November 20, 2025
Principal’s Message – November 20th
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
The Lights are UP! Electrical Crews were on site on Wednesday to hang the Christmas Tree Lights on our iconic tree at the corner of 6th Avenue and Second Street. Students were super curious as you would expect!
We look forward to First Light next week – November 27th at 6:30PM!
Please see the important information, upcoming events and reminders below!
TONIGHT- EFI Consolidation information and Public Engagement Session
A reminder that tonight New Westminster Schools is hosting an evening information and public engagement session from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss the Qayqayt Elementary Early French Immersion program consolidation to Herbert Spencer Elementary that is coming in the 2026-2027 school year.
Families that were not able to RSVP for the in-person meeting may join the meeting remotely on Zoom at:
TOMORROW – Friday, November 21st – Professional Development Day – School is Closed to Students
Saturday, November 22nd – Christmas Craft Fair!
Our annual Christmas Craft Fair is being held this Saturday, November 22nd from 10AM – 3PM. The PAC’s largest fundraiser of the year, with free admission, over 60 artisan vendors, our own student crafters in Candy Cane Lane, the Bistro, Bake Sale and Raffle draw – this is an event not to be missed!
Thursday, November 27th – First Light!
The annual lighting of our Christmas Tree at the corner of 2nd Street and 6th Avenue is always a memorable evening and very well attended by the community.
The event begins at 6:30PM and the lighting is at 7PM. Hot Chocolate will generously be provided by New West Realtors – the New West Guys. We also need your help! ALL Students have been learning the song – Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson – and the thought is that we all sing this on the First Light Night together as a community. Linked here is a youtube clip of the song and words. Students will be tasked with teaching family members between now and the big night so we can all participate!
Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
5 Days of Giving!
Last year, Ms. Bothwell and Grade 4 Division 6 launched the 5 Days of Giving campaign to support families in need through the Lower Mainland Purpose Society. Thanks to your generosity, the event was an incredible success! We were so impressed by the response from our amazing community and the leadership our students demonstrated in promoting, collecting, organizing, and giving their time, energy, and enthusiasm to such an important cause.
We are excited to continue this tradition again this year! At the heart of the event are themed giving days, which highlight specific needs that families can most benefit from. Collections will take place from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12 as follows:
Monday, December 8th – All thing Babies – Diapers, Wipes, Baby Food, Formula …
Tuesday, December 9th – Loonies and Toonies – Financial Donations are most helpful as the buying power of the Purpose Society is intensified, an online link will also be made available
Wednesday, December 10th – Toiletries – Toothpaste, Toothbrushes shampoo, soap …
Thursday, December 11th – Food Bank – Non-perishable food items
Friday, December 12th – Final Call for All – Final day for families to bring any and all items, all donations are picked up on this day
Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of local families. Thank you for supporting this initiative and helping us spread kindness during the holiday season!
PAC Fundraisers!
Purdys – More Info Here!
Just in time for the holiday season! Stock up on all your sweet gifts and support our school at the same time!
Supporter Deadline: November 26, 2025
Pickup at the School from 6:00 to 6:30PM: December 10, 2025
Contact for more information: Renee at reneenixdorf@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates
Nov 20 EFI Consolidation Plan Information Session (5PM – 6PM) (Zoom Link)
Nov 21 Professional Development Day – School is closed to students
Nov 22 Holiday Craft Fair
Nov 27 First Light (Evening Lighting of our Christmas Tree)
Nov 28 Pizza Fun Day
Community Happenings!
Knights Ball Hockey – Try Ball Hockey for Free!
New West Schools Family Math Night – December 10, 2025 – More info HERE!
Be Heard New West! – NWPL Survey to support their Facilities Master Plan – Give your feedback here
Calendar Dates:
Nov 20 EFI Consolidation Plan Information Session (5PM – 6PM) (Zoom Link)
Nov 21 Professional Development Day – School is closed to students
Nov 22 Holiday Craft Fair
Nov 27 First Light (Evening Lighting of our Christmas Tree)
Nov 28 Bonjour Bonne-Nuit! Division 21
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