Blog Posts

I have been in my role as Associate Superintendent of HR for almost four months. While I am becoming more familiar with our district and our culture, I recognize that I am still at the beginning of my journey.  I am grateful for your patience and your warm welcome as I continue to get to know you and our work. 

There are no guarantees in life, but wherever you want to go or can imagine going, education is probably the best way there. How does a child in Kindergarten one day become an architect? How does a grade nine student become an arthroscopic surgeon or an agriculturist? How does one become an electrician or a chef? You guessed it - education. This is why I often describe education as the bridge to anywhere.

We are excited to be launching an employee engagement survey in October. The survey will be part of a broader employee engagement program. We aim to inspire everyone to be part of an ongoing conversation about how we work together to make this a great place to learn and work. Those conversations will inform priorities and actions.  

The Abbotsford School District celebrated the 2023 retirees with a heartwarming retirement dinner held on June 7, 2023, at the Clarion Hotel. The event marked an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions and unwavering dedication of the retiring Superintendent, Operations Management, Administrators, Teachers, and Support staff who have devoted their careers to shaping young minds. 

The ABC (Above & Beyond Champions) Recognition Program was established in 2021 to celebrate our people and culture and recognize employees in four areas: Continuous Improvement/Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Supporting Student Success, and Team Achievement.

The Above and Beyond Champions (ABC) Recognition Program is in its first year. The program recognizes our very talented and dedicated teachers, support staff, managers, and administrators throughout the district who make a difference every day and acknowledges contributions to our strategic goals, organizational values, and the culture of our schools and departments.

Nominations for recognition awards are submitted by peers and leaders in June, based on the following four categories:  

Pat Kennaley is a true difference maker. Her passion for the outdoors influences her teaching and inspires students and staff. Pat wholeheartedly believes that being in nature is essential for a complete understanding of self.  She regularly takes her grade 4/5 class to a local forest where kids sit in the trees and do their sketching or drawing.  She also takes them at critical times of the year to see when certain foliage is growing so she can teach the kids firsthand. They can experience learning in a way that a classroom can not replicate.

At Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, our Career Aide, Stephanie Doan, has made a difference since 1991. Stephanie advises all of our students in Grades 9 - 12 to help them navigate high school and plan their next steps after high school.  Students appreciate her vast amount of knowledge about post-secondary pathways and her willingness to do whatever it takes to assist students on their journey. Mrs. Doan greets every student who enters the counselling center by name and takes the time to find out how their day is going.

We have chosen to highlight Ms. Chandra Antone, one of our Indigenous Support Workers at Godson elementary school. Ms. Antone is new to Godson this year and has overseen a smooth transition of embedding Indigenous culture throughout the day. Ms. Antone has developed a strong cultural curriculum and is regularly seen throughout the day engaging with classes by drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Additionally, Ms. Antone leads the school daily through the traditional Halq’eméylem welcome. Ms.

Technology is a positive, enabling force for parent engagement, student engagement, educator effectiveness, operational efficiency, student safety, and student achievement. The school district's Information Technology department oversees the innovative and ethical use of technology by providing digital environments that meet the evolving needs of our students and staff.