Minister's Statement on Returning to School

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has issued the following statement about returning to learning in B.C.’s K-12 schools:

“I am thrilled to welcome all the students, families, educators, support staff, school and district leaders and trustees back to B.C.’s schools for the start of a new school year. Whether you’re arriving at school for the very first time, starting in a new grade or settling into a new school, B.C.’s school communities are there to support you every step of the way.

“Each year is an opportunity to empower students to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Schools must be welcoming places where everyone feels safe and supported to achieve their best. Here is a little of what we are up to this year to support this work.

“We’ve launched a new online landing page called B.C.’s Welcoming Schools. This resource will make it easier for students, parents and educators to find what they need. Students can access our helpful Erase website, which includes a report-it tool for concerning incidents and information about mental health, anti-racism and inclusion. Parents will find useful information about what children are learning at school and how to keep kids safe online, while educators will find guidance on important topics such as learning-resource selection and the use of AI in the classroom. I encourage everyone to visit the page and see how we’re creating welcoming learning environments for B.C. students.

“Reading is a critical foundation for success and early intervention can have a lasting impact for students who are struggling. To support this work, teachers have already screened more than 36,000 kindergarten students since 2025. This year, we are expanding screening through to Grade 3 to ensure every student can build and strengthen the foundational skills they need.

“B.C.’s Feeding Futures fund, the largest investment in school food programs in provincial history, continues to feed students at close to 90% of public schools throughout the province. No student should have to choose between focusing on school and worrying where their next meal will come from.

“School safety isn’t just inside the building. That’s why our government will re-establish protected access zones around K-12 public and independent schools, prohibiting protests at schools and ensuring schools remain places where students and educators can confidently focus on their learning goals.

“B.C. is a diverse province, yet many people continue to experience discrimination and racism. Education is one of the most powerful forces, and through the Provincial Anti-Racism Action Plan, we are moving the needle on meaningful change. To ensure that each student feels safe and is treated with respect without any discrimination or bias, every school district must have their own anti-racism action plan and code of conduct.

“All over B.C., students are getting a head start on exploring in-demand careers in sectors such as the skilled trades, health care and child care through dual-credit programs. This year, more students can gain valuable hands-on experience and earn post-secondary credits while still in high school.

“So much extraordinary work goes into preparing for the school year, and I want to recognize the educators, support staff, school and district leaders and trustees who make each year possible. I am so hopeful about what we can accomplish by working together. I wish everyone a successful, rewarding and inspiring school year ahead.”

Learn More:

To learn more about B.C.’s Welcoming Schools, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/welcoming-schools

To learn more about online safety, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/erase

To learn more about schools being built, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/major-capital-projects

To learn more about school food programs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/feeding-futures

To learn more about access zones, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/34246

To learn more about dual credits, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/dual-credit

To learn more about strengthening and supporting B.C.’s K-12 workforce, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/k-12-workforce-development/k-12-workforce-plan

To learn more about the Provincial Anti-Racism Action Plan launched in June 2026, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/anti-racism/anti-racism-action-plan_20260601.pdf

To learn more about the K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan launched in January 2023, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/diversity-and-inclusion/anti-racism

To learn more about getting to and from school safely, visit: https://icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2026-08-25-back-to-school-safety