Blog Posts

A few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on the benefits of physical activity for both our minds and bodies. As we approach March Break, it feels timely to highlight the importance of rest and relaxation. Taking a break is something I personally struggle with, and I know many of you do, too. Our principals and vice principals, in particular, often find it challenging to take a lunch break when there are hundreds of students to supervise. Despite our best intentions to take a moment "later" to eat and catch our breath, sometimes "later" never comes.

True confession: I enjoy physical activity. I start most days with vigorous exercise. I wake up at 5:00 am Monday to Friday so I can be unrushed in my morning ritual, which includes fresh espresso, a scroll through various social media feeds, CBC radio, and yes, a fitness workout.  

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope you and your families have smoothly transitioned into Term 2 and are managing the busy schedules, playdates, activities, and learning.

Ready or not, 2025 is here! While I am not one for resolutions, I like setting personal and professional goals. A new year brings with it a sense of hope and opportunity. No matter what happened the previous year, a new year feels like another chance to step closer to a dream, an aspiration, or even start something entirely new.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope that you were all able to enjoy a fun-filled and restful holiday break with your families. The two-week break is an opportunity to recharge and to take the time to reconnect with our kids, friends and extended family. Hopefully families stayed healthy and were able to enjoy the time away from routines to the fullest😊

As we start a new year and a new term, here are some friendly Bondar reminders:

One of the things I love most about this time of year is seeing the many ways we celebrate the season.  Visit any one of our schools and you’ll see snowflakes and Christmas trees and happy faces all around. If you are lucky, you might even catch sight of Santa and his elves. And it’s not just in schools and classrooms. The Abbotsford School Board Office is a veritable winter wonderland thanks to the goodwill and creative energy of our folks here. 

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We are on the verge of winter and the holiday season is just about upon us, which comes with much excitement, events and activities to take part in. This time of year is also when many of us are feeling run down and can catch the flu or other respiratory illnesses like Covid-19.

With its impressive high ceilings and huge windows, showcasing a spectacular view of our back field, forest area and even some mountains, students and staff alike love to descend upon the Library for teaching, meeting and learning. There is a warmth about it, and a sense of comfort and belonging because of the clean physical space with its soft lighting and quiet, engaging activities, but at the true heart of our love for the Library, is Mrs. Erickson. 

For 14 years, Margaret Stenersen Elementary School has been privileged to partner with Living Hope Church to host a Community Breakfast every Thursday morning. This program has become a cherished tradition, offering families a chance to gather, enjoy a meal together, and build connections within our school community.