Chilliwack Central Elementary Community is a public elementary school in Chilliwack, British Columbia part of School District 33 Chilliwack."For School Data, Source: BC Schools Book ." Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education January 16, 2006.

History

Chilliwack Central is considered to be the original school within the Chilliwack School District with the first school house opening in 1871. The school location was first moved to the Chilliwack River in 1874, then new buildings were erected in 1907 and 1911 where the Southgate Shopping Centre now exists. In 1929, the present Central School was erected on Young Street North with eighteen rooms. The first Principal of Central was Harold Manuel. (1929-1950)

In 2007, Principal Clyde Dougans was named one of Canada's Outstanding Principals.

Administration + Principals Years Principal 1929 – 1950 Mr. Harold Manuel 1950 - 1966 Mr. Carl Wilson 1966 - 1973 Mr. Peter Neumann 1973 - 1975 Mr. Don Few 1975 - 1980 Mr. Bob Hagkull 1980 - 1986 Mr. Bob Beckett 1986 - 1991 Mr. Lew Chater 1992 - 1996 Mr. Don Langford 1996 - 2007 Mr. Clyde Dougans 2007 - 2010 Mr. Scott Wallace 2011 - 2012 Mrs. Nadine Clattenburg 2012 - 2014 Mr. Jim Edgcombe 2014 - 2022 Mrs. Leslie Waddington 2022 - 2025 Mrs. Donna Arnold 2025–Present Ms. Jaimee Charlie

+ Vice Principals Years Vice Principal 1929 – 1932 Miss Mary Thompson 1932 – 1937 Mr. Murdo Maclachlan 1937 – 1945 No VP 1945 - 1950 Mr. Wally Ferguson 1950 – 1965 No VP 1965 – 1968 Mr. Bob Beckett 1968 – 1970 Mr. Terry Bodman 1970 – 1973 Mr. Len Braun 1973 – 1978 Mr. Bill Smith 1978 – 1979 Mr. Kieth Gardiner 1980 – 1983 Mr. Dave Henn 1983 – 1984 Mr. Jim Todd 1984 - 1989 No VP 1989 – 1993 Mrs. Margo Valer 1993 – 1998 Mr. Darchan Chand 1999 - 2001 Mr. Wade Gemmel 2001 - 2002 Mrs. Patti Lawn 2002 - 2007 Mr. Scott Wallace 2007 - 2009 Mr. David Wellingham 2010 – 2011 Mrs. Colleen Larsen 2011 - 2012 Mr. Jim Edgcombe 2012 - 2015 Mr. Noel Sharman 2015 - 2017 Mr. Shawn McLeod 2017 - 2019 Ms. Jaimee Charlie 2019 - 2020 Ms. Kim Parker 2020 - 2022 Mrs. Donna Arnold 2022 - 2024 Mrs. Tsandlia Van Ry 2024–Present Mrs. Monica Padgham

Bob Beckett, Scott Wallace, Jim Edgcombe, Donna Arnold and Jaimee Charlie are the only admin to serve as both VP and Principal. Noel Sharman is the only former student of Central who has served as an administrator. Nadine Clattenburg was the first female to serve as Principal in 2011-12.

Programs

Gateway For Families/Community School Coordinator Central has a full-time Gateway For Families/Community School Coordinator. Work includes overseeing the day-to-day operations of programs and activities governed by the CCECSS. The coordinator recruits, promotes, and provides year around site supervision for contracted programs/user groups. Her focus is on developing a working relationship with public and private agencies to recruit and coordinate services that empower the Central community children and their families. Additionally, the Coordinator oversees all aspects of 2nd Day and Gateway for Families. The position is governed by the CCECSS, the coordinator works in consultation with the principal. The responsibilities of the coordinator are determined by the Society in consultation with the principal (or designate) and in accordance with the Joint Use Agreement between School District 33 and the City of Chilliwack.

The coordinator's major responsibilities include: Program Development /Delivery/Facility Management Staff and Volunteer Management Community Liaison/Partnerships/Public Relations/Grantsmanship Policy Development Fundraising/Special Events Coordination Budget Developing/Monitoring/Payroll Second Day Development/Delivery/Management

Central has been identified as a community hub called "Gateway for Families" which hosts Community Partner programming that respectfully engages inner core community members from all age, ethnic, and socio-economic realms in opportunities that promote health and independence in their lives. These supports are delivered mainly during the school day through the collaboration of community agencies that provide services to children and their families within the Chilliwack Downtown Community. Ministry of Children and Family Development continues to support the concept of neighborhood hubs by funding a family resource room & office space for the use of MCFD workers & community partners. Licensed infant/toddler daycare and preschool available for parents attending ongoing programs. Central Gateway Preschool also available to general public 3 mornings and 5 afternoons a week. Families First offers a support group to parents or caregivers of children ages 0–12 with the challenges of parenting. Family Literacy provides UFV upgrading, virtues parenting program, goal setting and life skills support & learning opportunities. Families In Motion view families as a learning unit, and provide support and learning opportunities for all family members. Education and Career Planning an upgrading course offered through the University of the Fraser Valley. Next Step provides intensive services to children with autism offered by Fraser Valley Child Development Centre. Chilliwack Learning Community Society provides outreach workers to tutor one on one to improve adult literacy skills. Sto:lo Nation and Aboriginal Child & Youth Mental Health provide culturally appropriate support services to children and their families. Success by 6 works with parents and communities so children 0-6 can be healthy, safe, secure, socially engaged, responsible and successful learners.

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