Back to School in Langley
September 5, 2024
Energy levels were high and the good vibes were evident across the District this week as doors opened for another school year.
From the District’s newest and younger learners just entering Kindergarten, to secondary students entering their final years of school, the District was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for another year of learning.
“With the break behind us, I know our teachers and staff are excited and ready to get back to the classroom with students to teach, learn together, and connect with each other,” said Mal Gill, superintendent of schools in a message delivered to all students, staff and families.
The enthusiasm extended to staff, too, as administrators, teachers, and support staff greeted students and families with smiles and hugs, and in some cases, coffee (for the adults). At Langley Meadows Community School on the first day, the PAC set up a coffee and snack station outside the front door as a way for parents to reconnect after dropping their little learners off at their classrooms.
“Our community grows exponentially every year, and so it’s about making those new families comfortable and confident and feeling like that have space,” said Langley Meadows Community School principal Rhonda Krisko. “I just really appreciate all the time and energy that the staff’s put in to preparing for the kids, and making sure that when they walk in, it feels like home. It’s so important nowadays for not just the kids to feel like they belong here, but for the families.”
At H.D. Stafford Middle School, staff and some Grade 8 students gave incoming students what principal John Hantke called “a huge Skyhawk welcome.” Hantke noted that the Grade 8 students had already given up some of their summer to help incoming students feel more welcome and familiar with the building, showing them around and making them feel comfortable with their new learning space.
“And the neat part is that just three years ago, they were those students that walked through those doors and now they’re getting a chance to kind of give back,” he said. “So, there’s a legacy piece that exists there that I think that is really special in middle school where you can, kind of, make kids feel like they belong, feel connected right from day one.”
At Shortreed Community School, the first-week welcome back took on a more musical tone. Led by principal Chris Wejr, staff put their musical and dancing skills on display in a welcome back video, posted to YouTube, that was sung to the tune of a popular country-pop song.
For photos from the first week of school, see slideshow below: