Welcome Letter from Superintendent Arul-pragasam

September 3rd, 2026

Dear Parents / Guardians / Caregivers,

Welcome back to a new school year.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer and found opportunities to slow down, spend time with the people who matter most, enjoy the outdoors, and simply recharge. Summer always seems to pass quickly, and as we begin another school year, we look forward to welcoming students and families back to our schools.

I also want to acknowledge the communities and families across British Columbia affected by an active and difficult wildfire season. Evacuations, smoke, uncertainty, and disruption continue to take a real toll, including for families in our own community who may have loved ones, property, or close connections in affected areas. Our thoughts are with those directly impacted, and with the first responders, local leaders, neighbours, and organizations supporting them.

Situations like these provide perspective. They remind us how fragile life can be and how important it is to look after one another, appreciate the people around us, and not lose sight of what matters most. As we begin the school year, I hope we continue to carry that sense of perspective and compassion with us.

The beginning of a school year brings renewed energy and possibility. It is also an important reminder that the education of our children is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, staff, and our broader community each play an important role in creating the conditions where young people feel safe, seen, supported, and able to learn and flourish.

Enrolment and Facilities Review

During the past school year, the District completed an extensive Enrolment and Facilities Review to respond to changing enrolment patterns, the opening of new schools, and the long-term needs of our growing community. This year, District and school teams will continue to thoughtfully implement the decisions arising from that work.

We recognize that changes involving schools, programs, catchments, and student transitions can have a very real impact on children and families. As we move forward, we will continue to carefully consider those impacts and communicate with families as implementation progresses.

As part of this ongoing work, the District will undertake a catchment review involving Watson Elementary, Tyson Elementary, Unsworth Elementary, and Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary / Middle School. Families and school communities will have opportunities to learn about the review and share their perspectives before recommendations are brought to the Board of Education. Guided by Tómiyeqw, we will approach this work transparently and thoughtfully, considering both the needs of students and families today and our responsibility to future generations.

Back-to-School Traffic and E-Scooter Safety

As students return to school, I also want to reinforce an important message recently shared by the Upper Fraser Valley Regional RCMP Detachment regarding safety on our roads, sidewalks, pathways, and around our schools.

The beginning of the school year brings increased traffic around schools, crosswalks, bus stops, and neighbourhoods. We ask drivers to please slow down, follow posted school-zone speed limits, remain attentive for children crossing roads, stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and extended stop signs, and avoid distractions while driving. Families can also help by reviewing safe walking and cycling practices with their children and using designated school drop-off and pick-up areas whenever possible.

We also continue to see increased use of e-scooters among young people. Students must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter in British Columbia, and anyone riding an e-scooter must wear a properly fitted helmet. E-scooters are designed for one rider only, and passengers are not permitted. Students are also not permitted to bring e-scooters onto elementary or middle school properties.

The RCMP has indicated that officers and Speed Watch volunteers will be conducting education and enforcement initiatives in school zones throughout September. We appreciate families speaking with their children about these expectations and helping reinforce safe and responsible choices.

Ultimately, student safety depends on all of us. Whether our young people walk, cycle, take the bus, travel by vehicle, or use an e-scooter, our shared responsibility is to help them arrive at school and return home safely each day.

As we begin the year, I want to thank our parents, guardians, and caregivers for the many ways you support your children and our schools. Strong relationships between home and school matter. When questions or concerns arise, I encourage you to connect directly with your child’s school so we can listen, understand, and work together toward a resolution.

Above all, I hope this is a year in which our students experience meaningful learning, strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to discover what they are capable of becoming. There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way, but there will also be countless moments of learning, laughter, connection, and growth.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in the Chilliwack School District and the people who care for, teach, and support your children each day.

We look forward to a wonderful school year together.

Sincerely,

Rohan Arul-pragasam
Superintendent of Schools