News Stories

Dear Abbotsford School District families,

This past week has been a difficult time with the invasion of Ukraine. Children, youth and even adults may experience a range of emotions when they hear about or see images and videos from these deeply upsetting events. I wanted to reach out to share available supports, should you find them of use.

Please see attached a letter from Mr. Colbert and an updated Communicable Disease plan: 

The Abbotsford Board of Education is required to create a calendar that meets the legislated requirements of the School Act, and the Abbotsford Teachers’ Union (ATU) Collective Agreement. The Board of Education is currently seeking public and employee feedback on the proposed calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. The proposed option meets the prescribed minimum hours of instruction that a board must offer for the 2022-2023 school year.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge we must constantly navigate, however, this past week we were able to safely return to in-person instruction for over 19,000 students. 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 the first part of this school year. What we continue to accomplish in British Columbia, and particularly here in Abbotsford, is truly amazing.

Please click here for Auguston's School Plan for school reopening starting on Monday, January 10, 2022: Principal Letter January 2022 Re-opening

Click here for the Daily Health Guidelines as of Jan 2022.

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. 

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.

Auguston Traditional Elementary School had 2 special events take place recently involving Pam Alexis, MLA Abbotsford-Mission!

Hand Made Thank You Cards for Mayor

Pam Alexis MLA Abbotsford-Mission delivered two hand-made thank you cards on behalf of Div. 8 Mrs. Sheldon & Mrs. Smith's Gr. 2 class to Mayor Henry Braun. Great community spirit, Div. 8!

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 the October 12th Board Meeting, the Abbotsford Board of Education passed a motion to direct staff to review and report on the implications of a vaccine mandate for all K-12 staff.

"We have been advised that the Ministry of Education has convened an advisory committee with partners in the sector to develop common principles, standards and guidelines," said Dr. Stan Petersen, Chair for the Abbotsford Board of Education. "This committee will support boards of education with their decision-making regarding the potential implementation of vaccine mandates."