Blog Posts

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
Team building concept. Business team metaphor. Business partners or company employees work together on a project. Young people put together puzzle pieces. Illustration. Team Building Concept
March 15, 2024

Building on the Strengths of Our Youth Care Workers

In the bustling halls of Abbotsford's educational institutions, a profound sense of community thrives, fueled by the collaborative efforts of dedicated professionals. At the heart of this collective endeavour lies the invaluable practice of networking, a force that not only unites individuals but also fosters lasting growth and resilience within the Abbotsford School District.

Team building concept. Business team metaphor. Business partners or company employees work together on a project. Young people put together puzzle pieces. Illustration. Team Building Concept
Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
March 15, 2024

Connecting and Celebrating: A Journey Across our District

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.

Superintendent Nosek and Chair Wilson, stand with Abby Schools student who won an award at the Cultural Diversity Awards Diversity Awards - 2024
Group of elementary students pose for photo in front of hallway board Equity - Newsletter image
April 28, 2023

Mirrors and Windows in the Class

More than ever, we must recognize that diversity is our strength. Abbotsford, our continuously growing "city in the country," has the third-largest diverse population in Canada, following Toronto and Vancouver. The Sikh community representing 14% of our local population has a rich history that enables Abbotsford to have the oldest existing Gurdwara in Canada, built in 1911. The intentional act of coming together to learn about and from one another is a catalyst for healthy communities, where we can begin to solve complex problems and reach for the joy in education.

Group of elementary students pose for photo in front of hallway board Equity - Newsletter image
February 2, 2023

We are Black History

Black Connections HS is a club that consists of Black mentors from the community and educators from the Abbotsford School District. Black Connections HS aims to build a safe, supportive and uplifting environment for our Black students as well as present opportunities for the Black youth in the Abbotsford School District.

November 8, 2022

Introducing the Equity – Diversity – Inclusion – Anti-Racism (EDIA) Network

Abbotsford School District employees have come together to create the EDIA Network. The diversity of the group is its strength, bringing together multiple perspectives. The Network includes teachers, Indigenous support workers, youth care workers, speech and language pathologists, education assistants, administrators, and school counsellors. The purpose of the EDIA Network is to engage in equity, diversity, inclusion, and Anti-racism education and projects. 

May 20, 2022

Social Justice Starts from Within

The opportunity to bring the Social Justice 12 course back to Rick Hansen Secondary was an important goal for educator Sandy Gill. Placing students in the centre of their learning is strongly valued by Ms.Gill. Thus, entering the social justice arena, it was imperative that the students learn about equity in an equitable setting. The students were provided opportunities to explore critical topics driven by their inquiry questions.

April 29, 2022

Empathy Interviews: Equity in Action

Rovi Sandhu, a grade six teacher at Chief Dan George Middle School, asks himself, "What can I do to ensure kids receive what they need?" Inspired by the book Street Data (2021), Sandhu put his inquiry question into action. He invited each student in the grade six pod to partake in an empathy interview, allowing them to share aspects of their lived experiences at school.

October 26, 2021

Building Bridges as a Means to Connection and Communication

The ELL Department has continued to build our relationships and learn from colleagues locally and worldwide who are leading culturally sustaining pedagogy. We are continually incorporating, modelling and developing practices that embody all aspects of the Abbyschools Equity Framework. Below are just a few examples of some of the great work that is happening in our district.