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

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Safer Internet Day: Have the Online Safety Talk

Ramandan 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.

Celebrating the Lunar New Year 

February 17th marks Lunar New Year, the annual 16-day celebration beginning with the new moon and concluding with the Lantern Festival on March 3. This year, it welcomes the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, freedom, perseverance, and energy. The strengths of this noble animal are an invitation to find the determination needed to meet life’s challenges and move confidently into the future.

Many people in countries such as Canada celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year date changes every year, falling no earlier than January 21 and no later than February 21. 

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year celebrations are responsible for one of the largest population movements in the world. For the celebration, families and loved ones travel long distances to gather and pass down age-old traditions, in which elders play a central role as advisors and guardians of knowledge.

Wishing a joyous Lunar New Year to staff, students and families that celebrate. 

Fraser Health Resources for Supporting Students

Fraser Health is sharing resources for staff and families who may be engaging in difficult conversations in the coming weeks regarding the shooting in Tumbler Ridge. Schools and school districts have several resources available for students and families who may be struggling. 

Fraser Health encourages young people to reach out for help if they experience:

    •  Persistent sadness, fear, or anxiety
    •  Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
    •  Withdrawal from friends or activities
    •  Feeling overwhelmed or unsafe
    •  Thoughts of self-harm

Help is available, and no concern is too small.

Fraser Health resources available include:

Youth Mental Health Support Resources 

Available to support young people and families following the tragic Tumbler Ridge event.
Youth may experience grief, fear, or overwhelming emotions after a traumatic community event. The following free, confidential supports are available, including crisis lines, virtual care, in‑person services, and school‑connected teams.

24/7 Crisis & Immediate Support
Kids Help Phone (National)
    •  Phone: 1‑800‑668‑6868
    •  Text: CONNECT to 686868
    •  Chat: kidshelpphone.ca
    •  Professional counselling and crisis response for youth.
Fraser Health Crisis Line
    •  Phone: 1‑877‑820‑7444
    •  24/7 emotional support, crisis intervention, and connection to local services.
KUU-US Indigenous Youth Crisis Line
    •  Youth: 1‑250‑723‑2040
    •  Toll-Free: 1‑800‑588‑8717
    •  Indigenous led, culturally sensitive crisis support.
START (Short-Term Assessment, Response, Treatment)
    •  Crisis response for ages 6–18 in Fraser Health.
    •  Access via START Team at 1-844-START11

Integrated Child & Youth (ICY) Teams
Early intervention mental health and substance‑use services for children and youth. Available in Maple Ridge, Mission, Fraser Cascade, Surrey, and Delta. Access through your school counsellor, youth worker, or school support team. Teams include clinicians, Indigenous support workers, peer support, and connection to community services.

Foundry Youth Wellness (Ages 12–24)
Free mental health, substance use, peer support, primary care, and navigation.
Foundry Virtual
    •  Phone: 1‑833‑308‑6379
    •  Online/App: foundrybc.ca/virtual
    •  Daily drop‑in counselling, peer support, and groups.
Foundry Abbotsford
    •  101‑32555 Simon Ave | 604‑746‑3392
Foundry Langley
    •  20616 Eastleigh Crescent | 604‑546‑2700

Resources for Families
Feelingsfirst.ca: Resources to help you and your child to communicate and discuss feelings and emotions.
Getting help for your child's mental health: Know when and how to access mental health support for your child.

Dealing with Crisis
How to cope with upsetting news stories - Kids Help Phone
Coping with tragedy - Kids Help Phone
How to help a friend dealing with grief - Kids Help Phone

Shareable poster: Mental Health Resources

Message from the Superintendent 

Dear Families, 

As many of you are aware, there was significant loss connected to a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday. This incident is deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with the families, students, staff, first responders, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community as they navigate unimaginable loss and grief.

While this occurred outside our district, we recognize that events of this nature can create concern and may impact students and staff in a variety of ways.

Here is how we are supporting our school communities:

Emotional Support & Well-Being
We recognize that students and adults may have questions or emotional reactions to this news. School counsellors and support staff will be available to students today. If your child needs space to talk or feels anxious, please connect with your school staff — they are ready to support.

Communication & Age-Appropriate Discussions
We encourage families to have open, age-appropriate conversations with children. Normalize feelings of shock or sadness, reassure them about their day-to-day safety, and remind them that schools are caring places where their safety and well-being are a priority.

We are sharing some resources for staff and families. We will update this page with new resources as they become available. 

In moments like this, the strength of a community is found in how we show up for one another — with steadiness, compassion, and attentiveness to the well-being of every child.

Thank you for your continued partnership and care.

Rohan Arul-pragasam, Superintendent of Schools

Mental Health Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association

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Foundry Virtual BC

Youth in BC

Resources for Families
Feelingsfirst.ca: Resources to help you and your child to communicate and discuss feelings and emotions.

Getting help for your child's mental health: Know when and how to access mental health support for your child.

Dealing with Crisis
How to cope with upsetting news stories - Kids Help Phone

Coping with tragedy - Kids Help Phone

How to help a friend dealing with grief - Kids Help Phone

Helping Students Cope with Difficult News 

Common Sense Media: Explaining the News to Our Kids

Safer Internet Day: Have the Online Safety Talk

The second Tuesday of February is Safer Internet Day. It's an opportunity to recognize both the potential benefits and risks that come with technology. The Chilliwack School District is sharing the following message from the RCMP with students, staff, and families.  

The digital world is a big part of our kids’ lives — and with it come real risks. This includes sharing images, creating or altering images using artificial intelligence (AI), and forwarding content to friends without fully understanding the consequences.

Many young people don’t realize how quickly an image can spread, how easily AI can be used to create realistic fake images, or how difficult it can be to undo the harm once something is shared online.

Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to check in with your children and keep the conversation about online safety open and ongoing.

What parents and caregivers can do:

Place computers and devices in busy family areas like the kitchen or living room.
Monitor online activity regularly and stay involved.
Start teaching safe and respectful online behaviour from a young age.
Help teens understand that anything posted or shared online — including AI‑generated images — can become public, even if it’s sent “as a joke” or to a small group of friends.
Talk about how creating or sharing altered, fake, or AI‑generated images of others can cause serious harm, including embarrassment, emotional distress, damaged reputations, and legal consequences.
Remind youth that consent matters — just because technology allows something doesn’t mean it’s okay to do it.
Talk casually and often about online activity, so digital safety becomes a normal part of everyday conversations.

How to talk to your kids about AI and online images:

Stay curious. Ask what apps or tools they’re using and who they are engaging with online.
Avoid lectures. Focus on real‑world impacts rather than rules alone.
Use scenarios. Ask how they would feel if an altered or fake image of them was shared.
Reinforce trust. Let them know they can come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable or if they make a mistake.
Emphasize responsibility. Help them understand that their online choices can affect others — and themselves — long after the moment passes.
Open communication helps children and teens make safer, more respectful choices online — today and as technology continues to change.

See the RCMP Media Release: Safer Internet Day: Have the Online Safety Talk | Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

Healthy childhood and youth development includes sexual health

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. 

Learning about sexual health, including understanding your body, its changes, health conditions, personal hygiene, healthy relationships, consent and sexuality, are all part of growing up. Youth going through puberty experience big physical, emotional and social changes. Talking about sexual health can encourage children and youth to identify their values and develop skills that promote healthy decision making and self-esteem.  

How do I teach my child about sex and sexuality? 

Beginning to talk to your children, as early as pre-school age, about sexual health is important. Establishing an open and trusting relationship with your child will help them know they can come to you for honest and reliable information about sex and sexuality. 
 
For help on how to talk to your child and what to include about sexual health, read Fraser Health’s Sexual education for children page. 

Learning about sexual health also means understanding sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Visit these resources for more information:

Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression

Common Questions About SOGI in Schools: For Parents & Caregivers - SOGI 123  

Youth clinics  

Let your teen know about our youth clinics. Located throughout the Fraser Health region, these clinics offer free and confidential sexual health care for youth, with age eligibility varying by site and service. Learn more about the services available at youth clinics here.

Apply for Late French Immersion by February 10, 2026

Families whose Grade 5 students are interested in joining Late French Immersion in September 2026 should apply by noon on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. Late French Immersion is an opportunity for students to learn French as a second language. The program begins in Grade 6, and all core academic instruction is in French. 

The program is for non-francophone students and runs from Grade 6-12. Students earn a French Immersion Dual Dogwood upon completion. 

“Helpful characteristics for success in Late French Immersion include a passion for reading, speaking, and writing. Students who are motivated risk takers and who make and learn from mistakes may do well in this program,” said Carly Beamin, French Immersion Coordinator. “Strong work habits and pride in personal growth also support student success in French Immersion.” 

Late French Immersion is currently introduced in Grade 6 at Chilliwack Middle School (North Side) and Vedder Middle School (South Side). Approximately 5% of students in the Chilliwack School District are enrolled in the French Immersion program.

Applicants should select their first choice of school – either Chilliwack Middle School or Vedder Middle School. If there are more applications than spaces available, a lottery draw will take place on February 17th. 

Parents can support their French Immersion students by encouraging their children to read every day, developing routines, communicating any concerns with their child’s teacher, and having conversations with their child. 

The Chilliwack School District hosted a Late French Immersion Parent Information Night on January 28th. District and school staff shared information and answered questions from families. 

For more information, visit: French Immersion | Chilliwack School District #33

February is Black History Month!

Black History Month in Canada celebrates and honors the contributions, achievements, and history of Black Canadians, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the nation's identity while also confronting ongoing systemic racism and barriers, encouraging education, reflection, and building a more equitable future for Black communities. It recognizes Black history as integral to Canadian history, spanning centuries from early settlers and the Underground Railroad to contemporary leaders, while promoting awareness of challenges like discrimination and advocating for justice and inclusion year-round.

This year’s theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.

On Black Excellence Day in January, over 3000 students in Grades 4-12 from the Chilliwack School District participated in the Black Excellence Day program. Staff are invited to view and use the Black Excellence Day presentation prepared by Burnaby School District and the BC Black Educational Leaders Association (BCBELA) https://bcbela.ca. This resource is available for the month of February and is intended for students in Grades 4 - 12.

Learn more: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html.