CCSTA MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: British Columbia

Journey with us across Canada to learn more about your Canadian Catholic Educator ‘Neighbours’ through this CCSTA Member Highlight series!

We’re delighted to begin this series! Through it, we hope to journey from coast to coast to discover both the uniqueness of each Catholic school association involved in CCSTA and the many similarities between Catholic schools in Canada.

We know, all too well, that once that school year begins, Catholic educators – from teachers to trustees to support staff – hit the ground running with the inevitable busyness of school life. With classes to teach, meetings to hold, decisions to be made and students to be loved – it seems rare that we find the time to look up and see what others are doing inside of this shared mission.

One of our goals at CCSTA is to simplify the connections between schools and make it easier for busy Catholic educators to feel in solidarity with others who are working towards the same mission in other parts of the country. 

 Through membership with CCSTA, Catholic school associations can connect with others who are striving to uphold the same values in their schools: fellow teachers who are navigating similar challenges in education and passionate trustees and board members who are promoting and protecting the future of Catholic Education in our country. 

While each school is unique in the way they serve the mission of Catholic education, there’s tremendous value in drawing attention to what unifies all of us in Canada.

We know very well that the struggles of carrying out this mission are only increasing in each province and territory.

Debates about funding for religious education are ongoing, secular values are threatening the Catholic identity of our schools and Catholic educators are navigating the tremendous challenge of educating in this age of unprecedented rates of anxiety and depression among young people. 

The mission of Catholic education is vitally important and the need to connect with one another and unify our vision is perhaps more important than ever.

As a means of strengthening this connection between provinces and territories, we decided to launch this series so that you,  a busy Catholic educator, would have easy access to the highlights, numbers and general history of your Canadian Catholic School ‘neighbours’…

We pray that this series is a stepping stone in bringing further unity, connection and support to each of our associations so that our mission of Canadian Catholic Education is strengthened.

To kick off our series, we’re heading all the way west to beautiful British Columbia to highlight our West Coast members: Catholic Independent Schools of British Columbia.

A look at the numbers

79 Schools from K – 12
2600 Teachers, Principals + Educational Assistants
22,500 Students

A brief history…

1983: The association was originally formed by the 5 Dioceses of British Columbia under the name “The Catholic Public Schools Inter Society Committee (CPSISC)”.

1992: a terms of reference was created by the 5 Bishops and a representative from each diocese. 

1998: The name “Catholic Independent Schools Committee of British Columbia (CISCBC)”, as we know it today, was given and the members of this committee included the 5 Superintendents and Representatives from each diocese. This committee meets twice a year.

Funding Structure

Partially funded. British Columbia Catholic Schools are partially funded, meaning schools receive funding for 50% of the cost of educating each student and charge tuition for the remaining 50%. However, schools receive no funding for capital expenses.

Average tuition fees across the province are around $3500 per year / $350 per month for the first child of a family. 

Families in BC who are unable to afford tuition can contact their local parish to request subsidy.  There’s a general agreement across schools that “No child will be refused a Catholic Education” – and parishes play a significant role in ensuring families have access to their local Catholic school. Catholic schools in BC are most often parochial schools making the mission of Catholic education a shared one between dioceses and school boards.

Struggling families in BC also greatly benefit from the Toonies for Tuition program. This program provides vital support for BC Catholic schools, filling the gaps for families who were unable to receive full subsidy for their tuition and need further assistance. 

CISBC fundraises each year for operating and capital expenses.

Protecting the Catholic Identity of Schools

Catholic Independent Schools of British Columbia have adopted Archbishop Michael Miller’s document, “The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools” and are working to implement the “five essential marks of Catholic schools” as outlined within.

Outlining the document are 5 distinguishing characteristics of a Catholic School – providing an excellent and comprehensive structure and framework for securing the Catholic Identity:

1. Inspired by a Supernatural Vision
2. Founded on a Christian Anthropology
3. Animated by Communion and Community
4. Imbued with a Catholic Worldview throughout its curriculum
5. Sustained by Gospel Witness.

Diocesan Involvement

The CISCBC meets twice a year, which includes an annual meeting with the Bishops every November.

Goals of the Association

The CISCBC met in November 2022 to create a new Strategic Plan, the goals include:

1. To foster an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ in the Church to become an intentional missionary disciple.

2. To develop and implement a model that will ensure sustainable growth in our financial and human resources.

3. To listen to, equip, and support our community members as we walk together in dialogue towards truth, healing, and reconciliation.

Challenges Faced by Catholic Schools in British Columbia

 Evangelization – coming out of COVID, parishes and schools have noticed a decline in Church attendance. While schools tend to average 80% Catholic students – this isn’t necessarily reflected by the Mass attendance.

Financial/Infrastructure – while sustainability (accessibility and affordability) is a major goal, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to afford the capital projects that will be required in the next 5-10 years with the current aging structures in place.

Mental Health – as a result of COVID BC Catholic schools have noticed an increase in mental health issues (anxiety, aggression, resilience, etc.). Fortunately, the Ministry of Education has provided additional funding to address these needs. 

Catholic Education Week

Weeks vary by diocese but typically take place between late January and mid-February.

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Thank you for CISBC for sharing with us the joys and struggles of your association! Let us keep all involved in Catholic Education in British Columbia in our prayers.