Hi, everyone. Tomorrow is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a day of recognition, awareness and acknowledgment of B.C.’s colonial history and the ways in which the residential school system has affected, and continues to affect, Indigenous communities. In addition to the many events and activities in schools, I invite you to check out the amazing Professional Standard 9 video (link below) that encourages educators to examine their own biases, incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum they teach, and build respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. This video is deeply moving and impactful and absolutely supports the implementation of the new Indigenous graduation requirement – I encourage you all to amplify this video by sharing the link. We all have a moral responsibility to continue to learn about the true history of Canada and to advocate for the realization of the 94 TRC Calls To Action.
I’d also like to acknowledge that next Wednesday, October 5, is World Teachers’ Day, a day set aside around the world to recognize the hard work, professionalism and commitment that teachers demonstrate every day in their classrooms. On behalf of all of us here at 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.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Due October 15
Pursuant to section 80 (Employers list) of the Teachers Act, employers are required to make a report to the Director of Certification on all B.C. certificate holders who were employed during the past academic year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). Submit yours now through the Employers’ Area. If you have any questions, please email the Teacher Regulation Branch at trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.
Due October 20
Schools should submit registrations for the Grade 10 and Grade 12 November Graduation Assessments through a TRAX data transfer and confirm them on the Online Graduation Assessment Register that is open October 4–20, 2022.
The Explore program is an intensive French language program for students ages 13 and up, with any skill level in French. Funded by the federal government, the program covers tuition fees for the course, instructional materials, meals, and accommodation. Secondary students can receive four French elective credits to put towards their Dogwood Diploma. Those interested in this opportunity must apply on the Explore website by February 7, 2023. Please contact Marc.Labelle@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.
The Professional Standards for BC Educators guide the work of educators who hold a certificate of qualification. Standard 9 requires educators to honour the history, practices, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Check out and share the new Professional Standard 9 video that encourages educators to examine their own biases, incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum they teach, and build respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
School districts will receive their second payment of federal funding for 2021/2022 in early October. The second payment includes the 15% FSL additional funding on top of the overall base funding for year 2021/2022. Please review the Federal Funding by School District allocations table for more details on the payment distribution. Please contact Smyrna.Chuttoo@gov.bc.ca with any questions.
The Ministry will meet with the new Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Leads on Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 10-11 am PT to welcome them to the role and establish a provincial network. Please join via Zoom. Questions can be directed to EDUC.EarlyLearning@gov.bc.ca.
Discipline outcomes are posted to enhance the transparency of the processes and decisions made with respect to complaints and reports about educators. Recently, an outcome was posted about Austin Osazuwa Uzama, whose certificate is suspended for two weeks.
