News Stories

June 20, 2025

Learning Through Relationships

Our learning continues to be guided by understanding that meaningful education is rooted in relationships — with each other, with the land, and with community. This spring, we’ve had the privilege of deepening these relationships through powerful partnerships with Semá:th First Nation, Máthxwi First Nation, and the Fraser Valley Métis Association. 

Pete Nuij
June 16, 2025

Pete Nuij Joins District as New Assistant Superintendent

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pete Nuij as Assistant Superintendent, effective June 16, 2025.

With more than two decades of experience in public education, Pete brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. He has served as a teacher, school-based administrator, District Principal, Director of Instruction, and most recently, Associate Superintendent of Education Services with the Vancouver School Board.

Pete Nuij
April 14, 2025

Celebrating Completion of the What’s In a Name? Legacy Project

The Abbotsford School District, in collaboration with the Abbotsford School District Retired Teachers Association (ADRTA) Heritage Committee, is proud to celebrate the completion of the What’s In a Name? legacy project—an initiative that brings to life the rich history behind local school names. 

Belonging Belonging
February 24, 2025

Rooted in Culture: Empowering Indigenous Students for Success!

As we continue to grow and evolve as an educational community, one of our most powerful tools in shaping success for all students is the commitment to culture. In line with our recently updated Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students, we are prioritizing three key areas: Student Success, Cultural Identity, and Equity and Access through Advocacy.

Belonging Belonging
Indigenous Youth stands on stage, acknowledged for their design for APD shoulder flash. APD Celebrates local Indigenous youth creativity.
October 7, 2024

Celebrating local Indigenous Youth Creativity

In 2023, the Abbotsford Police Department launched a contest inviting local Indigenous youth from our school district to design a shoulder flash that would represent their heritage, family, and community values. The initiative aimed to reflect the attributes they wished to see in their police force.

The response was positively overwhelming, with over 40 submissions of artwork received. On Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2023, these submissions were displayed in the AbbyPD lobby, where the public was invited to vote for their favorite design.

Indigenous Youth stands on stage, acknowledged for their design for APD shoulder flash. APD Celebrates local Indigenous youth creativity.
Graphic showing school icons and text that reads "Happy World Teachers Day" BNR - 2024 World Teachers Day
October 4, 2024

#AbbySchools Recognizes Teachers for World Teachers’ Day

On October 5th, the Abbotsford School District joins the global community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, a special occasion to honour the dedication and passion of educators who play an essential role in shaping the future. Teachers are the driving force behind student success, and in Abbotsford, they are at the heart of creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for over 20,000 students.

Graphic showing school icons and text that reads "Happy World Teachers Day" BNR - 2024 World Teachers Day
Group of Leaders from local First Nations, Metis community and district representatives, hold up their signed copies of the new enhancement agreement Indigenous Enhancement Agreement Signing 2024
July 3, 2024

Abbotsford School District Signs Updated Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students

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.

Group of Leaders from local First Nations, Metis community and district representatives, hold up their signed copies of the new enhancement agreement Indigenous Enhancement Agreement Signing 2024
Group of Support Staff gathered together smiling
June 6, 2024

Abbotsford School District Expands Support Staff Appreciation Day

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.

Group of Support Staff gathered together smiling
Ten Indigenous Role Models blanketed and pose for photos 2024 Indigenous Role Models
May 15, 2024

2024 Indigenous Role Models Honoured at Semá:th (PHOTOS)

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.

Ten Indigenous Role Models blanketed and pose for photos 2024 Indigenous Role Models
Two grade 5 students holding up the drums they made Grade 5 Drum-making - 2024
March 14, 2024

Empowering Indigenous Voices: Drum-Making Supports Transition to Middle School

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.

Two grade 5 students holding up the drums they made Grade 5 Drum-making - 2024