October 5th is World Teachers' Day, and the Abbotsford School District is celebrating the 1,500+ innovative educators across the district who prepare and inspire our students for a lifetime of success.
Teachers are a cornerstone of quality education systems and play a key role in building inclusive and equitable societies. Today, we celebrate the teachers within our district and commend their dedication, passion and commitment to this profession.
At the end of September, the schools previously known as Matsqui Elementary and Upper Sumas Elementary hosted renaming ceremonies to officially honour becoming Mathxwí Elementary and Semá:th Elementary. The Abbotsford Board of Education approved the renaming in December of 2021 to reflect the Halq’eméylem language of the Stó:lō First Nations. On both days, the school gyms were filled with guests - including school trustees, district staff, students, and community members.
An Abbotsford teacher has been named a recipient of the 2022 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Nerlap Sidhu, a Grade 6-7 teacher at Eugene Reimer middle school, is among 12 educators across the nation who have been recognized for teaching excellence, teaching excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and excellence in early childhood education.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines.
Today is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We honour and uphold Survivors and intergenerational Survivors of the Indian residential school system, and commemorate those who didn’t return home.
Phyllis's story inspired Orange Shirt Day in 2013, which aims to educate people on residential schools in Canada. The day honours and remembers the experiences and loss of First Nation, Inuit and Métis children who were stolen from their families and placed in these schools. Every September 30th, individuals across Canada wear orange on Orange Shirt Day to visually represent this important day of remembrance.
On September 20, 2022, the Abbotsford Board of Education hosted the official grand opening event of Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw, the newest elementary school in the Abbotsford School District. Over 100 guests - including school trustees, government officials, district staff, students, and various community members - were in attendance to commemorate this exciting day, learn more about the building process and the history of the school's namesake, Irene Kelleher.
Today, government officials announced that September 19, 2022, would be recognized as a one-time federal holiday in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral service.
READ: Premier's statement on national day of mourning
As such, all Abbotsford School District schools and sites will be closed on Monday, September 19, 2022.
Students, families and staff can look forward to returning to new and improved schools in Abbotsford.
The Abbotsford School District is committed to investing in Indigenous Education, aiming to improve Indigenous students’ success, supporting all students in learning about Indigenous peoples, and helping teachers in their efforts to infuse Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the classroom. To further this goal, the school district has invested additional roles and leaders in the portfolio.
We look forward to welcoming students and staff to the 2022/2023 school year! Planning and preparing for students is well underway by our talented and passionate staff. We extend a warm welcome to our newest students, families and staff and wish you all the best in the Abbotsford School District as you start your next educational journey.