Surrey schools mark Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30, honoring residential school survivors and remembering children who never returned home. Events include films, cultural activities, and community walks celebrating Indigenous resilience.
Surrey Schools reported a $33-million surplus for the 2024-25 school year, including $12 million in unrestricted reserves to strengthen the district’s rainy day fund. The surplus will also fund an enterprise system upgrade and other restricted reserves. Despite this, previous program cuts—including Grade 7 band and educational assistant positions—will not be reinstated, as they were part of the separate 2025-26 budget addressing a $16-million deficit. The district also recorded its first decline in enrollment in over 25 years, down 350 students, partly due to federal immigration reductions. Officials stressed the surplus improves financial stability but highlighted ongoing challenges and the need for prudent fiscal management.
Surrey Schools is hosting weekly Newcomer Networking Nights starting Sept. 11 at Guildford Park Secondary. The six fall sessions, held Thursdays at different schools, help immigrant and refugee families adjust to school life with multilingual support and community connections.
South Surrey schools have added new licensed child-care spaces through B.C.’s ChildCareBC program, easing waitlists and offering families more affordable options.
A Japanese-Canadian historian is urging the Surrey Board of Education to rename Senator Reid Elementary, citing the late politician’s role in the forced removal of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. Lorene Oikawa, a Surrey resident, says keeping Reid’s name perpetuates injustice and calls on trustees to follow examples set by other districts that have removed controversial figures from school names. The board will review her request this month.
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