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Parent Information
Goverment Announces Cuts to PAC and DPAC funding
The BC government has announced the per student funding received by PACs from community gaming grants will be cut in half. DPACs will receive only $1,250. See full release
Foundation Skills Assessment
The Foundation Skills Assessment is administered each year to Grade 4 and 7 students in public and provincially-funded independent schools. For more information see the following documents.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/
 Frequently Asked Questions About the Foundation Skills Assessment
Rule Change for Gaming Grants Means Less Fundraising for PACs
Gaming and Information Services has announced a change to its rules for applying for playground grants. PACs can now apply for up to $20,000 without having to supply matching funds. See news release below.
http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/news/docs/2008-09-08.htm
Four New Online Applications for Young Learners
The Virtual School Society has added four new interactive applications, for learners in Kindergarten to grade two, to its website: Bailey's Book House (language arts), Millie's Math House (math); Sammy's Science House (science) and Trudy's Time and Place House (social studies). Children can access these free at the following website. For more information click here.
www.learnnowbc.ca/learningcentre/
Booster Seat Regulation and How it Affects Your Child
The BC Government recently enacted legislation requiring children over 18 kg. to use a booster seat when in an automobile. This includes when they are going on school field trips. For answers to your questions regarding the new legislation see the FAQ on Booster Seats.
Government to Cover Costs of Liability Insurance for Volunteers
The Ministry of Education has announced a grant of $45,000 to provide liability insurance coverage for all volunteers at interschool sports competitions. The grant will provide liability insurance protection for all volunteers who work with teams and sports in secondary schools, and who are members of the BCSS. The BCSS provides sporting events to more than 415 member schools which serve more than 100,000 high school student athletes. For more information see: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008EDU0091-001079.htm.
BCCPAC Releases Revised Advocacy Guide for Public School Parents
The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils released its revised edition of Speaking Up! A parent guide to advocating for students in public schools today at its annual spring conference in Richmond. The 44-page guide, developed by the BCCPAC Advocacy Project, helps parents navigate the public school system and solve problems their children are having in BC public schools. Speaking Up! includes tear-out self-help guides: Problem-Solving and Meeting Survival as well as new information on fairness in decision-making, provincial appeals, apologies and dealing with bullying.
Parent Information Network Launched
The PIN site provides a forum to facilitate communications between parents around the province. The network allows parents to create and attend virtual meetings, so more parents can get involved in PAC and DPAC meetings without having to travel.
Healthy Foods Legislation
The Revised Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools mandate no sales of foods in the "not recommended" and "choose least" categories for elementary schools by January 2008 and for middle and secondary schools by September 2008.
The revised guidelines align with the new Canada Food Guide. These revised guidelines affect many Parent Advisory Councils. Attached pleased find a FAQ that may answer your questions or direct you to where you can find additional information.
The CARI Charter for Boards of Education
The CARI Charter for Boards of Education was announced by the Premier at the September 2008 meeting of the UBCM. Boards were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Charter in early 2009. Boards of Education that sign the Charter will be reimbursed annually for all of the carbon tax they paid in the previous calendar year.
Questions and Answers about Climate Action and Carbon Neutrality
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