A Light-Hearted Place With An Intense Mission

October 1, 2021

Action Plan For Learning

Each year the staff come together in September to map out how we can best improve student learning. This past School Improvement Day was no exception. We had a day that was jammed pack with learning and team building; all of which will work to improve the support we provide the students in our care.

We are a little school so we are limited in the amount of diversity and voice because our staff is so small. To expand our horizons we joined together with Lynn Fripps Elementary and James Kennedy Elementary, via teams, for the pro d portion of our day. Our hope is to continue working with these schools through out the school year so we are able to join larger same grade groups to collaborate with. During this portion of our day teachers sharpened their reading assessment skills and learned how to look beyond just identifying the reading level the student is at to knowing how to pinpoint specific skills that need to be taught. Our support staff spent time looking at on-line platforms they can use for extra reading support as well as some well-proven strategies that help with problem solving on the playground.

As important as all this learning is, none of it will matter if we don’t work as a team. After bidding good-bye to the other schools we spent some time focusing on our ‘Why’. Why do we get up each morning and come to work? Do we come motivated because we GET to come to work, or are we feeling like we HAVE to come to work? The staff overwhelmingly responded that they GET to come to work; and we spent some time reflecting on why we feel this way. Our plan for this year will be to take our thoughts as individuals and pull them together to create a statement that reflects us as a whole. Additionally, we are also looking to rebrand the Wix-Brown Bear to include our cohesive sentiment through an indigenous lens.

Suz Hoffman, a former Principal of Wix and a former Superintendent of Langley Schools used to say, “We are a light-hearted place with an intense mission.” Being able to have fun and laugh together is essential to creating the bond we need so when things get challenging so we are able to support each other. With this in mind, the staff made their way to Fort Langley on a scavenger hunt that required them to “put themselves out there” and act a little silly…:)

 

Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation is not something that we only focus on one day of the year. At Wix we make our way down the path of Truth and Reconciliation every day…baby steps, but progress none the less. There are a number of factors that allow us to make progress. First, we have the privilege of having Ms. Miller on staff full-time. We also have a staff that eagerly collaborates; this means our teachers are able to invite Ms. Miller in to support the learning through an Indigenous lens. In addition to working with individual classroom teachers, Ms. Miller also collaborates with Ms. Peach, our Teacher Librarian. Together they use Indigenous literature and art to teach BC learning standards.

We have decided that as part of our journey towards truth and reconciliation we would highlight one of the 94 calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Today, in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day I am going to highlight call #80. “We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” It wasn’t until they started discovering the bodies of children that never made it home from residential school that this call came to fruition. However, rather than reflect on the timeline of this process, I would rather reflect on how we can move forward. Moving forward is as easy as taking the time to talk about the true history of Canada and the need to make reparation for what was done; even just small conversations. Start with having them with those you trust and love, building your confidence to say what needs to be said and your understanding of the subject.

“We stand in the moment of the greatest promise…” – Chief Robert Joseph (link to video)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Fox Run

Terry Fox is considered to be a Canadian icon. He represents everything we aspire to be and inspires us to operate at our maximum potential. Each year we organize a run so that we too can push ourselves to our personal limit, as well as raise money for a good cause. A big thank you to parents that came to help; it made for a colourful afternoon!

 

Meet Our Staff

Here is a photo gallery of the this year’s staff. I know it’s hard for some of you to make it to school events, especially now a days. My hope is the gallery will help you put a face to the names you hear at the dinner table.

 

District News

Programs of Choice – Registration Period is October 4 – October 20, 2021

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, U-Connect, and Career Education Programs (secondary). The registration period begins October 4, 2021 and ends October 20, 2021. For more information and instructions to register your child, visit our District website here and review our FAQ choice programs resource here.

Updated Daily Health Check

Our District’s procedure is for all students to complete a daily health check at home prior to entering school and/or boarding a District bus. The Ministry of Education’s Daily Health Check poster has been updated to reflect new federal regulations regarding international travel. The symptoms listed remain the same. You can find the updated print version here. The updated version is being translated into multiple languages, which will be posted to the Ministry’s COVID-19 Safe Schools website here. Families can also continue to use the Ministry’s mobile app or online version here.

Expansion Of Mask Mandate

Below is the link to the information bulletin sent out by the School Board Office this afternoon. Please note the changes to the mask mandate.

Information Bulletin 2021Oct1

Foundation Skills Assessment Letter

FSAs are the provincial assessments required by all grade four and seven students. Please see the attached letter regarding this year’s Foundation Skills Assessment. FSA Parent Letter 2021Sep (1)

 

Dates To Remember:

October 11 – Thanksgiving (not in session)

October 20 – Parent-Teacher Interviews (1-hour early dismissal)

October 21 – Parent-Teacher Interviews (1-hour early dismissal)

October 22 – Pro D Day (students do not attend)

November 10 – Remembrance Day Assembly

November 11 – Remembrance Day (not in session)

November 12 – Report Card Prep/Design and Assessment (students do not attend)

December 17 – Last day before winter break

January 4 – School Reopens

Wix-Brown Elementary

23851 - 24 Avenue, Langley
BC, V2Z 3A3
Phone: 604-534-5633
Fax: 604-534-9531