In the Loop - September 24, 2026

T & R

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:

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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.

Curio Videos and Resources for Orange Shirt Day | September 30, 2026 | How to Access Curio
Curio has a number of excellent videos and resources for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day activities.  They have videos available at all grade levels.  Please the flyer below for some specific examples.  As a reminder, all SD35 staff have free access to Curio through the school district.  Click on the link above to learn how to access the Curio site for free.

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Every Child Matters Activity | Power Smart for Schools | More info
As educators, it's particularly important for us to work toward reconciliation by incorporating more Indigenous perspectives in our lesson plans and by finding ways to discuss Truth and Reconciliation in the classroom. One notable way we connect students with the topic is by wearing orange shirts to commemorate Orange Shirt Day on September 30.  Their Every Child Matters activity provides a variety of easy-to-implement hands-on crafts to engage K-7 students with Truth and Reconciliation. 

Free Lesson Plan for K/1 | Indigenous Packs | Rubicon Publishing | Lesson Plan
As the school year gets underway, preparing meaningful conversations for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 is a priority for many educators. We recognize the hard work you put into the start of the year to help students understand Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and experiences, and to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.  To assist you in bringing Orange Shirt Day into your classroom, Rubicon Publishing is providing free access to a book from their BOLDPRINT Inquiry Indigenous Packs, complete with a ready-to-use lesson plan for Kindergarten and Grade 1.

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. 

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Open Parachute - Fall Updates Webinar | Sept 29, 2026, Oct 1, 2026, Oct 6, 2026 | More info
Dr. Hayley Watson, founder and creator of Open Parachute, will be holding a series of webinars where she will be providing information on updates to the Open Parachute Platform which will outline some new features that educators can access to support your use of the platform in your schools.  Please see the flyer at the link above for more details and to sign up.

NEW! Setting Up for Success Session #3: Assessment and CSL | October 6, 2026 | Register Today!
As part of our Setting up for Success Program supporting new teachers to Langley, Instructional Services and Learning Support Services are offering an after school workshop focused on Assessment, Communicating Student Learning and Reporting. This workshop will be especially helpful for teachers at all levels who are going to be involved in informal learning updates, formal learning updates, parent-teacher conferences and Student Inclusive Conferences for the first time. There will be specific breakout sessions for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Learning Support. As well, District ELL teachers and Learning Support teachers will also be embedded in the general breakout sessions to help answers questions regarding assessment and reporting for ELL and Learning Support students.

Snacks, refreshments and a catered dinner will be provided to you.

Location: Church in the Valley: 23589 Old Yale Rd, Langley, BC V2Z 2K4

Schedule:

  • 3:15 – 3:45 PM: Arrival and check-in
  • 3:45 – 5:00 PM: District Assessment Overview
  • 5:00 – 5:45 PM: Catered Dinner
  • 5:45 – 7:00 PM: Grade Level Breakout Sessions 

BC IEP & MyEd Training for Resource Teachers | October 7, 2026 | Register Today!
This Workshop is presented by members of our Inclusion Team. You will learn how to complete the key components of a Competency Based Individual Education Plan and how to enter these documents into MyEd. This workshop will be offered twice on October the 7th. A morning session running from 9:00am - 12:00pm. An afternoon session running from 12:00 - 3:00pm 

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. 

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.

Indigenous Education Through the Lens of Sport from Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame| On-Demand Learning Feature
Looking to integrate Indigenous perspectives into your classroom, but unsure where to start? Join Canada's Sports Hall of Fall - the country's only national museum of sport - as they spotlight the remarkable stories, contributions, truths, and lived experiences of Indigenous Hall of Famers, emphasizing the lessons learned through sport. In this session, you'll receive free, ready-to-use educational resources to help bring Indigenous perspectives into your teaching.

Get a complete overview of the Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience (indigenousheroes.ca), a vetted digital book packed with lesson plans, Indigenous sport role models, digitized artefacts, interactivities, and an educator toolkit - all designed to support Truth and Reconciliation and social-emotional learning in the classroom. They'll also discuss Indigenous Ways of Knowing and experience the cultural richness of Indigenous Games through a DeneHand Game demonstration.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Voices in Literacy | September 29, 2026 | Register
Join Faye Brownlie and Karen Filewych for an engaging conversation exploring the opportunities, challenges, and emerging ideas shaping literacy learning today. Drawing on decades of experience working alongside educators, Faye and Karen will share perspectives on literacy instruction, student engagement, and the questions that continue to influence practice across classrooms, schools, and districts. Whether you're leading literacy initiatives, supporting system priorities, or looking to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the province, this conversation offers a unique opportunity to reflect, connect, and learn alongside fellow literacy leaders.

Going Deeper: A Year-Long Leadership Program | Compassionate Systems BC | Fall 2026 | Register
If you’ve previously engaged with Compassionate Systems sessions across British Columbia and are looking to grow your impact, we want to remind you that registration is open for Going Deeper: A Year-Long Leadership Program. Designed specifically for practitioners who feel called to advance this work within their schools, organizations, and communities, Going Deeper offers a structured, supportive space to expand your personal and professional practice.

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 information sessions on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026          (4:00-5:00 pm)
  • Wednesday Oct 21, 2026  (4:00-5:00 pm)
  • Thursday, Nov 5, 2026      (4:00-5:00 pm)
  • Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026     (4:00-5:00 pm)

Down Syndrome Webinar Series for Educators | Down Syndrome Resource Foundation | More info | Register
Join the sixth Educator Webinar Series, featuring engaging topics designed to support the important work educators do every day. Educators play a key role in supporting students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities as they grow into individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities. Please join DSRF speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioural consultants, and teachers for a comprehensive 4-part webinar series designed to maximize successful participation in the classroom and community for learners with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Here are the two series that are being offered:

  • Tuesdays: K-7 Focus - Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17
  • Thursdays: 8-12 Focus Oct 8, Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Remembrance Day | Historica Canada | Request  Speaker by October 3, 2026
Make Remembrance Day even more meaningful with a visit from a veteran or serving Canadian Armed Forces member. Request a free Memory Project speaker visit to learn more about the legacy of the Canadian military and the importance of Remembrance. Please note that visits are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. For priority consideration, please submit your request for this Remembrance season before October 3rd.

KPU Open House | October 3, 2026 | Register
Discover What's Possible at KPU. Come explore your future at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Open House—happening at the Surrey Campus! This exciting event is a chance to experience campus life with hands-on demos, student stories, and insider tips from KPU faculty, staff, and current students. KPU offers unique programs and courses not found at other institutions. The Open House is a great way for students to learn about program options and admission pathways, connect with the Future Students’ Office and KPU International, get help with their applications, and enter to win amazing prizes—including free tuition!

Interactive Musical Theatre for Your Students | Molly's Comedy Cabaret | More info
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret is a BC-based family theatre company offering lively, interactive musical performances for elementary schools. Their school shows combine familiar music, comedy, storytelling, and genuine audience participation—giving students an opportunity to experience live theatre as something welcoming, playful, and made for them. They have created a page especially for schools and school districts where you can see their performance options, practical booking information, and pricing at the link above. Their school performances typically range from $1,000–$1,500, and we’re happy to talk about individual schools' needs, budget, and possible options.

Empowered Black Girl Mentorship Program | October 2026 - April 2027 | Girls in Grades 7 -12 | More info | Register
This fall, the first cohort of the Empowered Black Girl Mentorship Program is being launched, running from October 2026 to April 2027. The program is open to Black girls in Grades 7–12 across Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. The program connects young Black girls with professional Black women mentors through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Our goal is to provide consistent, identity-affirming mentorship and a supportive space where girls can build confidence, explore their goals, develop leadership skills, and connect with women who can encourage and guide them. Mentee registration is now open. Throughout the program, mentees will explore three areas:

  • Skillful Scholars – Future Career & Education Planning
  • Limitless Leaders – Leadership, Networking & Academic Success
  • Confidence Collective – Emotional Well-Being & Self-Esteem

 Immersive Historical Mystery Experience World Wide Tour 2027-2028 | More info | Video
Live History is an international theatre company specializing in interactive, inquiry-based historical experiences. Their Interactive History Workshops integrate directly with social studies, drama, and language arts curricula, and are available both in-person and virtually, with options for English, Spanish, French, and ASL. Students engage in hands-on learning through mystery creation, period dance, historic illusion, and immersive storytelling, with sessions customized around the exact eras, themes, or local community histories you are teaching. They adapt easily to school bell schedules, accommodating up to three sessions per day with up to 60 students per session, allowing them to reach up to 180 students in a single visit.

Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability | National Forest Week | FORED BC Society | Deadline Nov 20, 2026 | More info
FORED BC is an educational charity that is once again offering its annual National Forest Week art, photography and video contest for Canadian youths aged 5-18, with $150 cash prizes. This year’s theme is: Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability. The sustainable future of Canada’s forests is shaped by science and innovation. Submissions should depict how science and technology are used in Canadian forestry.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Resources for Teachers | Historica Canada | More info
If you are unable to host a speaker this Remembrance season, Historica Canada is happy to offer alternatives with events, videos, and learning resources to explore. 
They will be sharing a virtual panel featuring three Afghanistan War veterans, in honour of th 25th anniversary of the start of the war. The panel is moderated by Heather Hiscox, journalist and former host of CBC Morning Live.  
Explore testimonies from the Memory Project Archive, a collection of first-hand accounts and stories from veterans of the Second World War, Korean War, and Peacekeeping missions. Sharing these stories is a great way to incorporate primary sources into your classroom.
We also offer primary source-based educational videos. The catalogue includes stories from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Korea, Europe, and more. Our newest video, Fighting Against Death explores the intense role of Canadian medical personnel in Afghanistan from 2001-2014. 
Check out the learning tools for activities and lesson plans to help students engage with primary sources and explore Canada’s military history. From discovering the use of propaganda during the Second World War to exploring the fascinating history of women in the military, their education guides can help your students discover new perspectives. All the guides are available at: https://www.historicacanada.ca/productions/guides. 
Their sister program, the Citizenship Challenge, offers quizzes on Remembrance Day in Canada, Canadian Military History, and Women in the Canadian Military, among others, which you can find at: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/quizzes.

Cardiac Crash Program | Heart and Stroke Foundation | Preview | Register
CardiacCrash™ is a free, interactive CPR and AED education program that enables schools to deliver high-quality lifesaving education in a simple and engaging way. Designed for grades 7–12, the program can be delivered in under one hour. 
Through the CardiacCrash program, students:  

  • Learn what cardiac arrest is, including its causes and warning signs  
  • Practice how to respond effectively in a cardiac arrest emergency  
  • Understand the importance of accessing AEDs and how to use them  
  • Build CPR skills through active participation  

This interactive, team-based experience goes beyond theory. Students actively practice lifesaving skills, show higher engagement and gain the confidence to act in cardiac arrest emergencies.  
CardiacCrash can be facilitated by teachers or school staff, requiring minimal preparation, equipment and technology. All program materials are hosted in a digital portal, providing educators with easy, direct access to the CardiacCrash films and supporting resources. Once you are registered, you can connect with a Heart and Stroke Relationship Specialist who will give you a 20 minute training through Microsoft Teams to walk you through the program and show you exactly how to present to students.  

Data Dunkers | Logics Academy | Virtual Series | English | French
Data Dunkers is an innovative basketball and data science learning experience that uses real NBA and WNBA statistics to make data literacy fun, relevant, and accessible for students. Students will learn to: find meaning in data, analyze datasets, identify patterns and trends, and communicate insights with confidence. It is designed for: Grades 5-12.
Explore how to make data science approachable and exciting for students and how the program’s activities connect to curriculum goals.

Three Ways to Engage with Data Dunkers:

  • On-Site Experience | Register
    A full-day, facilitator-led experience delivered at your school. Through co-taught classroom workshops, students engage in hands-on data learning while educators gain practical strategies and confidence to bring data literacy into everyday teaching.
  • Asynchronous Learning | More info
    Build data literacy with confidence, on your own schedule. Access curriculum-aligned learning, classroom-ready activities, and practical resources that help you bring data science into everyday teaching.
  • Virtual Events | More info
    Participate in virtual events with your students and learn how to integrate Data Dunkers into your school through live guided support.

You can also join the FREE Fall Data Dunkers Virtual Series taking place Oct 2026 - Jan 2027. We invite you and your students to join this interactive, 4-part virtual series. It is offered in both English and French and makes sports analytics, statistics, data visualization, and AI literacy accessible and exciting for everyone.

TECH TIPS

Canva for SD35 Staff
Did you know?  Canva is an approved digital tool for SD35 educators and students.  
IT has set up our district single sign-on process with our Microsoft emails, which means that you will be able to sign in to Canva to access premium education features and classroom capabilities!  
If you're looking to get started and explore, or you think you've lost your Canva creations, here is a Login guide that shows how to access and switch between your school teams and transfer designs between teams.  
We encourage you to explore your Canva dashboard to discover new tools and capabilities.  Stay tuned for more Canva Education resources and workshop opportunities! 
Quick Tip:  If you previously had a personal Canva account, you can transfer your previous designs to your SD35 account by Sharing your files to your SD35 email account.  

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