Agassiz Elem-Secondary

About

Agassiz Elementary Secondary School (AESS) is located at 7110 Cheam Ave., PO Box 1100, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 in the eastern Fraser Valley. AESS is a comprehensive school serving Grades 7–12 and describes itself as a small learning community where “everyone [can] know your name,” supporting a more personalized and inclusive experience. The school community highlights a long history of academic excellence and strong athletics, and notes that the school also serves as a hub for community events with an “open door culture.”

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Fraser-Cascade)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: 7-12

Phone: 604 796-2238

Email: greg.lawley@sd78.bc.ca

Principal: Greg Lawley

Programs and Services

Music / Band AESS describes its music program as very strong, with students able to try a variety of instruments in Grades 7–8 and then focus on skill development through senior band in Grades 9–12. Students perform in the community through events such as local parades and band concerts, and the band program may include travel and performances within Canada and internationally. Outdoor learning experiences Students in Grades 7–12 can participate in hikes offered through the Fraser-Cascade Mountain School, including beginner and advanced hiking, climbing, summer and winter camping, snowshoeing and skiing, trail etiquette, and wilderness safety and survival. Career programs / trades and work experience The school highlights career and elective learning in areas such as Industrial Technology (including wood/metal/auto), Home Economics, Computer Technology, and Fine Arts/Performing Arts. Students can pursue dual credit through the Youth Work in Trades Program (formerly Secondary School Apprenticeship) and through University of the Fraser Valley concurrent coursework, and the school offers Career Preparation Work Experience to help expose students to workplaces prior to graduation. Athletics and extracurricular sports Student support / special education AESS lists a Special Education Department and Inclusive Education staff, along with counselling support. The staff list also includes Indigenous Support Workers and an Indigenous Mentor, as well as Education Assistants and a Child & Youth Care Worker (ACE).

• Field hockey
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Golf
• Track and field

School Culture and Expectations

The school describes an “open door culture” and emphasizes a small-town atmosphere that supports inclusion and a personalized learning experience. For athletics, AESS notes that student-athletes are ambassadors of the school and are expected to follow a “Student Athlete Code of Conduct,” show sportsmanship, and demonstrate respect for opposing teams and officials; school regulations apply on out-of-town trips. The athletics page also states that students may lose the privilege of participating if they do not maintain satisfactory marks, attitudes, or behaviour.