Public-school students across the region have no classes Friday, October 23, as teachers participate in British Columbia’s annual provincewide professional development day.

The non-instructional day applies in the Campbell River, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island West, Vancouver Island North, qathet and Qualicum school districts, including schools serving the Oceanside area.

Campbell River and Comox Valley schools have issued reminders that students will not attend classes Friday, while district calendars also identify the date as a provincial professional development day.

Although students have the day away from class, teachers will be taking part in professional learning connected to their teaching responsibilities.

The date is also known as Provincial Specialist Association Day, or PSA Day. B.C.’s Provincial Specialist Associations offer annual fall conferences and workshops, giving educators opportunities to explore subject-specific teaching practices and exchange ideas with colleagues.

Learning opportunities may cover areas such as literacy, technology, Indigenous education, mental health and individual classroom subjects. Teachers may attend conferences and workshops or pursue other professional development relevant to their work.

The training is intended to strengthen educators’ knowledge and skills, encourage collaboration and develop approaches they can bring back to their classrooms to support student learning.

Regular classes are expected to resume Monday, October 26. Campbell River School District has confirmed students will return Monday, while parents and caregivers throughout the region are encouraged to check their child’s school calendar for any additional scheduling information.

To learn more, visit PSA Day.