Families of Shortreed, 

Happy February! We hope you have had a great week and stayed dry this past weekend. We would like to welcome two teachers to Shortreed. Ms. Varley will be covering Ms. Sidhu's class until the end of the year and Ms. Lin will be covering Mrs. Gill's class until March 31 (end date may change). 

Club Wednesdays are starting up this week with our first session on Wednesday afternoon at 1:20. Teachers have been working with students to help them select a club that aligns with their strengths, interests, and curiosities. We are so thankful for our staff's continued efforts in offering this experience for our kids!

Prior to the winter break, we had a PAC Hot Chocolate activity planned, but we had to move it due to the power outage. PAC has moved this date to this Thursday so the kids will be excited for this winter fun. 

On Tuesday, we have an exciting performer coming to put on a show for the kids. Jack Thomas will be here to showcase his drummung and musical talents in our gym... with only one arm! If you are a fan of Canada's Got Talent, you will have seen him on that show a few years ago. You can see more about his talents on his website here. 

A reminder that Monday, February 9 is a Professional Development Day, so there is no school for students. 

We've noticed that several families have not paid for their Student Agenda ($5.00). Please take a moment to log in to School Cash Online to pay. Thank you!

A reminder that Kindergarten Registration across the Langley School District started last week and runs until 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 this webpage here.

Grade 5 Basketball continues this week with their 2nd game of the season on Monday against Simonds/U-Connect. Pop by the gym after school to cheer them on! Last week, the team travelled to Langley City to play Blacklock Elementary and came away with an official 14-14 tie. The team was nervous at the start of the game but came out strong in the 2nd half to tie it. The Eagles actually hit a buzzer-beater shot to break the 14-14 tie (and come away with a potential win), but it was believed to come after the buzzer went. A pretty exciting way to start the year and a great job by both teams! A note that grade 5 practices will be on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week (not Friday). Grade 3 basketball continues on Wednesday after school. Please watch for a signup for Grade 4 Basketball starting next week on Thursdays!

Some of our classes have been taking advantage of our proximity to the local rink and heading out for some ice skating. Be sure to check out our social media for more pictures! 

To help make the area safer for our students and staff, we have designated the area around the portables as a Walking Zone. With students running around the portables and to/from the school around corners, there have been a few collisions and near-misses so the walking zone will make it safer for everyone. 

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 not only to acknowledge the lands but also to express our dedication to learning on our journey of truth and reconciliation. We had some interesting conversations this past week as the question was raised, "Why don't we say we are on the ancestral lands of Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations" like all the other schools do? Now, it is true that the Langley School District is on the unceded ancestral lands of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations, and it is important to understand the distinct lands and acknowledge their shared history. It is also important to acknowledge that we are not on any other lands other than Máthxwi ancestral lands. We have worked closely with the people of Máthxwi for the past 8 years to learn more and understand what it means to be on these lands. By acknowledging Máthxwi lands, we are not minimizing the importance of the other First Nations; rather, we are emphasizing the importance of the lands in which we are honoured to work, learn. and play. 

The Week Ahead

• Monday, February 2 - Gr. 5 Basketball hosts Simonds/U-Connect 3:00
• Tuesday, February 3 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45; Jack Thomas Drumming assembly 1:15
• Wednesday, February 4 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45; Club Wednesday Session #1; Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15
• Thursday, February 5 - PAC Hot Chocolate Activity

Upcoming Dates and Events:

• Monday, February 9 - Pro-D Day (no school for students)
• Wednesday, February 11 - Gr. 5 Basketball game at Parkside 3:00; PAC Hot Lunch Day KFC, Club Wednesday Session #2
• Thursday, February 12 - Spirit Day - Red/White/Pink Day!; Gr. 3 basketball 2:45-4:15; PAC Meeting 6:30; Grade 4 Basketball TBD
• Friday, February 13 - Design/Assessment Day (no school for students)
• Monday, February 16 - Family Day - schools closed
• Tuesday, February 17 - Lunar New Year; Gr. 5 Basketball practice at 7:45 and game vs Douglas Park 3:00
• Wednesday, February 18 - Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15; Club Wednesday Session #3
• Thursday, February 19 - Grade 4 Basketball TBD
• Friday, February 20 - Earthquake Drill 10:00; Gr. 5 Basketball practice at 7:45; Shortreed Lunar New Year Lion Dance
• Monday-Friday, February 23-27 - Diversity and Respect Week in Langley Schools
• Monday, February 25 - Gr. 5 Basketball vs Nicomekl (home game) 3:00
• Tuesday, February 26 - Gr. 5 Basketball practice 7:45-8:45
• Wednesday, February 25 - Club Wednesday Session #4; Pink Shirt Day; Gr. 5 Basketball at Uplands Elementary 3:00
• Thursday, February 26 - Grade 4 Basketball TBD
• Friday, February 27 - Gr. 5 Basketball practice 7:45-8:45; School Assembly 1:30
• Monday, March 2 - Gr. 5 Basketball at James Hill 3:00; Start of Term 2 SIC
• Wednesday, March 4 - Early Dismissal at 12:33 for SIC
• Thursday, March 5 - SIC Day (students only attend their SIC if they have one booked); Gr. 4 Basketball TBD
• Friday, March 6 - Grade 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15; PAC Movie Night

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:

• February Health Messaging from Fraser Health
  • Sexual Health (from Fraser Health)

     

    Healthy Childhood and Youth Development includes Sexual Health

    Learning about sexual health, including understanding your body, its changes, health conditions, personal hygiene, healthy relationships, consent and sexuality, are all part of growing up. Youth going through puberty experience big physical, emotional and social changes. Talking about sexual health can encourage children and youth to identify their values and develop skills that promote healthy decision making and self-esteem. 

     

    How do I teach my child about sex and sexuality? 

    Beginning to talk to your children, as early as pre-school age, about sexual health is important. Establishing an open and trusting relationship with your child will help them know they can come to you for honest and reliable information about sex and sexuality.

    
    For help on how to talk to your child and what to include about sexual health, read Fraser Health’s Sexual education for children page. 

     

    Youth Clinics  

    Let your teen know about our youth clinics. Located throughout the Fraser Health region, these clinics offer free and confidential sexual health care for youth, with age eligibility varying by site and service. Learn more about the services available at youth clinics here.

• Our Shortreed Breakfast Program runs each school day from 8:20-8:35. 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 miss significant lessons, as much of the literacy and math instruction takes place at the beginning of the day. 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 can seriously jeopardize your child’s academic achievement. Homework may not be provided as assignments based on lessons your child missed, as it can be more confusing than helpful. If you will be away for an extended period, please notify the school, as this may impact enrollment. 

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

• 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. 

PAC News

Spring Hot Lunch Orders are now live on  - KFC hot lunch orders are due this Tuesday, Feb. 3! 

Please join us for our next PAC Movie Night on Friday, March 6! More details to come...

Thank you to everyone who came out to our January PAC Meeting. You can read the minutes here.

Have any questions? Email us at shortreedpac@gmail.com. 

Join our Shortreed PAC Facebook Group too!

Community Events

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

Happy New Year from your Community School Coordinator

This year, we continue to have more programs and resources coming your way. We’re always looking for feedback regarding community schools. Please fill out the survey link to help us grow.

Upcoming Program

Valentine’s Paint Night – All Ages

Wed, Feb 11

6:30-8pm

ACSS

$20/person
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1981381715047?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Langley School District Foundation is partnering with the Vancouver Giants to raise money for Langley students! The game is Friday, February 6th, at 7pm against the Spokane Chiefs!

Join the Langley School District Foundation at this great family night out! Partial proceeds of ticket sales plus the 50/50 from this game goes towards supporting the Langley School District Foundation’s work supporting the students and schools of Langley.

https://www.aldergroveminorbaseball.com/

FamilySmart presents two “InTheKnow” events this February, and we’d love to see you!  All our events are free, and parents/caregivers can register for the date that works best using the link below:

https://familysmart.ca/online-events/

Parenting ADHD Children: A Neuro-Affirming Approach

Join FamilySmart and Mary Klovance live online for an evening to learn neurodiversity-affirming communication strategies to reduce power struggles and strengthen connection. Build a deeper understanding of how the ADHD brain works and learn about the strengths and challenges of ADHD. 

Wednesday, February 18, 6:30 pm

A Conversation About Eating Disorders:

Learn about disordered eating, what to be aware of, the importance of connections, and strategies that help support recovery. Join a therapist and educator, a young person and parents with lived experience. 

Wednesday, February 4, 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 19, 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 26, 6:30 pm

Mental Health and Preparing for the Transition to Post-Secondary:

Discover ways we can prepare our youth for school and support their mental health and independence while they are there. 

Thursday, February 5, 12 pm

Tuesday, February 24, 6:30 pm

MediaSmarts has launched a new, free, self-guided workshop to help families develop healthier technology and screen-time habits. Building Better Tech Habits provides practical, research-informed strategies for managing family screen use and addressing common digital challenges at all ages. The workshop can be accessed 24/7 via the link here and completed any time, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.

Healthy Minds BC has provided preventive and early intervention tools and resources to support the mental health of neurodiverse students. Parent Resources can be found here. 

Aldergrove Family Resources