Blog Posts

Noticing a shift in literacy instruction across the district? Wonder what is going on in the classroom down the hall?  

We walk into our schools each day and meet with faces, a multitude of beautiful faces behind which there are stories, personalities, interests, skills, hopes and values. And each day, we are lucky enough to have these children share pieces and layers of themselves in what might seem like surface-level interactions. A welcoming smile can draw someone in and engage them in conversation, and taking some time to listen to a child's story gives insight into their identity and, in turn, gives them the confidence they need to share with others.

The Abbotsford School District's Early Years learning team has been working to ensure that as many children and families have access to early learning support throughout our community. The following services and programs are currently available:

Harlem arrived at my school in September 2021 with a G4 file as thick as my fist. It stated that he had been in foster care for 11 years, rarely attended school, and could become violent if he became frustrated. He had been in foster care since birth and had been mainly homeschooled by his foster parents who did not value public school or his culture. When I first met him, it became apparent that we were not dealing with a violent or mean child but a soft-spoken, gentle, and curious boy.

Irene Kelleher was born in Matsqui on December 16, 1901. Irene’s parents attended Saint Mary’s and Saint Anne’s Residential School in Mission. Raised in the Fraser Valley and eventually returning to the area later in life, Irene was a vital contributor to public education in British Columbia and a respected community leader.

Dear Bradner Elementary School Community,   

Today is National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada. Established in 1996 June 21st is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

I would like to share some of the work that our learning community has done together to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and contribute towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Dear Bradner Families,
The last several weeks in our local community have been interesting and ever changing. As a school community thank you for your willingness to support those who have been affected by the local state of emergency by donating canned food items, and empty bottles. The canned food items were donated to Archway Community Services in Abbotsford and monies raised from the donation of bottles will go towards those impacted by local flooding.

It is hard to believe, but we are nearing the end of the school year. I'm sure most of you feel that in spite of all the challenges this year, the year actually flew by!  And although there are things we missed, and things we look forward to returning to normal, it was in fact a memorable and successful year in many ways!

Term two report cards will be coming home on March 5, so I thought this might be a good time to review the new language used for reporting student progress.  Teaching and assessment have truly been evolving, and we understand better than ever that all students can learn, but that we all learn in different ways.