Blog Posts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Clayburn Middle School strives to create engaging and new opportunities for students. One way we achieve this is by offering Special Interest Days. Twice yearly, Clayburn staff share an area of passion with students by creating hands-on, interactive, and meaningful learning activities in late winter and mid-spring. Staff are encouraged to emphasize the importance of finding joy and passion in learning that can inspire further desire for experiencing success in learning and life.

Why do people hate? Because they’ve been hated? Or are they hurt? These are some of the important questions students at Chief Dan George Middle are trying to answer, digest and unpack as they explore anti-racism, equity and diversity. This school year, our focus has been on accepting and understanding each other’s cultures and diverse backgrounds by building community in our classrooms. Students have had many opportunities to engage in reflection and action in social-emotional learning to be better citizens.

I think it is important for a Superintendent to try and stay connected to what is happening across the district and the broader community. While there are never enough hours in the week, I do my best to make regular rounds and to take in community events. And wherever possible, I like to share the good things I see.