Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Vedder Middle School administration has notified parents of students at the school that damage and graffiti to the school happened in November and December. He has had to remind parents that each incident of damage and destruction costs the school monetarily.
Vedder Middle School damage

Vedder Middle administration report vandalism, damage at school in late 2022

Jan 11, 2023 | 6:43 AM

CHILLIWACK — The months of November and December were challenging for Vedder Middle School administration as they dealt with incidents of graffiti and damage.

In his weekly email to parents earlier this week, Vedder Middle principal Gabe D’Archangelo wrote that the school, located at 45560 South Sumas Road, experienced more than one incident of graffiti and damage.

“The months of November and December were challenging ones for our school building,” D’Archangelo wrote. “We experienced vandalism in the form of graffiti and destruction of different areas in our school.”

Graffiti and damage to the school cost the school district each time an incident arises, D’Archangelo told parents.

“Each time we have had to make a repair, it has unfortunately cost our school monetarily,” he wrote. “Please discuss with your children the importance of speaking up when they see something that is hurtful to themselves, to others or to our building.”

According to a student at the school, teachers have now been keeping closer tabs on students who use the bathroom. Pens and felt markers were reportedly used to damage parts of the school.

D’Archangelo also wrote in his email that it was made obvious to staff that many families did not review the expectations of what is expected of students.

“Please take some time this week to review with your son/daughter, the importance of being a positive contributor to the culture of our school,” D’Archangelo wrote. “Last week, on Wednesday (Jan. 4), each grade level gathered in the gym and school expectations were reviewed and clarified. The expectations reviewed directly relate to ‘Respect of Self, Respect of Others, Respect of Community.’ It is imperative that families and the school are ‘on the same page’ to ensure the success of each student in our school.”