Briar Hill Families
“What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children.” — John Dewey
It was wonderful to have so many families in the building for Meet the Teacher on Thursday. The evening was warm, welcoming and full of smiles, conversations and connections. We were grateful for the many kind comments about our communication, music program, Learning Commons and the warmth of our small school community.
The Scholastic Book Fair added plenty of excitement to the week, too. There is something special about seeing students so eager to browse, talk about books and find a story they are excited to bring home. It was a great week to celebrate the joy of being part of a school community.
Nathan deBoer - Principal
🫶Caregiver CBE Series
The CBE invites all parents and guardians to join a live online series focused on supporting child and youth well-being.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Unmasking ADHD in Girls Part 1 & 2
- Mental Health & Youth
- Vaping & Youth
- School Avoidance: Moving Towards Reducing Distress & Improving Attendance
- Raising Healthy Humans in a Digital World: Conversations About Technology, Mental Health, and Growing Up Online
These sessions are free and provide information, resources, helplines, and services to support healthy child and youth development.
For more information and registration visit Child & Youth Well-Being Family & Caregiver Series
🗓️ Website Calendar
Visit BriarHill.cbe.ab.ca to see the full school calendar with important CBE and Briar Hill Dates
Instagram Calendar Post HERE
👕 Briar Hill Clothing Store is Open!
Show your Briar Hill spirit with school clothing and gear!
🛍️ Shop the Clothing Store HERE
Store closes October 2 at midnight.
🧡 Honouring Orange Shirt Day
Wear an ORANGE or FAVOURITE shirt Sept 29
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. As there is no school on September 30, we will honour Orange Shirt Day together at Briar Hill on Tuesday, September 29.
This is an important opportunity for our school community to learn, reflect, and remember the experiences of Indigenous children and families impacted by the residential school system. It is also a time to consider the work of reconciliation and the importance of creating a school community where every child feels a sense of belonging, connection, and care.
🎃 Pumpkin Parade is back!
We are bringing back this Briar Hill tradition!
- 🎃 Oct. 26–27: Bring a decorated or carved, labelled pumpkin and place it along the front pathway.
- 👩🏫 Classes can join in too! Grade teams are invited to create a pumpkin together—perhaps with a little pumpkin math!
- 👀 Oct. 28–29: Classes will visit the Pumpkin Parade.
- 🏆 Oct. 30: Mr. deBoer will announce the winners!
Categories: Scariest • Most Educational • Largest • Smallest • Silliest • The One I Want to Steal and Take Home 🎃
📸 Picture Day
Picture Day is coming up on Monday, October 5!
This will be our individual and class picture day. We want to give families plenty of notice so that students can be at school and ready to be part of the fun.
Please mark October 5 on your calendar and help your child arrive at school ready for their big photo day!
*Photo retake Photo Day is Oct 23
🚶 Walking Field Trips
At Briar Hill, we regularly take advantage of the learning opportunities in our community, including walking trips and activities at Green Park for PE and classroom learning. Please review the Briar Hill Walking Field Trips letter HERE
👥 School Council Meetings
Our first School Council meeting is September 29, with meetings held throughout the year in the Learning Commons at Briar Hill School.
Meetings begin at 12:05 p.m. and families are welcome to join in-person or online. Join Microsoft Teams Meeting HERE
📱 Stay Connected
Instagram: @briarhillschool
School Website: Briar Hill School
Briar Hill Foundation Website: Briar Hill Foundation
📅 Important Dates
Sept. 29: BHS Honours Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 29: School Council Meeting
Sept. 29: Value Awards
Sept. 30: No School — Orange Shirt Day & 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. 8: Healthy Hunger / Fun Lunch
Oct. 12: No School — Thanksgiving
Oct. 19: No School — PD Day
Oct. 23: Picture Retakes
Oct. 30: BHS Halloween Celebration
Oct. 30: Value Awards