October 31, 2025
Principal’s Message – October 31st
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
Ill keep it short! I know many of you are very busy coordinating costumes and candy!
Happy Halloween Everyone! Be Safe and Have Fun! Please see the following important information, updates, highlights of the week and upcoming calendar of events!
Outdoor Exploration Boxes!
Our outdoor exploration boxes hit the playground this week! Students were excited to design, create, and build together. The ultimate Applied Design, Science and Technology (ADST) activity! No rules, no instructions, no expectations, just creative risk taking fun.
The power of unstructured, inventive play is at the core of our School Growth Plan. It invites children to explore their imaginations freely, sparking genuine curiosity and a love of discovery. When students design, build, test, and reimagine their own ideas, they learn that mistakes are opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This process fosters a growth mindset, encourages risk-taking, and develops resiliency. These are key qualities that help learners adapt, persist, and thrive in any learning environment and will be the guiding thread in our efforts to build community, and strengthen numeracy and literacy skills.
I would like to extend our HUGE appreciation and thanks to Stacey and Bill – a Herbert Spencer Community Family – that donated so much of their time and resources to help us fill our boxes!
Our outdoor exploration boxes will be a fixture on our playground this year and we still need help! Please see the linked STUFF WE NEED list to see if you can help us build up our supplies!
Halloween Dance Performance Assembly!
Gymnastics – Division 3
Herbert Spencer 2025-26 School Spirit Wear!
Spirit Wear will be available for order from November 1st through November 14th. Available are Hoodies (Pullover and Full Zip) and Short Sleeve T-Shirts in GREY or NAVY BLUE. The logo will be our school crest below, placed on the left chest.
Sample sizes will be available in the school office from Monday, November 3rd until Friday, November 14th, 2025. Parents of primary students (K-3) must accompany their children to try on samples to ensure correct sizing.
Place your orders through School Cash Online!
Upcoming Dates
Nov 5 PAC Meeting
Nov 6 Picture Retake Day – Please ensure your child is aware they will need retakes and have them bring their QR Code to expedite the process
Community Happenings!
Thrive Parents and Halloween on the Quay!
Burnaby New West Ringette
Try Rugby!
Douglas College Fall Programs
Calendar Dates:
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