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Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R • F O U N D E D I N 1 8 9 1 • W W W. T H E P R O G R E S S . C O M • W E D N E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 1 6
District looks to shake up enrolment Jessica Peters The Progress The demographics of Chilliwack are shifting, and the school district has been adjusting to fit the city’s changing needs. They’ve nipped and tucked here and there, largely with the help of portable classrooms. But now, they’re looking at whether reconfiguring the schools overall would improve the delivery of programs and support for students. At last Tuesday’s board meeting, they began to look at the possibility of adopting a K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade school structure, as part of the District Plan Review and Consultation. One of the concerns is that students are currently transferring into the high school system in a critical year — Grade 10. It’s a shift that was discussed years ago, said trustee Barry Neufeld. “There was a public outcry,” he said, when they talked previously about moving middle school grades from the current 7-9 model, to 6-8. Still, he added that he’s “very much in favour” of the shift, and has extensively studied middle school configurations. The review and consultation is not just looking at grade structuring. As reported in The Progress last October, the district is in desperate need of a new school on the south side. “We need a long term vision for the south side,” superintendent Evelyn Novak told the board. That’s where the school district is seeing most of its growth, and projections show that the trend is only going to continue. While the south side of the highway is being eyed up for a new school, the north side is being looked at for its own capacity review. A subcommittee was created Continued: SCHOOL/ p7
The Chilliwack Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards finish in style Saturday. For more, go online to www.theprogress.com. LORI JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Chamber celebrates best in business Jessica Peters The Progress The Chilliwack Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards turned 21 this weekend, and celebrated in style. The theme was Rat Pack in the Wack, and the evening was filled with great music, food and laughter. “It was just an amazing night,” says Fieny van den Boom, executive director of the Chamber. She said the planning committee really outdid themselves, and that the entire night went off without a hitch. “There was a flow to it, and the emcees really knocked it out of the park.” Emcees were Kirk Dzaman, Chamber president, and Kevin
Gemmell, past president, who crooned Vegas-style parodies and kept the audience entertained throughout the event at Tzeachten Hall. But most importantly, 18 local businesses, organizations and individuals were awarded for excellence. “It’s very important that businesses are celebrated for their excellence,” van den Boom says. “It doesn’t mean the other nominees don’t do that, but it’s the same as with the Oscars — there’s always one that just stands out. “They need to be recognized in a celebratory way, so everyone can see what they’re doing,” she says. In that way, business owners can learn what’s working, and be inspired to improve their own day-to-day opera-
tions. This years winners included: Professional Service Award – KPMG LLP KPMG is a national and local leader in delivering audit, tax and advisory services. Employee of the Year - Don Armstrong (Salvation Army) Don is an extremely hard worker who goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the Food Bank. Agricultural Excellence Southern Irrigation Southern Irrigation’s motto “Intelligent Water Solutions” is practiced throughout their own sustainable building located in Chilliwack. They thrive on helping people be successful in their efficient use of
water, by providing high quality, up to date products and design. Development Excellence Creekside Mills at Cultus Lake Creekside Mills at Cultus Lake was created for a rich outdoor lifestyle, enjoyed year round by its owners. This is the first ever Farm to Table community in B.C., incorporating a recreational agricultural theme. Chamber Award – Hofstede’s Country Barn Richard Procee and his staff go above and beyond as a Chamber member, promoting the Chamber wherever he goes and is always positive about the Chamber. Inclusive Employer Award Downtown Chilliwack BIA Continued: AWARD/ p10
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