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.

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. 
 

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)