Dear DG Families,

Reminder – February 4th is the LAST DAY to Book Appointments for Student Led Conferences 

Appointments for Student Led Conferences can be booked through Parent Connect until February 4th, 2026.

Instructions for Parent Connect can be found here

If you are having difficulty, please contact Ms Chahal in the office.

Early Dismissal February 5th and 6th

Student led conferences are on Thursday, February 5th and  Friday, February 6th To accommodate this, students will be dismissed at 2:00 pm on both February 5th and 6th   

As teachers will be conducting conferences, students must be picked up, promptly, at 2:00 pm on these dates. 

Please ensure you have made pick-up and childcare arrangements as needed. 

Student Led Conferences

Student led conferences are on Thursday, February 5th and  Friday, February 6th. To accommodate this, students will be dismissed at 2:00 pm on both February 5th and 6th.    Please ensure that you make arrangements to pick-up your children promptly at 2:00 pm on these dates and/or notify your child’s daycare.

What is a Student-Led Conference?  Just as it sounds, a student-led conference is a conference with parents, led by the student.  The role of the classroom teacher is a facilitator in the conference process.  Students lead parents through a discussion of their work and established academic and social goals.  The process includes the teacher facilitating several conferences at the same time.  Conference appointments will be 20 min long (some students/parents may require less time, which is fine), and several sets of parents may sign up for each appointment time.

When students have the opportunity to show, explain and demonstrate their learning, they are not only communicating their accomplishments and understanding, but also sharing with you what and how they are learning, and the criteria for success. In addition, giving students this opportunity:

• develops your child’s self-assessment and communication skills
• helps build the independence, confidence, self-esteem and pride of your child
• provides an opportunity for your child to receive supportive feedback to further their learning
• provides an opportunity to celebrate your child’s learning. While your child is leading you through the conference, the teacher will be available to join you for part of the time.

 

Roles and Responsibilities of Student-Led Conferences

The Role of the Student –

Prior to the conference, students collect evidence of their learning to share with their parents and collaborate with their teachers to review their progress and set learning goals.  During the conference, students share and discuss learning with their parents and determine next    steps to improve learning.

The Role of the Parent(s) –

Prior to the conference, parents should familiarize themselves with the conference process, prepare some questions for discussion during the conference and sign up for a conference appointment time (this will be done via Parent Connect – please watch for an email coming soon).  During the conference, parents should participate actively (listen, ask questions) and provide feedback to assist their child in identifying strengths and learning goals.

The Role of the Teacher –

Prior to the conference, teachers help students prepare for the conference by guiding the student to collect evidence of their learning and review learning goals.  During the conference, the teacher is there as a facilitator and guide.  Questions should for the most part be directed towards your child. If you have further questions for your child’s teacher, please make an appointment at a later time.

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.

What happens if it snows? 

Although we’re well into the winter months and have yet to see any flakes, it still could so it’s still good to be prepared and know the District’s procedures when it comes to “snow days”.

Very occasionally the District has closed schools due to snow.   In this event, any district wide closure or decisions will be decided and communicated by 7 a.m. on that day.  Any announcements will be made via radio stations (CBC AM 690, CKNW AM 980, News AM 1130, Fairchild AM 1470) and via TV stations (CTV BC, CBC, City TV, Global BC).   Information will also be posted on the school district website.

Having a childcare plan, ahead of time, in the event of a school closure due to snow will also help you feel more prepared.

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.

BC has a rich Black history dating back to Canada’s colonial origins. In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. These pioneers enriched the socio-economic life in their community, overcoming intense discrimination and adversity. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Vancouver’s Black Community clustered in the East End, with its nucleus at a site known as Hogan’s Alley, and became a thriving Black community and cultural hub.

In 1967, the decision to expand the highway system through Vancouver resulted in the expropriation of land and buildings in this area to make way for the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, resulting in the loss of homes and businesses. The Black Community was uprooted from this area and an identifiable Black neighbourhood has not re-emerged in Vancouver.

Here’s an interesting video about Hogan’s Alley:

Throughout the month of February, we look forward to learning more about the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.

Reminder – PAC Meeting Monday

We hope to see you there – either in person or online!  The agenda and meeting link will be sent out on Monday afternoon.

Reminder – Recess Snack Day Wed (Cobs)

• Proceeds from all hot lunch fundraising will be administered by the PAC and go towards the purchase of school/student/classroom needs/supplies/events, etc.
• Please send utensils with your child on special lunch and snack days as these will not be provided.  Feel free to also send a drink, condiments, etc. to supplement your child(s) order.
• If your child is absent on the day of the lunch/snack day, your child’s order will be automatically donated to someone else. Please email your child’s teacher if you want to pick up their food. Pick up is between 1:30-2:15PM at the office on the day of the hot lunch/snack day

Questions???  Please send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com.

Dine-In / Take-Out Fundraiser with White Spot (72nd & Scott Road) –  February 12th

Looking for an easy dinner plan to enjoy with family and friends while also supporting the school?

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

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Use your personal Return-It account by clicking donate and looking up Devon Gardens Elementary

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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

Canadian Parents for French Contest – Où est Bonhomme?

NDMHA Hockey Game

North Delta Longhorns Flag Football and Spring Cheer Programs

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.

January 4th –  February 12th: LATE French Immersion (Gr 6 entry) applications for 26-27 school year available on the School District website   Application deadline 4pm,  Feb12th 

Monday, February 2nd – PAC Meeting, 7pm

Tuesday, February 3rd – Gr 7 boys basketball game @ AN

Wednesday, February 4th –  last day to book appointments for student led conferences

Wednesday, February 4th –  PAC recess snack day (cobs)

Thursday, February 5th –  early dismissal (2:00pm) for student led conferences

Friday, February 6th –  early dismissal (2:00pm) for student led conferences

Tuesday, February 10th –  Gr 7 boys basketball game @ DG

Tuesday, February 10th –  Late French Immersion info night @ Chalmers Elementary, 6:30pm

Wednesday, February 11th –  Late French Immersion info night @ Cliff Drive Elementary, 6:30pm

Thursday, February 12th –  Vantap performance

Thursday, February 12th –  PAC Special Lunch Day (the lunch lady)

Thursday, February 12th –  Gr 7 girls basketball game @ DG

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 –  Gr 7 girls basketball game @ GR

Friday, February 20th –  Pro-D Day (no school for students)

For other upcoming events, please refer to the calendar on the school website:

https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/news-events/monthly-calendar/