SD35 Community Spotlight - March 2026
With spring break on its way, the Langley School District is sharing the latest edition of the SD35 Community Spotlight newsletter. The last few months have been busy in our schools with positive news, fun events, and more!
Check it all out below.
Message from the Superintendent
As we approach spring break, I want to acknowledge all the efforts behind the learning opportunities and events that took place during Diversity and Respect Week. I know that many parents/guardians, and school PACs have collaborated with staff to organize school-wide culture days, kindness projects, art exhibits featuring Black Canadians, and parent speaker’s sessions, among other initiatives. Thank you for assisting in role modelling for our students. I know that you are all doing your part to celebrate identity, diversity, and inclusion and understand the importance of belonging in our schools. I recognize we have more work to do in our community, but the future is bright!
Despite the downward trend in enrolment in other school districts, we are one of very few districts in the province that is continuing to see growth. To manage that growth, we look forward to the opening of a new middle and secondary school in the Smith neighbourhood of the Willoughby Slope in September 2027. The District is pleased to share that the Langley Board of Education has announced the new names for the schools: Emery Dosdall Secondary and stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle School (phonetic pronunciation is stot – low). Emery Dosdall Secondary, is named for the late Emery Dosdall, a former Langley School District superintendent and deputy minister of education in the province of BC. The name stɑtl̓əw̓ which means ‘little river’ or ‘little creek’ in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language signifies an acknowledgment of the land, the preservation of the Indigenous language, and a renewed commitment to truth and reconciliation. In relation to these two new schools, the District is currently consulting with the community about future catchment boundary changes. As we have seen from past consultations, the feedback from the community is valued and can help District staff make important decisions. The District is also engaging the community on the upcoming school year’s budget and District’s calendar 2028-2029. We hope to hear from everyone on these important matters.
Communicating student learning and maintaining strong connections with families is essential to supporting student success. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all parents/guardians for your ongoing engagement in your child’s learning—whether through participating in student‑inclusive conferences at the elementary level or by reviewing your child’s reflections at the middle and secondary levels. We continue to see the meaningful, positive impact that family involvement has on our students’ development and well‑being. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Mal Gill
Superintendent of Schools
District and Board of Education Updates
Find recaps of recent board meetings here:
December 16, 2025
January 27, 2026
February 24, 2026
Do you want to have a say on the District’s 2026-2027 budget? The District invites you to participate in the budget consultation process by sending an email or completing a survey which you can find here.
The District is seeking feedback on the District Calendar for 2028-2029. The Calendar Consultation closes March 27. For information and to view the proposed calendar, click here.
In February, the Board of Education announced the names for the two new schools currently under construction in the Smith neighbourhood of the Willoughby Slope. To read about the name for the new middle school stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle School (phonetic pronunciation is stot – low), click here, and for more on the secondary school name Emery Dosdall Secondary, click here.
Upcoming Events
Friday, March 13
Last day of classes before Spring Break
Monday, March 30
Schools re-open after Spring Break
Friday, April 3
Good Friday – Schools Closed
Monday, April 6
Easter Monday – Schools Closed
Tuesday, April 28
Regular Board Meeting
Around the District
Career development is a pillar of the Langley School District’s Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL). Earlier this year, we took an in-depth look at career education initiatives throughout the District – starting at the elementary level, all the way up to middle and secondary. Learn more about it here.
Diversity and Respect Week was celebrated across the District in February, with a number of activities, events, and learning opportunities happening at every school. To find out more about the week, read here.
The AVID program at Aldergrove Community Secondary celebrated a pair of milestones recently. The program, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, celebrated its 20th anniversary at the school, and the school was also recognized as the first-ever AVID Site of Distinction in Canada. Check it out here.
In the News
Aldergrove student’s fundraiser honours aunt’s legacy (Langley Advance Times, Jan. 16)
Broadway stars head to small-town prom in Langley school musical (Langley Advance Times, Feb. 14)
Aldergrove’s Grade 5 players go head-to-head on the court (Aldergrove Star, Feb. 15)
New high school, middle school in Langley get official names (Langley Advance Times, Feb. 25)
VIDEO: Langley City students give away flowers for Pink Shirt Day (Langley Advance Times, Feb. 25)
Suggestion Box
If you have any ideas about what you would like to see in this newsletter going forward, please send an email to feedback@sd35.bc.ca