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. 

Keep your child healthy during winter 

Fraser Health is sharing tips on winter health. As the chilly winter season approaches, there are things you can do to help keep your children healthy and well. 

Get ready for winter at home and in the community 

Winter can bring extreme weather and it's important to have plans to be safe during cold weather, storms and power outages, including staying warm, having a carbon monoxide detector and planning for emergencies. Learn about programs that can support your family: 

Get ready for winter: Snow and cold safety for you and your home - Fraser Health Authority  

Indoor air quality - Fraser Health Authority  

Bundle up for the cold 

Dressing appropriately for cold weather keeps your child comfortable and protected. Wearing multiple layers is a great way to trap body heat and provide insulation against the cold.  

Keep a warm hat, gloves, scarves and warm, waterproof boots handy. Remind your child to wear these items before heading outside to play or going to school.  

Learn about hypothermia and frostbite as children can be more susceptible. 

Protect against winter illnesses  

Winter brings an increased risk of colds and flu. Ensure your child receives their annual flu vaccine and talk to a health care provider about any additional vaccines that may be recommended. Teach your child good respiratory etiquette such as regular hand washing, covering their coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick. If they are sick and cannot stay away from others, masks can help to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Learn more about masks here.

Keep their bodies moving 

It is important to keep your child active during winter as regular physical activity is important for good health. Outdoor activities such as skating, sledding and going for walks as a family are all great ways to keep active. On colder days, indoor play and activities such as dancing, yoga or sports are great ways to promote movement. Look for drop-in programs at local community centres or indoor sports facilities.  

If you play on frozen lakes or ponds, be sure that the ice has been tested for strength and safety. Learn more on the Lifesaving Society's website. 

Find more tips for a healthy winter on Fraser Health’s Winter Health page.  

Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies

In July, the Minister of Education and Child Care amended the Support Services for Schools Ministerial Order to address school districts' response to unexpected health emergencies. The amended order requires Boards of Education to establish and publish a policy or procedure for responding to unexpected health emergencies in schools.  

The order also says that school districts must ensure that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone are accessible at each school in the district. Chilliwack School District has had AEDs available at all schools and sites since 2021. AEDs are placed where they are accessible by students, staff, and community members in case of a health emergency. 

As of September 2025, nasal naloxone is accessible for use by administrators at all elementary schools and by administrators and Occupational First Aid Attendants at all middle and secondary schools. The district has a procedure that outlines how to respond to a potential opioid poisoning. It provides clear guidelines for staff who have been identified and trained to recognize and respond to signs of a student opioid poisoning at school sites and during school-sanctioned events. 

Under the Good Samaritan Act, anyone can provide emergency assistance to an ill, injured, or unconscious person in an emergency situation outside of a hospital setting.

Learn more about AEDs and naloxone in schools: 

Administrative Procedure 440: Opioid Poisoning Response

Administrative Procedure 445: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) 

November is Radon Action Month

November is Radon Action Month which makes it a great time to share about radon testing in our schools. 

Radon comes from the soil and enters buildings like homes and schools through contact with the ground. Testing is the only way to determine radon levels in a building.

In 2023, the Chilliwack School District began radon testing in our schools. 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose health risks if it builds up indoors. To mitigate these risks, we test for radon during the heating season. The District has tested 66% of our facilities and will test the remaining sites in this year's heating season. This allows us to identify and address any areas with elevated radon levels.

Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) is a unit of measurement for indoor radon concentration. Health Canada recommends mitigating a building within one year if concentrations are above 600 Bq/m3 and within two years if concentrations are between 200 and 600 Bq/m3.

If a school is found to have results above 200 Bq/m3, our facilities team investigates to determine the source and extent of the elevated levels. Staff then implement mitigation strategies to reduce the radon levels to recommended standards. After mitigation measures are in place, we retest the location to ensure the levels have been adequately reduced. 

You can find radon monitoring reports on our website. 

Your home can be a source of radon, too, so it’s a good idea to test. For further information on radon testing and mitigation, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website. The BCCDC offers valuable resources and guidance on radon prevention and public health.