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.
The success of a recent initiative that brought together 100 Indigenous secondary students from across the Abbotsford School District with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is being celebrated. On November 15th, students from grades 10-12 had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a full-day experience at UFV, exploring various academic programs and learning about the specific supports available for Indigenous students at the university.
The Abbotsford School District has initiated a proposed boundary review for the Cooper Meadows Development and the High Street Village Development. These reviews seek to address changes in catchment boundaries resulting from significant residential projects, ensuring students continue to receive the best possible educational experience as our community grows.
Following the Annual Organization Meeting on November 7, the Abbotsford Board of Education has elected its leadership team for the next year. Trustee Korky Neufeld will continue as Board Chair, with Trustee Preet Rai stepping up as the new Vice Chair.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Prime Minister's Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional educators across Canada. Since 1994, these awards have acknowledged over 1,800 outstanding educators who have gone above and beyond to create safe spaces for their students, continue to work hard to make learning fun and inspire the next generation to be bold innovators and creators.
Today, on World Teachers’ Day, the Abbotsford School District is celebrating and expressing gratitude for the incredible educators who are the heart and soul of our organization. We honour our teachers' unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to preparing and inspiring our students for a lifetime of success through Respect, Opportunity, and Innovation.
Students and staff across the Abbotsford School District united to show their commitment to truth and reconciliation as they actively engaged in educational initiatives and professional learning sessions last week to honour Indigenous peoples.
The Abbotsford School District’s Summer School Program at the Mamele'awt Indigenous Centre concluded the last week of July, celebrating a successful initiative that provided 25 students in grades 9-11 with an enriching hands-on learning experience immersed in Indigenous culture and heritage. The program, which ran from July 4th to July 28th, offered an innovative approach to education with a focus on land-based learning.
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I write my first letter to you as your new Superintendent. I am honoured to step into the role of Superintendent of Schools/CEO for such a vibrant school district and community, and I am truly excited for the road ahead.
