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 Message from the Superintendent
By any standard 2009-2010 has been a challenging year. But despite the many difficulties we and other school districts have faced, you have remained focused on the district’s mission of: Working together for student success through excellence in education. Empowering all to make quality choices today for opportunities tomorrow.
The Board of Education and Senior Management of Langley School District want to thank you for that. Every day we need to look into the eyes of the children we teach and remind ourselves that their future is our responsibility.
From the perspective of the Board and Senior Management, that means making the best use of the skills and talents our incredible staff bring to their duties. It means recognizing that we’re in a difficult environment, which is not completely ours to control, and adapting. It means rethinking, in some instances, how we deliver programs and services so that we can sustain excellence.
We will continue to face challenges in the coming years. I want you to know that the Board and Senior Management are committed to quality programs and services for our 18,000 students, and to the dedicated staff who deliver those programs and services. You have earned a break. Have a great summer. I look forward to your continued commitment to professionalism and innovation when school resumes in September.
Cheryle Beaumont
Superintendent of Schools
Drumming and dancing were part of the activities that led up to the signing of an Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement at a ceremony June 21 at Aldergrove Lake Regional Park.
Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement signed at June 21 ceremony
“It’s a proud day for our people, a long time coming.” With her family, elders and partners around her, Kwantlen First Nation Chief Marilyn Gabriel recognized the years of work that have gone into writing the district’s second Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement, which was signed by representatives from First Nations, the province and Langley School District June 21 at Aldergrove Lake Regional Park
The Agreement, which will guide decision-makers in the delivery of Aboriginal programs and services for the next five years, was written with participation from a broad range of groups including: the Kwantlen, Matsqui and Katzie First Nations; Métis; Innuit; and Urban Aboriginal communities.
It incorporates Aboriginal values and history into programs and services delivered by Langley School District through Emotional, Spiritual, Physical and Intellectual goals.
“As First Nations people we often are challenged and tested to balance the practicing of our traditional teachings and culture with living and being part of the modern world,” states Kwantlen First Nations Councillor Tumia Knott in the Enhancement Agreement document.
“It is a balance that we must strive for, and it is this balance that our educational system needs to support.”
Board of Education Chair Joan Bech said future generations will thank those who have worked on the new agreement.
“Every step of the way this agreement was guided by two things,” she said. “It was shaped by the wisdom of the chiefs and elders, and it was built on a foundation of love and respect for each and every Aboriginal student. This is a document of which you can be very proud."
See full item in District Featured News...
Langley high schools' Operation Trackshoes team took top honours at the track and field event, which took place in Victoria June 11-13th
Operation Track Shoes all tied up by Langley team
Langley's team at the 40th annual Operation Trackshoes Event, held at the University of Victoria June 11 to 13th, laced up and took off to a first place finish. Students from D.W Poppy, Langley Secondary, Walnut Grove and Brookswood competed in a medley of events including: 100 metre and 400 metre dashes, 400 metre hurdles, Ball Throw, Long Jump and the 1,500 metre run.
Said Stacy Dryfhout, a teacher at DWP: "For many, Trackshoes was the highlight of their year and their excitement showed in the effort they put into each event, often taking first or second place as they competed against students from all over the province."
This is the second year in a row that Langley has captured the Operation Trackshoes trophy.
But the event is about more than winning, although the ribbons for top finishes were much appreciated. Student Massen Antone talked about how much fun it was to stay in dorms, experiencing a new environment away from home. "A chance to spend time with friends," said Katrina Duggan. Every student Stacy talked to said the dance, which was part of the social activities at Operation Trackshoes, was fun.
For spectators Operation Trackshoes is 'inspirational' Stacy said. "The atmosphere is one of absolute joy and excitement, and watching the participants compete is incredibly inspirational because they put their all into each event.
"I have been brought to tears on numerous occasions by their resilience, watching a participant fall badly during a race and then get up, brush themselves off and complete the event whole-heartedly as the crowd cheers them on."
To all the athletes, staff and parents of the Operation Trackshoes team, Congratulations!
Midsummer Night's Dream at Topham a hit
Grade 5/6 teacher at Topham Elementary School Stacey Bernier said a production of the Shakespearean classic A Midsummer Night's Dream, as adapted by Lois Burdett in A Midsummer Night's Dream for Kids, was the best thing he's ever done with a group of students.
"The performance was amazing!" he said. "The kids performed like professionals. This project was the culmination of three months of work with William Shakespeare's life. Students did a variety of writing and art work centered around the play.
"They absolutely stunned the audience with great acting and hilarious comedy. The enthusiasm, support for one another and sheer joy they showed since they discovered A Midsummer Night's Dream has made me so proud to teach this group of students."
The cast was comprised of all of Division 4 at Topham, 29 students.
 Students with Disabilities celebrate success in Career Discoveries
On June 10, fifty-five secondary students from across Langley celebrated their work experience successes.
Through the year 50 community businesses and organizations partnered with the Career Discoveries Program to host a student. The range of host employers reflected the diverse interests of the students: Newlands Golf and Country Club, Buy Low Foods, Total Metal Fabrication, Vancouver Zoo, Jackman Manor, Colossus Theater all offered training to students with disabilities.
Graduating students were recognized by Assistant Superintendent Charlie Etchell and District Principal, Special Services Rosemarie Janssen. Some graduates had worked over 400 hours while on work experience over the past three years. Several students have found paid employment as a result of their placements. For more information about the Career Discoveries Program contact Marvin Moedt at the School Board Office, 604-534-7891.
Photo: Michael Gannon from Brookswood Secondary who worked at the Canadian Museum of Flight, being congratulated by work experience teacher Marvin Moedt.
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