February 20, 2026
Principal’s Message – February 20th
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
Well that was an exciting week! From the cliff hanging disappointment of Thursday Morning’s Women’s Hockey Game to the cliff hanging euphoria of today’s Men’s Game the building has been alive with energy! The picture below does not do it justice but our gym was PACKED for both games with cheering staff and students. Kids were amazing and it was awesome to cheer on Team Canada as a Spencer family! Please see the following highlights, reminders, updates and information!
Encore Ensemble After School Program!
These talented kids have had a blast singing and dancing in this after school program preparing for their Big Show!
100’s Day!!
100 Day celebrations – the first 100 days of school – took place in many of our Primary Classes this morning. Pictures below are from Division 19 – Ms Strachan!
Changes to Lunch Hour Starting Monday, February 23
Over the past month, staff have been discussing the possibility of returning to a single lunch format, where all students eat and play at the same time. A key reason for this shift is the value of students returning to afternoon learning immediately after fresh air and physical activity. Our older students have not had this experience in recent years, and we believe it is time to make this positive change.
In observing student play, we are confident that our outdoor spaces can comfortably support all students at once. Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students consistently use the largest playground areas, while our older students tend to prefer the tarmac, basketball courts, and play boxes. These natural patterns mean that space will remain well balanced.
As we move through this transition in the coming weeks, staff will actively support and guide students to ensure they have appropriate access to playgrounds, play boxes, and the basketball court—similar to how they have accessed these areas during split lunch.
We are excited about this change and believe it will strengthen our sense of community and togetherness, which is central to our School Learning Plan.
Here is how it will work:
12:05 PM (bell) – all students will EAT in their classrooms
12:20 PM (no bell) – students will begin to be able to make their way out to PLAY, early supervision will be in place
12:33 PM (bell) – all remaining students will head out to PLAY
1:00 PM – All students will reenter the building for afternoon instruction
Our recess times will not change and remain split as follows:
10:10AM – 10:25AM – Grades 3 – 5
10:30AM – 10:45AM – Grades K – 2
Changes to our Recess schedule would significantly impact our instructional schedule and are not possible at this time. We see benefit to maintaining a split recess however we may revisit recess times and structure in 2026-27.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns with our plans.
Family Photoshoot Fundraiser!
Book a beautiful keepsake photo while supporting our school! Sarah Jane Photography will be hosting a special family photoshoot evening—your furry family members are welcome too!
When: Tuesday, February 24th
Sessions: 15-minute time slots from 4:30–9:00 PM
Where: Herbert Spencer School Gym (please enter via the gym doors)
Cost: $42 per session, which includes one hi-res digital image
Additional images will be available to purchase afterward at Sarah Jane Photography
Reserve your spot through Munch-a-lunch as of February 9th!
Spaces are limited and expected to fill up fast!
2025/2026 Grade 4 – Student Learning Survey
An email was sent this week to the families of all Grade 4 Students sharing the link to the Student Learning Survey provided by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care. Parents and Guardians of Grade 4 students are asked to please complete the survey, open now until May 1st.
Grade 4 students complete a similar survey in school during this same period of time. Your feedback is very important to help us shape our strategic planning and provide feedback on how we are doing. We appreciate your support!
Community Happenings!
Hyack Football Spring Programs – Programs run from April to June for students Aged 5 – 14 – Registration Open Now!
Douglas College Spring Break Youth Camps
Canadian Parents for French Art Workshop! – February 21st – More info HERE
Shrek the Musical! – Designated Student Performance – April 29th @ 7PM
Come try Field Hockey! – An opportunity to try the Sport of Field Hockey on March 5th from 7-8PM – More Information Here!
Calendar Dates:
Feb 24 Family PhotoShoot 4:30 – 9:00 PM – Info Here. Booking Here.
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 11 Virtual Welcome to Middle School Night (Rescheduled from April 1)
Mar 13 Axe Capoeira Final Performance 1:30 PM (Open to Grade 3 and 4 Parents)
Mar 12 Second Report Published
Mar 16 – 27 Spring Break
Mar 30 School Reopens
*Save the Dates
Apr 21 Grade 5 Grad Social! An Evening Event – More Info to Come
Jun 12 Grade 5 Graduation – Mid Day Ceremony
Jun 19 Sports Day!
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