September 26, 2025
Principal’s Message – September 26
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
We’ve had a very busy and especially meaningful week at Herbert Spencer! Our Truth and Reconciliation assembly, Terry Fox run and welcoming families to our Open House were just some of the highlights!
Heading into next week families are reminded we have a Professional Development Day on Monday, September 29th and National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Tuesday, September 30th. The school will be closed to students on both days. Please see the important information, upcoming events and week’s highlights below!
Orange Shirt Day!
On Tuesday, we observed Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to honouring Indigenous Peoples and recognizing the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Our students participated in a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony led by Ms. Ciara McCrae, our Indigenous Support Worker, and Ms. Cassady Ranford, our Performing Arts teacher. The student presenters and schoolwide singers were truly inspiring, and the message they shared was powerful and deeply moving. As we approach September 30th, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we invite you to take time to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and consider how we can each contribute to our journey toward reconciliation. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a school community rooted in respect, learning, and compassion.
Terry Fox Run!
Students ran for Terry on Thursday and helped raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation. It was super fun! Thanks for your support! We shattered our GOAL and so far have raised $2846! We will keep the donation page open through the weekend! Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can be made on our School Page Here – Thank you!
Clubs are Back!
Our Chess and Performing Arts Clubs met for the first time this week and …. we started a new Leadership Club! Our clubs have been a great way for students to connect, learn new skills and of course have some Fun!
My Ed Parent Portal
The My Ed Parent Portal is now open. Instructions were emailed to all families on Tuesday, Sept 23. Linked here again! The Parent Portal is where families can most efficiently access Report Cards, Attendance and Contact Details for their child.
Student Information Forms – My Ed Parent Portal
At this time each year we ask families to review their child’s information on the Student Verification Forms within My Ed to ensure they are up to date and accurate. These forms are now available for families to review within their child’s profile, and then inform us of any changes.
Please login to MyEd BC HERE to view your child’s Student Verification Form and if changes are needed, please print the Verification Form, make the changes, sign the form, and return to the office as soon as possible.
Community Contacts – Public Health Nurse
Meet our School and Wellness Public Health Nursing Team. Linked here is information regarding the Nursing Team’s role in schools and Kindergarten specific readiness.
The Wellness Team is holding Covid and Flu vaccine clinics for children aged 6 months to 12 years old beginning in October. Further information regarding these clinics can be found by reaching out to the wellness team directly at 604-777-6731. Please see the following information regarding Immunizations in British Columbia.
Additional Health Supports
Healthy Kids Program – children under the age of 19 years may be eligible for basic dental services.
Canadian Dental Care Plan – children under the age of 18 years who do not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
UBC Dentistry – offers a free dental program for children 12 years and younger. Please see the attached application form.
Affordable dentistry options for children – Fraser Health Authority
Important Upcoming Dates:
Sep 29 Professional Development Day – School is Closed to Students
Sep 30 National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Oct 1 PAC Meeting @ 6:30PM in the Library
Oct 3 Pizza Fun Lunch
Oct 9 Photo Day – Individual AND Class Photos
Community Happenings!
Hyacks Kidsport Night! – Hyacks Football is hosting a KidSport New West Night Fundraiser Game on October 3rd, with proceeds supporting KidSport. Kidsport supports many student-athletes in our community. Please come out and support this great initiative!
Burnaby New West Ringette
Try Rugby!
Douglas College Fall Programs
Useful Links:
Calendar Dates:
Sep 29 Pro D
Sep 30 Truth and Reconciliation Day
Oct 3 Pizza Fun Lunch
Oct 9 Photo Day – Individual AND Class Photos
Oct 13 Thanksgiving
Oct 17 McDonald’s and Woomi Sushi Fun Lunch
Oct 22 Early Dismissal Conferences
Oct 23 Early Dismissal Conferences
Oct 24 Pro D (Provincial)
Oct 27 Paul Davis Speaker – Day sessions for students and night for parents (Cyber Safety)
Oct 28 Halloween Howl
Oct 30 Early Dismissal – Elementary Collaboration Day
Oct 31 Pizza Fun Lunch
Nov 6 Picture Retake Day
École Herbert Spencer Website
École Herbert Spencer Parent Advisory Council Website
École Herbert Spencer 2025-26 School Calendar
School Cash Online Information
Family Portal Instructions for Parents
My Ed BC Parent Portal instructions