It’s an exciting time for parents and students as more than half-a-million students head back to school today throughout B.C.

The world is changing and parents expect their children to learn the skills they need to succeed in the face of this change. As we phase in a new curriculum over the next three years, the B.C. government is taking steps to make sure students learn the basics while they develop complex skills like critical thinking and communications needed for college, university and the workforce.

With five years of labour peace in schools, the B.C. government is focussing on what matters most: helping every K-12 student learn and succeed.

Planning resources for parents:

• New this year: curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 9 is being phased in starting this fall to make sure B.C. students are ready to succeed in our rapidly-changing world. Find out more: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/
• BC Training and Education Savings Grant: A one-time $1,200 grant is being made available this fall to help parents plan and save for their child’s education after high school: www.gov.bc.ca/BCTESG 
• Revised provincial scholarship program: Is there a scholar in your family or in your future? The revised scholarship program recognizes great students in the classroom, on the field, on the stage and in the community: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards
• Earthquakes. Power failures. Forest Fires. The new Emergency Management Planning Guide can show you how to help your child’s school prepare for the unexpected: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015EDUC0049-001327
• Learn about your local schools: What makes the schools in your community unique and which ones best match your child’s interests? www.discoveryourschool.gov.bc.ca
• Erase Bullying: Did you know almost 40% of students report that someone has said or done something mean or cruel to them online? Help kids earn respect and a safe education: http://www.erasebullying.ca/
• Get involved: Find out how you can get involved and have a voice in your child’s education. The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils is made up of parents, elected by parents: http://bccpac.bc.ca/
• Seismic Mitigation Program: Get the latest updates and information about the B.C. government’s seismic upgrading program here: http://ow.ly/PKPs5

Quote:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Students and parents are excited about the first day of school. As a parent – and the new minister of education – I’m excited too. With a family of my own, I know how important it is to know your child is getting the right skills to be successful in school now, and later in life. This year, with stability in the classroom, it’s a great opportunity for the B.C. government to focus 100% on students. We are working in partnership with teachers, school boards, administrators and other educators from every corner of the province to move forward with plans that help all students thrive.”

Quick Facts:

• The provincial six-year completion rate (2013-14) is nearly 85%, that’s up more than 10% since 2001.
• To date, government funding has built 42 new schools, replaced 70 aging schools, added space through 186 school additions and seismically upgraded 146 schools.
• Class sizes in B.C. remain low and stable. The average number of students per class was near historical lows last school year (2014-15).
• Of the 66,596 K-12 classes in B.C. public schools last year, 41% had fewer than 24 students.
• Total funding to school districts for 2015/16 will reach $5.06 billion this year – up 31% since 2001.
• The average per-pupil funding is now an estimated $8,902, up 42% since 2000-01.
• In May 2015, government announced $3.5 million in new funding for the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional program to provide snacks of B.C. fruits and vegetables right in the classroom to more than 489,000 children in 1,463 schools.

Learn More:

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/skills

Ministry of Education’s Capital Planning: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning

Ministry of Education’s Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/seismic-mitigation-program