Families of Shortreed, 

We hope your kids had a great first week, connecting with friends from last year and possibly making some new ones for this year. If you are new to the school, we hope your child has had a chance to make a few connections with staff and peers. I also hope you had a chance to check out all the cars, bands, and festivities at the Cruise-In this year! 

Thank you to all our staff who have put in so many hours creating classes for this year. It is never an easy task trying to keep some friends together, creating some space for others, balancing classes based on academics and behaviour, and creating equitable support for classes. 

Tomorrow will be the final morning for homerooms (kindergarten students will continue with their gradual entry schedule). Students can be dropped off at the same place tomorrow. We will then move them to their new permanent classrooms, where they will spend the day. Afterwards, they will return to their homerooms one last time, so you know where to pick them up. They will come home tomorrow with a slip of paper stating their teacher's name and classroom they will be in for this year. Please note that due to the many hours we have spent creating classrooms, and the limited space available in classrooms, no moves can be made. If your child is upset about a placement, it is important to walk alongside them and support them. After a few days/weeks, the vast majority of students end up making great connections in their class and settle in nicely. 

If you ordered School Supplies online, they will be delivered tomorrow. If you have them at home, they can be brought in tomorrow (Monday) or Tuesday. If you still need to purchase supplies, you can find the grade-level supply lists here. If you need financial support for supplies, please email Mrs. Hubbs at CHubbs@sd35.bc.ca. 

Our PAC Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher Night is approaching next Thursday (September 18). The BBQ is from 5:00-6:00, and the Meet the Teacher is from 6:00-7:00. To ensure our PAC Executive purchases the correct amount of food for the evening, please fill out this form by September 14. The event is free for everyone, but donations are appreciated. All families are invited, and we hope to see you all there!

Darby Photos will be here again this year to take individual photos of your children for you to order. Photo Day is Wednesday, September 17. 

At Shortreed, we are honoured to work, learn, and play on the unceded ancestral and traditional lands of the Máthxwi First Nation. We share this to not only acknowledge the lands but also to share our dedication to learning on our journey of truth and reconciliation. Each September is a reminder for me of the privilege that my family has had over the past few generations. My parents were able to walk to school in Hope, BC. I was able to walk to school and come home every afternoon. Every Indigenous person has a family member (grandmother/father, great aunty/uncle, etc) who did not get to do this. They were sent away to Indian Residential Schools across the province, where their parents did not get to see them, hug them, teach them, or raise them. Children lost their language, culture, and identity as Indigenous Peoples. They were disconnected from family and the local community. I am so thankful that this does not occur any longer but it saddens me that the last residential school did not close until 1996! As a boy growing up in Hope, I had parents who were raised by their parents and were connected to family and the community. I also had a number of wonderful Indigenous classmates, teammates, and friends, whom I was not aware that their parents had been robbed of this and so much more. As we move closer to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we must learn the history of our education system so we can better understand the long-term impact of residential schools. Throughout September, we will read age-appropriate stories and explore the schools of the past to continue our journey of Truth and Reconciliation. 

The fourth annual stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow is happening next weekend right here in Langley. See below for more information. 

The Week Ahead

Monday - Students are dropped off at their homerooms, then moved to new classrooms, and then back to their homerooms for pickup. 
Tuesday - Students dropped off at their new classrooms

You can see our digital calendar here. We encourage you to add our school calendar to your phone/device by clicking here. 

Information and Reminders:

• Our Shortreed Breakfast Program starts Monday, September 8, from 8:20 to 8:35 and runs each school day. This is free for any students registered, and they must come each day they are in school. To register, click here. 
• We know that illnesses occur and absences can happen. If your child is going to be absent, arriving late, away or leaving early due to an appointment, please notify the school of your child’s absence by doing either of the following:
  • E-mail SCEAttendance@sd35.bc.ca or call 604-856-4167 and follow the prompts for the attendance line, and leave a message with information including:
    • Student First Name and Last Name
    • Grade
    • Division
    • Length of Absence
    • Reason (illness, late, appointment, vacation)

  • Please be aware that if your child is often late, they will be missing significant lessons, as much of the literacy and math instruction happens first thing in the morning. If your child is ill (flu-like symptoms), please keep them home until they are no longer contagious and can participate in regular school activities. Homework will be provided upon request. Please avoid long absences due to holidays as this seriously jeopardizes your child’s achievement. Homework may not be provided as assignments based on lessons your child misses can be more confusing than helpful. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, please let the school know as this could affect enrollment. 

  • We STRIVE for FIVE absences or less at Shortreed. We know that children will get sick but it's important to minimize absences. 

• Parent Code of Conduct

  The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, 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. The District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct can be viewed on the District’s website here.

  
  
• Electric Kick Scooters

  As more students use electric kick scooters to come to school, the District would like to inform schools on some basic safety:

  1. What is an electric kick scooter? Electric kick scooters have a simple design and are very much the same scooters that children have used for decades… they require the rider to stand on a narrow platform with one foot and then kick or push off with the other. The difference now is that these kick scooters are electric, they no longer need the rider to push off, and they go at much faster speeds.
  2. In BC, you must be at least 16 years of age and be wearing a helmet to operate an Electric kick scooter, within certain parameters, as per below and in the links.
  3. Electric kick scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, except if the municipality is conducting a pilot. The Township is in the pilot, but the City is not. For more information, please click on the link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/personal-mobility-devices/scooter
  4. Operators cannot ride an electric kick scooter on sidewalks or in crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device allows. 
  5. Please refer to the link below for a full list of safety rules for operators. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules 
• LEAP (Outdoor Education)

  - Parent Information Session on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

  Imagine your child’s classroom in the open air! Join us on Wednesday, September 24^th at 5:30pm at Fort Langley Elementary for our LEAP (Langley Environmental Awareness Program) Information Session. This meeting is for families interested in kindergarten enrolment for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as any current grade 1-7 students who might want a change and an opportunity to learn in the great outdoors for the 2025-2026 school year. For more about the outdoor education program and to watch our new stunning promotional video please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdXcrUJSzfI.

• Back to School Health Tips (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 various topics to keep our students healthy and safe as they return to school. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.

   

  Tips 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.  

   

  Fostering healthy routines for sleep, mealtimes and physical activity can support your child’s health and wellness. Learn more at Fraser Health’s School Health and Children and Youth pages.  

   

  Staying healthy during the school year isn’t just about routines - it’s also about protecting children from illnesses that can spread quickly in classrooms. An important preventable illness to be aware of right now is measles, which has been increasing globally, including here in Canada. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes, followed by a rash. The rash usually starts on the face and neck and spreads to the chest, arms and legs.  

   

  Get vaccinated against measles 

  Immunization is the best way to prevent measles infection. 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.  

   

  Measles-containing vaccines are available at many pharmacy locations, physician offices and at all public health units.  

   

  If your children have symptoms of measles, please keep them home. 

   

  If you or your child needs urgent care for something like a high fever, please inform your health care provider before you visit so they can take steps to prevent the spread of measles. Wear a mask and avoid using public transportation. 

   

  Need general health advice? Fast care for busy families with Fraser Health Virtual Care 

  Our Fraser Health Virtual Care registered nurses and dietitians have access to your personal health record and 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, saving time and, in many cases, avoiding unnecessary visits to clinics or emergency departments. Nurses can connect you directly with a health care provider at an Urgent and Primary Care Centre for various health needs, including questions about measles-like symptoms.  

   

  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, seven days a week 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

• A reminder that juice boxes are not permitted at the school. Please send your child with a refillable water bottle each day. 
• There is no parking or pickup/drop-offs in our school parking lot. Please park along 28th Ave or 273rd Street. The Catholic Church allows us to park there for pickup and drop-off. Do not block the driveways of any residences. 

Upcoming Dates and Events:

• Wednesday, September 17 - Photo Day!l Cops For Cancer ride through at 1:45pm
• Thursday, September 18 - Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher Night (5-7pm)
• Monday, September 22 - PAC School-wide (FREE) Popcorn Day
• Tuesday, September 23 - PAC Meeting 6:30pm
• Friday, September 26 - School Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirts)
• Tuesday, September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - school closed
• Sunday, October 5 - World Teachers/Educators Day
• Wednesday, October 8 - PAC Hot Lunch - Subway
• Friday, October 10 - Terry Fox Run at 1:30

Community Events

To read about some fantastic family opportunities across Langley, check out the Community Bulletin Board.

Upcoming Community Program

Multi-Sport & More

Tuesdays

Oct 6-Dec 8 (no class nov 10)

4-5:30pm

Grades 2-5

$25/student

At Parkside Elementary
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/xploresportz-multi-sport-and-more-grade-2-5-fall-aldergrove-tickets-1657437693759?aff=oddtdtcreator

If cost is a barrier to participating, please reach out to Stephanie Eby.

Family Smart September Event: 
Emotion Regulation:

Big feelings can be tough for kids and parents. Join us to learn practical ways to support emotional regulation with Registered Clinical Counsellor, Nicole Allen.

Join us online. It's free.