Briar Hill Families

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” — Vincent van Gogh

This week, we welcomed our Area Director, Garry Tink, to Briar Hill for a visit. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the learning taking place in our classrooms and highlight the thoughtful work our staff and students are doing each day. Garry left feeling encouraged by what he saw and heard, and I was proud to showcase the curiosity, care, and commitment to learning that are such an important part of our school community. These visits happen throughout the year and offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate the work happening across the school, and consider how we can continue to support our students and staff moving forward.

Here is what you need to know for the week ahead.

Nathan deBoer - Principal


📸 School Pictures

School picture order forms went home earlier this week. Picture retakes are scheduled for Friday, October 23.


📚 Update: Scholastic Book Fair

A big thank you to our Briar Hill families for supporting our September Scholastic Book Fair! Together, we raised $3,515.73, which will go toward additional resources to support learning in our classrooms.

We appreciate your generosity and your continued support of literacy and a love of reading at Briar Hill!


🧥 Jacket Racket Coat Drive

Our Grade 5/6 students are taking the lead in organizing and facilitating this year’s Jacket Racket fundraiser!

Help keep our community warm this winter by donating gently used winter clothing from October 19 to November 2. We are collecting winter jackets, mitts, hats, and scarves. Please note that boots cannot be accepted.

All donations will go to Jacket Racket, a local organization that helps provide warm winter clothing to those in need. Donation boxes will be available inside the school, and students are welcome to bring donations directly to their classroom teacher.

Thank you for supporting our Grade 5/6 students in this meaningful community initiative and for helping keep others warm this winter!


🎃 Halloween at Briar Hill

Here’s what’s coming up at Briar Hill as we get ready for a fun-filled week.

🎃 The Pumpkin Parade

    • Oct. 26–27: Bring a labelled, decorated or carved pumpkin to fill our front pathway with creativity!
    • Oct. 28–29: Classes will visit and explore the Pumpkin Parade.
    • Oct. 30: Mr. deBoer will announce the winners!
    • Categories: Scariest, Most Educational, Largest, Smallest, Silliest, and The One I Want to Steal and Take Home!

👻 Halloween Costume Parade

    • Friday, Oct. 30: Students are invited to wear their costumes for our school-wide parade.
    • Thursday, Oct. 29: Kindergarten PM students are invited to wear costumes.
    • A few reminders: Costumes should be school-appropriate, faces must remain visible, and weapons or weapon-like props are not permitted. Students should be able to participate comfortably in classroom activities.

📅 SAVE THE DATE: Halloween Howler Family Event

    • 📅 SAVE THE DATE: Halloween Howler Family Event

    🎃 Event: Halloween Howler
    📅 Date: Thursday, October 29
    ⏰ Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
    📍 Location: Briar Hill School (BHS)
    🎟️ Tickets: Purchase tickets online! Briar Hill Foundation

    Activities include: Games, crafts, dancing, music, glow sticks, pizza, snacks, a bake sale, a costume contest, and prizes!

 

🤝 Briar Hill School Council & Foundation


📅 UPDATED MEETING TIME: Tuesday, October 20 | 2:15–3:15 p.m.

Join us for our next School Council meeting from 2:15–3:15 p.m. You can attend in person in the school staff room or join virtually using the Link HERE


Stay connected and find ways to get involved:

  • 📧 Sign up for Council & Foundation emails and updates
  • 🍕 Order lunches and take part in fundraisers
  • 🙋 Find volunteer opportunities and ways to support our school
  • 🌐 Visit the Foundation website: briarhillfoundation.com


📱 Stay Connected

Instagram: @briarhillschool
School Website: Briar Hill School
Briar Hill Foundation Website: Briar Hill Foundation

 

📅 Important Dates


  • Oct. 19: No School for Students — PD Day
  • Oct. 22: Pizza Lunch
  • Oct. 23: Picture Retakes
  • Oct 26-30: Pumpkin Parade
  • Oct 29: Halloween Howler (evening)
  • Oct. 30: BHS Halloween Celebration
  • Oct. 30: Value Awards
  • Nov. 10: BHS Honours Remembrance Day
  • Nov. 11–13: No School — Fall Break
  • Nov. 19: Healthy Hunger / Fun Lunch
  • Nov 24: School Council Meeting 12:05pm
  • Nov. 26: Pizza Lunch
  • Nov. 26 (evening)–27 (morning): Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Nov. 30: Value Awards