Dear DG Families,

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again and we hope you had a wonderful winter break with family and friends!

As we head into term 2, there will be lots on the go. Reading these weekly updates, as well as any emails from the school and your child’s teacher, is a great way to stay up to date on what’s happening at Devon Gardens!

Also, be sure to checking the calendar on the school website – it gets updated regularly.

Please read on for news and info you’ll need to stay in the know as we get back into the swing of things this first week back.

Sometimes transitions can be tough …

Sometimes kids (and adults!) have difficult transitioning back into school routines after a long break.   Here are some tips if you’re finding there’s some reluctance about back to school:

• Talk About It: Have a chat about going back to school. Ask how they’re feeling and share some positive thoughts and goals about the new term.  Ask your child what they might be looking forward to.
• Listen:  Listen to your child’s feelings and concerns about going back to school.  It’s important they know it’s ok to talk about worries or ask for help.
• Gear Up: Get everything ready the night before and make sure you ready to roll.   Maybe make a fun activity out of organizing things together.
• Positive reinforcement: Start the day with encouragement and positivity. Express excitement about the return to school and show confidence in your child’s ability to navigate the transition successfully.
• Reconnect with Friends: Arrange some hangouts or playdates with friends you may not have seen over the break.  The opportunity to reconnect can make going back to school feel less scary.
• Focus on the good things: ask your child to tell you 3 good/interesting things that happened at school
• Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate wins, big or small. It’s a great way to boost confidence and help kids keep motivated.
• Focus on Self-Care: talk to your child about the importance of care of themselves and getting back to regular school routines after a long break—getting enough sleep, eating well, moving their body, spending some time outside, doing things they enjoy, etc…, and make these things a priority.
• Flexibility and Patience: Everyone adjusts differently. Some people take longer than others to get back into the swing o things.  Being patient and flexible is key.
• Connect with your child’s teacher: let the teacher know if your child is feeling anxious or reluctant to return to school, particularly if it persists beyond than just the typical back to school jitters.  We can put supports in place at school to help with tough transition.

Black Excellence Day is January 15th!

As a lead up to Black History Month, which is February, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians.

• Black Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year (or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
• January 15th is in honour of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.
• The contributions of Black Canadians and the ongoing civil rights struggle of Black Canadians often go unacknowledged in our history books and school curriculum.
• The term Black Excellence was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

In celebration of Black Excellence Day, and throughout Black History Month, we will be learning about the struggles and contributions of notable Black Canadians.

We are also looking forward to a presentation from Ndidi Cascade and Originz later this month.  Ndidi  is a Vancouver-born-and-based hip-hop artist who is of Nigerian/Italian/Irish heritage. A songwriter, vocalist, educator, and curator Ndidi has showcased her music globally, opening for talents such as Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul & Femi Kuti.    She’s been to our school previously, and we are thrilled to welcome her back!  The Originz presentation highlights the importance of staying centered in self and in community; appreciating other’s differences while acknowledging and honouring those who came before us.  This interactive musical performance gives audience members an opportunity to participate in rapping, dancing, beatboxing and more!  Thank you, DG PAC, for helping us bring in this dynamic presentation!

Information from the School District

French Immersion for the 2026-27 School Year

Dine-In / Take-Out Fundraiser with White Spot (72nd & Scott Road) – January 15th & February 12th

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

North Delta Basketball

https://www.deltabasketball.com/

January 4th – 22nd:  EARLY French Immersion (Kindergarten entry) applications for 26-27 school year available on the School District website   Application deadline 4pm, Jan 22nd

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, January 5th – Back to school after winter break

Monday, January 12th – PAC Meeting, 7pm

Tuesday, January 13th – Kindergarten French Immersion info night (Burnsview, 6:30pm)

Wednesday, January 14th – Kindergarten French Immersion info night (SDSS, 6:30pm)

Thursday, January 15th – Black Excellence Day

Thursday, January 15th – Dine in/Take out Fundraiser at White Spot (Scott Rd & 72nd)

Monday, January 19th – Originz hip hop presentation

Thursday, January 22nd –  PAC special lunch day (Mary Browns Chicken)

Thursday, January 22nd – Term 2 previews sent home electronically

Thursday, January 22nd – application deadline for Early French Immersion program (Kindergarten entry), 4:00pm

Friday, January 23rd – Pro-D day (no school for students)

Tuesday, January 27th – Math Festival for all classes

Friday, January 30th – PAC movie night

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

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