May 2021

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May 2021 Message from the Chair Parents and Caregivers: Some noteworthy items from the VSB last month: After reviewing some one-time savings, the proposed VSB Budget for 2021-2022 no longer projects a shortfall.  Given that other districts are still grappling with shortfalls, DPAC is grateful that no reductions need to be considered this year.  This is an important reminder of the need for stable, equitable funding for BC education  On April 26th, VSB trustees voted to discontinue the school liaison officer program.  Our executive has spoken at multiple meetings in favour of discontinuing this program and is pleased by the decision. This month, DPAC has parent education sessions focusing on parent advocacy (Understanding the appeals process: May 20th) and Asian Heritage Month (May 27th).  Links below. We would like to congratulate our vice-chair, Amanda Hillis for her election to the BCCPAC board of directors.  She will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to her role at the provincial level.  Our volunteer executive routinely turns over.  Having volunteers join DPAC is important for capacity and resilience.  We have a number of exec positions to be filled at our AGM in June.  Parents interested in helping us in our work with the VSB, please contact chair@vancouverdpac.org.   Stay safe Gord Lau, 2020/21 DPAC Chair Upcoming DPAC Events Thursday, May 6, 7pm - DPAC Executive Meeting Thursday, May 20, 7pm - BCCPAC presents: Parent Advocacy: Understanding the Appeal Process  Thursday, May 27, 7pm - DPAC General: Asian Heritage Month -- Challenging Racist BC All meeting information (registration, agendas, minutes) on our meeting page. All parents of VSB students are welcome to attend DPAC meetings Subscribe to our meeting calendar DPAC Committees and Working Groups Childcare Committee The committee is focused on encouraging increased access and wider options for school-age care.  Interested parents please contact committee lead Alan at alan.patola.moosmann@vancouverdpac.org Facilities Planning Committee The committee just did a lot of work going through the VSB LRFP and will be creating a detailed Seismic Toolkit. Interested parents please contact DPAC chair at vik.khanna@vancouverdpac.org Anti-Racism Working Group DPAC has struck a working group that is laying the groundwork to create an anti-racism committee to shadow the VSB Anti-Racism Committee, as well as advise DPAC and work in concert with executives in anti-oppression work. Interested parents place contact Karen at karen.tsang@vancouverdpac.org Surveys for Parents Ministry's Student Learning Survey for Grades 4, 7, 10 and 12. End date extended to May 7. While your children may have completed the survey at school, don't forget that it's open for parents of students in these grades too. Tell the Ministry about your children's education experience this year. The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete and is available in 16 additional languages The BC COVID-19 SPEAK Round 2 survey is now open. It’s been a tough year and everyone has been impacted in different ways. With COVID-19 vaccinations underway, it is time to think about our recovery and how the BCCDC can support you through this next phase.   Survey closes May 9.   Opportunity to give input on future decisions for French Immersion K-12 to help the ministry better understand the factors leading to increased demand for French Intensive across the province. Survey closes May 18. Important Dates 2015 - 2024 -- The Decade for People of African Descent In December 2014, the UN General Assembly, in its Resolution 68/237, proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024). Under the theme "Recognition, Justice and Development”, the Decade provides an operational framework to encourage States to eradicate social injustices inherited from history and to fight against racism, prejudice and racial discrimination to which people of African descent are still subjected. May is: Asian Heritage Month, and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month Saturday, May 1 – May Day May 1 - May 7 – BC Youth Week May 3 - May 9 – Emergency Preparedness Week May 3 - May 9 – Mental Health Week Monday, May 3 – World Press Freedom Day Tuesday, May 4, 8am – VSB Summer Programs Registration opens Tuesday, May 4 – Star Wars Day Wednesday, May 5, 5pm – VSB Facilities Planning Committee Meeting Thursday, May 6, 7pm – DPAC Executive Meeting Friday, May 7 – National Child and Youth Mental Health Day Saturday, May 8 – World Fair Trade Day; Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War Sunday, May 9 – Mother's Day May 10 - 16 – National Nursing Week Monday, May 10 – Indigenous Nurses Day Monday, May 10, 7pm – VSB Special Board / Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday, May 12, 5pm – VSB Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 12 – Eid al-Fitr: End of Ramadan Monday, May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Thursday, May 20, 7pm – DPAC Special Presentation by BCCPAC -- Parent Advocacy: Understanding the Appeal Process Friday, May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Saturday, May 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity May 23 - 29 – Paramedic Services Week Monday, May 24 – Victoria Day Tuesday, May 25 – VSB Board Meeting  Thursday, May 27, 7pm – DPAC General Asian Heritage Month: Anti-Hate BC presentation  May 28 - May 29 – BCCPAC Parent Education Conference May 30 - June 5 – National AccessAbility Week May 31 - June 4 – Bike to School Week Useful Information & Resources Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks Active Transportation Bike to School Week starts on May 31st! Get your short (60 to 90 seconds) video about biking, walking or rolling in your community ready for Bike Reels, the student video contest. Videos should encourage safe, active transportation and follow current public health guidelines for safe physical distancing. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 6th, 2021 Asian History Month explorAsian is celebrating 25 years! Join them online on May 1st for opening ceremonies, and choose from over 50 events and exhibits online   Government of Canada listings for organizations and educational resources about Asian Heritage from coast to coast to coast   While April is officially Sikh Heritage Month, Sikh people are also celebrated as part of the South Asian Diaspora during Asian Heritage Month. Check out Vancouver Is Awesome's short history lesson about Sikhs in BC On Diversity and Inclusion Diverse Learners  Like Hugging a Time Bomb: How to Calm an Emotionally Dysregulated Teen with ADHD -- ADDitude Mag   Partners for Inclusive Education (PIE) is hosting a meeting with VSB Learning Services staff An understanding of VSB Alternative and Alternate Programs on Thursday, May 13 at 6pm   Waiting for Assessment with Autism - Join AutismBC for a 3-hour workshop covering the essential information that families need to know at the start of their autism journey. Saturday, May 15, 9:30-12:30pm   Selective Mutism & Reluctant Speakers: Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers - In this webinar you will learn how to develop a roadmap for supporting your child to speak more comfortably in all settings. Thursday, May 20 at 12pm   DPAC has added an extra event for May, a special presentation from BCCPAC: Parent Advocacy: Understanding the Appeal Process on Thursday, May 20 at 7pm   CBC reporter Justin McElroy on autism and why he wanted to share his own personal journey -- CBC   Left Out: Children and youth with special needs in the pandemic -- a report presented to BC Government by the BC Representative for Children and Youth   An adorable video that a sister made for the classmates of her brother with autism   Inclusion BC and the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship (CIIC) have together created four short films to raise awareness about the exclusion of students with developmental disabilities and to offer information and possible pathways to success for students, families, and schools Let's Talk About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. In recognition of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, DPAC has compiled this list of information and resources. Everyone is equally deserving of human rights Trans Care BC is an education team developing resources with community members, care teams, as well as health and human services to increase health literacy for clients and knowledge, competency, and cultural safety for care teams, to ensure gender-affirming care is practiced across British Columbia Support information for gender creative children and trans youth, and their parents and caregivers   BC Civil Liberties Association has released this statement against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia From their statement: "The law – and the BCCLA’s position – is clear: under the law, trans women are women, trans men are men, and they and all people with non-binary, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, agender and other gender diverse identities are worthy of equal protection, dignity and freedom."   "May 17th" is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. May17.org offers a compilation of events being held worldwide to mark May 17th   Read the BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief (BCAFN) Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia   Further Resources: Learn More about Trans and Non-Binary Identities & Holistic Trans Body Poster Trans Rights are Human Rights -- BC Human Rights Commission Why Accepting your LGBTQ2I+ Child Matters, and How To Start -- Option B Org SOGI 123 in BC Education -- On sexual orientation and gender identity   Puberty blockers are medication, in use since the 1980s, that delay the onset of puberty for children who experience early or rapid onset of puberty, to stop or slow that natural process. The "off label" use of this treatment more recently employed is considered to be life saving for children who identify as trans, those who experience body dysmorphia in their teens, and those who are questioning their gender I’m Trans And A Puberty Blocker Saved My Life. Here’s What I Want You To Know -- Huffington Post What are Puberty Blockers and How Do they Work? -- The Conversation Is Puberty Delaying Treatment ‘Experimental Treatment’? -- International Journal of Transgender Health Black History and Futures in Canada Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network recently hosted a discussion on anti-racism and equity in education. A video recording of the conversation, featuring speakers Dionte Jelks, the principal of Ladysmith Intermediate School, and Chelsea Thomas, a UVic Education PhD candidate, can be viewed on the organization's Facebook page   Spend some time on the CBC site, Black on the Prairies, and learn about the past, present and future of Black Prairie life through the themes of Migration, Putting in Work, Black and Indigenous Relations, Politics and Resistance, and Black to the Future I grew up a Black girl in Alberta without ever hearing of Amber Valley. How does history go missing? -- CBC   VSB students explored intersectionality, learning about anti-racism during the first of a two-day forum. Day one focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Day two, which happens May.5th, will centre the conversations on intersectionality and mental health Expand your Indigenous Understanding In April, DPAC hosted legal scholar Rachel A Snow [Iyârhé Nakoda (Stoney)] to learn about  the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP): how it is being used, and the ways non-Indigenous people can advocate for the Declaration to be implemented as it was intended. View the video recording of that event   Squamish Nation member shares how to say 27 place names on Sea to Sky Highway signs -- North Shore News Being Anti-Racist East Vancouver parents launch book drive to diversify library collection -- AM 1130 (Hastings PAC)   The May General DPAC meeting (May 27, 7pm) will present Challenging Racist “British Columbia”: 150 Years and Counting, and centres creators Nicholas XEMŦOLTW̱ Claxton, Denise Fong, Fran Morrison, Christine O’Bonsawin, Maryka Omatsu, John Price and Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra. Register here   Check out Born Asian: Help Stop Anti-Asian Racism   The Government of Canada offers this resource page to help address anti-Asian hate SLO Program VSB Ends Police Presence In Schools -- The Tyee New Westminster school board joins Vancouver in ending police liaison program -- CBC Sustainability Six sustainability ideas that have gone mainstream in Canada -- Federation of Canadian Municipalities Youth Mental Health May 7th is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day 12pm: Family Smart will be offering opportunities for kids in elementary schools, teens in high schools, and families at home to participate in a zoom call about mental health. As well, the website features age-specific videos exploring various aspects of mental health 2pm: McCreary Centre Society is hosting a webinar "Checking in on the mental health of BC youth" which includes two presentations: 1) "Findings from the 2018 BC Adolescent Health Survey" plus and 2) "How adults can support youth to manage stress"   The Anti-Violence Project is run out of the University of Victoria. Because of the pandemic, their workshops, including one about consent, are being held online. Videos on various subjects are also available on the site   May 5,9AM - Spring into Self-Compassion! Tools to Support Well-Being - In these challenging times, the Crisis Centre of BC is offering a free webinar to share simple, practical mindfulness-based tools to support self-compassion and foster well-being. Information and registration   Jack.org offers mental health presentations for students in grades 9 to 12. The talks are delivered by trained and certified young people with lived experience and an understanding of the practice of maintaining mental wellness to their peers. Their Virtual Jack Talk is available online   Check out resources that focus on youth at TeenMentalHealth.org   Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support for young people in English and French   Here to Help is an online guide to navigating mental health struggles and crises, as well as substance use information   Help for the Hard Times offers online workshops for families of kids and teens who have been a patient in a psychiatric unit   Free mental health program for teens - YMCA   TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24 Scholarships, bursaries and awards Vancouver School Board maintains a list of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to VSB students Tutoring Opportunities Edu Beyond offers free tutoring for K-12 students whose families don't have the resources, using student volunteers for subjects including science, social studies, English and French, and math. See above section for more information about EDU Beyond, and sign up here   Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland have a free Study Buddy weekly mentoring program for female identifying youth ages 7-17. Big Brothers of Vancouver also offer similar free-of-charge mentoring programs for male-identifying youth COVID-19 Here are some recent stories and resources regarding COVID-19: Much discussion is currently happening about transmission of COVID-19, and our governments, newly including the WHO, appear to be changing course on the main causes of transmission B.C. health authority quietly changes website on airborne COVID-19 transmission -- CTV   Experts find more evidence COVID-19 is airborne, that we need to rethink indoor spaces -- Global Canada quietly updates COVID-19 guidelines on risk of airborne spread -- CBC Chart that explains the differences between the terms airborne, aerosolized, and droplets -- The Journal of Hospital Infection, Reference story here COVID-19 transmission—up in the air -- The Lancet Respiratory Medicine   If You Want to Avoid the Variants, Read This -- The Tyee   New Facts for a New Pandemic is a compilation of recent research that has been reviewed by professionals in public health, and backed up by links to sources. Also available as a pdf file   Alberta Pediatricians demand Tighter Restrictions to Prevent Hospitals from Being Overwhelmed -- Calgary Herald. Read letter here: page one, page two and page three & Tests Based on Science: What is the best type of COVID-19 test to get? -- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine & Immunizations Government of BC Immunization Plan (translated versions provided) Vancouver Coastal Health Information Page (book your vaccine appointment) & Mental Health Kelty Mental Health together with FamilySmart parent peer support workers have created a new digital tool, Ask Kelty Mental Health, which offers answers to common questions families have about accessing mental health supports and services. Participate in a BC Children’s Hospital study of the impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health. Students who are 10 to 17 years old, and parents of children and youth aged from 6 to 17 years old are invited & School Option 4 families have diverse reasons for choosing not to return to school at this time, and a variety of experiences with how learning at home is working. To find out more, please reach out to parent Kyenta Martins at kyenta.martins@gmail.com, or join the Option 4 Families of Vancouver SD#39 Facebook group  & Masks How do you face COVID-19? By upping your mask game (CBC) Why you might want to start wearing better masks -- even outdoors (CBC) Canadian manufacturers have created re-usable N-95 quality respirator masks with non-disposable filters. Here is one example available on order For your reference, Children and Masks by the World Health Organization (WHO) & Culturally Specific Resouces First Nations Health Authority's Mental Health and Cultural Supports during COVID19 COVID19 resources for individuals and families, to aid in creating opportunities for constructive interactions with children during COVID19 times from the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Resources for supporting  & Further Resources BCCPAC's COVID Resource page Provincial COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for K-12 Settings Information for School Districts & Independent Schools: Back to School Plan BCCPAC Updates Ministry Service Plan 2021 - The Min of Ed revised three yr service plan has been released. BC Teachers Council Annual Report - The 2020 Annual Report of the BC Teachers Council is available.  Response to Budget 2021 - This year we again attended the Budget Lockup, virtually.  Gaming Guidelines Revised for 2021 Community Gaming Guidelines for PACs/DPACs for 2021-22 school year have been released.   Important Dates & Deadlines May 1 – BCCPAC AGM AGM Booklet May 28-29 – Parent Education Conference "Empowerment Through Knowledge & Sharing" (early bird pricing ends Monday, May 3rd) VSB  News Summer Programs Registration: May 4 - June 4 Students explore intersectionality, focusing on anti-racism on day one of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Youth Forum VSB supports new relationship with police services -- School Liaison Officer Program to be discontinued District distributes more masks to keep school communities safe District Celebration of Music Festival - LIVE STREAM 2021-22 Kindergarten Registration Update Vancouver Coastal Health’s Immunization Plan for K-12 education staff now underway Semester Schedule for Secondary Schools starting September 2021 Updates from March Committee Meetings Highlights: Board meeting of April 26, 2021 Finance Committee Meeting Highlights: April 21, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting Highlights - Apr 15, 2021 Student Learning and Well-Being Committee Highlights: April 14, 2021 Upcoming Committee Meetings (see all) Wednesday, May 5, 5pm – Facilities Planning Committee Meeting (agenda) Monday, May 10, 7pm – Special Board / Committee of the Whole (chance for any parent/PAC/community member to present to the trustee on any topic related to education & the work of the board, including budget priorities and proposals) Wednesday, May 12, 5pm – Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, May 25, 5pm – Board Meeting Wednesday, June 2, 5pm – Policy and Governance Committee Meeting Wednesday, June 2, 6:30pm – Personnel Committee Meeting VSB Budget 2021/22 Budget website draft presented March 29: draft status quo operating fund budget | PowerPoint presented at the meeting update presented April 6 COW: agenda with presentations update presented April 15 Special Board/COW: agenda including presentation of updated budget calculations Email budget2021-2022@vsb.bc.ca to submit written submissions regarding budget priorities for development of the 2021-2022 operating budget or to register to participate in the on-line Committee of the Whole Board meetings. Your email must be received by 4:30 pm on the Wednesday (May 5) before the Committee of the Whole Board meeting date (May 10). Upcoming Meetings on the Budget Wednesday, May 12, 5pm – Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, May 25, 5 pm – Board Meeting - 3 readings and adoption of Budget 2021-22 Ministry of Education News from other Ministries Racist incident hotline to be created in BC – The Province will consult with community stakeholders to develop a racist incident hotline in response to the recent increase in racist activities throughout B.C. Legislation will build more accessible, inclusive BC – New accessibility legislation will set British Columbia on the path to a more accessible and inclusive province for people with disabilities and their support networks. Expanding vital mental health substance use services to help young people thrive – Children, youth and their families will benefit from integrated and expanded mental health and substance use services in communities throughout British Columbia with over $56 million invested in new supports, as part of Budget 2021. State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response - The Province of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing health and emergency management officials to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to support the Province's COVID-19 pandemic response. Parliamentary secretary’s statement on anti-Asian racism - Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, has released the following statement on anti-Asian racism in response to the recent shootings in the United States and various rallies happening across this country: BC Budget 2021 Good news: Free public transportation for children 12 and under in time for classes this September. $97 million to build a network of mental health supports for youth through increased mental health funding for schools, new Foundry centres that provide young people health and wellness resources in their community, and integrated child and youth supports teams for 15 more school districts $1.9 million for the Anti-Racism Restart and Recovery program to connect communities with information, supports and training to respond to, and prevent incidents of racism and hate. Education funding reviews: BC Budget 2021 commits to support expected enrolment and contractual wage increases, but operational funding questions remain (BCTF news release) Boards of Education Concerned Today’s Budget Doesn’t Cover Increased Education Costs (BCSTA media release) Response to Budget 2021 (BCCPAC) Masthead photo taken on Musqueam territory currently known as "University Endowment Lands" on Swordfern Trail, April 2021 kt

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