Briar Hill Families
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” — Fred Rogers
We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and found a few ways to stay warm over the weekend!
The Halloween Howler was a tremendous success! It was wonderful to see so many families come together, connect and enjoy an evening at Briar Hill. A big thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the evening possible. Events like this are a great reminder of what makes our school community so special. Be sure to check out our latest Instagram posts for a few highlights from the evening!
This week, Provincial Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Reports went home for students in Grades 1–5. Thank you to the families who have reached out with questions. A follow-up email was shared on Thursday to provide some additional information and help clarify what the reports tell us about student learning. If you have questions about the assessments, how to read your child's report or what the results mean, please connect with your child's homeroom teacher. Our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 26 (evening) and November 27 (morning) will also be a great opportunity to discuss your child's learning and ask any questions you may have.
Wishing everyone a great week ahead!
Nathan deBoer - Principal
🍁 Remembering Together at Briar Hill
As we approach Remembrance Day, we invite our Briar Hill community to take time to remember and honour the courage, service and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Remembrance Day Assembly – Tuesday, November 10
- Our school will be holding a Remembrance Day assembly at 10:30 a.m.
- Family members are welcome to join us. Doors will open for visitors at 10:15 a.m.
- Our school choir, led by Ms. Kristy and Ms. Bachert, will perform during the assembly.
- Students will receive poppies just before the assembly.
- We are accepting loonie and toonie donations from students to support the Poppy Fund. Donations can be given to classroom teachers up until November 10.
❤️ Veterans Food Bank Challenge – November 2–25
Our grade teams are taking on a friendly competition to support local veterans through a school-wide food drive!
- Non-perishable food donations will be accepted at school from November 2–25.
- Each grade team will work together to collect as many food items as possible.
- The grade team that creates the longest lineup of food items will win the challenge!
🍂 Fall Break – November 11–13
- A reminder that Fall Break is Wednesday, November 11, to Friday, November 13.
- Students will return to school on Monday, November 16.
🎓 Student Courses: Home Alone & Babysitting
Briar Hill School is pleased to offer two upcoming courses for students who are 10+ years of age: Home Alone and Babysitting. Both courses provide students with practical skills and knowledge to help build confidence and independence.
Registration forms will be sent home early next week with eligible students in Grades 4–6. Additional forms will be available for pick-up in the school office. Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
🏠 Home Alone Course
- Dates: Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10, 2026
- Time: Lunch Time each day
- Cost: $35
Students will receive a workbook and completion card. Participants should bring their lunch, a water bottle and writing utensils.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026.
👶 Babysitting Course
- Dates: March 30, March 31, April 1, April 6, April 7 and April 8, 2027
- Time: Lunch Time each day
- Cost: $60
Students will receive a workbook and completion card. Participants should bring a doll or teddy bear, their lunch, a water bottle and writing utensils.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 19, 2027.
🧥 Jacket Racket – Last Call for Donations!
Our Grade 5/6 students are leading our annual Jacket Racket winter clothing drive, helping keep members of our community warm this winter.
Monday, November 2, is the final day to donate!
We are collecting gently used:
- 🧥 Winter jackets
- 🧤 Mitts
- 🧢 Hats
- 🧣 Scarves
Donations can be placed in the school collection boxes or given to classroom teachers.
🍎 Parent-Teacher Conferences – November 26 & 27
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on Wednesday, November 26 (evening) and Thursday, November 27 (morning). These meetings are an important opportunity to connect with your child's teacher and gain a deeper understanding of their learning and experience at school.
During conferences, families will have an opportunity to:
- See examples of their child's work and what they are learning about
- Hear an update on their child's academic progress.
- Discuss their child's social-emotional growth and development within the school environment.
- Talk about next steps and ask questions.
An Additional Layer of Communication
On the Monday leading-up to conferences, we will be introducing families to another way to stay informed about their child's learning. Teachers will regularly post student literacy and numeracy grades online, making them visible through the MyCBE app. This will give families an opportunity to view their child's grades and follow their academic progress throughout the year.
Conference booking will open later in November on the MyCBE app. Watch for an upcoming message with the booking date and instructions!
📱 Stay Connected
Instagram: @briarhillschool
School Website: Briar Hill School
Briar Hill Foundation Website: Briar Hill Foundation
📅 Important Dates
- Nov 2: Gr.5/6 Field Trip (Nat Geo Presentation & Downtown)
- Nov 10: Remembrance Day Assembly (10:30am)
- Nov 11-13: Fall Break
- Nov 19: Fun Lunch
- Nov 24: School Council Meeting 12:05pm
- Nov 26 -27: Parent Teacher Conferences
- Nov 26: Pizza Lunch
- Nov: 30: Value Awards
- Dec 3: Grade ½ Layton Art Centre
*Briar Hill Calendar with all CBE & School dates HERE