Blog Posts

Bakerview Centre for Learning, our School District’s Alternate Secondary School, is a tight-knit community of staff and outside agencies. We provide students with an alternative academic educational experience where social, emotional, and physical well-being are seen as critical for success—more on that later.         

The School of Business and Science at Rick Hansen Secondary School is an innovative opportunity for advanced education available to ambitious students in grades 11 and 12 who are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. Launched in 2016, our program blends comprehensive academics with real-world experience, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success both in higher education and their future careers.

Many years ago, as I trained for my first marathon, one of my mentors—a seasoned runner with countless marathons behind him—shared invaluable wisdom about the importance of finishing strong. He emphasized the need to maintain enough energy to cross the finish line with a smile and a strong pace, regardless of how the race began.

I can still recall his words echoing in my mind: “Remember, it’s not about how you start the marathon; it’s about how you finish. Finish strong.”

Integrating Indigenous perspectives, histories, and knowledge systems into our classrooms is a transformative journey that goes beyond curriculum enhancement. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives across all subjects, we not only honour the rich heritage of Indigenous communities but also nurture a more inclusive and interconnected learning environment for all students.

The grade 12 Capstone projects are well underway at Abbotsford Traditional School. These learning opportunities focus on real-life experiences where students develop skills for future post-secondary education and employment pursuits. Projects are student created and reflect individual talents and interests. They can take the shape of small businesses, community fundraisers, coaching, or volunteer programs.

Being the oldest high school in the city, Abbotsford Senior Secondary School has a proud history. Take a walk down our Graduates Hall, which features all the grad classes since 1956. Look around our Heritage Wing, highlighting the physical changes that our school has seen and showcasing some of the historic athletic accomplishments of our teams and past graduates. Throughout our building, the storied history of our school and the people who have filled its halls are celebrated.

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.

Yale has a history of strong support for its Indigenous students. As a staff, we acknowledge the need to learn more about Indigenous culture in the spirit of being culturally sustaining.  

Does this dialogue sound familiar...?  

Parent: “What did you do at school today?”
Student: “Nothing.”

At W.J. Mouat, we are lifting the veil of what happens at school through our weekly Spotlight on Learning series and our yearly Celebrations of Learning, which demonstrate both the intellectual and human/ social nature of learning. Check out the 58 different contributions!