Saturday, April 19 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Kwantlen Park Secondary School, Surrey, BC
Open House — Come Experience German Learning in Action!
The Surrey German Language School warmly invites families, prospective students, and anyone curious about the German language and culture to attend our upcoming Open House on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Kwantlen Park Secondary School in Surrey, BC.
Whether you are a parent wondering if German classes are right for your child, a newcomer to the Lower Mainland looking for a connection to your language and heritage, or simply someone who has always wanted to explore German — this Open House is the perfect first step. There is no obligation, no pressure, just a warm welcome and a chance to see our community in action.
Children are invited to join age-appropriate classes, meet our wonderful teachers, and experience what it feels like to learn German in a fun and encouraging environment. Parents can visit classrooms, attend a Q&A presentation, and connect with other families over a Kaffeeklatsch — coffee and conversation, the German way. Don’t miss the Book & Game Sale featuring a wonderful selection of gently used German books and games for all ages!
Event Highlights:
- 9:00–10:30 AM — Children join classes by age group
- 9:30–10:30 AM — Preschool & Kindergarten classes (parents stay with children)
- 9:30 AM — Parent presentation & Q&A session
- Kaffeeklatsch — Enjoy coffee and great conversation with our community
- Book & Game Sale — Gently used German books and games for kids and adults
Parking Notice: Due to construction, parking is available from 104 Avenue. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and to help us place your child in the appropriate class.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family! Visit surreygermanschool.com for more information.
About the Surrey German Language School
The Surrey German Language School (SGLS) is a non-profit school in the Vancouver region dedicated to teaching the German language and sharing German culture. Since 1971, the school has been an integral part of the German-speaking community in British Columbia, offering language instruction for children, youth, and adults. The school welcomes both German-speaking families and learners who are new to the language. Auswärtiges Amt
The school was founded in October 1971 by Ruth Bernd to preserve the cultural heritage of its respective country of origin for its children. Classes started in two modest basement rooms of the Sunshine Ridge Baptist Church in Surrey with just 42 students and two teachers. Westcoastgermanmedia From those humble beginnings, the school grew steadily — by 1973 it had expanded to four classes and moved to St. Angela Academy in Delta, which offered proper classrooms. Westcoastgermanmedia
Over the decades, the school has grown into one of the most respected heritage language schools in Canada. Since 1983, the Surrey German School has been one of the few schools in Canada able to offer preparatory courses leading to examinations for the German Language Diploma I and II. Surreygermanschool The 1991/92 school year marked the introduction of a preschool language program for children ages 4 and 5 — a forerunner for preschool-level German instruction across Canada. By 1993, 25 teachers were providing instruction to over 300 students. Westcoastgermanmedia
Today, the school offers two streams of instruction: DaF (German as a Foreign Language) for students with little or no prior knowledge, and DaZ (German as a Second Language) for students who speak German at home or already have a solid foundation. The curriculum follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and classes run every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM at Kwantlen Park Secondary School in Surrey. Auswärtiges Amt Since 2008, the school has also been part of the global PASCH network — “Schools: Partners for the Future” — an initiative of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, working closely with the Central Agency for Schools Abroad and the Goethe-Institut. Surreygermanschool
More than a classroom, the school is a vibrant hub for German-speaking families and those interested in the language, hosting events throughout the year that strengthen community and keep cultural traditions alive — including a traditional German Christmas market, a St. Martin’s Lantern Walk, and more. Auswärtiges Amt
Stay Connected: What Is Westcoast German News?
For anyone who wants to stay informed and engaged with the German-speaking community across British Columbia and beyond, Westcoast German News Media is an essential resource.
Westcoast German Media is the rebranded site of Westcoast German News, which was started as “German Voices Vancouver” in 2007, and has been providing quality news stories regarding Austrian, German, and Swiss people, places, and things on the west coast of Canada ever since. Westcoastgermanmedia The platform was founded by Elke Porter, a passionate advocate for the German-speaking community in Canada, whose inspiration came from recognizing that a large and vibrant German-speaking community on the West Coast had no dedicated media outlet of its own. Westcoastgermanmedia
Today, the Westcoast German News Media Blog is the go-to digital resource for connecting the Austrian, German, and Swiss communities, sharing news on everything from local arts and business to cultural events and community activities. Westcoastgermanmedia The platform aims to be the leading bridge between the cultural, business, and media landscapes of Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration through high-quality, engaging, and relevant content. Westcoastgermanmedia
For alumni of the Surrey German Language School, for new families just discovering the German-speaking community, and for anyone who values keeping their cultural roots alive in Canada, following Westcoast German News is one of the best ways to stay connected. Events like this Open House reach far more families when our community shares and amplifies them — and Westcoast German News is a key part of making that happen. Visit westcoastgermanmedia.com to explore their stories and subscribe.
Wir freuen uns auf euch! — We look forward to seeing you there!
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