The 2023/24 Handbook of Procedures for the Graduation Program and the companion B.C. Graduation Program Policy Guide are now available on the Graduation Information for Administrators web page. Please see the What’s New sections and review both documents for updates to procedures and policies. French versions of both the Handbook and Policy Guide will be available soon. Please contact EDUC.GradStandards@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions regarding these documents.
Friday September 1, 2023
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
Hi, everyone.
As we head into the Labour Day weekend and everyone is busy preparing to welcome students next week, the ministry has several resources and information for you. There is a lot this week, so please take a moment when you can to review and share as appropriate. I wish you a positive and exciting week and school year, as we continue to strengthen the province’s safe, inclusive learning environments. I would like to give a particular shout out to SD 83, SD 74, SD 78, and SD 23 who are also continuing to deal with evacuation orders and alerts, and supporting not only students and their families, but staff who have been affected by the wildfires.
Have a great weekend and school year!
Christina
For Action
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2023/24 Mental Health in Schools Grants
Grant letters and funds were sent to school districts on August 31, 2023. These funds will support the promotion of mental health and well-being, and provide additional support for students, families, and educators in your schools. Districts are required to complete the Action Plan Questionnaire by February 2, 2024.
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Due Oct 15: Invitation to Complete B.C. Demographic Survey to Address Systemic Racism
Everyone in B.C. is encouraged to complete the B.C. demographic survey by October 15, 2023, to help address systemic racism and improve public services. Districts are encouraged to use the materials in this information kit in school bulletins, newsletters, and websites, inviting staff and students to take the survey with the goal of making B.C. more equitable and inclusive for everyone. Visit the Addressing Systemic Racism in B.C. website for more information.
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Every Drop Counts Poster
B.C. is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, and small reductions to our water consumption can have a big positive impact. Please share the Every Drop Counts poster to spread awareness of the need for water conservation. The poster can be downloaded from the Government of B.C. website and is available in English, Punjabi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and French. Partners and schools are encouraged to also add the poster to their website or in upcoming newsletters.
For Information
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Mental Health and Wellness Support for Those Affected by Wildfires
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 to anyone (youth or adult) providing free, online mental health services. Support is available through text, phone, and online chat. Please share the Kids Help Phone Mental Health and Wellness Support Information within your school communities to those affected by wildfires. For more information, visit Current wildfires in Canada: How to get mental health support and the ministry’s erase Mental Health and Well-being web page.
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Decision-Making Tool for Mental Health and Substance Use Resources
The ministry has developed a Decision-Making Tool: Supporting Educators in Selecting Mental Health and Substance Use Resources to help educators identify appropriate and effective mental health and substance use resources for their learners. This optional toolkit is also available in French and aligns with the co-governance model for the B.C. K-12 education system, Learning Resources Policy, curriculum, First Peoples Principles of Learning, and the Mental Health in Schools Strategy.
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Naloxone Risk Assessment and Kits
Naloxone kits for schools can be ordered online via the Product Distribution Centre. As per the direction of the Provincial Health Officer, schools/school districts are encouraged to assess their risk using the Naloxone Risk Assessment Tool and, if determined a high-risk school, obtain a naloxone kit and ensure an on-site adult is trained to use it. For assistance in ordering naloxone kits, please contact PDC Customer Service.
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Administration of Seizure Rescue Medication for the 2023/24 School Year
Nursing Support Services (NSS) will continue to train non-medical school staff in the administration of emergency seizure rescue medications for the 2023/24 school year. There are no changes to access this training, and parents/guardians will still be responsible for completing a Seizure Action Plan regarding their child’s care needs and medications. Resources and information to assist families and schools are available on the NSS web page.
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Reminder: Type-1 Diabetes Care and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Looping
A new method for managing type-1 diabetes called ‘do-it-yourself (DIY) looping’ has been appearing in schools. DIY looping is not Health Canada approved and is not supported by Nursing Support Services (NSS). If a student chooses to use DIY looping during school hours, they will not have an NSS delegated plan and should be fully independent in their diabetes care. More information about diabetes care and DIY looping can be found in the DIY looping FAQs and on the Government of BC Diabetes web page.
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Inclusion Calendar Guide
In partnership with the K-12 sector and education partners, the Ministry of Education and Child Care has developed an inclusive calendar guide. A key initiative of the K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan, this guide provides schools with a sample calendar that identifies significant events of advocacy, celebration, and honour, as well as resources that schools can use to create an inclusive calendar of their own. A copy of the inclusive calendar guide can be found under Additional Resources in the Racism section of the erase website.
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Reminder: New School-Aged Child Care Fee Reductions
To ensure more families throughout B.C. are saving money on child care, starting today, September 1, 2023, fee reductions have been expanded to include children enrolled in preschool programs and children in Grade 1 and up enrolled in before- and after-school care as well as full-day care on non-instructional days. Families enrolled in approved Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) facilities will receive fee reductions of up to $145 per child, per month. Child care providers also receive up to $96 per month, per enrolled space, to lift up child care providers and the sector in delivering critical care and fee reductions to families. All licensed child care providers in receipt of Child Care Operating Funding have been able to opt-in to participate in the CCFRI since January 2023. Facilities offering licensed preschool and care for children in Grade 1 and up are encouraged to apply early to provide child care savings to even more families starting in the 2023/24 school year.
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Due Sept 29: International Education Mobility Programs
Applications for the 2023/2024 International Education Mobility Programs are open to school districts from September 8 to 29. The programs support B.C. students on exchange or mobility activities to foster the development of intercultural skills and knowledge. They support B.C. teachers in developing new partnerships, strengthening existing partnerships, facilitating student exchange opportunities, and providing opportunities for professional development. They also provide support for districts to expand their programs’ capacity to host international students. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
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Reminder: Framework for Enhancing Student Learning Report due Oct 3
A reminder that this year, the ministry will accept Enhancing Student Learning Reports up to October 3, 2023. Please submit the Enhancing Student Learning Report and strategic plan to EDUC.Framework@gov.bc.ca. Please note that the Annual Review team will use the Guiding Template questions as a basis for their review criteria. For additional information and to download the Guiding Template, visit the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning website.
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Recent Discipline Outcomes
Discipline outcomes are posted to enhance the transparency of the processes and decisions made with respect to complaints and reports about educators. Recently, outcomes were posted regarding Shannon Steininger whose certificate was suspended for four days, and Jonny Karl Toma whose certificate was suspended for three weeks.
