Blog Posts

For a while now, we have been contemplating the impact of a student having two or more important adults in a school setting. Historically, we have hovered around the 45% mark on the MDI for Grade 8 students in the Abbotsford School District who say they have two or more important adults and have wondered what the term important or “caring” means to the students in our middle schools.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pete Nuij as Assistant Superintendent, effective June 16, 2025.

With more than two decades of experience in public education, Pete brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. He has served as a teacher, school-based administrator, District Principal, Director of Instruction, and most recently, Associate Superintendent of Education Services with the Vancouver School Board.

As we recognize Pride Month, Abbotsford School District reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all students, staff, and families. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping young people’s experiences and sense of belonging, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our learning community feels seen, respected, and valued.

Like many people, I enjoy a good podcast.  I was listening to Tetragrammaton the other night, and the guest was Pulitzer Prize-winning author and playwright David Mamet. During the interview, Mamet referenced his novel, "Recollections of St. Ives." More specifically, he spoke about one of his characters, Mr. Ruskin, a teacher, who suggests an innovative way of teaching history by giving students a few dollars and sending them to a vintage store to buy an item, then having them return to class and do a "show and tell" about it. You can imagine how this could work.

Each year the Abbotsford School District must approve a balanced budget by June 30^th.

A few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on the benefits of physical activity for both our minds and bodies. As we approach March Break, it feels timely to highlight the importance of rest and relaxation. Taking a break is something I personally struggle with, and I know many of you do, too. Our principals and vice principals, in particular, often find it challenging to take a lunch break when there are hundreds of students to supervise. Despite our best intentions to take a moment "later" to eat and catch our breath, sometimes "later" never comes.

True confession: I enjoy physical activity. I start most days with vigorous exercise. I wake up at 5:00 am Monday to Friday so I can be unrushed in my morning ritual, which includes fresh espresso, a scroll through various social media feeds, CBC radio, and yes, a fitness workout.  

Ready or not, 2025 is here! While I am not one for resolutions, I like setting personal and professional goals. A new year brings with it a sense of hope and opportunity. No matter what happened the previous year, a new year feels like another chance to step closer to a dream, an aspiration, or even start something entirely new.