Good Things and the Week Ahead - February 23 - 27
Families of Douglas Park,
We hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Last week was another awesome week full of learning and fun for our students! Everyone—students and teachers alike—has been working hard to get ready for the upcoming Student Inclusive Conferences, creating portfolios to show what they’ve learned and the areas they’re still developing. It’s been heartwarming to watch them prepare and hear them talk about their learning with such pride. This love of learning was especially clear in a Grade 5 class, where students were reading novels in groups and exploring new vocabulary and comprehension questions. I had the chance to sit with one of these students as he read his novel. Now in Grade 5, he moved to Canada in Grade 2 with very limited English. Hearing him read aloud and seeing how much his reading, writing, and language skills have grown was amazing—and it was clear how proud he is of all the hard work he’s put in. Every student at our school has something to be proud of, reflecting the growth and effort they’ve made this year, and we know they’re excited to share this with you at the upcoming conferences. These meetings are a wonderful chance for you to see firsthand all the positive progress your child has made, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to come together as a school community to celebrate our students’ achievements and set goals for their continued growth.
In addition to the start of Student Inclusive Conferences, this upcoming week is Diversity and Respect Week in the Langley School District. It is a week to celebrate diversity in our community and spread the message that everyone belongs. During the week we will be celebrating culture, ethnicity, and individuality in order to promote awareness, acceptance, reconciliation, and inclusion of all members of the school community. For your reference, we have included a schedule for the week that shows the themes, events, and activities that will take place during the week.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- Theme: We Are Unique
- Spirit Day: Cultural Day (Wear something that represents your family’s culture)
- School-Wide Activity: Student Mural
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Theme: We Are Kind
- Spirit Day: Pink Shirt Day
- School-Wide Activity: Kindness Flowers
Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Theme: We All Belong
- Spirit Day: Dress in Your Favourite Colour Day
Friday, February 28, 2025
- Theme: We Are Better Together
- Spirit Day: Wear What You Love Day (Wear something that represents your passion. For example, a sports jersey, cooking apron, paint smock, dance costume, etc.)
We are excited to continue to celebrate the diversity of our amazing school community!
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
Science Lab Fun - Ms. Egmore’s class had a fun science lab this week where they got to examine owl pellets! Owl pellets are the parts of an owl’s food that the owl can’t digest, like bones and fur, which the owl then spits out. The students carefully looked through the pellets to see what the owls had eaten and learned all about the animals in the owl’s diet. This hands-on lab helped them understand more about owls, food chains, and how animals survive in nature—all while exploring like real scientists!
Playing with Numbers - In Ms. Shaw’s class, students had a lot of fun at math centres this week! They played games to practice identifying numbers up to 100, solved addition equations using manipulatives to show their work, and explored patterns through skip counting. Learning math this way is great because it lets students see and try out ideas for themselves, makes tricky concepts easier to understand, and helps them remember what they learn—all while having fun!
100 Days of Kindergarten - While many classes celebrated the 100th day of school last week, our kindergarten classes got to celebrate this week since their official start was a little later. In Ms. Millington’s class, students had lots of fun counting 100 Fruit Loops and carefully stringing them into colourful necklaces. Meanwhile, in Ms. MacKay’s class, students enjoyed reading and writing about the 100th day. It was a fun and exciting way for our kindergartners to celebrate their first hundred days of school!
PAC Hot Lunch - A big shout-out to our amazing PAC for organizing Friday’s hot lunch! We are so thankful for all the time, care, and hard work they put into supporting our school. Because of their help, special days like hot lunch run smoothly and bring smiles to so many faces. We truly appreciate all the ways our PAC supports our school community and helps make Douglas Park such a wonderful place for our kids to learn, grow, and feel connected.
Learning About Ramadan - With the start of Ramadan this week, Ms. Treleaven’s class learned about the special celebration that many families in our school take part in. They learned about Ramadan lanterns, which are bright and colourful lanterns used to celebrate and bring light during the month of Ramadan. The students had fun colouring their own lanterns, decorating them with colours and patterns.
Lunar New Year Lantern Art - Mr. Lee’s class had a great time learning about Chinese New Year! They talked about the special foods, traditional clothing, and meaningful customs that make the celebration so unique. The students learned why family gatherings, festive decorations, and the symbols behind the traditions are so important. The class also made their own Chinese lantern artwork using oil pastels. They had fun trying different colours, shapes, and patterns, and practiced drawing and smudging to make bright, colourful designs. Their finished lanterns beautifully showed the festive spirit and traditions of Chinese New Year.
Learning About Bokjumeoni - As part of learning about the Lunar New Year, Ms. Bhambi’s class learned about the lucky pouch, called a bokjumeoni, from Korea. These small, colorful pouches are traditionally filled with money or small gifts and are given to wish children good luck, health, and happiness for the new year. While learning about the meaning and tradition of the lucky pouch, the students got to design their own pouches.
Getting Ready to Garden - It might not be spring yet, but Ms. Olafson’s class is already excited for the growing season! The students had fun getting the soil ready for the potatoes they will be planting soon. They are taking part in the Spuds in Tubs program, where students plant potatoes in small tubs and watch them grow right in the classroom. This program helps students learn how plants grow, how to take care of them, and how food goes from the garden to our plates — all while having fun gardening!
Learning About Potatoes with the Agri Kids Program - We were excited to welcome Venechuk Farms and their Agri Kids Program back to Douglas Park this week! The Agri Kids Program is a hands-on learning experience where students explore farming and learn about different foods. This week, the students loved learning all about potatoes! They discovered fun facts about how potatoes grow, what makes them healthy, and all the different ways we can eat them. As part of the program, every student got to take home a 5-pound bag of potatoes. We’re looking forward to inviting Venechuk Farms back in March to learn all about another brand-new produce!
Story Workshop - Mrs. Evans’ class had lots of fun during Story Workshop! Story Workshop is a creative time when students build and act out their own stories using different materials like blocks, loose parts, small toys, and craft supplies. After creating their story, they draw and write about it. This helps students grow their imagination, build strong storytelling skills, and become more confident writers — all while having fun!
Young Entrepreneurs - Mr. Boehmer’s class has been working very hard on their Entrepreneur Fair projects! The students have been coming up with creative business ideas, planning what they will sell, and thinking about how to make their products special. They have been learning about setting prices, making posters, and working as a team. The class is very excited and proud of all the effort they have put into their projects. They are really looking forward to the Grade 5 Entrepreneur Fair in March and can’t wait to share their ideas with everyone!
Literacy Centres - Literacy centres in Ms. Lee’s class are always a lot of fun! Students get to learn new literacy skills while working closely with their teachers. This week, they explored new spelling patterns and built their vocabulary. They also practised reading and spelling through fun literacy games, including working on their sight words. It was awesome to walk around the classroom and see how engaged and hard-working the students were!
The Importance of Listening and Asking Questions - Ms. Mackenzie’s class was learning about the importance of communicating kindly and clearly with others. Students then played a fun communication game with a partner. They sat back-to-back, and Partner A thought of their favourite place without saying what it was. Partner A described the place using only words, while Partner B listened carefully and tried to draw the same picture. This activity helped students practice speaking clearly, listening carefully, and asking questions to better understand each other.
The Week Ahead
Monday
- Grade 5 Basketball Home Game against Parkside (Team 1)
Tuesday
- Spirit Day: Cultural Day (Wear something that represents your family’s culture)
- Grade 5 Basketball Home Game against Blacklock (Team 2)
Wednesday
- Spirit Day: Pink Shirt Day
- Grade 5 Basketball Practice at Lunch
- School Choir Practice from 2:45 - 3:30 pm
Thursday
- Spirit Day: Dress in Your Favourite Colour Day
- TeamUp Basketball from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Friday
- Spirit Day: Wear What You Love Day (Wear something that represents your passion. For example, a sports jersey, cooking apron, paint smock, dance costume, etc.)
- Grade 5 Basketball Practice at Lunch
Month at a Glance
February 23rd - 27th - Diversity and Respect Week
February 25th - Pink Shirt Day
March 3rd - School Assembly - Quincy Mack: Be An All Star
March 4th - Student Inclusive Conferences (Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm)
March 5th - Student Inclusive Conferences (No School for Students)
March 6th - School Spirit Day - PJ Day
March 6th - Reading Link Challenge
March 9th - Fire Drill
March 13th - Venechuk Farms - Agri Kids Program
March 16th - 27th - Spring Break
March 30th - School Re-Opens
April 3rd - Good Friday (School Closed)
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
- School Assembly (Paid by PAC) - March 3, 2026
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
Message to Community from Minister of Education and Child Care - Health and safety continue to be a priority in our schools. We are sharing a letter from the Minister of Education and Child Care which provides information about health and safety in schools as well as resources to support students and families. Thank you to parents/guardians who continue to collaborate and cooperate with our staff, as we know they have an important role in ensuring a healthy, safe, and positive learning environment for all students.
Letter of Support from Minister Beare.pdf
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
Manga Pop-Up Sale - We’re excited to host a Manga Pop-Up Sale on Wednesday, March 4th during our 12:30 early dismissal. The sale will take place in the library hallway, making it easy for students to stop by and browse. Students can purchase books using cash or card, and for every three books sold, one book will be donated to our school library. The selection is recommended for intermediate students and is a great opportunity to discover new series, build a personal collection, and help grow our library at the same time.
Kindergarten Newcomer’s Orientation - Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) are hosting virtual Kindergarten Orientation Sessions for families who are newcomers to Canada. These sessions help families learn about starting kindergarten, understand how schools work, and feel confident as they begin their school journey. SWIS workers are also available to support newcomer families with their transition into school and the community, offering guidance in a variety of languages. Please see the below document for session details, supported languages, and contact information for SWIS workers.
Langley City Open House - Langley City is hosting a community Open House on March 3. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn about current projects and plans, ask questions, and share feedback with City staff. Everyone is welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
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.
TeamUp Basketball for Grade 4 and 5 Students - TeamUp is excited to offer a free basketball program for Grade 4 and 5 students at Douglas Park on Thursdays. Registration forms were sent home earlier this week. If you did not receive one and would like to register your child, please have them ask Ms. Di Sabatino for a registration form. Please see the poster below for more details:
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.
Slippery Playground Equipment – During the winter months, 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.
Hot Lunch Program – Here’s the February and March menus for families interested in participating in the school’s hot lunch program:
Child and Youth Mental 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 Child and Youth Mental Health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.
Support Your Child’s Mental Health - Positive mental health allows us to enjoy our lives and can help children and youth weather the normal ups and downs of life. It plays a critical role in the healthy development of children and youth, supporting their ability to build healthy relationships and succeed in school.
How Can Parents Support Positive Mental Health? - Parents can foster positive mental health through strong and caring relationships with their children.
- Self-care – focus on doing something for yourself, even if just for a few minutes.
- Build routines – consistent schedules, such as meal, sleep and play times help children feel safe.
- Connect – talk and listen to their feelings and experiences.
- Be active together – take a walk and build physical activity into family time.
- Take notice – encourage and praise the positive behaviours and choices your children make.
- Keep learning – encourage your child to learn from both positive and negative experiences.
- Be present, not perfect – give your time, your encouragement and your presence.
Get more information about positive mental health for children and youth here.
Sometimes parents aren’t sure how to talk about mental health. Learn more about tips for how to talk to your child or teen about mental health.
Family transitions like separation and divorce can be tough and can impact mental health. To learn more and access practical resources visit FamiliesChange.ca.
Need help? Find out services, programs and resources for your child and/or youth on Fraser Health’s Child and youth mental health page.
Remember, you can get fast and reliable health advice from registered nurses with emergency experience who have access to your child’s personal health record. Contact them via phone at 1-800-314-0999 or web chat. Learn more at Fraserhealth.ca/VirtualCare.
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.
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.