A New School Year Begins with Positive Vibes Across the District
The hallways are busy again, classrooms are springing to life and the sounds of learning have returned as students and staff across the District begin a new school year.
September’s familiar energy is back as students reconnect with friends and meet new teachers – elementary students were placed in their new classrooms this week after spending last week with their teachers from the prior year – while staff are busy preparing for new lessons and routines.
“Lots of kids are happy seeing their friends, I know my staff is thrilled to see each other, so everybody’s just looking forward to the next school year,” said Parkside Centennial Elementary principal Courtney Robertson on the first day of school as she prepared to welcome students back to class.
“This is what we do. This is what we love… it’s going to be a great school year.”
At Yorkson Creek Middle School, new students were welcomed by the school’s WEB Mentors (WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs) – a team of Grade 8 students tasked with helping younger students adjust to their new surroundings.
On Day 1, students played get-to-know-you games, did team-building exercises and had the chance to make connections with their new classmates.
“This day is super important to the Grade 6 students, to the staff here, to the Grade 8s when they’re coming from elementary school.” said Yorkson Creek teacher Grace English. “It’s a big transition to middle school, so this just helps them ease those nerves and gives them a friendly face that they can look for (at school).”
Those return-to-school positive vibes extended throughout the District this week, as students and staff get settled in for another successful school year.
“As we return to schools and reconnect, I encourage everyone to support each other and work together to create an inclusive, caring, and compassionate learning environment,” said Mal Gill, Superintendent of Langley Schools. “I know our education and operations staff, including myself, are looking forward to another year of learning, and are committed to meeting the goals of the District’s Strategic Plan and Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL), and continuing to build a community where every child matters.”