Posted: September 30, 2024
Families of Shortreed,
We hope you had a lovely weekend and had a chance to reflect and learn about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It was a powerful week of learning for us at Shortreed as we focused on NDTR and the stories of the impact of Residential and Day Schools on generations of Indigenous Peoples. We shared our learning with all classes creating a bulletin board that featured some learning artifacts from a story (or stories) they read. On Friday morning, the classes did a gallery walk to look at all the shared learning and then 
discussed some memorable boards in their classrooms. In the afternoon, we gathered for an assembly to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Melissa Epp, of Màthxwi (Matsqui) First Nation, shared a traditional welcome and then included some drummers from Shortreed in a song. Ms. Elson shared a powerful poem, and a few of the grade 5 students shared their learning, including what reconciliation means to them and challenged our students and staff to “bear witness” and share the learning with others. At the end of the assembly, Ms. Elson, Melissa, and the drummers led us out on the backfield and made a huge circle of over 500 of us. We joined hands and participated in a round dance to heal and honour. Thank you to Melissa, Ms. Elson, and all the Shortreed staff for their time, efforts, and care along our community’s journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
As always, we want to acknowledge that we do our important work to ensure every child belongs on the unceded ancestral territories of the Màthxwi (Matsqui) First Nation. We acknowledge this to honour the land and the people and share our commitment to learning in our journey for Truth and Reconciliation. A few key moments for me on Friday really hit home when I think about the lands we are on. Melissa gave Mrs. Tarasoff and me an orange shirt designed by a Màthxwi artist; what I love about this shirt is that it says “Màthxwi” on the back. Our grade 5s shared “what reconciliation means to them”, and many shared about repairing broken relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The opportunity to wear an orange shirt with Màthxwi on the back reminded me that we are making progress in repairing our relationship with Màthxwi people. For so long, Indigenous Peoples were either sent away to Residential or Day Schools or faced racism and bias in public schools; this led to a broken relationship with schools. We still have a ways to go, but Shortreed is making progress on building trusting relationships with the Màthxwi people who have taught, learned, thrived, and been stewards of this land since time immemorial. I take the gift of this orange shirt very seriously as it is a commitment to continue along our journey of truth and reconciliation on Màthxwi unceded ancestral lands. Thank you to the Màthxwi people, who are also Shortreed families and continue to show patience and support for our staff and students.
Our cross-country team participated in their first race on Tuesday. Our entire team of over 40 athletes showed great effort and stamina, and we are so proud of them. Congrats to Ryu (2nd), Adam (4th), and Connor (6th), who all qualified for the championships. We had several other students who just finished out of the top 10, and most finished within the top 30 (of around 80 runners in each category). They run in their 2nd meet on Tuesday. Thank you to coaches Mostat, Wright, Kaur, and Gandouin.
Don’t forget that Friday is a School Improvement Day so there is no school for students that day.
A reminder that photo orders have been extended to October 6. Please see more in the information section below.
Please watch for an email this week about our Terry Fox Run and fundraising challenge starting next week!
The Week Ahead
Tuesday – XC Race #2 3:30
Thursday – XC practice at lunch
Friday – School Improvement Day – no school for students.
Saturday – World Teachers Day
Sunday – Photo Orders (and retake requests) due (see above)
Shortreed Calendar: Did you know Shortreed has a digital calendar to view and subscribe to? Once you subscribe, you will get all our school events right to the calendar on your phone and/or devices at home. Click here for more info.
Click here for a Langley Schools calendar that includes Pro-D Days, etc.
Month at a Glance
Tuesday, October 8 – Grade 4/5 Cross Country meet #3
Wednesday, October 9 – PAC Hot Lunch – Subway
Friday, October 11 – Terry Fox Run 1:15
Monday, October 14 – Thanksgiving (schools closed)
Wednesday, October 16 – Cross Country Finals
Thursday, October 17 – Great BC Shakeout Earthquake Drill 10:00am
Friday, October 18 – PAC Meeting 9am
Wednesday, October 23 – PAC Treat Day Cob’s Bread; Fire Drill 1:30
Thursday, October 24 – Cultural Assembly – David Lane 1:00
Friday, October 25 – Provincial Pro-D Day – no school for students
Thursday, October 31 – PAC Haunted Gym; Halloween Parade 1:30 (families invited to watch)
Information and Reminders
Student in Distress and School Safety – Health and safety are a priority in the Langley School District. Our schools follow emergency procedures to help keep students, staff, and the community safe. Depending on the situation, communication to parents/caregivers is needed to keep families informed about incidents in our school, such as during lockdowns, hold & secures, and room clears. Sometimes these incidents may not be emergencies but are medical crises. It is important to note that the decision to send communications to families is dependent on a variety of factors including the nature of what happened, who has witnessed or was directly impacted by what happened, as well as student and staff privacy. Although communication is unique and dependent on the specific situation, there are times when a student is in distress and the incident may require a message or letter to families. In addition to communication to parents/caregivers, teachers and staff may debrief with students after an incident that may have upset them. In some cases, the school counsellor may offer support to students in need. As always, we want families to let us know if your child requires support. If you have any questions or concerns about communication related to emergencies or incidents, please reach out to the school.
Fair Notice Resource for Students/Families – The Langley School District is committed to a safe and supportive environment for all. Our schools take all threatening comments and behaviours seriously. Our schools follow procedures when responding to threat-making behaviour to help keep students, staff, and the community safe. The following resource here outlines what information students and families need to know in relation to how the District responds to threat-making behaviour in our schools. Everyone has a role in helping keep our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school administrator.
- Community Volunteers in Emergencies – Emergencies can happen unexpectedly due to weather events (e.g. earthquake or flooding) or unforeseen situations in the community. The health and safety of students, staff, and families is the District’s priority. The District together with schools follow emergency procedures to respond to incidents as well as prevent them from happening. As stated in the provincial Emergency Management Planning Guide for Schools, Districts and Authorities, staff have a legal “duty of care,” meaning that they “must ensure that students are cared for until such time as they can be safely reunited with their parents.” Depending on the situation, the school may be caring for students for many days.In these circumstances, schools may rely on members of the community to assist with emergency responses. Administrators may send a request to parents/guardians to help volunteer with first aid, facilities and maintenance, safety and security, and general labour. Adults with special skills in health care, policing, and engineering would be an asset in an emergency. No action is needed from families at this time as the purpose is to keep families informed.
- Programs of Choice – Deadline to Register is Monday, October 21st – Langley School District offers a rich diversity of programs that are designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students. Programs include Fine Arts, French Immersion, Fundamental, Langley Environmental Awareness Program (outdoor education), Montessori, and U-Connect. Registration for Kindergarten entry (for most programs) begins on Monday, October 7th at 12 noon, and closes on Monday, October 21st at 12 noon. For U-Connect, please contact the school directly. For more information and instructions to register your child, visit our District website here and review our FAQ choice programs resource here.
- U-Connect – Kindergarten to Grade 3 Spaces Available: Elementary – Is your child in need of an education program that offers more flexibility and continues to meet their educational needs? U-Connect may be a great fit for your child. The blended learning program has students in class two days a week with an optional third day offered for additional student support and fun community field trips. Students will be at home two to three days per week, which enables them to discover their own extra-curricular passions and allows for caregivers to support students at home in partnership with school. Students will build on their own personal learning style with the support of caring and dedicated teachers. Interested students and their families are encouraged to call the school to get more information or learn more here.
Communicating With Your School Schools and families continue to work together to ensure student success. If you have an issue or concern but don’t know who to speak with, the District encourages you to read these helpful Communicating with your School guidelines for parents/guardians found on our District website here. As an additional reference, review this one-page resource here.
Student Safety in Schools (Elementary Schools) The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, and social responsibility, as well as support optimal learning. Trauma-Informed Practices and Procedures promote creating and maintaining safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments. The District expects all students to follow the Student Code of Conduct AP 350.
The District is sharing a reminder that no one can have “any weapon for any purpose” on school property. This means that weapons are not allowed to be used as part of an educational project, drama production, or themed costume. Examples of weapons include but are not limited to knives, bb guns, and toy guns. Failure to follow these expectations may result in confiscation, intervention, and consequences.
- Student Accident Insurance Plan (Voluntary Insurance) This year, the District is offering two options for a voluntary student accident insurance plan that replaces the family accident reimbursement plan offered last year. This plan is voluntary, but any families can enroll. There are significant benefits of this accident insurance coverage for families. Please note, enrolment in the program can be done online only, through one of the following options:Insure My Kids OR Study InsuredCorresponding digital support materials for above service providers can be accessed via following links:
Insure My Kids: Insure My Kids – Support Material
Study Insured: Study Insured – Support Material
Langley Community Services offers support and assistance to families looking for childcare in Langley. The Childcare Resource & Referral (CCRR) Program offers free consultation, support, assistance with affordable childcare benefit applications, and referral services to parents seeking childcare in Langley. Parents may contact the Langley CCRR office for a list of childcare providers in their neighbourhood or for more information at (604) 533-4425.
- Parent Consent – Each year, Langley Schools asks families to complete a set of parent consent forms for their child. Our schools require these consent forms to ensure all students’ health, safety, and security. Langley Schools uses a secure web form to collect this information. Beginning mid-September, please watch for an email request (subject Parent Consent Request) that contains one link for you to submit consents for all children in your family attending any Langley School. If your email address or contact information has changed, please call your school to correct it in our files. If you have not received an email regarding Parent Consent Request by the end of the month or have any questions/concerns, please contact your school administrator.
- Strive for FIVE Days (or Less) – Attendance is crucial to your child’s learning as it helps with academics, social-emotional well-being, and peer connections. We understand children get sick, but please send them to school as many days as possible and strive for FIVE or fewer!
Attendance/Absence – If your child is going to be absent, arriving late, away or leaving early due to an appointment, please notify the school of your child’s absence by emailing SCEAttendance@sd35.bc.ca or calling 604-856-4167 and state the following information:
- Student First Name and Last Name
- Grade
- Division
- Length of Absence
- Reason (illness, late, appointment, vacation)
- If your family needs support for breakfast before school, our breakfast program runs from 8:20-8:35 each day. Students must register and come every school day.
- Our school parking lot is closed between 8:15-9:00 and 2:00-2:45 (other than daycare, buses, and vehicles for people with a disability). The church across the street graciously allows us to use their parking lot for pick-up and drop-off so please park there or along 28th Ave. Do not park in the “no parking” (coned) areas along the yellow curbs. No u-turns.
- West Coast Recess – As we have done over the past few years, every day is an outside day at Shortreed. Unless there is a severe rainstorm (or snowstorm), we will be heading outside. Please make sure your child has a coat to wear outside. We have a good selection of coats in our FREE Coat Exchange near the office, so come by and check them out.
- We all know kids love juice boxes… but these are often extremely high in sugar and can cause a sticky mess in classrooms. Please opt for water as much as you can.
- A reminder that we are a “nut aware” school and have some students with life-threatening allergies to nuts. Please avoid packing snacks or lunches with nuts as the oil from a student’s hands can be enough to create a significant medical incident.
- Please bring inside shoes for your child. This helps to keep our school clean and dry. If you need some help with shoes, check out our FREE Shoe and Boot Exchange at the office.
PAC Info
Hot lunch ordering is now open online through Munch-a-Lunch! The cutoff date for the first lunch is Tuesday, Oct. 1.Munch-a-Lunch is an online-based order/payment program. Once you place an order you have up to 24 hours to complete payment or the order will be cancelled and you will have to go through the process again. If you are only able to pay in cash or cheque, you MUST email PAC BEFORE placing an order so we can make special arrangements for payment of your orders. (shortreedpac@gmail.com). Once set up you can send in cash or cheques (cheques for orders over $25.00 only) in an envelope with your child’s full name and division clearly indicated on the outside.
Community Events and Information
Multi-Sport and More Pro-D Day Program October 25th Grades 1-4
Online Family Support Sessions on Navigating Digital World – Hosted by Safer Schools Together
The Ministry of Education has once again contracted Safer Schools Together to offer complimentary Family Sessions, designed to support families and caregivers navigate the digital world. There is one session per month. Families can participate in as many as they wish. Sessions can be found at the link below: erase Registration (saferschoolstogether.com)
Families will learn:
- Digital media habits, oversharing, and digital addiction
- The permanence of online posts/activity
- The significance of your digital tattoo in how others perceive you (e.g., sports teams, college admissions, and potential employers)
- The importance of caring for peers both online and offline
- Geo-locational settings and the dangers of social media and cell phone misuse
- The social and legal consequences of cyberbullying behaviour as well as possession and distribution of intimate images (sexting and sextortion)
- An anonymous student reporting tool that can help you and your friends stay safe both online and offline
Child Day Event at Church in the Valley – October 4, 2024
A free one-day expo that aims to connect families of pre-K learners with important resources is planned for next month. Child Day will be held on Friday October 4 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Church in the Valley, and will feature community agencies, a marketplace, door prizes and more. See attached poster for details and ticket information or learn more here:
https://buytickets.at/inclusionlangleysociety/1302946
