POLICY 5150
SANCTUARY SCHOOLS
1.0 RATIONALE
1.1 The Greater Victoria School District is committed to providing a safe, caring, and welcoming learning environment for all students and families.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 Ordinarily Resident: on the basis of objective evidence, a person has established a regular, habitual mode of life in the community with a sufficient degree of continuity which has persisted despite temporary absences. In accordance with the British Columbia School Act, a student is considered “ordinarily resident” if the student is resident in British Columbia and the parent/guardian(s) of the student are ordinarily resident in British Columbia.
3.0 POLICY
3.1 All school age children who are ordinarily resident in the school district, including those with precarious immigration status or no immigration status in Canada, are entitled to register for school in the Greater Victoria School District.
3.2 All relevant enrolment procedures will align with Board Policy, the School Act, School Regulation, Ministerial Order and relevant Ministry policies.
3.3 The personal information of enrolled students or their families shall not be shared with federal immigration authorities unless required by law.
3.4 The Board of Education shall not permit Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials or immigration authorities to enter schools or Board facilities unless required by law.
3.5 All School District employees and volunteers shall be informed of this policy and relevant regulations annually, and it will be communicated to Rightsholders and stakeholders.
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 The Board of Education will provide orientation and training for all staff regarding this policy in order to promote culturally responsive knowledge and a safe learning environment that meets the needs of students with precarious, or no immigration status in Canada.
4.2 The Board of Education is responsible to ensure compliance with the School Act, School Regulation and Ministry policies.
5.0 REFERENCES
School Act S.75 Provision of education program, S.82 Fees and deposits
School Regulation S.16 Deemed residence