Blog Posts

Noticing a shift in literacy instruction across the district? Wonder what is going on in the classroom down the hall?  

We walk into our schools each day and meet with faces, a multitude of beautiful faces behind which there are stories, personalities, interests, skills, hopes and values. And each day, we are lucky enough to have these children share pieces and layers of themselves in what might seem like surface-level interactions. A welcoming smile can draw someone in and engage them in conversation, and taking some time to listen to a child's story gives insight into their identity and, in turn, gives them the confidence they need to share with others.

The Abbotsford School District's Early Years learning team has been working to ensure that as many children and families have access to early learning support throughout our community. The following services and programs are currently available:

Harlem arrived at my school in September 2021 with a G4 file as thick as my fist. It stated that he had been in foster care for 11 years, rarely attended school, and could become violent if he became frustrated. He had been in foster care since birth and had been mainly homeschooled by his foster parents who did not value public school or his culture. When I first met him, it became apparent that we were not dealing with a violent or mean child but a soft-spoken, gentle, and curious boy.

Irene Kelleher was born in Matsqui on December 16, 1901. Irene’s parents attended Saint Mary’s and Saint Anne’s Residential School in Mission. Raised in the Fraser Valley and eventually returning to the area later in life, Irene was a vital contributor to public education in British Columbia and a respected community leader.

As many of you know I will be retiring in the summer. I am excited and humbled by the upcoming experience. I would first of all like the thank all Superintendents over the 35 years I have been in the Abbotsford School District. Their support, mentorship, and challenges have made me the principal and person I am today. Next up are the teachers and support staff, I can honestly say I have never worked with anyone that was not hard-working and child-centered.

This month we have been fortunate enough to be able to host some normal events at school. Small gatherings like assemblies, special presentations, small tournaments, and guest speakers, along with our Vasaikhi Mehla last week. What I've found as a whole is the overwhelming gratitude of the students, staff, and later the parents. Our students have always enjoyed being together to celebrate and learn but the number of thank yous and student cards of gratitude has been overwhelming. Even a simple field trip has students bubbling with joy and happiness.

With all the deserved recognition of our health providers and essential service personnel, it's easy to overlook the role of the teachers and support staff in schools over the last two years. Our HSE staff along with other staff across the district and province have kept schools open and students learning. They have flexed and changed their routines and practice so students can come to school safely and learn. I would like to pay a special thank you to our HSE Staff. They have been outstanding professionals during these pandemic times.

What makes the season special? Some highlights include pending time with loved ones, having time off to sleep in, the crisp air and the signs of winter, gathering with others to share a meal and hearing familiar Christmas carols being played around town. Many of us can relate to the joys that are upon us with this time of year. This is my first year at Harry Sayers Elementary. As December dawned on us, our school participated in the “Annual Food Drive.” Seeing an outpouring of generosity has touched me.

What makes the season special? Some highlights include spending time with loved ones, having time off to sleep in, the crisp air and the signs of winter, gathering with others to share a meal and hearing familiar Christmas carols being played around town. Many of us can relate to the joys that are upon us with this time of year. This is my first year at Harry Sayers Elementary. As December dawned on us, our school participated in the “Annual Food Drive.” Seeing the outpouring of generosity has touched me.