Safe and healthy schools
Last updated: August 18, 2021
B.C. schools work to develop positive and welcoming cultures and are committed to providing good environments for learning.
Schools work to prevent problems through community building, fostering respect, inclusion, fairness and equity. Each school:
- Sets, communicates and reinforces clear expectations of acceptable conduct
- Teaches, models and encourages socially responsible behaviour
- Works to solve problems peacefully
- Places high value on diversity and defending human rights
- The K-12 Education Recovery Plan (English, French) assists schools and districts in preparing for the 2021/22 school year. The plan focuses on implementing ongoing health & safety measures, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on learning & well-being, and providing supports for Indigenous students, students with disabilities/diverse abilities and students requiring additional assistance.
- Key Principles and Strategies for K-12 Mental Health Promotion in Schools is a companion resource to the K-12 Education Recovery Plan and offers recommended actions and resources to support the mental health and well-being of K-12 students and staff.
- The BC Centre for Disease Control’s Public Health Guidance for K-12 School Settings supports K-12 sector planning for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and maintaining safe and healthy environments for students, families and staff. The guidance document identifies key infection prevention and exposure control practices, and a detailed COVID-19 evidence summary.
- The Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 (English, French) outline the principles and requirements for prioritizing safe learning environments. The guidelines outline key health and safety requirements for B.C. K-12 schools and address topics including cleaning and disinfecting, illness and daily health check policies, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, personal protective equipment and student transportation.
- Note: The COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines are designed to build on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s public health guidance for K-12 and address a broader range of content and requirements for schools and school districts. In case of any discrepancy between these two guidance documents, school districts and independent school authorities should follow the Communicable Disease Guidelines.
COVID-19 Protocols for School & District Administrators and Staff (English, French) provides key information on the processes, roles and responsibilities involved in managing symptoms of illness among students and staff and responding to COVID-19 exposures within the school community.
- Note: The COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines are designed to build on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s public health guidance for K-12 and address a broader range of content and requirements for schools and school districts. In case of any discrepancy between these two guidance documents, school districts and independent school authorities should follow the Communicable Disease Guidelines.
Handling Medical Conditions, Reactions & Pandemics
Ensure student safety by working with parents and guardians to tailor plans for students with specific medical needs. Also find out how to recognize key symptoms and learn what to do in an emergency.
Utilizing the mandated policies in place helps maximize the nutritional daily standards for students. Find out how to offer healthy food and drink options for selling or vending at your school.
Guidelines at a Glance Brochure:
- Guidelines for Food & Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools At-a-Glance (PDF)
- Lignes Directrices Sur La Vente D’aliments Et De Boissons Dans Les Écoles De La C.-B. Version abrégée (PDF)
Complete Guidelines for Food and Drink Sales:
erase is all about building safe and caring school communities. This includes empowering students, parents, educators and the community partners who support them to get help with challenges, report concerns to schools, and learn about complex issues facing students
