In the Loop - October 16, 2025
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! You can check it out in person in the basement of the School Board Office or have kits and resources delivered directly to your school! 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
Interested in Becoming a Mentor? We have many brand-new or early career teachers looking for a mentor. We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (K-5) and middle (6-8). We are looking for experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles. Please fill out the Mentor Information Sheet here. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!
New to the District or a New Role? If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet here. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!
Time Commitment: Mentors and Mentees need to commit to ONE 45-minute learning-focused conversation every 3-5 weeks. There are optional workshops, networking and learning sessions available, as well as many perks such as the Mentorship Retreat, giveaways, and resources.
Mentorship Kits: Join the Mentorship Program to borrow Classroom Library Kits to borrow for the school year to help build a library for your students to borrow books and increase the love of literacy. Currently available at K-2 and 6-8 grade levels. Email us with your request.
HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education | UBC | More info
Educators can immerse themselves in the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) free six-week, self-paced, online course “Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education,” designed to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and worldviews. Running until Nov. 4, 2025, the program encourages participants to re-examine assumptions, strengthen relationships, and envision practices that create inclusive and equitable learning environments. System education leaders will gain insight into approaches that respond to current reforms, while learning alongside Indigenous Elders, educational leaders, and culturally grounded resources. They will also explore strategies that enhance classroom practice, community engagement, and institutional policies in ways that honour reconciliation. An optional certificate of completion is available, adding recognition to this professional learning journey.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation | UBC | More info
Learning journeys often begin with a single step, and “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” offers system education leaders that step through a free, accessible e-learning program created by the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education. Available in English or French, the course provides three hours of flexible learning on residential schools, Indigenous relations, economic reconciliation, and the future of reconciliation. Participants may complete modules in any order and will receive a certificate upon finishing all modules and a final quiz. By engaging with this resource, participants can deepen their understanding of truth and reconciliation and strengthen the relationships that shape learning communities across Canada.
PROVINCIAL PRO-D DAY OCTOBER 24, 2025
Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference 2025 I October 24, 2025
Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference is our annual conference dedicated to professional development for kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators. Our workshop line-up includes local and internationally recognized experts selected to share their innovative and practical ideas for working with young learners. Pre-registration for this event is now closed, however, if you would still like to attend, please arrive at RE Mountain for 8am to register with event staff. Please come prepared to pay. Cash not accepted.
Middle Years Conference: Empowering Every Learner | October 24, 2025
Instructional Services is pleased to offer our second annual Middle Years Conference, which will be held at Yorkson Creek Middle School on October 24, 2025. This conference is open to all Grades 6-8 teachers in the Langley School District. This year will focus on the theme of Learning Across the Curriculum: Empowering Every Learner. This year’s keynote is the incredible Trevor MacKenzie, presenting The One Thing Every Classroom Needs: Curiosity. Pre-registration for this event is now closed, however, if you would still like to attend, please arrive at Yorkson Creek for 8am to register with event staff.
Planning for Meaningful Learning: From Backwards Design to Student Choice | October 24, 2025 | Register
Join us for a practical workshop designed to help teachers create unit plans that accommodate diverse learning needs. We'll explore how to use learning intentions and success criteria to guide planning, assessment, and student reflection. You will leave with a variety of strategies to offer students multiple access points to learning. Bring a device and ideas for a new unit. This full-day session will include working time to dig into the curriculum and begin a UDL aligned plan. Registration for this event will close at 8:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Basic First Aid | October 24, 2025 | Register
The WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years.
What you will learn:
- Priority Action Approach
Primary Survey – Conscious patient / Unconscious patient - Cervical spine control
- Airway and Breathing interventions
- Hemorrhage control
- One person CPR
- Minor injuries which require medical aid
- Management of soft tissue injuries
- Records and reports
Free Literacy Webinar Opportunity | Implementing the Joyful Literacy Legacy Collection | October 24, 2025 | Register | More info
This webinar provides teachers with proven and critical resources they can readily access to make literacy success for all children a reality. Really special is the Teacher’s Guide which provides a sequential monthly plan for each skill at each grade level and a skill tracking system, so no skills are missed. Hundreds of playful games provide easy teacher preparation for children who need extra practice. All attendees will receive digital copies of Janet Mort's two Joyful Literacy Intervention books for free whether you purchase the entire resource or not. The Joyful Literacy staff are presenting a free Implementation Webinar on October 24th from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT.
Roots & Renewal: Reviving the Past, Re-imagining the Present Conference | Learning Environments: Enhancing the Educational Experience BC | October 23-24, 2025 | More Info | Register
Join this fall conference to experience five innovative Vancouver Island schools that showcase the future of learning spaces – from upgrades and replacements to additions, prefabrication, and modular design. Discover how these projects are shaping inspiring, inclusive environments for today's students. The program will include school tours, workshops, engaging topics, networking & Ministry update.
Aboriginal Education Conference | October 24, 2025 | More info | Register
Aboriginal Education Association PSA is hosting a conference on Resistance & Hope – Art, Activism & Allyship on Friday October 24, 2025. The keynote speaker is Charlie Angus at Langley Fine Arts School. Please see the attached poster for more info.
Moving Forward Together | Education Assistants Society of BC | Virtual Session | October 24, 2025 | More info | Register
The Langley School District and the Education Assistants Society of BC are thrilled to introduce to you the "Moving Forward Together" conference, a day dedicated to empowering and inspiring education assistants. In our ever-evolving educational landscape, the role of an education assistant is more vital than ever. EAs are on the front lines, providing crucial individualized support, bridging learning gaps, and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. This conference is meticulously designed to equip you with practical tools, insightful strategies, and to connect you with a supportive community, enabling you to confidently navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of your daily work.
Throughout the day, you will hear from three distinguished speakers; Nicole Joseph, dedicated teacher Abbotsford School District, Angela Murphy, Writer, Speaker, and School Psychologist, and Dr. Erika L. McDowell, Equity Steward at Wildflower Schools, who bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to the field. Prepare to delve into discussions on critical topics such as Indigenous language revitalization, the profound impact of trauma-informed practices, and the essential act of advocating for your voice in the educational journey.
This event is a virtual event for Langley School District SEA’s from 8:30AM-2:30PM. Please do not register online. Register at link above.
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The Decline in Outdoor Play: and the Rise in Sensory Issues with Angela J. Hanscom | On-Demand Learning Feature
As we continue to decrease children’s time and space to move and play outdoors, we are seeing a simultaneous rise in the number of children that are presenting with sensory and motor deficits. At the same time, classroom teachers are observing more and more children having trouble with attention, falling out of their seats in school, increased clumsiness, and even aggressiveness with games like tag on the playground.
So, how can we reverse this alarming trend of sensory and motor issues in children? How can we ensure that children are fully engaging their body, mind, and all of their senses? Using the same philosophy that lies at the heart of her popular TimberNook program—that nature is the ultimate sensory experience, and that psychological and physical health improves for children when they spend time outside on a regular basis—Angela Hanscom offers several strategies to help children thrive in outdoor environments using a therapeutic approach to nature play.
Getting Started with Intermediate French | November 3, 2025 | Register
This Workshop is for grade 5 and 6 teachers who are looking for support with teaching French. Shauna Néro will present grade 5 and 6 French units that have been designed by the Office of Franchophone and Franophile Affairs at SFU. All attendees will be provided with a bin that includes lesson plans, resources, and supplies for the first unit.
Save the Date: Odyssey 2026 | February 9, 2026
EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Teaching Outside the Lines | Artem Research Collective Workshop | For K-12 Educators | October 18, 2025 | More info | Register
The Artem Research Collective is hosting a series of upcoming workshops. The workshops are free! Our next workshop is on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 8:00am to 9:00am (PST). The workshop is for K-12 educators and it’s titled: Teaching outside the lines: Igniting Creativity in the K-12 Classroom through Collaborative Creative Inquiry.
Educators and Librarians Join this free live event with Author Leona Prince | WITS Foundation | October 23, 2025 | Register
Leona Prince is an award-winning Indigenous author, educator, and advocate whose work uplifts stories of identity, resilience, and belonging. She is the co-author of Be a Good Ancestor, a celebrated book that inspires young readers to consider their role in caring for the earth, their communities, and future generations. Her newest book, Remember Who You Are, is a powerful story that encourages children to stay true to themselves, honour their gifts, and carry forward the strength of their culture and ancestors. Join the Live Event with Leona Prince! Educators and librarians are invited to a 45-minute live event where Leona Prince will share her insights on the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, resilience, and connection in young readers.
What’s the Story? Supporting Inquiry through Heritage Fairs | Heritage Fairs in BC | October 28, 2025 - December 9, 2025 | Flyer
Canada’s History, in partnership with Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future, is pleased to present a professional development series for teachers participating in the Heritage Fair program. The Heritage Fair program is a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply with history through inquiry-based research and share their learning at community-based events.
This series will provide teachers with tools and strategies for helping students select meaningful topics, design strong inquiry questions, locate and analyze relevant evidence, draw reasonable conclusions, and share their findings in interesting ways. Teachers will also learn how to assess inquiry projects effectively. The series will feature four, 90-minute sessions from October–December. The series will be hosted online, via Zoom, and is also available in French. Participants will have access to the session recordings and any resources shared.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES
$10K in Microgrants: October's Industry Immersion Series Challenge | More info
Every month, students in grades 7-12 across Canada can take part in an industry-sponsored activity designed to build skills and spark career awareness—while competing for one of twenty $500 micro-grants. That’s $10,000 in student prizes each month, plus added incentives for educators! October’s challenge, which launched October 1st, is sponsored by the mining industry and shines a spotlight on the diverse, high-demand, and well-paying careers available across Canada. Students who do have a myBlueprint account (not required) can access the challenge directly through their myBlueprint account.
Gymnastics Field Trips | Flip City | More info
Bring your class down to learn Gymnastics in a fun, safe, and controlled environment. Your Field Trip will include a fun warm-up and stretch followed by an instructional Gymnastics lesson taught by Certified Gymnastic Coaches, following our curriculum aimed at improving your student's motor skills. Children of all abilities are welcomed and we can adapt our equipment to meet the needs of all children. We have an assortment of relays, games, and structured activities for your students to do on events in our facility.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Mental Well-Being Playbook | Education+ | Download the Playbook
Now, in honor of World Mental Health Day, Education Plus is sharing the first chapter of the Mental Well-Being Playbook, a free resource designed to bring moments of mindfulness, reflection, and calm into the lives of you and your students.
2025 Veterans Week learning materials and resources for Remembrance Day | Veterans Affairs Canada | Free Hardcopy Resources here | Digital Resources here
There are free Veteran's Week learning resources available for students aged five to eighteen offered by Veterans Affairs Canada.
- Mission Recognition | More info
Veterans took part in many missions during their military careers. Now it's your turn to show Veterans that we appreciate their service. One great way to do that is by creating a peace tree in your classroom, library or community space. Use a bulletin board, a wall or even a holiday tree and decorate it with symbols of remembrance and the colourful I Will Remember Maple Leaves (order them while supplies last or print your own). - Did he have freckles? | Lesson Plan
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. Help students explore its special meaning by having them imagine who the person buried inside could have been. Check out our new Did he have freckles? lesson plan for classroom-ready learning activities and powerful visuals of people who lost their lives in service and have no known final resting place. - Remembrance Ceremony Resource Centre | More info
School and community ceremonies honouring those who have served our country are a great way to show we care. If you’re looking for ideas on how to organize one, visit the Plan a Remembrance Day Ceremony resource centre today! You will find downloadable videos, music and readings, as well as detailed planning tools, MC notes and a customizable, step-by-step presentation you can play at your event. - In Flanders Fields Poem | One Poem Many Voices Resource
Millions of people have heard the famous Canadian war poem In Flanders Fields at Remembrance Day ceremonies around the world. Did you know that this year is its 110th anniversary? Help your students experience the poem in new ways using our multilingual One poem, many voices resources. We have worked with our partners to translate In Flanders Fields into more than 25 of the most spoken languages and dialects in Canada, including Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic and many First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages. Written translations are currently available and over the coming weeks we’ll continue to add new video and audio elements.
Salmon Story | Power Smart for Schools | See Activity | Pink Salmon Article
In the fall, many communities around B.C. witness the return of salmon to rivers to spawn. Spotting big, strong salmon swimming upstream is an exciting event, and a great opportunity for students to think about life cycles, ecosystems, and the amazing local wildlife we need to protect. The new Salmon story activity for grades K-3, created in collaboration with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, explores the life cycle of salmon. Students follow along and act out the journey of salmon from the riverbed to the ocean and back. The activity includes illustrated printouts of the salmon stages and habitat to help students engage with the story. There is also a feature article about pink salmon and the Cheakamus River. See link above.
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS
From Addiction to Awakening | My Legacy Podcast | Education+ | Podcast
This week on the My Legacy Podcast & Syndicated Radio Show, bestselling author and spiritual teacher Gabby Bernstein joins hosts Arndrea Waters King, Martin Luther King III, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger for a deeply personal conversation about healing, authenticity, and the power of daily presence.
TECH TIPS
Gear Up for Media Literacy Week with Engaging Workshops | Logics Academy | More info
Let’s celebrate by helping students understand, question, and create media with confidence.
These free workshops make it simple for educators to spark digital awareness and curiosity, through coding, storytelling, and creativity.
- Unleashing Creativity with Canva | October 21, 2025
A free, hands-on educator workshop to explore classroom-ready design tools, templates, and creative teaching ideas - Coding Meets Media: Teaching Literacy Through Codingville - K-12 | October 23, 2025
Explore how Codingville can strengthen students’ media literacy and critical thinking in this interactive educator workshop. - Your Voice is Power AI Songwriting Lesson | October 28, 2025
Students explore songwriting through AI while honoring Indigenous voices, learning about creativity, ethics, and bias in this engaging classroom experience. - CBC Kids Minecraft Education | October 30, 2025
Students step into the role of junior reporters in Minecraft Education, learning to spot misinformation, verify facts, and think critically about digital content. - Create, Code, & Stay Smart with CanvaAI | October 29, 2025
Students get the chance to design interactive games in CanvaCode while exploring AI bias and misinformation.