School District No. 35

The holiday season has arrived, and schools across the district have been buzzing with festive spirit! From seasonal fundraisers and creative concerts and shows to Santa’s Workshop marketplaces and more, there has been no shortage of fun in recent weeks. 

The season kicked off in earnest at the School Board Office, with an early December visit from the Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School choir, who stopped by to sing carols ranging from holiday classics like ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to legendary Hollywood composer John Williams’ “Somewhere In My Memory (Theme from Home Alone).” 

In the lead up to the holidays, staff at the board office have also been collecting toys and non-perishables for the Langley Christmas Bureau. 

At R.C Garnett Demonstration School, students got into the spirit of the season with their annual Candy Cane Sale fundraiser. Students across multiple grades teamed up to not only sell the candy canes – which came in many flavours, and were donated by staff and families – but also prepared school announcements, created banners about the sale, and acted as cashiers on sales day. At the conclusion of the Dec. 5 sale, students had raised $1,440, which was donated to Ronald McDonald House.  

“This annual fundraiser serves as an opportunity for students to learn about social responsibility including the valuable lessons of generosity and gratitude,” said RC Garnett principal Claire Burns. “'Kids Helping Kids' is a tradition that RC Garnett looks forward to continuing with for years to come.” 

At Shortreed Community Elementary, the always popular Santa Breakfast was held for students, families and members of the community. Organized and run by staff – with some help from parents – the event is an opportunity for the school community to gather together, connect and get into the holiday spirit. It is one of many pancake breakfasts across the District. 

Still at Shortreed, last week the school held another popular holiday tradition – Find the Elves – in which staff members hide throughout the school, and students have to find as many of them as they can. 

Meanwhile, at Nicomekl Elementary, a PAC-organized Santa’s Workshop event was held prior to the winter break. With booths of donated items – both new and gently used – set up in the gym, young students, accompanied by a parent volunteer or an older student from Langley Secondary’s AVID Program, were able to browse the tables and pick out gifts for family members. 

Check out the photos below to see more of the festive happenings from throughout the District!  

Happy Holidays!