At the end of last week, I shared information around the delayed return to school for students and the implementation of additional health and safety measures. Since that time, more information has become available, and I would like to share an update with you. 

January 7, 2022

Dear ATSS and ATMS families,

Last week, our Superintendent shared all students will return to school on January 10, 2022 after an extended winter break, allowing schools to adapt to the impacts of the Omicron variant that is affecting our province.

I hope this letter finds you healthy, safe and in the company of loved ones. On Wednesday, Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry held a joint news announcement regarding the delayed return to school for students for the remainder of the 2021/2022 school year. To allow schools to adapt to the impacts of the Omicron variant that is impacting our province, all K-12 students will return to school on Monday, January 10, 2022.

This holiday season, Abbotsford residents may receive a heartfelt, personalized reminder to drive “safe and sober” on our community’s roadways.

According to ICBC, on average 16 people are killed and 830 injured in 1,500 impaired driving- related crashes in the Lower Mainland every year.

The Abbotsford Board of Education awarded The Salvation Army Centre of Hope as the 2021 recipient for the Community Matters Award. Nominated by Andrea Senft, Manager of Community Partnership with the Abbotsford School District, The Salvation Army has gone above and beyond to support our schools and families throughout the pandemic. Since March 2020, they have supplied the district with $213,000 worth of food, which has been used to support meal programs and many of our vulnerable families during school breaks and when in-class instruction was suspended.

At an in-camera meeting on November 2nd, the Abbotsford Board of Education deliberated on the implications of a potential proof of vaccine mandate for all K-12 staff. After careful consideration and discussion, and following the K-12 Sector Guidelines for Vaccination Policies document, the Abbotsford Board of Education has decided not to mandate proof of vaccination for staff.

At its September 21st meeting last week, the Abbotsford Board of Education approved a motion to name the new school under construction on Eagle Mountain. The Board was unanimous in the decision to approve the name "Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw", with the amendment of incorporating the Halq'eméylem term "Totí:ltawtxw" (house of learning) into the official title.

"As a Board, we're delighted to provide a worthy name for our new school to acknowledge the contributions and educational service of Irene Kelleher," said Dr. Stan Petersen, Chair for the Abbotsford Board of Education.

Today, October 5th, is World Teachers' Day and the Abbotsford School District is celebrating the 1,500+ innovative educators in our 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.

Thousands of students and staff across the Abbotsford School District recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Week. From a virtual assembly to classroom-based group projects, students worked with their teachers and Indigenous Education staff over the course of the last few days to build a better understanding and awareness of truth and reconciliation.

As we begin to enter into September, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome back to all to what we hope will be a wonderful school year. As we look forward to the opportunities in the weeks and months ahead, I must again extend a sincere thanks to our staff for getting us through last year. What we accomplished in British Columbia, and particularly here in Abbotsford, was truly amazing. Our society owes a debt of gratitude to the teachers, support staff, principals and managers who pulled together to care for our students when they needed us most.