Good Things and the Week Ahead - January 12 - 16
Families of Douglas Park,
We had an awesome first week back at the school! It was great to see all of our Douglas Park dragons back at school, reconnecting with friends, sharing what happened during winter break, and working hard to jump back into school routines. Walking around the school and spending time in classrooms, I was impressed with how well students were readjusting to their school schedules! Throughout the school kids were working hard on learning activities and focused on their class work. It was also heart-warming to hear about how excited everyone was to be back at school. The positive and encouraging learning environment that we all worked hard to create during the first term of the school year continues to be the foundation of our learning at Douglas Park. While there were many good things that happened during the winter break, it is great to return to a wonderful school community!
This next term is busy but exciting for students as they look to build on the positive growth they made during the start of the school year. At school, students will continue to focus on developing their literacy and numeracy skills. To support literacy skills at home, we ask that all of our families continue to ensure that their kids are reading for a minimum of 20 minutes each day at home. This can include kids reading independently or an adult reading to a child. Home reading is a very important part of supporting literacy development. If you are having difficulty with finding books at your child’s reading level, you can read out loud to them or you can connect with your child’s classroom teacher who can provide you with books at their reading level.
Special Note: The weather forecast for the next few weeks shows cooler days and some freezing temperatures overnight. Please make sure children come to school dressed warmly and prepared for the cold. Be careful when walking to school, as some sidewalks may be icy. While we work hard to salt the walkways around the school, there may still be a few slippery spots. Stay safe and bundle up!
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
Secret Math Message - Ms. Knight’s Grade 3 class had a fun surprise when they arrived at school! A secret morning message was waiting for them, hidden in math equations. The students worked together to solve the equations and match the answers to letters. They had a great time using their math skills to uncover the special message.
Learning About Digraphs - Ms. Treleaven’s class has been working hard and doing a great job learning about words and sounds. The students have been practising digraphs, which are two letters that come together to make one sound, like sh, ch, and th. Learning these sounds helps students read words more easily and spell better when they are writing.
Getting Back into Routines - After returning from winter break, Ms. Shaw’s class spent time reviewing their class expectations. Each student had a card with a class rule and worked together to decide if it fit under being safe, kind, or respectful. This activity helped students remember how to make their classroom a happy and welcoming place for everyone.
Making 10 - Mr. Lee’s class has been learning all about numbers that make 10. Students practised finding different number pairs, like 6 and 4 or 7 and 3, that add up to 10. This is an important skill because it helps kids add faster, understand numbers better, and build a strong math foundation for learning bigger math in the future.
Math Centres - Ms. Olafson’s class has lots of fun during their numeracy centres. During numeracy centres, students rotate through different activities that help them practice recognizing numbers, making numbers, and learning about shapes. It’s great to see the students moving, learning, and having so much fun with math!
Reflecting on the New Year - With the new year here, Ms. Egmore’s class took time to think about all the good things in their lives and set goals for the year ahead. This is a great activity because it helps students feel thankful, believe in themselves, and think about ways they want to grow. It’s awesome to see how hard the students are working and how proud they are of what they are creating.
Learning Letters and Sounds - Ms. Baratto’s class has been having fun while learning in their UFLI lessons. During these lessons, students practise writing letters correctly and identifying letter sounds so they can read and write more easily and confidently. They also work on listening carefully to sounds and saying them correctly. We are so proud of how hard the students are working, and it’s amazing to see all the progress and growth they are making!
Fun with Literacy Centres - Ms. Lengle’s class was excited to try some new literacy centres. Ms. Lengle introduced fun activities to start the new year, like matching letters, finding rhyming words, and practicing beginning sounds. It was great to see the students having so much fun while building their reading and writing skills.
Snowman Art - Ms. MacKay’s class got into the winter spirit by designing snowmen. They started with a guided drawing to make their own snowman and added special details to make each one unique. Then they painted the background using watercolours, creating bright, colourful scenes that look like the northern lights.
Place Value Math Games - Ms. Treleaven’s class had lots of fun while practicing place value. The students played a game where they drew three cards and used their place value skills to make the biggest number they could. At the end of each round, the student who made the largest number won.
Story Workshop - Ms. Yoon’s class had lots of fun during story workshop. Story workshop is a time when students use different items, like toys, blocks, or pictures, to help them make up stories. They use these items to act out their ideas and then tell their stories to others. This helps students use their imagination, practice storytelling, and share their ideas with confidence.
New Years Art - To kick off 2026, Ms. Mackenzie’s class created some awesome New Year’s art. The students used paint to make bright, colorful fireworks. Then they used their imaginations to create city scenes, making fun and exciting New Year’s pictures.
The Week Ahead
Wednesday
- Grade 5 Basketball Practice at Lunch
Friday
- School Spirit Day - Wear School Colours (Blue and White) or Dragon Gear
- Inclusion Langley Family Support Group at 9:30 am
Month at a Glance
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)
February 13th – Design and Assessment Day and Learning Update Prep (Students Do Not Attend)
February 16th – Family Day (School Closed)
February 17th – Lunar New Year
February 19th – Lockdown Drill at 9:55 am
February 20th - School Spirit Day - Backwards Day
February 25th - Pink Shirt Day
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
- Hot Lunch (Pizza) - February 20, 2026
- 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
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 – 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.
Hot Lunch Program – Here’s the January menu for families interested in participating in the school’s hot lunch program:
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/
School District Kindergarten Welcome Event – January 28 - Families of children starting Kindergarten are invited to join the school district's Annual Kindergarten Welcome on Wednesday, January 28. This online session will share helpful information and answer questions as you prepare for Kindergarten.
Please join using the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTBiNTJlOTMtZDM1My00MThkLWIzOTktZjc4OWQ5YWNkZWFh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22fcabfaae-f80a-4f74-b6a7-ba15c2a4bb24%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2230f921e8-4243-4d81-a040-dcdbe37f27f2%22%7d
An additional parent session in April will be offered for families of students with diverse needs. More details will be shared soon.
“A Season of Theatre" - The Langley School District is proud to be presenting another season of Main Stage Productions! This year’s lineup dives deep into what makes us human - identity, love, resilience, and transformation. From the bold defiance of Antigone to the glittering ambition of Chicago, the heart of The Prom, and the magic of The Little Mermaid, every show invites you to explore who we are and what we stand for. Please see the full listing of shows and dates at the link below and reserve your seats and experience the power of live theatre!
This Month in the Arts – January 2026 - The Langley School District is proud to showcase the hard work of our Fine Arts students and teachers through our January “This Month in the Arts” poster which showcases the many different Arts Education productions and events that are happening around the District in January for staff, students, parents and community members to attend and enjoy!
This Month in the Arts January.pdf
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.
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.