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FRED HERFST has been involved with independent schools
for more than 30 years. As executive director of the Federation of
Independent School Associations in Vancouver, and a commited Christian, he
is an authority on trends which affect the many Christian schools.
His perspective and care in dealing with key issues
has garnered him respect from colleagues in the Association of Christian
Schools International (ACSI) and the Society of Christian Schools B.C.
(SCS-BC)
Enrollment
Herfst discussed several key issues with BCCN.
“Our data indicates that, despite a demographic
shift that has meant a reduction of enrollment in public schools, Roman
Catholic schools report a very small decline in enrollment, ACSI schools
report a 3.5 percent increase this [past] year, with SCS-BC school
enrollment up 4.6 percent.”
“However,” he said “I am cautioning
our schools that, if the total number of school age children continues to
shrink, sooner or later independent schools will feel the effect –
and will also experience some decline in enrollment.”
He also made the point that some smaller communities
with resource-based economies such as forestry will feel an additional and
significant loss of school age children – due to loss of
employment, and families moving.
Herfst outlined several other issues affecting
independent schools.
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Criminal record checks
Last spring, the B.C. government required that
criminal record checks be done, for all staff involved with children, every
five years – not simply once.
Daily exercise
The provincial government has put schools (both public
and independent) on notice that all students up to grade 9 will be required
to have 30 minutes of physical activity daily, commencing next September.
Grades 10 – 12 students will have some flexibility; they will be
required to have 150 minutes a week, not necessarily a daily quota.
Junk food
Public schools were required to address the issue of
high sugar drinks and junk food, as of this past September 2007.
Independent schools are also addressing this issue.
Smoking ban
No smoking – anywhere, anytime. Since last
spring, there has been a ban on smoking on all school property, for both
public and independent schools. This ban is effective 24/7, with school
principals being held accountable for violations.
Reciprocity
For schools, the Trade, Investment & Labour
Mobility Agreement between Alberta and B.C. means a total reciprocity of
teaching certificates between provinces. Thus, an Albertan teacher only has
to present a teaching certificate, to receive an equivalent one for B.C.
– and vice versa.
– PB
February 2008
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