Langley District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) shares “encourage-mints” with school staff
June 4, 2020
“We ‘be-leaf’ in them.” That’s the message the Langley School District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is sending to all staff this week, as students made their partial return to in-class learning.
The council which acts as a collective voice for parents visited schools Tuesday and Wednesday to drop off a fresh surprise.
“We wanted to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for everything that staff and faculty are doing for the students of Langley SD35 during this difficult time, and so a planter of “encourage-mint” was delivered to each school this week.” says Langley DPAC Treasurer Chantale Hubbs.
“The planters each contained two species of mint as well as stevia plants,” explains Hubbs. “Staff can harvest the plants and enjoy an herbal tea or [use for] a number of other fresh mint recipes.”
Staff have been very thankful to receive their minty-fresh gifts, and some schools have been expanding on the idea by growing them in their school gardens or garden towers.
“We are so blessed to have the support of parents far and wide during this unprecedented time. Together really is a wonderful place to be!” says Phillis Giovani, principal of Willoughby Elementary in response to the planters.
Parents and District staff have had to adapt and take on new and unique roles to support student learning. “Now more than ever before the school community is interconnected with the home,” says Hubbs, on discussing the importance of parent involvement in the learning community.
She wants to encourage parents in the District to be an active part of the school community. “Parents are true partners in the education of their children,” she says. “Parents and guardians of students registered in the district have always been welcome to participate in DPAC; all parents are automatically members of their school PAC. Although not all parents have capacity to hold a position on their school PAC executive board, there are many other opportunities to be a partner in your child’s education and Langley DPAC encourages parents to seek out the many opportunities to be involved in your child’s school.”
“Parental support in our school communities is key to the success of our students ongoing learning journey. We are thankful to be able to work alongside such an incredible parent community and learn from one another as we help students find success!” adds Jonathan Harris, principal of Betty Gilbert Middle School.
If you are a parent in the District and want to get involved with your school community PAC, you can find more information here.