Welcome to Chilliwack
School District No. 33

Chilliwack School District covers approximately 1,825 square kilometres which includes the City of Chilliwack and the rural areas of Yarrow and Cultus Lake.

Chilliwack School District has 34 schools. They are attended by 11,125 students and are served by more than 1,225 teachers, support staff and administrators.

School District No. 33 MISSION STATEMENT As a community of learners committed to excellence, we will ensure that each student develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to be a socially responsible, productive member of out rapidly changing global society, through the implementation of outstanding programs and services, provided by a dedicated and effective staff.

Programs and Curriculum

Emphasis is placed on the basic curriculum of reading, writing, mathematics, physical education, social studies and science. In keeping with today's changing needs, computer technology, fine arts, and many other programs are woven into curriculum. In addition, secondary schools offer a comprehensive range of studies including literature, art, drama, choral and band, industrial arts, Career Prep., home economics and more. Recently, the Secondary School Apprenticeship Program was introduced.

French Programming

Two elementary schools - Sardis Elementary and Strathcona Elementary, host the Late French Immersion Program which begins in grade 6. There has not been sufficient demand to offer an Early Immersion Program. Progressive Immersion follows at Chilliwack Middle and Vedder Middle Schools, and at Chilliwack Senior and Sardis Secondary..

School Bus Service

Bus service is provided for primary students who live at least 2 kilometres from school and 3 kilometres for intermediate, middle and senior secondary students. Special provisions are made for kindergarten and special needs students.

Building for the FUTURE With Chilliwack's population growing annually, so too does the need for more classroom space. The brand new replacement Sardis Secondary School was opened two years ago; while Chilliwack's newest middle school, Mt. Slesse, welcomed its first students in September. Other major renovation and addition projects include Chilliwack Middle School in the heart of the community, and Vedder Middle School, in the popular residential corridor of Sardis and Vedder Crossing. THEN and NOW Chilliwack said goodbye to a significant landmark earlier this year, when the old 1929 block of Chilliwack Junior Secondary was torn down. Unable to relocate it because of seismic concerns, workers found a time capsule contained in the cornerstone of the building. Its contents revealed a newspaper and coins of the day. Complete reconstruction of the school was completed in 1997.

Vedder Elementary School is one of many new or recently remodelled schools in the Chilliwack School District. It is a mirror image of the recently built Unsworth Elementary, which has been selected by the Ministry of Education, Skills and Training, to be a prototype for future British Columbia elementary schools.