Principal's Message

Welcome to St. James and St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School!

SJA Elementary is a vibrant and welcoming school community that serves the needs of K-7 students in the Abbotsford area. It is with immense joy and a warm heart that I welcome you to our Catholic school community. It is both an honour and a privilege to introduce myself as the Principal of our school.

St. James and St. Ann’s is a wonderful place to teach and learn and grow as an individual, and as part of a community! Our teachers are committed to a Christ-centered, high-quality learning experience that focuses on the needs of each student. At St. James and St. Ann’s, we strive to promote the development of the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. We are fully committed to providing an excellent educational program for our students, and developing the full potential of each child.

SJA is dedicated to offering a wide range of educational experiences. Our academic program follows the Redesigned BC Curriculum and our teachers maintain high, yet realistic expectations for their students. Our teachers are supportive of the diverse learning needs in their classrooms, and use instructional strategies that engage all learners. We have an exceptional staff that cares deeply about the children entrusted to them.

Collectively, as a staff, we strive to create a positive, safe and caring learning environment where everyone is welcomed and respected.

We also offer a broad variety of extracurricular activities. All of our extracurricular activities seek to fulfill our mission to develop the whole child, have an inclusive philosophy and provide the children with an opportunity to connect with their peers while having fun.

St. James and St. Ann’s is a regional school, drawing students from and supported by the following four parishes: St. James Parish (Abbotsford), St. Ann’s Parish (Abbotsford), Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish (Aldergrove) and St. Joseph’s Parish (Mission). We also have students in our school from a variety of other parishes in the Fraser Valley. Our school prides itself on the fact that we are more than just a school – from students to staff to parents, we are a community. Parents play an active role in the education of their children, and their participation through volunteer opportunities, fellowship and prayer help to make St. James and St. Ann’s such a wonderful place to be.

To all our families, I would like to thank you for your support and encouragement. You have entrusted us with the care of your most precious gift, your children. I look forward to working together to ensure that St. James and St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School is an outstanding place to learn and grow.

Gianni Bittante
Principal
St. James and St. Ann’s Catholic Elementary School