October 17, 2025
Principal’s Message – October 17
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
As we approach the vibrant festival of Diwali, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all families in our school community. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, reflection, and renewal. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This beautiful celebration, observed by millions around the world, is marked by lighting diyas (lamps), sharing sweets, decorating homes with rangoli, and spending time with loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on the values of kindness, generosity, and hope—values we strive to nurture in our students every day. Whether your family celebrates Diwali or you are simply learning about it for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that makes our school community so special. Students at Herbert Spencer have been learning about Diwali this week!
On behalf of our entire staff, I wish you and your family a Diwali filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness!
Here are some more highlights of our week!
Division 1 Artists!
Outdoor Learning!
Outdoor Fun!
Leadership Club hard at work on our Outdoor Play Boxes!
The Hoodies are Here! – Grade 5 Students were so excited to receive their Grad Hoodies – Thank you PAC!!
Online Community Consultation Session on Safety at Intersection of 6th Avenue and 2nd Street – October 29th
Please Save the Date! – Wednesday, October 29th from 5:00 – 6:00 PM there will be an online public consultation session on traffic safety at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 2nd Street. More details will follow and we will share links once available.
Early Literacy Screening!
The Ministry of Education has implemented an new Early Literacy Screening program across the Province and the New Westminster School District has been working hard to train our Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers to get up to speed with the new screener. More information on this District Wide Initiative Here!
School Photos – Photos are Live – Order Information Here!
PAC Fundraisers!
Linked Here is information on all our Current PAC Fundraisers
Here are some that are live and upcoming!
Fun Lunches – Every Second Friday
Christmas Craft Fair – November 22
Vancouver Giants – November 15th @ 7PM Langley Events Centre – Order Tickets on Munch A Lunch! A portion of ticket sales goes to the PAC!
Coming Soon …
Purdy’s!
Scholastic Book Fair! October 22 and 23rd
Our annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair is BACK! Held during our Parent Teacher Conferences on October 22nd and 23rd, the Fair opens each day at Noon. Please stop by our School Library and stock up on some awesome new books! A portion of each sale goes to support our school library!
Paul Davis – An Evening Session on Cyber Safety – October 27th at 6:15PM at Glenbrook Middle School
You are invited to join us for an informative, in-person evening with Paul Davis to discuss social media and online safety. The event takes place on October 27th, 6:15PM at Glenbrook Middle School. Please see more information here, and a recent Global News segment featuring Paul Davis.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Oct 22 Early Dismissal Conferences/Scholastic Book Fair (12PM – 7PM)
Oct 23 Early Dismissal Conferences/Scholastic Book Fair (12PM – 6PM)
Oct 24 Pro D (Provincial)
Community Happenings!
Thrive Parents and Halloween on the Quay!
Burnaby New West Ringette
Try Rugby!
Douglas College Fall Programs
Calendar Dates:
Oct 22 Early Dismissal Conferences/Scholastic Book Fair (12PM – 7PM)
Oct 23 Early Dismissal Conferences/Scholastic Book Fair (12PM – 6PM)
Oct 24 Pro D (Provincial)
Oct 27 Paul Davis Speaker – Day sessions for G 3 – 5 students and Evening Presentation for Parents @ 6:15PM GMS (Cyber Safety)
Oct 28 Halloween Howl
Oct 29 Online 6th and 2nd Intersection Community Consultation
Oct 30 Early Dismissal – Elementary Collaboration Day
Oct 31 Pizza Fun Lunch
Nov 5 PAC Meeting
Nov 6 Picture Retake Day
Nov 10 Remembrance Day Assembly 11AM
Nov 11 Remembrance Day – School is Closed
Nov 14 McDonald’s Fun Lunch
Nov 22 Holiday Craft Fair
Nov 27 First Light (Evening Lighting of our Christmas Tree)
Nov 28 Pizza Fun Day
Dec 11 First Report Published
Dec 12 McDonald’s Fun Lunch
Dec 19 PAC Gift Treat Day
Dec 22 – Jan 2 Winter Vacation
Useful Links:
École Herbert Spencer Website
École Herbert Spencer Parent Advisory Council Website
PAC Events Calendar
École Herbert Spencer 2025-26 School Calendar
School Cash Online Information
Family Portal Instructions for Parents
My Ed BC Parent Portal instructions