With the enactment of the school calendar regulation, boards of education and education authorities are now able to offer more creative scheduling options that better meet the needs of their students.

Earlier this year, Bill 36 - the School Amendment Act 2012, eliminated the Standard School Calendar. This new regulation implements a framework for districts to establish their own school calendars beginning with the 2013-14 school year.

For public schools, boards will be able to determine:

• The number and dates of days in session.

• The number of dates of each day of instruction.

• The dates of vacation periods.

• The dates of each non-instructional day (e.g., professional development days).

The Ministry of Education will continue to set the minimum number of instructional hours. Districts must consult with the public before finalizing their school calendars.

Bill 36 and the new school calendar regulation are supporting BC's Education Plan by removing barriers to personalized learning and allowing greater flexibility and choice in terms of where, when and how students learn.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963