Families of Douglas Park,

We hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Last week was another awesome week of learning at Douglas Park! Our teachers have been busy gathering assessments for Student Inclusive Conferences, while students and staff have been actively building their literacy and numeracy skills. The school was buzzing with engaging activities, including our book fair, hands-on volcano science experiments, and exciting field trips. Some classes explored the local duck pond, learning about ecosystems and nature, while buddy activities gave students a chance to build connections and strengthen social skills. It’s always inspiring to see our students grow academically and develop a love of learning. We also wrapped up the week with a hot lunch hosted by our amazing PAC. A huge thank-you to our PAC for all their hard work and the incredible ways they support our school to create such a wonderful experience for our students

Next week, we will continue to host Student Inclusive Conferences at our school, with a full day of conferences on Wednesday and early dismissal at 12:30 pm for conferences on Thursday. Many families have already participated in their conferences alongside their child and their child’s classroom teacher. Families have shared that these conferences provide a valuable chance to highlight what students are learning, recognize areas for improvement, set learning goals, and celebrate their achievements. If you have any questions about your conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher. Ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate in a conference is essential, as it helps support their learning journey and encourages responsibility for their growth.

As we approach the end of November and prepare for an exciting December at Douglas Park, we want to share a few important dates with you. Please make special note of the following dates that are included in our school calendar:

Saturday, December 6th – Rotary Breakfast with Santa at Douglas Park from 9:00 – 10:30 am – The Rotary Club will be hosting a breakfast at the school and all Douglas Park families are welcome to attend. There will be good food, crafts for kids, and an opportunity to take a picture with Santa!

Thursday, December 11th – Christmas Concert from 12:30 – 2:30 pm – We will be hosting our annual Christmas Concert at the school featuring musical performances from all classes. All families are welcome to attend!

Thursday, Decemeber 11^th – Community Sing-Along from 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Interested in singing some Christmas songs? We have the perfect event for you! Join us in the gym for a reading of the class Christmas story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and sing along to some of our favourite holiday tunes. It’s a fun, casual get-together open to anyone who wants to join

Wednesday, December 17th – Pancake Breakfast for Students – During the school day, students will be provided with a delicious pancake breakfast and will have an opportunity to take a class picture with Santa!

Thursday, December 18th – School Stockings – During the afternoon, members of the Langley Fire Department and Langley RCMP will be joining members of CLA handing out stocking to students. Each student will be provided with a stocking full of fun toys and treats.

Friday, December 19th – Last Day Before Winter Break – It’s amazing how quickly Winter Break is approaching! We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, January 5th, refreshed and ready for a new year of learning.

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

Learning About Biomes - Ms. Datema’s class has been learning all about biomes—large areas of the world with similar climates, plants, and animals. Students have been exploring what makes each biome unique and how living things adapt to their environments. As part of their learning, they’re creating their own biome projects, building models that showcase everything they’ve discovered. It’s wonderful to see how excited and engaged the students are as they bring their biomes to life!

Field Trip to the Ice Rink - Ms. Yoon’s and Ms. Di Sabatino’s classes had an awesome field trip to the local skating rink! Students had a great time practicing their skating skills, and for some, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn how to skate for the first time. This field trip is such a valuable experience because it helps students build confidence, stay active, and try something new—all while having fun with their classmates.

Science, Writing, and Art - In Mr. Lee’s class, students explored day and night through both art and writing. They created watercolour paintings showing daytime and nighttime scenes, applying their science learning in a fun, creative way. They also wrote opinion pieces about whether they prefer the day or night, using examples to support their ideas and adding illustrations. It was a fun way for students to connect what they learned in science with their creativity and writing! 

End to an Awesome Soccer Season - A huge shout-out to our amazing Grade 4/5 soccer team! They wrapped up their season with an awesome game and a big win against Blacklock Elementary. The kids had so much fun this season—working hard, learning new soccer skills, and really growing as a team. We’re incredibly proud of them, not just for their commitment on the field, but for the sportsmanship and respect they showed every step of the way. We also want to give a huge thank-you to our wonderful coaches: Mr. Boehmer, Ms. Di Sabatino, Ms. Schober, and Mr. Solano. And an extra shout-out to Mr. Boehmer and Mr. Solano for organizing the entire Grade 4/5 soccer league for our family of schools! 

Learning About Bears - Ms. Baratto’s class has been learning all about local animals, and the students have become especially fascinated by bears and how they hibernate. To build on their interest, the class decided to learn how to draw and paint bears for their art project. It’s a great way for students to connect what they’re learning in class with their creativity, and they’ve really enjoyed bringing their bears to life through art.

Crossing Guards - We’re so grateful for all the different ways our students show leadership around the school. One wonderful example is their work as crossing guards. Student crossing guards help keep everyone safe by guiding younger students across the street, reminding families to stop and look both ways, and helping create a calm, safe environment before and after school. A big thank you to Ms. Brittany for organizing our crossing guard program and to Ms. K for helping support and guide the team as well! 

Working Hard on Math - Ms. Bhambi’s class has been working incredibly hard in math! Students rotate between small-group time with their teacher and independent practice, giving them lots of chances to build their skills and confidence. They’ve been focusing on addition and subtraction with numbers up to 10,000, and it’s wonderful to see not only how dedicated they are, but also how proud they feel as they recognize their own progress. 

Nature Art and Writing - Ms. Egmore’s class has been having lots of fun with art and writing this week! Students began by collecting pinecones, sticks, leaves, and other natural materials to create their own unique characters. Then, during writing, they learned how to plan a story using a graphic organizer and wrote creative stories starring the characters they had made. It was such a great way to blend art and writing, and the kids had an awesome time! 

Learning About Volcanoes - Ms. Khammountry’s class has been having lots of fun learning all about volcanoes! The students have been so engaged as they explore what volcanoes are, why they erupt, and the different parts that make them so fascinating. As part of their learning, students are now building their own model volcanoes. This hands-on project is a fun way for kids to apply their knowledge, work creatively, and get a little messy in the best way. They can’t wait for the big finale—adding baking soda and vinegar to watch their volcanoes erupt!

Dot Art - Ms. Treleaven’s and Ms. Evans’ classes had an awesome opportunity to learn about Dot Art with cultural presenter and artist Kelly Poitras. Kelly shared the meaning and techniques behind this beautiful art form. After learning more about the process, the kids were excited to give it a try and created their own colourful pieces in the Dot Art style. It was a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone.

Literacy Centres - During literacy centres in Ms. Di Sabatino’s class, students rotate through stations that help them build key reading and writing skills. They practise reading comprehension, word work, writing, and listening to reading in small groups. This setup gives students lots of hands-on learning and personalized support—not only from their classroom teacher, but also from their ELL teacher, Ms. Lazarowich, and resource teacher, Mr. Solano. It’s a great way for students to grow as readers and writers with guidance from a whole team of educators.

Practicing Numbers - Ms. Olafson’s class starts each morning with a soft start, giving students a chance to practice important skills they’re learning at school—like writing their names and numbers. This morning, the kids were excited to identify numbers, count objects, and write the matching number. It’s awesome to see how hard-working they are and how eager they are to share their learning!

Reading and Writing - Ms. Lee’s class has been working hard and having fun in their literacy centres! Students rotate through stations that help them build different literacy skills. At the teacher’s table, they practice letters and words, at the writing station they use a checklist to improve their writing, and at the word work station they play games to practice reading words. Literacy centres are such a great way for students to learn because they get hands-on practice, personalized support, and enjoy learning with their classmates. 

Artist Study - Mrs. Evans’ class has been learning about the artist Henri Matisse, a well-known French painter known for his vibrant colours, expressive lines, and bold, modern style. They explored how Matisse often painted with his arm fully extended, using long, confident strokes to capture strong lines and shapes. After learning about his unique approach, students had the chance to try it themselves by creating their own self-portraits using this technique.

Numeracy Centres - Ms. MacKay’s class has been having a lot of fun learning about numbers through different numeracy stations. Students are practicing making and writing numbers, and at the teacher station they’re playing a dice game where they roll, count the dots, and write the number. Activities like these are not only engaging but also incredibly valuable for building strong number sense and confidence in early numeracy. 

The Week Ahead

Monday

• TeamUp Basketball Club at 6:00 pm

Wednesday

• Student Inclusive Conferences (Students Do Not Attend School)

Thursday

• Student Inclusive Conferences (Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm)

Friday

• Gifts and Gathering for StrongStart

Saturday

• TeamUp Soccer Program at 10:30 am

Month at a Glance

November 26th - Student Inclusive Conferences (Students Do Not Attend School)

November 27th - Student Inclusive Conferences (Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm)

December 5th - Inclusion Langley Family Support Group

December 6th - Rotary Breakfast with Santa at Douglas Park

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

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

Rotary Breakfast with Santa - We are excited to be hosting a Breakfast with Santa at Douglas Park on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 - 10:30 am. For more information, please see the poster below:

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 December menu for families interested in participating in the school’s hot lunch program:

Student Inclusive Conferences: Parent/Guardian Resource - Elementary schools across the District will be conducting student inclusive conferences which are meetings involving the student, teacher, and parent/guardian to discuss student progress. Here is a helpful resource to guide families. Translated versions are also available below. For more info about how the District communicates student learning to families, read more on the District website: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/elementary-school 

Student Inclusive Conferences – Parent/Guardian Guide

·        Arabic

·        French

·        Hindi

·        Korean

·        Punjabi

·        Russian

·        Spanish

·        Tagalog

·        Chinese Simplified

·        Chinese Traditional

·        Ukrainian

·        Vietnamese

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

December 2025 Langley Family Support Group Meeting

📅 When: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 9:30–11:30 AM 

📍 Where: SWIS Portable, Douglas Park Community School | 5409 – 206 Street, Langley

🗂️ Topic: Accessing Supports for the Holiday Season

☕ Additional Information: 

• Light refreshments will be served.
• Childminding is available — please register early so we can plan staff and space appropriately.

How to Register:

To register or learn more, please contact:

Lydia Kang, Family Support Coordinator

📞 604-996-5244 | ✉️ familysupport@inclusionlangley.com

(When registering, please let me know if you require childminding.)

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