Celebrating Black Excellence Day

Today, over 3000 students in Grades 4-12 from the Chilliwack School District participated in a Black Excellence Day program hosted by Burnaby Schools and the BC Black Educational Leaders Association (BCBELA). 

As a lead up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians. 

Black Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year, or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday. The date January 15th is in honour of the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.

Black History is Canadian History. British Columbia is a culturally and ethnically diverse province that includes many peoples and communities of the African diaspora, and people of African descent have been a fundamental part of British Columbia since at least 1858. 

The program featured guest speakers and performances, including R&B/gospel artists Khari Wendell McClelland and Janelle Reid, professional actor and performing artist Sam Darkoh, Wayne Fester, who grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, writer and film maker Anthony Brown, journalist Michael Newman, and spoken word artist Jillian Christmas. The program also included student videos and other short guest interviews.

Learn more about Black Excellence Day and Black History

Learning resources: Black Canadian Gr. 6-9 Learning Resource | Focused Education

Royal BC Museum: Hope Meets Action - Learning Portal

Watch a film: Black Communities in Canada - NFB.

Pictured is a screenshot from the recorded program.

Ready, Set, Explore!

Registration is open for children attending Kindergarten in the 2026/2027 school year and the Chilliwack School District is hosting events to help preschoolers and their families get ready for school. Ready, Set, Explore is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your preschooler’s future neighbourhood school.

During this event, families will enjoy a school tour, a snack, and interactive play activities designed for children and their parents. You'll also have the chance to meet school staff and ask questions in a welcoming, play-filled environment. The first event is on Friday, February 4th at Bernard Elementary School. 

Please RSVP to ensure we are prepared for all participants!

Find the Ready, Set, Explore schedule for upcoming open houses. 

Children who will be five years old on or before December 31, 2026, can register for Kindergarten now. 

International Students Shine in School Sports 

A key part of a successful educational experience for international students is getting involved in their school communities. Athletics is a fantastic way for students to build relationships and well-being. International students are outstanding representatives of their home schools as participants in school sports, and this year is no exception.

Whether competing on the field, court, or track, or cheering from the sidelines, international students in Chilliwack bring energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit to every game. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and positive attitudes contribute to team success and to the broader school community.

This year, several international students have made their mark at Sardis Secondary through the football program and the cheer team. They’ve built memories that will last a lifetime thanks to the dedication of their coaches, teammates, and the International Student Program team. 

Similarly, international students at Chilliwack Secondary, Imagine High and G.W. Graham Secondary were active participants in the fall sports season. They participated in volleyball, boys’ soccer, girls’ field hockey, curling, and cross-country. Their involvement strengthened team performance, enhanced school spirit, and fostered lasting friendships.

“We are proud to see our International Students develop athletic skills, embrace teamwork, and fully engage in the school sports experience,” said Paul Bernard, Vice Principal of International Education. “Thank you to the students, coaches, and supporters who make this participation possible. It’s a reminder that being part of a team goes beyond the game, creating connections and memories that will stay with our students long after the season ends.”

Learning Centre Brings Students Back to Campus

Success looks different for each student. That’s why the Chilliwack School District creates opportunities to meet the unique needs and aspirations of our students.

In September, the Chilliwack School District Learning Centre opened its doors. The Centre serves students for whom the district's traditional school environments don't work. Kw'íyeqel Secondary School (KSS) is the district's Alternate Education secondary school. The Learning Centre is its third campus. A teacher team works out of the Learning Centre, and an Education Assistant is available four days a week. Students remain connected to broader KSS team, including a Learning Assistant Teacher, School Counsellor, Indigenous Education Assistant and Youth Care Workers. 

Since September, the Learning Centre has provided over 50 non-attending students (grades 9-12) with a path to graduation. Half of those students now regularly attend the Learning Centre. With the support of staff and community partners, students are reengaging with education. Flexible schedules, self-paced learning, and positive social dynamics meet them where they're at.

Students sometimes face barriers that make attending a typical school difficult. These might be legal or wellness barriers. Some students are balancing work commitments or challenging home circumstances. The Learning Centre provides flexible, low-barrier daily access in a major city corridor.

The District Bridge Team also calls the Learning Centre home. The team supports middle school students who struggle with regular attendance and engagement. They work with families to identify barriers that prevent youth from attending school. The team connects students with support to help them overcome some of these barriers. Working out of the Learning Centre allows for a coordinated, wrap-around approach.

“We are really proud of the work of staff to get the Learning Centre up and running so quickly. It has been a team effort to open the doors this fall and immediately start helping students who otherwise were staying at home. We are seeing the impact already, as students are finding success with regular attendance and course completions.” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Kirk Savage.

All District Schools and Sites Open on Monday, December 15, 2025

We recognize that recent flooding and changing road conditions have caused uncertainty for many families in our community. At this time, all schools and sites in the Chilliwack School District will be open on Monday, December 15. 

We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and are actively monitoring road and weather conditions. 

Currently, both westbound and eastbound lanes of Highway 1 are open, and conditions support schools remaining open. Student and staff safety remain our highest priority. 

Families and staff are encouraged to use their best judgment when travelling and to follow all local road advisories. If conditions change, we will communicate as soon as possible. As per our inclement weather guidelines, we will post further communication only in the event of school closures or delayed openings.  

We appreciate the patience, understanding, and care shown by our school communities as we navigate this situation together. 

All Schools and Sites Closed on Friday, December 12, 2025

Dear staff, students, and families. 

Out of an abundance of caution all Chilliwack School District schools and sites will be closed to staff and students tomorrow, Friday, December 12, 2025. 

District leadership received information this evening that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has closed Highway 1 between Exit 92 and Exit 95 in both directions due to flooding, with no estimated time for reopening. In addition, the Ministry issued a travel advisory today for areas in the Fraser Valley where there is a risk of flooding. 

At 6:25pm on Thursday evening, the City of Abbotsford reported that floodwaters in Sumas Prairie and Huntingdon Village were expected to peak within the next 12 hours. The flooding situation is unpredictable and can change quickly. 

We recognize that many staff and families may be directly affected by road closures, evacuation alerts and orders, and difficult travel conditions. The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. After careful review of the latest information and consideration of anticipated staffing shortages, we have made the decision to close all schools and district sites to students and staff on Friday, December 12. 

We understand that a school closure can create challenges for families, and this decision was not made lightly. Please know that the senior leadership team has thoughtfully considered all factors, including safety and the well-being of our school community, in arriving at this decision.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and resilience as we navigate the ongoing impacts of this regional emergency. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Please stay safe and continue to follow local emergency updates. 

Rohan Arul-pragasam, Superintendent of Schools, Chilliwack School District

Imagine High to Host Deeper Learning Conference in 2026

For the next two weeks, Imagine High is buzzing with excitement as students dive into one of the school’s most beloved traditions: Deep Dives. Starting this week, learners step out of their regular schedules and plunge into immersive, hands-on sessions filled with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

During Deep Dives, students pause their regular classes to tackle real-world challenges. They build industry level skills, working alongside peers, teachers, industry experts, and community. Students earn two elective credits upon successful completion.

Past Deep Dives have included fashion design, video game development, songwriting, theatre makeup, childcare, and outdoor wilderness survival. The topics change each year based on student feedback. Students use what they learn to prepare for internships and work experience. Deep Dives also provide a foundation for student passion projects in Grades 10 to 12.

The timing of this year’s Deep Dives is especially meaningful as the team at Imagine High prepares to showcase what’s possible in education. In July, Imagine High will host the first ever Deeper Learning Canada. Deeper Learning unites educators who are driving transformative change in classrooms. The conference explores how to foster collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship.

"As Imagine High students step into their next round of Deep Dives, our team continues to model what modern, interdisciplinary learning can look like," said Brooke Haller, Imagine High Principal. "Deep Dives represent the spirit of creativity and exploration that will be on full display when Deeper Learning comes to Chilliwack in 2026."

The Deeper Learning conference started at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education in San Diego. Imagine High will host Deeper Learning Canada from July 2-4.

Learn more: Deeper Learning Canada conference. 
 

Board of Education Approves Purchase of Promontory Property 

The Chilliwack School District Board of Education unanimously approved the purchase of a 6.8-acre property at 5303 Promontory Road at a Special Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, November 20. 

The district engaged environmental and geotechnical consultants, who carried out detailed site testing and analysis, confirming the site is suitable for a 500-student elementary school.

With school enrolment continuing to grow over the past decade, the district has long looked for property in the Promontory area. The request for funding for a site has been in the district’s 5-year capital plan for over 10 years. 

Promontory Heights Elementary School’s capacity is 580 with a current enrolment of 603. There is no opportunity to expand the existing facility due to site limitations and structural constraints. As of 2025, there are approximately 850 students aged 5-10 years in the Promontory catchment. 

“The Board of Education has heard from the community about the importance of long-term planning to address continued growth in Promontory,” said David Swankey, Board Chair. “Staff worked diligently to bring this opportunity forward for consideration by the Board. The risk of borrowing money to support this property purchase was acknowledged and the Board determined it was measured and proportionate to the opportunity presented. This property and a new school in Promontory are important to the current and future well-being of students in the district.”

This opportunity falls outside the Ministry’s regular funding cycle. The Board is hopeful that the province will cover the cost in the next funding cycle. 

Ministry approvals and funding are required for the construction of the school. A project of this size typically requires one to two years for design and Ministry approval, followed by two to three years of construction before a school is ready to open. 

Since 2018, the Province and Chilliwack School District have added 2,420 new school spaces for students with the opening of Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary/Middle and Imagine High Integrated Arts and Technology and expansions to G.W. Graham Secondary, Vedder Elementary and Promontory Heights Elementary. Expansions at Sardis Secondary and AD Rundle Middle, and the construction of the new east side elementary school will add 1200 spaces over the next two years.
 

For more information: Decision Report. 
 

Broadcast Students to Stream Chilliwack Christmas Parade

Secondary students at GW Graham will take center stage at Five Corners in downtown Chilliwack this weekend as they record and stream this year’s Chilliwack Christmas Parade. The parade is hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Chilliwack in partnership with the City of Chilliwack.

The school’s Broadcast Production class, made up of students aged 14 to 16, is now in its third year. Students in the program are involved in community events across the city. They gain extensive experience capturing live performances, including elementary school productions and concerts by the Chilliwack Youth Orchestra. 

The class's coverage of the Christmas Parade will add another high-profile event to the program’s growing portfolio, showcasing the skills students continue to develop in live broadcasting and event production. The Chilliwack Christmas Parade is at 5:30pm on Saturday, November 29. 

At the November 2025 Board of Education Meeting, Assistant Superintendent Paula Jordan provided an update on the program. Broadcast Production 10/11/12 was approved as a Board/Authority Authorized (BAA) Course in December 2024. Through theory and practice, students develop analytical skills, gain hands-on experience, and produce live television production for schools and the community. 

Broadcast Production is an example of how Chilliwack School District provides equitable, engaging and high-quality learning environments that nurture the unique strengths, interests and aspirations of every student.

Watch the livestream: View the Parade – Chilliwack Christmas Parade. 
 

Chilliwack Middle School Band Teacher Recognized as Arts Education Champion

Chilliwack Middle School's Jill Solven received The Chillies Award for Art Education Champion earlier this month. The Chillies are Chilliwack based awards that honour individuals and organizations for their artistic contributions.

Jill Solven is a dedicated band teacher and a true champion for Chilliwack Middle School's band program. 

"Her enthusiasm and passion for music shine through in everything she does. Jill makes music fun, and her energy and creativity ignite a genuine love of music for anyone who enters her room. She consistently goes above and beyond, with students often choosing to spend their breaks and lunches in her room because of the supportive and uplifting environment she has created. Congratulations, Jill, and thank you for all you bring to our school community," said Stacey Pickles, Chilliwack Middle School Principal. 

Michael Florizone (GW Graham), Penny Miller (Imagine High), and Shane Monkman (GW Graham) were also recognized with nominations in the individual Arts Education Champion category. 

“Shrek The Musical” (GW Graham) and “A Midsummer Night’s Prom” (Chilliwack Secondary) were nominated for Best Comedy or Musical Performance.  “Lost & Found” (Imagine High), “James and the Giant Peach” (GW Graham), and “The Comedy of Errors” (Sardis Secondary) were nominated for Best Dramatic Performance.