As families get ready to send over 600,000 students back to school, there are many great resources available to make the transition to the classroom easier – and to get a head start preparing for life after high school.

Skills for our changing world:

The Ministry of Education is a year into updating B.C.’s curriculum to connect kids with the skills they need to succeed. See what students will be learning this year: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

Save for the future:

Most elementary school students are eligible for $1,200 through the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant. Sign up today: http://ow.ly/eAut3035ngT

Traffic safety fines:

Drive safe, or pay up! If you blow past a school bus with its lights flashing you’ll now face double the fine – that’s $368. Find out more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016TRAN0097-000788

Student leaders:

Calling all athletes, academics and artists! Make your hard work pay off by applying for a B.C. scholarship: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards

PST exempt school supplies:

Going back to school shopping? Don’t forget your list of all the tax-exempt school supplies: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_202.pdf

Erase bullying:

Worried your child might be involved in bullying? Need to report bullying? Find out what you can do: http://www.erasebullying.ca/

Help for families on income assistance:

Families on income and disability assistance can get help with back to school costs like school supplies and clothing. Find out more about the School Start-up Supplement: http://ow.ly/YKUS303mQKB

Be prepared:

Wondering how your school will respond in a fire or earthquake? Check out B.C.’s Emergency Management Planning Guide: http://ow.ly/4W043035nll

B.C. school supply tax credit:

You can get a $250 tax credit per child to help with school supplies, and you don’t even have to keep your receipts. Find out more: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/featured-services/services/parent-tax-credits

Get your transcripts:

Graduates – order transcripts and certificates to help with your post-secondary applications: http://ow.ly/CwMc3035nrq

Quote:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“The new school year is exciting for parents and students alike and everyone wants a stress-free start to the year. We are investing a record $5.1 billion for public education this year, and we are proud to be supporting students and families with the tools they need to succeed.”