Gradual Entry for Kindergarten Students

As the new school year begins, Kindergarten students will experience Gradual Entry. Gradual Entry sets up our youngest students for success for the rest of their school years. Creating a positive beginning is important for each child.

How it Works

In September, Kindergarten teachers will welcome children in small groups. During the first two weeks, Kindergarten students will attend school for short periods. This helps to ensure a smooth and successful transition into school.

This gradual start allows children to connect with their teacher, become familiar with the school environment, and learn routines at an age-appropriate pace. Teachers and school staff often use these first two weeks of kindergarten to get to know students in order to make thoughtful, balanced class placements

Eight days for gradual entry is typical across the district. School times will vary from school to school. 

Help Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten:

Listen and talk to your child about what Kindergarten will be like.

Express excitement and enthusiasm so that your child will look forward to kindergarten.

Arrange for your child to spend independent time with relatives or family friends. This often helps children develop a growing sense of independence. It gives them the opportunity to communicate their needs with other adults. It also gives parents a window into how their child reacts to being without them!

Thank You, Parents!

Gradual entry may be a challenge for some families. We’re grateful to parents, guardians, and caregivers for taking the time to support this important transition.

Contact your child's school directly to learn more about the Gradual Entry process for your school. 

Learn more: 

Welcome to Kindergarten

When I Go to Kindergarten

Master of Education Leadership and Mentorship Cohort Program

The Chilliwack School District is collaborating with University of the Fraser Valley's School of Education to offer a unique Master of Education in Leadership and Mentorship cohort program for teachers who wish to develop their leadership and mentorship knowledge in K-12 language and literacy education.

All BC certified teachers with a passion for language and literacy education are encouraged to consider this graduate program. This pilot MEd program will start in July 2026; registration opens in October 2025. 

The Chilliwack School District is hosting two information sessions at the school district office this fall. 

Upcoming Information Sessions: 

School district office at 8430 Cessna Drive, Chilliwack, B.C.

Register for Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Register for Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 

At the session, you'll: 
• learn about the design of this unique MEd program.
• explore the benefits of a local, in-person MEd program.
• understand UFV's graduate admissions process.
• have the opportunity to ask your questions about the program.

At the public board meeting on June 17th, staff and the Board of Education recognized Dr. Michael Audet for his leadership and commitment to building meaningful relationships with First Nations, Rights Holders, Inuit and Métis in Chilliwack. 

Dr. Audet served the Chilliwack School District beginning in the late 1990s, holding various key leadership roles—Principal, Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately, Superintendent until 2011. His legacy is intricately connected to Chilliwack School District's journey toward Reconciliation and relationship-building with Indigenous communities.

At the public board meeting, District Principal Brenda Point and Assistant Superintendent David Manuel shared a presentation celebrating the district’s transformation from the Indigenous Education Advisory Council (IEAC) to the Indigenous Advisory Council—a journey recognized by the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Chilliwack was among the first districts in the province to submit its Terms of Reference in alignment with Bill 40 - a testament to the foundational work that began under Dr. Audet’s leadership. 

In the late 1990’s and early 2000s, Dr. Audet helped establish the original IEAC (Indigenous Education Advisory Committee), rooted in the core values of Responsibility, Respect, and Reciprocity—principles he not only upheld, but lived. He understood that reciprocity means more than partnership; it’s about building relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared understanding, and recognition of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and ways of being.

"Dr. Audet embodied this principle of reciprocity. He practiced leadership that was generational in its depth— honouring roles, responsibilities, and the long-term nature of trust-building with patience and wisdom," said Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam. "Long before the introduction of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), Dr. Audet led with a distinction-based approach—ensuring that the unique rights, priorities, and voices of each First Nations were honoured in Chilliwack School District's work. As early as 2002, he recognized what the future would require, even before Indigenous Education funding policies were established. He understood that authentic relationships are the cornerstone of lasting progress." 

"On a personal note, what I’ve shared with you today about relationships was something I experienced myself when I joined the district in 2004," said Arul-pragasam. "Michael, you always ensured that each person you met felt a genuine sense of belonging to this organization. Because of your ability to sense, to see, to feel - and to lead with both your head and your heart - we are in a strong place today as a district. Your legacy continues to guide us." 

Chilliwack School District Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Mark Friesen, has been appointed as Secretary Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Nicola-Similkameen School District. Friesen’s last official day with Chilliwack School District is August 15, 2025.

Friesen joined the District as Assistant Secretary Treasurer in 2015. In his decade with the District, Friesen helped to modernize the District’s financial processes and built collaborative relationships across the organization.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Chilliwack School District, working alongside staff who truly put kids first in all of their daily work,” said Friesen.

“Mark is a steady, kind, and empathetic leader who is admired by his team,” said Rohan Arul-pragasam, Superintendent of Schools. “While Mark will be greatly missed in Chilliwack, we’re honoured to have been part of his journey. The Nicola-Similkameen School District will benefit from Mark’s extensive experience in education and his knowledge of how financial departments support education.”

Further information about the vacancy is forthcoming. In the meantime, expressions of interest can be sent to Human Resources at pnerref@fq33.op.pnac.cb.33ds@sreerac .