Briar Hill Families

“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school but for life.”
— Maria Montessori

We are grateful for the opportunity to spend these first two weeks getting to know our students and beginning a new school year together. Teachers and school staff have been working to establish routines, get to know the amazing kids who make Briar Hill such a special place, and help everyone feel comfortable and connected as we begin the year. I have also made a point of spending intentional time with each class, welcoming students to a new school year and talking together about what it means to be part of the Briar Hill community, from our school values and how we treat one another, to student voice, digital citizenship, and the expectations that help make our school an amazing place to be.

Briar Hill is a wonderful place to learn, to belong, and to contribute. We are grateful for the support of our families as we begin another school year together and look forward to all that the weeks ahead will bring.

Nathan deBoer - Principal

📋 Reminder: Please Complete Online Forms

Last week, all families received a message from the CBE about completing important, annual forms. You will find all required forms on School Engage

🏃 Terry Fox Run & Toonies for Terry: Monday, September 14

Our annual Terry Fox Run will take place this Monday, September 14, beginning at 1:40 PM at Green Park. K-6 families are encouraged to join us for the run! Leading up to the event, students have had opportunities to learn about Terry Fox, his incredible journey, and why we continue to run in his honour.

We encourage all students to bring a “Toonie for Terry” in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Our Briar Hill School goal is to raise at least $1,000! Families who would like to contribute can also donate directly through our school's fundraising page:

Briar Hill School Terry Fox Fundraising Page

Thank you for helping us keep Terry's legacy of hope, courage, and determination a meaningful part of our Briar Hill School community!

📚 Literacy & Numeracy Provincial Screeners for Alberta Students 

For the 2026-27 school year, all Kindergarten to Grade 5 students will be assessed using provincially mandated screeners that measure a learner's proficiency in different literacy and numeracy skills. CBE teachers administer assessments at different points throughout the year. This week, our Grades 1–5 teachers will begin administering the assessments, with our Kindergarten students participating in their screening beginning in January.

The results of the screeners do not impact a student's report card. Rather, they help teachers plan targeted interventions inside the classroom and monitor growth over time. Results of the screeners will be shared with parents before the Parent Teacher Conferences on November 26th and 27th. The Conferences will serve as an opportunity to have a conversation with your child's teacher around their screener results, as well as their classroom learning and achievement of the curriculum outcomes taught this fall. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.

Learn more: Alberta’s Literacy and Numeracy Screening

📱 Instagram at Briar Hill School

Our Briar Hill School Instagram, @briarhillschool, is a window into teaching, learning, and life at our school. We also share reminders and highlights to help families stay connected.

Our Instagram is complementary to the communication already in place through our weekly family updates, biweekly teacher emails, and student agendas.

Follow along and catch a glimpse of the learning, celebrations, and everyday moments that make Briar Hill special.

🍔 Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Teacher: Thursday, September 24

We are looking forward to welcoming families back to Briar Hill for our Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Teacher on Thursday, September 24, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Front doors open at 4:30 p.m. Families are welcome to come and go as they please, visit classrooms, meet teachers, and see where their children are learning. There is no formal presentation or program.

4:30–6:00 p.m. — Classrooms are open for families to connect with teachers and explore learning spaces. Our Book Fair will also be open 4:30pm-6:30pm for browsing and purchases. If you are available to lend a hand, please email Val Olafson at vfolafson@cbe.ab.ca .

6:00–6:30 p.m. — Teachers will join families outside for supper, conversation, and community.

We hope you will join us for an evening of connection, community, and a chance to see Briar Hill through your child’s eyes.

🍎 School Council Apple Fundraiser

Support Briar Hill School while enjoying delicious apples from Davison Orchards in the Okanagan Valley! Choose from Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Gala, or an Okanagan Blend, with apples sold in 15 lb. boxes.

Orders are due by September 22, with pickup on October 22 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Briar Hill School courtyard.

For apple varieties, pricing, and to place your order, visit the Briar Hill School Foundation Apple Fundraiser.

📅 Important Dates

Sept. 14: Terry Fox Run (1:40pm Green Park)
Sept. 21–25: Scholastic Book Fair
Sept. 24: Pizza Lunch — details coming soon!
Sept. 24: 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Teacher
Sept. 25: Non-Instructional Day — No Students
Sept. 29: BHS Honours Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 29: Value Awards
Sept. 30: No School — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Oct. 2: IPPs Sent Home — For students on an IPP
Oct. 5: Picture Day — Individual & Class Photos
Oct. 7: Grade 6 Immunizations
Oct. 12: No School — Thanksgiving