In the Loop - January 15, 2026
KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY
- Guide to Key Websites and Resources: Here
- Instructional Services Website: For all your district-vetted resources K-12! Check it out!
- Aboriginal Resources vetted by the District: Here
- TCS Sites: Key resources are still being placed in these Teams. If you need access to one of these Teams, please email dzurbuchenjonker@sd35.bc.ca.
- TCS SS-Grade 3
- TCS Grade 4-8
- TCS Secondary
DISTRICT LEARNING COMMONS
The DLC is your one stop shop for useful resources to enhance your teaching available to all school staff in the Langley School District. You don’t need to buy everything for all of your lessons yourself! We deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Links to all the info below:
- View and book online through Insignia Library system | Here
- Find instructions, an area to check out new resources, request new resources and report lost or damages kits | Here
- Sign out instructions | Here
Featured DLC Resource:
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
*NEW!* Follow us on our UDL/Mentorship Instagram! @sd35mentorshipmoments
We post lots of events, teacher tips, UDL strategies, and more!
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
We are looking for Mentors in the following areas:
- Kindergarten (REMSS family of schools)
- Resource (Middle - LSS family of schools)
- Science/Chem 10 (REMSS family of schools)
- General secondary - Gr 9/10/12 (REMSS family of schools)
- Math/Science 9 (LSS family of schools)
Please email teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca if you’re interested in becoming a Mentor in any of these areas or for other upcoming Mentees.
New to the District or a New Role?
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet on the LTA website. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!
Upcoming Events:
Book Club: Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation.
1) January 27th: 4-6pm SBO HUB
2) February 24th: 4-5pm TEAMS
3) April 14th: 4-5pm TEAMS
4) May 5th 4-6pm SBO HUB
HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
This institute is designed to support educators with the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement course and with decolonizing and Indigenizing their teaching practices.
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Registration Now Open! Odyssey 2026 | February 9, 2026 | Register Today! Odyssey Booklet 2026
The theme for Odyssey 2026 is “Connecting Our Hearts,” through which we will continue to highlight our District’s commitment to learning the truth and taking meaningful steps forward together in reconciliation. This year we are honoured to have Dr. Niigaan James Sinclair, Anishinaabe writer, editor, professor, activist, and son of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, kicking off our conference at the Langley Events Centre with a keynote presentation entitled “From Presence to Permanence: How to Assess Reconciliation in Schools.”
This will be followed by two breakout sessions at Peter Ewart and R.E. Mountain, highlighted by a wide range of Indigenous workshops and breakout sessions that will continue to focus on deepening our understanding of the past while also acknowledging and understanding the effects and traumas of our shared colonial history. As well, throughout the lunch break, there will be a variety of Indigenous cultural presentations at both sites for attendees to take in while enjoying their lunch as we seek to “Connect our Hearts” to Indigenous ways of learning and being.
Please note that registration closes on Monday January 26, 2026 - so please register early to make sure that you can attend the workshops that you want and don't miss out!
The Path to Reconciliation: Embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into Our Schools with Len Pierre | On-Demand Learning Feature
The Path to Reconciliation: Embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into Our Schools. Join Len Pierre as we embark on this year’s Ensouling Our Schools Series. In this session, Len talks to us about what Colonial Socialization means, and how it has created anti-Indigenous sentiments that go right to the heart of “Canadian Values.” How do we recognise our biases, and how to address the anti-Indigenous learning we were indoctrinated into as Canadians? How do we create school systems and classrooms that are safe places for our Indigenous Learners?
EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Free Range Humans Podcast: Is it Fair to Ask Students to Save the World? | February 9, 2026 | Register | Podcast Transcript
Learning Forward B.C’s Online Bookclub: Session Two is taking place on February 9, 2026 featuring Michael Fullan in conversation with Rod Allen and Jan Mehta. Hosted by Amelia Poitras and Trudean Andrews, this session explores today’s educational context, discussing how to create classrooms that look to students, reflecting what they care about. It is a timely discussion about leadership and student involvement in a changing world. A transcript of the podcast is included.
Spirited Thematic Classrooms | February 13, 2026 | More info | Register
Strong primary literacy programs are embraced in playful, fun and joyful classrooms. Finding the balance can be tricky! Join Chelsea and Nathan for a dynamic day. You will leave with eight literacy theme packages that cover March to December including related songs, poems, activities, games, links, art, imaginative classroom transformations, explorations, links and read-alouds - all integrating essential literacy skills. Foundational proficiency meets fun!
Tutti: Professional Development Symposium for Music Educators and teachers | Vancouver Symphony Orchestra | February 13, 2026 | More info
The VSO is hosting an in-person Professional Development Symposium for Music Educators. This day-long workshop will cover a wide array of topics tailored to both elementary and secondary levels, with a focus on band and strings. From observing a VSO Open Rehearsal to mastering instrument fundamentals and addressing key issues like supporting students with performance anxiety, you won't want to miss out!
Lunch-and-Learn: Making the Invisible Visible | My Blueprint | February 25, 2026 | Register
Neurodivergent students continue to face barriers in post-secondary education and the workforce. In this Lunch-and-Learn, explore insights from Canada’s first national study of 400 neurodivergent students and graduates. Learn what supports (and hinders) successful transitions after high school and walk away with practical, neuro-affirming strategies to help students build self-advocacy skills and navigate post-secondary pathways with confidence.
Last Call for Teachers' Pro-D Day | MineralsEd | January 27, 2026 | More info | Sign Up
MineralsEd is excited to host this year’s exclusive Pro-D program at AME Roundup 2026, held under the theme Minerals for a Changing World. This theme highlights how minerals and mining are central to addressing global challenges, from building sustainable technologies to supporting communities and shaping a more resilient future.
UBC Masters Programs | Fully Online | Application Deadline March 30, 2026 | MEd Math | MEd Science
UBC is now accepting applications for our next fully-online Masters of Education (MEd) in Mathematics Education cohort program and our Masters of Education in Science Education. Beginning Sept 2026 and open to all teachers K-12. A perfect opportunity for collaborative professional development for teachers across the province. Please distribute to all teachers interested in math and/or science education. We encourage teachers to apply in school or in district teams. A degree in math or science is NOT required. The program enables teachers to apply for TQS Category 6 Pay-scale Increment. Live-Streamed information sessions are available as follows:
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES
January Industry Immersion: Beyond the Skies Challenge | My Blueprint | January 15, 2026 | More info
In the Beyond the Skies challenge, students delve into the world of aviation with NAV CANADA, Canada’s air navigation service provider, learning how air traffic controllers, flight service specialists, and technologists collaborate to guide over 18 million flights annually. Students in grades 7-12 can explore real aviation career pathways, complete a short activity and reflection, and submit their learning for a chance to win one of twenty $500 micro-grants.
H&R Block Canada Future Finance Experts Scholarships | My Blueprint | January 15-April 24
Students can apply for the H&R Block Canada Future Finance Experts Scholarship starting January 15, offering 10 awards of $3,000 to support post-secondary tuition and expenses. Don’t miss out! Remind your students to log in to myBlueprint on January 15 to apply for a $3,000 Future Finance Experts Scholarship.
Scotiabank Financial Wellness Scholarships | My Blueprint | January 15-April 24
Starting January 15, Grade 12 students across Canada can apply for one of 10 Financial Wellness Scholarships worth $3,000 each. Designed to support students as they plan for life after high school, this scholarship invites applicants to reflect on what financial wellness means to them and how it connects to their future goals. Don’t miss out! Remind your students to log in to myBlueprint on January 15 to apply for $3,000 toward post-secondary expenses.
UBC Engineering Physics Info Event for High School Students Who Identify As Women | January 22, 2026 | Register
To address gender inequality in STEM, UBC is inviting interested students and their parents to an introduction to the Engineering Physics program by giving tours of their facilities, and have current student projects on display.
Engineering Physics is a broad engineering degree with extra emphasis on physics and math. In addition to core engineering skills (mechanical, electrical, software), engineering physicists are equipped with a deep understanding of fundamental science and analytical methods to tackle challenges at the forefront of any field, from biotechnology and medical devices to quantum computing, artificial intelligence, fusion power, and aerospace, to provide just a few examples. This rigorous and challenging undergraduate level program, may be of interest to the strongest students, especially those who want to pursue careers in research, invention, and entrepreneurship.
Speaker Series: Afrofuturism: A Vision by Us, For Us | February 5, 2026 | Register
Afrofuturism is a powerful force in art, literature, and music- but what is it, at its core? Learn about how it has served as a catalyst for social change by and for people of African descent around the world. This session is taking place online via Teams, and there is no cost involved. The speaker is Ruby Smith Díaz (B.Ed), who is an afro latina person born to Chilean and Jamaican parents in Edmonton – amiskwaciy, Treaty 6. Her experiences of marginalization as a youth has inspired her to dedicate her life's work to social justice and exploring issues of equity and identity through art. She is the author of the top-selling book, Searching for Serafim, about the life and legacy of Serafim “Joe” Fortes, a trailblazing Black lifeguard, who became a cultural icon in a racist society. Her artistic work has been featured in the Vancouver International Film Festival, The Contemporary Art Gallery of Vancouver, The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Mount St Vincent University Art Gallery in Halifax, and Truck Contemporary Art Gallery in Calgary.
Celebrating Winter Olympic and Paralympic Sport Heroes | February 25, 2026 | Beyond the Win | Register
Join Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for Storytelling Series: Celebrating Winter Olympic and Paralympic Sport Heroes, a national livestream event that uses the power of athlete stories to explore the values behind the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This engaging 45-minute panel will be moderated by Order of Sport Recipient and Hall of Famer Catriona Le May Doan, Olympic champion and one of the country’s most respected voices in sport and leadership. Through guided conversation and reflection, panelists will explore themes of inclusion, accessibility, environmental responsibility, and fair play—highlighting how sport on the world stage reflects shared values and global responsibility beyond medals and podiums.
Burnaby School Canoe Program | April 21-June 19, 2026 | More info | Request Form
The City of Burnaby is once again offering the School Canoe program that is run out of Deer Lake Park from April-June yearly. There are elementary and high schools from all over the Lower Mainland that participate, including one school that comes all the way from Langley! We would love to welcome even more Langley schools this year. This program is for grades 5 and older and meets DPA requirements. The School Canoe Program has run successfully for over 50 years, with more than 50 different schools participating over the years. Many students have come away with a lifelong love of paddling, and great new skills learned from our RCABC trained Canoe Instructors. This program has been so successful thanks to folks spreading the word to as many schools as possible, and teachers bringing their classes back year after year. We operate on a first come first served basis, and spots are filling up quickly!
2026 Vancouver International Children's Festival | May 26-29, 2026 | Brochure | More info
The 2026 Festival will feature dazzling performances from artists far and wide. From local treasures to international gems, these captivating performers will put a smile on your student’s face and make you hoot with laughter. The 49th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival will offer In-Person programming to schools this spring. Plan your field trip and share the Festival’s exceptional music, circus, clowning, theatre, dance and storytelling shows with your classes. We can’t wait to delight, enchant and engage your students with performances from local and international artists including live Q&As. More information about ticket purchasing and pricing can be found on the website above.
Royal BC Museum | School Registration
There are some exciting learning opportunities available with the BC Museum in this season. Please see below a brand-new learning lab as well as digital field trips.
- New Museum Career Learning Lab | 60 minutes In-Person, $150 | Designed for Grades 10-12 | Book
Museums are full of fascinating career opportunities—from researchers and conservators to carpenters and exhibition designers. In this interactive Learning Lab, students explore the wide range of museum roles, reflect on how these jobs shape exhibitions, and discover how their own skills and interests might connect to careers in the museum world. - Digital Gold Rush of BC Field Trip | 30 minutes via Zoom, $75 | Designed for Grade 4 | Book
In 1858, the discovery of gold in the Fraser River brought hopeful miners from around the world to what is now British Columbia. Students will explore the people, tools, and methods of the Gold Rush, and examine its lasting impacts on the province, its lands, and its communities. - Women in Science Online Program | March 4, 2026 | 40 minutes via Zoom, free | Book
Join a museum educator on an investigative journey through the Natural History gallery as we explore some techniques that educators use to communicate science! Be prepared to use your observation skills and practice scientific illustration skills with one our talented exhibit designers! Visit the Learning Portal for pre and post visit resources.
In 2026, Logics Academy is here to help make coding simple and meaningful for your students. They have introduced the Logics Academy Robotic Series which is a set of workshops designed to give you practical strategies, ready-to-use resources, and classroom support. There is free hands-on session designed to help educators integrate Dash into their classrooms with effective pedagogy and assessment strategies. There is curriculum connections to math, science and language and self-assessment prompts and checklists to drive metacognition.
A Season of Theatre | Langley SD#35 | Poster
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!
Apply to Become a Focused ED Evaluator | Focused Ed | Deadline January 26, 2026 | More info | Apply Now
Focused Education is seeking BCTF members to become learning resource evaluators. Apply now to the BCTF. Successful applicants will be offered a contract to join the next three-year cohort in support of our evaluation services. Work within a peer-team role to evaluate digital and print resources. Evaluation reviews become part of the K-12 Evaluated Resource Collection. Support your colleagues in making informed decisions about classroom resource selection.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Top Science Titles on Curio | Access the Teacher Starter Kit
CURIO is a free resource available to all staff in the Langley School District simply by creating an account with your District email address. CURIO is filled with easy to use videos, movies, podcasts and other resources for teachers to use with their classes along with ready made teacher guides and classroom guides for use along with the resources. Ever wonder which science and tech resources are truly resonating in the classroom? Curio has rounded up the 'best of 2025' titles, vetted and loved by fellow educators.
- Teenage Brain | Secondary | More info
Ever feel like your students are a different species? Surviving: The Teenage Brain offers a fascinating look at the neuroscience behind the chaos. This documentary reframes the 'turbulent teen' as an evolutionary masterpiece. Using a unique graphic-novel visual style and interviews with top neuroscientists, the film explains how reward-seeking, dopamine-driven brains are perfectly adapted for innovation. A brilliant resource for Biology or Psychology units on human development. - Northern Lights | Elementary Ages 8-11 | More info
We are currently in a 'solar maximum,' making this the absolute best time to spot the Aurora Borealis! In just 3 minutes, discover the science behind this dazzling light show and why Canada has a front-row seat.
Free Learning Portal | Royal BC Museum | More info
If you’re diving into a specific theme with your students, be sure to explore the Learning Portal from the Royal BC Museum. It is a free digital resource full of curriculum-connected content tailored to BC learners.
Innovation | Power Smart for Schools | Activities and Resources | Workplace Safety Innovation
The world is changing faster than ever, and teachers face the incredible challenge of preparing students for a future full of opportunities and obstacles. That's why we're putting a spotlight on innovation. Innovative thinking empowers the next generation to tackle anything that comes their way. The innovation topic has been added to the activity categories. Along with regrouping some of the existing activities, they are also developing new innovation-focused units for all grade levels. The first new unit, Workplace Safety Innovation leads grade 10-12 students through the process of recognizing safety hazards and addressing them with thoughtful design.
Refreshed and updated SHIFT Failure resources | Education+ | More info
Take failure's powerful lessons to a new level in 2026. To celebrate the new year, Education+ has updated their SHIFT Failure resources for grades 5-12, to expand student perspectives on failure and how they approach it both inside and outside the classroom. Check out the new resources for fresh approaches to learning and updated case studies that will resonate with all ages.
Canadian Armed Forces in the Middle East | Veterans Affairs | More info
In 2026 Veterans Affairs is highlighting Canadian service in the Middle East over the years. Did you know that our country’s military has carried out many important operations in the region, including standing up for international law during Gulf War and helping countries during multinational peacekeeping missions. Canadian Armed Forces have also offered aid after natural disasters.
TECH TIPS
Critical Literacy in the Age of AI | Blog
"When students can uncover truth in an era of endless information, that’s real literacy." A recent blog post by Edutopia, 5 Ways to Build Critical Literacy in the Age of AI, moves through different strategies and resources that can help to build in lateral reading and fact-checking skills with your students. If you're teaching lower grades, it might as simple as group activities to spot fake, AI-generated content online. If you're teaching Grade 9-12, you might have students generate content with Microsoft Copilot, such as a paragraph or an image, and use critical analysis to deepen their literacy skills. After all, as teachers we know that "…the deepest learning happens after the AI has spoken, when the human reader begins to think." Let's empower students to use AI to push their thinking further!