School District No. 35

It’s Diversity and Respect Week across the Langley School District this week, with students of all ages and grade levels finding ways to celebrate their unique selves, their backgrounds, family history and “who they are.”  

And even more important – they’ve been using these learning opportunities to share and connect with one another, bringing their school communities closer.  

Diversity and Respect Week was established by the Langley Board of Education in 2017 as a way to “coincide with Pink Shirt Day in February to promote awareness, acceptance, reconciliation, and inclusion for all members of the school community.” 

From Kindergarten to secondary school, classes took part in a variety of activities throughout the week. 

At the school board office, walls and doors were adorned with diversity themed posters and “We All Belong” stickers, and on Pink Shirt Day (Feb. 25), staff wore pink in honour of the anti-bullying initiative that began in 2007. 

To start off the week, students at Uplands Elementary were asked to bring in an item from home that makes them unique, or something they’re proud of, to share with their classmates. Students brought in medals, books, sports equipment, and they all worked on drawings of their skills and interests, as well.  

“The goal was to have a conversation and to see our differences, but also see all the strength from that,” said Uplands Grade 3/4 teacher Renae Carey. “And to see all the diversity within our classroom and to open up a conversation about diversity and inclusion.” 

“It’s so cool to see them come alive when they get to share a piece of themselves,” she added. 

At Belmont Elementary, students in younger grades (Little Buddies) paired up with students from older classes (Big Buddies) and exchanged homemade friendship bracelets they’d made. The goal was to foster a greater sense of connection within the school, said Grade 6/7 teacher Rachelle Beaulieu.  

“It’s a way of having the students mentor each other, a mentor-mentee type of situation within the school, and a chance for the younger students and older students to come together in ways they don’t normally get the chance to when they go out on play on the playground or work in their classrooms,” she said. “It’s a tangible way for students to celebrate their uniqueness, to celebrate each other, to show their friendship and care and kindness.” 

Students at Douglas Park Community School took their learning about respect for others and put it into action by sharing “Kindness Flowers” with members of the community, including seniors at a nearby retirement residence. At Willoughby Elementary, students created flags of their family’s country of origin that were displayed around the school to celebrate and show the diversity of the school community. Students had a more interactive experience at Gordon Greenwood Elementary, as they were encouraged to wear traditional clothing from their cultural heritage as part of the school’s Multicultural Day. 

At Yorkson Creek Middle School, a leadership student project resulted in a beautiful giant “Be Kind” mural comprised of multi-coloured post it notes with uplifting messages written by students in all 37 divisions; an art piece demonstrating the caring community. 

At the secondary level, students have become more engaged than ever before in the planning and organizing of diversity and respect related events. This is in part due to the District’s work with youth in schools over the last year, hosting “Student Voice” events, whereby students have expressed how they want more of a say in school activities impacting them. This has led to a variety of student-led events, many focused on supporting anti-racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, this week leadership students hosted a schoolwide Kindness Carnival at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary to spread love and fun throughout the school. At R.E. Mountain Secondary, a Kindness Hallway was set-up where students could visit a station to write notes of kindness and positivity on pink shirts, which were then displayed.  

“It is a time to highlight the importance of kindness, compassion, connection, as well as an opportunity for us to learn about each other, be proud of our own identities and celebrate what makes us unique,” said Mal Gill, superintendent of schools, in a letter to families. “Our goal is to help students feel proud of who they are and have a sense of belonging. We know that working together will help us demonstrate how every child matters in our schools.” 

To read the letter in full, click here.