Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming school environment remains a top priority, says Lisa Beare

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has issued the following statement about returning to learning:

“While I’m sure many students wish summer could be just a little longer, I am thrilled to welcome students and staff to the start of another school year. It is always so exciting on the first day as students and staff walk through the school doors and fill the hallways with excitement, laughter and anticipation – ready to take on the new learning journey in the year ahead.

“As minister of education and child care, I’m proud to support the people who make schools strong: educators; school district staff; trustees; support staff; families; and students. This year, creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming school environment remains a top priority for our government. Every student deserves to show up as their full, authentic self and to know they belong.

“Programs, such as Expect Respect and a Safe Education (Erase), are already helping schools support mental wellness and provide anti-bullying resources. Erase also contains great resources for parents and families, such as training to support families and caregivers in navigating the digital world and tips for having difficult conversations around bullying. Access zones will be in place again this year to help keep students and staff safe and free from harmful disruptions on or near school grounds.

“Students need to be fed to do their best. Almost 90% of schools in B.C. are operating school food programs since we introduced funding for Feeding Futures. These programs work toward ensuring no child learns on an empty stomach.

“We are updating what students learn. Holocaust education has been added to Grade 10 social studies. Students will also explore Black history, Japanese Canadian internment and discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples.

“Students will also be learning life-saving skills. CPR and automated external defibrillation (AED) learning are now part of the Grade 10 physical and health education.

“This year, all elementary schools will begin early literacy screening, starting in kindergarten. This will help identify students who may need additional reading support so students can get help earlier in their education.

“Since 2018, we have funded the creation of approximately 14,000 new licensed child care spaces on school grounds throughout the province. By expanding access and reducing the cost of child care, we’re working to provide children with early learning experiences that set them up for school and enable families to access child care and education in one place.