Bears' Beat - January 11, 2026
Information
Information About School Status During Inclement Weather
Snow closures and power outages are an annual occurrence in Langley School District. So, where do you go to get information about the status of schools during periods of inclement weather? If you are able to access the internet via computer or smartphone, current information about Langley schools can be accessed on all school websites or www.sd35.bc.ca. Updates are also posted to X (formerly Twitter) @LangleySchools and Facebook at www.facebook.com/langleyschooldistrict. If you don't have internet connectivity but your phone is working, call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected by the storm and ask them to check the district website for you. Local radio stations are also informed of school status in Langley. Tune in to CKWX 1130AM, CKNW 980AM, Country Radio 107.1FM, Pulse 107.7 or CBC 690AM or 88.1FM for updates.
Please note that Langley District schools are all considered 'open' until a decision to close is required. Decisions on school closures are usually made by 6:30am. As always, it is a parent's decision whether to send their child to school based on safety and individual circumstances. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your child to travel to or attend an open school for any reason, please keep your child home and report an absence to the school.
Child and Youth Mental Health (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 Child and Youth Mental Health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.
Support Your Child’s Mental Health
Positive mental health allows us to enjoy our lives and can help children and youth weather the normal ups and downs of life. It plays a critical role in the healthy development of children and youth, supporting their ability to build healthy relationships and succeed in school.
How Can Parents Support Positive Mental Health?
Parents can foster positive mental health through strong and caring relationships with their children.
- Self-care – focus on doing something for yourself, even if just for a few minutes.
- Build routines – consistent schedules, such as meal, sleep and play times help children feel safe.
- Connect – talk and listen to their feelings and experiences.
- Be active together – take a walk and build physical activity into family time.
- Take notice – encourage and praise the positive behaviours and choices your children make.
- Keep learning – encourage your child to learn from both positive and negative experiences.
- Be present, not perfect – give your time, your encouragement and your presence.
Get more information about positive mental health for children and youth here.
Sometimes parents aren’t sure how to talk about mental health. Learn more about tips for how to talk to your child or teen about mental health.
Family transitions like separation and divorce can be tough and can impact mental health. To learn more and access practical resources visit FamiliesChange.ca.
Need help? Find out services, programs and resources for your child and/or youth on Fraser Health’s Child and youth mental healthpage.
Remember, you can get fast and reliable health advice from registered nurses with emergency experience who have access to your child’s personal health record. Contact them via phone at 1-800-314-0999 or web chat. Learn more at Fraserhealth.ca/VirtualCare.
It's Theatre Season in Langley
And there are other arts events, too.
Kindergarten (and other new students in September 2026) Registration 2026-2027 - repeat
Kindergarten registration across the Langley School District runs January 5 – February 17, 2026.
If your child will be five years old by December 31, 2026, you will be able to register your child online. Instructions and information about required documents is available on the District website and catchment school websites. For information, please visit the District website here. A shortcut to the registration system is here, with the system going live on January 5. Note: If you are already a student at Josette Dandurand, you do not need to do anything; you are already registered. If you have an older student, and a new kindergarten student starting next fall, you DO need to register.
If there are families in your network who are not yet in the school system, please share this information with them.
Willoughby Slope Catchments Information Sessions
The District is excited to be opening a new middle school and secondary school in the Smith neighbourhood on the
Willoughby Slope in Fall 2027. The District is consulting with the community about catchment boundary changes
that could impact children attending a middle and a secondary school on the Willoughby Slope now and in the
future. The potential catchment boundary changes may also impact transition plans for elementary feeder schools.
There will be no changes to the catchment boundaries of elementary schools. The District welcomes all families to
be informed and take part in the process. To attend an info session, read more here.
For your information, the next information sessions close to our school is on Monday, January 12 at 6:30pm at Peter Ewart Middle School.
Our OPTIONAL, Family-paid School Hot and Cold Lunch Program begins this week
This year, Langley School District 35 is partnering with the BC Feeding Futures Program and the National School Food Program to offer Daily Meal Service to ALL students. Langley School District has chosen The Lunch Lady to deliver this program.
The Details
Each meal is $5.75.
Service at our school will begin the week of January 12. Everyone is welcome to participate.
- Hot lunch will be available every Monday.
- Cold lunch will be available the remaining days.
- There will be no service on PAC lunch days.
Jan 23
Feb 20
Mar 13
Apr 10
May 22
Jun 12
Every day there will be a regular, vegetarian and halal friendly option.
Order as little or as often as you wish.
A new menu is available each month.
Visit www.thelunchlady.ca and click ORDER NOW. Register for a new account (just login if you already have an account with us from another school) and add your students to this location.
Each meal is $5.75.
Order as often or as little as you like.
At checkout, you will also have the option to add a voluntary contribution to support the Feeding Futures Program.
Ordering Deadlines
We recommend placing your orders by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday prior for the following week.
However, you can place or change or cancel orders for any day online with at least 2 business days’ notice (e.g., by 8:00 a.m. Tuesday for Thursday delivery). This means if you order tonight, you could see delivery of a lunch on Wednesday of this week. Unfortunately, we cannot accept last-minute orders, changes or cancellations. Any uncollected lunches will be left with the office to use as needed.
Helpful Reminders
- Allergy Safety: Lunch Lady kitchens are peanut- and tree nut–free.
- For other dietary needs, please review the nutrition and allergen panels found with each meal online. If your child has allergies, please reach out directly to your Lunch Lady for support.
- Lunch Tips: Consider sending a leak-proof bag for leftovers and pack reusable cutlery from home.
Need Help? If you have difficulty placing an order or need assistance with your account, please contact your Lunch Lady. Questions? The Lunch Lady is here to help!
Your Lunch Lady Team
Quote of the Week
Something to read (or watch)
One of our teachers found this podcast last week, and they thought some of us might find it interesting. It's a long listen (2 hours), but worth the time.
Calendar Dates to Remember
Monday, January 12
Willoughby Slope Catchments Info Session - 6:30 at Peter Ewart Middle School
Girls basketball practice - after school
Tuesday, January 13
Willoughby Slope Catchments Info Session - 6:30 at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary
Boys' basketball practice - after school
Thursday, January 15
Fire Drill