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.

Board of Education Approves Public Consultation on Draft Plan to Balance Enrolment 

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.

“District staff have engaged with school communities over the past year and presented us with a well-informed draft plan. Now it’s important that the Board of Education hears feedback on the proposed solutions,” said Board Chair, David Swankey.

A final decision is expected by June 2026. Any approved recommendations would be implemented in September 2027.

From January 2025 to early January 2026, District staff had 37 meetings with nearly 600 people including school staff, students, parents, and community partners to hear feedback on early ideas. The meetings involved 11 school communities. A What We Heard Report summarizes those conversations.

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.

Student Teams Find Success at Annual Game Jam

Student teams from Imagine High spent 24 hours over the weekend creating video games during the annual Game Jam. The event was hosted by Imagine High and the Chilliwack Innovation Network. In total, twenty Imagine High students competed in the competition alongside adult participants.    

At the end of the second day, each game was assessed by a panel of industry-experienced judges who looked at game concept, completeness, pitch and demo. 

“The judges remarked on how poised and polished our teams were as they demoed their games live and presented their pitches,” said Imagine High teacher, Matt Slykhuis. “For the first time ever all six student teams were able to successfully complete their games in within the 24-hour time limit.” According to Slykhuis, game jams are notoriously difficult, often leading to a less than 50% success rate for competitors.

The competition included gamers, creative artists, college and university students, and secondary students. Each team was expected to bring knowledge of programming, art, music and sound effects, game design, project management, and business.  

Imagine High is an Integrated Arts and Technology secondary school where students learn by connecting subjects instead of studying them one at a time. Fine arts, media arts, and technology provide tools for students to explore and share their learning. As part of its Video Game Development Program, Imagine High offers courses including Game Development, Art for Video Games, Video Game Business Startup, and Arcadecraft.

According to Creative BC, in 2023 there were over 21,400 jobs in British Columbia’s interactive digital media industry and the industry had a direct output of $1.9 Billion. 

Learn more about courses at Imagine High: Course Planning | Integrated Arts and Technology Secondary School. 
 

Teams from Imagine will Create Video Games in 24 Hours at Game Jam

Teams from Imagine High will create video games in 24 hours this weekend. The Integrated Arts and Technology secondary school is partnering with Chilliwack Innovation Network to host the annual Game Jam. The overnight event kicks off tonight - Friday, January 23rd at 5:00pm. 

Gamers, creative artists, college and university students, and secondary students will spend 24 hours in teams making video games. Together, each team brings knowledge of programming, user interface design, music and sound effects, game design, project management, and business.  

The public is invited to the final presentations and will have the opportunity to play the games on Saturday, January 24th.  The event takes place at Imagine High and admission is free. 

Saturday Schedule

2:30pm Deadline: Game must be set up and playable in the Imagine High lobby

2:30pm to 3:00pm: Games available to be played by judges, other teams, and the public

3:00pm to 4:30pm: Game pitch to judges, audience

4:30pm to 5:00pm: Awards and wrap up

Imagine High is the only team from a secondary school. Last year, the school placed 3rd out of 8 teams. 

Learn more about Game Jam: https://chilliwack.tech/GameJam. 

Board to Consider Formal Consultation on Draft Plan to Balance School Enrolment

The Chilliwack School District is looking at ways to balance school enrolment and capacity. At the public board meeting on Tuesday, January 27th, staff will seek approval from the Board of Education to conduct public consultation on a draft plan to address capacity challenges. If approved, public consultation would run from January 28 – April 10, 2026.

From January 2025 to early January 2026, District staff had 37 meetings with nearly 600 people including school staff, students, parents, and community partners to hear feedback on early ideas. The meetings involved 11 school communities. A What We Heard Report summarizes those conversations.  

“We heard strong support for District programs including French Immersion and Integrated Arts and Technology. We also heard that students and families feel strong connections to their schools and school staff,” said Amy Dhanjal, Communications Manager. “Parents told us how important it is for the district to consider the well-being of students and their families when we consider changes to our schools.”

Between 2016 and 2021, Chilliwack was the second fastest growing municipality in Canada. Between 2035 and 2040, 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.

At the November public board meeting, Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam provided an update on school enrolment and capacity. The data shows that the district is at 103% of functional capacity. While some sites remain below or near capacity, several schools - including Cheam Elementary (217%), Chilliwack Secondary (135%), Chilliwack Middle (122%), A.D. Rundle Middle (125%), and GW Graham Secondary (115%) - are now over capacity.

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.

Find information on pre-engagement: Let's Talk. 

Late French Immersion Information Night

The Chilliwack School District will host a Late French Immersion Parent Information Night on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The virtual meeting starts at 6:30pm. The meeting is open to families of current Grade 5 students who will be transitioning to middle school and are interested in learning about Late French Immersion. 

Late French Immersion is currently introduced in Grade Six at Chilliwack Middle School (North Side) and Vedder Middle School (South Side). Families will hear from school principals and teachers from Cheam Elementary, Chilliwack Middle, and Vedder Middle as well as the District French Immersion team. 

Families will learn about the program and application process and will have an opportunity to ask any questions. 

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.

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

Meeting Information

Topic: January 2026 French Immersion Parent Night Zoom Meeting
Time: Jan 28, 2026 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sd33-ca.zoom.us/j/69235195944 
Meeting ID: 692 3519 5944

Learn more about the French Immersion Program. 

Celebrating Black Excellence Day

Today, over 3000 students in Grades 4-12 from the Chilliwack School District participated in a Black Excellence Day program hosted by Burnaby Schools and the BC Black Educational Leaders Association (BCBELA). 

As a lead up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians. 

Black Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year, or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday. The date January 15th is in honour of the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.

Black History is Canadian History. British Columbia is a culturally and ethnically diverse province that includes many peoples and communities of the African diaspora, and people of African descent have been a fundamental part of British Columbia since at least 1858. 

The program featured guest speakers and performances, including R&B/gospel artists Khari Wendell McClelland and Janelle Reid, professional actor and performing artist Sam Darkoh, Wayne Fester, who grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, writer and film maker Anthony Brown, journalist Michael Newman, and spoken word artist Jillian Christmas. The program also included student videos and other short guest interviews.

Learn more about Black Excellence Day and Black History

Learning resources: Black Canadian Gr. 6-9 Learning Resource | Focused Education

Royal BC Museum: Hope Meets Action - Learning Portal

Watch a film: Black Communities in Canada - NFB.

Pictured is a screenshot from the recorded program.