Students Working Together
Human and Social Development
Our students will study personal and human social skills and as they relate to students' identity in the world - both as individuals and as members of their community. We are learning that personal and human social skills encompass the abilities students needs to thrive as individuals, to understand and care about themselves and others, and to find and achieve their purposes in the world.
Goals
- Improve student sense of well-being.
- Build a sense of community and belonging.
Indigenous Connections
Our Indigenous Support Workers are offering both online and in person support blocks to connect with students and provide cultural learning opportunities and academic support. For the 2025-26 School year there are sessions on line on Tuesdays and in-person at Mamele'awt Centre on Wednesdays.
In the Maker Lab
Sometimes the most meaningful projects are the ones that bring people together to help someone else. We are currently building a 3Dprinted Toddler Mobility Trainer (TMT), an open-source device designed to support young children with mobility challenges by helping them gain movement, independence, and connection with others.
Projects like this matter because accessible mobility equipment can be difficult and expensive for many families to obtain. Mr. Amendt is fortunate to be working with a team of eight students who are giving their time and effort to help build one for a little girl in need, from the fundraising for materials, printing the design, and assembly of the trainer. Together, we are learning that technology can do more than solve problems - it can change lives.
This project has become a powerful example of what can happen when compassion, creativity, and teamwork come together in service of others. We are proud to play even a small part in creating something that could make a lasting difference for a child and their family.
Pink Shirt Day
Our student voice team led all our K-10 students in pink t-shirt painting. This project was to engage our community in thinking about inclusive behavior in our schools and the need to be kind everyday. By wearing pink, we show our support for one another and help create a school where everyone feels safe and respected.
Kindness Matters
AVS elementary students learned about kindness towards others and why it matters with Ms. Asner and Mrs. Fadden, and were also able to see a real world connection to science with a demonstration of what happens when pressure builds and things are bottled up!
Autumn Field Trip
The K-5 classes ended October together on a field trip to Taves Farm. While at Taves Farm, the classes participated in a directed tour of the farm property, playing in the playgrounds, seeing the farm animals, jumping on the giant pillow trampoline, visiting the pumpkin patch and corn maze, and going on a hayride around the farm. It was a wonderful day at the farm, learning all about the pumpkin and apple lifecycle, and building connections with peers and our Big Buddies!
AVS Character Abbotsford with Shalaya Valenzuela
On November 7th Julianna, Emmett, Tearyn, Tobias and Mr. Carpenter attended a Speaker Event at Character Abbotsford where they heard from the 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist SHALAYA VALENZUELA who represented Canada at the Paris Olympics on the Womens 7s Rugby Team. Shalaya who attended our Phillip Sheffield back in 2006-7 just before AVS took over this building. Shalya talked about her journey from being a student in Abbotsford here to eventually graduating from Yale Secondary. All the while she learned to play rugby at the school level and eventually to UVic and then onto the Canadian Women’s Rugby Team. She talked about the hard work it took for her to realize her dream. That hard work requires character which encompasses so many traits that we call CHARACTER.
Our reflections just after we attended the event:
Julianna says “If you have a dream you have to learn to give up things that make you comfortable; You need to push yourself to grow and learn from your mistakes. Hard work takes time.”
Tearyn says “I found it interesting talking about how we can find ways to follow through and believe in our dreams. We need to take the opportunities we are given and put in the hard work on what we are passionate about. It may not always go the way that is expected; however it is about following what you are passionate about.”
Emmett says “I learned that while one may experience imposter syndrome when surrounded by their peers, you deserve to be where you are. While it may not feel like it, you’ve worked just as hard as everyone else to be in their company.”
Tobias says “I learned that hard work really is everything. Without hard work, you can never achieve your goals. I also found that a positive mindset is crucial for success. It was inspiring to hear from someone whose hard work paid off.”
Mr. Carpenter recalled this quote from Jory Smallenberg “Working hard is so important but it doesn’t protect from
disappointment.” But that disappointment needs to be realized and we need to know that hard work is good character.