Dear DG Families,
We hope all our DG Families had a wonderful Family Day long weekend!
Avoid the Congestion and Get Some Extra Steps in!
There are lots of great things about our school. Ample parking is not one of them! Dealing with traffic congestion at pick-up and drop-off times can be frustrating. Parking a little farther away and walking is a great way to avoid the headache of trying to find a parking spot, while also getting some extra steps in. In addition to the surrounding streets in the immediate vicinity, the parking lot at Annieville Lions Park, just down the street along 112th, is also a great option. It’s less than a 10min walk.
Lunar New Year – February 17th!
At Devon Gardens, we are excited to learn about the many cultures and celebrations that make our school such a wonderful place. Lunar New Year is a special holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in China, Korea, Vietnam, and many other countries. Although Lunar New Year begins on February 17th, celebrations can last up to 16 days!
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. It is a time for family, kindness, good luck, and new beginnings. You may see the colour red, hear about dragons and lanterns, and learn about animals from the zodiac, which represents each year. 2026 is the year of the horse. The Horse embodies enthusiasm, speed and fieriness, bringing a year focused on bold moves and exploration.
Gung Hei Fat Choy! Which means “Wishing you great happiness and prosperity” in Cantonese.
Ramadan is February 17th – March 19th
This year, the month of Ramadan is starting on the evening of Tuesday, February 17th and coming to an end with Eid on Thursday, March 19th. Ramadan is a very special month for many of our families. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on kindness, gratitude, helping others, and coming together as a community.
During Ramadan, some of our students may be fasting. This means they do not eat, or drink, during the day from sunrise to sunset. Here are some ways we can help make Ramadan a positive experience for classmates who are fasting:
• be understanding if a friend who is fasting feels a little tired or quiet
• include everyone in games and activities that don’t involve food
• take an interest and ask respectful questions if you’re curious and would like to learn more about Ramadan
• say “Happy Ramadan!” to those celebrating
Students who are fasting may find it difficult to be in their classroom during recess snack and lunch eating times. At school we provide an alternate supervised space where students who are fasting are welcome to read, draw, play a game, visit or just relax during eating times. Students who are fasting for Ramadan usually feel comfortable letting their teachers know if they would like to make use of the alternate space (and please encourage your child to self-advocate). Alternatively, parents are guardians are welcome to reach out to their child’s teacher, or Mme Greenhalgh, to let us know your child is fasting and would like a break from the classroom at eating times. Wishing a joyful and peaceful Ramadan to all who are celebrating!
Track T-Shirt Order Forms Coming Home this Thursday
Track and Field season will be getting underway for Grades 4 – 7 students shortly after Spring Break. We are, once again, offering families the opportunity to purchase a Devon Gardens Track T-shirt for their child. There are many benefits to ordering a school track t-shirt (other than that they look really cool!). We typically take a very large group of students to the track meet and we have a limited number of school jerseys, meaning students have to share jerseys and wear their own shirt underneath. Having students wear their own School Track T-shirt will allow students to have a school sports team “uniform”, while also helping to alleviate some of the problems we have dealt with at previous years’ track meets (eg. overheating from too many layers, sharing of sweaty jerseys, jersey sizing, students feeling they need a particular jersey or “lucky” number, etc…). The Track T-shirt will also be a nice keepsake for the students. And, have we mentioned they look really cool?
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
This year, Track t-shirt orders will be done online
STORE LINK www.shopjaydees.com/devongardens
log in password: devongardens
Price is $20 (same as last year). If you need assistance in covering the cost, the school can help. Please email Mme Greenhalgh. Requests will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Ordering deadline is March 11th, 2026.
Late orders cannot be accepted
When ordering, be sure to put your students first & last name and teachers’ name when prompted to do so. If you are ordering for multiple children, please put everything under one child’s name (Oldest)
Sales are final. We are unable to return, refund or exchange. Please double check your child’s size before ordering. Sizing information will be sent home in the notice on Thursday, so please check that before ordering.
Track shirts will be delivered to the school in April & sent home with students in plenty of time for the track meet (May 7th)
Although we are encouraging students to purchase a t-shirt, doing so is completely optional, of course!
February is Black History Month
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. In February 1996, Canada officially celebrated this month-long event for the first time. Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black woman elected to parliament, introduced the motion in 1995.
Every February, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black communities across Canada. It’s also a time to reflect on the challenges and barriers Black Canadians continue to face. This year’s theme is 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. It celebrates 30 years of recognizing Black Canadian leaders, their innovations and resilience.
An Interview with Elladj Baldé, CBC Special Contributor
Canadian figure skater Elladj Baldé is representing Canada in a new way — as a special contributor on CBC. Baldé started skating at age six and, like many budding athletes, grew up dreaming of Olympic glory. But as a young Black man, he didn’t always see himself reflected in the world of figure skating, and that started to impact how he felt about the sport and even himself. In this conversation with guest host Garvia Bailey, Baldé talks about the crushing disappointment he experienced after he narrowly missed qualifying for the Sochi Olympics, how a trip to Guinea, West Africa changed his relationship with skating, and how he found a new sense of purpose on the ice.
Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 25th
While every day is “anti–bullying day” at Devon Gardens (regardless of what colour shirt anyone is wearing), on Wednesday, February 25th, everyone is invited to participate in “Pink Shirt Day”.
For many people this day has come to symbolize anti–bullying in general, but did you know that “Pink Shirt Day” actually began as a response to an instance of homophobic bullying?
In 2007, at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Nova Scotia, a Grade 9 student was bullied and harassed with homophobic slurs when he wore a pink polo shirt to school. Two Grade 12 students decided to take a stand against homophobic bullying. They bought 50 pink shirts, and organized a “sea of pink” to spread a message of acceptance. While “pink shirt day” is now a general anti-bullying day, reminding ourselves of its roots highlights that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth face much higher rates of victimization.
Pink shirt day is also a good opportunity to remind ourselves that not every negative interaction is bullying. “Bullying” has a very specific definition that goes beyond conflict, bad behaviour and instances of unkindness. While all hurtful and inappropriate behaviour should be addressed, not all unkind behaviour is “bullying”. Often what gets referred to as bullying, is actually conflict.
Why does it matter what we call it?
Overusing the term “bullying” to describe all forms of interpersonal conflict or mean behaviour can be counterproductive, diminish the seriousness of actual bullying, impede children from developing necessary conflict-resolution skills, prolong rather than resolve ongoing interpersonal issues, and unfairly label students as “bullies” or “victims”.
Even though it can cause us stress and can hurt, conflict is not the same as bullying. Conflict happens between two people who have equal power in the relationship but have two different desired outcomes or points of view about what’s going on. Conflict can include arguments, disagreements and verbal/physical altercations. Conflicts can arise from misunderstandings, as well as instances of mean or rude behaviour. Conflicts can be accidental or reckless. Conflicts can even be somewhat ongoing or occur more than once. Sometimes conflict escalates into a disagreement that’s so strong people become really emotional. There might be strong words used and lots of big feelings involved. It may take time to sort things out. Sometimes in a conflict, things get physical.
In conflict, when things are equal between people, both sides usually want the issue to be resolved. Even if the people involved don’t like each other very much and don’t ever want to be friends, they don’t want the conflict to keep going on. They either want to make things better so the relationship can improve and continue in a healthy way, or they at least for the conflict to stop. Neither person wants to keep intentionally hurting the other.
Bullying is defined by an imbalance of power, is targeted, purposeful and repeated (often remembered as R.I.P.—Repeated, Imbalance of power, Purposeful). Conflicts differ from “bullying” when it comes to the purposeful intent to harm and the difference in power. With bullying, the difference in power could be social status/popularity, physical strength, privilege, authority, knowledge of personal information, etc… Bullying behaviours are targeted, with the intention to harm, and they are repeated over time and the person doing the targeting doesn’t stop when asked, even when they know they are causing harm to the other person. Bullying doesn’t usually get better on its own. It requires immediate adult intervention and must be reported as soon as possible.
While a conflict may not be “bullying”, it can certainly be classified “bad behaviour”, depending on the details and context, and must still be reported and addressed, too. Children are still learning and developing their communication and conflict resolution skills and should not be left to just “work it out on their own”. Early intervention and support from the adults at school can help students move towards a resolution before things escalate. Every day is anti-bullying day at Devon Gardens (every day is also “build your conflict resolution skills day”).
While students are welcome to wear pink on February 25th, there is no requirement to do so; there are many ways to take a stand against bullying that have nothing to do with what colour your t-shirt is. For students who would like to wear pink on February 25th, please note, it is not necessary to purchase a special pink shirt to participate in Pink Shirt Day – what you already have at home works great, too!
Ensuring Students come Dressed for the Weather
We still have a surprising number of students who come to school without a jacket, even on days when it is raining heavily. Ensuring students come dressed for the weather isn’t just important for playing outside at recess and lunch. It’s also important in case of an emergency requiring evacuation of the building. Students need to come to school wearing:
- a jacket, not just a hoodie
- long pants, rather than shorts
- a toque, mitts and a scarf
- footwear for winter walking (rubber soles with a good tread to prevent slips, material to keep feet warm and dry, enough room for thicker/extra socks)
If your family needs financial assistance with winter clothing for your child, we can absolutely help! Please contact Mme Greenhalgh. This information will be kept confidential.
All Students Need a Change of Clothing at School
In addition to ensuring your children come dressed for the weather, we ask that ALL students have a change of clothes at school (yes, even grade 7s). The field can be quite slippery and muddy. Please ensure that your child has spare clothes at school that they can change into, just in case. Having to call you (possibly at work) to bring your child a change of clothes is disruptive not only to you, but to your child’s learning. Having a change of clothing at school allows them to quickly change and get back to business. Your child’s spare clothing should be labelled with their name, in a ziplock bag, and left either in the classroom or in your child’s backpack.
Kindergarten Registration for September 2026
Do you, or does someone you know, have a child turning 5? If yes, NOW is the time to register for Kindergarten!
Families who have been given a spot in our French Immersion program have already been contacted and should have already completed their registration package.
Families wishing to register their child for our Montessori program, should start the registration process now. Families living in the Devon Gardens catchment have priority, however there is a process for non-catchment and non-district students to apply. For more information, please check out:
https://www.deltasd.bc.ca/schools/student-registration/kindergarten/
Please contact Ms. Chahal at the school office by phone at 604-581-6185, or via email at devongardens.elem@deltaschools.ca. , if you have questions or require additional information.
Social Media Presentation for Parents/Caregivers – Feb 25th, via Zoom
2026/2027 School Year Budget Consultation Process
The Delta Board of Education is inviting parents/caregivers, staff, students, partners, rights-holders and local community members to share their priorities for next year’s budget. Your feedback will assist the Board in developing the budget as it allocates funds to various operating costs and capital expenses.
The deadline for this first phase of consultation is 4p.m. on Friday, March 13. There are several ways to provide input:
- Complete a short online survey
- Email your thoughts to budget@deltaschools.ca
- Send a letter to Delta School District, 4585 Harvest Drive, Delta, B.C., V4K 5B4
- Connect with your school’s PAC to share input
Please click here to learn more about this year’s consultation process. You will have another opportunity to provide feedback in April before the budget is finalized.
Upcoming Event – PAC Family Dance March 6th
Order Deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 2:30 pm
- Log in using your Hot Lunch account (or register a new one for this school year)
- Select your youngest/only child
- Choose the number of tickets
- Choose the number of pizza slices
- Submit payment
PAC Fundraisers ongoing throughout the year
For information about the following fundraisers, please click the logos.
Questions? Send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com.
Click image for more info
Use code DevGardens26, $5 from each registration goes back to our school
Click image for more info
Use your personal Return-It account by clicking donate and looking up Devon Gardens Elementary
click image for more info
Mention Devon Gardens Elementary at checkout, 10% of your purchase becomes credit for the school
click image for more info
Use this link https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support to make a purchase and 20% of your purchase becomes goes back to our school
Understanding the Immigration Landscape
February 19th 4:00-7:30pm – Dinner Provided
For Registration and More Information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-delta-many-voices-shared-future-tickets-1980120665213
North Delta Longhorns Flag Football and Spring Cheer Programs
Calling All Future Longhorns!
Have you ever wanted to try flag football or dreamed of being a cheerleader? Now’s your chance!
Join the North Delta Longhorns Spring Flag Football and Spring Cheer programs for a season full of fun, teamwork, confidence, and team spirit. No experience needed—just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
We can’t wait to cheer you on this spring!
Resources and Learning Opportunities for Parents/Guardians and Families
Feelings First
Feelings First is a new provincial initiative focused on strengthening the social and emotional health of young children—recognizing that it’s just as important as physical health. A child’s ability to express emotions, manage stress, build friendships, and connect with the world through stories, conversations, and play all stem from these early foundations. As part of this initiative, free, self-paced e-learning modules have been launched for early years professionals, parents, and caregivers. The modules explore social and emotional development from birth to age five and include short videos, real-world examples, practical strategies and insights from child health experts. For more information, visit https://www.feelingsfirst.ca/
Integrated Child and Youth Care Team
What We Offer
- Community Support: Family Peer Support Workers provide in person, over the phone, and virtual peer support in some BC communities. Free. No referral needed. You can reach out directly to us, any time.
- Province-Wide Support: Through our partnership with BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, we’re able to support any parent or caregiver in BC, no matter where you live. No referral is needed. You can reach out directly to us, any time.
- Program-Based Support: Family Peer Support Workers are also part of multidisciplinary teams in some mental health and substance use programs. If your child is receiving services in one of these programs, you may be invited to connect with a Family Peer Support Worker as part of that care.
Kulwinder and Michaela are the Family Peer Support Workers serving families in Surrey Delta White Rock.
You can connect with them by phone or email.
(604) 607-9587
surreydeltawhiterock@familysmart.ca
Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi
Family Smart Events:
February’s Topics:
For Registration and More Information: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
Monday, February 16th – Family Day Holiday (schools are closed)
Tuesday, February 17th – Lunar New Year
Tuesday, February 17th – Gr 7 boys basketball game @ GR
Tuesday, February 17th – Ramadan begins (evening)
Thursday, February 19th – Track t-shirt order notices for grades 4-7 students
Thursday, February 19th – Gr 7 girls basketball game @ GR
Friday, February 20th – Pro-D Day (no school for students)
Tuesday, February 24th – Gr 7 boys basketball game @ DG
Wednesday, February 25th – Pink Shirt Day
Friday, February 27th – DG Science Fair
Monday, March 2nd – PAC Meeting, 7pm
Tuesday, March 3rd – Class photos
Thursday, March 5th– PAC Special Lunch Day (subway)
Thursday, March 5th– Gr 7 girls basketball @ AN
Friday, March 6th – PAC Family Dance, 5:30pm
For other upcoming events, please refer to the calendar on the school website:
https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/news-events/monthly-calendar/