Families of Douglas Park,

It’s been a fun and festive week at school! As we get closer to Winter Break, classrooms are full of holiday excitement and creativity. Students have been painting beautiful winter scenes, writing letters to Santa, decorating their classrooms, and even solving math problems about candy canes. Teachers are finding ways to bring the festive spirit into lessons, making learning both engaging and seasonal. The school is alive with energy as students share their creations, celebrate their hard work, and look forward to the special events ahead. In addition to all the fun learning happening in classrooms, we celebrated Winter Sweater Day on Friday, with students and staff showing off a variety of holiday clothing. Several classes also had the special opportunity to visit residents at Langley Lodge, spreading holiday cheer by singing songs, giving out cards, and playing games with the residents. This was a wonderful reminder of the joy of giving and the importance of sharing kindness with others. The festive fun continued into the weekend when the Rotary Club generously hosted an amazing Breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning at the school. It was wonderful to see so many members of our school community come together to enjoy delicious food, make crafts, and take photos with Santa. We are so grateful for our incredible school community and love celebrating together at special events like the Santa Breakfast!

This upcoming week includes two of our bigger winter activities: Our Student Winter Concert and our Community Holiday Sing-Along.

The Student Winter Concert will take place on Thursday, December 11th from 12:45 – 2:15 pm with doors opening at 12:15 pm. This concert will include students performing a variety of festive songs with their classes. Students and staff have been working very hard on their songs over the last month and are excited for the performance on Thursday. We hope that you are able to join us!

The Community Holiday Sing-Along will also be taking place on Thursday, December 11th from 6:00 – 6:45 pm with doors opening at 5:45 pm. This sing-along will be a fun, relaxed group event that will include a holiday read-aloud and a group carolling experience led by members of the Douglas Park staff. This casual evening will also include hot chocolate and candy canes. Families are encouraged to sit together for this event as childcare will not be provided. It will be a fun evening of building community and holiday spirit! We hope that you are able to join us!

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

Free Starbucks Store - Earlier this week, Ms. Olafson’s class hosted a “Mini Free Starbucks Coffee Event.” They invited staff to their classroom to enjoy a free coffee, kindly donated by a local Starbucks store. The students have been learning about the spirit of giving during the holiday season, and this event gave them a chance to practise being helpful and friendly, just like real baristas. It was a fun way for the students to learn about teamwork, serving others, and spreading kindness.

Visiting Langley Lodge - A number of our classes went to visit the residents at Langley Lodge this week. It was a fun and festive trip where students sang Christmas songs, handed out Christmas cards they had made, and played some games with the residents. This visit was extra special because it helped students connect with people in their community and spread kindness during the holiday season. Everyone left with big smiles and warm hearts. 

States of Matter - Ms. Treleaven’s class has been learning all about states of matter and how things can change. Students explored how some changes are physical, like cutting paper or melting ice, because the material stays the same. They also learned that some changes are chemical, like baking cookies or rust forming, because a new substance is made. The class had a lot of fun sorting different examples into physical changes or chemical changes and talking about why each one fit.

Fun with Volcanos - Ms. Khammountry’s class has been learning all about volcanoes, including how they work and why they erupt. After designing and building their own volcano models, the students finally got to test them out. They added vinegar and baking soda to make their volcanoes erupt, and it was exciting to see the lava explode out of the top! This hands-on activity was fun for everyone and helped students understand volcanoes in a clear and memorable way.

Field Trip to Science World - Mr. Boehmer’s class and Ms. Datema’s class went on an exciting field trip to Science World this week. Students got to explore all kinds of hands-on exhibits, try out fun science activities, and learn cool facts about how the world works. The Grade 5s also took part in a special Body Works workshop run by the Science World staff, where they learned about how the human body moves and stays healthy. It was a fun and educational day filled with discovery and lots of smiles!

Festive Art - Ms. Shaw’s class had a great time this week making Christmas art. The students created colourful ornaments to hang in their classroom window, and they looked amazing in the sunlight. They also used different pieces of fabric to design their own Christmas trees, each one unique and creative. Everyone worked hard and had fun making their classroom feel festive for the holidays.

Holiday Music, Art and Writing - Mr. Lee’s class has been busy practicing Must Be Santa all week! With the song fresh in their minds, the students painted their own Santa Claus based on what they heard in the lyrics. They also wrote about what they liked about Santa, using ideas from the song to help explain their thinking. It was a fun and creative way to enjoy music, art, and writing during the holiday season. 

Reindeer Research - Ms. Bhambi’s class has been working on a fun research project all about reindeer and their character traits. Students worked in groups, and each group was given a different reindeer to learn about. They started with a card that shared some of the reindeer’s traits, and then they got to do their own research to find even more information. Together, each group created a colourful poster with facts and details about their reindeer. It was awesome to see everyone working together, building their research skills and having fun!

Visiting the Pond - Ms. Regier’s class set out for a fun walk to the local duck pond. This was a great activity because it gave the students a chance to explore nature, notice the changing seasons, and practice observing the world around them. The kids had so much fun meeting some friendly ducks and discovering new things about their environment while enjoying being outside together.

Reindeer Portraits - We love these amazing reindeer portraits from Ms. Egmore’s class! The students used egg cartons, twigs, and paint to create their very own reindeer masterpieces. It was awesome to watch them working carefully and putting so much effort into their art. They were very proud of their final creations, and you could see how much fun they had bringing their reindeer to life. 

Book Reviews - Ms. Di Sabatino’s class has been having lots of fun reading different Christmas-themed stories. The students have been learning how to think deeply about the books they read and reflect on why they enjoyed them. As part of this learning, the students became book critics and wrote reviews about their stories, sharing what they liked and giving each book a rating. This activity is super helpful because it teaches students to think carefully about their reading, explain their opinions, and understand what makes a story enjoyable. It also helps them become stronger writers and better readers.

Class Elves - Ms. Yoon’s class had so much fun making their very own elves! Each student used a picture of themselves and decorated an elf template to turn themselves into a festive elf. This was a great project because it let the students be creative, practice careful cutting and colouring, and use their imagination. The kids really enjoyed the process, and they were so proud to show off their very own elves.

The Week Ahead

Monday

• TeamUp Basketball Club at 6:00 pm

Thursday

• Student Winter Concert from 12:45 - 2:15 pm
• Community Holiday Sing-Along from 6:00 - 6:45 pm

Saturday

• TeamUp Soccer Program at 10:30 am

Month at a Glance

December 11th - School Christmas Concert from 12:30 - 2:30 pm

December 11th - Christmas Family Sing-Along at 6:00 pm

December 17th - Student Breakfast with Santa

December 18th - Stockings Give-Away

December 19th - Last Day before Winter Break

December 22nd - January 2nd - Winter Break

January 5th - School Re-Opens

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

This Month in the Arts for December - Below please find a link to the December “This Month in the Arts” poster which showcases the many different Arts Education productions and events that are happening around the District in December for staff, students, parents and community members to attend and enjoy! 

This Month in the Arts-December 2025.pdf 

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.

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.  

Hot Lunch Program – Here’s the December menu for families interested in participating in the school’s hot lunch program:

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.

Douglas Park School Calendar 2025:26.pdf