The conclusion of Grade 8 marks a significant milestone in a student's academic career as they look ahead to embark on a new chapter in their educational journey. This year, the Indigenous Education Department created The Paddle Project to honour a middle school student's transition into secondary school. While the project centers around the opportunity to share the teachings of the Stó:lō People, it also provides students with a meaningful and hands-on experience to reflect on their learning journey as they progress in life.

As the 2021-22 school year comes to a close, we are congratulating our retirees from the Abbotsford School District. This year, we will see 55 employees retire from our schools and district sites. They have served as teachers, maintenance staff, custodians, clerical, youth workers and principals. And each and every day, they have made a difference in the lives of our students.

This week marks the first anniversary of the announcement of the discovery of over 215 children’s remains at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, where the former Kamloops Residential School was located. Since then, Indigenous investigations across the country have found evidence of more than 1,800 confirmed unmarked graves at former residential school sites, with thousands more anticipated to be discovered in the months and years ahead. 

Students and seniors who were matched in a flower project through an Abbotsford elementary school were finally able to meet in person on Friday (May 6) for its completion.

The project, Planting Intergenerational Promises, paired teacher Debbie Mar’s 22 Grade 3 students at Upper Sumas Elementary with seniors through Archway Community Services.

The program was done in partnership with the B.C. Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.

Kids and families are set to benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds. More than 7,000 BC students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.   

Mountain Elementary has been selected to receive funding for a new accessible playground within the Abbotsford School District. The playground will be designed, built and installed over the next year.  

The Abbotsford School District and the Mamel’awt Indigenous Education Centre are proud to announce the 2022 Indigenous Role Models. 

The Indigenous Education Advisory Committee reviewed applications submitted this fall by several remarkable grade 12 Indigenous students from secondary schools throughout the district. These students are acknowledged for connecting to their culture, leadership, and service in their schools and communities, and for their aspirations towards future goals. 

The Abbotsford School District is now accepting submissions from the public for the naming of sports fields located between Colleen & Gordie Howe Middle School and W.J. Mouat Secondary School. At a winter Public Board meeting, Trustees requested that the Secretary-Treasurer commence the process of naming the two sports fields.

In accordance with the School Act, the Abbotsford Board of Education must approve a balanced budget by June 30th each year.  The Abbotsford School District is currently preparing its budget for the 2022-23 school year and is inviting employees, families and community members to share their voice in the consultation process. 

At the March 8th public board meeting, the Abbotsford Board of Education passed a motion to approve and formalize the school calendar for 2022-2023. The Abbotsford Board of Education is required to create a calendar that meets the legislated requirements of the School Act, and the Abbotsford Teachers Union (ATU) Collective Agreement.  

Each year the district honours our Long Term Service employees. These employees have served in the district for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. This year we have just over 150 employees to recognize and thank for their service and commitment to our students over the years.

40 Years of Service

Wendy, Patterson

35 Years of Service

Surbjit Brar, Mark Byrne, Guylaine Gagnon, Larri-June Miller, Annalisa Osterby-Batryn, Chris Pausch, Gordon Salter, David Sampson