Families of Shortreed, 

We hope you had a chance to get outside and enjoy some of that beautiful sunshine this past weekend!

Get out those crazy hats or wigs or decorate what you already have on your head for our first Shortreed Spirit Day of 2026 on Friday with Crazy Hair and Headwear Day! 

Basketball continues this week with grade 5s on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 7:45-8:45 and Grade 3s on Wednesday from 2:45-4:15. 

Staff are gearing up for this year's edition of Club Wednesdays that will take place in February. Next week, students will get to choose a club to be in on Wednesday afternoons. Thank you to Shortreed staff for sharing their passions and interests with our students!

We have seen an increase in students wearing Smart Watches to school this year. As many of these watches have features like text messaging, photos, and gaming, if they are used for anything other than telling time, we will ask students to put them away and let families know that the watches should either stay at home or in the child's backpack. Much like cell phones, they can be a significant distraction to students. If you need to contact your child, please call the office. Thank you for your help with this!

We are starting our Shortreed Outdoor Club this week for Grades 2-5. The club will run Tuesdays, Jan 20-Mar 10, from 2:35-3:35 pm and is free for Shortreed students! All students must be registered, and you can do this by clicking here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1978458047278?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

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. I am so thankful to live, work, and play on these lands. The importance of getting close to nature to our health has been shared with me by Indigenous friends and leaders for many years. This past weekend was such a great opportunity to get outside and ground ourselves in nature.  My family embraced these beautiful Máthxwi lands as we headed out to Jackman Wetlands, where we played and observed. We listened and watched all the birds in the water, grasses, and air and really helped us to slow down our bodies and minds. The Eagle represents LOVE, and we had a chance to watch this magnificent feathered friend fly to its massive nest.  I hope you also had a chance to get outside and enjoy these amazing Máthxwi lands. 

The Week Ahead

• Tuesday, January 20 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45
• Wednesday, January 21 - Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15
• Friday, January 23 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45; Spirit Day - Crazy Headwear Day!

Upcoming Dates and Events:

• Monday, January 26 - Gr. 5 Basketball game at Blacklock 3:00
• Tuesday, January 27 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45
• Wednesday, January 28 - PAC Popcorn Day; Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15
• Friday, January 30 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45
• Monday, February 2 - Gr. 5 Basketball hosts Simonds/U-Connect 3:00
• Tuesday, February 3 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45
• Wednesday, February 4 - Club Wednesday Session #1; Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15
• Thursday, February 5 - PAC Hot Chocolate Activity
• Friday, February 6 - Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45-8:45
• 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
• Thursday, February 12 - Spirit Day - Red/White/Pink Day!; Gr. 3 basketball 2:45-4:15; PAC Meeting 6:30
• 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 vs Douglas Park 3:00
• Wednesday, February 18 - Gr. 3 Basketball 2:45-4:15
• Friday, February 20 - Earthquake Drill 10:00

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:

• January Message from Fraser Health

• Child and Youth Mental 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 Child and Youth Mental Health. Please see below for helpful reminders to support your child.

   

  Support Your Child’s Mental Health

  Positive mental health allows us to enjoy our lives and can help children and youth weather the normal ups and downs of life. It plays a critical role in the healthy development of children and youth, supporting their ability to build healthy relationships and succeed in school.

   

  How Can Parents Support Positive Mental Health? 

  Parents can foster positive mental health through strong and caring relationships with their children. 

  • Self-care – focus on doing something for yourself, even if just for a few minutes.
  • Build routines – consistent schedules, such as meal, sleep and play times help children feel safe.
  • Connect – talk and listen to their feelings and experiences.
  • Be active together – take a walk and build physical activity into family time.
  • Take notice – encourage and praise the positive behaviours and choices your children make.
  • Keep learning – encourage your child to learn from both positive and negative experiences.
  • Be present, not perfect – give your time, your encouragement and your presence.

   

  Get more information about positive mental health for children and youth here.
  
  Sometimes parents aren’t sure how to talk about mental health. Learn more about tips for how to talk to your child or teen about mental health.

   

  Family transitions like separation and divorce can be tough and can impact mental health. To learn more and access practical resources visit FamiliesChange.ca. 

   

  Need help? Find out services, programs and resources for your child and/or youth on Fraser Health’s Child and youth mental health page. 

   

  Remember, you can get fast and reliable health advice from registered nurses with emergency experience who have access to your child’s personal health record. Contact them via phone at 1-800-314-0999 or web chat. Learn more at Fraserhealth.ca/VirtualCare. 

• Information About School Status During Inclement Weather

  Snow closures and power outages are an annual occurrence in Langley School District. So, where do you go to get information about the status of schools during periods of inclement weather? If you are able to access the internet via computer or smartphone, current information about Langley schools can be accessed on all school websites or www.sd35.bc.ca. Updates are also posted to X (formerly Twitter) @LangleySchools and Facebook at www.facebook.com/langleyschooldistrict. If you don't have internet connectivity but your phone is working, call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected by the storm and ask them to check the district website for you. Local radio stations are also informed of school status in Langley. Tune in to CKWX 1130AM, CKNW 980AM, Country Radio 107.1FM, Pulse 107.7 or CBC 690AM or 88.1FM for updates.

   

  Please note that Langley District schools are all considered 'open' until a decision to close is required. Decisions on school closures are usually made by 6:30am. As always, it is a parent's decision whether to send their child to school based on safety and individual circumstances. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your child to travel to or attend an open school for any reason, please keep your child home and report an absence to the school.

• 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

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.

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.

Register here for BBBS After-School Mentoring

January 26 @ 4:00 pm - March 11 @ 5:30 pm$30

Prepare for an enriching experience with PacificSport Fraser Valley’s Multi-Sport winter program! This program is tailored for young adventurers eager to explore different sports. Our program offers a variety of different sports unveiling new activities throughout the program. Our Multi-Sport and More Programs fosters a holistic development, prioritizing fun, Inclusivity, and personal growth within a nurturing, non-competitive atmosphere.

This winter program is a great way to introduce your child to sports in a friendly, safe, and fun environment. Our facilitators are qualified coaches and deliver top-notch experiences.

When: January 26 – March 11

From: 4:00-5:30pm (every MONDAY)

Where: Shortreed Elementary School

Address: 2733028 Avenue, Langley Township, BC V4W 3K1

Who: Ages 6-10

maximum 20 participants

Cost: $30

Please reach out to Teagan at tjohnstone@pacificsport.com if you have any questions!

Registration Deadline – January 26th CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

https://www.aldergroveminorbaseball.com/

FamilySmart presents two “InTheKnow” events this January, 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/

Connecting with Our Kids When Anxiety Leads to Social Isolation:

When kids spend a lot of time alone because of their anxiety, it can be frustrating and challenging for parents. Learn some strategies that can help us connect with our kids when they are socially isolated.

Supporting Safety at Home When Your Child Has a Mental Health Crisis:

When your child or youth has had a mental health crisis, knowing how to keep them safe can be overwhelming. Our concerns can include suicidal thoughts, self-harming, aggression or any situation where you or your child is concerned about their safety. Learn about some ways that can help us plan to keep them safe at home.

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