Education in the news

Closed elementary schools in Penticton and Summerland get new life through YMCA
Rather than selling off three closed elementary school sites, the  district is partnering with the YMCA to the benefit of the whole community. The schools will be used for affordable recreation programs, fitness, activities and community connections  for children youth, families, adults and seniors.
See also, Gone Forever; the folly of selling off public school land. 

A BC program made Kindergarten less stressful. Now it’s ending.
We know that the transition to kindergarten can be stressful for some young children. The Seamless Day program was successfully in helping to ensure smooth transition to kindergarten.
For more info see:
Ministry news releases on the benefits and success of the program, 2023, 2021

New Richmond elementary school to draw from four curr:ent schools
Getting a badly needed new school is great news, but shaking up catchment areas can be hard of students and families. Close collaboration with school communities is essential to minimize the disruption.
For more information see:
Placing a priority on public education
Building capacity in education for BC’s future

Ontario high-schoolers need higher grades to get into university than every, data shows
With more students graduating with very high averages, admissions to top university programs are more competitive than ever. Universities may adjust by weighing other parts of applications besides grades — such as essays, extracurriculars, interviews or school profiles. Does this make it even harder for students from less-affluent families — who may not have access to extracurricular activities or may need to hold down part time jobs — to get into top university programs? Are marks the best way to decide who gets into top programs?

Free meals expanded to nearly every school in Surrey through ‘desperately needed’ program
“The number of schools and students needing food support across the Surrey school district has doubled since 2024. Across the district, 115 schools provide lunch to students in need, up from 57 in 2024, a report from the district states.”
For more information see:
BC Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food
Coalition for Healthy School Food (Canada)
IPE/BC Submission to the Federal Budget Consultation 2024

Parents urge Ontario government to reinstate TDSB class size cap for grades 4-8
“Rohit Gupta, a provincially appointed supervisor of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), has lifted the cap on class sizes that was put in place by trustees for 2025-2026 school year.”
For more information see:
Do School Board elections matter?
Why do School Boards matter?
BC’s School Boards matter, but only if they act like it
IPE/BC statement on the firing of the democratically elected Greater Victoria Sch? ool Board

Greater Victoria School District Board switching to ward system 
Will electing the GVSB through a ward system enhance representation and how does it square with the Ministry firing a democratically elected board?
For more information on see above links in news item above.