Connecting and Celebrating: A Journey Across our District

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.

Recently, I had a chance to celebrate diversity with folks across the Fraser Valley. The Fraser Valley Diversity Awards, hosted at the Clarion Convention Centre in Abbotsford, brought together individuals, families, and various organizations to honour and recognize those who embody diversity, inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The evening was a wonderful showcase of the cultural and creative richness of our community. The highlight, for me, was seeing our very own Ishi Sharma, from Yale Secondary School, win the Youth Champion of Diversity Award. And how perfect that Board Chair, Shirley Wilson, got to make the presentation.

Another highlight for me was the guided tour of our Heavy Equipment Operators program. With boots and a hard hat on, I toured the training site where Abbotsford School District High School Students train to use bulldozers, front-end loaders, gravel trucks, and more. Hands-on, applied learning in action – with industry certification to follow. Thank you, Vice Principal Mike Pearson, for the opportunity. The willingness to deliver unique and fulfilling options for students is laudable, and this program is but one example.

I also had a chance to read to ALL the students at Dr. Roberta Bondar Elementary School. I must confess, nothing makes this Superintendent quite as nervous as facing Kindergarteners, but Principal Victoria Lorieau assured me all would be fine. She was right. The students were fantastic, and what an uplifting school culture. Special thanks to the kind, caring staff for making their school such a special place.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Gertrude. I had a few minutes to kill before reading at Bondar, so I took a brief walk around the neighbourhood. As you can imagine, Gladwin is a busy four-lane street at that time in the morning. To see Gertrude, our crossing guard, so attentive to helping students and families cross the street safely made me smile. I was pleased to be able to thank her in person.  

It really does take all of us to do this work. We are more than 2,500 strong, united in our mission to prepare and inspire students for a lifetime of success. Thank you all for playing your parts so well. See you soon.