“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
— Pablo Picasso
Briar Hill Families,
Every September, we begin a new chapter. Most names and faces are familiar, while others are new. New classrooms, teachers, friendships, routines—and new relationships to build.
The beginning of a school year is about getting to know one another and building the relationships that help every child feel known, supported and valued. Relationships move at the speed of trust, and trust takes time.
My hope is that, as the year unfolds, every student and family feels increasingly connected to our Briar Hill community. To help us stay connected, I will send a weekly administrative update, and grade teams will share classroom updates every second week.
Welcome to a new year at Briar Hill. I’m glad we get to write this chapter together.
Nathan deBoer — Principal
🎓 Chief Superintendent Welcome Message
Welcome to a new school year! Public education brings us together to learn, grow and connect.
As we begin another school year across CBE, we invite families to watch our Chief Superintendent, Joanne Pitman, share her welcome message for the 2026–27 school year.
Watch Chief Superintendent Joanne Pitman’s Welcome Message
👋 Getting to Know Our Newest Briar Hill Team Members
We are excited to welcome some new faces to Briar Hill this year! We asked our newest team members a few questions to help families and students get to know them a little better.
Ms. Goods (Kindergarten)
How many years have you been teaching?
11 years.
What is something you're really passionate about or interested in?
I am really passionate about how young children see the world and learn. I love the “lightbulb” moments of teaching. Outside of the classroom, I really enjoy cooking, golfing and spending time outdoors.
What is one fun or surprising thing about you that our Briar Hill students might not guess?
I’ve visited 18 countries, speak three languages and am learning a fourth!
Ms. Bhatia (Gr.1-2)
How many years have you been teaching?
I have been teaching since 2024, so this is my second year of teaching.
What is something you're really passionate about or interested in?
I am passionate about teaching, reading and gardening.
What is one fun or surprising thing about you that our Briar Hill students might not guess?
One surprising thing about me that Briar Hill students might not know is that I have taught at the high school level.
Ms. Shahid (Gr.1-2)
How many years have you been teaching?
I have been an educator for over 20 years and have had the privilege of working with students in diverse learning environments throughout my career, teaching learners from Kindergarten to the undergraduate level.
What is something you're really passionate about or interested in?
Literacy and inclusion are my passions. I am dedicated to helping students become confident readers, writers, and communicators while ensuring that EVERY learner feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
What is one fun or surprising thing about you that our Briar Hill students might not guess?
One thing that might surprise students is that I have lived and taught in five countries and speak five languages. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Ms. Beth (Gr.3/4)
How many years have you been teaching?
I have been teaching with CBE for just over 16 years.
What is something you're really passionate about or interested in?
Reading is my true passion. I love great fiction novels, as well as books that inspire my curiosity and lifelong learning.
What is one fun or surprising thing about you that our Briar Hill students might not guess?
Students might be surprised to know that I have a musical background. Before I started teaching, I played the violin with orchestral ensembles.
🍔 Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Teacher
We’re looking forward to welcoming families back to Briar Hill for our Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Teacher on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Join us for an open-house-style evening to meet your child’s teachers, see their learning spaces, and reconnect with our Briar Hill community. Come for the BBQ, stay for the connections!
More details coming soon!
🤝 Volunteers
We love having families involved at Briar Hill! Whether joining a field trip, helping at an event, or lending a hand in the classroom, your involvement helps build a stronger, more connected school community.
Returning volunteers: Please complete the 2026–2027 Volunteer Form through your MyCBE account.
Questions? Please call the school office.
🏃 Terry Fox Run — Monday, September 14
Terry Fox Run Monday, September 14! Students and staff assembly at 1:00 p.m. featuring a guest speaker from the Terry Fox Foundation. The running portion will begin at approximately 1:40 p.m. at Green Park.
Families are invited to join us for the run at Green Park! Please leave dogs and other furry friends at home.
Our Briar Hill Children’s Program Kindergarten students will also be joining the run. Kindergarten students and families who are not part of the Children’s Program are welcome to meet us at Green Park and participate as well.
Students are encouraged to bring “Toonies for Terry,” or families can donate through our online fundraising page. Our goal this year is to raise more than $1,000!
Briar Hill Terry Fox Fundraising Page
📸 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
📚 Scholastic Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is on its way to Briar Hill!
Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. As always, every purchase made at the Fair benefits our school.
Where:
Briar Hill Learning Commons
When:
September 21–25
We will begin with Preview Days from September 21–23. These days are an opportunity for students to visit the Book Fair with their class, explore what is available, and make a wish list. No shopping will take place during the preview days.
The Book Fair will be open for shopping on September 24 and 25, including during our Welcome Back BBQ / Meet-the-Teacher evening on September 24. Families are welcome to stop by, browse the books and see what catches their eye! If you are sending your child to school on Thursday afternoon with a money. Please have it packed in a safe bag/container clearly labelled with the students name.
Volunteers Needed: If you would like to help bring the Book Fair to life, we are looking for volunteers to help with shopping on Thursday, September 24 in the afternoon and during the Welcome Back BBQ/ Meet the Teacher. If you are available to lend a hand, please email Val Olafson at vfolafson@cbe.ab.ca .
📅 Important Grade 6 Dates
Gr.6 families, please save these important dates on your calendar. More information about each event will be shared with families as the dates get closer.
Immunizations at School
- Round 1: October 7, 2026
- Round 2: April 7, 2027
Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)
- June 2: English Language Arts – Part A
- June 4: English Language Arts – Part B
- June 10: Social Studies
- June 11: Science
- June 14: Mathematics – Part A
- June 16: Mathematics – Part B
Grade 6 Farewell Celebration
- Friday, June 18, 2027
🤝 School Council & Foundation
School Council and the Briar Hill Foundation are great ways for families to get involved, support our school, and share ideas and feedback. Regular monthly meetings and a variety of events and fundraisers offer many opportunities to be part of our community.
Watch for a School Council & Foundation update early next week with information about meetings, fundraisers, FUN Lunch, Pizza Lunch, and other ways to get involved.
📅 Important Dates
Sept. 7: No School — Labour Day
Sept. 14: Terry Fox Run
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 & Group Photos
Oct. 7: Grade 6 Immunizations
Oct. 12: No School — Thanksgiving