Deputy Minister's Bulletin archive

Happy Friday!

As we are upon the final days of the school year, excitement and busyness abound!   

There are two action items to be aware of this week: submitting Literacy Professional Learning Grant expenditure reports and reviewing the expanded early literacy screening guidance for the 2026-27 school year. You will also find several information items, including updates on school district audited financial statements and final 2025–26 operating grants, as well as upcoming professional learning opportunities and new resources to support student health, early childhood development, and youth in care.

This Sunday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day – a time to honour and celebrate Indigenous cultures, histories, languages and traditions. It is also an opportunity to deepen understanding of reconciliation and acknowledge the relationships, learning and collaboration that support Indigenous students, families and communities throughout the province.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Reminder to submit Literacy Grant expenditure reports

As part of the K–12 Literacy Supports Initiative, professional learning grants were distributed to all school districts in February 2025, to support district literacy development practices, including professional learning opportunities for teachers and support staff, and information for parents and caregivers.

School districts are reminded that they are required to complete a Literacy Professional Learning Grant Expenditure Report by June 30, 2026, providing the ministry with information on how grant funding is being allocated and used. Completed forms should be emailed to Literacy.Supports@gov.bc.ca.

If funding has not been fully expended by that time, remaining funds must be spent by June 30, 2027, and a second Expenditure Report must be submitted to the ministry by July 15, 2027.

School districts can direct any questions on the grant or the expenditure report to Literacy.Supports@gov.bc.ca.

Share with: 

• Directors of instruction
• French language leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Early literacy screening guidance for the 2026-27 school year

As part of the ministry mandate to ensure that B.C.’s literacy instruction and early interventions are the most effective in North America, the ministry is expanding direction on early literacy screening. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, school districts are expected to expand their early literacy screening practices to include all students from kindergarten to Grade 3. Mandatory early literacy screening will help make meaningful progress on literacy outcomes for B.C. students in the K-12 system.

For the upcoming 2026-27 school year, school districts can continue to use:

• One of the approved commercially available screening tools (i.e., Acadience Reading, aimswebPlus, and DIBELS); or
• Another commercially available screening tool that meets the ministry’s criteria; or
• If already in use, a locally developed screening tool that meets the ministry’s criteria provided in the Early Literacy Screening Tools Resource to expand screening practices from kindergarten to Grade 3

The ministry has released updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 2026-27 school year to support school districts and teachers with questions regarding screening expansion, in addition to information about the development of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool that will be required for use in the 2027-28 school year. The FAQ document is available in English and will soon be available in French on the Literacy Screening web page.

Please share this information with all district leaders and principals and reach out to literacy.supports@gov.bc.ca with any questions regarding the K-12 Literacy Supports Initiative.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

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Half-masting notice to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

Pursuant to Section 12(a) of the British Columbia policy on half-masting, flags will be flown at half-mast at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria and on all British Columbia government buildings.

Where a Canadian flag and a British Columbia flag fly near to one other, both flags should be lowered to half-mast. Flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments across the country, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, will also be flown at half-mast.

This national memorial day gives Canadians an opportunity each year to remember victims of terrorism around the world. The B.C. policy on half-masting protocols is provided in case school districts wish to follow a similar approach.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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School district audited financial statements for 2025-26

All school districts are required to submit their 2025-26 school district audited financial statements to the ministry by September 30, 2026. More information is available on the school district financial statement reporting web page.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Final 2025-26 Operating Grants

The final Operating Grant tables for the 2025-26 school year following the May 2026 enrolment count are now available. Funding will be disbursed by June 30. Funding questions can be sent to EDUC.FundingAndAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Compassionate Systems Introductory Workshop – Nechako Lakes, August 31-September 2, 2026

Districts are invited to enrol staff in a two-day, in-person introductory workshop on the Compassionate Systems Framework, taking place from August 31 - September 2, 2026.

This workshop is offered in partnership between the Center for Systems Awareness and the Nechako Lakes School District. Facilitated by Mette Boell, Center for Systems Awareness Co-founder, this hands-on workshop offers a practice-based introduction to the tools and approaches developed in support of Compassionate Systems change. Participants will learn how to foster collaboration for compassionate systems change across organizational and hierarchical structures.

Event details, registration and costs can be found on the Center for Systems Awareness website.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Mental health leads
• Safe school coordinators

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New K-12 resource on school-based substance use approaches

Anchoring Change is a new pan-Canadian initiative developed through a partnership led by Wellstream at the University of British Columbia and several national organizations that will release a new national standard on school-based substance use prevention, education, and intervention on June 25, 2026.

This external standard offers evidence-informed and practitioner-guided approaches for kindergarten to Grade 12 settings. It is structured around developmental stages, a multi-tiered system of supports, and a health-promoting schools framework – and emphasizes key practices such as early identification, relationship-based approaches and meaningful family engagement.

The initiative will also include a suite of supporting resources, such as a school practice scan, an implementation planning tool, and audience-specific briefs for school system leaders and educators.

This resource may be of interest to those supporting student mental health and substance use in school settings. More information is available at www.anchoringchange.ca. 

Share with:

• Mental health leads
• Safe school coordinators
• Principals and vice-principals

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Supporting students with adrenal insufficiency in schools – upcoming resources and training

The Province, BC Children’s Hospital, and BC Emergency Health Services have been engaged in ongoing collaboration to explore options for supporting students with adrenal insufficiency in the school setting.

Resources and training are being finalized and will provide a consistent provincial approach to supporting students with adrenal insufficiency at school. Training will enable non-medical school staff to identify when an emergency response is needed, deliver appropriate temporary assistance, manage the transfer to a health care professional and provide follow up notification.

Information on finalized resources and training will be shared via the Deputy Minister’s Bulletin in August to enable planning to support students with adrenal insufficiency for the 2026-27 school year. During this time, information will be communicated to families via the Endocrinology team at BC Children’s Hospital.

In the interim, school districts and health care providers may collaborate with families to discuss the needs of their child and explore options for support.

Share with:

• Inclusive education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Toddler’s First Steps: A Best Chance Guide to Parenting Your 6-to-36-Month-Old Child

This resource offers practical evidence-informed information to help families navigate the important development period from 6 to 36 months. It covers key topics such as early learning, nutrition, safety, emotional development and building strong caregiver-child relationships.

School districts can use this guide in a variety of ways, including sharing copies directly with families, integrating it into parent programs and workshops or keeping it on hand as a reference tool for staff supporting early learners. This resource is a helpful way to strengthen family engagement and support positive early childhood development in your community.

More information is available on HealthLinkBC. Contact Karen Massey-Slipp at karen.massey1@phsa.ca with any questions or to order copies.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Children and Youth in Care: How Are We Doing? – Report now available

The second edition of Children and Youth in Care: How Are We Doing? has been released on the Student Success website.

This provincial report details the educational outcomes and experiences of students in the British Columbia public K-12 and post secondary education systems who live outside of their parental homes under a legal arrangement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency.

The report was produced in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Leadership Council. It was developed pursuant to Action 4.18 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan and the First Nations Children and youth in Care Protocol, which calls for “co-developing and implementing measures to support improved education outcomes of current and former First Nation children and youth in care, including meaningful data collection to inform policy planning and service delivery.”

For questions about this report, please contact Educ.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca

Share with:

• Children and youth in care leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads

Happy Friday!

As we move toward the close of the school year, this week’s bulletin highlights several important actions and deadlines, including sharing the year-end letters from Minister Beare, submitting graduation final marks, and supporting students with final post-secondary institution selections.

You will also find information on year-end student reporting, 2026-27 labour settlement funding and upcoming learning sessions.

You may notice the refreshed look of the Deputy Minister’s Bulletin this week. While the format has been updated, it will continue to provide the same dependable information and reminders.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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End-of-year letters from Minister Beare

Please share these year-end letters from Minister Beare with your school communities.

• Year end letter for educators, school and district staff and trustees (English)
• Year end letter for educators, school and district staff and trustees (French)
• Year end letter for parents, guardians and caregivers (English)
• Year end letter for parents, guardians and caregivers (French)

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Graduation final marks submission - due July 10

Schools must submit all final course marks, including June completions, through EDX Graduation by July 10 to ensure students’ transcripts are complete for graduation and post-secondary institution selections.

Submitting final marks as soon as they are available helps manage high volumes and supports timely processing. Schools are encouraged to monitor GRAD system reports and resubmit data to correct errors up to and including July 10. Updates or corrections submitted after July 10 may not be reflected in batch transcript distributions.

What to include:

• Final marks for all completed grades 10, 11 and 12 courses
• School Completion Certificate Program (SCCP) completion date (YYYYMMDD format) for students on the SCCP

How to upload graduation data and confirm receipt:

Instructions can be found in the GRAD Collection Procedures. For files submitted before 4 pm, updates should be reflected the following day in:

• Transcript Verification Reports
• Student Transcript Previews (including XML transcript previews)
• Projected Non-Graduates — Summary Report
• Graduation Summary Reports

For questions contact:

• Graduation Data Submission Support: GRAD.Support@gov.bc.ca
• Student Transcripts and Graduation Status: Student.Certification@gov.bc.ca
• Offshore Schools: Offshore.Administrator@gov.bc.ca

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• School counsellors

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Final post-secondary institution selections for 2026 graduates - due July 10

Please ensure all graduating students are aware of the July 10, 2026, deadline to make their post-secondary institution (PSI) selections through the StudentTranscripts Service (STS).  

STS Ordering and Distribution Information for Students: 

• Current students may select up to 25 PSIs for free, within six months of completing their final course; they are also entitled to one free printed transcript order, mailed to any address
• Additional transcripts and PDF transcripts cost $10 each
• Transcript delivery timelines depend on the PSI and the option selected by the student in the STS; for full details, visit the Transcripts and Post-Secondary Selection page

PSI Information available for Schools, via EDX Graduation: 

• Student transcript previews, including XML transcript previews, are available for schools to monitor the accuracy of student transcripts
• PSI Selections report allows schools to track students’ PSI selections and identify students who may need support completing STS orders

STS help videos and documentation are available at StudentTranscripts Service help documentation.

For questions contact:

• Schools: Student.Certification@gov.bc.ca 
• Students: StudentTranscripts@gov.bc.ca 
• Offshore schools: Offshore.Administrator@gov.bc.ca 

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources. 

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• School counsellors

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Teacher Regulation Branch inquiry session: Revised Letter of Permission Policy

This inquiry session, hosted by the Teacher Regulation Branch for employers only, will provide an overview of the updated Letter of Permission (LOP) policy. It will include the Director of Certification's authority to issue an LOP for up to three school years, as well as guidance on using the revised “Request for a Letter of Permission – Employer Form”. The session will also provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions directly. Participation is via Zoom registration only, with limited spots available.

Please contact workforce.development@gov.bc.ca with any questions related to this session.

• Meeting details: June 17, 2026, at 3:15 pm, via Zoom
• Format: 30-minute session with time for questions and answers related to the topic

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Principals and vice-principals

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Framework for Enhancing Student Learning: 2026 Enhancing Student Learning Report templates

Templates for the 2026 Enhancing Student Learning Report and Interim Progress Report have now been shared with each school district via SharePoint. Districts will find the following in their SharePoint:

1. Enhancing Student Learning Report Template OR Interim Progress Report, including unmasked pre-populated provincial data – for planning purposes only
2. Enhancing Student Learning Report Template OR Interim Progress Report, including masked pre-populated provincial data – for reporting purposes

To reflect feedback gathered from the sector, both templates have been updated in collaboration with the Template Working Group and the Framework Advisory Superintendents Table. Key changes include:

• Combining the analysis and interpretation sections to eliminate duplication
• Reducing the reporting for the Interim Progress Report
• Providing examples

Criteria for the Enhancing Student Learning Report and Interim Progress Report can be found on the Enhancing Student Learning website.

The Enhancing Student Learning Report and Interim Progress Report will be accepted until October 1, 2026. All submissions should be made via the Enhancing Student Learning Report Submission Form.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email EDUC.Framework@gov.bc.ca.

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Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session

Please join us June 18 at 3 pm for the last Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session of the 2025-26 school year for an overview of the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning. Please contact EDUC.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

The recording for this session will be available on the BC K-12 Education Data Portal, under the communications tab.

Share with: 

• Directors of instruction
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads

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Happy Friday!

As we move into June, I want to recognize Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, important opportunities to celebrate diversity, reflect on our shared history, and reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive and respectful school communities throughout British Columbia.

As we also approach key year-end milestones, this week’s bulletin highlights several items requiring action, including completing management representation letters and upcoming scholarship reporting requirements. You will also find updates on several campaigns underway along with newly released school trustee election resources and information on FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Happy Friday!

This week’s bulletin includes several important items to support district planning and reporting, including on early learning and child care final reporting requirements and year end reporting for the Classroom Enhancement Fund.

You’ll also find details on new and ongoing funding opportunities, including the School Food Innovation Grant and the Operational Start-up Fund to support the expansion of school age care programs on school grounds.

In addition, there are opportunities to engage and learn with a new child survey to gather input on the future of child care in B.C. and new registration details for the Learning First Peoples Summer Institute.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Funding Available for School Age Operational Start-up Expenses

The new Operational Start-up Fund is for school districts who received child care capital funding through the Ministry of Infrastructure, or their selected operator, to expand or create new school age care programs on school grounds. Successful projects will receive $1,500 for each new school age care space, up to a maximum of $150,000 per site, to help cover initial operating expenses.

To learn more, visit the Operational Start-Up Fund for School Age Care web page . For questions, please contact the Child Care Capital Grants team at 1-888-338-6622 (option 5) or cccf@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Facility leads
• Secretary-treasurers

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Early Learning and Child Care Final Reports

Boards of education with Early Learning and Child Care Leads and/or programs are required to complete these reports. Completed reports must be submitted by June 27, 2026.

Reporting is now open for StrongStart BC, Ready Set Learn programs and the District early learning and child care lead role:

• 2025-26 District Early Learning and Child Care Lead Final Report
• 2025- 26 Early Learning Report

Please contact educ.earlylearning@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions about these reports.

If you received funding for Child Care Transition of Seamless Day Kindergarten and Just B4 Pilots:

• 2025-26 Child Care Transition Report

Please contact ccdevsupport@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions about this report.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads

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School Food Innovation Grant

This is a notification that the Ministry of Education and Child Care is posting a one-time School Food Innovation Grant. This funding opportunity is intended to help school districts strengthen existing initiatives and explore new approaches to improve school food program quality and efficiency.

If your district is interested, please review the linked information and submit a completed application and budget template to ECC.schoolfood@gov.bc.ca by June 30, 2026, to be considered for this opportunity.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Feeding Futures and the National School Food Program Reporting – Due July 31, 2026

School districts are required to complete the year end financial report for Feeding Futures and the National School Food Program. Completed reports must be submitted to ECC.schoolfood@gov.bc.ca by July 31, 2026.

Please read the instructions carefully, as the template includes a report for each of the following:

• Final report of actual 2025-26 Feeding Futures and National School Food Program expenditures
• List of schools that received 2025-26 National School Food Program funding

Instructions can also be found on the Ministry Events Calendar. Please contact ECC.schoolfood@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Register for the Learning First Peoples Summer Institute

Registration is now open for the Learning First Peoples Summer Institute taking place on August 25-26 in Richmond. Hosted by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association, the institute is designed to support teachers to bring quality, authentic First Peoples teaching and learning into B.C. classrooms.

 Workshops:

• August 25, 2026 (9 am–3 pm):  English First Peoples 10 and 11/12 Teacher Resource Guides (revised 2026)
• August 26, 2026 (9 am–3 pm):  BC First Peoples 12 and BC First Nations Land, Title and Governance Teacher Resource Guides

Visit the First Nations Education Steering Committee website to register.

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Program Applications now Supported Within the New Post-Secondary Program Portal 

In December 2025 the Province launched the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Post-Secondary Programs (PSP) Portal, a new digital platform designed for educational institutions.

The PSP Portal expands the suite of digital ECE Registry services, streamlining program information management and communication for educational institutions that offer early childhood education programs recognized by the ECE Registry.

The Province is now introducing the next phase of the PSP Portal, which will enable these educational institutions to create or update ECE programs more efficiently. This includes the ability for educational institutions to:

• Submit applications for new or changed programs
• Apply for new delivery methods of recognized programs
• Apply for satellite programs
• Manage campuses and satellite locations

The new functionality added to the PSP Portal has been tested by educational institution program representatives to ensure it meets their needs and is simple to use.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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April 2026 Graduation Assessment Results

April 2026 assessment session results are now available for:

• Grade 10 numeracy and literacy assessments (NME10, NMF10, LTE10, and LTP10)
• Grade 12 literacy assessment (LTE12)
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12e année – Français langue première (LTP12)

Students can now view both their updated transcripts and detailed assessment results in their StudentTranscripts Service (STS) account under “Graduation Assessment Results”.

Schools can access results using the Education Data Exchange (EDX). If you need assistance logging into EDX, please contact your school or district EDX account manager or EducationDataExchange@gov.bc.ca.

1. Assessment Summary Reports

From the EDX Graduation Assessments section, go to “Reports and Results” and select 2026/04 to access:

• Session Results (CSV File Format)
• Session Results (Downloadable XAM file)
• Session Results by Student (PDF)
• Session Results by Assessment (PDF)
• Graduation Assessment Distribution of Results (PDF summary and detailed CSVs)

For MyEducation BC schools: do not download the XAM data file from EDX. Await notification distributed from MyEducation BC when the automated load is completed.

2. Student Transcripts and Transcript Verification Reports (TVRs)

Updated student transcripts and TVRs can be viewed by schools under the “GRAD System Reports” section on EDX Graduation.

Reminder: Successfully completed assessments will result in a proficiency level on the transcript for all assessments except for Grade 10 literacy assessments (LTE10, LTP10), where “RM” (Requirement Met) will be documented.

Questions?

General questions, email Student.Certification@gov.bc.ca.Offshore schools with questions, contact Offshore.Administrator@gov.bc.ca.

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources.

Share with:

• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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2026-27 Operating Grant Payment Schedule

A new grant payment schedule is set to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year. District Operating Grants will be paid as usual on the 15th day and last business day of the month. Program-specific grants will be paid at the end of the month. Please see this 2026-2027 Operating Grant Payment Schedule for more information.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Public Engagement Now Open to Gather Input on the Future of Child Care in B.C. 

Since the launch of ChildCareBC in 2018, families have seen substantially lower fees, more spaces, and a bigger workforce in the sector with the newest social program in B.C. in a generation. The Province is continuing to build on this progress and is seeking input to guide the future of child care in B.C.

The provincial government has launched a survey to hear directly from families, early childhood educators and child care operators about their experiences.

This survey is voluntary and is separate from the ongoing mandatory Provider Profile Survey. I encourage you to share the survey with your parent communities.

The survey can be found at gov.bc.ca/childcaresurvey and is available from May 28-July 9, 2026. A poster is available for you to share with your schools and child care providers.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Applications Now Open for Soccer Mini-pitch – Mini Peaks Legacy Program

Boards of Education can now express their interest in having a mini-pitch built in their community, as a legacy celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The Province and viaSport are providing $10 million for this initiative, which will see up to 20 communities selected to receive state-of-the-art, modular outdoor mini-pitches designed for schools and community spaces in both rural and urban settings. Mini-pitches will transform underused areas into accessible, low-barrier sport infrastructure that supports year-round play, inclusive recreation and youth engagement.

Each pitch will measure 18 by 36 metres and will be accompanied by programming and mentorship from Vancouver Whitecaps FC and provincial sport partners, including BC Soccer and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), ensuring long-term sustainability and community benefit.

The program is committed to equitable distribution across the province, with a minimum of two mini-pitches per economic region, as well as representation of Indigenous communities in site selection.

Further information and application details are available at www.minipeaks.ca. If you have any questions, please contact minipeaks@whitecapsfc.com.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Facility leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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School Access Guidelines for Community Sport

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport is sharing new School Access Guidelines to help schools, school districts, and sport organizations enable more consistent community use of school facilities for sport and recreation when the facilities are not required for school use.

The guidelines offer practical ideas and solutions, intended to help organizations engage in local conversations to improve access and strengthen partnerships that benefit students and communities.

Please share the guidelines with staff who support facility bookings, athletics, recreation partnerships or community use of schools.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Facility leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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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, an outcome was posted regarding Jaya Beth Van Praagh who agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday!

This week’s bulletin includes a few key items, including information on 2025-26 Classroom Enhancement Fund Year-End Reporting.

You will also find details on upcoming engagement and learning opportunities, including an analytics information session and the next erase Community of Practice session focused on supporting vulnerable youth over the summer months.

Have a great weekend.

Kaye

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2025-26 Classroom Enhancement Fund Year-end Reporting

The 2025-26 Classroom Enhancement Fund year-end reporting template (opens as download) is now available. Preliminary templates must be submitted by July 17. Final reports are due September 29 and should align with financial statements.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session

Please join us on May 28 at 3:00 pm for the seventh Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session of the 2025-26 school year for an overview of the Graduation Assessments Power BI report and the Workforce report. Please see the poster for more information and the registration link. If you have any questions, feel free to contact EDUC.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca.

The recording for this session will be available on the BC K-12 Education Data Portal, under the Communications tab.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads

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erase Community of Practice – June 1, 2026 – High Risk Vulnerable Youth and Summer Planning

Safer Schools Together and the Ministry of Education and Child Care will host a Community of Practice session on June 1, 2026, from 9:30–10:45 am. The session will focus on supporting the development of plans for high-risk and vulnerable youth during the summer months as well as approaches to support their successful transition to the new school year. Within this context, current digital trends, gang associated behaviours in B.C. and management of the erase Report It tool for the summer months will be discussed.

Participants can register for the session on Eventbrite.

Share with:

• District SOGI leads
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Safe schools coordinators

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Reminder: BC Child and Youth in Care Week 2026 Kick-off Celebration

The 16th annual BC Child and Youth in Care Week will take place from June 1-7, 2026. You are invited to register for the Kick-Off Celebration, which will be held virtually on Monday, June 1, from 6:00-7:00 pm. Registration is free and open to anyone interested in attending. Hosted by the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, this event will highlight the history of BC Child and Youth in Care Week, honour this year’s Recognition Award recipients, and showcase youth creativity. If you have any questions, please contact taylor.burnett@fbcyicn.ca.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Inclusive education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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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, outcomes were posted regarding Phi John Le whose teaching certificate was suspended for one day and Kelsey MacRae Blake whose certificate was previously cancelled and who agreed to a 15-year ban on reapplying or being issued any authorization to teach in the K-12 education system.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday! I hope many of your teams are engaged in great Pro-D activities today.

On Wednesday, in partnership with First Nations Education Steering Committee, we co-hosted the first Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Chairs’ Gathering, with over 50 being represented. It was a true milestone in our collective efforts to support implementation of IECs in every district across the province. Many great achievements were recognized and celebrated with numerous opportunities for improvement and growth highlighted. A key theme was value, and the need for engaged supportive school district leadership. Thank you for all that you are doing to enable the success of the IECs and our shared commitment to the success of all Indigenous leaners.    

This week’s bulletin includes a few key updates I encourage you to review, including information on Teacher and Exempt Staff Labour Settlement Funding. You will also find registration information for the upcoming ChildCareBC Town Hall with Minister Beare and the British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement Virtual Annual Meeting on Transportation.

Enjoy the May long weekend.

Kaye

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British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement Virtual Annual Meeting on Transportation – Registration Required

The Ministry of Education and Child Care, the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and Indigenous Services Canada invite you to register for this year’s British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement Virtual Annual Meeting on Transportation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 am Pacific time. Details are available in this event backgrounder.

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads
• Secretary-treasurers
• Transportation leads

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Lunch and Learn – Statements of Financial Information

Registration is now open for an upcoming Lunch and Learn webinar on Statements of Financial Information reporting. The Education Finance Branch and the Financial Management Committee will host this session on Tuesday, May 26, from 12:00–1:00 pm. Contact SDFR@gov.bc.ca for more information or if you have questions to submit in advance. 

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Reminder to Register for the Child Care Town hall with Minister Beare

Early learning and child care professionals are invited to attend the upcoming virtual ChildCareBC town hall hosted by Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare on May 20, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 pm.

The Minister and ministry executive will speak to recent child care progress in B.C. and highlight upcoming engagement opportunities, including how early learning and child care professionals can help inform the next steps and future direction of ChildCareBC.

Participants will have an opportunity to share feedback during the event.

Please register using the link below, which will also be available on the ChildCareBC Engagement web page:

• Registration link: Virtual ChildCareBC Town Hall with Minister Beare

After registering, participants will receive details on how to join the virtual session. A recording will be posted online for those unable to attend.

Please note: this town hall is intended to support broad-level engagement with the Minister and is not designed to address detailed operational or technical questions.

Feel free to share the registration link with your networks of early learning and child care professionals.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Teachers and Exempt Staff Labour Settlement Funding

Ministry staff have been consulting with the Funding Equity Committee on the Labour Settlement Funding allocation methodology and have the following update:

2025-26 School Year

Following the recent ratification of the BCTF collective agreement, funding for teachers and exempt staff wage increases, as well as increases to the Classroom Enhancement Fund have been added to Table E of the Summary of Grants to Date tables for 2025-26.

In addition, the Learning Improvement Fund and CommunityLINK allocations have been updated in Table A. 

Funding will flow to school districts as a special grant by the end of May via the Common Disbursement System.

Labour settlement funding for support staff will be announced at a later date. 

2026-27 School Year

The tentative plan is to have information available to districts in June.

More information is available in this Overview on Labour Settlement Funding document.

Please contact EDUC.FundingandAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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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, an outcome was posted regarding Cinderella June Winter whose teaching certificate was suspended for five days.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday!

It’s a lighter bulletin this week, but there are still a few important updates I encourage you to review. This week’s bulletin includes a reminder about an upcoming opportunity for early learning and child care professionals to connect with Minister Beare. It also shares information to support districts in preparing for the 2026-27 Support Staff Learning Improvement Fund. In addition, you’ll find an update on amendments to the Child Care Ministerial Order and other items relevant to your districts.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Reminder to Register for the Child Care Town Hall with Minister Beare

Early learning and child care professionals are invited to attend the upcoming virtual ChildCareBC town hall hosted by Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare on May 20, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 pm.

The Minister and ministry executive will speak to recent child care progress in B.C. and highlight upcoming engagement opportunities, including how early learning and child care professionals can help inform the next steps and future direction of ChildCareBC.

Participants will have an opportunity to share feedback during the event.

Please register using the link below, which will also be available on the ChildCareBC Engagement web page:

• Registration link: Virtual ChildCareBC Town Hall with Minister Beare

After registering, participants will receive details on how to join the virtual session. A recording will be posted online for those unable to attend.

Please note: this town hall is intended to support broad-level engagement with the Minister and is not designed to address detailed operational or technical questions.

Feel free to share the registration link with your networks of early learning and child care professionals.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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2026-27 Support Staff Learning Improvement Fund

The Learning Improvement Fund (LIF) provides funding to districts to provide additional supports and services to meet students’ needs. See the LIF Regulation for more information, including what the funding can be used for.

To receive the LIF allocation for next school year, school districts must engage in genuine consultation with local support staff unions regarding LIF use. Please complete this form confirming genuine consultation has occurred and return it to Education.Finance.Branch@gov.bc.ca by June 19, 2026.

If the local union and school district do not agree that genuine consultation has occurred, the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) will work with the parties to facilitate the process. School districts are asked to contact their BCPSEA district liaison to discuss any issues regarding genuine consultation.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Verify Certificate Status

The teachers employed by your district must hold a valid B.C. teaching certificate. To verify that they do, please search the online registry or use the tools in the Employers’ Area. In News and Notices, review the list of certificate holders who are currently suspended for non-compliance with criminal record check requirements. In addition, please remind your teachers to ensure that the Teacher Regulation Branch has their up-to-date contact information.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Principals and vice-principals

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Amendments to the Child Care Ministerial Order

The Child Care Ministerial Order sets the requirements for what public boards of education must include in their child care policies. The Order has been removed and replaced with an updated version. Boards are now required to update their child care policies to include an annual process for identifying available space in elementary schools in their district to determine when and how space could be used for new or expanded child care programs. Boards are also required to engage with Indigenous Education Councils, in addition to board employees, families, and child care providers, when considering changes to child care on school grounds. This is part of the Ministry’s effort to work with our partners to use every tool in the toolbox to expand access to child care for families and fill a gap in before- and after-school care throughout the province.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads

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Official Language in Education Programs French Federal Funding – District Allocations and Year-end Reporting

Updated Official Languages in Education Programs (OLEP) school district French funding allocations for 2026-27 are now available on the Ministry website. French Programs OLEP End of Year Reporting Form – FP-01 is due by July 31, 2026. For questions, contact EDUC.French.Education@gov.bc.ca

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• French language leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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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, outcomes were posted regarding Jacqueline Rochelle Sheppet whose teaching certificate was suspended for one day and Sau Yiu Velda Chan who agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday!

May is Child Care Month, a time to celebrate the essential work that child care professionals do to support children, families and communities. As we expand access to child care on school grounds, I want to recognize the role that you, your early learning child care leads, and staff play in supporting earliest learners through pre-teens in ensuring care-giving environments are safe, stable and enriching places for children to grow, explore and thrive. Please note the upcoming ChildCareBC Town Hall for early learning and child care professionals mentioned below.  

You’ll also find in this week’s bulletin, an updated policy that responds to feedback we’ve heard from you around the length of letters of permission; an extension on the 2025-26 Student Learning Survey deadline; new professional learning opportunities for Métis teachers; information on Canadian Mental Health Week and more.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Virtual ChildCareBC Town Hall with Minister Beare

Early learning and child care professionals are invited to attend a virtual ChildCareBC town hall hosted by Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare on May 20, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 pm.

The Minister and ministry executive will speak to recent child care progress in B.C. and highlight upcoming engagement opportunities, including how early learning and child care professionals can help inform the next steps and future direction of ChildCareBC. Participants will have an opportunity to share feedback during the event.

Please register using the link below, which will also be available on the ChildCareBC Engagement web page:

• Registration link: Virtual ChildCareBC Town Hall with Minister Beare

After registering, participants will receive details on how to join the virtual session. A recording will be posted online for those unable to attend.

Please note: this town hall is intended to support broad-level engagement with the Minister and is not designed to address detailed operational or technical questions.

We encourage you to share the registration link within your networks of early learning and child care professionals.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Professional Learning Opportunities to Support the Development and Retention of Métis Teachers

Please share this information with Métis teachers in your district.

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is implementing initiatives to support the development and retention of Métis teachers in K-12 schools including:

• Mentorship Program: Pairs new and experienced Métis teachers for culturally grounded guidance and support
• Community of Practice: Weekly sessions for collaboration, connection, and shared learning on topics of interest

Métis teachers interested in participating in either initiative can contact metiseducation@mnbc.ca.These initiatives are part of a broader Métis Teacher Recruitment and Retention plan designed to strengthen Métis pathways into teaching, support professional growth, and promote long-term retention.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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June 2026 Graduation Assessment Registrations Due May 28

The June 2026 Graduation Assessment session (June 8–19) includes:

• Grade 10 numeracy and literacy assessments (NME10, NMF10, LTE10 and LTP10)
• Grade 12 Literacy Assessment (LTE12)
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12e année – Français langue première (LTP12), and
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12e année – Français langue seconde-immersion (LTF12)

Schools should submit registrations for this session by uploading their graduation files (DEM, CRS, XAM) to the Graduation module on the Education Data Exchange (EDX). Thereafter, registrations can be managed in EDX; see the EDX Graduation Assessments Registration Management guide for details.

For more information, please visit Graduation Assessments: Information for Administrators.

Assessment Registration Process

Pre-registration is required for all graduation assessments. Schools with students planning to write in June should register students using the instructions below.

1. Schedule your students for the graduation assessments in your school’s student information system. For MyEducation BC guidance, please consult with your level 1 support.
2. Before May 28, complete a graduation data file upload (DEM, CRS, XAM) to EDX Graduation. Students’ assessment registrations must be reported in the XAM file.
   • A valid assessment session date from the Graduation Assessment Schedule must be used (i.e., 2026-06 for this session)
   • Once graduation files are successfully uploaded, visit the Graduation Assessments section on EDX to further review or edit registrations
3. After May 28, registrations will be transferred to the e-Assessment System (EAS).  Schools must add any new writers directly to EAS.
4. On June 1, school administrators will receive an email about how to access EAS for this session and the technical requirements needed to ensure successful administration. If you have not received it by the end of that day, contact VRETTA at bced-support@vretta.com and copy assessments@gov.bc.ca.
5. From June 1, download directly from EAS, the password letter required for administering the session to students. Following step 4, schools will access EAS to review the list of registered students and add any late registrants. For instructions, refer to the administration guides available under Technical Guides on the EAS website.

Questions?

Questions regarding EDX graduation file submissions: GRAD.Support@gov.bc.ca
Questions about the EAS website: bced-support@vretta.com
Questions about assessment administration: assessments@gov.bc.ca

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources.

Share with:

• School counsellors

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Revised Letter of Permission Policy Now Available

A Letter of Permission (LOP) is an authorization that allows an uncertified person to teach in a particular school district or independent school authority or for a First Nations school. With a revised new policy, the Director of Certification may issue an LOP for one school year or for up to three school years. The updated LOP policy is now available. If you are preparing to request an LOP for the upcoming school year, please use the updated Request for a Letter of Permission – Employer Form.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Principals and vice-principals

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2025-26 Student Learning Survey Extension

The 2025-26 Student Learning Survey deadline has been extended to May 15, 2026. To help monitor survey participation, districts can view their SLS participation rates (updated weekly) through the SLS Participation Dashboard within the BC K-12 Education Data Portal. If your school would like to request assistance in determining who hasn’t completed the survey yet as well as for technical and administrative support, kindly contact AWIS at 1-866-558-5339 or at support@awinfosys.com. For any questions related to the survey content and dashboards, contact Educ.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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2026-27 National School Food Program and Feeding Futures Funding

Information regarding district allocations is now available for the 2026-27 National School Food Program and Feeding Futures funding. Spending criteria and a question and answer document are also available to guide funding use. Please email ECC.schoolfood@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Emergency Management Resource Package and Key Contacts 2026

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 3-9, 2026. To support emergency preparedness and planning across the education and child care sectors, the Ministry of Education and Child Care is sharing an updated emergency management resource package. These resources support preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery planning.

• The K-12 Education and Child Care: Emergency Management Key Contacts lists current contacts at the ministry and other educational partners to support emergency response coordination and information sharing
• The K-12 Education and Child Care: Emergency Management Resource Package includes key resources to help schools and child care facilities plan for, respond to, and recover from incidents/emergencies such as wildfires, heat events, floods, and other risks

Districts are encouraged to review and share this information to help strengthen emergency readiness across their school communities.

Questions may be directed to the ministry’s Expect Respect and a Safe Education (erase) team at erase@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Safe school coordinators

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Central Okanagan Compassionate Systems Forum – June 29-30

Districts are invited to enrol staff in a two‑day, in‑person forum focused on Compassionate Systems and systems thinking for well‑being in education. The forum will take place on June 29 and 30, 2026, in Kelowna.

Hosted by Compassionate Systems BC in partnership with the University of British Columbia’s Human Early Learning Partnership, the forum will feature Peter Senge and BC Compassionate Systems practitioners. Participants will engage in experiential learning that supports personal and collective well‑being, strengthens relationships, and builds capacity to address complex challenges in education settings.

Event details, registration and costs are included in this information flyer.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Mental health leads
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Canadian Mental Health Week is May 4-10

Canadian Mental Health Week is from May 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s theme, Come Together, invites Canadians to strengthen mental health through small, everyday actions of connection. Feeling connected and supported at work, at school and in our communities, helps reduce isolation and fosters well-being for everyone. The Canadian Mental Health Association offers free, practical resources to support this work, including toolkits with quick activities, conversation starters, posters and virtual resources that can be used in-person, remote or in hybrid settings.

The ministry continues to support student and adult mental health and well-being throughout B.C. schools, with resources available through the erase (Expect Respect and a Safe Education) Mental Health and Substance Use web page.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Mental health leads
• Online learning leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Certificate Rescission

Under section 31 of the Teachers Act, boards of education have been notified that Nico Jan’s Certificate of Qualification was rescinded on April 22, 2026.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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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, outcomes were posted regarding Jana Ronne whose teaching certificate was suspended for one day and Steven Lynn Reeder whose teaching certificate was suspended for three weeks.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy last Friday in April to you. It’s hard to believe how close we are to the end of the 25-26 school year. This week I’m sharing some important items of note including a half-masting notice to honour the one-year anniversary of the tragic deaths at the Lapu Lapu Festival last April; a reminder about the upcoming Indigenous Education Council Chairs’ Gathering on May 13; a report update for the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning; and information about a new secure browser for assessments that will become mandatory to use next Fall.

Have a great weekend.

Kaye

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Half-masting Notice in Honour of One-year Anniversary of Lapu Lapu Tragedy

Pursuant to Section 12(a) of the British Columbia policy on half-masting, flags will be flown at half-mast at the legislature in Victoria and on all British Columbia government buildings in the City of Vancouver from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, April 26, 2026, to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic deaths that occurred as a result of the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025. Where a Canadian flag and a British Columbia flag fly near to one other, both flags should be lowered to half-mast. Whereas April 26 is on a weekend, if there are no maintenance staff working that day it is acceptable to lower flags to half-mast at the end of the day on Friday and return them to full mast on Monday morning. The B.C. policy on half-masting protocols is provided in case school districts wish to follow a similar approach.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Register for the Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session on April 30

Please join us on April 30 at 3 pm PT for the sixth Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session of the 2025-26 school year with an overview of the Transition to Post-Secondary Power BI report and Student Enrolment Forecast.

See the poster for more information and the registration link. Please contact Educ.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

A recording of this session will be available on the BC K-12 Education Data Portal, under the Communications tab.

Share with:

• Career education leads
• Directors of human resources
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads

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Reminder: Share Registration for May 13 Indigenous Education Council Chairs’ Gathering

Due May 6, 2026: A reminder to share registration information with your IEC Chair for the first annual Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Chairs’ Gathering. The IEC Chairs’ Gathering will be held on May 13 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport in Richmond. Each IEC may send their IEC Chair to attend the meeting.

This will be an opportunity to come together to discuss effective implementation of IECs to support improved outcomes and attendance for First Nations students in B.C. public schools, in alignment with the School Act Amendments and Ministerial Order.

Hotel room reservations can be made on the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport website and Monday, April 27, 2026, is the final day discounted hotel room rates are available.  If additional nights are needed, please call 604-279-8384 and reference the Indigenous Education Council Chairs’ Gathering on May 13, 2026.

Please see the invitation for further details. The agenda will be provided closer to the date.

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads

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Framework for Enhancing Student Learning: Report Update

Thank you for the feedback on the 2025 templates for the Enhancing Student Learning Report (ESLR) and Interim Progress Report. Work is now under way with the ESLR Template Working Group to adjust both templates to respond to your feedback. These updates will focus on enhancing clarity of instructions and adjusting the Interim Progress Report to create a lighter touch while still maintaining overall consistency with the 2025 templates.

Based on sector feedback, the ministry will also create two pre-populated provincial data templates this year:

1. Masked: for external reporting purposes.
2. Unmasked: for internal analysis and planning purposes. This template will not be for distribution.

All templates will be published in early June for sector-use.

As announced in February, the 20 district teams to submit the full Enhancing Student Learning Report in 2026 are listed below:

2026 Enhancing Student Learning Reports:

SD06 – Rocky Mountain	SD48 – Sea to Sky
SD19 – Revelstoke	SD52 – Prince Rupert
SD20 – Kootenay-Columbia	SD62 – Sooke
SD23 – Central Okanagan	SD67 – Okanagan-Skaha
SD35 – Langley	SD68 – Nanaimo-Ladysmith
SD37 – Delta	SD71 – Comox Valley
SD39 – Vancouver	SD78 – Fraser-Cascade
SD45 – West Vancouver	SD81 – Fort Nelson
SD46 – Sunshine Coast	SD92 – Nisga’a
SD47 – qathet	SD93 – Conseil Scolaire Francophone

All other districts will be submitting an Interim Progress Report in 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Educ.Framework@gov.bc.ca.

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Revised Operating Grants for the 2025-26 School Year

Updated Operating Grant tables are available on the 2025-26 Interim Operating Grants web page based on actual enrolment data from February 2026, including Continuing Education, Online Learning, inclusive education enrolment growth and newcomer refugees. Please contact Educ.FundingandAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Assessment Lock: A New Secure Browser for Graduation Assessments

To strengthen assessment security, the ministry is introducing Assessment Lock, a new secure browser for graduation assessments. Assessment Lock will replace the current Safe Exam Browser (SEB) and Kiosk browser and will become mandatory starting with the November 2026 graduation assessment administration session. For the April and June 2026 sessions, Assessment Lock will be optional; schools may continue to use either SEB or Kiosk or choose to use Assessment Lock.

Note: After the June 2026 graduation assessment session, SEB and Kiosk will no longer be supported.

To familiarize schools with Assessment Lock’s features and system requirements needed for implementation, an English webinar will be held on May 12, followed by a French session on May 14. Webinar details, including the date, time, and registration information, will be shared by the e-Assessment System provider on April 27. If you do not receive an invitation by that time or have any questions, please reach out to assessments@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• International education leads
• Online learning Principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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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, an outcome was posted regarding Alex Chen whose teaching certificate was suspended for two weeks.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

It was great to see some of you at the B.C. School Superintendents Association (BCSSA) Spring Forum this week in Vancouver – a timely opportunity to provide some ministry updates with board members.

This week’s bulletin includes an invitation to the first annual Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Chairs’ Gathering. The deadline to register is April 24, and you can find the details on how to participate below.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has developed new videos highlighting how local food producers, farmers and suppliers can be integrated into K-12 school food programs. Using local products are good for farmers and the community and are an opportunity to educate students about how food is grown, raised and distributed to their table.

Have a great weekend.

Kaye

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Registration for May 13 Indigenous Education Council Chairs' Gathering

Registration is now open for the first annual Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Chairs’ Gathering. The IEC Chairs’ Gathering will be held on May 13 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Radisson Hotel in Richmond. Each IEC may send their IEC chair to attend the meeting.

Room reservations are prioritized on a first come, first served basis and should be reserved by April 24, 2026 to guarantee a room in the room block. If additional room nights are needed, call 604-279-8384 and reference the Indigenous Education Council Chairs’ Gathering on May 13.

This will be an opportunity to come together to discuss effective implementation of IECs to support improved outcomes and attendance for First Nations students in B.C. public schools, in alignment with the School Act Amendments and Ministerial Order.

Please see the invitation for further details, the agenda will be provided closer to the date.

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads

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Reminder to Remit Annual Practice Fee for Certificate Holders - Due May 15

Under section 37 (annual practice fee) of the Teachers Act, employers are required to remit to the ministry the $95 annual practice fee that is deducted from the wage of certificate holders employed with the board. Please review the information in News & Notices in the Employers’ Area and follow the payroll-deduction instructions to ensure you remit the 2026-27 fees before May 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please email trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Post-secondary Institution Selections for 2026 Graduates

Please remind graduating students to make their post-secondary institution selections in the StudentTranscripts Service (STS). Most public colleges and universities in Alberta and B.C., and the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, can retrieve ongoing transcript updates as soon as authorized by the student in STS. More information is available online.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• School counsellors

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Local Food in School Food Program Video Series

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has developed a new Local Food In K-12 video series to highlight local food in school food programs. Check out the video series on the Feed BC in K–12 web page to see how school districts throughout the province are strengthening their school food programs by sourcing B.C. foods, building partnerships with local producers and processors, and engaging students in hands-on learning about local food, agriculture and food systems.

The series highlights practical examples of how schools are integrating local food into their programs while supporting student learning and their local communities.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Learning in Motion - Free Physical Education Activities and Lesson Planning Resources

he Learning in Motion program is a school-based health promotion initiative to support First Nation schools and elementary school educators (K-7) in building their knowledge, skills and confidence in delivering quality physical activity and physical literacy opportunities during the school day, with the goal of increasing student physical activity levels.

Explore the links below to access Learning in Motion’s free physical education activities and lesson planning resources:

• Learning in Motion Program Website – hosts free classroom resources for educators to view, download and print (posters, activity sheets, assessment tools) that align with the Physical Education and Health Curriculum.
• PLAYBuilder Tool – a free digital platform that provides B.C. educators with 1,600+ activities/games and videos, 150+ lesson plans and a term planning tool for grades K-7.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Prefabricated Classroom Program Update

The Ministry of Infrastructure will be engaging with school districts in the coming months to support the development and implementation of a centralized procurement approach for the prefabricated classroom program.

This will be an evolution of the existing prefabricated classroom initiative that has been in place since fall of 2023. It will help deliver consistent, efficient and cost-effective solutions to address the need for additional classroom space throughout B.C.

Share with: 

• Facility leads
• Secretary-treasurers

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Revised Letter of Permission Policy

A Letter of Permission (LOP) is an authorization that allows an uncertified person to teach in a particular school district or independent school authority or for a First Nations School. Generally, the Director of Certification issues an LOP for one school year. Beginning in May 2026, and in limited circumstances, the Director of Certification may issue an LOP for up to three years where there is evidence that the services of an uncertified teacher are likely to be required for more than one year. The updated LOP policy and employer form will be available online in early May.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Newly revised Everyday Anxiety Strategies for K-7 Educators (EASE)

The Ministry of Children and Family Development has completed a revision of Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) for educators supporting K-7 students, in collaboration with B.C. educators, families, and experts on childhood anxiety.  In response to educator feedback and to ensure its ongoing relevance, EASE K-7 was revised to reflect current themes in B.C. education, the First Peoples Principles of Learning, diversity and inclusion principles and includes new and updated resources and strategies for understanding and managing everyday (mild to moderate) anxiety that can be easily woven into everyday practice. 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, please view the infographic and visit MCFD’s HealthyMindsBC website.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• District SOGI leads
• Early learning and child care leads
• French language leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

We are wrapping up Education Week, and I hope you have created opportunities to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions of everyone in your district in delivering high-quality education and support to families throughout B.C.

I want to draw your attention to several action items in this week’s bulletin, including a half-masting notice in honour of Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation.

This bulletin includes information on the upcoming intake for the new child care capital program, including information sessions happening next Tuesday, April 14.  

In addition, we’re inviting school districts to submit an Expression of Interest to participate in piloting and field-testing of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool. Districts participating in the pilot will support the final version of the made-in-BC tool through direct experience and insights from teachers, schools and administrators. I hope you will consider participating.

Finally, there are reminders to complete the Student Learning Survey, complete the Literacy Professional Learning Grant Expenditure Report and remit the annual practice fee for certificate holders.

Have a great weekend.

Kaye

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Literacy Professional Learning Grant Expenditure Report

As part of the K–12 Literacy Supports Initiative, professional learning grants were distributed to all school districts in February 2025, to support district literacy development practices, including professional learning opportunities for teachers and support staff, and information for parents and caregivers.

1. School districts are required to complete a Literacy Professional Learning Grant Expenditure Report by June 30, 2026, providing the ministry with information on how grant funding is being allocated and used. Completed forms should be emailed to Literacy.Supports@gov.bc.ca.

2. If funding has not been fully expended by that time, remaining funds must be spent by June 30, 2027, and a second Expenditure Report must be submitted to the ministry by July 15, 2027.

School districts can also direct any questions on the grant or the expenditure report to Literacy.Supports@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

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Lunch & Learn Webinar– Classroom Enhancement Fund (CEF) Reporting

Registration is now open for an upcoming Lunch & Learn webinar on CEF reporting. The Education Finance Branch and the Financial Management Committee will host this session on Tuesday, April 21, from 12–1 pm PT. Contact EDUC.FundingandAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca for more information or if you have questions to submit in advance.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Reminder to Remit Annual Practice Fee for Certificate Holders – Due May 15 

Under section 37 of the Teachers Act, employers are required to remit the $95 annual practice fee for all certificate holders employed with the board. Please remit the 2026-27 fees through the Employers’ Area on or before May 15. If you have any questions, please email the Teacher Regulation Branch at trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Save the Date - May 13 Indigenous Education Council Charis' Gathering

The Ministry of Education and Child Care and the First Nations Education Steering Committee request that you share this “save the date” note with your IEC Chair for the first annual Indigenous Education Council Chairs’ Gathering in Richmond on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 9 am – 4 pm PT. Registration details and location will be sent out shortly. For questions, email EDUC.IndigenousEducation@gov.bc.ca. 

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads

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Half-masting Notice in Honour of Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation

Pursuant to Section 12(a) of the British Columbia policy on half-masting, flags will be flown at half-mast at the legislature and all B.C. government buildings in New Westminster to honour the memory of Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation who died on April 5, 2026. Flags were flown at half-mast from April 7 to 8 and will be flown at half-mast again from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial service (to be determined). The B.C. policy on half-masting protocols is provided in case school districts wish to follow a similar approach.

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• Principals and vice-principals

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Register for erase Series – Nihilistic Violent Extremism: Protecting Children & Youth from Evolving Online Threats

As part of their erase Organized Crime and Exploitation Prevention Information Series, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is hosting its 16th presentation on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:30 am-12 pm PT. Registration for this session is now open.

The RCMP National Security Program will present on evolving online threats targeting children and youth. The presentation will highlight key indicators for teachers, counsellors, and other youth practitioners to recognize, and leave participants with an understanding of risk factors as well as opportunities for prevention and intervention.

Share with:

• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Safe school coordinators

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Expression of Interest for Piloting and Field-Testing of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool

The ministry is pleased to invite school districts to submit an expression of interest to participate in piloting and field-testing of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool. The piloting and field-testing phases of screening tool development are intended to test and refine the tool in current K-3 classroom settings to ensure it is practical, relevant and responsive to the needs of schools, teachers and B.C.’s diverse student population. Participation in the pilot and field-testing phases will support the development of a final version of the tool that is informed directly by experience and insights from teachers, schools and districts.

The ministry is looking for districts with an interest and willingness on the part of classroom teachers, school leaders and district administrators to support and engage in this important work. Expressions of interest will be accepted immediately, with submissions accepted until end of day on April 24, 2026.

For more information, including purpose, selection considerations and how to apply, please see the Expression of Interest for Piloting and Field Testing of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool Development. Two 30-minute virtual information sessions will also be held by the ministry on April 13, 2026 at 8:30 am and at 3:30 pm to provide a brief overview of the piloting and field testing requirements and to answer school district questions. For questions regarding this call for expressions of interest, please contact the K-12 Literacy Supports Initiative Team at Literacy.Supports@gov.bc.ca.

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• Directors of instruction

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Reminder to Complete the 2025-2026 Student Learning Survey

The 2025-26 Student Learning Survey (SLS) is currently available until May 1, 2026. The survey is open for students in grades 4, 7, 10, 11 and 12, as well as parents, staff, principals and vice-principals. To help monitor survey participation, districts can view their SLS participation rates (updated weekly) through the SLS Participation Dashboard within the BC K-12 Education Data Portal. For questions on the survey content and dashboards contact Educ.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca. For technical and administrative support in administering the survey contact AWIS at 1-866-558-5339 or at support@awinfosys.com.

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• Principals and vice-principals

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Summer Marks Reporting—EDX Graduation Data Submission

A new guide to reporting summer marks is available on the GRAD Information website. The summer marks reporting process runs from the end of July through September; however, with the launch of EDX Graduation, there are changes to the process to consider ahead of time. For example, schools that use spreadsheets for their submissions should become familiar with the updated Excel submission template (opens from Downloads). Schools and districts with questions may email GRAD.Support@gov.bc.ca.

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• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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2026-27 Child Care Capital Program and Info Sessions – School Age Care on School Grounds

The 2026-27 Child Care Capital Program is expected to open in the coming week and will close on May 15, 2026. This intake supports projects that create new school age care on school grounds spaces with funding for small upgrades to existing K–12 school spaces. Eligible costs include minor renovations, fixtures, furniture and equipment required to obtain a child care licence.

The ministry will host information sessions on April 14, 2026, at 10 am and 1 pm PT. Email invitations have been sent. If you are interested in attending and did not receive an invite, please email Megan Graham, Planning Officer, at Megan.Graham@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Facility leads
• Secretary-treasurers

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Healthy Schools BC Website Transition

The Healthy Schools BC website is now hosted and maintained by HealthLink BC under the Ministry of Health for easier access to provincial school health promotion information and resources alongside other evidence-based health information. Additional information is provided in these FAQs.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Directors of instruction
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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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, an outcome was posted regarding Peter William Gentile who agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

I hope you had a rejuvenating spring break and the recharge continues through this long weekend. It certainly feels like we’re in the final stretch of the school year, with budgeting season afoot and the many year-end activities upon us.

This week’s bulletin shares a variety of updates, including a half-masting notice for the National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It also details how you can register for virtual sessions related to anti-racism networking as well as school age care on school grounds.

Also, as we move forward with enabling child care on school grounds, particularly before- and after-school care, we want to continue to hear from you on what else we can do to lower barriers and enable expansion. Please ensure your teams join the upcoming virtual engagement sessions on School Age Care on School Grounds, with details and registration information included below.

I hope you enjoy your long weekend.

Kaye

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Half-masting Notice for National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

As per the Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada (Section 11), the National Flag of Canada will be flown at half-mast on the Peace Tower in Ottawa, from sunrise to sunset on April 9, 2026, to mark the national day of remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and the Canadian flag at the legislature in Victoria will also be flown at half-mast.

Where a Canadian flag and a British Columbia flag fly near to one other, both flags should be lowered to half-mast. The direction of the federal and provincial governments on half-masting protocols is provided in case school districts wish to follow a similar approach.

Share with:

• Facility leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Register for Virtual Engagement Sessions on School Age Care on School Grounds

School districts are invited to attend virtual regional information sessions in April and May that will highlight recent provincial work that makes it easier to operate and expand school age care on school grounds. Sessions are based on health authority regions. Representatives from each health authority will be invited to join their respective sessions.

The virtual sessions will include:

• A new Director of Licensing Standard of Practice (DOLSOP) to clarify licensing requirements for school age child care programs that operate on school grounds and to address inconsistencies in licensing practices throughout B.C. You can access the new DOLSOP and the supporting FAQs on the Ministry of Health website. 
• A review of the new provincial information bulletin clarifying how the B.C. Building Code and B.C. Fire Code apply when school age care on school grounds programs are added or expanded in school buildings. ​
• Guidance for school districts to support the expansion of child care on school grounds.
• Recently announced funding to support the creation of school age care spaces on school grounds through minor capital projects, Early Learning and Child Care Leads capacity funding and other initiatives.

To register for a session, please complete this short registration survey before April 16, 2026.

Session offerings by health authority (all sessions are from 3-4:15 pm PT):

Fraser	Interior	Northern	Vancouver Coastal	Vancouver Island
April 24, 2026	April 29, 2026	April 22, 2026	April 20, 2026	April 23, 2026
May 4, 2026	May 8, 2026	May 7, 2026	May 11, 2026	May 6, 2026

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Facility leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Secretary-treasurers

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Invitation to Virtual Anti-Racism Networking Session – May 12

In partnership with the Metro Anti-Racism Network, the ministry is pleased to host a virtual anti-racism networking session on Tuesday, May 12 from 9:30-11:30 am. This session is intended for district anti-racism leaders throughout B.C., and we invite two anti-racism leads from each district to attend. The session will provide an opportunity to share insights, discuss current initiatives and strengthen connections among districts. To confirm attendance, please ensure that each participant completes this form by Friday, April 24. Please reach out to ecc.strategicpriorities@gov.bc.ca if you have questions.

Share with:

• District SOGI leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Mental health leads

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Annual Facility Grant Expenditure Plans – due May 15

School districts must complete their 2025-26 Annual Facility Grant (AFG) expenditure plans in MyCAPS ensuring they reflect actual AFG expenditures. This must occur prior to the submission of the 2026-27 AFG expenditure plans to the ministry.

The due date for 2026-27 AFG expenditure plan submissions in MyCAPS is May 15, 2026, and can be informed by the 2026-27 Annual Facility Grant (AFG) Allocations Table (PDF) available on the Capital Planning website. Please contact Nathan.Whipp@gov.bc.ca if you have questions.

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• Facility leads
• Secretary-treasurers

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Foster Caregivers Needed in Communities Throughout B.C.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is recruiting foster caregivers throughout B.C. with a goal of reaching parents and caregivers of school-aged children who may be most suitable to provide care for children and youth. MCFD is seeking your help to distribute foster caregiver recruitment messages to parents and caregivers in your schools.

Please consider asking school principals to share the resources below. There is an image for schools’ Facebook pages and a printable ad and posters (PDFs) to display in physical locations visible to parents and caregivers, school personnel and visitors.

• Recruitment image for Facebook (JPEG)
• Printable Recruitment Ad (PDF)
• Printable Posters for Posting in Schools (PDF)

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Centralized Retention and Recruitment Team. 

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA) Virtual Annual Meeting on Transportation to Public Schools – Save the Date

The Ministry of Education and Child Care, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) invite you to save the date for this year’s BCTEA Annual Meeting on Transportation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 10 am-12 pm PT. Registration details will be sent out shortly. For questions, email bctea@gov.bc.ca

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads
• Secretary-treasurers
• Transportation leads

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Expansion of Mental Health Power BI Dashboard Access

Effective May 1, 2026, the Mental Health Power BI Dashboard will be accessible to all Power BI users across districts. This expansion recognizes the value of making data more broadly available to support informed decision‑making and improved student outcomes. The dashboard incorporates several publicly available data sources, including:

• Student Learning Survey (SLS)
• Adolescent Health Survey (AHS)
• Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS/CSADS)

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Inclusive education
• Indigenous education leads

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Updating B.C.’s Approach to EDI Data Collection and Use

Government is moving toward an all‑of‑government approach to supporting child, youth and family well-being, and as part of this shift, the Province is revising how Early Development Instrument (EDI) data are collected and used. EDI information remains a valuable resource for school districts, health authorities and community partners, and government is committed to ensuring continued meaningful access.

Under the updated model, EDI data collection will be carried out through five representative school districts. These districts were selected because they reflect a range of provincial contexts, including high EDI use, and strong collaboration with local health authorities and communities where EDI insights play a central role in planning. The information produced through this representative model will continue to support provincewide understanding of children’s development.

Districts outside the representative group will still have access to the provincial insights that come from this work. For those wishing to participate more directly, UBC’s Human Early Learning Partnership (UBC HELP) will offer opt‑in opportunities that allow districts or, in some cases, health authorities, to engage at a level that aligns with their needs and budgets.

This shift maintains continuity in the availability of high‑quality EDI data while supporting government’s broader commitment to coordinated, provincewide planning for child and youth well-being. Districts will continue to benefit from EDI insights through the representative model or through voluntary participation, depending on what works best for their local context.

For questions and additional information please contact Jeremy Higgs, Executive Director, Systems Modelling and Analytics at Jeremy.Higgs@gov.bc.ca

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• Principals and vice-principals

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New Online Inclusive Child Care Resources Available

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has partnered with CanAssist at the University of Victoria on the Leaders of Inclusive Child Care Initiative.

A new collection of free, online resources includes self-paced online training, podcast series, digital toolkit, regional communities of practice and a position statement. These resources explore topics such as identity, awareness, care and collective wisdom as the foundational principles of inclusive leadership practice. Child care managers, directors and leaders throughout B.C. can benefit from these new resources available on the Inclusive Child Care Resources and Supports web page.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Inclusive education leads

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BC Child & Youth in Care Week 2026 and Nominations for Recognition Awards

The 16^th annual BC Child & Youth in Care Week (BC CYICW) will take place from June 1-7, 2026. BC CYICW recognizes children and youth in and from government care by celebrating their talents, contributions and aspirations. If you know a child or youth ages 6 to 28 who is in or from government care, please consider nominating them for a Recognition Award. All children and youth who are nominated will receive a Recognition Award. Nominations are open until April 27. If you have any questions, please contact taylor.burnett@fbcyicn.ca.

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• Directors of instruction
• Inclusive education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Healthy Schools BC Website Transition

The Healthy Schools BC website is now hosted and maintained by HealthLink BC under the Ministry of Health for easier access to provincial school health promotion information and resources alongside other evidence-based health information. Additional information is provided in these FAQs.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Directors of instruction
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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School Trustee Election Resources Available Now

Updated resources are now available for the October 2026 general school election, including the School Trustee Election Procedures in British Columbia guide. Please note that the guide has been revised throughout to include significant dates as well as key changes to elections legislation for 2026. If district staff have questions about election procedures, they can contact EDUC.Governance.Legislation@gov.bc.ca.

To view a map of trustee electoral areas:

1. Go to the BC Electoral District Explorer.
2. Click Add Provincial Layers at the top of the map.
3. Select Education from the menu.
   • For viewing Trustee Electoral Areas, select Education Trustee Electoral Areas and choose the preferred style option.
   • For viewing School Districts, select School Districts and choose the preferred style option.
4. Click OK.

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• Secretary-treasurers

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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, outcomes were posted regarding David William Popoff whose teaching certificate was suspended for two days, and Margaret Rose Lewick whose teaching certificate was suspended for one day. The findings from a hearing were also posted for David Joseph Lamb and the hearing panel’s decision on consequences is forthcoming.

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• Principals and vice-principals

With spring break on the horizon, I hope you’re able to take some time to rest and return recharged for the final semester of the 2025-26 school year.

The Deputy Minister’s Bulletin will be on hiatus for the next two weeks and will return on April 2nd to accommodate Good Friday.

This week’s bulletin includes information on the Preliminary Operating Grants for 2026-27 as well as amendments to the Safe Access to Schools Act to ensure that access zones prohibiting people from interfering with safe access to school grounds can be extended beyond the end of this school year. 

Wishing you a wonderful spring break.

Kaye

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Remit Annual Practice Fee for Certificate Holders – Due by May 15

Under section 37 of the Teachers Act, employers are required to remit the $95 annual practice fee for certificate holders employed with the board. Please review the information in News & Notices in the Employers’ Area and follow the payroll-deduction instructions to ensure you remit the 2026-27 fees before May 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please email trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.

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• Secretary-treasurers

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Foster Caregivers Needed in Communities Throughout B.C.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is recruiting Foster Caregivers throughout B.C. with a goal of reaching parents/caregivers of school-aged children who may be most suitable to provide care for children and youth.  MCFD is seeking your help to distribute Foster Caregiver recruitment messages to parents/caregivers in your schools.

Please consider asking school principals to share the resources below. There is an image for schools’ Facebook pages and a poster (PDF) to display in physical locations visible to parents/caregivers, school personnel and visitors.

• Recruitment image for Facebook (JPEG)
• Printable Recruitment Ad (PDF)
• Printable Posters for Posting in Schools (PDF)

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Centralized Retention and Recruitment Team. 

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Preliminary Operating Grants for the 2026-27 School Year

The total 2026-27 operating grant of $7.242 billion includes funding for enrolment changes at the published per student rates. All of the rates and formulas are unchanged from the 2025-26 school year.

Changes to estimated enrolment and the impact to the total 2026-27 operating grant will be managed through a decision process in the autumn. This includes determining if actual enrolment is lower than estimated enrolment, resulting in a lower total operating grant.

The operating grant allocations will be recalculated after September 29, 2026, once enrolment is confirmed. The operating grant allocation will again be adjusted following the February and May 2027 continuing education and online learning enrolment counts. Funding will also be adjusted in February 2027 for any growth in inclusive education enrolment and for new refugee enrolment.

The Classroom Enhancement Fund continues to be provided to fund boards’ cost to implement the Memorandum of Agreement with the BC Teachers’ Federation on class size, composition and non-enrolling teachers.

As you are aware, all districts are subject to compliance audits and potential recoveries for funding claims not in compliance with ministry policies and directives. School districts should be aware that audit adjustments will be included in the calculations of the Funding Protection and the Supplement for Enrolment Decline when they are recalculated in autumn 2026, which may affect the allocations under these supplements for some boards of education.

The 2026-27 Annual Budget must be submitted to the Minister on, or before June 30, 2026. Annual Budget Instructions and templates will be posted on the School District Budget Reporting web page.

The Estimator, a tool to assist boards in determining funding projections, is being updated for 2026-27. As in previous iterations, the updated Estimator will incorporate the next three years of funding projections into one program. The Estimator will be available to districts upon request by sending an e-mail to Michael.Lebrun@gov.bc.ca.

If you have any further questions about the 2026-27 funding allocations, please email Tim Jah, Director, Funding and Allocation  or Michael Lebrun.

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• Secretary-treasurers

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Amendments to Access Zones Legislation Introduced

The Safe Access to Schools Act came into force in May 2024, enabling government to establish access zones around K-12 public and independent schools. The Act included a sunset clause to repeal the legislation at the end of the 2025-26 school year. While protests and disruptions at schools have decreased, they continue to occur and government has introduced legislation that would extend the sunset clause until the end of the 2027-28 school year.

The Safe Access to Schools Regulation remains in place until June 30, 2026, and access zones are currently in place around all K-12 public and independent schools, with limited exceptions.

Please continue to report any incidents of protests or disruptive behaviour to ecc.strategicpriorities@gov.bc.ca.

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• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Removing Barriers For Qualified, Internationally Certified Early Childhood Educators

The Province continues to remove barriers for qualified, internationally certified early childhood educators from more than 30 countries, so that they can continue their careers in B.C. and start working sooner. Those who are certified as an early childhood educator in another country might be able to apply for a Five Year Early Childhood Educator certificate in British Columbia using work experience from outside Canada.

Internationally trained early childhood educator applicants with recognized certification and work experience can now apply for certification through My ECE Registry, without needing additional Canadian work experience. More information is available at the ECE International Applicant web page.

Please note that these changes do not affect early childhood educator applicants trained in B.C. or other provinces. Learn more about international credential recognition on the Office for International Credential Recognition website and in the Credential Recognition: Your Path to Professional Licensure guide.

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• Early learning and child care leads

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Inaugural OneAbility Games and Resources for Inclusive Sport

The OneAbility Games blends inclusive school-based programming with high-performance competition, bringing students, athletes and communities together through two impact streams:

• PLAY Stream: A school-based initiative that equips educators with inclusive tools, training and sport experiences to deliver programming for K–12 students with disabilities – empowering both students and their peers through shared physical activity.
• ACHIEVE Stream: A series of competitive sport events for athletes with disabilities at the regional, provincial and national levels, developed in collaboration with provincial and national sport organizations.

While registration is now full for the 2026 event, schools can still engage in the programming at www.oneabilitygames.com/resources and build sustainable, disability-inclusive programming in their school. Professional development opportunities and supports are also available by connecting with hello@oneabilitygames.com.

Share with:

• Inclusive education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Teacher Regulation Branch 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, an outcome was posted about Frank Ian Weniger, who agreed to a three-day suspension.

• Principals and vice-principals

I hope that the news of permanent daylight saving time has you looking forward to brighter evenings and a little more consistency in your routines. If your district is considering amendments to its school calendar because of this change, please see the article below for information and contacts.

Earlier this week, our ministry appeared for Estimates, and we anticipate concluding the process next Monday. As a reminder, Estimates is the debate over the detailed breakdown of proposed spending by ministries and public agencies, followed by approval by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

I want to thank those of you who joined us in-person for our All-Superintendents meeting today. It’s a valuable way for K-12 system leaders and the ministry to work together on our shared priorities. As always, I welcome any follow-up questions you may have from our discussions together.

Below you will find resources to support the work happening in your districts as well as an update from the Orange Shirt Society on the planned Every Child Matters Graduation Event.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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January 2026 Graduation Assessment Results

The January 2026 assessment session results are now available for:

• Grade 10 numeracy and literacy assessments (NME10, NMF10, LTE10, and LTP10)
• Grade 12 Literacy Assessment (LTE12)
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12e année – Français langue première (LTP12)
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12ᵉ année – Français langue seconde – immersion (LTF12)

Students can now view both their updated transcripts and detailed assessment results in their StudentTranscripts Service (STS) account under “Graduation Assessment/Provincial Examinations.”

Schools can access results using the Education Data Exchange (EDX).  If you need assistance logging in to EDX, please contact your school or district EDX account manager or EducationDataExchange@gov.bc.ca.

1. Assessment Summary Reports

From the EDX Graduation Assessments section, go to “Reports and Results” and select 2026/01 to access:

• Session Results (CSV)
• Session Results (Downloadable XAM file)*
• Session Results by Student (PDF)
• Session Results by Assessment (PDF)
• Distribution of Assessment Results (PDF summary and detailed CSVs)

*For MyEducation BC schools: do not download the XAM data file from EDX. Await notification distributed from MyEducation BC when the automated load is completed.

2. Student Transcripts and TVRs

Updated student transcripts and Transcript Verification Reports (TVRs) can be viewed by schools under the “GRAD System Reports” section on EDX Graduation.

Reminder: successfully completed assessments will result in a proficiency score on the transcript for all assessments except for Grade 10 literacy assessments (LTE10, LTP10), where “RM” (Requirement Met) will be documented.

Questions?

General questions, please email: Student.Certification@gov.bc.ca.

Offshore schools with questions, please contact: Offshore.Administrator@gov.bc.ca.

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources.

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• Principals and vice-principals
• School counsellors

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Permanent Daylight Saving Time

This week, the Province announced the adoption of permanent year-round daylight saving time after clocks shift forward an hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This means there will be no further time changes after that date and the transition to B.C.’s new time zone, Pacific time, will be complete.

If a district is considering amendments to its school calendar due to this change, please reach out to Tracie Carlson, Legislative Coordinator at (250) 387-8037 or educ.schoolcalendars@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Directors of instruction
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Social Studies 10 – Curriculum Supports for Teaching Topics in B.C. Black Histories

To support the addition of a new Learning Standard in Social Studies 10 that includes racial segregation and the destruction of Hogan’s Alley in B.C. Black Histories, the Ministry of Education and Child Care has collaborated with a group of teachers to develop resources aimed to support educators in implementing these new topics.

A Teacher Guide and Virtual Walking Tour Video aim to provide teachers, who may not be familiar with the history of Hogan’s Alley, support in content understanding, suggested resources and activities, as well as larger classroom considerations. Teachers are encouraged to use these curriculum implementation supports as they see best for their students’ learning and instructional delivery.

Visit the B.C. Black Histories web page or contact the Student Learning Programs Branch.

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• Directors of instruction
• Online learning leads
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Webinar – Supporting Children/Youth Impacted by Intimate Image-Based Sexual Exploitation

The Intimate Images Protection Service is hosting a webinar on March 11 as part of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Stop the Exploitation of Children and Youth Awareness Week (March 9-15).

The Intimate Images Protection Service provides specialized, trauma‑informed support for children and youth in British Columbia. This includes helping young people understand their options under the Intimate Images Protection Act and assisting with processes to have intimate images deleted or removed.

This session will introduce participants to the Intimate Images Protection Service and how it can support their work with children and youth. Participants will learn about sexual exploitation involving non-consensual intimate image sharing and how to connect children and youth to specialized help when they need it most.

The webinar will take place Wednesday, March 11, 10:00-11:00am Pacific Time. Please visit the Microsoft Teams Registration page for more details and to register.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• District SOGI leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Early Learning Project Working Guides are Now Available

The Changing Results for Young Children Project Working Guide and Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions Project Working Guide are now available.

These guides are designed to support districts that are beginning or continuing professional development work with these early learning project approaches. They draw on insights and experiences from past project teams across the province.

Each guide outlines the inquiry model central to the projects and provides practical activities, recommended actions and implementation considerations. They also include background information, and key insights and experiences that have contributed to effective practices in participating districts. District teams that engaged in these initiatives will find these early learning project guides valuable in supporting ongoing implementation, learning and growth.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads

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Every Child Matters Graduation Event Postponed

The 2026 Every Child Matters Graduation Ceremony originally planned for Monday, April 13 at BC Place will be postponed until April 2027, to allow the Orange Shirt Society to strengthen outreach, planning, and engagement so the event can be as inclusive and impactful as intended. More information will be shared closer to the new event date.

Share with:

• Career education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

Hello everyone,

Like many of you, my thoughts remain with the community of Tumbler Ridge, and with all students, staff, families, and first responders affected by this month’s tragic events. Some encouraging news from the district: students and staff have begun to return to the elementary school, and many families, students and staff have toured the new temporary learning space for the secondary school. Every step has been led with a compassionate trauma informed lens, also recognizing not everyone is ready yet to return. With the conclusion of the provincial period of mourning, flags outside schools may now be returned to full mast. This symbolic transition does not diminish our collective grief and marks an important step in a long healing process for Tumbler Ridge and communities throughout the province.

Earlier this week, Minister Lisa Beare convened a call with provincial and territorial education ministers to share early insights from Tumbler Ridge, and what to watch for during this critical period, especially in the digital space. It’s important that safety in schools remains the number one priority for all leaders and decision makers, not only at home in B.C., but throughout our country.                                                   

Please see important updates below, including information on April 2026 Graduation Assessment Registrations, as well as Career Development Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Educators, and Employers in B.C., and an upcoming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Virtual Dialogue session on March 11.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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April 2026 Graduation Assessment Registrations due April 9

The April 2026 Graduation Assessment session (April 20-24) includes:

• Grade 10 numeracy and literacy assessments (NME10, NMF10, LTE10, and LTP10)
• Grade 12 literacy assessment (LTE12)
• Évaluation de littératie de la 12^e année – Français langue première (LTP12)

Schools should submit registrations for this session by uploading their graduation files (DEM, CRS, XAM) to the new Graduation module on the Education Data Exchange (EDX). Registration management has also moved to the Graduation Assessments section on EDX, which replaces the former Online Assessment Register.

For details, please visit Graduation Assessments: Information for Administrators.

Assessment Registration Process
Pre-registration is required for all graduation assessments. Schools with students planning to write in April should register students using the instructions below:

1. Schedule your students for the graduation assessments in your school’s student information system (SIS). For MyEducation BC guidance, please consult with your level 1 support.
2. Before April 9, complete a graduation data file upload (DEM, CRS, XAM) to EDX Graduation.Students’ assessment registrations must be reported in the XAM file.

• A valid assessment session date from the Graduation Assessment Schedule must be used (i.e., 2026/04 for this session).
• Once graduation files are successfully uploaded, visit the Graduation Assessments section on EDX to further review or edit registrations.
• After April 9, registrations will be transferred to the e-Assessment System (EAS).  Schools must add any new writers directly to EAS.
• On April 13, school administrators will receive an email about how to access the EAS for this session and the technical requirements needed to ensure successful administration. If you have not received this by end of day, contact VRETTA at bced-support@vretta.com and copy Assessments@gov.bc.ca.
• From April 13, download the password letter required for administering the session to students, directly from EAS. Following step 4, schools will access EAS to review the list of registered students and add any late registrants as needed. For instructions, refer to the administration guides available under Technical Guides on the EAS website.

Questions?

Questions regarding EDX graduation file submissions: grad.support@gov.bc.ca
Questions about e-Assessment System (EAS): bced-support@vretta.com
Questions about Assessment Administration: assessments@gov.bc.ca

Visit GRAD Information for more helpful resources.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Certificate Suspensions for CRC Non-Compliance

On February 11, 2026, teaching certificates were suspended for certificate holders who did not comply with criminal record check requirements in 2025. Certificate holders that you employ may be on the list of suspensions. Please visit News & Notices in the Employers’ Area to check the list. You can also use the Certificate Verification Tool to verify the status of the certificate holders you employ. If you are employing a teacher currently suspended, please contact the Teacher Regulation Branch for next steps and assistance at mailto:trb.employers@gov.bc.ca or call 236-455-1872.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Principals and vice-principals
• Secretary-treasurers

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Career Development Resources: Guides for Parents and Caregivers, Educators, and Employers in B.C.

In collaboration with the Career Education Society of BC, the Ministry of Education and Child Care has developed new K–12 Career Development Resource Guides. These resources were created to help parents and caregivers, educators, and employers meaningfully contribute to students’ career education.

Share with:

• Career education leads
• French language leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• International Education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Virtual Dialogue

Join us for a virtual dialogue on creating safe and inclusive schools on Wednesday, March 11 from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm PST on Zoom. The goals for the session are to explore the intersections of our work and create deeper connections across educators committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

This meeting is open to all educators who hold diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of their role (including SOGI Leads, Anti-Racism Leads, and Safe Schools Coordinators). The meeting will be facilitated by the ARC Foundation.

Please register by March 5.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• District SOGI leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Mental health leads

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BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) Annual Survey 2026

School districts are encouraged to complete the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) Annual Survey to provide feedback on the impact BCCIE has on the sector and suggestions on how BCCIE might better support the K-12 sector going forward. The survey is expected to take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will remain open until March 16, 2026.

Share with:

• International education leads

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BC Learning Pathways: K-4 Foundational Français langue seconde – immersion Learning Progressions

As part of the BC Learning Pathways project, the K-4 Foundational Français langue seconde – immersion Learning Progressions are available now for provincial field review on the BC Learning Pathways website. This new resource supports French immersion teachers in developing students’ foundational reading, writing, and oral language skills in alignment with the Français langue seconde – immersion curriculum.

French immersion educators are invited to share their feedback on the Learning Progressions through the BC Learning Pathways Field Review pages:

• Field Review —K-4 Foundational Français langue seconde – immersion Learning Progressions (English)
• Période de consultation— Progressions d’apprentissage des compétences fondamentales en Français langue seconde – immersion de M à 4 (French).

Field review will be open from February 27 to April 10, 2026.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• French language leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Reminder: Child Care Operating Funding 2026-2027 Renewal Open

As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for the 2026-2027 funding year.

Over 2,000 child care facilities are already pre-approved to participate in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative for 2026-2027. Child Care Operating Funding agreements were sent out earlier this week and providers are encouraged to review their agreements carefully so they can confirm their participation by providing full approval of the terms.

As in previous years, providers joining the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already participating may increase approved fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.

As communicated to all recent applicants last week, the Province is not expanding the current $10-a-day program at this time. Providers who applied in the most recent intake must renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements to avoid any interruptions in funding.

Please note an important policy shift in the fee reduction program: As of April 1, 2026, participating providers may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.

For more information, please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or the wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information is available on the Apply for or renew web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Register for Nurturing Play and Beyond course for Early Childhood Educators

The School Aged Child Care Association of BC is offering Nurturing Play and Beyond: Middle Years Child Care Fundamentals, Principles & Practices, an online, hybrid  course created to address the gap in accessible, high-quality, holistic training for early childhood educators, early childhood educator assistants and school-age educators working with school-aged children.

Course Details

• Four-weeks in length
• Six hours of self-led course material per week
• Two-hour facilitated session at the end of each week
• Nine modules inspired by the B.C. Early Learning Framework, including trauma-informed practice, and guidance from subject matter experts in child care and education
• Participants receive a certificate for 27 professional development hours
• Cost: $270.
• Cohort 1: March 7-28, 2026
• Cohort 2: April 4-25, 2026

For questions about course offerings and bursary options, please contact Tyler Summers.

For details and to register, visit the Nurturing Play and Beyond: Middle Years Child Care Fundamentals Principles & Practices web page.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads

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Virtual Open Houses for International High School Students

Building on the success of the Virtual Info Sessions held in October 2025, Study in BC is organizing two Virtual Open Houses to showcase post-secondary opportunities to prospective international students currently studying in B.C.’s K-12 sector. This event aims to support high school students in their transition to post-secondary education within the province.

Over two evenings, March 10 and 11, students will have the opportunity to:

• Meet directly with post-secondary institutional representatives and ask questions
• Learn more about admission processes and pathway opportunities
• Explore the benefits of studying at a B.C. post-secondary institution

Registration is required, and participants will need access to Zoom to attend. For more details, please visit the event page. If you have any questions regarding the sessions, please email the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) team at events@bccie.bc.ca.

Share with:

• International education leads

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TRB Discipline Outcomes

Discipline outcomes are posted to enhance the transparency of the processes and decisions made with respect to complaints and reports about educators. An outcome has been posted regarding Kelly Jean Hettinga, who agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

I hope you are all finding ways to enjoy the longer daylight as we head towards the start of spring. I know all of our thoughts remain with the community of Tumbler Ridge this week, and our colleagues in the Peace River South School District.

Earlier this week, government introduced Budget 2026, which prioritizes investments in critical services, such as health care, education and child care. The Ministry’s budget will increase $924M over the three-year fiscal plan to support enrolment across the K-12 system, stabilize the child care system, and increase support to Future Ready K-12 Career Connections and Dual Credit.  

We have accomplished a tremendous amount over the last 8 years of the 10-year ChildCareBC plan, and as we look to the next 10 years of child care in the province, this year marks a transition year. To protect investments to date and ensure future changes are thoughtful and sustainable, the Province is pausing new enrolment into the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program and Operating Funding Model, as well as the New Spaces Fund. This does not affect families or providers already participating in these programs.

The future of child care includes a prominent role for schools and, while other areas of the system will pause, we will continue our focus on expanding child care on school grounds.  I’m happy to share that funding will continue for another year for Early Learning and Child Care Leads through a $10.5-million investment. We are also increasing efforts to expand before- and after-school care through a new $5-million capital investment to help school districts leverage existing school facilities, supported by an additional $20 million in operating funding over three years.

We covered much of these budget updates in our All-Superintendent and All-Chairs calls this week, but we welcome additional questions you may have on how these funding commitments translate to meaningful outcomes for children and families in your districts throughout B.C.

Below you will find key updates and resources to support the work happening in your districts.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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New Materials for Learning Resources Policy Implementation

In partnership with teachers, teacher-librarians, principals, and vice-principals, the Ministry of Education and Child Care has developed a new resource called Guidance on Learning Resources Selection. This resource:

• outlines ways learning resources are used in classrooms, school libraries, library learning commons and schools;
• provides considerations for educators to support the review, selection and use of learning resources; and
• offers suggestions for educators to strengthen relationships with families and build understanding about resources used in schools.

The ministry has also developed a Learning Resources Policy Clarification and FAQ document for Boards, schools, and district leaders. The document clarifies provincial policy requirements for the approval, selection, and review of learning resources and provides answers to frequently asked questions about learning resources. It also reminds Boards of Education that local district policies should address all learning resources available in a school, whether they are in a classroom or a school library.

School districts are asked to share their current learning resources policy with parents and caregivers in their school community, including information or links to the challenge process should a family have a concern about the use of a learning resource.

The resources are now available in English and are coming soon in French.  They will be available on the erase website and updated as needed moving forward.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Indigenous education leads
• Online learning leads
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Framework for Enhancing Student Learning: Annual Review Update

The ministry would like to thank district teams for all their work on and submission of the 2025 Enhancing Student Learning Reports/Interim Progress Reports.

As per the commitment in the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning Policy, all 2025 Enhancing Student Learning Reports and Interim Progress Reports have now been reviewed. District feedback and provincial themes will be shared with the sector in the coming weeks.

All superintendents will also receive a survey seeking feedback on the 2025 Enhancing Student Learning Report templates. The templates will continue to be refined based on sector feedback.

Thank you to the 20 district teams who volunteered and submitted the full Enhancing Student Learning Report this past year. As we continue to implement the three-year cycle of reporting, the 20 districts identified to submit the full Enhancing Student Learning Report in 2026 have been randomly selected and are listed below:

2026 Enhancing Student Learning Reports: 

SD06 – Rocky Mountain	SD48 – Sea to Sky
SD19 – Revelstoke	SD52 – Prince Rupert
SD20 – Kootenay-Columbia	SD62 – Sooke
SD23 – Central Okanagan	SD67 – Okanagan-Skaha
SD35 – Langley	SD68 – Nanaimo-Ladysmith
SD37 – Delta	SD71 – Comox Valley
SD39 – Vancouver	SD78 – Fraser-Cascade
SD45 – West Vancouver	SD81 – Fort Nelson
SD46 – Sunshine Coast	SD92 – Nisga’a
SD47 – qathet	SD93 – Conseil Scolaire Francophone

All other districts will be submitting an Interim Progress Report in 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, please email EDUC.Framework@gov.bc.ca.

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Every Child Matters Graduation Event Cancelled

*Please be aware that as of March 3, 2026, this event has been postponed to April 2027

The 2026 Every Child Matters Graduation Ceremony marks a historic milestone in Canada’s ongoing journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. On Monday, April 13 at BC Place, this landmark event will honour the Class of 2026, the first students in B.C. to complete their K–12 education with Orange Shirt Day and Indian Residential School history integrated into their curriculum. 

The 2026 celebration is the first in a series of graduation events planned throughout Canada and is open to graduates, families, community members, allies, media and anyone committed to honouring this important milestone to witness this historic moment. 

To celebrate, empower, and support students, the event will include a career fair and education expo, an artisan marketplace and graduation ceremony. More information is available in the 2026 Every Child Matters Graduation Celebration flyer. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. 

The Orange Shirt Society is partnering with school districts throughout B.C. to bring student representatives from each graduating class to BC Place. Community members, organizations, and partners are invited to sponsor a 2026 graduate and chaperone to help cover transportation, accommodation, and event ticket costs. 

Share with:

• Career education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Register for the Learning First Peoples Spring Institute

Registration is now open for the Learning First Peoples Spring Institute taking place from March 16 to 17 in Richmond. Hosted by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association, the institute is designed to support teachers to bring quality, authentic First Peoples teaching and learning into B.C. classrooms.

Workshops:

• March 16, 2026 (9:00 am-3:00 pm):  BC First Peoples 12 and BC First Nations Land, Title and Governance Teacher Resource Guides
• March 17, 2026 (9:00 am-3:00 pm):  First Nations Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST) Teacher Resource Guide (K-12)

Visit the First Nations Education Steering Committee website to register.

Share with:

• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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erase Organized Crime and Exploitation Prevention Information Series – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Safety and Co-Regulation

As part of their erase Organized Crime and Exploitation Prevention Information Series, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) is hosting a presentation on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:30 am-12:00 pm PST.

The session will be delivered by the Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (POPFASD) and will introduce the overlapping brain and body‑based characteristics linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. The session will also:

• provide effective communication and co‑regulation strategies for adults working with students
• explore vulnerabilities associated with FASD in the context of school safety and justice involvement
• offer practical tools that school staff can use to support children and youth with neurodevelopmental needs, including FASD

Please reach out by email to SOC.hub@gov.bc.ca with any questions. 

Registration for this session is now open. 

This is the fourteenth presentation in PSSG’s erase series. 

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• School counsellors

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TRB 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, outcomes were posted regarding Tasha Dawn Whitney, whose teaching certificate was suspended for five days, and Joel Nathanael Dyck, who agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Enhanced Family Health Program Naming Survey

Child Health BC and Perinatal Services BCare working with partners throughout BC to create a new, voluntary family visiting program available to families during pregnancy until their child enters school.

In the program, a provider works with each family to build on their strengths, support their child’s health and development, and connect parents/caregivers to helpful health and community resources for their family goals.

Families are invited to share their ideas to help create a name for the program that feels welcoming, supportive, trustworthy, and inclusive. This survey will be open until February 27, 2026. 

If you have any questions please contact Zahra Hussein (Zahra.Hussein@phsa.ca).

For questions about the collection of information, please contact the PHSA Privacy Office by emailing privacy@phsa.ca or calling 1-855-229-9800. 

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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New Board Policy Review Guidance Released by BCSTA

Last summer, the BC School Trustees Association established the Board Policy Review Advisory Committee to develop guidance to support boards of education to review and modernize their policy manuals.

As boards of education govern through policy, this work is integral to ensure effective governance and accountability to the local community and to support the board’s statutory role under the School Act.

BCSTA released the guidance, Policy Review for Boards of Education, this week and it is available on the BCSTA member portal. Boards are encouraged to engage with BCSTA and senior district staff to establish a process to review and modernize their policies.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Graduation Records and Achievement Data Collection now on EDX

Starting Monday, February 23, 2026, graduation records and achievement data collection (often known as “TRAX”) will move to the Education Data Exchange (EDX). EDX replaces the School Secure Web (SSW) for graduation-related activities, further bringing student data collections together into a single platform.

• New Graduation and Graduation Assessments tiles are available to EDX users that have a Graduation Administrator or Graduation Viewer role.
• EDX School and District Account Managers should ensure staff roles are updated as needed.
• Schools should continue to extract the same set of ‘TRAX’ files (DEM, CRS, XAM) from their systems and upload them through EDX Graduation.
• The School Secure Web (SSW) is no longer available for graduation-related activities, including reports, which are also now available through EDX.
• Files sent via SSW prior to February 23 do not need to be resubmitted to EDX Graduation unless corrections or updates are required.

For more information and resources, please visit Graduation Records and Achievement Data (GRAD) Information.  

Questions about EDX role management can be sent to educationdataexchange@gov.bc.ca.

Questions about graduation data collection can be sent to GRAD.Support@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

We are pausing our regular Deputy Minister’s Bulletin this week to acknowledge the tragic loss of life that occurred in the Tumbler Ridge community on February 10. The impact of this profoundly heartbreaking loss has been felt across the province and the world.  

Yesterday was proclaimed a Day of Mourning and in lieu of the traditional pre-budget Throne Speech, Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia provided a tribute to the people of Tumbler Ridge.  In addition, pursuant to Section 12(a) of the British Columbia policy on half-masting, flags will be flown at half-mast from now until further notice.

We are taking an all-of-government approach to the response, including providing all updates and resources on a newly launched web page, Supporting people through the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.  We are also coordinating with the Federal government, which is actively supporting families and the community. School districts and other partners in the Northern region, including Integrated Child and Youth teams, Northern Health teams, and Child and Youth Mental Health teams from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, have been mobilized to be on-site in Tumbler Ridge. They have worked tirelessly and demonstrated incredible resilience in coming together to provide wrap-around supports to students, staff, and families in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Associate Deputy Minister Jennifer McCrea and colleagues from Safer Schools Together, our safety expert, are on-site in Tumbler Ridge to provide direct support to district leadership and to provide real-time information back to government on ongoing needs. We will continue to take a cross-provincial approach to sharing information for ongoing and longer-term supports for our students, educators, school staff, counsellors and families.

We are extremely grateful for you and your teams. We know that you will continue to prioritize the mental health and well-being of your school communities and support healing. We also appreciate your leadership and welcome ongoing dialogue with you on any needs or concerns that may arise and how we can help address them together.

Please know that our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and those who witnessed this tragedy.

Continue to reach out with any resources you may need.

Kaye Krishna
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Education and Child Care

Resources

• Canadian Mental Health Association
• ERASE
• Healthlinkbc: Helping Children with Grief
• Kelty Mental Health
• Learning through Loss
• Foundry Virtual BC – Foundry BC App

We have shared comprehensive resources to your safe school coordinators including Tips for Teachers when Discussing Traumatic World Events for:

• Primary Grades (PDF)
• Intermediate Grades (PDF)
• Secondary Grades (PDF)

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• Safe school coordinators

Like you, I am deeply saddened and shocked by the devastating tragedy that occurred yesterday in Tumbler Ridge. Our hearts go out to those that lost their lives, those who were injured and those who were impacted as witnesses and their families. I also want to acknowledge the overall impact to the community from this tragic incident and the Premier has committed to providing the supports needed for the community. I am grateful for the rapid, courageous work on the ground of the police and school staff to protect students and prevent the situation from being much worse. 

The Ministry safety team, along with Safer Schools Together, have been engaged with the district and working with other ministries to coordinate resources on the ground, including mental health and victims services.

As this event is being covered nationally and internationally, we know that many of you will be impacted and asked about what you are doing in your own communities. I wanted to share provincial resources that you can share with your school communities.

Pursuant to Section 12(a) of the British Columbia policy on half-masting, flags will be flown at half-mast from now until further notice, to mark the tragic deaths yesterday. The direction of the province on half-masting protocols is provided in case school districts wish to follow a similar approach; however, school districts have the autonomy to follow their own policies with regard to flags subject to the School Regulation.

We have shared out comprehensive resources to your safe school coordinators including Tips for Teachers when Discussing Traumatic World Events for:

• Primary Grades (PDF)
• Intermediate Grades (PDF)
• Secondary Grades (PDF)

We have a strong commitment to safety and trauma informed practice in this sector, and we need to lean into that strength now more than ever. Please take care of yourselves and each other during this difficult time.

Please reach out if there are any supports you might need.

Resources

• Canadian Mental Health Association
• ERASE
• Healthlinkbc: Helping Children with Grief
• Kelty Mental Health
• Learning through Loss
• Foundry Virtual BC – Foundry BC App

I hope that you have had a great start to the month and the new semester for some of you. The Legislature sits again starting next week, with the Throne Speech on Thursday, Feb. 12.

I look forward to providing you with some key ministry updates at the upcoming All Superintendents’ Calls on Thursday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 18. The second call will largely be focused on a review of the Provincial budget, which will be released on February 17, and the discussion will be supported by executives from both ECC and Infrastructure.

Please see important information below, including an upcoming webinar on the funding formula, allocations for 2025-26 district/authority scholarships, and a new program to support teacher education in rural and remote communities. You’ll also see a news release supporting Black History Month. I hope you are all finding ways to honour, celebrate and reflect on the experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians in British Columbia and across the country throughout February.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Lunch & Learn Webinar – Public School Operating Grants: Funding Formula Explained

Registration is now open for an upcoming Lunch & Learn webinar on Public Schools Operating Grants. The Education Finance Branch and the Financial Management Committee will host this session on Tuesday, February 10, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm (PST). Contact EDUC.FundingandAllocationUnit@gov.bc.ca for more information or if you have questions to submit in advance. 

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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2025-26 District/Authority Scholarship Allocations

Allocations for the 2025-26 District/Authority scholarships are now available online. Districts are asked to submit their list of selected students to the ministry by June 30. Awarding guidelines support flexible, local decision making to help districts use their full allocation, recognize a broad range of student accomplishments, and support students as they transition to post-secondary study. Please ensure selected students are on track to meet eligibility requirements by August 31, and are aware that the award is conditional on those requirements being met on time.  

• The most frequently misreported data that affects students’ scholarship eligibility are citizenship/permanent residency. Inaccurate reporting (including blank entries) will disqualify students. 
• Make certain that eligible students don’t miss out on scholarships (including the BC Achievement) by ensuring they are being reported to the ministry with a value of ‘C’ and confirming that information on the student’s Transcript Verification Report. 
• Encourage all Grade 12 students to register for a Student Transcripts Service account where confirmation notices for all four awards within the Provincial Scholarships Program will be posted this fall. 

For questions, contact scholarships@gov.bc.ca.   

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals
• Provincial scholarships leads

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VIU Launches New Program to Support Teacher Education in Rural and Remote Communities

Vancouver Island University is introducing a new dispersed teacher education program (elementary level) this August. Supported by the Ministry of Education and Child Care as part of the K–12 Workforce Plan, this part-time program is designed for individuals working in schools in rural and remote communities who want to become certified teachers. Most of the program can be taken online and students can complete their practicums in their local school district. Applications are open until April 10. Additional details and info session opportunities are available. 

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Principals and vice-principals

I hope that you have had a great last week of January. Spring flowers are starting to emerge here in Victoria; I hope the groundhog predicts an early spring for all of you across the province on Monday!

Please see below for some new programs and resources that are available and a few items that may require your attention.

Enjoy your weekend.

Kaye

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Reminder: Sign up for an EDX Graduation Demonstration

Graduation records and achievement data collection (currently known as “TRAX”) will move to EDX starting February 23, 2026. This means that EDX will fully replace the School Secure Web (SSW), consolidating student data collections into a single platform.

If you haven’t already, school staff responsible for graduation data submissions are encouraged to visit the EDX Info Hub to register for one of the demonstration sessions to learn:

• Provincial Graduation Assessment registration management
• What is changing and how to prepare
• Graduation data upload processes
• Locating familiar reports, and exploring updated reports and new features

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

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Reminder: School Health Information Request – due January 30, 2026

A reminder that the Ministry of Education and Child Care is conducting a School Health Information Request to gather information from districts on the current state of these school health topics:

• Menstrual product availability
• EpiPen availability for emergency use
• Naloxone kit supply and procurement

Please provide the requested information by completing this web survey by end of day Friday, January 30. Only one submission is to be completed per district. Please contact ecc.strategicpriorities@gov.bc.ca if you have questions regarding this request.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Child Care Operating Funding 2026 – 2027 Renewal Open

As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for 2026-27.

As in previous years, providers joining the fee reduction program for the first time must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already in the fee reduction program may increase fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.

However, there are several important policy shifts for the CCFRI including:

• As of April 1, 2026, providers in the fee reduction program may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.
• There is a streamlined pathway for school board-operated child care programs to set fees that help recover reasonable costs to operate child care on school grounds. This aligns with recent changes to enable school districts in B.C. to support families with more child care on school grounds. School boards can get details by emailing the Child Care Community Development Team at CCDevSupport@gov.bc.ca.

To avoid gaps in funding, applicants to the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program should renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements while waiting for a decision on their $10 a Day program application.

For more information please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information are available on the Apply for or renew Child Care Operating Funding web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Provincial Teacher Mentorship Pilot Program Launches

The Provincial Teacher Mentorship Program is a key component of B.C.’s K-12 Workforce Plan. It is designed to support teachers through accessible, inclusive, and research-informed mentorship. Developed in partnership between UBC’s Faculty of Education and the Ministry of Education and Child Care, with input from K-12 sector partners, this program is focused on promoting teacher retention with tailored pathways for First Nation teachers as well as francophone and French immersion teachers. The program website is now live and mentorship activities are beginning in each of the 5 pilot school districts that are part of the pilot phase.

Resources developed through this initiative will be made available online for educators throughout the province and new resources will continue to be released as they are finalized. We encourage you to explore the website, share it with K–12 colleagues, and revisit regularly for ongoing updates.

Share with:

• Directors of human resources
• Directors of instruction
• French language leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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New Translations Available for the Mental Health and Substance Use Language Guide for Famililes

Language Matters! Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: A Resource for Families and School Communities has been translated into some of the most commonly spoken languages in B.C. This resource is hosted on the erase mental health and substance use web page and is designed to support families in learning about mental health and substance use, understanding the role of schools in promoting child and youth mental wellness, and exploring ways to offer support at home.

Available translations:

• 简体中文 (Chinese – Simplified)
• 繁體中文 (Chinese – Traditional)
• Tagalog (Filipino)
• français (French)
• Deutsch (German)
• 한국어 (Korean)
• فارسی (Persian)
• ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
• Español (Spanish)

Share with:

• French language leads
• International education leads
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday, everyone. I’m happy to be back following my leave and am eager to reconnect with all of you on the important work that lies ahead.

In addition to the many updates included in this week’s bulletin, I wanted to let you know that we completed the second phase of our ministry’s functional restructuring this week. The changes were effective yesterday and build on the changes we made last May, when we updated executive positions and divisions to better support the alignment of child care and the K-12 systems. This week’s changes update the structures from within each of the ADM’s portfolios, and you can connect with them if you or your team have questions about how our teams continue our good work together.

Please see below for some important updates to action or for your information.

Have a great weekend.

Kaye

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Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session

Please join us January 29 at 3:10 pm PT for the third Analytics Engagement and Information Sharing Session of the 2025-26 school year, featuring an Overview of the Mental Health Power BI Report and highlights from the 2024-25 Student Learning Survey (SLS) Provincial Results. See the poster for more information and the registration link. Please contact EDUC.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

The recording for this session will be available on the BC K-12 Education Data Portal, under the Communications tab.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• District SOGI Leads
• Inclusive education leads
• Indigenous education leads
• Mental health leads

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Affordable Child Care Benefit Resource

A new resource is now available to assist families and child care providers in understanding the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) and access funding. This printable brochure includes:

• Key eligibility information
• Step-by-step guidance on how to apply
• A QR code linking to additional details on our website

Pleas share this new resource widely to ensure more families and community members benefit from the ACCB when accessing child care. For further assistance, ministry call centre staff are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT at 1-888-338-6622 (option 1).

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Annual Lead in Water Reporting

School districts are required to test lead content in drinking water in their facilities to ensure the water quality meets established health guidelines. Please complete the 2025-26 Testing Lead Content in Drinking Water of School Facilities Report (in the Publications and Resources section) then submit your report to the Education and Child Care Capital Branch by February 28, 2026. Policy and sampling information is available on the Testing Lead Content in Drinking Water of School Facilities web page and the new Drinking Water Officers’ Guide provided by Ministry of Health.

Share with:

• Facility leads
• Secretary-treasurers

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EDX Phase 3: Graduation Data Transfer Specifications

In preparation for the February 23 launch of EDX Phase 3, a final copy of the Graduation Data Transfer Specifications is now available. For MyEducation BC schools, core specification alignment is being coordinated at the enterprise level.

What schools should do now:

• Review Section 1: Summary of Changes, paying particular attention to items that may require closer management of data at the school-level.
• Clean up PEN mismatches on current TRAX Data Error Reports:
  • Any mismatch in student PEN, name (first, middle, last), or date of birth with the PEN registry will now result in a critical error that prevents loading all data for that student, including CRS and XAM records.
  • Previously, these mismatches only returned errors in the DEM file. Schools can prepare by correcting these discrepancies now to avoid transfer failures.

Questions?

For queries related to the new specifications, contact TRAX.Support@gov.bc.ca

For queries related to PENs, contact PENs.Coordinator@gov.bc.ca

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Service Design Project Underway for the Student Information System

Connected Services BC is leading a service design project to help shape the next generation of the provincial student information system (MyEducation BC). The project focuses on studying parent and student interactions with schools and related digital tools. The project aims to enhance the experience for all users and guide the future SIS procurement.

Share with:

• Online learning principals and vice-principals
• Principals and vice-principals

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Call for Nominations – Order of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship

To celebrate service excellence, the Province is inviting the public to nominate outstanding individuals for the Province’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The Order of British Columbia is the highest honour awarded by the Province and recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction by a former or current B.C. resident whose contributions benefit the province and elsewhere.

The Medal of Good Citizenship honours individuals whose selfless volunteerism, generosity and contributions have a positive effect on their community. Nominations for youth aged 15 to 25 are also accepted, as well as posthumous nominations.

Nominations for both honours must reach the Honours and Awards Secretariat by April 7, 2026, to be considered in 2026. An independent selection committee reviews all nominations and recommends candidates.

For further information and to submit nominations, please visit the Order of British Columbia and Medal of Good Citizenship web pages.

Share with:

• Early learning and child care leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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Real Acts of Caring Week

Real Acts of Caring (RAC) is a student-led initiative that began 21 years ago and is all about doing something caring and kind for others without expecting anything in return. RAC week is from February 8-14, 2026, and your school district, along with your students, is invited to join this year in planning intentional acts of caring that will ripple across your community. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please reach out to Harriette Chang at changharriette@gmail.com or Melissa Burdock at Mburdock@sd67.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

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TRB 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, outcomes were posted regarding Bradley Jonathan Bootsma and William Walter McCrae. Both certificate holders agreed to a reprimand.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

Happy Friday, everyone – we’ve made it half way through the decade known as January.

I’m pleased to let you know that Kaye will be returning from her leave next Monday, January 19 and I want to thank each of you for your support over the last couple of months. The early heads up and keeping, for the most part, quiet in the media did not go unnoticed – we’re always grateful for your leadership in your districts. There is a lot to catch Kaye up on in the K-12 sector and I know she looks forward to connecting with you when she returns.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Jennifer

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2025-2026 Student Learning Survey (SLS)

The 2025-26 Student Learning Survey is now open and will remain available until May 1, 2026. The survey is open to students in grades 4, 7, 10, 11, and 12, as well as parents, staff and principals/vice-principals. The staff survey is available in English and French, and the parent survey is available in 18 languages.

For guidance on administering the survey, please refer to the SLS Administration Manual. For technical and administrative support, contact AWIS at 1-866-558-5339 or email support@awinfosys.com. Questions about the survey content may be directed to EDUC.ReportingUnit@gov.bc.ca.

Share with:

• Principals and vice-principals

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Sign up for an EDX Graduation Demonstration

Starting February 23, 2026, graduation records and achievement data collection (currently known as “TRAX”) will move to the Education Data Exchange (EDX) platform. This means that EDX will fully replace the School Secure Web (SSW), consolidating student data collections into a single platform.

School staff responsible for graduation data submission are encouraged to attend an upcoming EDX Graduation demonstration session, which will cover:

• What is changing and how to prepare
• Graduation data upload processes
• Locating familiar reports, and exploring updated reports and new features
• Provincial Graduation Assessment registration management

Visit the EDX Info Hub to register for one of the sessions.

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

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Reminder: Due February 17—BC Excellence and Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship Applications

Please remind students that applications for the BC Excellence and Pathway to Teacher Education scholarships will be accepted until February 17, 2026. Applicants must be on track to graduate and meet core eligibility and scholarship-specific requirements by August 31, 2026. Recipients are awarded a $5,000 scholarship voucher for tuition reimbursement after they attend a designated post-secondary institution or B.C.-authorized trades training provider (Excellence) or an approved teacher education program at a B.C. post-secondary institution (Pathway). Online applications are due Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by 3 pm PST. Please contact scholarships@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Share with:

• Career education leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Provincial scholarship leads

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School Health Information Request

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is conducting a School Health Information Request to gather information from districts on the current state of these school health topics:

• Menstrual product availability
• EpiPen availability for emergency use
• Naloxone procurement

Please provide the requested information by completing this web survey by Friday, January 30, 2026. Only one submission is to be completed per district. Please contact ecc.strategicpriorities@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions regarding this request.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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2026-2027 School Calendar Submissions

The school calendar forms (School Calendar Form – General and School Calendar Form – Online Learning) for the 2026-27 submission cycle are now ready.

In accordance with the School Act, boards must make their proposed calendars public by February 28, 2026, and submit their calendars to the ministry by March 31, 2026.

Please note there is a new link to the School Calendar Submission Application page this year. On this page you will find the school calendar forms and instructions on how to complete them. Please upload and submit your completed calendar forms on this page by the March 31 deadline.

If you have any questions about the school calendar submission process, please contact Tracie Carlson, Legislative Coordinator, at the Governance and Legislation Branch at (250) 387-8037 or educ.schoolcalendars@gov.bc.ca. 

Share with:

• Directors of instruction
• Principals and vice-principals

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Reminder: Dual Credit Pathway to Teacher Education for First Nation Students Expression of Interest Applications due January 30

This is a reminder that applications for the Dual Credit Pathway to Teacher Education for First Nation Students Expression of Interest are due by 4 pm on January 30, 2026.

Visit the Dual Credit web page to access the application form and resources. Questions can be sent to workforce.development@gov.bc.ca.

This initiative aims to support more First Nation students to consider teaching as a career path through dual credit opportunities. Applications for this EOI must be developed and implemented in partnership with one or more local First Nations and one or more post-secondary institutions.

This initiative is in alignment with Action 4.02 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan and was co-developed through a joint working group with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, First Nations Education Steering Committee, and Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, to support the training, recruitment and retention of First Nation teachers.

Share with:

• Career education leads
• Indigenous education leads

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erase Community of Practice – January 26, 2026 – Non-Consensual Intimate Image Sharing and Protections

Safer Schools Together and the Ministry of Education and Child Care are hosting a Community of Practice session on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 3–4:30pm PST.

Guest speakers from the Ministry of Attorney General will discuss outcomes from the recent Youth Insights into Intimate Images Protection Project including feedback from youth surveys and in-person engagement. Safer Schools Together will share trends around sextortion including deepfakes and AI-generated images. Participants will be able to hear youth recommendations to help young people better access available supports and they will be invited to share their ideas for increasing youth awareness and reporting.

Register through the Community of Practice web page.

Please reach out to the Student Safety Team at erase@gov.bc.ca for more information or if you have questions.

Share with:

• District SOGI leads
• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals
• Safe school coordinators

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Vaping Information Sessions for Youth

In partnership with Health Canada, QuitNow is hosting I quit for me, a series of sessions for youth ages 13-18 who would like to stop vaping or smoking. The sessions will focus on health risks of nicotine, creating a support plan, and healthy ways to manage stress. Sessions are 45-minutes on Zoom and run every Tuesday at 7 pm PST from February 3 to March 3, 2026. Please encourage youth to register in advance to secure a spot. Questions may be directed to Beth Clark, Manager, Behavioural Coaching & Outreach at clark@bclung.ca.

Share with:

• Mental health leads
• Principals and vice-principals

Welcome back, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and have returned to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Like every year, 2026 will undoubtedly have its challenges but I know it will also be filled with countless successes and a genuine sense of accomplishment as we continue to improve outcomes for all of B.C.’s students.

Please see below for a few items that may require your attention.

Enjoy your weekend.

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2026-27 Enrolment Estimates

District enrolment estimates for the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years are due to the ministry by Friday, February 13, 2026. The ministry will use these enrolment estimates to facilitate the development of operating grant estimates for 2026-27, which will be announced on or before March 15, 2026.

As indicated in the enrolment estimates spreadsheet, specific estimated enrolment information is required for the following categories:

1. July Enrolment Count, including headcount and course enrolment for Summer Learning
2. September Enrolment Count, including school-age, adult, inclusive education, Indigenous Education and English Language Learning
3. February Enrolment Count, including Continuing Education, Online Learning, inclusive education enrolment growth and newcomer refugees
4. May Enrolment Count, including Continuing Education and Online Learning

Please provide any key assumptions that your district has made in its 2026-27 estimates in the section below the main estimates table. This provides an opportunity to identify assumptions related to expected student exits and arrivals to your district with respect to independent schools, other provinces, other countries and other districts. An enrolment estimate checklist has also been provided to assist you with developing your district’s enrolment estimates.

Please add your school district’s estimated enrolment information to the District Estimated Enrolment columns of the enrolment estimates spreadsheet and e-mail it to Michael Lebrun, Funding Analyst, at Michael.Lebrun@gov.bc.ca no later than February 13, 2026. Questions can be directed to Michael at the above address.

Share with:

• Secretary-treasurers

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Reminder: Register by January 30 for the All Superintendents Meeting

Register by Friday, January 30 for the March 6 All Superintendents Meeting at the Radisson Vancouver Airport hotel in Richmond. Discounted hotel rates are now sold out; if you are facing a challenge booking a hotel, please contact ECC.Partner.Relations@gov.bc.ca to help find a solution. The agenda will be provided closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you on March 6.

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Reminder: Mental Health in Schools Grant Questionnaire – due January 21, 2026

School districts that have not yet submitted the 2025-2026 Mental Health in Schools Grant Questionnaire are reminded that the deadline for submission is January 21, 2026. Only one questionnaire is to be completed by each district. Please contact EDUC.MentalHealth@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Share with:

• Mental health leads

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Orange Shirt Day 2026 Official Design Contest

Please invite your students to help raise awareness about the lasting impacts of residential schools and support the healing journey of survivors and their families by submitting a design of their own for the 2026 Orange Shirt Every Child Matters T-shirt contest. Entries will be accepted until January 31 at 9:00 pm PST.

Share with:

• Indigenous education leads
• Principals and vice-principals