Briar Hill Families
“Partnership is not about working for one another, but working with one another.” — A partnership principle
Strong school communities are built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to students. At Briar Hill, we want families to feel informed, connected and comfortable reaching out, asking questions and sharing their perspectives. We will continue to look for meaningful and consistent ways to keep communication open, including sharing student learning and progress through PowerSchool GradeBook and creating opportunities to connect through our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences.
At the heart of it all is our work with students. Our primary responsibility is to teach, nurture curiosity, and create the conditions for every child to learn and grow. When families and school work in partnership, we strengthen that work and create a more connected experience for our students.
Nathan deBoer - Principal
🍁 Remembering Together at Briar Hill
As Remembrance Day approaches, we take time as a school community to reflect on and honour the courage, service and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Remembrance Day Assembly – Tuesday, November 10
- Time: 10:30 a.m.
- Families: Family members are invited to join us. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m.
- School Choir: Led by Ms. Kristy and Ms. Bachert, our choir will perform during the assembly.
- Poppies: Students will receive a poppy just before the assembly.
Accepting loonie and toonie donations in support of the Poppy Fund. Students can bring donations to their classroom teacher up until November 10.
❤️ Veterans Food Bank Challenge – November 2–25
Our grade teams are taking part in a friendly competition to support local veterans through our school-wide food drive!
- Non-perishable food donations are being accepted at school until November 25.
- Each grade team is working together to collect as many items as possible.
- The grade team that creates the longest lineup of food items will win the challenge!
🍎 Parent-Teacher Conferences – November 26 & 27
Students are encouraged to attend conferences alongside their families. These conversations are an opportunity to celebrate learning, look at student work and discuss academic progress, social-emotional development and next steps.
Conferences will be 20 minutes in length and will take place:
- Thursday, November 26: 4:20–7:50 p.m.
- Friday, November 27: 8:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Families are asked to arrive 10–15 minutes early to review their child's work which will be waiting for them in the hallway. This provides a great starting point for conversations about learning.
Booking Information
Conference bookings will be completed through your MyCBE Parent Account.
- Opens: Thursday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m.
- Closes: Wednesday, November 25 at midnight.
A few important reminders:
- Please book one conference per child. We encourage separated families to coordinate and attend together wherever possible.
- Conferences for Gr.5-6 students are booked with your child's homeroom teacher only. Homeroom teachers will coordinate conversations about learning across subject areas.
On the Monday before conferences, families will also receive information about accessing published grades for student assignments in PowerSchool GradeBook through MyCBE.
For additional information and conference booking instructions, please visit our Briar Hill Parent-Teacher Conference webpage.
We look forward to welcoming students and families for these conversations!
💬 Beyond "What Did You Do at School Today?"
"Nothing" is often the answer to the familiar question, "What did you do at school today?" Yet, a school day is rarely uneventful. Behind that one-word response are carefully planned learning experiences, new discoveries, moments of curiosity, laughter, challenges, friendships and sometimes a little frustration.
Perhaps it's time to ask a different question! Here are a few ideas to spark more meaningful conversations and help your child share a little more about their day:
😄 Funny Moments
- What made you laugh or smile today?
- Did anything unexpected or silly happen?
🤝 Friends & Connections
- Who did you spend time with today?
- Did someone do something kind for you? Did you do something kind for someone else?
⭐ Highs & Lows
- What was the best part of your day?
- Was there anything that challenged or frustrated you?
💡 Learning & Curiosity
- What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
- Did anything surprise you or make you curious?
- Was there something you found difficult at first but began to understand?
🔭 Looking Ahead
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- Is there something you'd like to try, learn or get better at?
Sometimes, a different question opens the door to a very different conversation.
🎓 Student Courses: Home Alone & Babysitting
*UPDATE: Younger siblings are welcome to register for the Home Alone Course and 9 year olds are welcome to register for the Babysitting course.
Briar Hill School is pleased to offer two upcoming courses for students 10 years of age and older. Both courses provide practical skills and knowledge to help students build confidence and independence.
A big thank you to the families who have already dropped off their registration forms and payment! Registration forms are available for pick-up in the school office. Space is limited, and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
🏠 Home Alone Course
- Dates: December 9 & 10, 2026
- Time: Lunch each day
- Cost: $35
- Bring: Lunch, water bottle and writing utensils
Students will receive a workbook and completion card.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026.
👶 Babysitting Course
- Dates: March 30, 31, April 1, 6, 7 & 8, 2027
- Time: Lunch each day
- Cost: $60
- Bring: A doll or teddy bear, lunch, water bottle and writing utensils
Students will receive a workbook and completion card.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 19, 2027.
📱 Stay Connected
Instagram: @briarhillschool
School Website: Briar Hill School
Briar Hill Foundation Website: Briar Hill Foundation
📅 Important Dates
- Nov 9: Gr.5/6 Guest Speaker
- 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 (pm)-27 (am): Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Nov 26: Pizza Lunch
- Nov: 30: Value Awards
- Dec 3: Grade ½ Leighton Art Centre (all day)
- Dec 9-10: Home Alone Course
- Dec 10: Healthy Hunger/ Fun Lunch
- Dec 17: Pizza Lunch
- Dec 18: Value Awards