SD35 Community Spotlight – November 2024
November 29, 2024
Welcome to a new edition of the SD35 Community Spotlight newsletter! This newsletter, created for parents, guardians, and families in the Langley School District, aims to shine a light on the incredible stories, achievements, and happenings within our school community. Since the start of September, there has been much to celebrate, so please take a moment to check out our stories below. The goal is to keep you informed and engaged in what’s happening in our District.
Message from the Superintendent
On behalf of the District, I want to thank you for your continued partnership in working with our teachers and staff to support your child. We recognize there has been lots going on in our community, especially in our schools with learning updates issued and districtwide student inclusive conferences held at the elementary level. We know families have full schedules and so we appreciate the time parents/guardians take to make connections with our educators, review and reflect on their child’s progress, and be part of their learning journey. The collective care and cooperation helps with student success!
Lastly, as we head into the season of holiday festivities, I want to commend staff, parents/guardians, and in particular school PACs, for their efforts in helping raise spirits through decorations and activities. The goal is to make everyone feel a sense of belonging.
Mal Gill
Superintendent of School
District and Board of Education Updates
Find recaps of the most recent board meetings below:
Last year, the District developed and shared a new Strategic Plan 2023-2026 Year 2 with the community. The plan establishes priorities and actions regarding three pillars: Educational Opportunities, Community of Partnerships, and Operational Priorities. It is a document that is updated annually. In this document you will find goals as well as actions that have been completed and are in progress, and ongoing. One overarching goal in the plan is for all departments to work together to implement strategies to better serve priority learners (students with diverse abilities, Indigenous learners, and children and youth in care). The Strategic Plan 2023-2026 Year 2 Update can be found here.
The District has developed a new Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL). This document, which is updated annually, is the District’s educational ‘blueprint’ that aims to improve student learning in categories: intellectual development, human & social development, and career development. The document contains goals, data, resources, actions, and stories of impact. It’s a robust and dynamic guiding document that schools use to help shape their own action plans for learning. The latest Framework for Enhancing Student Learning can be found here.
Ahead of the opening of the new school Northeast Latimer Elementary, the District is currently undergoing a boundary change process in the Willoughby Slope. Two phases of information sessions were held in the fall in the R.E. Mountain Family of Schools. The District has heard from the community, gathered feedback, as well as answered questions, through in person meetings and emails. District staff are currently working on new catchment boundaries, which are expected to be presented at the Regular Meeting of the Langley Board of Education on December 10. You can review the most recent presentation delivered to the community in October here.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Dec. 20
Last day before Winter Break
Monday, Jan. 6
School Re-Opens After Winter Break
Around The District
From solemn ceremonies at the local cenotaph, to powerful dance productions, students and staff across the Langley School District honoured Canadian veterans in meaningful ways. Read more about how Remembrance Day and National Indigenous Veterans Day was observed in our schools here.
In the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, students and staff spent time learning, reflecting, honouring the children of residential schools that did not return home. Betty Gilbert Middle students and staff gathered for a community march and at Langley Fine Arts students painted a beautiful mural of a sun and two eagles, a project in partnership with the stɑl’əw ̓ Arts & Cultural Society. Learn more here.
Did you know that the District offers French Immersion? This is one of many Choice Programs across the District – learning opportunities which help ignite a lifelong passion for learning in students. Review this post to get a good overview of programs available here.
Newcomers to Canada and the Langley School District are greeted with friendly faces at the school board office’s Welcome Centre. The District has a team of Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) who assist new families with school registration, navigating the education system, and adjusting to life in Langley. Find out how our Welcome Centre contributes to a diverse and inclusive environment here.
Have you seen the outdoor volleyball court at Brookswood Secondary? It’s one of many projects that were completed over the summer. A big shout out to our Facilities and Maintenance and IT Departments for their work in enhancing our school spaces. Check out other upgrades across the District here.
In the News
Volunteers, students honour Aldergrove veterans at Aberdeen Cemetery (Aldergrove Star, Nov. 8)
3,000 new student spaces to open in Langley (CityNews, Sept. 9)
Suggestion Box
If you have any ideas about what you would like to see in this newsletter going forward, email us at feedback@sd35.bc.ca.