*I was informed that there were some issues with school messenger systemwide last week. Not all families may have received the previous Update to Parents Sept 7 that was sent through school messenger. If you missed it, click HERE.

Hello Briar Hill Families

We have just wrapped up our first full week of school, and the next two weeks are shaping up to be both busy and exciting!

Please take a moment to read the important updates and highlights below to stay informed about what’s happening at Briar Hill School. You can also follow us on Instagram [HERE] for regular updates and reminders.

With gratitude,
Nathan deBoer

Staffing Update

• We were pleased to welcome Ms. Jennifer Sparksman as our new office secretary this week. She brings a wealth of experience, a high level of professionalism, and a warm, approachable demeanour that benefits our staff, students, and families.

Calendar Link

• Please make sure you have the latests CBE Briar Hill Calendar. It can be found HERE

Terry Fox Run

• Briar Hill Students are participating on the Terry Fox Run this Tuesday, Sept. 16!
• K-6 classes will have a virtual assembly with a Terry Fox ambassador that Ms. LeVesconte has arranged, with the K-6 Terry Fox Run starting at 2:15pm in the Green Park
• Twoonies for Terry: Students are welcome to bring in donations Monday & Tuesday or families can make donations using the link HERE
• Families are welcome to join in the 2:15pm run.
• • Please do not bring dogs to the Terry Fox Run.

Picture Day Sept 24

• Picture day for staff and students is on September 24th. Individual and class photos will be taken on this day.
• Retakes are scheduled for October 24th.

SAVE THE DATE: Sept 25th

• Meet the Teacher & Welcome Back BBQ
• • Come meet your child's teacher & see the classroom space from 4:30-5:30pm. Teachers will be outside for food & mingling 5:30-6pm
  • Briar Hill Families are welcome to join the Welcome Back BBQ from 4:30-6pm
  • • if you are able to volunteer to support this event please sign up HERE
• School Council Meeting
• • Come join the School Council meeting to receive Principal's update, ask questions, & meet other Briar families after the BBQ from 6:15-7:15pm in the Learning Commons

Apple Fundraiser (posted on behalf of School Council)

• We are excited to be running our popular Davison Orchard Fundraiser again this year! Visit our online shop to order your own 15 lb box of fresh apples. The apples are orchard-picked and are perfect for lunchboxes or your favourite fall recipes. Place your order by October 1st and your apples will be delivered to the school for pickup between 1-4pm on October 23rd. Your purchase helps support our school. Click on this link to place your order: https://briarhillfoundation.com/shop/p/apples

IPPs

• Many of our students at Briar Hill are assisted with an IPP, an Individualized Program Plan, to support their learning needs. For many families this is a familiar process, however, for some it is a new journey. (Please see image below.)
• Briar Hill teachers have already started the IPP process for students that require one
• IPPs will be sent home September 26th

Scholastic Book Fair

• The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Briar Hill September 22 – 26. Classes will signup to preview the books during this week with an opportunity to 'shop' Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening during Meet the Teacher, and Friday morning.
• Watch your child's agenda for specific information for their class

Demographic Forms Due

• Parents, please remember to fill out your Demographic Verification Form in SchoolEngage.  This form is mandatory and due to Alberta Education each year.  Forms with changes to personal information are due by Friday, September 26. 
• If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Sparksman in the office.

Volunteers

• Thank you for those who have offered to Volunteer this year at Briar Hill School.  We ask that Parents be patient with the Volunteer Process.  Jennifer Sparksman, our new Admin E, does not have access yet to the ePic Briar Hill list yet and, as soon as she does, there will be a flurry of Volunteer Letters going out via email to Parents waiting to submit to the Calgary Police Service.  To those who have already turned in a Record Check, thank you.  Please also remember to fill out BOTH the Annual Volunteer Form AND the SchoolEngage Volunteer section.  

Orange Shirt Day

• On Thursday, September 26, Briar Hill School will be observing Orange Shirt Day.
  All students are encouraged to wear an orange shirt in recognition of this important day of remembrance and reflection. Orange Shirt Day, held annually on September 30, honours the children who were taken from their families and placed in Canada’s residential schools. It is a time to acknowledge the lasting impacts on Survivors, their families, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) communities across the country.

Together, we wear orange to show that Every Child Matters.

• In elementary schools, teachers use CBE approved resources & carefully select age-appropriate literature & activities to explore the themes of Orange Shirt Day in a developmentally appropriate way. For example, in Kindergarten, students may explore the concept of “We all belong,” while in Gr.1-2, the focus may be on themes such as inclusion & how I matter in my community. These foundational ideas help students begin to understand the significance of Orange Shirt Day in a way that is meaningful and accessible to them.

Important Dates:

• Sept 16: Terry Fox Run (Virtual Assembly & 2:15 T-Fox Run)  
• Sept 18: Healthy Hunger  (order Healthy Hunger HERE) 
• Sept 19: Connect Day 
• Sept 22-26: Scholastic Book Fair 
• Sept 24: Picture Day (individual & class photos)
• Sept 25: Pizza Day (order HERE)
• Sept 25: Meet the Teacher  (4:30-6:00pm)
• Sept 25: School Council & AGM (6:15pm)
• Sept 26: Orange Shirt Day 
• Sept 26: IPPs sent HOME
• Sept 29: Non-Instructional Day (No Students & Staff PD Day) 
• Sept 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (No School) 
• Oct 1: Apple Fundraiser Deadline