District Recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On March 21, the Chilliwack School District will recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day recognizes that injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day.

The Chilliwack School District is committed to creating safe, caring, and inclusive schools for all students and staff. Every student deserves an education free of discrimination where they can focus on learning and thriving.

Last school year, the district introduced an Anti-Racism Action Plan with commitments for staff training, community partnerships, policy reviews, and school-based programs. The plan is meant to help students learn in environments that are equitable, inclusive, and free from racism and systemic barriers. The work continues in 2025-26.

A newly drafted Anti-Racism Administrative Procedure (AP) will reinforce respect for diversity and prohibits discrimination on protected grounds while providing clear guidance for school leaders to respond to racist incidents in a consistent and impactful way. This AP supports our Inclusion Policy and commitment to removing barriers and fostering belonging for all learners.

A foundation learning piece is the provincial “Learning to Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course.” This online course is available to all district employees. It includes seven modules that introduce concepts such as systemic racism, intersectionality, and strategies for responding to incidents of racial harm in schools. It is designed to build shared understanding so that staff feel more confident recognizing and addressing racism.

Along with professional learning, the district continues to strengthen practices that support respectful school communities — including restorative approaches to addressing harm, the collaborative work being done by the IDEA Committee, ongoing staff learning opportunities, and alignment with provincial guidance on responding to racist incidents in schools.

How you can fight racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada

1. Educate yourself and others about the history and ongoing issues of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada to increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Check out this podcast to learn how cognitive biases can perpetuate systemic racism: Eh Sayers Season 2, Episode 1 - Created Equal.

2. Speak out against racism, discrimination, and xenophobia when you encounter it. This can be done by calling out racist or discriminatory behavior and language, and by standing in solidarity with those who are being targeted.

3. Support Indigenous peoples and racialized and religious minority communities by listening to and amplifying their voices, and by supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards racial equality.

4. Encourage anti-racism and racial equality, in all areas of life, including in the workplace, schools, and communities, and promote policies and initiatives that support these values.

Learn More
Anti-Racism in Chilliwack Schools: Anti-Racism | inclusiveschools.sd33.bc.ca. 

From Professional Development to Daily Practice: Literacy Strategies for Middle Schools

An important part of sustaining strong student literacy is continuing to build on the expertise and confidence teachers already bring to the classroom. In the fall, the Chilliwack School District hosted two days of professional development for 70 middle school teachers. The middle school literacy retreat was designed to align the work that’s happening in Chilliwack schools with the District’s Literacy Framework.  

Literacy is priority in the Chilliwack School District’s strategic plan. It is a foundation for learning. With strong literacy, students can access knowledge, express ideas, think critically, and communicate.  

At the fall retreat, the curriculum team led two days focused on literacy practices that support reading, evidence-based instruction, collaboration, and Indigenous perspectives and world views.  

“When we’re able to bring 70 teachers together to hear the same message, that’s powerful. Teachers were engaged and excited,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kirk Savage. “They went away with the confidence to use new strategies. It was the kind of lesson you could learn today and try tomorrow.”  

One strategy shared at the retreat was about front-loading difficult words in non-fiction. When a student explores a challenging word before reading it in a piece of non-fiction, understanding becomes easier.  

Take the word, decomposition. Breaking the word into its smaller parts – de (down, away, or undoing), compose (to put together or make up), and tion (the act of) - helps students make meaning. It literally means “the act of coming apart”.  

Students can use what they learn about word parts to make predictions about a text they’re about to read. They can also use the word in their own writing. By the time they read the word in a piece of non-fiction, it’s less likely to be a barrier. This can be especially helpful for non-fiction, which often includes challenging and specialized words.  

A Grade 6 teacher shared their reflections with the presenters: “This was a fantastic Pro D - the best I have had in literal years. I have stuff I can do in class immediately, fantastic resources for long term, and it was delivered by talented and super kind folk.”  

Since the retreat, teachers from all six middle schools have continued to work with the curriculum department to engage in further learning. They are using what they learned in their schools.  

“Teachers from Vedder Middle School who attended the retreat are now collaborating to integrate the literacy strategies with colleagues in science and social studies. The team continues to meet regularly to share strategies, reflect on implementation, and celebrate successful practices,” said Shawna Petersen, District Principal for Assessment and Instruction.  

“This is timely work because our achievement at middle school has not reflected the same success that we’ve had at elementary. When comparing our literacy assessment data to the rest of B.C., we see encouraging results. Grade 4 results in Chilliwack exceed provincial averages. However, at Grade 7, we dip below the provincial average.  This tells us we're providing a strong foundation in early literacy and need to grow our practices into the middle years," said Dr. Savage.  

To that end, the curriculum team is focusing support on middle schools this school year. The District will continue to monitor results and anticipates that the work done now will help close the gap for future students.  

Financial Award Donors Recognized at 33rd Annual Donor Dinner

Last year, donors in Chilliwack gave over half a million dollars to support graduating students in the Chilliwack School District. On March 4th, students, staff, and donors gathered at Imagine High to celebrate the impact of those gifts at the 33rd Annual Donor Dinner.  

In June 2025, nearly 300 students received awards through the District’s Financial Awards Program. The contributions came from 115 community donors including service organizations, local businesses, sports clubs, Indigenous communities, Parent Advisory Committees and individual donors. 

During the dinner, Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam spoke in honour of retired Principal and Kiwanian, Peter Brown. Brown faithfully attended 32 donor dinners as an educator and a donor. He passed away in the summer of 2025.  

“Peter believed in students. He believed in service. And he believed in showing up. So many students in Chilliwack were shaped by his leadership and his kindness. Tonight, in many ways, we continue that legacy of service and generosity that he embodied so well,” said Arul-pragasam. 

Students from the Professional Cook 1 Dual-Credit Program worked alongside Imagine High Chef Tim Bedford and Chef Journeyman Kevin Hordichuck to serve a six-course meal. This was the students’ first major event.

The evening also included performances by students from Imagine High Theatre Company. The group is preparing for their production of The Sound of Music which opens March 10th. 

For many donors and community members, it was their first time visiting Imagine High. 

“It meant a lot for our students to be able to host the event at Imagine High,” said Imagine High Principal, Brooke Haller. “Student volunteers from across all the high schools in the district came together to support the event, and it was wonderful to see students from every school contributing their time and energy to make it a success.” 

The District recognized new financial awards and donors for the 2025/2026 school year: On Deck Marketing, Neil and Barbie Wood, Dan Coulter Memorial Award, Professional Cook 1 - Imagine High, Nicholas Trasky Memorial Award, Keith Carmichael Culinary Arts Memorial Award, Meet the Challenge Award, and Chilliwack Community Dry Grad. 

Arul-pragasam closed the evening by reminding donors of the profound difference their contributions make to students and families. 

“As Superintendent, I have the privilege of seeing the impact of your contributions. I hear from students who say a scholarship brought relief to their families and allowed them to focus more fully on their next steps. And I see pride and confidence in their faces at commencement, knowing their community invested in their future,” said Arul-pragasam. 

“Whether you represent a business, a service club, a community organization, or you are an individual making a personal contribution, please accept our sincere gratitude. Your kindness creates momentum. One act of generosity inspires another. One opportunity given to a student can change the trajectory of a life.” 

More information

Financial awards: https://sd33.bc.ca/financial-awards.

Imagine High: https://imagine.sd33.bc.ca.

Professional Cook 1 Dual-Credit Program: Professional Cook 1 Dual-Credit Program | careereducation.sd33.bc.ca. 

E-Bike and Electric Kick Scooter Safety: What Families Need to Know

As e-bikes and electric kick scooters become more popular ways for students to get to and from school, it’s important for families to understand the rules that keep youth safe. Provincial regulations set clear age limits, equipment requirements, and safety expectations for anyone using these devices on public roads in British Columbia.

E-Bikes

There are two types of e-bikes recognized in B.C.: light e-bikes and standard e-bikes, each with its own age and equipment requirements.

Classes of E-Bike in B.C.

Standard e-bike

Minimum rider age - 16

Maximum motor-assisted speed - 32 km/hr

Maximum continuous power output - 500W

Throttle assist - Yes 

Light e-bike

Minimum rider age - 14

Maximum motor-assisted speed - 25 km/hr

Maximum continuous power output - 250W

Throttle assist - No

Know the Rules: How to E-Bike Safely 

Wear a helmet ($29 fine for not wearing one)

You must not tow or carry a passenger unless your e-bike is designed and equipped for it. A rider under 16 must not tow or carry any passengers on a light e-bike, even if it designed to do so.

If you’re new to e-biking, start by reading the user manual and practicing in a controlled environment. 

Parent and Guardian Responsibilities

Adults must not allow children younger than the minimum age to ride any e-bike.

Violations can result in fines of $109, e-bike impoundment, or penalties up to $2,000.

Know the rules: How to Scoot Safely in Chilliwack

Electric kick scooters are regulated to ensure safe use on public roads. The City of Chilliwack is part of the province's Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project. Electric kick scooters are only allowed in designated areas within the City and riders must follow provincial kick scooter rules. 

Do

Be at least 16 years or older

Wear a helmet

Walk your e-scooter on sidewalks

Reduce your speed on shared paths

Signal when turning 

Use your bell when passing

Don’t

Ride on sidewalks

Exceed 25km/hr

Ride in a crosswalk (except where permitted with square markings)

Carry other passengers

Use your phone or any other device while riding 

Why These Rules Matter

These regulations are designed to reduce injuries, encourage responsible riding, and ensure that young people are using equipment that matches their physical and cognitive development. Helmets, age limits, and proper bike design all play a role in preventing collisions and falls—especially in busy school zones.

Learn More

Additional safety rules apply beyond those listed here. Find more details: 

Government of B.C. Electric Kick Scooter Rules: Electric kick scooter rules and safety - Province of British Columbia. 

Government of B.C. E-Bike Requirements: E-bike requirements - Province of British Columbia. 

City of Chilliwack Active Transportation Safety: Active Transportation Safety - City of Chilliwack. 

Spring health for kids 

The Chilliwack School District is committed to caring for ourselves, each other, the community and the land through our well-being goal. To support this goal, we share resources and articles from Fraser Health that promote the well-being of all learners including their physical, emotional, and mental health. This month, Fraser Health is sharing information about spring health. 

The spring season is approaching which means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. It’s also an opportunity to foster new healthy habits for our children. Here are five practical tips for school-aged kids to make the most of this season.  

Get active   

Warmer weather makes spring the perfect time to get outside and play. Take a walk around your neighbourhood or head to a local park or hiking trail. You can also stay active close to home with jump rope or hopscotch in your neighbourhood. 

Think fresh   

Springtime often brings up images of fresh fruits and vegetables. Now is a great time to teach children about where food comes from by helping them to start their own home garden. You don’t need a large space to get started. Any bright space indoors or outdoors can be used to grow fresh food. For tips, check out this resource about gardening with kids. 

Be sun safe 

Sunburns are possible, even in spring. Use a sunscreen that has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or more. When possible, schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon and early evening. If you and your children are out in the sun during mid-day hours, wear long sleeves, loose-fitting long pants and a hat.  

Be prepared for extreme weather 

Spring weather can be very unpredictable and can bring heavy rains or heat. Make sure you and your family are ready for possible flooding, heat and indoor air quality issues. 

Plan for summer heat by preparing your home early. Find tips on Window safety for children as well as information and resources, including programs to help, at Fraser Health’s Before a heat event page.

Practice road safety  

Biking is a great way to exercise and spend quality time with your family. Remember to keep safety top of mind. Protect their heads with a well-fitted helmet and teach them the rules of the road, such as the hand signals for stop, right and left-hand turns. Check out our Fraser Health’s Bike safety for children page.  
For tips on all of this and more, check out Fraser Health’s Spring health guide. 
 

Message from the Board Chair - February 27, 2026

On behalf of the Board of Education for the Chilliwack School District, I’d like to acknowledge Laurie Throness’ service as a trustee over the past year. Trustees hold trusted and important roles in their communities as champions of public education. Laurie’s voice at the board table was valued and he was an advocate for academic excellence as an outcome of good public education. We wish Laurie well in his future endeavours.  

When a trustee vacancy on a Board of Education occurs, the seat is most often filled by holding a by-election. However, because the vacancy occurs after January 1st in the year of a general school election, the vacancy may be held as open until the general election in October 2026. I’m confident in our capacity to move forward through the remainder of our term as a board of six trustees. We remain committed to the well-being of students and supporting their learning journey is our primary focus.

- David Swankey, Chair, Board of Education 

Student Athletes from CSS, GWG, SSS Find Success at BC Provincials

Student athletes from Chilliwack Secondary School (CSS), G.W. Graham Secondary School (GWG), and Sardis Secondary School (SSS) are celebrating after a successful weekend. 

Chilliwack Secondary School earned a banner as the 2026 BCSS Girls Curling Champions. After a challenging start, Friday's games brought new energy. The girls did not concede a single point in the remainder of the round robin, forcing a 3-way tie for first place in their pool. With the best LSD measurements in their pool, they took the 1st place seed for semi-finals. After a 13-2 victory over Mt. Elizabeth Secondary, the team advanced to the finals against Summerland. After a very close game, Chilliwack was able to come away with the game in the 8th end.

GWG's Grade 9 Girls Basketball won their first Provincial Championship with a 63-52 victory against Abbotsford's W.J. Mouat Secondary. Olivia Schmitke was name player of the game in the final. Other accolades include: first team all-star Hailey Beamin, second team all-star Kenzie Kikkert, and top defensive player Lexi Folka. Bronwyn Mouritzen was the tournament MVP. 

GWG's Senior Varsity Boys Basketball won their first AAAA EVAA Championship and are heading to the AAAA Provincial Championships for the first time in school history. Kale Bartel was a first team tournament all-star. The tournament MVP was Jeremy Yilmaz. 

Sardis Secondary also performed well. The Falcons placed 2nd in Boys Curling and 3rd in Girls Curling. Elijah Lau placed 5th in wrestling - 54kg. 
 

Chilliwack DPAC Presents: Understanding Sexual Health Education

On February 19, Chilliwack School District IDEA Coordinator Christina Billingham will join the Chilliwack District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) to lead a session on sexual health education in the Chilliwack School District.

Parents and caregivers are invited to join this online session to learn about the work happening within the district to support sexual health education in schools. Billingham works alongside PHE teachers to assist teachers with unit plans, strategies and tools to create consistent learning that aligns with the BC Curriculum and keeps kids safe and informed. 

“All children and youth have a fundamental right to information that enables them to protect and enhance their bodily autonomy and sexual health and well-being,” said Billingham. 

Whether parents, guardians, and caregivers want to better understand district initiatives, gain clarity on sexual health education, or participate in meaningful dialogue, this session is available to them. 

Billingham is a certified Sexual Health Educator through Options for Sexual Health. They have a Master of Arts in Education from SFU. 

Meeting Information

February 19, 2026 at 7:00pm

Meeting link: DPAC Online Event

Related Stories

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Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan Mubarak to staff, students and families who observe! This week, Muslim communities in Canada and around the world will come together to celebrate the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, a special and sacred time marked by faith, generosity, reflection and compassion. 

In the weeks ahead, families and friends will gather in homes and mosques for prayer and self-reflection. After fasting from dawn until sunset, they will share iftar, the traditional evening meal that brings people together in a spirit of gratitude and community.

Public Consultation: Survey Open

The Chilliwack School District is exploring options to balance school enrolment and capacity over the next decade. At a public board meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, the Board directed District staff to begin a formal public consultation on a draft plan to address capacity challenges at some Chilliwack public schools.

Public consultation runs from January 28 – April 10, 2026. Students, families, staff, and community members will have opportunities to provide feedback on the draft proposal before the Board makes any decisions. The draft plan and information on upcoming engagement opportunities is available at: Let's Talk.

A survey to gather feedback from school communities is open now. 

A final decision is expected by June 2026. Any approved recommendations would be implemented in September 2027.

Between 2016 and 2021, Chilliwack was the second fastest growing municipality in Canada. By 2035, the city’s population is expected to reach 132,000. This growth, combined with limited available land, is putting pressure on Chilliwack schools, especially at the middle and secondary school levels.

In 2023, the provincial government announced that it would build a new elementary school on Chilliwack’s east side, adding space for 500 K-5 students. Construction will be completed in Spring 2027, and the new school will open in September 2027.