Writing Conventions

Consistent writing helps ensure our communications are clear, professional, and easy to understand. The following conventions support a unified voice across the Abbotsford School District and reflect standard Canadian usage in all written materials.

Canadian spelling

We use Canadian spelling such as colour, centre, defence, travelling, and licence (noun) with license (verb). You will also see other Canadian forms, for example honour, neighbour, favour, and theatre. While we follow Canadian conventions for these words, we use -ize endings such as organize and realize rather than the British -ise forms.

Families and community members who are more familiar with American spelling may notice these differences. Canadian spelling reflects a mix of British and American influences and is used consistently in all district communications.

Common Abbreviations We Use

District and System Terms, Jargon
  • AADS – Abbotsford Automated Dispatch System: Used for teacher absence logging and substitute (TOC) dispatch.Wikipedia+11hr.abbyschools.ca+11hr.abbyschools.ca+11
  • ADS – Automated Dispatch System: Another variant referring to the same system used for logging in absences.hr.abbyschools.ca
  • AMS – Automated Management System or AADS Web (ADW): The online portal counterpart to AADS/ADS for managing absences and related info. hr.abbyschools.ca+2hr.abbyschools.ca
  • APs – Administrative Procedures
  • ASIA – Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts
  • CORE – Centre of Resources for Education (includes Curriculum, Early Learning, ELL, and LSS) 
  • ELL – English Language Learning 
  • ISW – Indigenous Support Worker 
  • LSS – Learning Support Services 
  • PVPs – Principals & Vice Principals
District-Wide Programs and Councils
  • DPAC – District Parent Advisory Council: A body that involves parents in district-level decisions.
  • MyEducation BC – Refers to the Family Portal used for student information access. 
  • SchoolCashOnline – A system for handling school-related payments. 

Abbotsford School District Identity

  • Commonly referred to as "Abbotsford School District" or “School District 34” (SD 34).

Contact Information Formatting

Phone Number Formatting

604.859.4891
(Area code and number, separated by periods)

Use ###.###.#### with periods (not dashes, spaces, or parentheses).

URL Formatting & Hyperlink Style

  • Link Text vs. Full URL: Instead of pasting long URLs in body copy, we typically use descriptive link text, e.g., "Visit this website for fun math games." training.abbyschools.ca.
  • Behavior for External Links: When linking to an external website, the link should open in a new window/tab, keeping visitors on the Abby Schools site abbyschools.ca+8training.abbyschools.ca+8abbyschools.ca+8.
  • Linking to PDFs or Attachments: When linking to an attachment (e.g. a PDF), embed the link in text and specify in parentheses that it's a PDF (e.g. "(PDF file)")—so users know what to expect training.abbyschools.ca.

Dates and Times

  • Monday, January 27th, 2025 or shortened form January 27, 2025 
  • 6:15 AM or 6 AM