January 9, 2026
Principal’s Message – January 9th
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
Welcome back after what we hope was a relaxing and joyful break spent with family and friends!
We returned on Monday to glorious sunshine but unfortunately the dark and gloomy rain returned mid week with a vengeance! We are used to this winter weather here on the “wet” coast and its certainly the price we pay for our lush green rainforests, amazing lakes, rivers and oceans and the freshest of air.
A reminder please to send your child to school well equipped for cold, wet winter weather. We believe children need fresh air and exercise throughout the day and students will be kept indoors only on severe weather days – high wind or extreme cold. Living in BC please expect students to be outside on rainy days. We still see MANY students arrive each day in hoodies and runners and they most certainly will be wet at play times. Jackets designed to repel rain (shed water and dry quickly) and umbrellas are highly encouraged. As the potential for snow increases boots, toques and mittens/gloves will be necessary. We do offer a a reading refuge in our Eagles Nest (portable) at break times but most students choose to play or be outside so it is important that they are fully prepared for the weather. Thanks so much for your support keeping kids warm and dry!
Winter Term Fun Lunches!
PAC parent volunteers are excited to bring back Fun Lunches—a student favourite every other Friday! Hot lunches from local New Westminster restaurants are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting École Herbert Spencer Elementary. These funds help cover things like bus rentals, field trips, guest performers, sports equipment, classroom supplies, furniture, and more. More information can be found here for those families new to the process!
ORDER through MUNCH A LUNCH ONLINE NOW!
Winter Fun Lunch Schedule:
- Fri Jan 23 – Papa John’s Pizza (order by Thu Jan 15)
- Fri Feb 6 – McDonald’s & Woomi Sushi (order by Thu Jan 29)
- Fri Feb 20 – Papa John’s Pizza (order by Thu Feb 12)
- Fri Mar 6 – McDonald’s & Woomi Sushi (order by Thu Feb 26)
Orders close at 11:59 pm, 8 days before each Fun Lunch date.
The first Fun Lunch this term is Friday, January 23rd—don’t miss it! Place your order before midnight Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Winter After School Programming
Please see the linked Flyer for our Winter Afterschool Programming provided by New Westminster Parks and Recreation! Programs begin as early as January 21st.
Please pay close attention to the details for each program as two of the programs are offered OFF-SITE.
The Theatre Club Program is offered at NWSS Theatre. Parents are responsible for transportation to New Westminster Secondary School for this program.
The Sampler Class Program is offered at TACC (təmə sew̓txʷ Aquatic Community Centre). Students will be walked from the school to TACC where parents will pick up their child at the programs completion.
For all programs AT Herbert Spencer students will be dismissed directly to the program and parents will pick up in the main foyer at the programs completion.
Calendar Dates:
Jan 19 Traditional Games Workshop – Div 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19 (Gym)
Jan 20 Fire Drill @11AM
Jan 21 Earthquake Drill @ 2:00PM/Lock Down Drill @ 2:10PM
Jan 23 Pizza Fun Lunch
Jan 26 Traditional Games Workshop – Div 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19 (Gym)
Jan 27 Early Dismissal/Collab Day
Jan 29 Dance Performance @ 1:15PM – Whole School Assembly
Feb 4 PAC Meeting
Feb 6 McDonalds/Sushi Fun Lunch
Feb 11 Early Dismissal/Conferences
Feb 12 Early Dismissal/Conferences
Feb 16 Family Day
Feb 17 Pro D
Feb 20 Pizza Fun Lunch
Feb 25 Fire Drill @11AM
Mar 2, 3 Les Petits Chefs (crepes)
Mar 3 Mike’s Critters – Div 19, 20 and 21
Mar 4 District Ball Hockey Tournament – FRMS (Afternoon and Early Evening)
Mar 6 McDonalds/Sushi Fun Lunch
Mar 9 – 13 Axe Capoeira – Grade 3/4
Mar 13 Axe Capoeira Final Performance PM (Open to Grade 3 and 4 parents – details to come)
Mar 12 Second Report Published
Mar 16 – 27 Spring Break
Mar 30 School Reopens
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