The Province of British Columbia's After School Sport
Initiative provides children who typically face barriers with opportunities to have
fun, learn and play sport.
The initiative provides funding to programs in
selected schools during the 3 - 6 p.m. time period - a critical time when
kids are often unsupervised and physically inactive.
The initiative, tailored to communities' unique needs and
resources, is funded through the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy and delivered through
a variety of partnerships in selected schools in Haida Gwaii, Prince George,
Surrey, Victoria and Vancouver. In the next two years, it will be expanded to
up to 12 more communities. An arts and culture component will be added.
Through sport, children learn how to be healthier,
develop valuable physical and social skills, and make friends.
“Through the After School Initiative, we can help
students, who might be prevented from participating because of barriers such as
transportation costs or fees, play and become passionate about sport,"
said Ida Chong, minister of community, sport and cultural development.
The Province recently hosted a community forum for After
School Sports programmers so they could share their successes and lessons
learned with others involved in this initiative.
"It's just great to see the children's excitement
and see them racing to the gym," says Andie Pask, physical literacy
coordinator with the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence. "It's amazing
to see their confidence blossom."
It's definitely filling a service gap.
"Without this funding, we would not be able to be
offering the after-school opportunities four days a week for our kids,"
says Lori Burley, who is the principal at Tillicum Elementary school. Through this
funding, her school services more than one hundred children after school.
The programming differs from place to place, custom-made
to the students' needs.
"We tailor our program to address the unique needs
of the children mainly by listening to them rather than pre-designing a program
and implementing it whole scale," explains Lucy Neville, supervisor of the
After School Sport initiative in Haida Gwaii. "We ask for their feedback
as we're actually creating and developing the programming."
"We want every kid in B.C. to have positive self-esteem,
a supportive network of friends and a safe place to develop their physical
skills," says Minister Chong. "Sport helps them accomplish that.”
“Participation in sport and physical activity is valued and embraced as a way of life in British Columbia, sustained by a province-wide, balanced commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and the ethical pursuit of excellence.” -- BC's Policy on Sport and Physical Activity
]]>The money collected will be used by local high school dry grad committees to plan alcohol-free graduation events and activities such as boat cruises, ski trips and dances. The contributions by liquor store customers supplement funds raised by parents, students and teachers who volunteer year-round to raise funds for dry grads.
Quote:
Minister Rich Coleman -
"It's great to see people across B.C. giving a little bit extra back to their communities for alcohol-free grad events. The money raised will help students celebrate one of life's milestones safely and responsibly."
Quick Facts:
Media Contact:
Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617
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The agreement was signed at the site of the future school, which is currently an empty field on 77a Ave. in Langley. This new facility will accommodate up to 510 students from kindergarten to Grade 7. It will utilize B.C. wood as much as possible and adhere to LEED Gold or equivalent environmental standards. Local residents will also benefit from community programs that will be offered at the on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC).
With the project agreement now in place, the Langley board of education will tender for the construction of the school. Construction will begin this summer and the school will open in September 2013.
While this school moves forward, the new $13.3-million Lynn Fripps Elementary is now mid-way through construction and is on budget and on time. The school is scheduled to open this September and will accommodate up to 510 kindergarten-to-Grade 7 students.
In addition, planning for a new middle school in the Yorkson area is underway. That school is expected to be open by September 2014.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The new elementary school for South East Yorkson will provide additional space for students in this growing community and will include a new Neighbourhood Learning Centre to provide services to families."
"As we move ahead with the new elementary school, we have also reached the half-way point for the construction of the new Lynn Fripps Elementary and are moving forward with plans for a new middle school. Together, these projects will provide local students and with modern learning facilities that we can all be proud of."
Mary Polak, MLA Langley -
"As a resident of Willoughby, I look forward to the local programs and services that will be available at these schools. Schools are a key part of our children's lives and these Neighbourhood Learning Centres will be integral to our community as well."
Wendy Johnson, chair, Langley board of education -
"The Langley board of education is very pleased to be able to sign the project agreement to confirm the construction of the new Elementary school for the South East Yorkson neighbourhood. With the opening of Lynn Fripps Elementary this September, followed by the opening of the South East Yorkson school in September 2013 and the new middle school in 2014, we are making important progress in addressing the needs of families in the fast growing Willoughby area."
"We remain committed to working closely with our local and provincial governments to ensure we are proactive in planning for the future in this high growth region."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Lynn Fripps Elementary construction update: http://www.sd35.bc.ca/board/default.aspx
Langley school district: http://www.sd35.bc.ca/pages/default.aspx
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The Ministry of Education engaged the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the University of British Columbia's department of civil engineering to conduct a comprehensive update of how B.C. schools are expected to perform in a major earthquake and to upgrade the technical guidelines for seismic retrofits.
The APEGBC-UBC team has developed:
Based on the latest research and more detailed local geotechnical information, the engineers re-evaluated more than 500 schools previously identified for potential funding under the School Seismic Mitigation Program. The new assessment has identified 152 schools with at least one "high risk" building section that need to be addressed with structural upgrades under the School Seismic Mitigation Program. The cost to address these high-priority schools is estimated at $1.3 billion.
The remaining schools have building sections classified as "low" or "medium" risk, which means seismic safety can be achieved through non-structural mitigation or through a school district's regular capital renewal process. The Ministry of Education is exploring options to provide school districts with additional funding for non-structural safety improvements in the medium- and low-ranked schools starting in 2013-14.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The excellent work by our partners at APEGBC and UBC allows us to better prioritize school upgrades and brings us significantly closer to our goal of keeping all students safe in the event of a major earthquake."
Derek Doyle, APEGBC's chief executive officer -
"B.C. has the benefit of tremendous engineering experience, and this has been an unprecedented collaboration between government, academia and the engineering community."
Andy Mill, chair of the APEGBC Seismic Peer Review Committee -
"This is an extremely comprehensive and ground-breaking structural upgrade program. The standardized, peer-reviewed methodology provides a roadmap for assessing and addressing seismic risk in a prioritized and focused way."
Carlos Ventura, director of UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility -
"Since the onset of the Seismic Mitigation Program in 2005, we have learned more about the nature of earthquakes, how structures behave during these kinds of events, and how to predict their behaviour."
"The extensive seismic testing conducted at UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility and at other research facilities around the world, coupled with information gained from recent earthquakes around the globe, has allowed us to develop a new, more accurate seismic assessment methodology that better identifies which schools are most at risk during an earthquake and how to best retrofit those schools."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Ministry of Education, Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/seismic/
APEGBC's work on the Seismic Mitigation Program:
http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ssup.html
UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility: http://www.civil.ubc.ca/about/facilities/eerf.php
Two backgrounders are available online:
Seismic Mitigation Program: Participants and Roles -
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/backgrounder1_seismic_mitigation_program.pdf
152 high-priority schools -
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/backgrounder2_152_high_priority_schools.pdf
Media Contacts:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Media line: 250 356-5963
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
Agnieszka Pozniak: 778 885-0533
Janet Sinclair: 604 512-8095
University of British Columbia
UBC Public Affairs
Lorraine Chan: 604 822-2644
The 14 projects are spread throughout 12 B.C. school districts. Schools were selected from most-recent district capital plans and represent top-ranked projects based on an updated assessment of seismic safety risk.
School projects approved for funding:
School districts will work with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the Ministry of Education's Seismic Mitigation Program to confirm scope, schedule and budgets for these projects prior to Ministry of Education approval of individual project agreements.
Since 2005 a technical team led by APEGBC, working with its partners at the University of British Columbia, has continued to refine the risk assessment and mitigation strategies through experience in actual seismic upgrade projects, extensive laboratory testing at UBC's world-class Earthquake Engineering Research Facility and peer review by leading international structural experts. This work resulted in new technical guidelines and assessment methodology that refined the list of high priority schools to be addressed under the School Seismic Mitigation Program.
Capital Plan instructions for new project approvals, expected to follow this month, will direct school districts to review and prioritize requirements for future seismic projects based on the latest assessment results.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"This is the next step in our ongoing and comprehensive program to make B.C. schools safe in the event of a major earthquake. With today's announcement, we now have 167 projects that are completed, in progress or moving through initial planning."
Patti Bacchus, Vancouver board of education chair -
"Moving forward with our seismic program is critical to the safety and security of our students. The Province's approval of funding for seismic upgrades to Grenfell, Kingsford-Smith and Weir will help us make these schools safe as quickly as possible."
"We have an unprecedented level of planning and construction underway in Vancouver as we work in partnership with the Ministry of Education to upgrade our seismically at-risk buildings to ensure safe learning and working environments."
Franci Stratton, North Vancouver board of education chair -
"We are greatly appreciative of the ministry's inclusion of Argyle Secondary in their latest commitment to the Province's School Seismic Mitigation Program. Argyle was built over 50 years ago, at a time when seismic risk was not as well-understood and schools were not built to the safety standards of today."
"We are now in a position to move forward, establish a formal project agreement, and address this high-priority building on behalf of present and future students, staff and families of Argyle Secondary and the North Vancouver community."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Ministry of Education, Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/seismic/
APEGBC's work on the Seismic Mitigation Program:
http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ssup.html
UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility: http://www.civil.ubc.ca/about/facilities/eerf.php
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Erfan was born and raised in Iran. As a top student, he earned the opportunity to go to university in Malaysia where he studied for a year and partially completed a bachelor degree in financial engineering. His family's decision to immigrate to Canada brought him to Vancouver in 2008, where he planned to continue his post-secondary studies in commerce and computer science.
Erfan quickly discovered however that despite the extensive English language instruction he had received throughout his school years in Iran and his post-secondary experience in Malaysia, he lacked the English skills required to gain entrance to any of the B.C. universities he wanted to attend. In fact, he failed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test four times.
Feeling discouraged and burned out, Erfan sought help. He enrolled in the College Preparatory English program at Vancouver Community College (VCC), set to work and completed all three levels of the program over the past year achieving his Grade 12 English equivalency.
Along with the English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills he gained, Erfan credits his ESL courses with improving his social and interpersonal skills, and giving him the confidence to run for and win an elected position on VCC's Students' Union.
He notes that ESL teachers do a great deal more than instruct in grammar and vocabulary. They help immigrants understand Canadian culture and society. They provide support and direction to their students in many areas, from renting a home to finding a job.
Erfan is back in class, re-energized and taking university transfer courses in business administration at VCC and Langara College with plans to study commerce combined with business and computer science at the University of British Columbia's Sauder school of business.
Under the Canada-B.C. Immigration Agreement, ESL courses are being provided tuition-free to new immigrants, such as permanent residents. As well as ESL in 17 public post-secondary institutions, this includes WelcomeBC's English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) program in communities throughout the province.
The Province has recently extended this tuition-free policy to Canadian citizens at public post-secondary institutions, ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities as recent immigrants.
The Province has proclaimed April 29 to May 5, 2012, as "ESL Week" - to raise awareness of the needs of ESL students, recognize the contributions of ESL teachers and celebrate British Columbia's multicultural diversity.
Why It Matters:
With more than a million job openings expected in British Columbia in the next decade and only 650,000 students currently enrolled in the K-12 system, immigrants will play an important role in meeting the labour market demands of the future. Many newcomers to British Columbia require ESL courses to gain the English language skills they need to move on to higher levels of education and skills and trades training, fill high demand jobs, raise families and participate fully in their communities.
Quotes:
Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -
"As we mark "ESL Week" in British Columbia, I want to recognize the efforts of the thousands of learners around the province who are working to improve their English language skills, and the teachers who are providing such excellent instruction and support."
"Our ESL programs ensure that immigrants who bring such diversity, skills and excellence to British Columbia have the opportunity to gain the language skills they need to fulfil their ambitions, enjoy life and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our province."
Erfan Mahdizadeh, completed the College Preparatory ESL program at Vancouver Community College -
"Language is a form of expression and without it, one would squander the opportunity of becoming a successful citizen. ESL training has opened doors for me. Now I can follow my dreams and have the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge to society."
Michael Galli, president of the Association of BC Teachers of English as an Additional Language (BC TEAL) -
"Acquiring a second language is one of the most challenging learning experiences any of us will face, especially when it is combined with immigrating or studying in a foreign country. ESL instructors' methodology and pedagogy helps accelerate students' learning processes. We teach English, but also provide a bridge for newcomers to transition into a new culture, one that is welcoming but also challenging to those unfamiliar with a multi-cultural community."
Quick Facts:
* For the 2010-11 academic year, 17 public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia delivered ESL training for more than 8,800 domestic students.
* The 2011 Developmental Student Outcomes Survey found that:
o 96 per cent of former ESL students said their ESL courses helped them achieve their most important goal.
o 95 per cent said they were very satisfied or satisfied with their ESL courses.
o 63 per cent were studying or had taken further studies since their ESL studies.
o 93 per cent of those who took further studies said they were very well or somewhat prepared by their ESL courses.
o 80 per cent of those who spoke English at work said their ESL training helped them use the language.
Learn More:
To view the Proclamation for ESL Week:
http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2012%20Proclamations/procs/ESLWeek2012.htm
For information on ESL services in British Columbia: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/esl/welcome.htm
To find out about WelcomeBC programs including English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) for new immigrants: http://welcomebc.ca/wbc/immigration/settle/learn/index.page?WT.svl=LeftNav
To read about the Association of British Columbia Teachers of English as an Additional Language: www.bcteal.org
To view the 2011 Developmental Student Outcomes Survey: http://outcomes.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/DEVSO/Publications.aspx
To learn more about ESL programs at Vancouver Community College: http://www.vcc.ca/programs-courses/detail.cfm?div_id=5&prog_id=65
Media Contact:
Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
Starting in 2012-13, the University of British Columbia's (UBC) midwifery education program will be expanded from the existing 10 first-year spaces to 20 first-year spaces.
The Ministry of Advanced Education worked with UBC and the Ministry of Health to determine the need to double the number of B.C. midwife graduates to help meet the call from families for greater access to services. UBC will receive $1.914 million in one-time funding, and an increase of $833,920 in ongoing operating funding for a phased five-year expansion of the midwifery education program.
In addition, government recently reached a two-year service agreement with the Midwives Association of BC (MABC) that builds on government's Healthy Families BC initiative by expanding access to midwifery care throughout the province.
The two-year service agreement reached with the Ministry of Health provides $500,000 in new funding to increase the number of home births in B.C. From this funding, midwives will be able to hire support staff so families can choose to deliver safely in their own homes, which will free up capacity and avoid the higher costs of delivery in the acute care system.
Through this service agreement, midwives will also have access to funding to establish and maintain a practice in rural and remote communities that currently do not have access to midwifery care. This will further help government provide access to care that supports healthy pregnancies, healthy babies and ultimately healthy families.
Quotes:
Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -
"Our government knows how important midwives are to expecting families, particularly for pre and postnatal care. That is why we are so proud to increase the number of seats in UBC's midwifery education program because more midwives graduating means we're helping meet the needs of B.C. families."
Michael de Jong, Minister of Health -
"I am pleased to be able to expand our support of home birth as a safe option for healthy low-risk mothers. I thank the Midwives Association of BC for its work in improving access to primary care and supporting healthy families."
Gavin Stuart, dean, vice provost health, UBC, and dean, faculty of medicine -
"The faculty of medicine is grateful that the Province has expanded funding for its midwifery program. The doubling of enrolment and the hiring of additional faculty will enable more women and their families, particularly in B.C.'s under-served communities, to obtain expert care before and during their deliveries, and will allow for research to make midwifery even more effective in the future."
Ganga Jolicoeur, executive director, Midwives Association of BC -
"Registered midwives are highly trained, educated and regulated professionals and demand for our client-centred maternity care services is growing dramatically. We welcome this new funding and support from the provincial government as it will provide women and families with greater choice and access to maternity care in both urban and rural communities throughout B.C."
Learn More:
To learn more about the midwifery education program at UBC, visit: www.midwifery.ubc.ca/midwifery
To learn more about midwifery in British Columbia, visit:
http://www.bcmidwives.com/
A backgrounder follows.
Media Contacts:
Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)
BACKGROUNDER
May 4, 2012 Ministry of Advanced Education
Ministry of Health
Province expands midwifery in B.C.
Contact:
Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)
The Province is taking immediate action against bullying and harassment in the workplace. Action items include:
In addition, the B.C. employer community will play a leading role in preventing workplace bullying and harassment, by assisting in developing the toolkits and by sharing them with their members. This commitment comes from the Business Council of British Columbia, BC Chamber of Commerce, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C., the Employers Health and Safety Association and the Coalition of BC Businesses.
Quotes:
Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government -
"Our government's position on bullying is straightforward - it's simply not acceptable at any level. That's why one of the most important changes we made was to add specific references to bullying and harassment. WorkSafeBC will develop and add new policy to the current violence in the workplace regulations and provide tools to address these destructive behaviours. Stakeholders will be consulted on this important work."
"Bill 14 is a significant piece of legislation for workers and employers. We need to make sure we have the legislation right and that its intentions are clear."
Greg D'Avignon, president and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia -
"The employer community supports these reasonable proposed amendments to Bill 14, and we fully support the clear statement that bullying or harassment are not acceptable in the workplace. Our organization is pleased to champion with WorkSafeBC and other employer organizations to assist in the development of national best-practice tools and communications activities to ensure the prevention and awareness of workplace bulling and harassment."
Quick Facts:
One aspect of Bill 14 provides broader compensation for work-related mental disorders. The amendments tabled today address recommendations brought forth over the last few months by various stakeholders throughout the province. They include:
Learn More:
Workers Compensation Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/96492_00
Contact:
Jason Macnaughton
Communications Manager
Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-0172
B.C. will celebrate Child Care Month in many ways. On May 11, the annual Child Care Awards of Excellence - honouring child-care professionals, organizations and local governments who have demonstrated outstanding service to children and families - will be held in Vancouver.
On May 17, B.C. will celebrate Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, which acknowledges the valuable service child-care providers deliver - and the significant contributions they make to children's development - through local appreciation events.
Every day, child-care providers are helping children climb on jungle gyms, introducing the joy of music through songs and reading children's stories that pique young imaginations. Child-care providers offer babies, toddlers and children safe, high-quality care environments where they can learn through play.
Aboriginal child-care centres provide cultural programming - such as singing, drumming and language-learning opportunities - to help connect Aboriginal children to their cultural roots.
The child-care and early learning system is actively supporting parents of young children to work or go to school, providing more than 100,000 licensed child-care spaces throughout the province. Parents can decide from a range of child-care options that meet their needs, including group child care (centre based), family child care (based in a family home), preschool, before- and after-school care and care in their own home.
B.C.'s network of child-care and early learning supports also provides thousands of jobs, currently employing more than 12,000 licensed early childhood educators and nearly 5,000 early childhood educator assistants.
British Columbia has 34 post-secondary training institutes offering early childhood education programs.
Quotes:
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -
"Many families depend on child care so that they can pursue career and education opportunities, knowing their children are safe and well-cared-for."
"During Child Care Month - and throughout the year - we thank the child-care community for providing young children with a wonderful and healthy early learning environment where they are encouraged and inspired to grow, learn, socialize with other children and have fun."
Colleen Kensit, operator of Peter Pan Preschool and Daycare in Victoria -
"I am very fortunate to have such a fulfilling job, where I can engage with children and see their smiling faces every day. My favourite part of the day is interacting with the children, watching their creativity and imaginations grow."
"Child Care Month is terrific because it recognizes and values our profession and all of the hard work we do. Many professions are recognized for a day, but it's nice to be recognized for an entire month!"
Wayne Robertson, chair of Provincial Child Care Council -
"Child-care providers across the province provide such a valuable service to children and families, and often are so cherished that they become an extension of the family. I am pleased to be part of the celebrations during Child Care Month to recognize these outstanding individuals and the significant work they do year-round."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
If you are a parent and you want to find available child care in your neighbourhood or you'd like more information on the child-care subsidy program, go to: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/parents.htm
If you are a child-care operator and would like more information on funding and services offered through the government, go to: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/providers.htm
Contact:
Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639
250 508-8403 (cell)
Bill 36, the School Amendment Act 2012, gives students and families increased choice in educational programs by extending the ability to take a mix of online and traditional school courses to students in kindergarten through Grade 9. Currently, only students in grades 10 to 12 have this option.
Other changes to the School Act will eliminate the Standard School Calendar to enable boards of education and education authorities to offer more creative scheduling options that better meet the needs of their students. The Ministry of Education will continue to set a minimum number of instructional hours.
Other revisions to the act will clarify that boards may charge fees relating to the direct costs of providing an international baccalaureate program if they exceed the costs of providing a standard education program. Any such fees are subject to financial hardship provisions. The School Act grants boards of education a limited capacity to charge fees so they may provide programs that reflect the unique needs of their communities.
Under BC's Education Plan, government is committed to building an education system that is more flexible, dynamic and adaptable to better prepare students for a successful future. Personalized learning is an approach to education that puts every student at the centre of their own learning and makes them more accountable for their success.
Bringing more flexibility to the system will help to recognize that each student is unique and our education system can support each student's interests, passions and individual ways of learning.
Quotes:
Education Minister George Abbott -
"Enabling greater flexibility and choice is a key component of BC's Education Plan, and these amendments to the School Act will provide school districts with additional tools to support personalized learning."
Chair of the Surrey board of education Laurae McNally -
"These changes provide greater autonomy, flexibility and recognize school boards as partners in education."
"Every school district has unique needs and challenges, and these amendments mean we'll be able to provide greater flexibility and choice - and that means more options for students."
Learn More:
View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca
Media Contact:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
]]>(Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/7110166617/in/set-7215762618854598)
Gibsons Elementary school is an aging facility that is in poor condition. The project was originally announced as a renovation and seismic upgrade, but a subsequent feasibility study determined the construction of a new, smaller, more energy-efficient school to be more cost-effective.
The new school will have 14 classrooms providing space for 300 students in grades 1 to 7 and 40 full-day kindergarten students. The school will also host a StrongStart Centre and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre to provide community members with year-round access to additional support services including an early childhood development centre, a health and wellness screening office, a community kitchen, and a multipurpose room.
Work on the school will begin this summer and the project is expected to be complete by September 2014 with students moving in for the beginning of the 2014 school year.
Construction of the school will be adjacent to the existing facility to avoid the need for temporary accommodation and measures will be taken to ensure students and staff are safe during the construction period. Demolition of the old building will be completed at the end of the project, and new playfields will be installed on that part of the site.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The new Gibsons Elementary school will provide students and staff with a modern and safe learning environment and the new StrongStart Centre and Neighbourhood Learning Centre will become the centre of the community providing important services and programs to families, young learners and seniors."
Silas White, chair, Sunshine Coast board of education -
"We are thrilled with Minister Abbott's project announcement this morning for Gibsons Elementary school."
"This new facility will provide some of our district's youngest minds with a safe and modern area where they can thrive in both an academic and social environment."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The agreements ratified by the PSEA board cover:
* Douglas College and the Douglas College Faculty Association.
* North Island College and the North Island College Faculty Association.
* Okanagan College and the BCGEU Local 707 Vocational Instructors.
* Selkirk College and the BCGEU Local 709 Vocational Instructors.
* Selkirk College and the Selkirk College Faculty Association.
The five settlements cover approximately 1,800 faculty and vocational instructors working at four public post-secondary institutions throughout the province. Following local ratification by the parties, the PSEA board ratifies each two-year agreement, which contains items that were agreed to at the PSEA common table in December 2011.
Collective agreements that expired in 2010 and 2011 continue to be reached under the 2010 net-zero mandate, even as a number of public sector employers and unions in the public service, health and community social service sectors have begun negotiations under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate.
Quotes:
Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon -
"These agreements are among the last to be negotiated under the 2010 net-zero mandate, as almost three-quarters of the collective agreements have been successfully renegotiated."
"We have been clear that there is no new money to fund wage increases and no desire to download these costs onto families or future generations. Under the 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate, public sector employers have the flexibility to negotiate modest compensation increases if they can find equivalent savings within their existing budgets."
Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto -
"I'm pleased to hear that these agreements are in place for the benefit of the faculty, the instructors and the students they teach."
Quick Facts:
* There are about 300,000 unionized workers employed in the public service, at Crown corporations and agencies, and in the K-12, post-secondary, health and community social services sectors.
* Public sector wages account for more than half of total government spending.
* An increase of one per cent in total compensation for all unionized public sector employees would cost the Province approximately $196 million each year. If applied to non-union and management groups, this increases to about $237 million annually.
Learn More:
Updated bargaining information is available at: http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/psec/
Media Contacts:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821
Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
]]>The regulations outline clear requirements for school principals to consult teachers, and corresponding duties for teachers to consult and advise principals about the organization of all classes in the school and the placement of students with special needs in those classes.
Previously, consultation was only required in cases where there were more than three students with special needs in a given class and/or when a grades-4-to-12 class exceeded the 30-student limit.
The changes will benefit every student because the dynamics of how classrooms are organized will be part of an ongoing and constructive dialogue between principals and teachers, and these kinds of discussions will happen frequently - instead of only at the beginning or end of the school year as is currently the case.
The $195 million Learning Improvement Fund and corresponding regulation, which came into effect on April 14, supports these consultations on class organization and helps address complex needs in classrooms. The regulation sets out teacher eligibility for additional compensation in instances where class size does exceed 30 students.
Compensation can take the form of additional preparation time, professional development funding, classroom supplies or equipment, additional pay, or some such combination. The regulation also prescribes which classes are not subject to the 30-student limit, such as choir and drama, where larger groups are desirable.
Quotes:
Education Minister George Abbott -
"The changes we're bringing in are already happening in good schools, where there is broad collaboration and consultations between principals and teachers on how to support all students - not just students with a label."
"The requirement to consult and collaborate makes it clear that we are relying on the professionalism and advice of teachers and principals in determining what's best for all students in all classrooms."
Learn More:
View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca
View Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, at:
www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/3rd_read/gov22-3.htm
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
BACKGROUNDER
April 23, 2012 Ministry of Education
The 30-student limit on grades-4-to-12 classes may only be exceeded if the principal and superintendent agree, after consulting with the affected teacher and, where advisable, with students and the parent advisory council, that the class is appropriate for student learning.
Superintendents are also required to make reasonable efforts to reach agreement with local teacher union presidents. Principals and superintendents may also consult with school and district parent advisory councils.
The Learning Improvement Fund regulation requires boards of education to use the funds in accordance with the approved spending plans, and boards must not reduce the expenditures they would have made to address classroom needs if they had not received the additional funding.
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
As part of BC's Education Plan, the Ministry of Education has established the BC Rural Education Partner's Council (REPC), to create an overarching provincial rural education strategy.
Education Minister George Abbott addressed the REPC at its first meeting, held today, where he stressed the need to enhance the success of rural students.
Education in rural and remote areas is complicated by multiple factors:
A number of education partner groups have been invited to participate in the task force including the BC School Trustees Association, BC School Superintendents Association, BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, BC Teachers' Federation, First Nations Education Steering Committee, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, BC Rural & Small Schools Teachers' Association, Association of BC Deans of Education, BC Association of School Business Officials, BC Student Voice, BC Chamber of Commerce, CUPE BC and the Ministry of Education.
The council will be hosted by the BC School Trustees Association and funded through a grant of $25,000 from the ministry. The council will meet two or three times a year and report to the Ministry of Education with recommendations on improving rural education.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"BC's Education Plan is our blueprint for change, and through this new task force we can help to address the needs of rural communities."
"The goal is to begin a dialogue with all rural partners about policies and strategies to impact and strengthen rural student success."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
To learn more about education in B.C. visit: www.gov.bc.ca/bced
To read about BC's Education Plan and get involved in the conversation, visit: www.bcedplan.ca
Contact:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963 (Media Line)
Much of the school was destroyed in a devastating fire last September as it neared completion of a full renovation and expansion. A new design will replace the burned section and includes a new 14-classroom academic wing, a neighbourhood learning centre and 397-seat theatre. The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and Town of Oliver will provide $2.3 million toward construction of the theatre, which will be maintained and operated through a joint-use agreement. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be complete by the fall of 2013.
The original $31 million project was a combination of renovations and replacement of approximately half the school. Before the fire, approximately $25 million of this funding had been invested.
The fire destroyed approximately 60 per cent of the original school, including the library, computer room, administration area, classrooms, a renovated neighbourhood learning centre wing and the historic Frank Venables Auditorium.
A newly constructed building, which survived the fire, includes a science lab, kitchen, shops, art room, two gymnasiums and multi-purpose space. This building was not structurally damaged, but did require some remediation and extensive cleanup following the fire.
Ministry staff were on the scene shortly after the fire, and Abbott visited the school in October. Since the fire, most students and school administration have been housed in 16 on-site portable classrooms.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"I visited Southern Okanagan Secondary school shortly after the fire and saw firsthand how students, staff and families were greatly impacted by the loss of their school. I also saw how the community came together following this tragic event to ensure the school continued to thrive and provide students with the education they deserved."
"I am pleased to announce this new funding to ensure construction of the new school will be completed. I know that the school district and Ministry staff are working hard to complete construction as quickly as possible.
"When complete, this brand-new high school will provide a vibrant educational and community facility that everyone can be proud of."
Marieze Tarr, chair, board of education of School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) -
"The School District 53 board of education is very grateful that we can now put this very difficult period behind us and move forward with the completion of our new Southern Okanagan Secondary school facility. We would like to thank the ministry for their continued support."
John Slater, MLA, Boundary-Similkameen -
"Oliver was devastated last year by the fire, and in the meantime, I know it hasn't been easy for the students, teachers and staff. This funding will get them back in proper classrooms as soon as possible."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963