Families of Shortreed, 

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and enjoyed some time in the beautiful sunshine! 

It is a "quieter" week this week with fewer planned school-wide activities. Our Eagles Athletics continue this week with the Grade 5 Soccer Team travelling to Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary on Tuesday and our Grade 4/5 Cross-Country Team participating in their final meet of the year on Wednesday. 

Halloween is a fun day at Shortreed and is coming up soon. Here is some info:

• We encourage students to wear their costumes. Please ensure that costumes are age-appropriate and suited for all elementary-aged children. Costumes that are gory or glorify violence can frighten our younger students, so please leave these costumes at home. 
  • If your child needs a costume, during the week of Halloween, we will have a free costume rack set up in the front office for you to choose from. If you have any "like-new" costumes you would like to donate, please bring them to the school and we will add them to the rack. 
• If the costume contains a weapon (ie. nunchuks, sword, etc) or prop, we will ask the student to keep it in their backpack until the parade. Too often, the use of these results in a child getting hurt or the prop getting ruined.
• We will have our Spooky Gym open throughout the day for our classes to walk through. The gym is not scary but it is all decorated with an incredible display by parents/families at Shortreed! Please watch for a request for volunteers being shared by PAC. 
• We have a Jack-o-Lantern display in the Spooky Gym so we invite families to bring in their carved pumpkins (and pick up at the end of the day) to add to the festive fun!
• At 1:30 on Halloween, we invite families to come out and cheer us on in our 2025 Shortreed Halloween Parade! You can watch from outside your child's classroom or along the side of the playground at the school. 

A reminder that proofs and order information for school photos were sent home a couple of weeks ago. Please ensure you place your order before October 24. If you need a retake on October 28, follow the instructions on the forms. If your child missed their photo, no problem, they will be automatically registered for a retake. 

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. On Friday, I was having a conversation with a parent school and we digressed to talk about things that we learned (and didn't learn) in school when we were kids. We began discussing our lack of learning about history from an Indigenous perspective in school and how we were only taught events through a colonial lens. I grew up in Hope and had several Indigenous friends, classmates, and teammates. I don't recall learning much about Sto:lo culture and traditions, and I definitely did not learn anything about the systemic racism in our country's history. We learned about the Haida People (everyone in BC learned about Haida as it was in the textbooks) and learned that our history was mostly peaceful contact between Europeans and Indigenous Peoples. I cannot even imagine how my Indigenous classmates felt in school, having a significantly different history taught to them than what their ancestors experienced and shared. I am sure they felt silenced and invisible. What we hope to provide for Indigenous students and all students in our school is a sense of being seen, heard, and valued. Through the use of stories and teachings that value and honour the Indigenous perspectives, including the teachings we are learning from the Máthxwi People, we can work to ensure that all students feel like "they belong at Shortreed".

Good Things to Talk About

On Tuesday, our Grade 5 Soccer Team hosted the James Hill Seawolves on our backfield. It was a great start to the season as the Eagles walked away with a 3-2 win in a close game. The kids played hard and worked well together in a fun, competitive game. Both teams played respectfully and showed good sportsmanship during the entire match. We believe this was the first ever Shortreed Grade 5 Soccer game so congrats to all the players and coaches. 

On Friday, our students put in some awesome effort to "Finish It" for Terry! We had an assembly in the afternoon, where we shared some information about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Run. Ms. Bowers also shared a powerful reminder about how the fundraising efforts have not only saved lives but also improved the quality of life for cancer survivors. After that, we headed out into the community and ran for Terry... and ran for others who have gone through or are going through cancer treatment. We challenged our runners to "run two for Terry" (complete a second lap of the route), and we were excited to see so many students take up the challenge. Thank you to all our families who came out to support us on the run! 

Our goal for the Terry Fox Run this year was $2,000. It felt a bit high, but we wanted to keep going and match our total from last year. Well... Shortreed, you outdid yourself!!! With donations made through School Cash Online, cash brought into the school, and online at the Terry Fox Run website, we raised $2,570!!! This is amazing, and we cannot thank you all enough for your generosity, kindness, and care! 

Our Cross-Country Team participated in their 2nd meet of the season last Wednesday. Our Eagles continued their strong efforts, and we had a few top 20 finishes again this week. Congrats to Isaac, who finished 8th and qualified for the championships on October 22. Lucas M had another strong run, finishing in the top 4 again this week. 

Our staff members work incredibly hard to have a positive impact on the lives of every Shortreed student. To show some appreciation for World Teachers (Educators) Day, we brought in a professional barista and treated staff to a warm fall-flavoured coffee/tea. Thank you, Shortreed Staff, for all that you continue to do!!!

The Week Ahead

• Tuesday, October 14 - Gr. 5 Soccer at Blacklock 3:00
• Wednesday, October 15 - Gr. 4/5 XC Meet #3 3:30
• Thursday, October 16 - PAC Meeting 6:30

Upcoming Dates and Events:

• Monday, October 20 - Diwali, Gr. 5 Soccer practice 2:45
• Tuesday, October 21 - Gr. 5 Soccer at Douglas Park 3:00; Gr. 2 Trip to Pumpkin Patch
• Wednesday, October 22 - PAC Treat Day (Cob's Bread), Cross-Country Championships 3:30
• Thursday, October 23 - Informal Learning Updates sent home
• Friday, October 24 - Pro-D Day (no school for students)
• Monday, October 27 - Kindergarten Trip to the Pumpkin Patch; Gr. 5 Soccer practice 2:45
• Tuesday, October 28 - Photo Retakes
• Friday, October 31 - Haunted Gymnasium, Halloween Costume Parade 1:30 (caregivers welcome to attend). 
• Monday, November 3 - Gr. 5 Soccer Practice 2:45
• Tuesday, November 4 - Lockdown Drill 10:00, Quincy Mack Assembly 1:15, Gr. 5 Soccer Home Game vs Uplands 3:00
• Wednesday, November 5 - PAC Hot Lunch (Panago)
• Thursday, November 6 - No Stone Left Alone (Gr. 5) 10:30
• Friday, November 7 - Remembrance Day Assembly 11:00
• Saturday, November 8 - Indigenous Veterans Day
• Monday, November 10 - Design/Assessment Day - no school for students
• Tuesday, November 11 - Remembrance Day - schools closed
• Thursday, November 13 - PAC Meeting 6:30

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:

• October Message from Fraser Health: Keep your children free from respiratory illnesses this winter  

  As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, we’re more likely to get sick with things like colds, flu or COVID-19 because these illnesses spread more easily in enclosed spaces.

   

  Everyone should take these steps to protect themselves and limit the spread of respiratory illnesses: 

  • Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 if you are eligible. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water is not available. 
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose. 
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow. 
  • If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and away from people at higher risk of serious illness. If you are sick and cannot stay away from others, wear a mask. Learn more about masks here.

  Vaccinations for respiratory illness 

  Vaccinations prepare our immune system to recognize and respond to viruses. When children get immunized, they are less likely to get sick or pass along illness to others and better able to focus on learning, playing and doing the activities they love.  

  Register your children with the Get Vaccinated system so you can be reminded to get flu or COVID-19 vaccinations when they are due. Seasonal respiratory vaccinations are available from pharmacies, public health units and some primary care providers.  

   

  School-aged immunizations 

  As children get older, the protection from some infant immunizations can wear off. To set young people up for long-term health and well-being, vaccines are offered routinely in kindergarten, grade 6 and grade 9 with catch-up opportunities in other grades. Getting your child vaccinated on schedule is one of the best ways to protect their health. 

  All routine school-aged immunizations are free in British Columbia. If your child is not up-to-date with their vaccines, please make an appointment with a public health unit, family doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacy. If your child’s record shows their vaccines are not current, but they did get vaccines from a health care provider outside of public health: 

  • Contact the health care provider who immunized your child and ask for a copy of the immunization record. 
  • Report these immunizations to Public Health online at: http://www.fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform 

  Learn more about school-aged immunizations, including how to access your child’s records, here: Children and youth immunizations – Fraser Health Authority

  
  
• 
• Programs of Choice – Deadline to Register is Monday, October 20^th

  Langley School District offers a rich diversity of programs that are designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students. Programs include Fine Arts, French Immersion, Fundamental, Langley Environmental Awareness Program (outdoor education), Montessori, and UConnect. Registration for Kindergarten entry (for most programs) begins on Monday, October 6^th at 12 noon, and closes on Monday, October 20^th at 12 noon. For UConnect, please contact the school directly. For more information and instructions to register your child, visit our District website here and review our FAQ choice programs resource here.

• Student in Distress and School Safety

  Health and safety are a priority in the Langley School District. Our schools follow procedures to help keep students, staff, and the community safe. Depending on the situation, communication to parents/caregivers is needed to keep families informed about incidents in our school, such as during lockdowns, hold & secures, and room clears, or in the event of a student in distress. Sometimes these situations may not be emergencies but events that require a school response. It is important to note that the decision to send communications to families is dependent on a variety of factors including the nature of what happened, who has witnessed or was directly impacted by what happened, as well as student and staff privacy. Communication is unique and dependent on the specific situation; there are times when a student is in distress, yet the situation may or may not require a message or letter to families. In addition to communication with parents/caregivers, teachers and staff may debrief with students after an incident that may have upset them. In some cases, the school counsellor may offer support to students in need. As always, we want families to let us know if your child requires support. If you have any questions or concerns about communication related to situations or emergencies, please reach out 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

The Neufelds Farms Fundraiser is now open and can be ordered here!
Start date: open now!
End date: All orders must be in by MONDAY OCTOBER 27th
Pick up date/time: Tuesday November 4th 6:00PM in the Shortreed Parking Lot
This year, the only option for payment is by credit card. If this poses any problems, please email us at Shortreedpac@gmail.com, and we can work together to find a solution that will work to place your order.  Thank you for your continued fundraising support.

Hot Lunch Orders can be made now. Go to www.munchalunch.com/schools/shortreed/ to order. 

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.

Home Alone Course (ages 10+) at Shortreed on October 24. Register here. 

FamilySmart - FamilySmart services are free with no waitlists, and we serve parents and caregivers experiencing mental health or substance use challenges with their children or youth. This includes talking and collaborating, offering possible resources, helping parents navigate community resources, and sharing monthly events. 

October Events:  

ADHD – The Real Deal

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: It’s More Than Overwashing Your Hands

Join us online. It's free.