North Otter News - September 13, 2026

Sun rising on a new school year!

Families of North Otter, 

We hope you had a lovely weekend and your child enjoyed their first week of school! We understand that the first week can be a bit challenging for some students as there are a few more unknowns; we do not get our classes/divisions confirmed until Thursday night so we need Friday to make any final tweaks before moving students to their permanent classrooms on Monday. Just a reminder that your child will go to the teacher you received an email from on Friday after school. The school map is below so you can find your child's classroom.

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It was absolutely wonderful getting to know a few of the students, families, and staff this past week (and even seeing some of my former students from when I was a teacher at Brookswood Secondary!). I appreciate all the introductions, smiles, and fist bumps from everyone, and I am thrilled to be part of the North Otter community! 

We enjoyed watching all the students see each other and settle back into classrooms and routines. Teachers and support staff worked hard to review and teach these routines so everyone can be on the same page on how we do things at North Otter. Staff also supported students with some literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving challenges to help get their brains back into that school "setting". 

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On Friday, we welcomed our new kindergarten students on their first day, and we all the grade 1-7 students gathered in the gym for our first assembly of the year. I (Mr. Wejr) shared a bit about who I am (this will be sent to families soon); we welcomed new and returning staff and new Otters; reviewed some expectations; and watched a slideshow of pictures from the first few days of the year.  

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Don't forget to mark your calendars for our Meet the Teacher event on Thursday, September 24 from 4:00-5:30. Teachers will be in their classrooms, and your child can show you their new learning space for this year. PAC will also be offering hot dogs and drinks by donation with funds going to the school musical. 


The Week Ahead

  • Monday - students start in their permanent classrooms for the year
  • Gradual entry for kindergarten students continues

School Information and Reminders

  • A reminder that fees for school supplies ($55) can be paid through your School Cash Online account. Teachers purchase the supplies for their classes, so there is no need to shop. 
  • Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for images and updates about life at North Otter. You can also follow us on our NEW Facebook Page (note that this is different from the North Otter Elementary PAC Facebook Group, as the school page is more about sharing photos and less about questions/conversations for parents at the school). 
  • If you need a lunch for your child each day at school, please let your child's teacher know or email the school, and we can set that up. Our lunch program should start on Tuesday. 
  • As the Langley School District shared, electric bikes and scooters are not permitted on school property. 
  • If your child rides their bike or scooter to school (we LOVE this!), please remind them to dismount and walk once they are on school property. 
  • Like cell phones, smartwatches (watches that can call, text, game, etc.) have become a significant distraction in class. Because they function like cell phones, students should keep these watches at home or in their backpack during school time. 
  • We are looking for a family who can house some materials/props for our musical this year. A larger, dry storage area would be much appreciated. If you have space to accommodate these items and can help transport them, we would be extremely grateful. Please contact the school to discuss.

District Information

Parent Code of Conduct 

The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, and social responsibility, and support optimal learning. Trauma Informed Practices and Procedures promote the creation and maintenance of safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments. 

 Families play an important role in helping students achieve success as well as helping create a compassionate learning community. Just as students are expected to follow the District’s Student Code of Conduct, there is an expectation for parents/guardians to uphold the District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. 


Student Accident Insurance Plan

The District is pleased to offer families access to two voluntary student accident insurance options for the 2026/2027 school year.

Although enrollment is optional, these plans can provide additional accident-related coverage and benefits beyond those available through standard health care programs. Please note that enrollment is completed online directly through the provider. Families may choose either of the following options: Insure My Kids OR Study Insured


Transportation: My Ride K-12 App

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the Langley School District’s Transportation service will be using the My Ride K-12 (app or website) to share up-to-date bus rider information with parents/guardians and students. The application allows parents/guardians and students to view assigned bus stops and pick-up/drop-off times and receive notifications about bus delays or route changes. To access your child’s bus rider information, sign-up and login to the My Ride K-12 app by following instructions found on the District website here.


Parent Consent Forms on MyEdBC

Each year, Langley Schools asks families to complete a set of parent consent forms for their child. These consent forms are required by our schools to ensure the health, safety, and security of all students. Beginning in this school year, Langley Schools will be using the MyEdBC parent portal to collect this information. During the second week of school, please watch for an email from the MyEdBC system notifying families to log in to the MyEdBC parent portal to complete the online consent forms.

 

A set of consent forms will need to be completed for each child attending a Langley school. It is advised to access MyEdBC and complete the parent consent forms using a desktop or laptop as the process requires the full site version (which is not mobile-friendly). For step-by-step instructions, please read here. More information can be found on the District website here.

 

If your email address or contact information has changed, please call your school to correct it in our files. If you have not received an email regarding consent forms by the end of September or have any questions/concerns, please contact your school administrator.  


Back to School 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 back to school health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.

 

Tips for Parents for a Healthy Back to School Season

As children head back to school, parents face the familiar challenge of managing busy schedules, school routines and inevitably, health concerns.

 

Help set the stage for a healthy school year with Fraser Health’s Healthy Back to School Guide. The guide provides information on a variety of ways to keep children healthy during a school year. For instance, fostering healthy routines for sleep, mealtimes and physical activity can greatly support your child’s health and wellness.

 

Staying healthy during the school year is also about protecting children from illnesses that can spread quickly in classrooms. It is important to make sure children wash their hands properly, and to keep them home if they are feeling unwell. Another way to protect your child’s health is to ensure their immunizations are up to date. Vaccines help prevent several serious illnesses and infectious diseases, for example, measles. Please check that you (if born in or after 1970) and your children have received at least two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Find out how to check your immunization records here. Vaccines are available at many pharmacy locations, physician offices, and at all public health units. If you are new to B.C. or Canada, provide your immunization records to public health at fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform.

 

Need fast access to health advice? Call Fraser Health Virtual Care  Our Fraser Health Virtual Care registered nurses and dietitians can provide convenient, fast health advice and information for busy families. With options for phone or web chat consultations, families receive medical advice from nurses with emergency experience. It can save you time and may help you avoid having to visit a clinic or emergency department. Nurses can also connect you with an Urgent and Primary Care Centre, if needed.

 

How to reach Fraser Health Virtual Care

1.    Dial 1-800-314-0999. For an interpreter, say your language in English.

2.    For web chat, go to fraserhealth.ca/virtualcare and click the blue chat bubble in the right corner to start.

 

Available 10am to 10pm every day, including statutory holidays. After hours, call 8-1-1. Learn more about Fraser Health Virtual Care, other care options and more at: Fraserhealth.ca/VirtualCare


PAC News

Join us for a hot dog and drink during Meet the Teacher on Thursday, September 24! Cost is by donation, and the funds raised will go towards the school musical. 


Month at a Glance

  • Thursday, Sept 24 – Meet the Teacher and PAC BBQ 4:00-5:30 
  • Friday, Sept 25 – School improvement day - school is not in session for students
  • Tuesday, Sept 29 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School Day) - Orange Shirt Day
  • Wednesday, Sept 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - schools closed
  • Monday, Oct 5 – World Teachers' Day (and support staff!) 
  • Wednesday, Oct 7 – Cross-Country Meet #1 
  • Friday, Oct 9 – Terry Fox Run (Assembly and Run) - time TBD 
  • Monday, Oct 12 – Thanksgiving - schools closed
  • Wednesday, Oct 14 – Cross-Country Meet #2
  • Thursday, Oct 15 - Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill

Community Opportunities

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