Holiday Cheer Across the District
December 18, 2024
Holiday spirit has been sparkling in all corners of the Langley School District over the past few weeks, as students, staff and families come together to celebrate.
From choir performances and charity drives to the twinkling lights of holiday decorations, it has been a season to remember as winter break approaches.
As is the school’s annual tradition, the holiday season kicked off at Shortreed Community School with its annual Breakfast with Santa event. After tireless work from staff and volunteers, families and students began filing into the school gym around 7 a.m. in order to be early in line to meet the guest of honour – Santa Claus himself! Aside from a chance to meet the Big Guy in Red, families – with many families decked out in their holiday-themed best – guests also had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast and connect with each other over the course of an hour or two.
Shortreed was far from the only school to embrace the holiday spirit. At West Langley Elementary last Friday it was ‘Character Day’ and two staff members decided to dress up like Harry and Marv – the ‘Wet Bandits’ from Home Alone fame. And at Willoughby Elementary, as well as other schools, the halls were decked with festive lights, garlands and other holiday decorations in order to bring a little joy to the school community.
At Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School, it’s become tradition for choir members to bring a little holiday spirit to the community, by travelling to various locations, including seniors centres and District sites, to sing carols. Last week, the group stopped by the School Board Office to regale staff with wonderful renditions of Carol of the Bells, Silent Night, and I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day.
With the spirit of giving front and centre during the holiday season, a number of schools have taken that message to heart and come together to help those in need.
At North Otter Elementary, students, staff and families have been donating to a Winter Drive, collecting items for families with babies and infants. Everything from clothing, blankets and wash cloths to diapers, toys, strollers and more.
And at Uplands Elementary, one class undertook a charity drive after reading a book in class about empathy and selflessness. The donation drive, hosted by the school in support by the Langley RCMP and Kimz Angels, aimed to collect items for unhoused individuals in the area.
“The first day that it was super cold, we started the conversation because I said ‘everyone’s cold, everyone’s wearing jackets. How would you feel if you didn’t have a jacket today? How would you feel if you didn’t have a jacket all night,’” said teacher Jas Dhesi. “And it just kind of organically became what it did by recognizing that we are all one, we are all human beings and we all want what’s best for us.”
Staff across the District have also been embracing the spirit of giving through a variety of initiatives. The District’s IT department, for example, sponsored a family through the Langley Christmas Bureau, while School Board Office staff have been collecting toys and food to be donated, as well.
For photos from around the District, check out the slideshow below: