In the Loop - October 8, 2026

I've learned

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 a lending library of classroom and teaching resources available to all school staff in the Langley School District. All of our items are available to view and book online through the Insignia Library system. We also deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (check with your admin assistant to see which days your deliveries are on).

Click here for more information, including login instructions: SD35 District Learning Commons

Featured DLC Resource:

Now available to borrow at the DLC. Click the link here to book this item and so much more!

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HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

October Indigenous Education Newsletter | Read Here
Please be sure to check out the October Newsletter from our District's Indigenous Department. This newsletter is full of excellent information about what is happening in Indigenous Education in October. This includes information about upcoming events, important Indigenous days and connections, as well as resources for teachers at all different grade levels. You can access the newsletter at the link above.

Metis Nation - Passion for Teaching: Metis Voices in Education | More info
Métis Nation BC is proud to launch Passion for Teaching: Métis Voices in Education, a video series highlighting the journeys, experiences, and inspirations of Métis educators
across British Columbia. The series features Métis teachers Caren Nagao, Chelsea Craddock, Nicole Stewart, and Dave Lafontaine, who generously shared their stories and perspectives on teaching.

PROVINCIAL PRO-D DAY | FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2026

Pro-D at the Museum of Vancouver | October 23, 2026 | More info
 MOV is pleased to once again host the Provincial Pro-D Day at the Museum of Vancouver on Friday, October 23. This will be a rich day of learning, networking and professional development designed for educators. For details and registration, please visit the website at the link above.

BCAMT Mathematics Fall Conference: True North: Aligning Practice with Purpose | Register
 Registration is now open for the annual BC Mathematics Conference which will be held at Gladstone Secondary on the Provincial Pro-D Day, Friday October 23! This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Peter Liljedahl, professor at SFU. In addition, the workshop options include Langley's very own Calvin Leung, who will be offering the workshop below at the conference:

Let’s Count On Math: Seeing Structure and Building Meaning From K-12 
 From K-12, students often make their way through a series of disjointed experiences causing a disconnect between students and math; resulting in weak numeracy and understanding of “what math means.” The easy to apply and understand structure of “counting” can be used in and between classrooms K-12 to make meaning and help students understand the procedures and algorithms we teach. The algorithms and processes remain unchanged, only a slight change in how we approach them makes them more accessible and relatable to students. With over 75% of instructional time spent covering: number concepts and operations, algebra, measurement, and probability, “counting" is the unifying framework that will allow students to see interrelationships between concepts, processes, and algorithms to make sense of and organize their math learning. Weaving this thread through the K-12 journey will help students have a greater understanding of how things are related and make concepts easier for teachers to teach and students to learn, retain, and apply.

Right Brain Reading Workshop | October 23, 2026 | More info
 Come for a day of learning that will transform how you support those struggling readers you have in your classroom or school.This workshop is for you if you are working hard with them, giving them extra practice and support, yet they still aren't working confidently or independently at grade level. Jennifer Hedican founded Right Brain Reading to work specifically with that group of students who, despite intervention and support, do not make the expected progress. I saw drastic improvements with this method and you will too. It is easy to use, fun to do, engaging for the student and successful - you and your students will love it! Learn all about the 6 fundamental steps of Right Brain Reading, do some hands-on learning, hear how neuroscience informs this practice and learn some tips and tricks for UDL and classroom use too.

Supporting Educators to Prepare Future Innovators | JA British Columbia | October 23, 2026 | More info
JA British Columbia is hosting two online, no-cost professional learning sessions focused on bringing financial literacy, budgeting, entrepreneurship, and future-ready skills into the classroom. Educators will take away classroom-ready resources and practical ideas, participate in a live Q&A, receive a certificate of attendance, and have a chance to win a door prize. There are two sessions, one is for Grades 3-9 Educators and the other is for Grades 10-12 Educators. See link above for more info.

NEW! Supporting Autistic Learners Using a Trauma Informed Lens | October 23, 2026 | Register Today!
This half-day workshop explores practical, trauma-informed strategies Resource Teachers/Case Managers can use to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. Participants will learn how trauma and chronic stress can affect behaviour, regulation, relationships, and learning, with a focus on recognizing signs of stress and responding with safety, connection and dignity.
 Participants will explore practical approaches for supporting students with autism and diverse learning needs, including strategies for regulation, positive relationships, and responding to distressed behaviour in ways that promote agency, belonging, and meaningful participation. Pick ONE of the following session times.

  • Morning Session: 8:30 – 11:30 am
  • Afternoon Session: 12:00 – 3:00 pm

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Words Matter #getliterate | On-Demand Learning Feature
Just as language literacy and numeracy are important, so is mental health literacy. The goal for school mental health is to improve mental health literacy among students, school staff, and parents. The focus of the workshop is to: introduce a common language around mental health; promote the reduction of stigma; increase knowledge around what is/what is not a mental illness; provide an overview of the more common mental health concerns and disorders encountered in a school setting; and begin a conversation around good mental health practices, which includes seeking help when appropriate. First people’s principals of learning included are:

  • Intercultural understanding, empathy, & mutual respect
  • Exploration of identity
  • Generational roles & responsibilities
  • Holistic, reflexive, reflective, etc.
  • Knowledge is sacred
  • Patience & time
  • Recognizing consequences of actions
  • Well-being of self, family, community, etc.

Ukeru Training 2026-2027 | Multiple Dates, 2026-2027 | Register Today!
Special Education Assistants (SEAs) in the Langley School District are expected to renew their Ukeru training every two years. Content of this session includes Trauma-Informed Care, De-escalation Strategies, and Personal Protective Skills. This is single-day training. Only register for one day. If you need to change the day you are attending, please reach out to Professional Services (thinklangley@sd35.bc.ca), and they will assist you. Questions regarding the teaching should be directed to Cathy Gracie. This training is open to all district staff to whom these practices may apply. 

AAC In Every Classroom | October 21, November 4, & November 18, 2026 | Register Today!
This practical three-part series helps bridge the gap between AAC theory and classroom practice by giving educators the understanding, mindset, and tools to support communication access throughout the school day. This PD is for the whole team - classroom teachers, EAs, and support staff. 
Session 1: Understanding AAC: What it is, who uses it, and why it matters 
Session 2: Being a Strong Communication Partner: Practical strategies for everyday interactions 
Session 3: Supporting AAC in the Classroom Environment: Routines, structures, and participation opportunities

NEW! Red Cross Basic First Aid with CPR/AED Level C for SD35 STaff | October 23, 2026 | Register Today!
This course focuses on the most common and critical life-threatening situations one may encounter. It provides basic first aid knowledge to care for adults, children and infants in case of an emergency. Upon successful completion, participants receive a national Red Cross First Aid Certificate valid for 3 years. A catered lunch will be provided alongside the Connecting the Pieces Conference. Course Content:

  • Preparing to respond
  • The EMS system
  • Check, Call, Care
  • Airway emergencies - Adult, Child, Infant
  • Breathing and circulation emergencies - Adult, Child, Infant
  • First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest - Adult, Child, Infant
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Wound Care

MathUP! Tools for Teaching | October 23, 2026 | Register Today!
Explore the resources, routines, and instructional tools within MathUP! and discover how they can support or enhance K-8 mathematics instruction. Engage in hands-on learning that promotes numeracy, reasoning, and problem solving while exploring additional resources that compliment the program. Leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready ideas, and tools to support meaningful mathematics learning.

ASD: Supporting Student Success | October 23, 2026 | Register Today!
Join us at the Langley Events Centre for a day full of practical tools and strategies to support student learning and success. The District Autism Team will provide hands-on learning and practice that will empower you to support students. Attendance at this all-day workshop will provide ASD credit to SEAs.  Learn effective use of:

  • visual supports
  • preference assessments
  • picture creation
  • no demand play/pairing, and
  • universal de-escalation strategies

Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference | October 23, 2026 | Register Today!
Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference is our annual conference dedicated to professional development for Kindergarten - Grade 3 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.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

UBC Masters of Education Programs | More info
UBC is offering a number of Masters of Education Programs designed specifically for working professionals.  The following programs are already open for registration but have information sessions coming up this month.
  • MEd in School & Applied Child Psychology
  • MEd in Early Childhood Education
  • MEd in Indigenous Education
  • MEd in Supporting Inclusive Education
  • Med in Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
These programs below are not open for registration yet but also have upcoming information sessions:
  • MEd in Educational Leadership & Administration
  • MEd in Social Studies Education
  • MEd in Sustainability, Regeneration & Resilience
For more information about these programs and the open house dates, please check out their website at the link above for all the details.

Masters in Educational Leadership and Mentorship 2027-2029 | University of the Fraser Valley | More info
University of the Fraser Valley is currently accepting applications for UFV's  Master of Education in Educational leadership and  mentorship, a  professional learning program designed to support teachers in their local context. This cohort-based graduate program features blended learning (mostly in person), offering MEd candidates the opportunity to develop as leaders and mentors within a powerful community of practice.  The focus on local issues, and contexts allows educators to immediately apply new strategies directly within their own classrooms and schools. They are offering online and in-person information sessions on the following dates:

  • Wednesday Oct 21, 2026  (4:00-5:00 pm) online
  • Thursday, Nov 5, 2026      (4:00-5:00 pm) online
  • Thursday Nov 12, 2026 (5:00-7:00 pm) in person at UFV Mission Campus | Register
  • Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026     (4:00-5:00 pm) online

Literacies Today and Tomorrow | Wilfrid Laurier University | More info | Register
Literacies Today and Tomorrow is a free online professional learning series for Ontario and British Columbia K-4 educators, support teachers, literacy coaches, administrators, school board leaders, and teacher education faculty who are interested in deepening responsive, comprehensive, and research-informed literacy practices.

Across five Saturday sessions, we will explore how to create literacy learning ecologies that respond to the complex needs of today’s classrooms. Each session will include a focused provocation, video/annotated photo case study deconstruction, collaborative break-out conversations, a brief expert presentation, and time to consider how the learning can be translated into classrooms and school contexts.

Session themes will include:

Session 2: (October 15)- The Pleasure and Joy of Literacy

Session 3: (October 31)- The Reciprocal Relationship Between Reading and Writing- Part 1

Session 4: (November 14)- The Reciprocal Relationship Between Reading and Writing- Part 2

Session 5: (November 28)- Comprehensive Literacy in a Structured-Heavy Program- Interdisciplinary Literacy Connections Across Subjects and Programs

Sessions will be held online through Zoom on the following Saturdays: October 17 & 31 and November 14, and 28, 2026 from 7:00-9:00 am (British Columbia- PST) OR 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Ontario- EST). Participants may register for all five sessions or for one or more sessions within the series.

This professional learning opportunity is also connected to a research study led by Dr. Keri Ewart and Dr. Tara-Lynn Scheffel at Wilfrid Laurier University in collaboration with colleagues connected to the University of British Columbia and the West Vancouver School Board. The research examines how virtual professional learning supports educators’ literacy learning, reflection, and classroom planning. Participation in the research component of this series is voluntary. Educators may attend the professional learning sessions without consenting to the research component. Please register no later than, September 30th, 2026 in order to be added to the LMS and receive the Zoom link associated with this series.

Going Deeper with Compassionate Systems | Compassionate Systems BC | November 8, 2026 | Register
This year-long program deepens your understanding of Compassionate Systems, building your capacity for self, relational, and systems leadership. Sessions make compassionate systems “visible” so you can apply what you learn directly to your own context, while nurturing equity-oriented lenses and Indigenous perspectives that strengthen the work. An experienced team of Compassionate Systems practitioners leads the way. The program launch is on November 8, 2026 in person, however a virtual option is available.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Student Vote BC | Registration closes October 13, 2026 | Register
Student Vote BC is a free and non-partisan program that allows students to participate in the upcoming Municipal and Provincial elections. Participating schools receive learning resources tailored to the provincial election, Party Leader Q&A videos, voting screens, ballots and ballot boxes.  As excitement builds around the provincial election, nearly 750 schools have registered for Student Vote BC, including 20 schools in Langley. They expect more than 100,000 students to cast ballots. If your school has not registered yet and would like to participate. Register your class or school using the link above. Please note that registration for the provincial program is separate from registration for the local elections. 

Sphero Robotics Missions: Season Kickoff Webinar | TEAM Alliance | October 14, 2026 | More info | Register
Sphero Robotics Missions gives students in grades K–8 a fun, approachable way to tackle robotics challenges and build confidence together. Presented by TEAM Alliance, this program offers a Student-Powered™ experience: students lead the ideas, building, and coding, with adult Team Coordinators supporting them along the way. First-time competitors are welcome! Join the webinar to meet TEAM Alliance and explore this 26–27 season’s Smart City Missions for indi, BOLT, and RVR. Learn about participation options, coordinating a team, and the benefits of hosting an in-person event. Bring your questions!

Health Talks Student Contest | Applications close October 19, 2026 | More info
The annual Health Talks Student Contest for Quality Forum 2027 in Vancouver is now open for applications. Students across BC are invited to share their ideas to answer the question: What are your hopes for health care? The contest is open to elementary, high school and post-secondary students, who can enter individually or as a team of up to three people. Whether inspired by personal experience, something they've noticed in their community, or an idea for the future, students are encouraged to think imaginatively. There is no single right answer! You can view past student presentations on their website.

 2027 Prime Ministers Award | Government of Canada | October 5, 2026 - January 13, 2027 | Nominate
Do you know a teacher or early childhood educator who deserves national recognition? Nominations for the 2027 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM and Excellence in Early Childhood Education are now being accepted. This is an opportunity to celebrate educators who go above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences, foster curiosity and confidence, and make a lasting impact on the children and students they serve.
Whether they are introducing innovative approaches in the classroom, building strong connections with families, championing inclusive learning environments, or inspiring a lifelong love of learning, we want to hear their stories. Nomination period: October 5, 2026, to January 13, 2027.

Stigma Free Presentations | Stigma-Free Mental Health | More info | Book
Live online or in-person in select locations; these flexible, no-cost sessions are led by trained presenters with lived experience of stigma and mental health. They’re designed to help spark student conversations, build empathy, and reduce stigma. To make mental health education easy, let our team take care of the hard work for you.

KIND Competition | KPU | More info | Handout | Poster
The Wilson School of Design at KPU has launched the KIND Competition. KIND encourages students to see design as a powerful tool for creating positive change. Participants are invited to explore how design can be kind to people and the environment by developing creative, thoughtful, and responsible solutions to real-world challenges. The competition is also a great opportunity for students to experience design thinking firsthand and learn more about design as a potential field of study and future career. 

LEARNING RESOURCES

Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators | Ministry of Children and Family Development | K-7 Infographic | 8-12 Infographic
The Ministry of Children and Family Development revised Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) K-7 in Spring 2026 in collaboration with B.C. educators, families and experts on childhood anxiety. The revised EASE 8-12 course and resources are also available on the HealthyMindsBC website. These resources support the Mental Health in Schools Strategy and government’s overall commitment to prevention and early intervention supports for children, youth and families.

Student Mental Health Tool Kit | Stigma-Free Mental Health | More info | Get Access
Province-specific lesson plans, videos, and downloadable resources aligned with your curriculum. Our toolkit spans a wide breadth of mental wellness topics for students, educators, school counsellors and parents/guardians. Use it as a tool and guide to bring customizable and practical mental health education into your classroom easily.

Sexual Health Teaching Toolkit from Fraser Health | More info
This online toolkit brings together trusted resources to support a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to sexual health education that aligns with BC Curriculum and best practice guidelines. It provides educators and school staff with easy access to reliable information, classroom materials and supports all in one place. Resources in the toolkit support learning about healthy relationships, consent, personal safety, identity, communication and decision-making in developmentally appropriate ways.

The Memory Project | Historica Canada | Video | Education Guides | Fighting Against Death | The Memory Project Archive
The Memory Project is proud to announce their newest video, The Battle That Never Was: Operation Cottage and the Defense of Kiska, exploring the role Canadians played in the Aleutian Islands campaign, a little-known chapter of the Second World War fought in the harsh and remote North Pacific that had significant consequences.
During the Second World War, Japanese Forces briefly occupied two islands in the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of Alaska and shelled Vancouver Island. It was the only enemy occupation of North America during the war. Canada and the United States had recently created the first unit jointly commanded by both countries, known as the First Special Service Force, which was quickly sent north. The video features two soldiers who were part of this elite group, Sergeant Charles Mann and Private Origène Poulin. Discover their incredible stories and reflect on their strength, service, and sacrifice in our video as we approach Remembrance Day.

Looking for more resources on the Second World War, Canadian military, or Remembrance Day in Canada? Consult the wide range of resources the Memory Project has to offer, including videos, panels, education guides, and the Memory Project Archive.

Veterans Week | Veterans Affairs Canada | More info
Remembrance Day will soon be here. If you are planning remembrance activities or commemorative events, Veterans Affairs Canada has a wide range of free print and digital resources at the link above to help students learn about remembrance and the stories of those who served.

  • Learning Materials | More info
    There is still time to order 2026 Veterans’ Week learning materials for your students. Order today to receive class packs of materials delivered to your door free of charge. Access digital versions packed with bonus videos, Veteran interviews and more on the website, link above.
  • Honouring Women Veterans | October is Women’s History Month | Video
    Explore the evolving role of women in Canada’s military with our inspiring new six-minute video, Her story: Canadian women in uniform. Students will discover how women’s roles in Canada’s military have evolved over more than a century, from nursing in field hospitals to piloting fighter jets, commanding warships and leading the Canadian Armed Forces at the highest levels.
  • Who is a Veteran? | Video
    If you are preparing for a visit from a Veteran guest speaker, start with our new Who is a Veteran? animated video. Young learners will discover that Veterans come from all communities and have served in many different roles in the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • In Service of Canada | More info
    In Service of Canada is a powerful new multimedia learning resource that helps high school and post-secondary students explore Canada’s military role in global affairs since 1949. Through interactive maps, Veteran interviews, videos and classroom activities, students can examine Canadian involvement in missions including the Suez Crisis, the Balkans and Afghanistan. Developed by the Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society.
  • Allward: An Immersive Experience | More info
    The 110th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is just months away. Begin preparing students for this significant commemoration by exploring the Vimy Foundation’s Allward: An Immersive Experience. Students will discover the story, symbolism and enduring legacy of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial through immersive content and classroom-ready lesson plans.

Power Smart Bingo | BC Hydro Power Smart | More info
Being power smart means making practical decisions and incorporating energy-saving habits that help reduce overall energy demand in B.C. BC Hydro has created the Power Smart Bingo activity which features a series of challenges to reduce energy consumption. They include exercises to find out where energy is being used most and incorporate better habits in the classroom.

TECH TIPS

Digital Citizenship Week and Media Literacy Week are Coming | Common Sense Media-Resources | MediaSmarts-Literacy Week 2026 
Looking for a quick, ready-to-teach lesson that builds essential skills for today's digital world? Digital Citizenship Week runs October 19-23 while Media Literacy Week runs October 26-30. Both Common Sense Media and MediaSmarts have free, classroom-ready resources that make participation easy.  
 
The Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Week resources provide free, classroom-ready lessons and activities for K-12 educators covering topics such as online search, source evaluation, media literacy, algorithms, misinformation, critical thinking, and responsible AI use. Resources are organized by grade level and designed to be easy to implement with minimal preparation. 
 
The MediaSmarts Media Literacy Week Teachers Hub helps take the prep work out of teaching digital citizenship by providing free, plug-and-play lessons, videos, and activities that help students think critically about AI, online information, media influences, and responsible participation in digital spaces 

Digital citizenship skills are increasingly becoming learning skills. Whether your students are navigating AI tools, evaluating online information, or participating in digital spaces, these resources offer practical ways to support those conversations in your classroom. 

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