Celebrating Diversity & Respect Throughout the District

February 28, 2025

In recognition of Diversity and Respect Week, students across the District found ways to celebrate themselves, their families and their history, while also learning from their classmates and celebrating all that makes each of them unique.

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, staff wore ‘We All Belong’ shirts and stickers, to promote this year’s theme – “I Belong, You Belong, We All Belong.” Except on Wednesday, of course, where staff and students across the District wore pink in recognition of Pink Shirt Day, an anti-bullying initiative that began in 2007.

At Douglas Park Community School, students celebrated Pink Shirt Day with what principal Mark Touzeau called “a mission to spread kindness.” Classes went out into the community and gave flowers to people at businesses and senior retirement homes.

At Nicomekl Elementary, students participated in a ‘Keys to Kindness’ project, where students decorated pink keys with hearts and phrases and words like “Be Kind.” The keys were then hung in the hallways.

“The District is proud of the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families in helping individuals feel a sense of belonging and we acknowledge that more work is needed. The District is encouraging all members of the community to join us in this work,” Superintendent Mal Gill said in a letter to students, staff and families this week.

That letter can be read in full here.

In advance of Diversity and Respect Week, students and staff at Walnut Grove Secondary’s Print Shop spent weeks designing and printing banners, posters and stickers, which were put on display at schools throughout the district.

“I think we all realize how important diversity and respect is. For us to be involved in that process, and help design some of the signage, some of the visualizations, they get to help produce and create it, and then when the day comes, they get to see it and know, ‘I was a part of that,’” said WGSS teacher Ryan Radford.

This week at Willoughby Elementary, students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 created ‘Who We Are’ Jars to celebrate the diversity in the school. Students’ jar illustrations includes drawings of family members, flags of various countries, favourite foods, pets, activities and more.

“The project is a wonderful way for students to connect with each other, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. It highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in our school, making it a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone,” said Willoughby Elementary principal Karin Muuren.

“The hands-on nature of creating the jars also encouraged creativity and self-expression. Students had the opportunity to reflect on their own identities and think critically about what aspects of their culture and experiences they wanted to share. This process not only boosted their self-esteem but also enhanced their communication skills as they explained their jars to others.”

At Gordon Greenwood Elementary, students recognized Diversity and Respect Week in many ways, including in the gym, where for the last two weeks, classes have spent time participating in various accessibility activities, such as sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Also this week, ELL students and teachers at James Hill Elementary celebrated diversity by hosting cultural displays in the gym, with students each having booths set up with information, photos and more about the countries their families are from.

At James Kennedy Elementary, students got an early start on Diversity and Respect last Friday by recognizing International Mother Language Day. ELL students learned to read books in their first languages and then read to their younger schoolmates.

To see more Diversity and Respect Week photos from across the District, see the photo gallery below: