023/2024 onward, there will be no carryover of OLEP funds allowed. Any unspent funds will be deducted from the subsequent year’s funding. For a detailed breakdown of the payment distribution by school district, refer to the Federal Funding by School District allocations table. For questions, email Smyrna.Chuttoo@gov.bc.ca.
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ISC BC Region – 2023/2024 Nominal Roll Instructions
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has updated the Nominal Roll Instructions for First Nations for the 2023/2024 school year. The ISC BC Region – 2023/2024 Nominal Roll Instructions are primarily intended for First Nations peoples when completing their Nominal Roll for submission to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). However, under the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA), Nominal Roll enrolment of on-reserve students attending public schools are jointly reviewed by First Nations and their local school districts, providing both parties an opportunity to meet and confirm that the information on the nominal roll is consistent with the district’s information. Key dates for Nominal Roll are also provided in the instructions document. School districts can also refer to Form 1701: Student Data Collection – Form Completion Instructions for Public Schools for further information. For questions, email bctea@gov.bc.ca.
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Tools to Support Safe, Caring, and Inclusive Schools
The creation of safe, caring, and inclusive schools is important for both students and staff. Human rights legislation protects B.C. students from discrimination based on Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age. The following tools and resources are available to support Boards of Education to ensure collective understanding and centre school environments for student equity and well-being: BCSTA Guidelines for Public Engagement at Board meetings; School Act, section 177; and B.C. Human Rights Code.
