B.C.’s Education Minister is welcoming students and staff back to class with a focus on safety, literacy and student support.

“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.", said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. 

"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."

Beare says early reading screening is expanding through Grade 3, while the province’s Feeding Futures program continues to provide meals at nearly 90 percent of public schools.

The province is also launching a new Welcoming Schools online resource and re-establishing protected access zones around schools to prevent disruptive protests.

To view the Minister’s statement on returning to school, visit Government of British Columbia.