That familiar September feeling is in the air as thousands of students return to school throughout B.C. this week, anticipating the new school year while looking forward to reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers. Whether they’re coming back to the school they were at last year, or moving to a new one, it’s an exciting time to embrace the opportunities and challenges the year will bring. 

The following facts provide a snapshot of British Columbia’s kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.

The Ministry of Health, the provincial health officer and the Ministry of Education and Child Care are reminding families of how to stay healthy and reduce the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, as children return to school and child care.

Further pandemic supports are coming for B.C. students and schools, with 300,000 rapid antigen test kits to be delivered in phases.

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education, has released the following statement regarding the first day of school:

Budget 2020 ensures B.C.’s education system will have the highest school district operating and capital funding ever to support students.

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.

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.