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What's New for the 2008-09 School Year

Aug. 29, 2008

VICTORIA – Improving student achievement, implementing more green initiatives and developing healthier schools are just some of the Province’s goals for the upcoming school year, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

“Student achievement continues to be a top priority for this government, and we want to see our students grow, learn and be successful in school,” said Bond. “By focusing on achievement, literacy, health and physical activity and the environment, we will continue to bring out the best in every student.”

Here is what’s new in education for 2008/2009:
  • Healthy Schools – a combination of mandatory daily physical activity and a provincewide ban on junk food sales on both public and independent school property will help to promote a healthier school environment for students. Students in kindergarten to Grade 9 will now have to complete 30 minutes of physical activity a day, while students in grades 10 through 12 are now required to be physically active for 150 minutes a week. By introducing mandatory daily physical activity and banning junk food sales in B.C. schools, British Columbia has achieved the highest school health standards in Canada.
  • Going Green – new and upgraded schools will adhere to LEED Gold energy and environmental standards, such as energy-efficient heating and lighting systems. By developing new curricula and providing resources such as Eco Kits for schools and an interdisciplinary Environmental Learning Guide for teachers, the ministry is helping educators teach students about climate change and environmental sustainability.
  • Curriculum – the new English 12 First Peoples course will be offered as an English 12 credit for graduation. The course curriculum was developed in partnership with the First Nations Education Steering Committee. This new course will also be accepted for most post-secondary entrance requirements.
  • Education Guarantee – Stage 3 of the Education Guarantee is being introduced this fall. This stage will allow students to take free adult basic education classes through school districts. The first stage, introduced last September, offered tuition-free courses for all students through the Province’s virtual school, LearnNowBC. Stage 2 was implemented in January 2008 and includes free basic education for adults who want to take courses through post-secondary institutions.
“These programs and strategies will help improve the success of all students and ultimately the well-being of the province,” said Bond. “B.C. is well on its way to becoming the healthiest, best-educated and most-literate jurisdiction on the continent because of the incredible staff, students and schools.”

Since 2000-01, the Province has increased funding to B.C. public schools to record levels, even though enrolment is declining. Funding has increased by close to $1.2 billion: $789 million in operating grants and $407 million in one-time grants. During the same period, the number of students in the system has declined by more than 50,000.
More Than $144-Million Investment Delivers Full-Day K
An investment of more than $144 million and a new, six-step action plan will provide the 665 new classrooms needed to accommodate full-day kindergarten in September 2011.
Fact Finder to Look into B.C. College of Teachers
The provincial government has ordered an inquiry into growing concerns about whether the B.C. College of Teachers is able to act in the public interest given its close relationship with the teachers' union.
2009-10 Class Size Report
The fifth annual report on class size and composition shows that class sizes continue to be smaller today than they were prior to the class size and composition legislation that was brought in four years ago.
Construction Begins on SFU-Surrey Expansion
Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, joined Simon Fraser University representatives to officially mark the start of construction of the $10-million Podium 2 expansion of the SFU-Surrey campus. The project will create up to 64 direct jobs.
Okanagan College Officially Opens $28-Million Learning Centre
A new Centre for Learning at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus is making higher education more accessible with extra classrooms, an expanded library, and a digital media shop with the latest technology. This $28-million improvement is part of more than $1.8-billion invested in over 840 post-secondary capital projects since 2001.
Successful SkillsPlus Program Expanded with $2-million
An additional $2 million investment to deliver skills training will give businesses in British Columbia more resources to enhance employee skills.
Northwest Community College Breaks Ground on $16.7-million Campus Expansion
Construction is set to begin on Northwest Community College’s new $16.7-million campus expansion and upgrade in Smithers, following an official groundbreaking by provincial and college officials.
College of New Caledonia Breaks Ground for $19.7-million Tech Facility
Provincial, federal and college representatives have officially broken ground for the new $19.7-million Technical Education Centre at the College of New Caledonia’s Prince George campus. The project will create over 126 direct jobs.
BC Liberal Government Increases Funds for School Lunch Program
For the Record: BC Liberal Government Increases Funds for School Lunch Program in Budget 2009-10
Over 600 Backpacks Help Low Income Students in B.C.
The BC Liberal government is donating approximately 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to children from low-income families in over 20 communities across British Columbia.
FSA a Valuable Tool for Student Achievement
The results of the 2009 Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) show that close to two-thirds of all B.C. students in grades 4 and 7 are meeting or exceeding achievement levels in reading
Scholarship to Honour Stan Hagen
A new $105,000 scholarship at North Island College in memory of Agriculture and Lands Minister and Comox Valley MLA Stan Hagen will carry on the legacy of a dedicated and caring public servant.
Premier Breaks Ground for $32M TRU House of Learning
Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by Thompson Rivers University (TRU) president and vice-chancellor Kathleen Scherf and board of governors chair Ron Olynyk in a dramatic start to site preparation for a new $32-million climate-friendly library and House of Learning at the university.
Province to Match Funding for Raise-A-Reader Campaign
For the fifth consecutive year, the Province will match all donations raised during CanWest’s Raise-a-Reader campaign in B.C.
What's New for the 2008-09 School Year
Improving student achievement, implementing more green initiatives and developing healthier schools are just some of the Province’s goals for the upcoming school year.
Province Doubles StrongStart BC Early Learning Centres
An additional 99 StrongStart BC early learning centres will open during the 2008/09 school year, doubling the number of centres around the province.
B.C. to Establish Emily Carr University of Art & Design
he Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design will become a university, to be called the Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD).
Province to Establish Capilano University
Capilano College will become a university, to be called Capilano University (CU).
Province to Establish Vancouver Island University
Malaspina University-College will become a university, to be called Vancouver Island University (VIU).
Province to Establish Kwantlen Polytechnic University
The new Kwantlen Polytechnic University will help meet the need for skilled people to enter into the workforce and will provide thousands of students with enhanced regional access south of the Fraser River.
BC Liberal Government Provides $23M to Expand Okanagan Campus
The Province is providing $23 million for a new Centre for Learning Building, increasing access to post-secondary education at the Okanagan College Kelowna campus.
Premier Announces Fraser Valley's First University
The University College of the Fraser Valley will become a university, to be called the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).
Premier Opens Royal Roads University Asia Office
Premier Gordon Campbell officially opened the Asia Operations office for Victoria-based Royal Roads University in Hong Kong.
BC Liberal Government Invests $49.3M for New Downtown Art School
The BC Liberal government is investing $49.3 million in a new campus for the School for the Contemporary Arts for Simon Fraser University that will anchor the Woodward’s redevelopment project and help revitalize Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
$4-Million for Playground Equipment to Help Kids Get Moving
Students in B.C. elementary and middle schools will soon have better places to play thanks to a $4-million contribution under the Province’s ActNow BC initiative.
BC Liberal Government Invests $7.5M to Expand UBC Mining School
The BC Liberal government is providing $7.5 million to expand faculty and increase student spaces at the internationally renowned Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia.
Kwantlen Trades Campus to Train Skilled Workers
Premier Gordon Campbell has officially opened the new Kwantlen University College Trades and Technology Centre that will provide leading-edge trades and technology training for more than 900 students in an environmentally friendly building.
Legislation Introduced to Improve Student Achievement
The BC Liberal government introduced legislation that will help improve student achievement by making school boards more accountable for student results, providing students and parents with more choice, and increasing support to school districts.
New Legislation Allows School Fees for Some Courses
The BC Liberal government committed to act on behalf of parents, students, teachers and school boards who expressed concern that programs might be cancelled because of a recent court ruling that limited school fees.
Report Shows Class Sizes Reduced Across the Province
The second annual report on class size shows average class sizes across the province are shrinking.
Premier Launches $27-Million Plan to Improve Reading
The BC Liberal government today launched the $27-million first phase of ReadNow BC, an action plan to help British Columbians improve their reading skills.
Premier Campbell Announces $29M For New UCFV Campus
The BC Liberal government is investing more than $29 million to purchase 34 hectares of land and build a trades and technology centre for the University College of the Fraser Valley’s new Chilliwack campus.
Colleges Agreement to Address Critical Skills Shortage
A shortage of skilled workers in British Columbia and Alberta has community colleges and technical institutes in both provinces joining forces to strengthen post-secondary education.
BC Liberal Government to Host First-Ever Teachers' Congress
Teachers from around the province will gather in Vancouver on Nov. 6 for the first annual Teachers’ Congress to discuss student achievement.
New SFU Surrey Campus Opens Doors In South Fraser
Premier Gordon Campbell opened Simon Fraser University's new campus in Surrey today, giving students in B.C.'s fastest-growing region access to a world-class university.
BC Liberal Government to Match Funding for Raise-a-Reader Campaign
For the third straight year, the Province will match all donations raised by the Vancouver Sun and Victoria Times Colonist Raise-a-Reader campaigns in September.
BC Liberal Government Launches Campus 2020: Thinking Ahead
The BC Liberal government launched a major initiative focusing on the future of post-secondary education at the Burnaby campus of BCIT.
BC Liberal Government Boosts Student Grant Funding by $4 Million
An added $4 million a year in grants for adults upgrading their basic education and for post-secondary students with dependants will help British Columbians build futures for themselves and their families.
Five-Year Agreement Reached for BC Teachers
A five-year agreement has been reached for British Columbia's public school teachers.
B.C. Universities Graduate 2,300 New Teachers
More than 2,300 new teachers are graduating from eight B.C. universities this year and most of them will be looking for a job within the province.
School Funding Increases as Enrolment Continues to Drop
The average per pupil operating grant will rise for the sixth year in a row next year as funding for B.C. public schools continues to increase while enrolment declines.
The Facts on Class Size in B.C. Schools
The first-ever report on class sizes in B.C. public schools shows that nearly nine out of 10 classrooms have 30 or fewer students, and that more than half of all classrooms have 26 or fewer students.
Food Guidelines to Help Schools Improve Student Health
The BC Liberal government has introduced guidelines for food and beverage sales in B.C. schools to help districts eliminate junk food and improve student health and achievement.
BC Government Accepts Ready Recommendations
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced the BC Liberal government will fully accept the recommendations put forward by Vince Ready in the dispute involving the B.C. Teachers' Federation.
Minister Appeals to Teachers to Return to the Classroom
Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong made the following statement October 13th regarding the teacher dispute.
Long-Term Solution Sought for Teacher Bargaining
The BC Liberal government is committed to solving long-standing problems with the bargaining process for teachers and school employers in the province.
BC Liberal Government Commits to New Learning Roundtable
The BC Liberal Government will invite education stakeholders to take part in a permanent Learning Roundtable to discuss class size, class composition and other issues related to learning conditions in the public school system.
School Districts to Report to Province on Class Size
B.C. school boards will be required to report class sizes to help ensure they are meeting existing legislation and so that parents and students will have easy access to class-size information about their school.
Increased Support for Students with Special Needs
The BC Liberal Government is increasing support for students with special needs by providing an additional $9.3 million for special education this year.
B.C.'s Education System - By the Numbers
As more than half a million students get ready to return to school on Sept. 6, the following provides a snapshot of B.C.’s school system – by the numbers.
Put Students Before Strikes - Campbell
A BC Liberal government will not permit students to be held hostage to a labour dispute in our schools, said Premier Gordon Campbell today.
Premier Campbell's Statement on the BC Teachers Federation’s Proposed Strike Vote
As you know from the time we started this campaign, we’ve set five great goals for British Columbia. Our first goal is to make sure that British Columbians are the best educated, most literate jurisdiction in North America.
New Medical School for the Okanagan
Premier Gordon Campbell announced today that UBC-Okanagan will be home to B.C.’s fourth medical school campus.
Premier Campbell Says B.C. Will Graduate Even More Doctors
Premier Gordon Campbell announced today that a BC Liberal government will create an additional 128 doctor spaces across the province – 32 at the University of Northern BC, 32 at the University of Victoria, and 64 more at the University of British Columb
BC Liberal Education Plan to Strengthen Funding, Fitness, Accountability
As part of its platform released today, a BC Liberal Government will implement comprehensive measures to further strengthen funding, physical fitness and accountability in public schools, said Premier Gordon Campbell.
New University Opens in Kamloops
Premier Gordon Campbell has launched the province’s newest university during the inaugural convocation of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
B.C. Schools Receive Extra $15-Million Due to Prudent Fiscal Management
British Columbia’s 60 school districts will receive an additional $15 million this year thanks to savings in the Ministry of Education’s budget, Education Minister Tom Christensen announced today.
Funding Doubled for Parent Advisory Councils
Funding for parent advisory councils at schools throughout the province will be doubled with an additional $11.3 million to support parent involvement in schools, provide more opportunities for students and improve student achievement.
$1.5-Billion Allocated to Make Schools Earthquake Safe
The BC Liberal government is implementing a $1.5 billion plan to make B.C. schools earthquake safe.
UNBC Receives $38-Million to Expand Opportunities for Students
The BC Liberal government will provide $31.8 million to create a new teaching and learning centre and more library space at the University of Northern British Columbia, providing top-notch learning environments for students.
More Funding to Expand College of the Rockies
The BC Liberal government will provide $15.4 million to expand the Cranbrook campus of the College of the Rockies to improve facilities and provide space for more students in the college’s academic and trades training programs.
BC Liberal Government to Hold Tuition to Rate of Inflation
We understand that tuition costs are a concern to many B.C. families. To address that concern, we will introduce legislation later this year that will limit future tuition increases to the rate of inflation, effective this September.
Premier Pledges $150-Million More for B.C. Schools
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced the single largest increase in education funding for B.C.’s schools in a decade. Premier Campbell and Education Minister Tom Christensen have said funding to schools will increase by $150 million next year.
$625,000 Allocated for New Tools to Help Teachers Continue to Improve Student Achievement
The BC Liberal government will invest in a series of initiatives that focus on literacy, including a new online course that will instruct teachers on the latest literacy strategies.
3,450 New Post-Secondary Spaces Added to Lower Mainland Schools
The BC Liberal government will create 3,450 new student spaces at four post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland by 2010.
$10 Million To Fund New Student Textbooks
The BC Liberal government is investing $10 million in new textbooks for B.C. classrooms to ensure students have the tools they need to achieve their best in school.
1,700 New Spaces for the University College of the Fraser Valley
The BC Liberal government is adding 1,700 new student spaces by 2010 at the University College of the Fraser Valley, and has granted approval-in-principle for planning to begin for the relocation of UCFV’s Chilliwack campus to the CFB-Chilliwack site.



Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.
Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257