Langley Schools welcomes students and staff for the new school year

Superintendent of Schools Mal Gill welcomed new and returning students, staff and families to Langley Schools for the new school year. He acknowledged that some community members may have been affected by wildfires in the Interior and encouraged the school community to support one another and foster an inclusive, caring and compassionate learning environment.

The district said its education and operations staff will continue work toward the goals in its Strategic Plan and Framework for Enhancing Student Learning. Schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In the days beforehand, students and staff will take part in learning and reflection. The district encouraged families to observe Orange Shirt Day meaningfully and learn from Indigenous voices and perspectives, noting its year-round commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through ongoing learning and professional development.

The district also marked the completion of a 12-classroom addition at Langley Secondary School, which is ready for students this week and is intended to help meet rising enrolment in that family of schools. Construction is also progressing on the new stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle and Emery Dosdall Secondary schools in Willoughby.

Over the summer, operational staff prepared indoor and outdoor school spaces through projects including new playground equipment, paving, painting, roof replacements, refreshed devices and replacement projectors. Gill thanked the staff involved, including custodians, trades staff, information technology workers, and finance and purchasing staff. Langley Board of Education chair Candy Ashdown and Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare also shared back-to-school messages.