News Stories

In a continued commitment to supporting the educational success and cultural identity of Indigenous students, the Abbotsford School District has signed the 2025-2030 Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students. The signing took place during a luncheon event on June 17, 2024, attended by representatives from the Semáth First Nation, Mathxwí First Nation, Fraser Valley Métis Association, the Abbotsford Board of Education, and district leaders, staff, and students.

The Abbotsford School District is excited to announce the expansion of its annual appreciation day to include all support staff, now designated as Support Staff Appreciation Day. This special day, first introduced last year as Instructional Support Staff Appreciation Day, is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of Educational Assistants, Youth Care Workers, International Student Liaisons, Indigenous Support Workers, Custodians, Administrative Assistants, and all other support staff members that contribute to the success of our organization.

On April 18, 2024, at the Semá:th First Nation Longhouse, an Honouring Ceremony took place for the 2024 Indigenous Role Models. Organized by the Mamele’awt Community Indigenous Education Centre, the event brought together Indigenous and school district leaders, community members, students and many supporters of the Role Models keen to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Abbotsford School District's Indigenous Education Department, under the guidance of the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and in collaboration with Semá:th First Nation, Mathxwí First Nation, and the Fraser Valley Métis Association, is proud to continue a district-wide initiative to support Grade 5 Indigenous students as they transition to middle school. This initiative aligns with the district’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes fostering a sense of belonging and connection among students and promoting cultural understanding and respect.

Ten outstanding Grade 12 Indigenous students from the Abbotsford School District have been announced as this year's Indigenous Role Models. Following a rigorous review process conducted in December 2023, the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee considered applications from a pool of over 200 eligible students. The chosen students have distinguished themselves through their deep cultural connections, exemplary leadership, and dedicated service in their schools and broader communities. 

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public education, our commitment to providing every student with a world-class education remains at the forefront. It is with this vision in mind that I write to you today.

The Abbotsford Board of Education has a new governance leader. Trustee Shirley Wilson was elected as Chair at last night's public meeting of the Board. Wilson was first elected to the Board of Education in 2005. She succeeds Trustee Korky Neufeld, who stepped aside following his recent announcement to run in upcoming provincial elections. Trustee Preet Rai will continue as Vice-Chair.

The Abbotsford Board of Education is currently seeking feedback from families, employees, students and the larger community on the proposed school calendars for the next three years - 2024-2025 school year, 2025-2026 school year and 2026-2027 school year. Feedback will be collected via the school district's Engagement Portal until February 9, 2024.

As we near the end of 2023 and the beginning of the winter break throughout BC, Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care, has released the following end-of-year letters to families and staff.

Serenna Scarpino recently worked at Mámele’awt Indigenous Education Centre to complete Foods 12. She has been mentored by Chris Kelly, Elder and long-time employee of Abbotsford School District. In this course students learn about the connection to the land, gathering and community. Cooking and food, and the act of cooking with a good heart and a good mind and feeding the people are especially important components of community life.