Deputy Minister's Bulletin
Last updated on October 1, 2026
October 1, 2026 Edition
Good afternoon,
As we begin October, I want to remind you to review the reporting calendar to familiarize yourself and your district team with the reporting that is required this month.
This week's bulletin also includes a reminder that November 2026 graduation assessment registrations are due October 22, as well as information about fair notice requirements under the Firearm Violence Prevention Act. You will also find updated resources to support planning, reporting and student well-being.
I also encourage you to review the regulatory and official notices section, which includes a reminder to verify teaching certificates.
Thank you for your time.
Kaye Krishna
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Education and Child Care
On this page
Right click the article title and select copy link from the drop-down menu to share the article with the relevant audience.
Due October 22: November 2026 graduation assessment registrations
The November 2026 Graduation Assessment session (November 2-6) includes:
- Grade 10 Literacy Assessment (LTE10)
- Grade 12 Literacy Assessment (LTE12)
- Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment (NME10 and NMF10)
Schools should submit registrations for this session by uploading their graduation data files through Education Data Exchange Graduation. Pre-registration is required. For details, please review this registration management reference.
Key dates
- October 22: November 2026 graduation assessment registrations due
- October 23: Registrations transferred to the e-Assessment System
- October 26: School administrators receive an email with e-Assessment system access information, including a list of technical requirements needed to ensure successful administration. If you have not received the email by the end of the day, contact Vretta at bced-support@vretta.com and copy Assessments@gov.bc.ca
Schools must download the password letter needed for student access to the session. For instructions, refer to the administration guides under the technical guides section of the e-Assessment website where schools can also review registered students and add late registrants as needed.
Questions?
- Education Data Exchange graduation file submissions: GRAD.Support@gov.bc.ca
- e-Assessment system: bced-support@vretta.com
- Assessment administration: assessments@gov.bc.ca
Share with:
- Principals and vice-principals
Firearm Violence Prevention Act: Fair Notice
The Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are sharing information about new provincial firearm laws that will apply to Kindergarten to Grade 12 school property beginning October 1, 2026. This update includes important health and safety information and outlines required actions, including posting fair notice statements.
Please review the coordinated information update, including instructions for posting fair notice statements on school websites. The handout includes information on:
- How the new Firearm Violence Prevention Act applies to school property
- Key considerations for schools and districts
- Guidance on how narrow exemptions to the new requirements may apply to certain safe and otherwise lawful activities on school property
Share with:
- Facility leads
- Principals and vice-principals
- Safe school coordinators
Updated resource: A Guide to Effective Planning and Reporting in the B.C. K-12 Education Sector
The Guide to Effective Planning and Reporting in B.C. K-12 Education Sector has been updated and is now available on the Enhancing Student Learning website. Originally developed in 2022, the guide shares promising practices to support effective planning, reporting and continuous improvement in school districts.
Questions? Email EDUC.Framework@gov.bc.ca.
Share with:
- Directors of instruction
Updated resources: Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators
The Ministry of Children and Family Development revised Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) K-7 in Spring 2026 in collaboration with B.C. educators, families and experts on childhood anxiety. The revised EASE 8-12 course and resources are also available on the HealthyMindsBC website. These resources support the Mental Health in Schools Strategy and government’s overall commitment to prevention and early intervention supports for children, youth and families.
For more information, view the Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators K-7 infographic and the Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators Grades 8-12 infographic.
Share with:
- Directors of instruction
- Early learning and child care leads
- French language leads
- Inclusive education leads
- Indigenous education leads
- Mental health leads
- Principals and vice-principals
Regulatory and official notices
Reminder: Verify certificate status
Teachers you employ must hold a valid B.C. teaching certificate. Review the news and notices in the Employers’ Area and check the suspension lists. Certificate holders recently employed by you will be flagged.
- Certificate holders suspended for not paying the annual practice fee and late fee have until October 31, 2026 to pay before their teaching certificates are cancelled
- Certificate holders suspended for not complying with criminal record check requirements have six months from the date of suspension to comply before their teaching certificates are cancelled
Anyone whose certificate is cancelled must apply for and be issued a new teaching certificate before they can teach in B.C.
Share with:
- Directors of human resources
- Principals and vice-principals
Discipline outcomes
Discipline outcomes are posted to enhance the transparency of the processes and decisions made with respect to complaints and reports about educators.
Recently, disciplinary outcomes were posted regarding:
- William Mallachd Klassen, who agreed to a reprimand
- Tyler William Graham, who agreed to a reprimand
Share with:
- Principals and vice-principals