DPAC INFORMATION & UPDATES
Multi Age Cluster Class (MACC) Program Advocacy
Currently parents are fighting to stop the VSB cancellation of a District Program, Multi Age Cluster Class (MACC) for kids who are neurodiverse. Vancouver DPAC has written to trustees in favour of maintaining this program in its current format, and is asking for more meaningful parent engagement for significant changes.
Feedback on Food and Beverage Sales in Schools
The Ministries of Health and Education are requesting PAC and DPAC feedback on proposed changes to the 2013 Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools. We are inviting you to provide feedback and your input AFTER you review the Proposed 2022 Guidelines AND the K-12 Discussion Paper outlining the Ministry’s rationale for the proposed 2022 Guidelines.
These proposed changes to the Food & Beverage guidelines will affect menu items on hot lunch programs that schools offer, including hot lunch at our school, food sent from home to share with the class, or food offered by the school at celebrations. Click here to complete the survey online.
Indigenous-focused graduation requirement feedback
As announced on March 4, the Ministry of Education will be implementing an Indigenous-focused graduation requirement as part of the province’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.
We strongly encourage parents/guardians to review the materials (below) and to provide input through the survey. Your feedback will be compiled by an independent research firm into a “What We Heard” report which will be provided to the Ministry of Education.
Here are some informational links:
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/
Here is the survey link where you can give feedback on the proposed Indigenous Focussed Graduation Requirement.
Student Learning Survey
The 2021-22 BC provincial government Student Learning Survey is OPEN for students in Grades 4, 7, 10, & 12 AND their parents/guardians. The Student survey is in English and French. The parent/guardian survey is available in 16 languages. YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT. No password or login required. Survey closes Apr 30. Do the Survey Now.
Mental Health Resources:
Foundry
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centres for young people ages 12-24, powered by Children’s Hospital. Foundry centres provide young people access to mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services and youth and family peer support in-person or virtually. All services are free, confidential, and do not require a referral to access. You can learn more about Foundry Virtual BC by signing up for a monthly Q&A session or by emailing online@foundrybc.ca
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada offers free and confidential mental health support to everyone in Canada, including youth.
Family Smart
Mental Health Workshops by Family Smart:
A Conversation for Families About Kids' Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, Online April 28th at 5pm to 6:30pm. Free of charge.
Find a list of resources about youth mental health on the Family Smart website
Family Smart offers parent-peer support and youth peer support
Family Smart Workshops https://familysmart.ca/help-for-the-hard-times-workshop/
Vancouver DPAC Committees:
Music Working Group
This working group has been struck to focus on ensuring music is a part of every student's school experience. Interested parents please contact working group lead, Robert Ford at Robert@quokkasystems.com
Childcare Committee
The committee is focused on encouraging increased access and wider options for school-age care. Interested parents please contact committee lead Alan at alan.patola.moosmann@vancouverdpac.org
Facilities Planning Committee
The committee works on Long Range Facilities Planning, Seismic Planning and shadows the VSB Facilities Planning Committee, providing feedback to the DPAC Executive. The DPAC Facilities Committee will meet on Monday, March 7th at 7pm. On the agenda will be:
School Closure Process & Consultation (QEA)
Selling School Lands (Fleming)
Ongoing issues with VSB Long Range Facilities Planning
Anti-Racism Collective and Working Group
Vancouver DPAC has created and is holding space for Black (of African Descent) and Indigenous Parents to gather and discuss issues pertinent to them that happen within the context of Vancouver Public Schools. Parents of Indigenous and African Descent can contact karen.tsang@vancouverdpac.orgto find out more.
Food Framework Working Group
Vancouver DPAC has a seat on the VSB Food Framework Ad-hoc Committeewhich will create a VSB framework including school food programs, food growing, food education. We are looking for parents interested in providing a broader perspective to inform our feedback to that committee. Contact our rep on that committee, Celena Benndorf - email: celenabe1@gmail.com