News Stories

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge we must constantly navigate, however, this past week we were able to safely return to in-person instruction for over 19,000 students. As we look forward to the opportunities in the weeks and months ahead, I must again extend a sincere thanks to our staff for getting us through the first part of this school year. What we continue to accomplish in British Columbia, and particularly here in Abbotsford, is truly amazing.

Dear Swift Families,

We hope that you are well, safe, and healthy, and that you enjoyed your holiday time together.  As we prepare to come back to school, we find ourselves in yet another challenging situation with the Omicron variant that is circulating widely in the community.  With it, we will need to be prepared to be flexible as the situation changes, be patient with each other and most importantly show what it means to be part of the caring Swift community.

At the end of last week, I shared information around the delayed return to school for students and the implementation of additional health and safety measures. Since that time, more information has become available, and I would like to share an update with you. 

I hope this letter finds you healthy, safe and in the company of loved ones. On Wednesday, Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry held a joint news announcement regarding the delayed return to school for students for the remainder of the 2021/2022 school year. To allow schools to adapt to the impacts of the Omicron variant that is impacting our province, all K-12 students will return to school on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Dear Swift Families,

This will be the last bit of school news sent home for 2021! It is hard to believe! Thank you for your continued support, we couldn’t do what we do every day without the support of parents and families. From all of us to all of you we would like to wish your families a wonderful holiday season – regardless of what holiday you celebrate, we certainly hope it is one filled with love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime. Relax, rest up, stay healthy, we will see you in 2022! 

From All of Us, to All of You - Merry Christmas! 

We are excited to share with you the Swift 2021 Virtual Christmas Concert. We hope you enjoy!

Please note: Each link will open in YouTube, this is a private channel. Each video can only be accessed using the link below. In order to be sensitive to all families, we ask that you do not download or post these videos to your personal social media accounts. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Dear Swift Families,

It certainly seems like 2021 is trying to “go out with a bang”! We continue to be challenged in so many ways. We hope that this continues to find all of our families safe, dry and healthy. The upcoming Winter Break will certainly be a welcomed time to rest, relax, and hopefully enjoy (safe!) celebrations! But before that, we will tackle December. It is always a busy – and festive month at school! Thank you for your continued support as we close out 2021.

Report Cards – December 10th

Congratulations to our November Star Students! Their pictures went onto our Star Wall yesterday and will be there until January. Our October Star Students will be celebrating with Ms. Kenney on December 7th.

Overnight, it seems, Dr. Thomas A Swift Elementary has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with lights and snowflakes, reindeer and snowmen! A big thanks to the PAC for bringing Christmas cheer and joy to our staff and students.

At an in-camera meeting on November 2nd, the Abbotsford Board of Education deliberated on the implications of a potential proof of vaccine mandate for all K-12 staff. After careful consideration and discussion, and following the K-12 Sector Guidelines for Vaccination Policies document, the Abbotsford Board of Education has decided not to mandate proof of vaccination for staff.