In the Loop – October 18, 2024

October 18, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
We are in great need of experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles.

We have many brand-new or early career teachers looking for a mentor. We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (K-5) and middle (6-8).

Time Commitment as a mentor: Mentors need to commit to ONE 45-minute learning-focused conversation every 3-5 weeks. There are optional workshops, networking and learning sessions available.

https://langleyteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mentor-Info-Sheet.pdf

New to the District or a New Role?
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet here. Once completed, email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!

Upcoming events: 

Ongoing: Classroom Library Kits – let us know if you would like one! Fill your classroom library by borrowing books from us – Kits for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 available!

Mentee Learning Session: Oct. 21, 2024 3:30-5pm, SBO: Goal Setting and Growth Plans

Alternative Mentor Learning Session: Nov. 14, 2024 3:30-5pm, SBO– for those who could not attend Harrison

Mentorship Workshop: Rewiring Reading Routines – Nov. 19, 2024 3:30-4:40 @ Wix-Brown Elementary Mentors and Mentees Welcome | Flyer | Register

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

UBC MOOC – Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education | More info
Enhance your understanding and knowledge of practices that advance reconciliation in the places where you live, learn, and work. This 6 week course will help you envision how Indigenous histories, perspectives, worldviews, and approaches to learning can be made part of the work done in classrooms, organizations, communities, and in everyday experiences in ways that are thoughtful and respectful. In this course, reconciliation emphasizes changing institutional structures, practices, and policies, as well as personal and professional ideologies to create environments that are committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Early Learning Pro-D | UBC MOOC – Nurturing Childhoods Through Indigenous Ways of Knowing | More info
Explore teachings, strategies, and resources that guide the inclusion of Indigenous ways of knowing in early learning environments. This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is designed to empower and support educators, service providers and families to engage with Indigenous knowledges in early learning environments. The 6-8 week course offers a transformative learning experience, weaving together Indigenous worldviews and pedagogies with diverse perspectives. Co-created with community, educator and scholarly voices, this free, fully-online course is accessible to participants seeking to explore ways to enhance their practice and care environments through Indigenous ways of knowing. There are no admission prerequisites.

PROVINCIAL PRO-D DAY FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2024

Art, Media, Design and Culinary Arts Pro-D Workshops | LaSalle College Vancouver | Register
At LCV, they understand the critical role that educators and counsellors play in shaping the future of our students.  That’s why they have curated a series of workshops designed for you to share what they currently teach at the post-secondary level based on industry needs and trends. All workshops are complimentary and offered on Friday from 9-1pm at the Renfrew campus. Some workshops have limited seats, so you are encouraged to RSVP before October 22nd!

Rich Literacy Summit | The Literacy Treasure Chest by Joyful Literacy & Heggerty | Oct 25, 2024 | Register
This workshop is a presentation and gift of the greatest hits from the ten-year collection of research-based games, activities and strategies that inspire young children to read, write and practice new literacy skills with JOY. The Tour Guides have been working with Joyful Literacy Interventions for the past eight years in over 30 Summits. They have not only designed most of the hundreds of activities you will experience and take home, but they have also field-tested them in their own classrooms.
All summit participants will receive lifetime access to a folder of over 100 of our greatest games, activities, videos, resources, and more! These resources can be easily downloaded and printed for immediate use.

Educating Students with Down Syndrome Conference | Oct 25, 2024 | More info
The Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society is hosting a conference Embracing Success: Educating Students with Down Syndrome on Friday, October 25th, 2024. This conference explores strategies for supporting students with Down syndrome and other disabilities. There’s a virtual option for attendees who aren’t able to travel to Victoria.

BCHSBBA Super Clinic | Oct 25, 2024 | More info
The BC High School Boys Basketball Association will once again be offering their Coaching Super Clinic at St. Thomas More on the Provincial Pro-D Day, Friday October 25.  Join other coaches from around the province for a day of learning the game, whether it’s x and o’s, team culture it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest and best clinic in BC!

Crosscurrents 2024 Online | Teachers of Inclusive Education BC (TIE-BC) | October 25, 2024 | More info | Register
TIE-BC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Crosscurrents 2024! They have a wonderful selection of speakers lined up for their 49th annual Crosscurrents Conference taking place online on Friday, October 25th. Their keynote speaker is award-winning and best-selling author, speaker, and consultant, Monique Gray-Smith who is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity, and focus on resilience. They also have a wide variety of breakout sessions on topics relevant to inclusive education such as emotional health in our schools, understanding FASD, the importance of belonging, neurodiversity, trauma-informed classrooms, inclusion for deaf or hard of hearing students, selective mutism, and more. There should be something for everyone who is passionate about inclusion!

Teaching the Holocaust – Exploring Additional Perspectives – University of Victoria | More info
The Continuing Studies Department at UVIC is offering an in-depth, one-day professional development workshop designed to equip in-service and pre-service teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach the Holocaust in their classrooms.  Open to all educators, this workshop can be taken as a standalone learning opportunity or as part of the Micro-certificate in Teaching the Holocaust (see External Pro-Day section below for more details). The full-day, in-person event offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading Holocaust educators, network with peers and deepen your understanding of Holocaust education. While the sessions enhance the learning experience for those enrolled in the micro-certificate program, they are equally valuable as an independent professional development opportunity.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit www.thinklangley.com

Attention teachers: FSA Coding Opportunity | Deadline to Apply Nov 4, 2024 | Apply here
Do you love assessment and want to make some extra money for the holidays??  Grades 4 and 7 FSA coding (marking) will occur on two Saturdays this year: Saturday, November 16 and Saturday, November 23. If you are interested in helping mark, please use the form to apply at the link above. Teachers will be compensated for their work (information is included on the form). Deadline for application is Monday, November 4. Please direct any questions to Alexandra Baxfield at  abaxfield@sd35.bc.ca or via Teams.

Welcome to Mathletics with Erin Priddle | On-Demand Learning Feature
We are excited to start you off on the right foot through this introductory session. Learn how the award-winning, digital supplemental math resource, Mathletics, is designed to support your teaching and learning needs. Through an interactive walk-through of the student and teacher console experience, discover how you can differentiate instruction for your students, track progress, and leverage additional printable resources in your math classroom.

Learning in the Primary Years: A Four Part Series | November 4, December 3 2024, and January 20, 2025 I Register
Curious educators are invited to learn and think together about the newly released “Learning in the Primary Years” Ministry document with connections to playful practice. Register for one session or all, just select the appropriate pass during registration. Dinner will be provided to those who attend in person.

Basic First Aid (New Name for OFA Level 1) | October 25, 2024 I Register
The WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years.

How to Become a Better Writing Teacher: Supporting Engagement, Composition, and Quality in Students | Oct 28, 2024, Nov 25, 2024, Jan 27, 2025 & Feb 10, 2025 I Register
Join Matt Glover in this incredible Zoom series hosted by the Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Workshop Opportunity: Understanding & Supporting Trans and Gender Nonconforming Kids | Oct 22, 2024 | More info
This is an essential learning opportunity for parents and professionals who are supporting, loving and advocating for trans and gender nonconforming kids. Travers (a Professor of Sociology at Simon Fraser University) will touch on the spaces and relationships where kids from Kindergarten to adolescence need their people to advocate the most: school, sports, healthcare, in extended families and with peers. The combination of Travers lived experience, clinical research and current advocacy work allows them to bring a deep level of understanding and a wide range of practical strategies will make this an incredible learning experience for participants.

UBC MEd in Literacy Education – Applications Open | More info
The Masters of Education in Literacy Education is a new graduate program for working professionals. Applications for the next intake of the UBC Master of Education in Literacy Education program have opened! This fully online graduate program will support educators engagement in self-inquiry and critical reflection on current literacy practices, spanning from early childhood to adult education.

What’s the Story? Supporting Inquiry through Heritage Fairs | Canada’s History | Register
This online professional development series for history and social studies teachers is designed to provide teachers with tools and strategies for helping students undertake an inquiry project – including selecting meaningful topics, designing strong inquiry questions, and locating and analyzing relevant evidence. Teachers will also learn how to assess inquiry projects effectively. The series will feature four, 90-minute sessions from October–December. The series will be hosted online, via Zoom and is also available in French. The first fifty (50) paid participants will receive a Heritage Fair classroom kit, which includes print copies of What’s the Story? — a youth publication to support inquiry — classroom posters, and access to digital resources. Participants will also have access to any recordings, presentations, and resources shared during the series.

Teaching the Holocaust – Micro-Certificate for teachers |  More info
The Continuing Studies Department at UVIC is offering a unique, 8-week online course for in-service and pre-service teachers to help prepare them to integrate Holocaust Education into their classroom with this now being mandated by the provincial government starting in 2025-2026.  The course runs from January 13 to March 7, 2025, but interested learners also have the option to attend an in-person, one-day professional development workshop on Professional Development days.  This workshop is designed to complement the online course and offers additional learning opportunities from leading experts in Holocaust education. The first session will occur on Friday, October 25, 2024 and the second will take place in Spring 2025 at the University of Victoria campus.  Please see under October 25 Pro-D Day events above for more information on this event.  For more information on the 8-week virtual course, please see the “More info” link above.

Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIEE) | Deadline Dec 16, 2024 | Submit Inquiry Plan
For those BC Schools participating in a NOIIE Inquiry Project this year, Inquiry Submission forms are now open for acceptance. Additionally, you are invited to our first Learning Burst of the school year, scheduled for November 5th, where two BC schools will share their experiences and insights using the Spiral of Inquiry around Indigenous Education. To foster community and collaboration, Angela Stott and Rosa Fazio are hosting Inquiry Coffee Chats, a series of informal gatherings designed to encourage dialogue and idea-sharing among educators.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Health Talks Student Contest: What are Your Hopes for Health Care? | Closes October 18, 2024 | More info
The 2025 Health Talks Student Contest is asking all B.C. students “What are your hopes for health care?” The winning individual or team will share their idea at the March 2025 Health Quality Forum in Vancouver, B.C., with leaders and partners across the B.C. health care community. The contest closes October 18, 2024. More information at the link to poster above under “More info”.

National Forest Week Youth Art, Video, Photo Contest with Prizes | FORED BC Society | Deadline Nov 1, 2024 | More info
This educational charity is once again offering its annual National Forest Week art, photography and video contest for Canadian youths aged 5-18, with $150 cash prizes. This year’s theme is: Two-Eyed Seeing: Welcoming all knowledge to sustain our forests, meaning how we implement Indigenous traditions with modern technologies to ensure healthy trees for future generations.
Blending Indigenous traditional knowledge, Western science and economic innovation can help us adapt to ever-present climate challenges such as wildfires, forest pests/diseases and more. Explore the interview with an Indigenous leader who explains cultural burning of forests to keep them healthy here. Subscribe to the channel for more facts and insights to share with classes.

FOLD Kids Book Fest: Virtual Literacy Events for Your Classroom | Nov 7-9, 2024 | The Story of the FOLD | Register
FOLD Kids Book Fest is Canada’s first children’s literary festival celebrating diverse authors and storytellers. Educators are invited to watch our virtual book events in class live, November 7 to 9 and/or on-demand until December 9. Programming is for students grades K through 12 and educator focused events. Register at the link above and click on “Virtual Clubhouse Pass”. A virtual festival pass is $25.

Cards for Seniors Card Kits | More info
The Langley Volunteer Bureau offers a great opportunity for classes to participate in making cards for local seniors for a variety of special occasions including Winter, valentine’s Day and Spring.  See the link for more information and for the order deadlines.

Celebrating Canada’s Greatest Sports Heroes – Livestream Opportunity for Your Class | More info | Register
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is excited to invite you and your students to a free livestream on October 23rd, celebrating the Class of 2024 as they receive the Order of Sport—Canada’s highest sporting honour. This extraordinary event will honour nine remarkable Athletes, Builders, and Trailblazers, including figure skating legend Patrick Chan and ice hockey superstar Vicky Sunohara, who have overcome challenges, shattered records, and inspired generations.
To enhance this experience, we’ve developed a Curated Education Package featuring engaging activities to inspire your students. This package is complemented by additional resources that highlight the Class of 2024, including captivating videos, in-depth profiles, and a digital catalogue of artefacts. Together, these materials provide an opportunity for students to dive into the remarkable journeys of these individuals, highlighting the transformative power of sport.

Discovery Farm Tours at Academy Farms – K to 12 | More info
Academy Farms is a local and one-of-a-kind farm that has been operating in the Township of Langley since 2021. In addition to raising unique animals such as bison and water buffalo, the farm also takes great pride in their innovative, sustainable and modern approach to agriculture.  Academy Farms is now offering Discovery Farm Tours for classes at all grade levels – K to 12 – that is directly linked to the provincial curriculum. To learn more about the Tours and what is available as well as for information on the pre and post tour resources available to teachers, please check out the full Academy Farms brochure found at the link above under “More info”.

City of Burnaby School Canoe Program 2025 | More info | Request Form
The City of Burnaby, Outdoor Recreation department, is accepting applications for their spring School Canoe Program. The program is geared towards grade 5 to 12 classes, with a max of 30 participants per session and is running April 22 to June 20, 2025. Learn the basics of canoeing and beyond from certified RCABC canoe instructors on beautiful Deer Lake in the heart of Burnaby. This program meets the prescribed learning outcomes for the Physical Education integrated resource packages.

TECH TIPS

Microsoft EDGE Browser
If you are not already doing so, we would highly recommend that all District Staff use the Microsoft EDGE browser as their default web browser.  Microsoft EDGE is a Microsoft product that is provided to all Langley District staff as part of the Office 365 package that is part of our District system.  As a result of it being a Microsoft product, it is therefore most compatible and easiest to use with all of the other Microsoft tools available for staff.  It is also the safest and most secure browser to be using from a privacy and protection lens as well.

Microsoft Accessibility Tools
Microsoft has a number of excellent accessibility tools available to District staff that are built directly into most of the Microsoft and Office 365 products that District staff have access to and use on a daily basis.  These tools are great for both staff use but many of them are also useful and helpful when working with students.  Below is information including a video link and a PDF resource regarding the Microsoft Translation tools available to staff.  Please do note that some tools are only accessible depending on which version of office you are using and some online tools are only available through the Microsoft EDGE browser – see item above for more information on why you should be using EDGE!

Translation Videos

Microsoft Translate Quick Guide PDF

Instructional Services | #Think35

4875 222 Street, Langley
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Phone: 6045347891
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