>> MEI Head of Schools (@headofschools)

Dear MEI Families, By way of a revised health order, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has delayed the start of school for public and independent schools in January by one week. According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), the intent behind this decision is to allow schools to implement enhanced safety measures and to allow public health to learn more about the Omicron variant in our communities to ensure the right measures are in place to keep students and staff safe. As a result, classes across the province will begin on Monday, January 10th, 2022 when learning will resume. All staff will report to work on Tuesday, January 4th as scheduled and all schools will provide support to parents who work in the health care system and to students with exceptional needs. Please contact your school administration this week if you have questions in this regard. MEI’s school principals will communicate to families key safety reminders and any revisions to our safety response by Friday, Jan...

 The Nativity, one of our Christmas traditions. Merry Christmas! ⭐️

  Christmas Message entitled “They Spread the Word” (2 minutes, 19 seconds).

Dear MEI Families, Are you ready to be encouraged and inspired? Please click on the link here to hear MEI’s video performance of “Angels We Have Heard On High” with students from all three of our schools. Merry Christmas! “Angels We Have Heard On High” https://youtu.be/mxdukBcKefE

A message from some of our Pastors! 🎄🎶 #wearemei ~~ Steve Klassen, ACC Kerry Dyck, Bakerview Norm Poehlke, Mountain Park Glen Embree, Alderbrook Paul Siemens, King Road

This is one of the ways I worship. I have always loved drawing. This year I thank God for Community, for Home, for Family, and for JESUS, the SAVIOUR of the world! “…How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in…” (Phillips Brooks, 1868)

For most of my growing up years, my family attended South Abbotsford Church. My dad was a pastor there and we lived in the  parsonage  next door on a small plot of land surrounded by chestnut trees. I spent hours each day in and around those trees and among God’s people in the church building. These were formational years for me. Pastor David Manuel preaching on December 5, 2021 This past Sunday evening, the leadership of the church honoured my father for 40 years of service. They awarded him the title, Pastor Emeritas , and will provide a scholarship at Columbia Bible College in the names of “David and Stella Manuel”. He had already been given an honourary PhD by the M.B. Conference in 2010. This was very special for all of us who love Pops, in part, because he would never wish for these accolades, but is so very deserving. L - R: Dave, Phil, Vijay, Rebecca (Klassen) Each of us, his children, were given the opportunity to say a few words. It wasn’t easy to speak because ...

MEI is OPEN effective Monday, November 22nd, 2021 Caution Please consider your route carefully, allow for extra time, and drive with caution.  Bussing Modified bus routes will be communicated to parents.  Eastern Valley Families We will work with families to support the learning of students in the eastern valley who are unable to travel to school due to continued road closures. How Can We Help? One of the ways to help is to contribute to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund: https://abbotsfordcf.org/grants/disaster/   Helpful Resources >  Abbotsford Police Twitter Account >  City of Abbotsford Website >  Province of B.C. Website 🙏🏽 Let’s continue to pray for those who have lost so much. Vijay Manuel @headofschools 🦅 

  Our students start their school day with a devotional led by their teacher. With our schools closed to in-person learning due to the flooding in our community, here is a devotional (2/2) from the Head of Schools. Visit  http://abbotsfordcf.org/grants/disaster  to contribute to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund.

  Our students start their school day with a devotional led by their teacher. With our schools closed to in-person learning due to the flooding in our community, here is a devotional (1/2) from the Head of Schools. Visit http://abbotsfordcf.org/grants/disaster to contribute to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund.

Dear MEI Families, MEI will be CLOSED WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY, November 17th - 19th, 2021. Our staff will make every effort to provide online learning opportunities to our students on Thursday and Friday through the platforms we have used in the past including Schoology, Seesaw, and Zoom. This has been a very difficult decision. Abbotsford is in the midst of a formal State of Emergency. Late last night, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) notified Abbotsford residents of what could be a “catastrophic” event in Sumas Prairie with the potential failure of the Barrowtown Pump Station. If it happens, this additional layer to the existing crisis will “pose a significant risk to life” impacting beloved MEI families ( Abbotsford.ca ). The crisis is not yet receding, but seems to be gaining momentum. I can confirm that our campus is ready to receive our staff and students, but the city does not seem ready to receive 1800 of us on the roads. Abbotsford’s EOC has given their support for schools we...

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ This passage always provides me with an opportunity to refocus my life with the following question: Am I connected to Jesus like a branch is connected to the vine? Branches need vines to provide them with all the necessary nutrients for growth, survival, and purpose including the production of fruit. A branch will certainly die if it breaks away from the vine. Similarly, the God-honouring fruit in my life will dry up if I break away from Jesus, rendering me useless like a dried up branch (“…apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ Jesus). How do I connect to Jesus? • Ongoing prayer • Consistent scripture reading and meditation • Humble worship • Fellowship with others about the things of God • Serving in my church If one of these areas is off in my life, I can usually feel it and in time, begin to experience loss and emptiness. The ones closes...

Dear MEI Community, The MEI Board of Directors met last night for a special in-camera session. As a result of the discussion and formal decision, I can confirm that MEI will  not  be pursuing a mandatory vaccination policy for MEI employees unless directed to do so by public health . Further, MEI will  not  require staff to disclose their vaccination status. This decision aligns MEI with other school districts in B.C. who have already announced their positioning on this issue and supports what the board believes to be the best decision for the continued unity of our staff. This week, the health authority has once again confirmed that schools are safe environments for staff and students. Schools are considered low-risk for transmission and can continue to operate safely with current health measures in place even without a 100% vaccination rate among staff. I thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. We will get through this  together  and ...

 Mid-Week Smile Generator #wearemei #gracekellychallenge 🦅

If you put the big rocks in first, you can fit everything in! I was shown this demonstration early in my career and reminded of it this past weekend. The symbolism here is that the big rocks are the most important things in our lives. Sometimes, however, the smaller rocks and even the sand can take priority in our attention and actions. If you put the sand and smaller rocks into the jar above first, the big and most important rocks won’t fit. If you put the big rocks in first, however, it’ll all fit. Part way through last year, Sarah and I realized that our time together was being pushed out due to the demands of other good things like our children, church, work, friends, chores, etc, etc. We are learning that life keeps changing and we must be watching and adjusting as we go, with the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our response was to implement a Sunday Date that we are not willing to compromise on now. What are the big rocks in your life? Put the big rocks into your calendar first, and ...

Dear MEI Community, The school year is up and running and it has been a great start! It began with our Leadership Retreat in August, Staff Kick-Off in early September, and schools opening on the 7th! If I was to try and articulate our community’s response to the past 18 pandemic-months in one word, it would be… wait for it… R E A S O N A B L E With nearly 1600 students, 250 staff, connected families, churches, and alumni, we undoubtedly hold a variety of opinions on the many topics related to the pandemic. The response, however, has been respectful and reasonable as demonstrated on the school yard, in parking lots, hallways, classrooms, staff rooms, and online. Awesome! Thank you. While the safety of our staff and students continues to be our priority, I want you to know that we are absolutely committed to continually moving MEI towards an as-normal-as-possible school year. Why?  Students need meaningful learning experiences in safe and collaborative settings to contribute to physi...

A message from Vijay Manuel, Head of MEI Schools

  Dear MEI Families, We are extremely excited to welcome you back to school in two weeks.  We can do this together, friends . Let’s hold on to Jesus, trust Him, and take good care of each other! The government has announced that independent and public schools in British Columbia will offer full-time in-person learning for the 2021/2022 school year beginning on September 7th, 2021 as planned. Please take careful note of the safety requirements announced today that I have either summarized or directly quoted below. I encourage you to read the “Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K - 12 Settings” document that was updated today, August 24th, 2021 ( Click here ). As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your principal. Vijay Manuel Follow @headofschools for updates throughout the year Facebook Twitter Instagram Government guidelines continued from June Hand hygiene requirement continues Stay-at-home-if-sick requirement continues Mask ...

  Click here for the updated calendar for the 2021 - 2022 school year. Note that the only amendment is the addition of the new “Truth and Reconciliation Day” statutory holiday in British Columbia scheduled on September 30th, 2021. Click here for the provincial government’s press release.

  Please click here for the updated version of MEI’s Strategic Plan. Note : The plan has be extended one year due to the disruption due to the pandemic.

Thank you! 🙏🏽🦅 Have a wonderful summer ☀️ #wearemei

Guy Wilton has made the decision to resign from the position of Facilities and Transportation Operations Manager effective August, 2021. Guy has led this department into becoming a smooth-running system with many new procedures in place that help to make MEI Schools a stronger and more effective organization. Additionally, Guy has served faithfully as a member of the Senior Lead Team these past 5 years. Guy is and will continue to be a trusted friend and colleague and I wish him and his family a wonderful transition to the new and exciting life awaiting them in B.C.’s northern interior (see Guy’s message below). I’m thankful for Shawn Burkinshaw, Elementary Principal, who will step in to oversee the Facilities and Transportation operations this fall on an interim basis. Included in this oversight is working closely with the Assistant Manager of Facilities and the hiring of an Assistant Manager of Transportation to fill another vacated spot in our system. Please join me in thanking Guy ...

A Message from the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minster of Education > Please click here

Dear MEI Community, I have two words for you regarding the past school year: Thank you! We have reached this point of the pandemic-year by working together. To God be the glory! There is now strong evidence for a metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel. I can confirm that schools have received some direction for the fall start up of the 2021/2022 school year. Although we don’t have all the specifics, we have been told to plan for a near-normal return to school in September. For all B.C. schools, learning groups or cohorts will no longer be required and if the current positive trends continue through the summer, “it is anticipated that the restrictions on gatherings, extracurricular activities and sports will no longer be required” (The Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education). We expect further and more detailed directions from the government in August and I will follow up with another update for the MEI community at that time. I wish for you all a wonderful summer. ...

  “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬

A chat including Kevin’s road to Superintendent as a Jamaican born Canadian, passion for Learning Support Services, guiding values, and supporting Indigenous students and families in the education system.

January 2009, Stanley Park “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:27-28 Throughout my career when I have anticipated a very difficult day ahead at work, I have often planned something special for that evening with Sarah and the kids. It has helped me to keep things in perspective throughout the day as I am often reminded of the time ahead with my beloved. Friends, as you go through the figurative day that you find yourself in, remember that our Beloved, the One we await, is coming back for us . We can face the challenges of this day because of the promise, and He is faithful. The day you are facing may be difficult, but remember that our Jesus is coming to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him . Vijay

  Dear MEI Community,  In response to the horrific discovery of 215 Indigenous children’s bodies near a residential school in B.C., MEI will be pausing on Monday, May 31st at 9:15am for a moment of quiet prayer. I invite you to join us. MEI’s flags will be lowered to half-mast until Friday, June 4th. Principals will provide age-appropriate resources for teachers to share with students. I encourage you to wear orange this week or to find other ways of showing your support for the Indigenous Community in Canada during this difficult time.  Vijay Manuel Head of MEI Schools

 We invite you to PAUSE EVERYTHING for 10 MINUTES and JOIN IN with the ALL SCHOOLS CHAPEL!

  MEI Annual Fundraiser 2021 Online Please visit meischools.com/GIVE to donate to MEI, your school!

 Message from Vijay Manuel, the Head of MEI Schools.

“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26:12‬ If there’s one thing this past year has taught me, it’s that I don’t know everything; there is so much to learn . One ‘theme of learning’ over the past decade for me has been the realization that I can put my trust in God only Of course I trust people, but only within what is possible for people to be trusted. Are our motives ever completely pure ( Proverbs 16:2 )? Well God’s are, and I can put my trust in Him. The more I surrender to His authority, to His will, to Him, and the more I commit what I plan and do into His hands, the better and more trustworthy version of myself will be available to those around me. What is God teaching you through the challenges of this year? May God bless you today!

A few important safety reminders as we enter the final 1/4 of the school year. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe! #wearemei 🦅           

I don’t know for sure, but... As of April 15 , 2021, it appears that B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry,  intends to keep schools open for the remainder of the school year . It is safe for us to assume that this decision is being revisited often and that the government could move towards a different direction in the future, depending on the available data. In a press conference on April 15th, Dr. Henry cited a study of the Fraser Health Region conducted over the period of 3 months (January - March, 2021). According to Dr. Henry, the current data supports the notion that schools are a safe place for staff and students and should remain open. I’ve included some of the key points below. STUDY of the FRASER HEALTH REGION:  January - March, 2021 Presented by Dr. Henry on April 15th 315,000 total staff and students in schools 2049 cases (less than 1%) 267 transmissions (13% of the less than 1%) 85% of schools experienced no transmissions What Has Been Learned? Presen...

  An important message from Vijay Manuel, Head of MEI Schools.

  Many thanks to our staff and students for providing this wonderful celebration of Easter 2021.

March 31, 2021 Dear MEI Families, MEI Schools has received a total of 19 Early Notification Letters in the first 7 months of the school year: 4 in the elementary school, 6 in the middle school, and 9 in the secondary school. The most recent letter received was on March 6, 2021. I want to thank you for doing your part to keep MEI safe. You are doing a GREAT job and I couldn’t be more thankful for each of you. The Latest Changes To Be Implemented at MEI on Thursday, April 1st The latest changes being mandated by our provincial government are currently scheduled to last until April 19th. If you have questions or concerns in regards to the government’s decision, the most effective avenue of response will be to reach out to your local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) as they can speak directly to the government that is working closely with the Provincial Health Officer to make these decisions. As always, our principals will be very happy to discuss any of your ideas, thoughts, and c...

March 31, 2021 STAGE 2 UPDATED PLAN  for 2020/2021 - MEI SCHOOLS All changes are highlighted in red . School Hours MEI will continue with our regular daytime hours: Elementary from 8:30am - 2:35pm Middle from 8:30am - 2:45pm Secondary from 8:35am - 2:45pm School Calendar The MEI Schools Calendar will remain as planned including all Statutory and Other Holidays and Professional Days. Drop Off & Pick Up Elementary School All children will need to be dropped off outside so students can line up with their classes and teachers. They will then be brought into their classrooms in staggered formations to allow for safe distancing. After school dismissal will be staggered. Parents will need to remain outside for drop off and pick up. Adults are asked to refrain from socializing while on MEI school grounds. Middle School Students will need to be dropped off outside the front doors so they can proceed to their classroom. After school dismissal will be staggered employing multiple exits. ...

  Staffing Announcement - MEI Instructional Coach Darlene Dueck has been hired to be MEI’s first K - 12 Instructional Coach. Her responsibilities will include mentoring new teachers as they begin working at MEI’s elementary, middle, and secondary schools. She will work closely with the Head of Schools and the school administration teams in developing the specific applications of the coaching program. Darlene has worked as a teacher at MEI Middle and Elementary Schools since 2009 and has established the trust of her colleagues as a master teacher who cares deeply for students and is committed to instructional best practice. She has completed her undergraduate work at the University of Manitoba and is currently completing her Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a focus on Instructional Coaching. From Vijay Manuel, Head of Schools “I am thrilled to work with Darlene and am excited to see this program developed and integrated within the MEI community. Darlene brings a ri...

Kevin Lynn has built and managed MEI’s incredibly successful International Program at MEI Schools over the past 22 years. This program is sought after by groups from other countries and, as a result, has provided incredible opportunities for students to come to learn and grow at MEI including in their understanding of the “God who so loved the world...” (John 3:16). Following nearly a year of contemplation, Kevin has made the decision to retire from the position of “Manager - International Program” effective at the end of this school year.  Kevin is a trusted friend, colleague, and teammate and I wish him the very best in the season ahead. We will not, however, let him leave so easily. I have asked Kevin to continue for two more years in the role of “Recruiter and Consultant - International Program”. Going forward, Mark Thiessen, Secondary Principal will give oversight to the program and perform tasks related to recruitment overseas as needed. Mark currently manages the MEI Mission...

Approved Calendar for the 2021/2022 MEI School Year > Click here Summary MEI’s Professional Development Days align with School District No. 34 at the time of publishing with one exception: the May date is scheduled for the Tuesday after Victoria Day, as has been our practice.   > Professional Development Days: 5 > Staff Call Back Days: 2 ( Sep. 1 , 2) > Non-Instructional Days: 2 ( Nov. 12 , Jan. 28) > Summer Holidays: 10 weeks ( June 28 - Sep. 6 ) > Christmas Holidays: 2 weeks (Dec. 20 - Jan. 3) Spring Break: 2 weeks ( March 14 - 25 )  

Life and death are strange things, for sure In the midst of a healthy life Filled with unlimited potential The beauty and precious moments therein Are missed and passed over With arrogance and flippancy It’s as if we believe that these moments Will keep presenting themselves Endlessly But they don’t They stop I’ve seen them Stop. True life is lived celebrating the moment And that’s all we actually have It’s as if we’re on a conveyor belt That relentlessly passes beneath us What lies ahead isn’t ever known Ever Yet we obsess over this unknown The past will never come again Ever Yet we obsess over what has been The path veers from what we had hoped for And we’ll never be able to change it Yet we obsess over the connected regret To something we never actually completely  Controlled To live life to the fullest We must create discipline in our minds and Pause Consider the actual moment being lived As if it is all you will ever have Because it is This moment Now this one And now, this on...

Media Inquiries should be directed to Vijay Manuel, Head of MEI Schools Email: LPAULS@meischools.com Announcement MEI Schools has hired SANDRA FEHR as the VICE PRINCIPAL of MEI MIDDLE SCHOOL effective immediately. Sandra was the unanimous choice of the Selection Committee and also unanimously approved by the Board of Directors. From Vijay Manuel, Head of MEI Schools I am excited to be adding Sandra Fehr to our leadership team at MEI Schools. Sandra is passionate about serving the staff, students, and families of MEI Middle School as demonstrated over the past 14 years. She is a respected educator who has proven expertise as a leader in curriculum development and assessment best practice implementation. Sandra has led teams of students around the world on missions and models her love for Jesus through her interactions with each of us who are privileged to work with her. This is an exciting day for MEI Schools! About Sandra Fehr Sandra has 25 years of experience serving as a teacher in D...