Families of Douglas Park,

We had an awesome first week back at school! There was a real buzz of excitement in the building as students and staff settled back into routines. Walking through the halls and popping into classrooms, it was heartening to see so much energy and joy—students diving into their learning, working hard, and having fun along the way. As we head into the Easter long weekend, classrooms were filled with creative Easter art and fun-themed activities. From colourful crafts to engaging learning experiences, students have loved celebrating the season together. It’s been a fantastic start to the term, and we’re looking forward to all the great learning and connections still to come!

It was especially wonderful to see how excited everyone was to reconnect after the break. Students were eager to see their friends and teachers again, and that excitement carried into recess and lunch times, where the playground was full of laughter, games, and smiling faces. There was a real sense of community as everyone enjoyed being back together. One of our ongoing goals this year has been to nurture a positive, inclusive school culture, and it’s been wonderful to see that energy continue into Term Three. The kindness, teamwork, and enthusiasm shown by our students make Douglas Park such a special place to learn and grow.

Of course, learning and growing can come with challenges. Not every day will be easy—and that’s okay. These moments give us a chance to help our kids build important life skills like resilience and effective problem-solving. When difficulties arise, we encourage students to talk with a trusted staff member. We want them to feel heard, supported, and empowered to take steps toward a solution. Learning how to identify a problem, think it through, and explore next steps helps students gain confidence—not just in the classroom, but in life. We are so proud of our students—not only for their academic progress, but for the kind, thoughtful, and hardworking people they’re becoming. And we’re deeply grateful to do this work alongside such a caring and encouraging community of families. Your support, involvement, and trust mean the world to us. Together, we’re creating a place where kids feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

We are very proud of our kids and it is a privilege to see them grow not only academically, but also in their abilities with solving problems and being active and effective community members.

Here’s to a great Term Three—together!

Looking forward to another great 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

Growing Potatoes - Ms. Olafson’s class was excited to see that their potatoes had started to sprout over the break! The students were happy to see how much they had grown. They began “hilling” their potatoes by adding more soil around the plants. This helps the potatoes grow bigger and stay healthy. The class is learning how to take care of plants and understand what they need to grow. They are excited to keep watching their potatoes grow and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Carving Soapstone - Ms. Bhambi’s class had an awesome opportunity to take part in Lynn Heyes’ “Carving a Soapstone Kulik” workshop. During this hands-on experience, students learned how to carve their very own traditional seal oil lamp, complete with a small hole to hold a tea light candle. As they worked carefully on their creations, students discovered the importance of patience, focus, and following directions. Beyond carving techniques, the workshop also encouraged creativity, listening skills, and an appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind the Kulik.

High-Frequency Words - Ms. Carter’s class had a fun lesson all about the most common words we use in English. The students worked together to try to guess the top 10 words and shared their ideas as a class. After that, they practised reading and using the words. Learning these common words is important because they show up a lot in books and writing. When students know them well, it helps them read more smoothly and understand what they are reading. It also makes writing easier, because they can use these words quickly and confidently.

Awesome Young Writers - Ms. Regier’s class has been working hard to become stronger writers. This week in their journals, students wrote about their spring break. They used a class brainstorm to help come up with ideas before writing, which made their stories even better. They also used a writer’s checklist to check things like capital letters and punctuation. It has been awesome to see how much the students are growing as writers and how proud they are to share their work with others.

April Fools Fun - On April 1, our school was full of fun and laughter for April Fools’ Day! Some kindergarten students walked around the school offering people a “delicious brownie,” but it was actually a brown “E”, which made lots of people smile. We also had a school-wide prank where students were told that our school had a new corporate sponsor which meant it would be renamed “Amazon Prime Elementary School” and our mascot would become “Dash the Delivery Dragon.” Students had fun trying to convince teachers not to change the name of our school, and in the end, everyone discovered it was just an April Fools’ joke, leading to lots of smiles and laughs all around.

Fun with Math Centres - Ms. Lengle’s class had a fun and busy math centres time. The students worked on learning new math ideas and practicing ones they already know. They rotated through different activities like building patterns, solving addition and subtraction questions, and playing shape bingo. Everyone stayed focused, worked hard, and really enjoyed learning together!

Estimating and Measuring - Mr. Lee’s class had a fun math lesson about estimation and measurement during their small group time. The students practiced estimating the length of different objects, helping them build number sense and make smart predictions. They also used non-standard units, like blocks or hands, to measure and check how close their guesses were. It was great to see their estimation skills improve as their guesses became more accurate and their confidence grew.

Concepts of Multiplication - Ms. Di Sabatino’s class worked hard during math today as they learned about multiplication in different ways, including making equal groups, using repeated addition, and building arrays (rows and columns). These strategies help students understand what multiplication really means and build a strong foundation for future math learning. It was awesome to see how excited everyone was, with students staying focused, working hard, and proud of what they are learning.

Fun with Peeps - Ms. Millington’s class had a great time celebrating spring and easter by adopting their very own Peeps! Each student chose a Peep and brought it to life by giving it a name, thinking about its favourite foods, and imagining where it might live. They had lots of fun sharing their creative ideas and learning more about each other’s Peeps. To make it official, the students carefully filled out and signed a Peep birth certificate, making their new little friends part of the classroom community. It was a fun and imaginative activity that brought lots of smiles and excitement to the room!

Zentangle Art - Ms. Shaw’s class had an awesome time learning about Zentangle art and creating a special Easter project. The students practiced drawing unique patterns and used them to decorate their own Easter bunnies, making each one creative and different. They then painted colourful backgrounds to help their artwork stand out. It was great to see their creativity shine and how excited they were to share their finished artwork.

Easter Egg Hunt - With the sun shining, Ms. Yoon’s class enjoyed a fun Easter egg hunt on the playground! The students searched for Easter eggs hidden all around. Inside each egg was a special word. When they found an egg, they opened it, read the mystery word, and checked it off on their clipboards. It was a great way to practice reading while having fun outside! 

The Week Ahead

Monday

• Easter Monday (School Closed)

Wednesday

• School Choir Practice at 2:45 pm
• TeamUp Soccer from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on the Back Field

Thursday

• Fire Drill at 10:00 am

Friday

• Venechuk Farms Agri Kids Program

Month at a Glance

April 6th - Easter Monday (School Closed)

April 9th - Fire Drill at 10:00 am

April 10th - Venechuk Farms Agri Kids

April 14th - Lockdown Drill at 9:55 am

April 17th - School Spirit Day: Dress Like a Book Character Day

April 22nd - Earth Day

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

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

• TBD

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

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.

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.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JIz2vmItILtGrl0qa8negQtUN1JaVkNWN1MxMTVOUTNBR0pIUTNPWFAyQS4u

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. 

https://lsdf.org/mane-event/

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: 

1. Sit less, move more and play longer - key to cardiovascular health and fitness. 
2. Have healthier eyes - spending more time outside reduces nearsightedness risks. 
3. Sleep better - sunlight helps regulate sleep hormones and sleep patterns. 
4. Enjoy improved mood - physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. 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.

Budget Consultation 2026-2027 - Want to have your say on the District’s budget for 2026-2027? The Langley School District is inviting students, staff, parents/guardians, and all members of the public to take part in its Budget Consultation 2026-2027 by completing this 5-minute survey here or providing feedback by email to budgetconsultation@sd35.bc.ca. All survey and email submissions will be accepted until March 31, 2026. The data gathered will help provide our District Leadership Team and Board of Education with information needed to make decisions impacting education. The District is sharing videos and an infographic located on our webpage which may be helpful to you. For more information as well as translated versions of the survey, please visit our District webpage here.

 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

Homestay Families Poster.pdf

HD Stafford Parent Information Night (Save the Date) - HD Stafford Middle School (HDSMS) is excited to invite you to their Parent Information Night!

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Who can attend: Families of Grade 5 students (parents, guardians, siblings—all are welcome!)

Time: 6:00 pm

This event is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the transition to middle school and what to expect next year. We will send out more detailed information closer to the date, but we wanted to give you a heads-up so you can save the date.

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 Ms. Langford @  klangford@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.

Douglas Park School Calendar 2025:26.pdf