Good Things and the Week Ahead - December 15 - 19
Families of Douglas Park,
Last week was an awesome week at the school with lots of exciting holiday activities including our Winter Concert and Community Holiday Sing-Along. It was wonderful to see so many families join us for these events. The Winter Concert was an amazing celebration of the holiday season, featuring a variety of musical performances by our students. There was no doubt that holiday spirit was in the air as kids excitedly sang some of our favourite holiday songs. The Community Holiday Sing-Along was also a lot of fun as families and staff joined together to read the classic Dr. Seuss book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and sing a number of classic Christmas songs. There is something special about coming together for these school events. The joy, fun, and cheer that took place during these events reminded me about the importance and beauty of community. We hope that whether it is gathering with friends or family, this same joy, fun, and cheer finds you throughout the holiday season.
As we enter this last week before winter break we know that there is a lot of excitement among students as well as anticipation for the holidays. Along with all the excitement can come moments of anxiousness for kids. To help our students we will continue to focus on supporting emotional regulation at school, providing a lighter workload, giving lots of opportunities for breaks, and giving reminders of what it means to be safe, kind, and respectful. We want this week to be fun and magical for all of our kids and we know that this starts with them feeling safe and loved.
Here are some of the events taking place this week at the school:
- Holiday Sing-Along – Every day this week, Douglas Park staff will be gathering in front of the school at 8:30 am to sing through some classic holiday songs. If you feel like singing along, we would love for you to join us!
- Breakfast with Santa – On Wednesday, students will be invited down to the gym with their classes for a pancake breakfast. Kindergarten to Grade 2 classes will be eating between 9:00 and 9:40 am. Grade 3 to Grade 5 classes will be eating between 9:40 and 10:30 am. After eating, classes will have an opportunity to meet Santa and get their picture with him!
- Stockings – CLA will generously be providing each student at Douglas Park with a stocking on Thursday afternoon. To help distribute the stockings, the Langley Fire Department and RCMP will be on-hand.
- Pajama Day – Remember to wear your pajamas on Friday! We will be celebrating the last day of school before Winter Break with Pajama Day!
We have had an incredible start to our school year at Douglas Park and I would like to thank all of our families for the awesome support they have shown to our school during these first four months of the school year. We have an amazing school community, and we are looking forward to continuing all of the fun and learning in January. This will be the last newsletter until the new year, so I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy holidays!
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
Holiday Banners - We are so grateful for all the hard work that classes put into creating banners to help decorate for our winter concert. The banners looked amazing and made the gym feel extra festive for the concert. They really helped show off the students’ creativity and made everyone feel excited to celebrate the season together.
Community Sing-Along - We had lots of fun at our Community Holiday Sing-Along on Thursday night! Everyone enjoyed singing together and listening to a fun story read by the one and only Ensy the Snowman. It’s always awesome to have special times like this where our school community can come together and celebrate the season.
Write the Room - Ms. Shaw’s class had a lot of fun with a Christmas-themed “Write the Room” activity! For this activity, students moved around the classroom looking for holiday words posted on the walls and then wrote them down on their papers. It’s a fun way to practice reading, writing, and spelling while being active and exploring the classroom. Students really enjoy it because it feels like a holiday treasure hunt!
Reindeer Ornaments - Ms. Di Sabatino’s class had a fun Christmas craft this week! Using popsicle sticks, the students made awesome reindeer ornaments. This activity is great because it lets students be creative, practice using their hands, and make something they can be proud of for the holiday season.
Sounds and Actions - In Ms. Yoon’s class, students have been working hard to practise and strengthen their letter sounds to help them become better readers and writers. The class uses actions to go with important vowel sounds, which makes learning more fun and easier to remember. Using actions helps students use their bodies and their brains at the same time, so the sounds stick in their minds. This helps students remember the sounds when they are reading and writing on their own.
Visit to Harrison Landing - Ms. Lee’s, Ms. Evans’, and Ms. Treleaven’s grade 2 classes had a wonderful visit to Harrison Landing, where they shared some Christmas cheer by singing songs for the residents. This was such a great activity because it gave students a chance to connect with seniors in our community, make people smile, and practice kindness. Visiting and performing for others helps students see how their actions can bring joy to people of all ages.
Winter Concert - Thank you for an amazing Winter Concert, Douglas Park! The kids were AWESOME and it was great to see so much of our school community join us for the performance. In the words of Buddy the Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” The kids sure sang their hearts out!
Holiday Crossword - Ms. Egmore’s class had lots of fun this week creating their own winter-themed crosswords. As a class, students worked together to think of winter words and write their own clues. This activity helped students learn and practise new vocabulary, think about word meanings, and use clear clues for others to understand. Students had a great time being creative while building their vocabulary and working as a team.
Santa Comics - Ms. Treleaven’s class had a lot of fun creating Santa comics. Students were given a comic strip with pictures but no words, and they used the pictures to make up their own stories by adding text and speech bubbles. This was a great learning activity because it helped students practise their writing, use their imagination, and think carefully about how stories are told. Students had lots of fun being creative and sharing their comics with others while building important reading and writing skills.
Learning About Natural Features - In Social Studies, Mr. Lee’s students are learning about natural features, which are parts of the environment made by nature, not by people. After watching an interesting video, the class talked about natural features they can find in their own community and why they are important. Students shared many great ideas based on the nature around them and then created an infographic to show the natural features in our local area. They made strong connections and showed a great understanding of how nature helps shape where we live.
Elf Workshop - Ms. Olafson’s class had a great time during their “Elf Workshop” Day. Students enjoyed making their very own toolboxes and felt proud of the work they created. Activities like this help students practise problem-solving, creativity, and following steps, while also building confidence and teamwork. A big thank you to Home Depot for donating the toolboxes and aprons, and to Princess Auto for the hammers. Their generous donations helped make this fun and meaningful learning experience possible.
Nouns and Verbs - In Ms. Regier’s class, Ms. Regier and Ms. Lee worked together to teach a lesson about nouns and verbs. Students talked about bedtime routines and used them to learn the difference between the two. Nouns are words that name people, places, or things, like bed, pajamas, or toothbrush. Verbs are action words that tell what someone is doing, like brush, read, or sleep. Learning about bedtime routines helped students think of real-life examples they know well, which made it easier to understand and remember new words.
Sensory Wall - This year, we added three new sensory walls to our school to help students learn how to calm their bodies and understand their feelings. Sensory walls are helpful because they give students a place to touch, move, and explore different textures, which can make it easier to stay focused and ready to learn. They work best when teachers and students talk together about how to use them in healthy ways. We also want to give a big thank-you to our school counsellor, Mr. Grill, for helping to create and set up the sensory walls.
Glow Party - After working really hard during Term 1 and always doing their best, Ms. Lee’s class earned a fun Glow Party! The students had an amazing time celebrating with glowing lights and exciting activities. It’s important to celebrate their hard work because it shows them that their effort matters and helps them feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. Ms. Lee’s so proud of her class for showing great teamwork, responsibility, and determination.
Rotary Breakfast with Santa - Last Saturday (December 6th) we had an awesome Breakfast with Santa! It was so much fun to see so many of our school families come out. There was yummy food, fun crafts, pictures with Santa, and lots of big smiles. We love getting our school community together for special events like this. A big thank you to Rotary for organizing this wonderful morning for us. Breakfast with Santa is one of our favourite Christmas traditions at Douglas Park!
Buddy Pancake Party - Mr. Boehmer’s class had a fun surprise for their little buddy class! The grade fives made a pancake breakfast for Ms. Baratto’s class. Everyone had a great time eating together and celebrating a wonderful first term as buddy classes. It was a special way for students to share kindness, enjoy time with each other, and build their friendship.
The Week Ahead
Wednesday
- Student Breakfast with Santa
Thursday
- Stockings for Students
Friday
- School Spirit Day - Pyjama Day
- Last Day Before Winter Break
Month at a Glance
December 17th - Student Breakfast with Santa
December 18th - Stocking Give-Away
December 19th - School Spirit Day - Pyjama Day
December 19th - Last Day before Winter Break
December 22nd - January 2nd - Winter Break
January 5th - School Re-Opens
January 7th - PAC Meeting at 9:00 am in the Staff Room
January 7th - Earthquake Drill
January 16th - School Spirit Day - School Colours or Dragon Gear
January 16th - Inclusion Langley Family Support Group at 9:30 am
January 30th - School Spirit Day - Summer in Winter Day (Dress Like It's Summer)
February 9th - Professional Development Day (Students Do Not Attend School)
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
- January 7, 2026 at 9:00 am
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
Slippery Playground Equipment – As winter approaches, please be aware that playground equipment and the surrounding wooden borders can become very slippery in cool, wet conditions. On frosty mornings, please be extra careful to prevent slips and falls.
Building Better Tech Habits Workshop from Media Smarts for Families - MediaSmarts has launched a new, free, self-guided workshop to help families develop healthier technology and screen-time habits. Building Better Tech Habits provides practical, research-informed strategies for managing family screen use and addressing common digital challenges at all ages. The workshop can be accessed 24/7 via the link below and completed any time, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.
Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me - Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me is a fun and engaging Langley Literacy Network program designed for kindergarten students and their caregivers. The program will run Saturday mornings from 10 –11 AM, January 17th, 2026, to March 7th, 2026, at Raphael House in the City of Langley. It is an opportunity to read, play, learn, and connect. Each week, families will explore new books and activities that support early literacy and learning. Plus, every participating family will take home eight new books to build their home library! Registration is required, and space is limited—sign up today at https://langleyliteracynetwork.com/talk-with-me-play-with-me-learn-with-me/
Winter Health (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 Winter Health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.
Keep Your Child Healthy During Winter - As the chilly winter season approaches, there are things you can do to help keep your children healthy and well.
Get Ready For Winter At Home And In The Community - Winter can bring extreme weather and it's important to have plans to be safe during cold weather, storms and power outages, including staying warm, having a carbon monoxide detector and planning for emergencies. Learn about programs that can support your family:
· Get ready for winter: Snow and cold safety for you and your home - Fraser Health Authority
· Indoor air quality - Fraser Health Authority
Bundle Up For The Cold - Dressing appropriately for cold weather keeps your child comfortable and protected. Wearing multiple layers is a great way to trap body heat and provide insulation against the cold. Keep a warm hat, gloves, scarves and warm, waterproof boots handy. Remind your child to wear these items before heading outside to play or going to school. Learn about hypothermia and frostbite as children can be more susceptible.
Protect Against Winter Illnesses - Winter brings an increased risk of colds and flu. Ensure your child receives their annual flu vaccine and talk to a health care provider about any additional vaccines that may be recommended. Teach your child good respiratory etiquette such as regular hand washing, covering their coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick. If they are sick and cannot stay away from others, masks can help to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Learn more about masks here.
Keep Their Bodies Moving - It is important to keep your child active during winter as regular physical activity is important for good health. Outdoor activities such as skating, sledding and going for walks as a family are all great ways to keep active. On colder days, indoor play and activities such as dancing, yoga or sports are great ways to promote movement. Look for drop-in programs at local community centres or indoor sports facilities. If you play on frozen lakes or ponds, be sure that the ice has been tested for strength and safety. Learn more on the Lifesaving Society's website.
Find more tips for a healthy winter on Fraser Health’s Winter Health page.
Information About School Status During Inclement Weather - Snow closures and power outages are an annual occurrence in Langley School District. So, where do you go to get information about the status of schools during periods of inclement weather? If you are able to access the internet via computer or smartphone, current information about Langley schools can be accessed on all school websites or www.sd35.bc.ca. Updates are also posted to X (formerly Twitter) @LangleySchools and Facebook at www.facebook.com/langleyschooldistrict. If you don't have internet connectivity but your phone is working, call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected by the storm and ask them to check the district website for you. Local radio stations are also informed of school status in Langley. Tune in to CKWX 1130AM, CKNW 980AM, Country Radio 107.1FM, Pulse 107.7 or CBC 690AM or 88.1FM for updates. Please note that Langley District schools are all considered 'open' until a decision to close is required. Decisions on school closures are usually made by 6:30am. As always, it is a parent's decision whether to send their child to school based on safety and individual circumstances. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your child to travel to or attend an open school for any reason, please keep your child home and report an absence to the school.
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.
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
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.