Latimer Road Elementary

Dear Parents, Students, and Families of Latimer Road Elementary,

We are so excited to welcome our Latimer Road Elementary families into a brand-new year, and we hope that 2026 is filled with health, happiness, and continued growth for you and your loved ones. A new year always brings a wonderful sense of fresh beginnings, and we look forward to all that lies ahead for our school community.

Winter has certainly made itself known, and we appreciate your ongoing support in sending students dressed for the weather. Please continue to ensure your child comes to school with warm outerwear and an extra change of clothes. Fresh air and active play remain an important part of our day, and students will continue to enjoy outdoor recess and lunch whenever weather conditions allow.

The second term, while shorter, is a time of significant academic growth for students. We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families. Reading together, supporting homework routines, checking planners, and staying in communication with classroom teachers all make a meaningful difference in student success. Thank you for the care and encouragement you provide each day.

February is always a meaningful and engaging month at Latimer Road. Throughout the month, we will be recognizing and honouring Black History Month, celebrating the many contributions and cultures that enrich our school community. We will also mark Lunar New Year, sharing in the joy and traditions that make this celebration so special.

Later in the month, our school will participate in Pink Shirt Day as we stand together in our commitment to kindness, belonging, and creating a safe and caring environment for everyone. Students are encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of compassion, respect, and the supportive community we continue to build together.

We are thankful for the continued support of our families and look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection. Please read on for important upcoming dates and information.

Warm Regards,

Mr. B. Helland and Ms. E. Gill

Please remember to stay connected to our school community through the Latimer Road app (downloadable from the Apple App Store, and GooglePlay apps on your mobile device. As well, all relevant information is posted on the school website.

Download it, and subscribe to classes. You may not receive notifications if you are not signed into the app, so please ensure you create an account and sign in.

The safety of our students and families is always our highest priority at Latimer Road Elementary. Over the past several months, we have received ongoing concerns from the Greenside Estates strata regarding the use of their private roadway for school drop-off and pick-up in spite of repeated pleas through every school published newsletter.

Greenside Drive West is a privately owned road and is not designated for school traffic. Unfortunately, continued use of this road by families has resulted in congestion, unsafe parking practices, and near-miss incidents involving students and vehicles, particularly during dark and rainy conditions. With additional housing developments in the area nearing completion, these safety concerns are expected to increase.

Despite previous communication, signage, and requests to avoid this area, unsafe conditions have continued. The Greenside Estates strata has formally requested that access from their property to our school field be closed to prevent a serious accident from occurring.

As a result, the two pedestrian gates connecting Greenside Drive West to the school field will be locked immediately following the publication of this newsletter. These gates will no longer be available for student access before or after school.

We understand that this change will increase walking distance for some families, particularly those living in Greenside Estates, and we truly appreciate your understanding. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of students, families, and community members.

Families are reminded that the Greenside parking lot off 60th Avenue is private property and is not available for school drop-off or pick-up. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and respectful school community. We appreciate your continued support and partnership.

HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. Trebesh, our teachers and support staff, and student performers along with Grade 7s who supported with lighting, decorating and babysitting. Our "runners" who gathered each group prior to their performance were Grade 7s as well and they did a phenomenal job.

The concerts were a testament to team work and the seamless working together that our students were able to do. We are fortunate at Latimer Road Elementary that there is not only the interest in doing a Christmas Concert, but that there is the passion and commitment primarily from our Music Teacher, but also from all the other staff who have to support from behind and give up a night of their own during the busy season. Thank you to Mr. Trebesh and our staff for that!

If you were fortunate enough to attend, you will have seen some beautifully-rehearsed work, along with a lot of smiles and talent. You will have seen a strong finish and heard some beautiful transition music from our "pop-up" musicians. Their drums, guitar and violin music was outstanding and a highlight! You'll note we charged $2.00 per ticket this year (which was new), but with costs rising, and paying rental year after year for equipment we need, we thought it would make sense to try to recover some costs. We paid the rental fees out of this revenue, and we were left with $2140, which we had published we would split in half with half going to the Surrey Food Bank. Your attendance and contribution means a $1070 donation to the Surrey Food Bank, and $1070 going toward the purchase of chairs (usable for multiple events and not just the concert) so we can lessen the number we need to borrow/rent each year. Our PAC has graciously committed funds to the concert as well, so we are hopeful that we can run with zero costs in about 5 years.

On Hot Lunch days, there is no Feeding Futures Lunch Program (neither universal nor School-provided lunch). Students who are known to be needing financial support are funded through a combination of the Feeding Futures program and through the Angel Fund program of PAC.

It is imperative that students still bring their regular snack on that day to tide them over from breakfast to lunch. The hot lunch order does not provide a snack for "in-between". Please send a snack with your child everyday.

Please do not send nuts or nut-based products

Winter has certainly arrived in Surrey, and with it comes plenty of rain, puddles, and muddy play areas. Our students spend time outdoors every day enjoying fresh air and active play, and even with the best intentions, slips, splashes, and soggy clothing are sometimes part of the fun.

We strongly encourage all families to ensure their child has a full change of clothes. including pants, shirt, socks, and undergarments, kept at school in a clearly labeled bag. This simple preparation helps students stay warm, dry, and comfortable if they experience a wet or muddy recess.

While this is especially important for our younger learners, we recommend a spare set of clothes for all grade levels, as winter weather can be unpredictable and even older students can find themselves unexpectedly soaked.

Having extra clothing at school helps avoid uncomfortable days, phone calls home, and early dismissals, allowing students to return quickly to learning and enjoying their day.

Thank you for helping us keep your children comfortable, healthy, and ready to learn throughout the winter months.

We are excited to share that construction on our new six-classroom free-standing addition is progressing very well. All concrete has now been poured, and the next phase is fully underway with the framing and new walls going up.

Each week brings visible progress, and it has been wonderful to see this important expansion taking shape on our school grounds. This addition will provide much-needed learning space and help support our growing school community.

We look forward to sharing more updates as construction continues and thank our families for their patience and support during this exciting time.

This process has changed 2-3 times over the past year. If you have not been approved to drive yet this school year but are planning on driving for a sport or for a field trip, please reach out to our office and ask for the required web links to obtain the approval to volunteer and drive other children. Thank you!

Phone Latimer Road Elementary office: (604) 576-9184

E-Mail Latimer Road Elementary office: latimerroad@surreyschools.ca

There are three "RESERVED" parking spaces on the right hand side after the crosswalk. DURING DROP-OFF and PICKUP, those spaces are for OUR STUDENTS who require handicap or SPARC-Authorized parking. Those parking spaces are not designed for parents with handicaps who will be just sitting in their cars while their otherwise able-bodied/healthy children come out. Please respect that we have some students who are in wheelchairs or have other health-ailments preventing them from walking long distances, or standing still outside for longer periods of time. These spaces enable easy load and easy unload. Please help those students out in our parking lot as well as all our students and staff help them out while they're in our school. We have three students who are specifically authorized to use these spaces and their parents are aware to park there. If you haven't had that conversation with the principal, you are (at least not yet) to be using those designated spaces.

As a reminder to all families, the Kiss & Go lane is designed for quick, safe drop-offs to help keep traffic moving smoothly in the mornings. Please pull up, have your child exit the vehicle promptly, and then continue driving forward so others may do the same. If your child requires extra time, or you prefer to assist them with their bag or walk them to the entrance, we ask that you park your vehicle in a designated parking stall and walk them in. Stopping in the middle of the lane or leaving your car unattended creates congestion and safety concerns for everyone.

We are now several weeks into the school year, and most families are doing a great job following this routine. Thank you! For those still getting used to the process, we appreciate your cooperation in helping make drop-off safe and efficient for all. Let’s continue modeling respect, patience, and thoughtfulness for our children as we navigate busy mornings together.

A special note during pickup - if your child is not out when you get to the pickup spot, take a little cruise around again and everyone goes home more quickly.

Our school will be running a Universal Lunch program in 2025-2026 through the district’s Feeding Futures Dept. We invite all families and students to participate in this community based, healthy and delicious program. Each meal costs a low $3 each and includes a complete entrée with protein, vegetables/fruit and starch (no dessert, snack or drink included). Ordering is done online in 2-week blocks. Hot meals are served 3x/week and cold 2x/week. You may order meals on whichever day you like and will be able to see the menu when you order online. Some examples include butter chicken, wraps, pizza and spaghetti and meatballs. Please see attached for more information and how to order. We will make lunch available to everyone.

Note : No changes for your students in the subsidized program, as they will receive their meals as normal. That is, if you're on the subsidized program, do not create an account and do not login.

Some Important Dates

• Cutoff for ongoing meal orders by families (Meals for dates : Jan 19 onwards) Wed (a week prior) by 3pm.

Some Important Links

• Website for Ordering - https://www.chartwellsk12.ca
• BC Eats Flyer
• How to Order Flyer
• Feeding Futures January 2026 Newsletter

We know it can happen to everyone. If you're running late, phone the office and give us a heads up. BUT - more importantly, be aware right now that if you're coming from the east, with that gate closure, you may be running even later, because you can't get around the south side of the building and come up to the office.

All students who are even two seconds late, must come to the office to check in. If they don't, they run the risk of being marked absent by the teacher while they're sitting there in class. Then you get a call home and everyone is scared. If you're late, you must check-in at the office.

Being at school on time each day sets students up for a successful and confident start to learning. Morning routines often include important instructions, social connection, and learning activities that help students feel prepared and engaged. When students arrive late, they miss key learning moments and may feel rushed or unsettled as they join the classroom partway through lessons. Moreover, if they are frequently late, they are likely missing the same learning piece in each day's learning cycle.

Frequent lateness can also disrupt classroom learning and make it more challenging for students to keep up with academic expectations over time. Consistent attendance and punctuality play an important role in building strong habits, responsibility, and academic success.

We also encourage families, whenever possible, to book appointments outside of school hours to help protect valuable instructional time. When appointments must take place during the school day, please call the office well in advance so we can have your child ready and waiting for you at the office for pick-up. (604) 576-9184

Thank you for your partnership in helping us provide every student with the best opportunity to learn and thrive.

Feel free to reach out our Latimer Road Community Facebook page to find out about PAC meetings or volunteering for hot lunch days and other PAC events.

January PAC Meeting - Monday, January 12, 2026

Latimer Road Elementary | School Library

Time: 6:30pm

We continue to be on alert for incidents of vandalism around our school (eg. broken windows, small fires, broken bottles, drug paraphernalia). If you see suspicious people hanging around the school after hours or on weekends, please call Surrey RCMP Non-Emergency at (604) 599-0502, and tell them the specific location of the vandals. If you see a crime in progress, and it's an emergency, then please call 911.

HOW TO DESCRIBE AREAS OF OUR SCHOOL WHILE ON THE PHONE

NORTH: Back of Building by the townhouses and Fire Lane

WEST: 192 Street side

SOUTH: Parking Lot/ Road Side by the School Sign at 60 Avenue

EAST: Playground / Grass field side / New Construction side

Doing this will also show your children one of the three things that we honour and respect at Latimer Road Elementary - "Taking Care of This Place".

Snow Days

Surrey Schools will remain open if at all possible. Any district wide closure will be decided by 7:30 a.m. (sometimes earlier) at the latest and announced via:

• Latimer Road App: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/latimer-road/id6741332548
• District website (www.surreyschools.ca/latimerroad)
• Television: CBC, Global, CITY TV, CTV, Fairchild

PLEASE NOTE: No announcement will be made saying that schools are open. Only closures will be announced.

The snow is threatening to arrive! Our students will go outside as much as possible for both fresh air as well as to help spread out, so they will need to dress appropriately. The fresh air and play do wonders for children's learning. Parents, please try to have your child(ren) dress in appropriate gear for the weather (boots, rain jackets, umbrellas, even snow pants). We will only be doing inside days when the weather is severe. Thank you.

BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

When planning an extended absence for vacation please contact the school before finalizing your trip. This allows you to discuss dates and the impact of the absence for your child. Please consider the following:

1. School District policy states that schools may hold a student's space in a classroom for up to 25 consecutive school days. Students who are absent for more than 25 consecutive school days risk losing their space if it is required for new students. The school may de-register your child if the space is required for a new student
2. Your child's academic progress may be affected by a lengthy absence.
3. Scheduling the trip to overlap with a school holiday (eg: Spring Break/would lessen the number of school days your child will miss).
4. Upon return from your trip, support programs such as LST, may not be available, and your child may have to wait for an available space to return to the program.
5. Upon your return your child may need you to spend extra time each day with him/ her to help catch up.
6. The school will not provide ongoing homework for your child during your absence. The school will make suggestions regarding your child's educational opportunities and activities during your absence.

Know When and How to Access Mental Health Support for your Child

Mental illnesses are common in children and young people, they can have a significant impact on their development, relationships and their performance in school. Getting help early can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and support a faster recovery.

Where do I start if my child or teen needs help?

A good place to start is by talking with your child/teen about how things have been going for them and what you’ve noticed.

Keep in mind that children and teens vary in their ability to talk about their feelings and experiences. They may not have the vocabulary to describe feelings. They also may not understand what’s going on for them or make the connections between something in their life and their struggles.

How do I talk to my child or teen?

Here are some tips to help start a conversation with your child:

• Find a good time and place to talk. Driving to and from places, preparing dinner, or cleaning up after a meal are great opportunities to talk.
• Ask how they are or if they’d like to talk about anything that’s going on for them.
• If they say they’re fine or nothing is wrong, explain why you’re concerned and offer specific examples that you’ve noticed.
• Acknowledge how it must be difficult for them.
• Ask about what strategies/actions they find helpful. Acknowledge their strengths.
• Discuss how mental health is part of everyone’s life – and not just about severe problems.
• Talk about how sometimes it can take the assistance of others to overcome difficulties. Ask if they would they like to talk with someone.
• Ask them what they think would help or what they think they need.
• Offer to make an appointment for your child/teen to see your family doctor – physical issues can sometimes have mental health symptoms associated with them. It’s important to check if there’s any physical issues.
• Let them know you want to help and that they can always come to you.
• If your child doesn’t want to talk, let it go and try again in a few days.

• If you have concerns that your child may using alcohol or other drugs, get tips on how to talk to your child about drugs.

Get more information about child and youth mental health: https://ow.ly/KgZZ50PehL0

JANUARY

Tamil Heritage Month

Jan 12 PAC Meeting 6:30pm

Jan 15 Black Excellence Day

Jan 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Jan 29 National Day of Remembrance of QC Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

FEBRUARY

Black History Month

Feb 11 Early Dismissal #2 - 1:23pm (Teacher Planning/Assessment - No Parent Meetings)

Feb 14 Valentine's Day

Feb 14 Have a Heart Day

Feb 16 Louis Riel Day

Feb 16 Family Day Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Feb 16-20 Heritage Week

Feb 17 Lunar New Year

Feb 17- Mar 21 Ramadan

Feb 20 Pro-D Day #4 - SCHOOL CLOSED

Feb 25 Pink Shirt Day

MARCH

Irish Heritage Month and Mois de la Francophonie

Mar 04 Holi

Mar 06 Report Card #2 Goes Home

Mar 08 International Women's Day

Mar 16-27 SPRING BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED

Mar 17 St. Patrick's Day

Mar 19/20 Eid al Fitr

Mar 20 Nowruz (Iranian / Persian New Year)

Mar 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Mar 21 World Down Syndrome Day

Mar 30 School Re-opens after Spring Break

Mar 31 Indigenous Languages Day

Mar 31 Transgender Day of Visibility

Email: helland_b@surreyschools.ca
Website: surreyschools.ca/latimerroad
Location: 19233 60 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 2T5
Phone: (604) 576-9184
Instagram: LatimerRoadLearns