School District No. 35

The Langley School District’s Vision is to be an “Innovative, Inspiring  and Unified Learning Community.” As part of that vision, “our schools foster and inclusive and nurturing culture.” Through its collaborative work with administrators, teachers, and staff, the District continues to work on actions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These actions can happen in the classroom through learning and outside in our play spaces through the creation of accessible playgrounds. This focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion through events and initiatives happens throughout the year but is also highlighted every February. 

Each year, in recognition of Diversity and Respect Week which takes place during the end of February, students across the District find 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 take part in a variety of activities throughout the week.

In the past, school board office staff have worn themed shirts – last year, shirts and stickers were emblazoned with the words ‘We All Belong’ to promote this year’s theme – “I Belong, You Belong, We All Belong.” On one day during that week, 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.” Last year, 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.

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 this year classes spent time participating in various accessibility activities, such as sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Also last year, 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.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion events and initiatives at your school happening throughout the year, please reach out to your school principal.