April 2023

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This newsletter is published on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
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Newsletter banner with badge featuring 2022/23, Vancouver School District Parents Advisory Council, and a drawing of an outline of an apple with a parent reading a book to a child. The badge is orange. The banner is white, and somewhat translucent, with Vancouver DPAC Newsletter, a line, and April 2023. The photo underneath is of mountains, trees, a lake, some sand, a log and a person looking toward the water. There is still snow on the island.

April 2023
 

Message from the Chair

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we welcome spring and warmer weather, our focus at DPAC for April will be on the VSB Budget. Our team has also released some information on the budget process and on what we know of the VSB budget. We would like your direct feedback and input to help us provide our input into the VSB as there are 3 Committee of Whole VSB Board Meetings in April, where stakeholders can provide feedback and ask questions. The goal is to limit any budget cuts from directly impacting students.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care requires school districts to deliver 3 year multi-year budgets and the VSB is forecasting less revenue due to having nearly 2,000 fewer kids in Vancouver Public Schools in just 3 years. This does not make sense to many, including the Ministry that verified that their forecast is drastically different (nearly 3,000 more students in the next 3 years) and I have written an editorial opinion about this situation. The central issue is simple; we need to get the City, Ministry and VSB working together.

DPAC is appreciative of the City’s work on Active Transportation and Safe Routes to School and welcomes the new lower speed limits around many schools. It is also really nice to see the success of the school street pilots and to see the possibility of Lord Roberts Elementary becoming Vancouver’s first Permanent School Street Program along Comox Street which DPAC fully supports and asks that supportive parents fill out this survey to support the creation of a year round school street. vancouver.ca/comox-school-street-survey.

There’s a lot more that DPAC is working on. We are a parent volunteer organization that has a mandate from the school act to provide input into educational matters at the VSB; there are only 3 months left in the school year and that means that we need to ensure that you know about our nomination process. DPAC members are elected at our June AGM and require a nomination from their PAC so if you are considering running for a DPAC position, please speak to myself or Vice Chair Kyenta Martins for more information. As always, without any ongoing commitment, parents are able to join any one of our working groups or committees listed in this newsletter. DPAC meetings are currently virtual on Zoom, and are open to all parents and caregivers of VSB students.

Best Regards,

Vik Khanna 
Chair 2022-2023

Upcoming DPAC Meetings

DPAC Committees and Working Groups

  • If you are interested in doing specific work under the umbrella of DPAC, please consider joining these committees and working groups who meet regularly (or semi regularly) to shadow the work of the VSB and/or to advise DPAC as we advise VSB. We are open to suggestions as needs arise.
     
  • PACS - Please promote these committees and groups to your parents in your regular communications.
     
  • Any VSB Parent or Caregiver can Volunteer; Reach out today.
     
  • If you need assistance accessing the Student Family and Affordability Fund Support, please contact Karen Tsang.

Important Dates


April is: Ramadan, Sikh Heritage Month, Dalit Heritage Month, and Earth Month

News and Information


Check out our resource page for presentation slide decks


In this Issue:


PAC and DPAC News
Active Transportation
VSB/MECC Budget 
Public Education Advocacy
Rights of the Child
SOGI Awareness
SARS2 COVID19 Awareness
Anti-Racism
Increase Your Indigenous Understanding
Neurodiversity, Disability and Diverse Needs
Mental Health
Sustainability
Water Quality in School Buildings
2022/23 Student Learning Survey (SLS)
 

News from:


BCCPAC
VSB
Ministry of Education 

Resources
Photo Credit
 

PAC and DPAC News

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Active Transportation

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VSB / MECC Budget

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Public Education Advocacy

  • The Institute for Public Education BC is an independent nonpartisan society that provides  research, commentary and leadership with the goal of building a strong public education system for British Columbia’s children, families, and communities. IPE/BC offers analysis of current educational issues, supports public education, and shares research findings to enrich dialogue on educational issues in BC.
     
  • The mandate of the Cassidy Centre for Educational Justice at SFU is to advance justice and an equitable, democratic society through education. Check out their website to learn more about the goals of this organization. From the website:
     
    • "We believe that justice in schooling is fundamental to achieving a just and equitable society. Such a society requires citizens who are socially aware of the plight and privileges of themselves and others, who understand how institutions shape our relationships and responsibilities, and who are civically engaged in taking action to foster the well being of all people."
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Rights of the Child
 

First box is green and features has stuffed white bear with paw raised as though waving. Bear is wearing regalia and moccasins.
Box title (black text on white) says:] You have Rights!
[Green box, black text] Human Rights are for everyone, no matter what. Human rights are meant to make sure that everyone is treated fairly. Did you know that kids have a special set of rights that are meant to protect them? These rights are protected under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, here they are:

[Following boxes are the articles summarized so that they are emore readily understood. Each box is a different colour or shade, and the article number is in an overset white box. I will name the Article and provide the text in each box. Each box has a dashed line outlining the box, and a solid line outlining the title sub-box. The poster is a beige background, and there is a frame around the whole poster with pixels of colour that look to me to represent a Pendleton blanket.]

Article 1: If you are under the age of 18, you have these rights. Article 2: You have rights no matter who you are, where you come from, your gender, religion, culture or language, if you have a disability or how much money you have. You deserve to be treated fairly. Article 3: All grown-ups should act in your best interest. This means they always should do what is best for you, and make sure you are always well taken care of. Article 4: Your rights are protected by the government and they are responsible for making sure your family can protect your rights too. Article 5: Your family is responsible for teaching you about your rights and how to use them. Article 6: Every child has the right to be alive and it’s every grown-up’s responsibility to make sure you can grow up safely and happy. Article 7: Every child has the right to a name, nationality and to know and be cared for by their parents. Article 8: You have the right to an identity; that must always be respected and can’t be taken away. Article 9: You have the right to live with your own family; if it isn’t a safe place, you have the right to have a family take care of you. If you don’t live with your parents, you have the right to see them unless it isn’t safe.[graphic of two stuffed bears, the original one in regalia from the introduction, and a black bear in a summer dress with a white top and ruffles as a skirt that are light green, pink, red and light green,. This bear wears a circle button on the left side of their chest, near their shoulder. The button or broach looks to be red, black and white.] “Me and my mom, Mary the Bear”. Article 10: If you don’t live in the same country as your parents, you have the right to live in the same place. If your parents live in different places, you have the right to see them both, unless it isn’t safe. Article 11: You have the right to be protected from kidnapping. Article 12: You have the right to voice your opinion and to be listened to. Article 13: You have the right to freely express your thoughts and learn things unless it causes harm to others. Article 14: You have the right to choose whatever religion you’d like and it is your parents responsibility to guide you and help you think for yourself. Article 15: You have the right to make friends with whomever you’d like, unless it may cause harm to yourself or others. Article 16: You have the right to have your privacy protected by the law. Article 17: You have the right to see news and information that affects your well-being. It is the responsibility of grown-ups to help you understand this information, and make sure it isn’t harmful to you, whether it is on social media, in books, the internet or anywhere else. Article 18: You have the right to grow up with your parents, unless it isn’t safe. Article 19: You have the right to be protected from all violence and to be safe at all times. Article 20: If living with your family isn’t in your best interest, you have the right to be specially taken care of. [Three stuffy bears, first one is white with a sight sweater and a heart shaped medallion, second one light brown in a toque with stripes and a pom pom, wearing a dark sweater and a medallion, and a smaller bear, also white, wearing a red dress and looking to be carrying a Metis bag] My sisters! Memengwe, Cedar Bear and Era Bear Article 21: If you are adopted or in foster care, you have the right to be taken care of to make sure you are healthy and happy. Article 22: If you are forced to leave your country (refugee status), you have the right to be protected and taken care of. Article 23: If you have learning difficulties or have a disability, you have the right to special help so that you can have a good quality of life. Article 24: You have the right to the best health care possible: places to help you if you are sick, medication if you need it, things like safe drinking water and food that is good for you so you don’t get sick, and all the information you need to stay healthy. Article 25: If you are in outer care or adopted, you have the right to be checked on frequently enough to make sure you are being taken care of properly. Article 26: The government has the responsibility to make sure that if you are poor or in need of health that you get the help you need. Article 27: You have the right to a good education, and to be encouraged by grown ups to keep learning for as long as you can. Article 28: You have the right to have your basic needs met, which means having access to food, clothing, and a safe place to live. Article 29: You have the right to an education that helps you reach your full potential. It should help you learn to respect others, the environment, and help you develop strong life values. Article 30: You have the right to practice your own culture, language and religion. If you belong to a minority or Indigenous group you have the special protection of this right. Article 31: You have the right to play and rest, and it is the responsibility of the grown-ups in your life to encourage and respect that. Article 32: You have the right to be protected from work that could hurt you, your health or your education. If you are o the age to work, you have the right to be safe and paid fairly for your time. Article 33: All children have the right to be protected from dangerous drugs, and the drug trade. If is the job of the government and other grown-up’s (sic) responsibility to make this right safe. Article 34: You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse. Article 35: Every child has the right to be protected from being taken, or being sold (trafficking). Article 36: You have the right to be protected from being taken advantage of in any form. Article 37: You have the right to protection from harm. This means no one is allowed to hurt you. Article 38: If you are under 15, you can’t be forced to join an army, or go to war. You also have the right to be protected from war. Article 39: You have the right to special help if you have been harmed in any way. Article 40: You have the right to fair treatment and legal help in the justice system. [white bear in black and white judicial garments and moccasins] “Me in my Barrister clothes!) Article 41: If there are rights laws that better protect you where you live, those laws come first. Article 42: You have the right to know your rights as a child. It is the responsibility of grown-ups to know your rights and make sure that you know them too. Article 43 - 54: In these sections it explains how governments, and international organizations make sure that your rights are protected.

Three logos at bottom of poster, within the border. First is crest of a bird with an egg, encircled by bear paws, and the words: First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada in black, light blue and purple; second one is Unicef Canada with their logo — a parent and child on a globe, with two fronds of something that may be wheat encircling globe, stems crossing each other in cyan blue; Third is One Youth with maple leaf in cyan blue

           Poster from First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

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SOGI Awareness

  • DPAC Vice-Chair Kyenta Martins represented DPAC on Trans Day of Visibility at Granview Park over the weekend, and had this to say:
     
    • "Very proud of my nonbinary kiddo and their amazing friends, and our community. There was a good crowd at the Trans Day of Visibility Rally for a day that was cold with heavy rain. These beautiful beings left singing loudly, smiling, and being their best selves!
       
    • Canada, we need to continue to support our trans, 2 spirit, and nonbinary population with the same freedoms and rights everyone deserves."
Photo of a crowd of kids and adults and a tent, in a park on a rainy day. People are all facing the tent, and a couple of people on a concrete block beside the tent are addressing the crowd. There are many umbrellas. Across the bottom of the photo is a caption that reads: Vancouver DPAC supports our trans community and the DPAC Logo, which has Vancouver District Parents Advocacy Counsel 2022/23 and a picture of the outline of an apple with an adult and a child reading a book inside. Badge is orange and white.
           photo credit: Kyenta Martins

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SARS2 CoVID19 Awareness

CLEAN AIR = HEALTHY KIDS [First column of text:]
How to clean the air in classrooms & schools using BCCDC-approved Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes
With flu season upon us, plus COVID continuing to infect families, and wildfires filling the air with smoke, it’s more important than ever to have clean air, just as we have clean water.
Research shows an infected person can spread a virus through aerosols that float indoors and build up over time in poorly ventilated spaces (like cigarette smoke). CR-Boxes work like HEPA filter units and help clear 90% of the viruses, allergens, smoke particles, and other pathogens, at a fraction of the price.* *Cost is about $100 per CR-Box, instead of $1000-$5000 per HEPA unit.
[Second column, diagram of a Corsi-Rosenthal Box being constructed]
[It is in a pink box.] [First graphic are the elements of a CR Box and text describing them as follows:]
Text: “Cardboard Shroud” [square piece of cardboard with circle cut into it the size of the fan blades] [line drawing of box fan, 20x20 inches with arrow indicating the air will blow up to ceiling, cord shown to point to the side] Text: “20” box fan pointing up” [Four 20x20 inch MERV 13 filters, with “MERV 13” written on each, one on each side below box fan, with arrows pointing inward to show the air will flow into filters from outside of box. Filters will stand upright on one 20” side to make the walls of a 3 dimensional box.] Text: “20” MERV 13 Filters with air flow oriented into box” [20x20 inch cardboard base] Text: “Cardboard Base”
[drawing of duct tape roll]
Text: “Duct Tape”
[A dotted line is shown from centre point of cardboard base rising up through all of the elements and through the hole at the top where the Cardboard Shroud is to indicate how the items will align.]
[Below the elements drawings is a completed CR Box, that shows the fan with the shroud duct taped in place to block the areas where the round fan blades do not cover when moving, and the four filter walls duct taped to each other, and duct tape at the bottom of the unit on all four sides to complete the unit by connecting it to the cardboard base. The unit is shown plugged into a wall socket and there are small pink lines emanating out from the machine for added effect.]

[Third column]
[Line connecting pink box of graphic to this section of text] Homemade air filters, called Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes, have been proven to clear out more than 90% of COVID, plus allergens, wildfire smoke, and many other pollutants that can harm kids & adults, especially those who are immunocompromised, or who suffer asthma or allergies.
Cleaner air in schools means
[next words highlighted in blue and have check marks at the beginning of each line in white boxes] Fewer kids getting sick, Fewer teachers miss work, Parents don’t miss work to stay home with sick kids.
Clean air = healthy kids, = healthy families, = healthy communities! 
Bottom text: Scan these QR codes for weblink with more info: (I have included links)
What is a CR Box?
It’s a DIY air cleaner made from a box fan and MERV-13 furnace filters.
https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/
What about Safety? The EPA study found CR-Boxes are safe. Plus they are made from CSA-approved parts. https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/air-cleaners-hvac-filters-and-coronavirus-covid-19
BCCDC has approved them
Recently the BCCDC has approved for use during wildfire season. http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf?utm_source=vancouver%20is%20awesome&utm_campaign=vancouver%20is%20awesome&utm_medium=referral
Do VSB schools have clean air?
CBC: “Former engineer files regulatory complaint against VSB over classroom ventilation” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-regulatory-complaint-1.6594273 Filters out at least 90% of COVID
CBS news story talking about the success of CR boxes in US schools. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-air-purifiers-particles/
More info on CR-Boxes: Instructions on various types and sizes, including a 9 year old student building one
https://cleanaircrew.org/the-corsi-rosenthal-box-hall-of-fame/ Masks & Ventilation Ontario school teacher Marie Snyder explains simple ways to clean air in schools (8 minutes) https://www.mariesnyder.ca/post/masks-and-vax-in-school
80% of BC kids had COVID Sept 13, 2022 (Globe and Mail [I found Global News story]) Dr Bonnie Henry admits kids were not safe in schools. https://globalnews.ca/news/9126134/bc-study-covid19-kids-youth/ “DIY air filter scientifically tested to take on smoky summer skies” from Vancouver is Awesome https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/local-news/heres-how-to-make-a-diy-air-filter-scientifically-tested-to-take-on-smoky-summer-skies-3935388 Safe Schools Coalition BC Grassroots, parent and teacher-led org striving for improved COVID safety in schools, from K-12 http://safeschoolscoalitionbc.com
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Anti-Racism

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Increase Your Indigenous Understanding

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Neurodiversity, Disability and Diverse Needs

  • Neurodivergent kids grow into neurodivergent adults, and the field of testing has come a long time since most of us, the parents and caregivers of children were ourselves young. Which means some of us have lived our lives feeling like we were different, weird, or unable to fit in. While testing for adults is not easy to obtain, there are practitioners working to change that.
     

Mental Health

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Sustainability

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Water Quality in Schools

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2022/23 Student Learning Survey (SLS)

  • The 2022/23 Student Learning Survey is open and available until April 28. The survey is open for students in Grades 4, 7, 10, and 12, as well as parents, staff, principals and vice-principals.
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BCCPAC


Events, Questionnaires and Deadlines

VSB 


News

Updates from February Committee & Board Meetings

Ministry of Education and Childcare (MECC)

News

News from other Ministries

Resources

  • Check out our PAC 101 presentation delivered to all PACs in October, and Treasury 101 presentation, which took place in November. Find our presentation decks for PAC 101 and Treasury 101 on our website.
     
  • Our Family Resources document for the various ways students and their families can find support during the years they are in schools. Topics include Indigenous Family Support and TRC information, antiracism materials, SOGI resources, further education (including college, university and scholarship links) info, youth mental health resources and community-supported free-of-charge tutoring services.
Photo credit: Karen Tsang, Trout Lake, 2023 
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