Good Things and the Week Ahead - April 20 - 24
Families of Douglas Park,
We had another great week at school, starting off with plenty of rainy weather and ending with some beautiful clouds and sunshine! Despite the wet start, our students stayed engaged and positive, working hard in the classroom and bringing great energy to their learning throughout the day. As the week went on and the weather began to clear, classes were excited to get back outside, enjoying some fresh air and a bit of sunshine whenever they could. It was a nice reminder of how quickly the seasons can shift and how we can make the most of every kind of day. It’s hard to believe that we are entering the last couple months of school, but it’s incredible to see how much our kids have developed. Watching our students grow in their academics as well as their independence as young learners is inspiring. Developing independence as a learner for an elementary school student means empowering them to take charge of their own learning journey. It involves fostering skills and attitudes that allow students to explore their interests, ask meaningful questions, and make informed decisions. Independence is not just about the end result; it’s about prioritizing the learning process. We love watching our students grow and seeing them develop independence as learners.
As we approach the end of the school year, there is an opportunity for our students to continue their learning during Summer Session at Douglas Park. The ongoing goal of Summer Session in the Langley School District is to provide short-term educational opportunities for students to support them in their long-term educational development, and to inspire them to reach their full potential. Every year, Summer Session provides an opportunity for grade 1-12 students from Langley and neighbouring regions to explore areas of interest, get extra help, and stay connected with their learning during the summer. This year’s Summer Session at Douglas Park is scheduled to take place July 6th – 24th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Registration opens on Wednesday, April 22nd at 11:30 am. If you are interested in registering your child for Summer Session, we encourage you to register them as soon as possible as spaces are limited. For those of you who are interested, here are the steps for registration:
Step 1: Click on registration link: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/summer-session-registration
Step 2: Create a new account as a “student” or “guardian.”
Step 3: If you are a “guardian,” you must “Add student(s).” You will need a PEN for each student. Guardians can add more than one student. Registration is limited to one course per student.
Step 4: Search for your course. Select student. Click on “Register” to continue process.
Step 5: Once completed, you should receive an email regarding the status of your application(s). This may take some time due to volume of registrants. You can also click on the registrations tab on the left-hand side to see what courses you have registered for.
If you need assistance with the registration process, please visit the Summer Session website at https://www.sd35.bc.ca/summer-session-registration.
Looking forward to another awesome week at Douglas Park!
Mr. Touzeau
Proud Principal
As always, we want to acknowledge that the Langley School District works, learns and plays on the unceded ancestral lands of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations
Good Things to Talk About
Grade 1 Field Trip to Alder Acres - All of our Grade 1 classes—Ms. Regier’s, Ms. Shaw’s, Mr. Lee’s, and Ms. Yoon’s—headed out on a fun field trip this week to Alder Acres Farm. Students had a wonderful time exploring the farm, meeting and feeding the animals, and learning about how a farm works. From getting up close with goats and chickens to enjoying time outdoors with their classmates, there were smiles all around. It was am awesome day, and the beautiful weather made it even more special!
Space Exploration and Shapes - Ms. Olafson’s class had a great time connecting their learning in a fun and creative way. After watching the Artemis II splashdown, students were inspired to turn their work with 3D shapes into astronaut helmets. They used what they know about shapes to design and build their own creations, showing both their understanding and their imagination.
Learning About Oviparous Animals - In science, Ms. Shaw’s students have been exploring the concept of oviparous animals—animals that lay eggs. They have been learning about different examples and what makes these animals unique. To extend their understanding, the students used their new knowledge to make predictions about what might hatch from the eggs that arrived in their classroom. It has been exciting to see their curiosity grow as they observe closely, make thoughtful guesses, and wait eagerly to see what develops.
Featured Artists - Ms. Yoon’s class took part in a fun art contest organized by the City of Langley. The challenge was to create artwork that reflected the theme of friendship. Students were excited to learn that a number of their pieces were selected to be displayed at the Timms Community Centre. To celebrate, the class went on a walking field trip to view their artwork on display. It was a proud and memorable experience for the students to see their creativity showcased in the community.
Learning About the Water Cycle - Ms. Treleaven’s class has been learning all about the water cycle and how water moves through different stages in nature. They explored how water evaporates, condenses into clouds, and then falls back to Earth as precipitation before collecting and starting the cycle again. To help deepen their understanding, students worked together to create a fun model that demonstrates each stage of the water cycle.
Sewing Leaves - In Ms. Lengle’s class, students have been learning about the seasons throughout the year. One of the ways they have explored this is through a classroom tree that changes with each season. As they observe changes in nature, students update their tree to match what they see happening outside. To prepare their tree for spring, students practised sewing together leaves to add to their display. This activity was not only lots of fun, but also provided awesome fine motor practice as they developed their hand strength and coordination.
Drop Everything and Read - On Friday, we had a fun school spirit day where students dressed up as their favourite book characters. It was great to see so many creative costumes and characters come to life throughout the school. We also took part in Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day, where everyone paused what they were doing to enjoy some quiet reading time. The day helped celebrate a love of reading and gave students a chance to share their favourite books and enjoy stories together in a fun and engaging way.
Special Guest - Ms. Millington’s class had a very special visit when Mrs. Baratto came by with her baby! The class gathered outside for a picnic and had the chance to ask lots of questions and learn about babies, which made everyone very excited. After their picnic, students returned to the classroom and wrote about the visit in their journals, doing a wonderful job sounding out words on their own and building their writing skills.
Reading Link Regional Challenge - We want to give a huge shout-out to our Reading Link Challenge team for representing our school at the regional finals. Since January, these students have been reading a set of books and working together to remember important details, characters, and events while building strong teamwork skills. At our school championship, all teams did an amazing job, and after some very close rounds, this team earned the chance to represent our school. Earlier this week, they competed at the regional finals at Lynn Fripps Elementary School and did an exceptional job. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication.
3D Shapes - Ms. Mackenzie’s class has been learning all about 3-D shapes in math! After exploring different shapes, students got to build their own using toothpicks and Play-Doh. This fun, hands-on activity helped them see how 3-D shapes are put together. They explored things like faces, edges, and vertices (corners), and discovered how shapes can be strong and stable. It was a great way to bring their learning to life while building creativity and problem-solving skills!
Prefixes and Suffixes - Ms. Egmore’s students have been having a great time exploring prefixes and suffixes through fun, hands-on games during literacy centres! These engaging activities help bring words to life and make learning exciting. By understanding these important word parts, students are building the skills they need to figure out the meaning of new words as they read—helping them grow into stronger, more confident readers.
Artist Study - Mr. Boehmer’s class has been learning about the artist Roy Henry Vickers and his unique style of art. Students explored how he uses bold shapes, strong lines, and beautiful colours inspired by nature and West Coast landscapes. After learning about his style, students created their own artwork inspired by Roy Henry Vickers, using similar shapes and colours to show their ideas. It’s amazing to see their creativity and how they brought their learning to life through their art!
Learning Long Division - Ms. Bhambi’s class has been so excited to learn long division! Students are working hard and having fun as they practice their math skills. After working together at their tables, they get a chance to come up to the whiteboard and show what they know to Ms. Bhambi. It’s great to see how proud they feel when they share their thinking, and how much their confidence is growing as they learn something new together.
Learning About the Main Idea - During literacy centres in Ms. Knight’s class, students work in small groups with different teachers. This week, they have been reading novels and other texts and learning how to find the main idea of a story. They are also practicing how to tell the difference between important details and details that are not as important. These skills are important because they help students understand what they read and remember the most important parts of a story. This helps them become stronger and more confident readers. It’s great to see students so focused, excited, and enjoying their reading!
Lunchtime Hockey - Last week, we started lunchtime intramurals for our Grade 4 and 5 students! This month, students are playing hockey and having a great time learning new skills like passing, shooting, and working as a team. They are also learning the rules of the game and how to play fairly. A big thank you to Ms. Kilvert and Ms. Thornley for organizing these fun lunchtime activities for our students. We also want to thank the Langley RCMP for helping facilitate the hockey program, and the Vancouver Canucks for donating the floor hockey equipment. Because of their support, our students get to stay active, learn new skills, and have lots of fun with their friends!
The Week Ahead
Tuesday
- PAC Meeting at 9:00 am
- Lunch Time Hockey for Grade 4s
Wednesday
- Earth Day
- Choir Practice at 2:45 pm
- TeamUp Soccer from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Back Field
Thursday
- Assembly at 1:00 pm
- TeamUp Basketball from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Friday
- Lunch Time Hockey for Grade 5s
Month at a Glance
April 21st - PAC Meeting at 9:00 am
April 22nd - Earth Day
April 23rd - Boxes of Love Assembly
May 1st - School Spirit Day: Moustache Day
May 4th - School Spirit Day: Star Wars Day
May 5th - Welcome to Kindergarten Event
May 7th - Grade 5 Visit to HD Stafford
May 8th - Informal Learning Update Sent Home
May 11th - Fire Drill at 10:00 am
May 15th - Professional Development Day
May 18th - Victoria Day (School Closed)
May 25th - May 29th - Operation Waterproof for Grade 5 Students
May 27th - Regional Track Meet
June 2nd - Class Pictures
PAC News
Message from the PAC – We are looking for parents to join our Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The purpose of the PAC is to organize activities and events and to encourage parent involvement in the school. PAC meetings are the place to bring ideas for creating social events for fundraising or simply to bring the community together. Meetings are held once a month and you are welcome to bring your little ones to our meetings. Some examples of what the PAC does are:
- Movie Nights
- Hot Lunch
- Popcorn Day
- Chess Tournament
Please join us, we’d love to have some new PAC members and we look forward to meeting you. Upcoming meetings are in the school newsletter!
Upcoming PAC Events
- TBD
Next Meeting Time
- Tuesday, April 21st from 9:00 - 9:45 am in the Staff Room
Messages from the PAC
If you want to help us organize or assist with any event, please shoot us an email at pacdouglaspark@gmail.com.
– Douglas Park PAC
Updates and Reminders
School Community Coordinator - We are excited to share that Ms. Langford, a valued member of our team at Douglas Park Community School, has moved into a new role as School Community Coordinator. We are thrilled to see her step into this position and continue supporting our school community in new and meaningful ways. Please see the poster below for more details!
Summer Session 2026 – Elementary/Middle/Secondary - Are you looking for skill-building or new learning opportunities for your child to keep them engaged during the summer? The District offers a variety of courses as part of Summer Session. Online registration begins on Wednesday, April 22nd for Elementary (Grades 1 to 5), Monday, April 27th for Middle (Grades 6 to 8), and Wednesday, April 29th for Secondary (Grades 9 to 12) at 11:30am each day for Langley School District students. For important dates, times, and courses available to Grade 1-12 students, please visit our webpage here.
Reminder for Families: Electric Scooters - Electric scooters are not allowed on school property. In British Columbia, riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet, and electric kick scooters cannot be used on sidewalks or public roads. The school will not be storing electric scooters for students, to help encourage following these safety rules. We ask that families talk with their children to make sure they understand and follow the age and safety requirements.
Langley City Development Planning - This April, Langley City invites you to learn about Invest Langley City, our community-informed plan to deliver lasting value through practical, smart investments built with everyone in mind. The plan looks beyond our current five-year financial plan and focuses on unfunded facilities and public spaces to advance Langley City’s vision.
As our community continues to grow, we have recognized the need for major capital investments to be guided by community input. These investments include two key facilities that will support the health and wellbeing of our citizens:
- Al Anderson Memorial Pool expansion and possible renovations to the existing facilities to provide year-round leisure, fitness, and expanded recreation programs for all ages.
- Timms Community Centre expansion combined with a Performing Arts and Cultural Centre to provide expanded recreation programs, create a hub for cultural and artistic expression, and attract newcomers and tourists.
Public Engagement Events:
- Timms Community Centre — April 8, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and April 14, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Al Anderson Memorial Pool — April 18, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Earth Day at Douglas Park — April 25, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- Online session — April 29, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (registration required)
Langley City will use community feedback along with technical analysis to ensure every investment delivers high value by confirming priority projects, a budget for each and how each project will be funded. We look forward to your participation.
More information is available online at letschat.langleycity.ca/Invest.
Season of Theatre and Spring Shows – Elementary/Middle Edition - The Langley School District is proud to be presenting more incredible live theatre performances across Langley – this time in our Elementary and Middle schools! Please check out the link below to see the full listing of dates for upcoming shows and dates this spring and be sure to check out these amazing productions! Please contact the school for more details on showtimes and ticket information!
Inclusion Langley Family Support Group – We are excited to be hosting a family support group organized by Inclusion Langley. The group will be meeting once a month in the SWIS portable and exploring various topics for supporting families who care for children aged birth to 12 years old with support needs. If you are interested in joining this group, please see the attached poster for more details:
Langley Family Support Group at Douglas Park 2025:2026.pd
How To Register:
To register or for more information, please contact:
Nellie Slater, Family Support Coordinator with Inclusion Langley Society
Phone: 604-996-5244 | Email: familysupport@inclusionlangley.com
Informal Learning Updates - During the week of May 4, your child will receive a paper record of the second informal learning update as part of the requirements within the Ministry of Education and Childcare's Reporting Order. This informal Learning Update serves as a record of communication, which can include (but is not limited to) past email communication, meeting, digital student portfolio or written communication, to serve as an update to families on student learning progress since the Term 2 Formal Learning Update. Parents/Caregivers will be able to see the method of communication indicated at the top of the paper informal Learning Update. If you have further questions on your child's learning progress, please contact your child's classroom teacher.
TeamUp Soccer - TeamUp is excited to offer a free soccer program for Douglas Park students every Wednesday from 6:00–7:30 pm on the back field. Registration forms were sent home before Spring Break. If you didn’t receive one and would like to sign your child up, they can ask Ms. Di Sabatino for a form, or you can register in person at the field, where TeamUp staff will have extras available. Please see the poster below for more details:
Douglas Park Just Be Four (JB4) Preschool (Registration Open for September 2026) -Langley School District operates a licenced 4 year old preschool program at Douglas Park Elementary. Registration is now open for September 2026-2027. Classes operate on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays or Tuesdays/Thursdays from 12:45-3:15. Please complete the contact form below and our staff will connect with you regarding securing a space for your child. Please contact Charlene Redekop at credekop@sd35.bc.ca for further information.
The Mane Event - Saturday, May 23, 2026 - If you’re looking for something a little different this spring, The Mane Event is worth a spot on your calendar. Hosted at Thunderbird Show Park, this Kentucky Derby-inspired afternoon brings together community and world-class show jumping, all in support of Langley students. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday and experience something elevated, social, and meaningful. All proceeds support programs that help remove barriers for students, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) Reading Advisor - FVRL Reading Advisor is a free resource for everyone living or studying in communities served by FVRL, including Langley. The Reading Advisor service offers personalized book recommendations for readers of all ages, making it an excellent support for students and staff across the Langley School District. All that is required is to fill out a short form about your reading interests, and trained library staff respond with a customized reading list based on genre, themes, age level, and preferred formats (print, eBook, audiobook, graphic novel, etc.) This is ideal for boosting reading engagement, supporting diverse learning needs, and possibly helping teachers quickly discover high‑quality texts for classroom use. This free community resource extends the capacity of school libraries and connects learners with a broader range of inclusive and accessible materials and would be a great resource to share with students and other staff to help them find some new great reads for over spring break. Happy Reading!
https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/my-reading-adviser
April Health Messaging – Fraser Health (Physical Activity Outdoors (from Fraser Health) - Health, safety, and wellness continue to be a priority in our schools. To help support our students and families, we are sharing important information from our community partner Fraser Health about the importance of physical activity outdoors. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.
Get Outside and Play - Physical activity is a necessary requirement for optimal health. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence helps to develop cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, supports positive social connections and improves mental well-being. There are many benefits to unstructured play. These benefits are even greater when engaging in physical activity outdoors. When children and youth spend time outside, they:
- Sit less, move more and play longer - key to cardiovascular health and fitness.
- Have healthier eyes - spending more time outside reduces nearsightedness risks.
- Sleep better - sunlight helps regulate sleep hormones and sleep patterns.
- Enjoy improved mood - physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Feel more connected to nature - appreciation of the environment and being in nature can support healthy and balanced emotions.
Planning active outings doesn’t have to be challenging or costly. Here are some fun ideas you can try:
- Try a new activity – check out geocaching or attend a local explorer day with NatureKidsBC.
- Unplug and connect – ideas to decrease recreational screen time.
- Go for a scavenger hunt – try this nature scavenger hunt.
- Go for a walk or hike – try these 10 hikes to take your kids on this summer.
- Play in a forest or park – try a new regional park every day for a week.
- Explore a local stream – check these beautiful watershed walks in the region. Learn about water safety for children.
- Swim at the pool, waterpark or beach – check beach safety conditions first or stay cool at a local spray park.
- Ride a bike or scooter – explore the Hope Bike Park or check out these rides along Boundary Bay, Pitt Meadows or Vedder Greenway. Learn more about cycling safety on Fraser Health’s website.
- Visit farms, fish hatcheries and bird sanctuaries – try this local family fun guide for unique ideas.
Find more ideas to keep your kids active through the year on Fraser Health’s Keeping children active page.
International Student Program Homestay Families - Embark on a rewarding journey of cultural exchange! The District is seeking homestay families to host International Student Program (ISP) students for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. There are many benefits including learning a new culture, sharing your family traditions, and developing life-long friendships. Homestay families are provided $1200 per month to offset costs. Start your journey here: Students & Homestay
Middle School Registration Reminder - Middle school registration has moved to an online system. Families of current Grade 5 students who attend a feeder school (such Douglas Park) do NOT need to complete online registration for Stafford, as their child will transition automatically.
Hot Lunch Program – Here’s the April menu for families interested in participating in the school’s hot lunch program:
Privacy Reminder: Recording Devices in Schools - To protect the privacy and security of all students, staff, and visitors, the Langley School District reminds parents and students that digital recording devices, such as Meta Glasses and AngelSense Trackers, are not permitted at school for staff, students, nor members of the community. If parents have concerns about safety and supervision, please refer to our robust district planning (Student Success Plans, Plans of Supervision), and supervision schedules. If parents still have concerns about supervision, please reach out to your Director for guidance. This policy is in place to ensure compliance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the District’s procedures for responsible information management.
Parking Lot Safety Reminder - Thank you for helping us keep our students safe! A quick reminder that our parking lot is for staff only. The front area is a drop-off/pick-up zone—please stay in your car so traffic can keep flowing smoothly. If you need to park, street parking is available along 205 Street by the back field. Adding a couple of extra minutes to your commute helps ensure a safe and efficient experience for everyone. We appreciate your continued support in putting safety first!
Nut Aware Policy - At our school, the safety of all students is a top priority. While we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment, we are a nut-aware school. This means we ask families to avoid sending peanut or tree-nut products (such as peanut butter, Nutella, or almond snacks) to school, as even small traces can cause serious allergic reactions. Any food brought to school for sharing, such as for birthdays or classroom celebrations, must be store-bought with a clear list of ingredients so we can ensure it is safe for all students with allergies. Food from restaurants (such as Tim Hortons) is also allowed as long as ingredients can be confirmed. Please check with your child’s teacher before bringing in treats so we can make sure everyone is included safely. Students are reminded not to share food and to wash their hands after eating to help reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Families of children with life-threatening allergies are asked to provide the school with the necessary medical forms and prescribed EpiPens each year. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, and emergency procedures are in place. By working together, we can help keep our school community safe and welcoming for everyone.
Breakfast Program – The breakfast program is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 – 8:27 AM. It is located in the Boys & Girls Club Portable. The program is FREE for all Douglas Park students. It is run by volunteers and supported through donations. You do not need to register for this program. Parents/guardians are welcome to join their child(ren). For more information about the breakfast program, please contact the school office.
Strong Start – Douglas Park Strong Start hours are 8:30 - 11:30 am with a first come first served limit of 20 children. To register for the 2025/2026 Strong Start year, please bring a birth certificate to be copied. A registration form can be filled out at your first visit.
Parent Code of Conduct - The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, social responsibility, and support optimal learning. Trauma Informed Practices and Procedures promote the creation and maintenance of safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments. Families play an important role in helping students achieve success as well as helping create a compassionate learning community. Just as students are expected to follow the District’s Student Code of Conduct, there is an expectation for parents/guardians to uphold the District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. The District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct can be viewed on the District’s website here.
Attendance – If your child is going to be away or late please be sure to call the office and leave a message @ 604-533-4491 or email DPCAttendance@sd35.bc.ca.
FaceBook – Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updated information
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Douglasparkcommunityelementary
Bell Schedule
8:42 – Warning Bell
8:47 – Instruction Begins
10:10-10:25 – Recess
11:47-12:20 – Lunch
2:30 – Dismissal
School Calendar 2025/26 – Please click the link below to access our school calendar for the year. It provides general dates about when the school is open and closed.