Families of Douglas Park,

We had an awesome week at school celebrating Diversity and Respect Week! This week, we focused on all the things that make each of us unique—our families, backgrounds, personalities, beliefs, and experiences. Students loved sharing special things about themselves and encouraging each other to celebrate the unique qualities that make everyone special. To start the week, we had Cultural Day, a day to learn about different cultures and explore the theme “We Are All Unique.” Students were invited to wear something that represents their family’s culture, and it was amazing to see so many different styles and traditions. Throughout the school, students learned about diversity and why it makes our community such a special place. It was a great day to celebrate everyone and all the things that make us unique.

On Wednesday we celebrated Pink Shirt Day, learning about kindness, empathy, and encouragement. Our school theme for the day was “We Are Kind.” To help us explore this theme, our school community took part in an activity called, “Kindness Flowers” which involved each student receiving a flower to give away. Some students gave their flowers to family members, some gave them to friends, and others went on a walking field trip with their class to give their flowers away to community members. It was powerful for students and staff to see the positive impact that this simple act of kindness had on others. The flowers brought smiles and joy. We learned that each act of kindness, no matter how big or small, can change the world in a positive way.

To end off the week, on Thursday and Friday, we had Wear Your Favourite Colour Day, as well as Wear Your Passion Day. Our themes for these days were “We All Belong” and “We Are Better Together.” These themes reflect some of our most important values as a school community. At Douglas Park we celebrate our diversity and the things that make us unique because we believe that everyone belongs in our community. While we had a particular focus on teaching about diversity and inclusion during this past week, we work hard to pursue learning about diversity and inclusion throughout the year. We celebrate culture, ethnicity, and individuality in order to promote awareness, acceptance, reconciliation, and inclusion of all members of our school community.

During this upcoming week, we will continue to be focusing on our Student Inclusive Conferences at Douglas Park. These conferences began last week and we have had lots of positive feedback from students, families, and teachers about how insightful and informative the conversations during these conferences are. In addition to reporting on student learning, Student Inclusive Conferences are beneficial for enhancing home-school communication and helping students set goals for their learning. If you have any questions about Student Inclusive Conferences, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher. To support the Student Inclusive Conferences, this week has two important dates in the school calendar. While these dates have been in our school calendar since the beginning of the school year, we know that families are busy and wanted to provide this additional reminder. Here are the dates:

• Wednesday, March 4th – Early dismissal for students at 12:30 pm, for Student Inclusive Conferences.
• Thursday, March 5th – Students do not attend school. This day is dedicated to Student Inclusive Conferences.

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

Goalball - On Friday, Ms. Mackenzie’s class learned how to play Goalball, a sport made for athletes who are blind or have low vision. Everyone wore blindfolds so the game was fair, and they had to listen carefully to hear the bells inside the ball as it rolled across the floor. Teams worked together to roll the ball to score and to block it from going into their own goal. The students had so much fun trying this new sport! They practiced listening closely, working as a team, and cheering each other on. It was a great learning experience for everyone.

Science World - Ms. Yoon’s and Ms. Di Sabatino’s class had an amazing field trip to Science World! Students explored exciting exhibits and learned about science by trying things out for themselves. They built, tested, and discovered new ideas through hands-on activities that made learning fun and memorable. Ms. Di Sabatino’s Grade 4 class also joined a workshop called “Designing From Nature.” They used ideas from nature to build structures with straws and connectors, then coded a micro:bit to act like a “brain” that could respond to different things. It was a fun way to practice creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork!

Fun with Subtraction - Mr. Lee’s students took charge of their learning by making up their own subtraction problems up to 10 instead of just solving ones that were already made. They used Unifix cubes to build numbers and break them apart, trying out different combinations. The students challenged themselves to create as many different equations as they could without repeating any. This hands-on activity helped them understand subtraction better while practicing thinking carefully and solving problems in math.

Dot Art - Mrs. Evans’ class had a great time learning about pointillism. Pointillism is a style of art where pictures are made using lots of tiny dots instead of brush strokes. When you step back, the dots come together to create a full image. The students used their fingers to dab paint and make their own colourful dot pictures. They had fun being creative and watching their artwork come to life.

School Choir - Our school choir has been working very hard every Wednesday during their practices to learn new songs. The students are learning the words, practicing the melodies, and working on singing clearly and together as a team. It has been awesome to see their confidence grow each week. Most of all, they are having lots of fun making music together and sharing their love of singing!

School Mural - This week is Diversity and Respect Week in the Langley School District. We’ve been learning about and celebrating the diversity in our school community. Every student created a self-portrait and added it to our school mural. The portraits were painted in the bright, fun style of Todd Parr, with bold colors and simple shapes that show everyone’s uniqueness. The mural looks amazing—it’s such a beautiful way to celebrate the diversity in our school and one of the things that makes Douglas Park so special. A big thank you to Ms. Yoon for organizing this awesome school-wide art project!

Cherry Blossom Art - Cherry blossoms came alive in Mr. Boehmer’s class through an exciting art project! The students used paints and tissue paper to create their artwork. First, they learned how to make a soft blue background. Next, they designed their own vases. Finally, they painted tree branches and added bright cherry blossoms with tissue paper. Everyone’s art turned out beautiful!

Rights and Responsibilities - Ms. Treleaven’s class has been learning about rights and responsibilities. Rights are things everyone is allowed to have or do, like feeling safe and being treated with respect. Responsibilities are the things we do to help ourselves and others, like listening, sharing, and taking care of our classroom. Students practiced reading different examples and sorting them into rights or responsibilities to understand how they can make good choices every day. 

Making 10 - Ms. Millington’s kindergarten class was learning to break numbers apart and put them together using manipulatives. They explored the number 10 and discovered different number pairs that make 10. Understanding these number pairs builds a strong math foundation and helps students feel more confident when working with numbers.

Fun with Skip Counting - Ms. MacKay’s class had a lot of fun learning to skip count by tens! The class practiced counting together, saying the numbers out loud as a group. Then, they got to do a fun movement activity that helped them practice skip counting while being active. It was a great way to learn and play at the same time! 

Grade 5 Basketball Team - Our Grade 5 basketball team played two amazing games this week. The first against Parkside and the second against Blacklock. The team won both games! We’re so proud of their teamwork, positivity, and sportsmanship. Every pass and play showed how hard they’ve worked and how much they support each other. Their focus, determination, and teamwork really showed the heart of this team in action.

The Week Ahead

Monday

• Grade 5 Basketball Away Game at Simonds/U-Connect

Tuesday

• School Assembly - Quincy Mack: Be An All Star

Wednesday

• Grade 5 Basketball Practice at Lunch
• Pop-Up Manga Sale at 12:30 pm
• Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm (Student Inclusive Conferences)

Thursday

• No School for Students (Student Inclusive Conferences)
• TeamUp Basketball from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Friday

• Grade 5 Basketball Practice at Lunch
• School Spirit Day - Pajama Day
• Reading Link Challenge

Month at a Glance

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

Volunteers Needed in Langley City to Help Make Neighbourhoods Safer - Langley City residents, community groups and local businesses can now play a direct role in making their neighbourhoods safer and friendlier by building stronger connections with their neighbours. The City is launching Resilient Neighbourhood Networks to help neighbours support one another and build trust close to home. When neighbours connect, trust grows, fear decreases, and communities move from reacting to preventing problems. Resilient Neighbourhood Networks give residents the tools to create a made-in-Langley City approach to safety.

What Are Resilient Neighbourhood Networks? - These networks bring local residents, community groups and local businesses together to share information, support one another, and respond to everyday challenges or emergencies.

 Opportunities could include:

• Connecting Neighbours: Organize social gatherings, block parties, or coffee meet-ups to get to know each other.
• Improving Safety: Join safety walks, learn first aid, or participate in emergency preparedness workshops.
• Sharing Ideas: Join small planning groups to help design neighbourhood activities, share feedback, and identify safety priorities.
• Supporting Events: Help at community-led events, such as hosting booths or activities.
  Who Can Participate?

• Langley City residents
• Community groups and non-profits
• Local businesses and business associations
• Service providers and grassroots initiatives
• Faith, cultural, education, and neighbourhood-based organizations

Volunteering is flexible and can fit your schedule. No previous experience required. Sign-up to volunteer here by March 13, 2026:  Investing in Community Safety

This Month in the Arts - March 2026 - Please see below the link to learn about all of the incredible Arts Performance's and Show's happening around the Langley School District in March! Despite having only two weeks in session, the ARTS are making every moment count! From concert and jazz music to Broadway productions, from the Greek tragedy Antigone to the moment‑by‑moment journey of 110 Stories, this month highlights the remarkable range of our secondary students. 

This Month in the Arts March.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

Homestay Families Poster.pdf

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 March menu 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.

Douglas Park School Calendar 2025:26.pdf