Information

Portable Installation

You no doubt noticed the new construction fencing going up and the groundwork at the end of last week. Thankfully this work will be brief, and will bring us long-term benefit as a community. If all goes to plan (and when doesn't it?) there will be two portables there by the end of the week. The timeline is as follows:

Tuesday - ground prep for blacktop in the north gravel area (Yay! No more gravel getting everywhere!)

Wednesday - blacktop placement. Possible disruptions to recess, driveway access.

Thursday - cribbing and anchoring placement

Friday - Portables placed. This work will start as early as possible and will involve big trucks and a crane. Expect the parking lot loop to be closed periodically, and a full bank of parking to be closed all day. Please walk onto the school property if at all possible. Recess may also be impacted, as we will not be outside

Beyond - services connected (under the buildings), ramps constructed. Minimal impact to our day-to-day operations is anticipated from this work.

While we don't need these portables yet, we are pretty confident (OK, 100% confident) that we will need them in the next couple of years. Getting the installation out of the way (and the portables out of another school's way, literally) will ease everything for us in a year or two's time.

While the work crews are planning to work around our drop-off, pick-up, and recess times, disruptions  may occur if there are unexpected delays in the work. The crews will keep us advised, and we will work to avoid being the source of any of those unexpected delays.

Private Parking

We have had a request from the strata across 201 St. (Stratford Rooftops) that parents not use their visitor parking at drop-off and pick-up. Those spaces are reserved for the registered guests of residents, and they are within their rights to tow unauthorized vehicles parked there. Plus respecting our neighbours is one of the things we should be doing as a community where we take care of each other.

Comings and (temporary) Goings

As Ms. Reid will be away for a couple of weeks, we are pleased to welcome Ms. Phillis Giovanni, whom some of you will know as your former principal at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary. We are excited to have her joining us. You are going to love her energy! Please note, too, that Mr. Oliver is away from the school from Wednesday to Friday next week.

We are also excited to have welcomed Ms. Ferris and Ms. Yaserian over that last couple of weeks as our noon-hour supervirors. You'll recognize them at lunch by their ultra-fashionable and practical high-vis vests.

Check this out!

Programs of Choice in Langley - Registration Deadline October 20

Langley School District offers a rich diversity of programs that are designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students. Programs include Fine Arts, French Immersion, Fundamental, Langley Environmental Awareness Program (outdoor education), Montessori, and UConnect. Registration for Kindergarten entry (for most programs) begins on Monday, October 6^th at 12 noon, and closes on Monday, October 20^th at 12 noon. For UConnect, please contact the school directly. For more information and instructions to register your child, visit our District website here and review our FAQ choice programs resource here.

Action Plan for Learning

Our Action Plan for Learning is published. You can see it here.

Byelection Day (October 25)

On Saturday, October 25^th, many school gyms across the District will be used as Township of Langley Byelection polling stations from 8am – 8pm. As guided by Section 81 of the Election Act “accommodation in a school that is the property of a board of school trustees under the School Act must be made available by the board for use as a voting place.”

Please take note of extra pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area of these sites on this day. The District appreciates the support and cooperation from families and members of our community. The District is encouraging everyone who is eligible to do their civic duty and vote.  For a list of school sites being used, visit the District website here. Note: We are NOT a voting place for this one.

PAC Place

Quote of the Week

Something to read (or watch)

It's Thanksgiving Weekend, and it's Canadian! And it's not just about the shopping (thank goodness). Thanksgiving in Canada has its own history. You can read about it here. And I'm particularly thankful that I'll be eating turkey on Monday instead of Martin Frobisher's "...salt beef, biscuits, and mushy peas...." That said, over the summer, I did discover that mushy peas are actually pretty good if you have them with your fish & chips (though they still look a little revolting.)

The other day, I told some kids at recess that they needed to learn the Muppet dance. They looked at me blankly. I said, 'You know, Kermit the Frog.' More blank looks. So now I feel old and out of date, but at least I have an excuse to share this:

I also came across this over the weekend. I think it's bang-on.

Calendar Dates to Remember

Monday, October 13

• Thanksgiving holiday

Tuesday, October 14

• Cross Country Race #3 after school. This is our runners' last chance to qualify for the Championship Race on October 22.

Friday, October 17

• Trunk or Treat - 5:00-7:00 in the parking lot. 

Thursday, October 23

• PAC Hallowe'en Dance

Friday, October 24

• Professional Development Day - Students do not attend