Information

Easter

This weekend is Easter, the most important days of the Christian year. It marks the crucifixion (on Good Friday) and resurrection on Easter Sunday of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the son of God and saviour of humanity. Families will gather to worship, and to celebrate.

One of the celebrations and events of Easter is the visit of the Easter Bunny. I had always thought of this as being quite apart from the more religious parts of Easter celebrations, but according to this article, it's not so far apart at all. The bunny's involvement dates back to pre-Christian times, as it is a symbol of spring, but the eggs are a symbol of the resurrection. 

We wish all of our Bears families who celebrate it a happy  Easter!

Passover

This weekend is the middle of the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The traditional feast of Passover, or the seder, is a 15-step ritual meal served on the finest china in the house. At it the history of the Exodus is told, and families will eat a sandwich of matzah, which is an unleavened bread made only of flour and water, and maror, a mixture of bitter herbs including shredded horseradish. (source: wikipedia)

To any Bears families who observe, we wish you Chag Pesach Sameach (happy Passover).

April is Oral Health Month

Kids, do you remember to brush your teeth twice a day (or more) for two minutes each time? Do you make sure to get every single tooth? If you do, great! If you don't, you should! Join all the Bears in tracking your tooth-brushing as part of the BC Dental Association's Oral Health Month contest. Our school could win a prize! Download the calendar to track your progress here.

PAC Dance

Thanks to the PAC Volunteers who put on a fantastic dance last Thursday, and to all the families who joined in the fun. It was great seeing you all, and the event ran smoothly, as always. The excitement of the kids as they danced and played the games was rejuvenating for me, even when I was just watching!

Jump Rope for Heart

Friday will be our school's first Jump Rope for Heart event. All day long, kids (and adults) will be skipping rope to raise funds and awareness for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. 

One of the things we will learn about is the FAST acronym for spotting strokes. It's an important bit of knowledge for every single one of us.

Informal Learning Updates

During the week of May 4, your child will receive a paper record of the second informal learning update as part of the requirements within the Ministry of Education and Childcare's Reporting Order.  

This informal Learning Update serves as a record of communication, which can include (but is not limited to) past email communication, meeting, digital student portfolio or written communication, to serve as an update to families on student learning progress since the Term 2 Formal Learning Update. Parents/Caregivers will be able to see the method of communication indicated at the top of the paper informal Learning Update. 

If you have further questions on your child's learning progress, please contact your child's classroom teacher.

Physical Activity Outdoors (from Fraser Health) 

Health, safety, and wellness continue to be a priority in our schools. To help support our students and families, we are sharing important information from our community partner Fraser Health about the importance of physical activity outdoors. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.

Get Outside and Play 

Physical activity is a necessary requirement for optimal health. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence helps to develop cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, supports positive social connections and improves mental well-being.  

 There are many benefits to unstructured play. These benefits are even greater when engaging in physical activity outdoors. When children and youth spend time outside, they: 

1. Sit less, move more and play longer - key to cardiovascular health and fitness. 
2. Have healthier eyes - spending more time outside reduces nearsightedness risks. 
3. Sleep better - sunlight helps regulate sleep hormones and sleep patterns. 
4. Enjoy improved mood - physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. Feel more connected to nature - appreciation of the environment and being in nature can support healthy and balanced emotions. 

 Planning active outings doesn’t have to be challenging or costly. Here are some fun ideas you can try: 

• Try a new activity – check out geocaching or attend a local explorer day with NatureKidsBC. 
• Unplug and connect – ideas to decrease recreational screen time. 
• Go for a scavenger hunt – try this nature scavenger hunt. 
• Go for a walk or hike – try these 10 hikes to take your kids on this summer. 
• Play in a forest or park – try a new regional park every day for a week.  
• Explore a local stream  – check these beautiful watershed walksin the region. Learn about water safety for children. 
• Swim at the pool, waterpark or beach – check beach safety conditions first or stay cool at a local spray park.
• Ride a bike or scooter – explore theHope Bike Parkor check out these rides along Boundary Bay, Pitt MeadowsorVedder Greenway. Learn more about cycling safety onFraser Health’s website. 
• Visit farms, fish hatcheries and bird sanctuaries – try this local family fun guide for unique ideas.  

Find more ideas to keep your kids active through the year on Fraser Health’s Keeping children active page.

Student Learning Survey from the Ministry of Education

We want to hear from you! Please share your thoughts about your child’s learning by completing the BC

Student Learning Survey (SLS). This survey happens every year and helps us make education better for

all students in BC.

Why your opinion matters:

• It’s the only survey that asks parents across BC about their child’s learning.

• Your answers add to what students and staff share, giving a full picture.

• Results help identify areas of concern and guide improvements.

Please complete the survey by May 1, 2026:

https://www.awinfosys.com/surveyfull1/central/main/access_Parent.asp

• Available in 18 languages

• Takes about 30 minutes

• Voluntary and anonymous

Your responses are anonymous, securely stored in Canada, and not linked to your child.

Need help?

Call 1-866-558-5339 or email support@awinfosys.com

Thank you for helping us improve education for all BC students!

Moving?

Parents are asked to inform the school as soon as possible if/when they know that their children will be leaving our school or not returning in the fall. Please complete our withdraw form and return it to the office. 

• JDE Withdraw Form.pdf

Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me

Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me is a fun and engaging Langley Literacy Network program designed for Kindergarten students and their caregivers. The program will run Saturday mornings from 10–11am, April 4^th to May 23^rd at the Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary School Welcome Centre. It is an opportunity to read, play, learn, and connect. Each week, families will explore new books and activities that support early literacy and learning. Plus, every participating family will take home eight new books to build their home library! 

Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today at 

https://langleyliteracynetwork.com/talk-with-me-play-with-me-learn-with-me/

The Mane Event - Saturday, May 23, 2026 

If you’re looking for something a little different this spring, The Mane Event is worth a spot on your calendar.

Hosted at Thunderbird Show Park, this Kentucky Derby-inspired afternoon brings together community and world-class show jumping, all in support of Langley students. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday and experience something elevated, social, and meaningful.

All proceeds support programs that help remove barriers for students, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they deserve.

https://lsdf.org/mane-event/

Quotes of the Week

Something to read (or watch)

Looking through the fire finder.     Photo: CBC

Look out! Not really, but I found this (I think) cool documentary about one of the last two forest fire lookout people (as opposed to an old lookout tower) in BC. This fellow, who is 72 now, first lived in a lookout tower when he was 19 (though he did some other stuff in between). It's called The Last Look Out, and you can watch it for free on CBC Gem (though you do have to make an account). And if you're looking for a really cool adventure this summer, there are lots of the old lookout towers around BC that you can still visit. They aren't all easy to get to (some need capable 4x4 trucks or ATVs or long hikes, but others can be reached with relative ease. The Begbie Lookout, between 70 Mile House and 100 Mile House in the Cariboo can be reached with a regular car and a 10 minute uphill hike. The view from it is spectacular, and it's just an all-round cool experience. There are also lookouts closer to the Lower Mainland, like the Harrison Lookout, though they have tough access. Many of the lookouts are maintained by volunteer teams, so if you go, take care of the place and appreciate the work that has gone into keeping it accessible. And if you go, go safely!

Begbie Fire Lookout from 'We're almost there.'  Photo: S. Oliver

Calendar Dates to Remember

Monday, April 6

Easter Monday Holiday

Wednesday, April 8

Ready, Set, Learn - 12:30

Friday, April 10

Jump Rope for Heart

PAC Fun Lunch