Blog Posts

January 11, 2023

Early Literacy

Noticing a shift in literacy instruction across the district? Wonder what is going on in the classroom down the hall?  

December 13, 2022

Champions for Children: Clearbrook’s Path to Strengthening Personal and Cultural Identity

We walk into our schools each day and meet with faces, a multitude of beautiful faces behind which there are stories, personalities, interests, skills, hopes and values. And each day, we are lucky enough to have these children share pieces and layers of themselves in what might seem like surface-level interactions. A welcoming smile can draw someone in and engage them in conversation, and taking some time to listen to a child's story gives insight into their identity and, in turn, gives them the confidence they need to share with others.

November 24, 2022

Early Learning in our Community

The Abbotsford School District's Early Years learning team has been working to ensure that as many children and families have access to early learning support throughout our community. The following services and programs are currently available:

October 14, 2022

Going Home

Harlem arrived at my school in September 2021 with a G4 file as thick as my fist. It stated that he had been in foster care for 11 years, rarely attended school, and could become violent if he became frustrated. He had been in foster care since birth and had been mainly homeschooled by his foster parents who did not value public school or his culture. When I first met him, it became apparent that we were not dealing with a violent or mean child but a soft-spoken, gentle, and curious boy.

September 22, 2022

Irene Kelleher: Our New House of Learning

Irene Kelleher was born in Matsqui on December 16, 1901. Irene’s parents attended Saint Mary’s and Saint Anne’s Residential School in Mission. Raised in the Fraser Valley and eventually returning to the area later in life, Irene was a vital contributor to public education in British Columbia and a respected community leader.

November 25, 2021

Mushrooms and More

The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least. Between our usual COVID protocols, the change in weather, and the most recent flooding, our little school has seen some challenges. We’re weathering it together as a community, building each other up, and working hard to stay positive and resilient through it all.

February 22, 2021

Living Things

2021!!! For many, the anticipated New Year has been as momentous as the Y2k turnover. Some of you reading this may be far too young to remember the hype around the possible crash of civilization as we know it.  READ MORE...

February 12, 2021

Adventures in Finding Wild

The initial adventure off school property with a group of 5 and 6-year-olds is always a bit stressful but it is also so incredibly fun to watch the excitement and enthusiasm that they bring to the reality of “going on a field trip”.  READ MORE...

February 5, 2021

Rain Walk with Division 3

While the uncertainty of the weather is part of the joy that comes with outdoor education, the reality is that it does have the possibility to thwart the well thought out plans and organization of a trip to the park with 20 eager students...READ MORE

January 29, 2021

Walking Curriculum Inspiration

I am so excited that as a school community, Matsqui has begun the adventure of outdoor learning.  There are so many incredible benefits and we are excited to share them with our parent community as well.  In the process of discovering and learning, we are planning to share thoughts, experiences, and pictures of our students engaging in this new learning experience here.  I hope you enjoy this first read on what has inspired me to fully embrace and begin to love this part of our educational journey.