New Directions English Language School

08/08/2026

New Directions was honoured to celebrate the graduation of our Stage 2 LINC students in a particularly meaningful ceremony. As we handed certificates to our last Stage 2 students, we were reminded of the significance of this moment and the end of an important chapter in the LINC program.

This graduation was a celebration of resilience, courage, and community, and an opportunity for our students to reflect on how far they have come—as one chapter closes, a new one begins—filled with hope, opportunity, and new possibilities.

We were honoured to begin with a welcome from Kevin Kelly, husband of Chief Marilyn Gabriel, representing the Kwantlen First Nation. He welcomed us to the territory and shared a timeless teaching: “Treat people the way you want to be treated. Respect each other.”

Cecelia Reekie, President of the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, spoke about territorial acknowledgements and what it means to be a good guest on these lands. Sharing her father's wisdom, she reminded us to “walk softly when you are in someone else's territory,” encouraging us to leave the land a little better than we found it—with kindness, respect, and courage.

RCMP Cpl. Rob Roffel reminded us that words are important. For officers, words are among their most valuable tools for building trust, creating understanding, and de-escalating difficult situations. His message resonated deeply with our learners: language is about far more than vocabulary—it is about connecting with others and navigating life with confidence.

One of the most moving moments came from a graduate who shared her immigration and language-learning journey. She reminded us that courage is not about being fearless, but about believing in yourself, working hard, and never giving up.

Leanne Cassap, ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, encouraged graduates to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their families, describing graduation as a green light for whatever comes next.

Dr. Sarwan Singh Rhandawa, Library Manager at FVRL, greeted the audience in several languages and reminded us that every language is beautiful—a message met with heartfelt applause.

New Directions President Yvonne Hopp expressed gratitude to IRCC for its continued support of LINC through COVID-19 and humanitarian crises, and for allowing New Directions to extend Stage 2 classes to this moment. She also honoured recently retired IRCC Director of Settlement Anastasia Chyz-LeSage, sharing words from her graduation speech about the extraordinary courage it takes to leave the familiar behind and begin again.

To our graduates: congratulations! We are incredibly proud of your perseverance, resilience, and growth. Thank you for inspiring us and allowing us to be part of your journey.

May your next chapter be filled with kindness, respect, courage, confidence, and new beginnings.

08/04/2026

On July 30, 2026, the LINC 3/4 Morning and Afternoon classes of Instructor Zeig from New Directions English Language School enjoyed an enriching field trip to Fort Langley National Historic Site.

A highlight of the visit was meeting Hazel Gludo, a respected Indigenous Elder and cultural educator from the Kwantlen First Nation, who demonstrated how wooden buckets were traditionally made in the 1800s.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our learners to connect with Canada's history, Indigenous culture, and traditional craftsmanship through a memorable hands-on experience.

08/03/2026

Happy British Columbia Day! ✨🎉🎊

Today, we celebrate the breathtaking beauty, rich cultural diversity, and vibrant communities that make British Columbia such a remarkable place to call home. From majestic mountains and pristine coastlines to thriving cities and welcoming neighbourhoods, BC inspires us every day.

As a language school, we are especially proud to be part of this incredible province. Every day, we welcome learners from around the world, helping them build confidence in English while creating friendships that cross cultures and borders. Our classrooms are a reflection of British Columbia itself—diverse, inclusive, and filled with opportunity.

We believe that language is more than communication; it is the key to connection, belonging, and new beginnings. Watching our students achieve their goals and become active members of their communities is our greatest privilege.

This British Columbia Day, we celebrate not only the province we are proud to serve but also the people who make it stronger through learning, kindness, and cultural exchange.

Happy British Columbia Day from all of us at New Directions!

07/31/2026

Langley Community Mobile Outreach Event- At New Directions

On the last Wednesday of every month, our school welcomes a variety of community partners who make valuable programs and services accessible to both our students and the wider community.

This month, many students took the opportunity to ask questions, gather helpful information, and learn more about the resources available to support them. We were also pleased to see a great turnout for the information session on the English for Professional and Academic Success (EPAS) courses offered by BCIT.

A heartfelt thank you to our community partners for their continued support:
🔹 BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
🔹 Canada Revenue Agency
🔹 ICBC
🔹 Langley Library
🔹 Langley Community Services Society (LCSS)
🔹 Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique
🔹 Service Canada

Together, these organizations help connect our students and community members with valuable information, resources, and opportunities. We are grateful for your ongoing partnership and commitment to serving our community!

07/22/2026

New Directions Pre-Lit class visited the Langley Senior Center to learn about resources in the community and practice their listening and speaking skills with Teacher Margaret ✨

07/17/2026

Teachers and students from New Directions participated in the GlobalFest event at Douglas Park on July 11 with great enthusiasm and excitement. Our team made a valuable contribution to the success of this vibrant festival celebrating diversity and multiculturalism.

Student engagement was at the heart of our participation. While some students took part in Zumba and Tai Chi sessions, others showcased and sold handmade dresses and vests at their stalls. The event also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with members of the community and share their experiences of learning English at New Directions.

A heartfelt thank you to all our student volunteers, participants, and teachers for their dedication, energy, and teamwork in making this event such a memorable success.

07/06/2026

Students from Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene Inc. delivered an excellent and highly informative oral health presentation for New Directions LINC students.
The dental hygiene students used engaging visual aids that helped participants better understand the information and remain actively engaged throughout the presentation.
Their professionalism, clear communication, and interactive approach made the session both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved.

07/03/2026

Joyful July at New Directions!🌻

07/01/2026

Every Canada Day, we're reminded of what makes this country so special—not just its beautiful landscapes, but the people and the opportunities it offers.

At New Directions English Language School, we have the privilege of welcoming newcomers from around the world. Each student arrives with a unique story, a wealth of experience, and the courage to begin again.

For many, learning English is more than mastering a language. It's about building confidence, finding meaningful work, making connections, supporting their families, and feeling at home in a new country.

One of the greatest joys of what we do is watching our students discover that Canada can be a place where they feel safe, welcomed, supported, and hopeful about the future. We are honoured to be a small part of that journey.

This Canada Day, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, and determination of the newcomers who enrich our communities every day. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your story.

Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day from all of us at New Directions✨💐Thank you for all that you do!

Welcome to June!✨