School districts are investing in additional staff time and cleaning to keep schools safe and support student learning with the first instalment of federal funding for B.C.’s K-12 COVID-19 response.

The mental health and well-being of B.C. students and staff are at the heart of a new Mental Health in Schools (MHiS) Strategy aimed at finding new and improved ways to support students who need help.

More than 10,000 students will soon have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds this school year, for a total of 35,000 students over three years, as the Province invests another $5 million to support the health and well-being of children.

British Columbians of all ages now have more opportunities to help develop their reading and writing skills in the Vancouver Sun’s annual Raise-a-Reader campaign.

As the first full week of school comes to a close, early attendance numbers show more than 85% of K-12 public school students returned for in-class learning, with increased staffing and supports, according to a Ministry of Education survey.

Story Studio Writing Society, a non-profit, literacy-focused organization that has demonstrated innovative leadership by inspiring, educating and empowering youth through storytelling, has been awarded B.C.’s 2020 Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA).

A new school year unlike any other begins in just a few days. I know living through the pandemic is a worry for all of us. But I know many people, especially students, are excited about heading back to school, to connect with teachers and friends.

Students and staff will head back to school with more resources available to support mental wellness during the unprecedented school year ahead.