Support for Learning

The BC Ministry of Education and Child Care acknowledges that there are some aspects of a general education program that are difficult to provide in an online environment. Online Learning Schools are to develop their own policies regarding the use of third-party service providers, learning resources funding and financial support for internet access.

Student Eligibility:

• Full-time SIDES student of record in K-9; or
• Full-time SIDES student of record in K-12 with a Ministry designation in levels 1, 2 or 3

S4L funding schedule and calendar

S4L funding is provided up to $500 per eligible household, per academic year, when registration for SIDES and the Student Learning Plan is completed and approved by the teacher and parent between July 1st and September 30, 2025. S4L funding will be pro-rated if registration occurs after September 30:

• SIDES registration from July 1 to September 30 - $500
• SIDES registration from October 1 to February 14 - $250
• SIDES registration from February 15 to May 1 - $125
• SIDES registration from May 1 to June 30 – no funding provided

If a student formally or informally (as determined by SIDES) leaves SIDES before February 15 and has utilized the S4L funding, the parent must refund Saanich School District 50% of any S4L funds spent.

Internet access

As with previous years, financial support of a maximum of $500 per eligible SIDES household can be provided to offset the cost of internet access in Canada by a Canadian internet provider.

Internet access reimbursement

Internet costs may be reimbursed any time between February 15 and May 15, provided that sufficient billing documentation is submitted to verify the amount claimed. To be reimbursed, families must submit:

1. Itemized proof of monthly internet costs only (not tv or phone) for their registered home address and;
2. Proof of payments during the school year (September - June).

Please note that bills showing charges alone are not sufficient.

Receipts or bank statements showing payments alone don’t meet the criteria. See below for reimbursement directions