Good Things and the Week Ahead - September 21 - 25
Families of Douglas Park,
It was an exciting week at the school with students moving into their “forever classes.” There were lots of games and team-building activities taking place around the school as kids spent time getting to know their new classmates and teachers. It has been awesome watching how quickly our students are settling into their new learning cohorts and how comfortable they are becoming with the teachers and staff in their classrooms. Helping kids feel at home in their new classrooms is important for nurturing a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment. We would also like to take a moment to thank all of our Douglas Park families for the support you have shown over the last week. We appreciate the positivity and encouragement you have shown to our students as they’ve navigated the transition to their new classes. Working together we can teach our kids to be strong, capable, and resilient learners.
On Friday, we ended our first full week with a “Welcome Back” assembly. It was amazing having the whole school together for the first time this year. There was lots of excitement and energy in the gym as we reflected on a great first week in our new classes, watched a slideshow of some of the awesome learning that’s been taking place at Douglas Park, and identified goals for the upcoming school year. As part of our assembly, we discussed what makes Douglas Park the best school community. We talked about how Douglas Park is a special place because of all the people who belong to our community. We also talked about how Douglas Park Dragons work hard every day to do their best as learners and to be safe, kind, and respectful. As part of their commitment to working hard and making Douglas Park a welcoming and positive school, every student is printing their name on a welcome sign that will be hung at the front office. We know that when people enter Douglas Park, we are saying “Welcome to OUR school.”
Welcome Back BBQ, Meet the Teacher, and PAC Fair – This Thursday (September 24th), we will be hosting our Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher event. The goal of the event is to bring our school community together to celebrate the start of the school year and provide families with an opportunity to meet their child’s new classroom teacher. Our BBQ will take place beside the school playground from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. There will be free hotdogs, chips, and drinks, for all students and family members. There is limited seating on benches, so feel free to bring camping chairs if you’d like to eat and hangout for a bit. From 5:15 – 6:00 pm we will be inviting families into classrooms for a casual open house where students can introduce their family members to their new classroom teacher. At the same time, students can tour their families around their new classroom and show them where they will be spending the year learning. Our Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher event is always a great time of connection and building community, so we would like to encourage as many of our families as possible to attend. Our school PAC will also be hosting a fun fair on the back field as part of our Welcome Back BBQ. There will be bouncy castles, treats, and other fun activities, so be sure to check it out! The PAC Fair will be open from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, with a small break from 5:15 – 5:30 pm.
Looking forward to another awesome week at school!
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
Jitter Juice - The first day of school can come with a few jitters, and Miss Yoon’s class had some fun with that idea today! After reading First Day Jitters, students talked about those butterflies we sometimes feel when starting something new. Then they got to try their own “Jitter Juice” as a fun way to celebrate making it through those first-day nerves. What a fun way to start the school year and remind us that it’s okay to feel a little nervous when trying something new!
Friend Bingo - Mr. Boehmehr’s class had a fun way to get to know their new classmates a little better with a game of Friend Bingo. Students moved around the room asking questions, finding classmates who matched different squares, and making new connections along the way. It was a great way to learn something new about each other, get some conversations going, and build a welcoming classroom community.
Pastels and Watercolours - There’s nothing quite like the colours of fall, and Mr. Lee’s class captured some of that autumn beauty in this colourful art project. Students used oil pastels to create their leaves and then added watercolours to paint the leaves and sky. Along the way, they experimented with different colours and had fun mixing colours to see what they could create. The combination of oil pastel and watercolour also created a really cool resist effect, adding texture and making each piece unique.
Our Class is a Family - Ms. Shaw’s class has been learning about what it means to be a classroom family. After reading the book Our Class Is a Family, students talked about friendship, kindness, and how we can make sure everyone feels like they belong. They then got creative and used colourful beads to make their own friendship bracelets. It was a fun way to celebrate the connections in their classroom and a great reminder that we are better together.
Creative School Supply Bags - Getting organized has never looked so creative. Mrs. Knight's class has been making their own school supply bags to help keep all of their learning tools in one place. Each student chose fabric to make their bag unique, then worked alongside Mrs. Knight to help sew them together. It was such a fun hands-on project that mixed creativity, problem-solving, and practical life skills.
Dot Day - One little dot turned into a whole lot of creativity in Mrs. Evans' class today. As part of celebrating International Dot Day, students used their imaginations to transform a simple dot into something completely unique. From creative characters to imaginative scenes, every drawing was different and showed that big ideas can start with something very small. It was such a fun way to celebrate creativity, confidence, and taking that first step.
The Week Ahead
Monday
- Student Picture Day
Thursday
- Inclusion Family Support Group from 9:30 - 11:00 am
- Fire Drill at 10:00 am
- Welcome Back BBQ from 4:30 – 5:15 pm
- Meet the Teacher Open House from 5:15 – 6:00 pm
- PAC Fair from 4:00 – 6:50 pm
Friday
- School Improvement Day (No School for Students)
Month at a Glance
September 21st – Student Picture Day
September 24th – Fire Drill at 10:00 am
September 24th – Meet the Teacher BBQ from 4:30 – 6:00 pm
September 25th - School Improvement Day (Students Not in Attendance)
September 29th – Orange Shirt Day Assembly
September 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School Closed)
October 6th – Fire Drill at 10:00 am
October 12th - Thanksgiving (School Closed)
October 15th - Earthquake Drill
October 16th - Terry Fox Run
October 20th - PAC Meeting at 9:00 am
October 23rd - Provincial Pro-D 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
- Welcome Back BBQ on September 24th
Next Meeting Time
- PAC Meeting on October 20, 2026 at 9:00 am in the Staff Room
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
Communicating With Your School - Schools and families continue to work together to ensure success for students. If you have an issue or concern but don’t know who to speak with, the District encourages you to read these helpful Communicating with your School guidelines for parents/guardians found on our District website here. As an additional reference, review this one-page resource here.
SchoolMessenger - The Langley School District uses a notification system called SchoolMessenger to communicate information to families throughout the school year. As we continue to welcome new families to our District, some parents/guardians may receive a text message notifying them about SchoolMessenger. If you need to update your contact info on file, please reach out to your school. For more info about SchoolMessenger, visit the District website here.
Free Kids Clothing Store - Centre Point Church will be hosting a free kids clothing store at Douglas Park on October 2nd. Please see the poster below for more details:
Choice Program Applications Open Soon for French Immersion - French Immersion is a cultural and linguistic educational program that starts at either Kindergarten or Grade 6. Students learn all their academic subjects in French while also developing bilingual proficiency in French. The online registration window opens October 5 and closes October 26. To learn about French Immersion, there is an online information meeting on October 6th at 6 pm. This meeting features a short presentation about the programs and the benefits of learning an additional language, with time for questions. Families that want a meeting link sent directly to your inbox or to receive more information about early and late French Immersion, can also go to this link:
Curious about Early or Late French Immersion in the Langley School District? – Fill out form
General information can also be found on the District website:
LEAP (Outdoor Education) Parent Information Session (Thursday, October 1, 2026) - Imagine your child’s classroom in the open air! Join us on Thursday, October 1st @ 5pm at Fort Langley Elementary for our LEAP (Langley Environmental Awareness Program) Information Session. This meeting is for families interested in Kindergarten enrolment for the 2027-2028 school year, as well as any current grade 1-7 students who might want a change and an opportunity to learn in the great outdoors. For more about the outdoor education program and to watch our new stunning promotional video please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdXcrUJSzfI
Safer Schools Together Parent Information Sessions - Safer Schools Together is once again providing Family Information Sessions on a variety of topics. These are good opportunities for parents and guardians to increase their knowledge on the evolving world of digital citizenship, social media, AI, etc. Sessions are recommended for those in care of children aged 10 & up.
The first two sessions available are titled:
· Establishing Safe, Caring, and Respectful Digital Communities
· Establishing Family Practices for Safeguarding Against Cyberbullying and Sextortion
https://pages.saferschoolstogether.com/erase-family-sessions
Early Literacy Screener Information - This week, we are sharing a letter from the Ministry of Education and Child Care regarding the Early Literacy Screener. The screener is designed to help identify students’ early reading strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial. Please take a few minutes to review the attached letter for more information about the purpose of the screener and how the results will be used to support student learning.
Ministry of Education & Childcare: Letter to Parents re: Literacy Screening
Additional parent information can also be found here: Early Literacy Screening: Information for Parents & Caregivers.
School Supplies – If you have not yet purchased your school supplies, they are still available for purchase directly from School Start. To order, families can go directly to: https://schoolstart.ca/
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. For more information about the breakfast program, please contact our school community coordinator, Ms. Langford (klangford@sd35.bc.ca).
Parent Consent Forms on MyEdBC - Each year, Langley Schools asks families to complete a set of parent consent forms for their child. These consent forms are required by our schools to ensure the health, safety, and security of all students. Beginning in this school year, Langley Schools will be using the MyEdBC parent portal to collect this information. During the second week of school, please watch for an email from the MyEdBC system notifying families to log in to the MyEdBC parent portal to complete the online consent forms. A set of consent forms will need to be completed for each child attending a Langley school. It is advised to access MyEdBC and complete the parent consent forms using a desktop or laptop as the process requires the full site version (which is not mobile-friendly). For step-by-step instructions, please read here. More information can be found on the District website here. If your email address or contact information has changed, please call your school to correct it in our files. If you have not received an email regarding consent forms by the end of September or have any questions/concerns, please contact your school administrator.
Strong Start – Douglas Park Strong Start will resume on Monday, September 21st. Hours are 8:30 - 11:30 am with a first come first served limit of 20 children. To register for the 2026/2027 Strong Start year, please bring a birth certificate to be copied. A registration form can be filled out at your first visit.
Douglas Park Family Info Sessions - This year, we are excited to introduce our monthly Family Info Sessions. Hosted by Ms. Langford and members of our school team, these sessions provide an opportunity for families to connect with one another and learn about school tools and community resources. Below you will find a poster that includes upcoming dates and session topics. We look forward to seeing you there!
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 about our next upcoming gathering.
Student Accident Insurance - The District is pleased to offer families access to two voluntary student accident insurance options for the 2026/2027 school year. Although enrollment is optional, these plans can provide additional accident-related coverage and benefits beyond those available through standard health care programs. Please note that enrollment is completed online directly through the provider. Families may choose either of the following options:
OR
Back to School 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 back to school health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.
Tips for Parents for a Healthy Back to School Season - As children head back to school, parents face the familiar challenge of managing busy schedules, school routines and inevitably, health concerns. Help set the stage for a healthy school year with Fraser Health’s Healthy Back to School Guide. The guide provides information on a variety of ways to keep children healthy during a school year. For instance, fostering healthy routines for sleep, mealtimes and physical activity can greatly support your child’s health and wellness.
Staying healthy during the school year is also about protecting children from illnesses that can spread quickly in classrooms. It is important to make sure children wash their hands properly, and to keep them home if they are feeling unwell.
Another way to protect your child’s health is to ensure their immunizations are up to date. Vaccines help prevent several serious illnesses and infectious diseases, for example, measles. Please check that you (if born in or after 1970) and your children have received at least two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Find out how to check your immunization records here. Vaccines are available at many pharmacy locations, physician offices, and at all public health units. If you are new to B.C. or Canada, provide your immunization records to public health at fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform.
Need fast access to health advice? Call Fraser Health Virtual Care - Our Fraser Health Virtual Care registered nurses and dietitians can provide convenient, fast health advice and information for busy families. With options for phone or web chat consultations, families receive medical advice from nurses with emergency experience. It can save you time and may help you avoid having to visit a clinic or emergency department. Nurses can also connect you with an Urgent and Primary Care Centre, if needed.
How to reach Fraser Health Virtual Care
1. Dial 1-800-314-0999. For an interpreter, say your language in English.
2. For web chat, go to fraserhealth.ca/virtualcare and click the blue chat bubble in the right corner to start.
Available 10am to 10pm every day, including statutory holidays. After hours, call 8-1-1.
Learn more about Fraser Health Virtual Care, other care options and more at: Fraserhealth.ca/VirtualCare
E-Scooter and E-Bike Guidelines for Langley Schools - To help ensure student safety and comply with district regulations, the Langley School District has updated its guidelines regarding e-scooters and e-bikes on school property. Effective September 2026, e-scooters and e-dirt bikes will not be permitted on any Langley school site, including elementary, middle, and secondary schools. E-pedal bikes remain permitted at secondary schools, provided students meet the legal age requirements: light e-bikes for students aged 14 to 15 and standard e-bikes for students aged 16 and older. Adults may use e-pedal bikes at all school sites. Families are encouraged to review these guidelines with their children and make alternative transportation arrangements if needed. Thank you for your support in helping maintain safe school environments for all students.
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.
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. Jack @ jjack@sd35.bc.ca.
FaceBook – Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updated information
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Douglasparkcommunityelementary
Bell Schedule
8:40 – Warning Bell
8:45 – Instruction Begins
10:05 -10:20 – Recess
11:47-12:20 – Lunch
2:32 – Dismissal
School Calendar 2026/27 – 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.