Blog Posts

The grade 12 Capstone projects are well underway at Abbotsford Traditional School. These learning opportunities focus on real-life experiences where students develop skills for future post-secondary education and employment pursuits. Projects are student created and reflect individual talents and interests. They can take the shape of small businesses, community fundraisers, coaching, or volunteer programs.

Clayburn Middle School strives to create engaging and new opportunities for students. One way we achieve this is by offering Special Interest Days. Twice yearly, Clayburn staff share an area of passion with students by creating hands-on, interactive, and meaningful learning activities in late winter and mid-spring. Staff are encouraged to emphasize the importance of finding joy and passion in learning that can inspire further desire for experiencing success in learning and life.

An important part of giving back to the profession is when veteran teachers become mentors to new teaching candidates.  I am thrilled to highlight the significant role and benefits of hosting student teachers at Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw. Currently, we have the pleasure of hosting six teacher candidates from the University of the Fraser Valley who are diligently navigating their long practicums alongside amazing educators within our building. As we embrace this opportunity, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that hosting student teachers has on our school community.

Being the oldest high school in the city, Abbotsford Senior Secondary School has a proud history. Take a walk down our Graduates Hall, which features all the grad classes since 1956. Look around our Heritage Wing, highlighting the physical changes that our school has seen and showcasing some of the historic athletic accomplishments of our teams and past graduates. Throughout our building, the storied history of our school and the people who have filled its halls are celebrated.

Why do people hate? Because they’ve been hated? Or are they hurt? These are some of the important questions students at Chief Dan George Middle are trying to answer, digest and unpack as they explore anti-racism, equity and diversity. This school year, our focus has been on accepting and understanding each other’s cultures and diverse backgrounds by building community in our classrooms. Students have had many opportunities to engage in reflection and action in social-emotional learning to be better citizens.

At Harry Sayers Elementary, one of our goals is to strive to “Increase parent and community engagement” as part of our School Plan and the School District Strategic Plan. During the pandemic, parents were not able to volunteer or be part of the school community like they once were.

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.

Yale has a history of strong support for its Indigenous students. As a staff, we acknowledge the need to learn more about Indigenous culture in the spirit of being culturally sustaining.  

Throughout the 2023/2024 school year, WA Fraser Middle School and Chief Dan George Middle have participated in a unique program called Agenda Gap. Agenda Gap is a research-driven program led by Dr. Emily Jenkins at UBC and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion – Innovation Fund. It is a facilitated program co-created with youth collaborators to support young people engaging in policy decision-making to enhance conditions for positive mental health for themselves and their communities.