Blog Posts

Hand holding drawing virtual lightbulb with brain on bokeh background for creative and smart thinking idea concept iStock - lightbulb brain graphic
November 22, 2024

Learning is Easier and Harder than You Think

I spoke with an elementary student recently. He was a hockey fan and could easily recite NHL players' names. He knew their jersey numbers, the positions they played, and sometimes the number of goals and assists they scored. I suspect you might know a sports fan like this, too.

Hand holding drawing virtual lightbulb with brain on bokeh background for creative and smart thinking idea concept iStock - lightbulb brain graphic
Hourglass on laptop computer concept for time management and countdown to deadline iStock Image - Hourglass + Laptop
October 22, 2024

The Value of Time: Leading Through Connection and Presence

Most of us understand that time is a precious commodity. There is no going back when a moment, a week, or a year has passed. So how we spend our time ought to be a key consideration. What is more, the demands of life and career are such that it can often feel as if there is not enough time to do the things we want or need to do. Time pressure is real, and I am certainly not immune.

Hourglass on laptop computer concept for time management and countdown to deadline iStock Image - Hourglass + Laptop
WEB program leaders line up to welcome new students through the gym doors. 2024 - Reimer Web Leaders Welcome
October 21, 2024

How the WEB Program Transforms Middle School Transitions

The "Where Everyone Belongs" (WEB) program serves as a vital source of guidance and assistance for middle school students, especially those navigating the transition from elementary school to middle school. At its core, WEB is a peer-mentoring program that fosters a welcoming environment where every grade 6 student truly feels they belong. This program is not just about a beginning-of-the-year orientation; it's a year-long journey of connection and growth.

WEB program leaders line up to welcome new students through the gym doors. 2024 - Reimer Web Leaders Welcome
Student writing on a white board in classroom Superintendent Newsletter - Clayburn - Math Students
September 24, 2024

Numeracy and Literacy – Another Layer of Student Support

This year, we are adding two very important Department Head (Team Leader) positions to our staff: Mathematics 6-8 and English Language Arts (ELA) 6-8. As the District Strategic Plan 24-28 has identified Numeracy and Literacy as goals that will improve student success, adding these two positions aligns staffing and our school budget with these goals.

Student writing on a white board in classroom Superintendent Newsletter - Clayburn - Math Students
Indigenous Students sitting on a bench in front of a large drum Abby Middle - Indigenous Room 2024
June 26, 2024

Leq’á:leqel~ Creating Space for the Journey

Abbotsford Middle School is home to 120 Indigenous students distributed across 24 divisions. This is the highest caseload of all middle schools in the school district. The students, staff, and administration are committed to prioritizing cultural care and connection each week. Teachers and administrators continue to work to develop their understanding of what action items they can do at our school site to support our Indigenous students. One such action item is called, Protected Cultural Teaching.

Indigenous Students sitting on a bench in front of a large drum Abby Middle - Indigenous Room 2024
Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
June 26, 2024

Family Partnerships

At Kandal, we are committed to strengthening our family partnerships in our school community. It’s no secret that the more parents are involved in their children’s lives, both at home and at school, the more they will be in the ‘know’ about how best to support their children. To this end, our kindergarten and grade 1 teachers and our English Language Learners (ELL) teachers initiated the “Parents as Partners” program.

Classroom filled with students and family members sitting in chairs listening to a presentation. Dave Kandal - Parent Partnerships
Marathon running race, large group of runners
June 4, 2024

The Home Stretch: Finishing Strong

Many years ago, as I trained for my first marathon, one of my mentors—a seasoned runner with countless marathons behind him—shared invaluable wisdom about the importance of finishing strong. He emphasized the need to maintain enough energy to cross the finish line with a smile and a strong pace, regardless of how the race began.

I can still recall his words echoing in my mind: “Remember, it’s not about how you start the marathon; it’s about how you finish. Finish strong.”

Marathon running race, large group of runners
students sitting on floor in a circle, writing on paper
May 28, 2024

WEB Program's Spring Play Day: Building Bonds and Leadership at Howe Middle

At Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle School, the arrival of spring heralds not just blooming flowers and warmer days but also a cherished tradition that brings the school community closer together: the Spring Play Day of the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program. This annual event is more than just fun and games; it is a pivotal part of the school's efforts to foster leadership, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community.

students sitting on floor in a circle, writing on paper