As you may be aware, Fraser Health has been advising of a Whooping Cough (pertussis) outbreak in the eastern Fraser Valley for a few months now. There have been cases reported in other regions of Fraser Health. With a confirmed case of Whooping Cough within the Abbotsford School District, we wanted to provide information to employees, Preschool/StrongStart centres, students and parents/families. We have created an information page on the district website; you may wish to include the information/link on your school's website and/or include in any newsletters/emails to your student's families.

Please see:

http://abbotsfordsd34.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=944111&pageid=15535818

Dave Stephen

Manager, Communications,

Abbotsford School District

604.859.4891, ext 1206

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School District again warns parents of unsanctioned trips

April 23, 2012

With graduation around the corner the school district is once again issuing a caution to parents and guardians of grade 11 and 12 students about non-school sanctioned excursions being marketed to students.  Of particular note are excursions by a company called "S-Trips" which is actively promoting trips during various holiday times and weekends for graduating students.

Students are currently being solicited by company representatives just off school premises.  These trips are allegedly advertised as being supervised by Canadian teachers.  Of great concern is the marketing approach which centers on recruiting select grade 11 and 12 students at each school to organize and sign-up other students.

Please be advised that Abbotsford School District personnel are in no way affiliated with these programs.  Consequently, we are asking parents to be vigilant about allowing their children to attend these overseas trips without the benefit of proper adult supervision.  We advise parents to become involved in any decision about allowing your children to travel on such excursions without parents or family.

Our schools and district work hard to foster a positive, safe and healthy environment that encourages student growth, and we encourage parents to proactively discuss with your sons or daughters the potential for problems, including exposure to alcohol and other risky behaviour on such trips. 

Kevin Godden,
 Superintendent of Schools/CEO
Abbotsford School District
info@sd34.bc.ca