Hello BTL Families,
It was another wonderful week at BTL:) Please see the important messages below.
As always, reach out if you have any questions.
Warmest wishes,
Sandra Lynch, Principal
Email: lynchs@hdsb.ca; Instagram: @btlpublicschool
Important Dates
September
- 28 - School Council Meeting 6:00pm - See information below
- 28 - Last date to order pizza for block 1 www.schoolcashonline.com
- 30 - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day
October
- 5 - Pizza Day begins
- 6 - Hearing and Vision Screening
- 8 - Bus Safety Presentations (Primary 9:10; Junior 10am)
- 9 - P.A. Day
- 12 - Thanksgiving (No School)
- 19 - Pizza Day
- 21 - Take Me Outside Day
- 26- Pizza Day
Terry Fox Run: September 25
Today our school participated in the Terry Fox Run. Thank you to everyone who made a donation - every little bit helps! If you haven’t had a chance yet, you can easily make a secure online donation here: https://schools.terryfox.ca/131993
So far we have raised $1790 - We are only $10 away from our Goal of $1800!!
Special thank you to Mrs. Ouellette and Mme Trotta for organizing this very special event.
Cross Country: September 24
Congratulations to our Gr. 3 - 6 students who ran in the HDSB Cross Country meet on Thursday. Every student was a winner in their own way - by joining a team, getting physical exercise, becoming stronger and faster and encouraging others to do their best. It was wonderful seeing the growth of our students. They should all be very proud of themselves.
Thank you to our team of parents who brought in the CHEERING SQUAD! Your spirit was appreciated!
And, of course, a huge shout out to the BTL Coaches: Mrs. Yee, Ms. Lemon, Ms. Gligic, Ms. Asta.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day - Wednesday, Sept. 30:
From The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Website:
“Orange Shirt Day: Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters began in Williams Lake, British Columbia, on September 30, 2013. Established to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home, it serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impacts of the Residential School system. What began as a grassroots initiative has since evolved into a nationally recognized movement, with individuals, organizations, and communities across Canada participating in acts of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation each year.
The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that “Every Child Matters”.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to create a statutory holiday recognizing Survivors, their families, and communities while ensuring the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered. Bill C-5, which established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal statutory holiday, received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are both observed annually on September 30th, and they are dedicated to honouring Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School system. These commemorations provide an opportunity to deepen Canada’s understanding of the intergenerational effects of residential schools and to reflect on their enduring legacy as part of the ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.
On September 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Residential School Survivors and their families, and in remembrance of the children who never returned home.”
All HDSB schools and Board offices will lower their flags to half-mast on Wednesday, September 30 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
At BTL, staff and students will honour and observe this important day through meaningful, age-appropriate learning activities in their classrooms.
To learn more about the history and significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, please visit this website.
Reminder: Refrain from bringing valuables to school
As we settle into our school routines, we kindly ask parents and guardians to help us remind students to leave non-essential and valuable items at home.
Items such as special toys, collector cards, electronics, and personal treasures are easily misplaced, damaged, or lost when brought to school, left in lockers, or taken onto the playground. Please note that the school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal property.
Thank you for your help in keeping these special items safe at home so our students can focus on learning and playing together!
School Council
Our first BTL School Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28th, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in person, with a hybrid option available. If you did not already fill in the form sent out last week, please email Paula Walsh at walshpau2@hdsb.ca to let her know if you plan to attend in person at the school or join via Google Meet.
School Start Up Forms
Our School Start Up Forms are online with the exception of our Physical Education form which was distributed as a hard copy on the first day of school. A link to Start Up Forms was emailed on September 8th. We would ask that these forms be completed no later than Thursday, September 24th. Should you have questions or require assistance in completing the school startup forms, our office staff will be happy to assist you, in person.
Student Information Verification Forms
A link to complete your student information verification forms was emailed to you on September 21st. It is very important that you complete these forms so we have accurate information on your child’s profile in our student database. If you require assistance please contact the office.
Pizza Days are starting in October
Please visit https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ to place your orders before September 28th. Block 1 of Pizza runs from October 5 - December 14th.
Calling All 3 Year Olds - Message from HDSB
Beginning school is an exciting step for children and their parents/guardians. This fall, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) is hosting Calling All Three-Year Olds Kindergarten Open Houses to answer questions families may have and help future students feel comfortable and confident as they start their educational journey.
Incoming students and their families will be able to visit a kindergarten classroom, meet with community partners, and learn more about the kindergarten program at the HDSB. All events run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Burlington: John William Boich Public School – Oct. 1, 2026
- Oakville: Harvest Oak Public School – Oct. 7, 2026
- Georgetown: Silver Creek Public School – Oct. 15, 2026
- Milton: Cedar Ridge Public School – Oct. 28, 2026
- Acton: McKenzie-Smith Bennett School – Nov. 4, 2026
View this video to get a glimpse of how the Open Houses prepare families and future students. Parents/guardians with questions about Kindergarten in the HDSB can learn more by visiting the Kindergarten webpage on the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
REPOST
Centre for Diverse Learners, grade 2 and up, registration is open now.
Website:https://diverselearners.ca/programs/leaps-in-literacy/
Leaps in Literacy is a free early intervention literacy program to enable access for as many students as possible. It is a multisensory program to ensure access and support for each student’s unique learning style. The program is based on the most recent science of reading, the OHRC Right to Read recommendations, and the new Ontario Language curriculum.
Who would benefit from this program? Students in Grades 2-8 neurodiverse students with suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities (LDs), ADHD or level 1 Autism
Mastering Mathematics is a multi-sensory mathematics program developed for children and youth who struggle with the attainment of foundational numeracy skills"
Fall: September 28, 2026 – December 4, 2026
Winter: January 11, 2027 – March 12, 2027
Spring: April 5, 2027 – June 4, 2027
Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
The HDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) invites parents/guardians and community members to attend the upcoming Parent Involvement Committee Conference on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton.
The theme for this year’s event is Get Connected. Parents/guardians are invited to explore practical workshops on Student Mental Health and Well Being, Special Education, Generative AI and Social Media, Literacy, Mathematics, School Pathways, Equity and Inclusion. Come learn, connect and discover ways to support student success. Registration is now open for this free event, including childcare, a light lunch and transportation within Halton Region.
Learn more and register by Friday, Oct. 9: tinyurl.com/mrxw6hxp
Nutrition Program
We are excited to announce that our School Nutrition Program is up and running! A special thank you to Mme Turingia for continuing to organize this initiative and train our Grade 5/6 student leaders to operate the carts. A huge shout-out as well to BTL parent, Jeff Moore, for generously volunteering his time to shop for our food items - we truly appreciate your support!
- Breakfast for the Brain Carts (8:45 - 8:55): Launched this past Wednesday. Students may select one item in the morning to start their day ready to learn.
- Lunch for Learning Carts (2nd Break): Beginning Monday, September 21st. Students may choose up to two items during 2nd break, provided they have finished the food packed in their lunch bags.
Note: If a student is still hungry after finishing their lunch, we will always ensure they receive additional food.
Help Us Keep the Program Sustainable: While we are here to support every child, we kindly ask parents to remind students to take only what they need rather than what they want. This helps ensure our funding lasts through the end of the school year.
Our Partners: We are deeply grateful for the support of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT), whose funding - alongside community grants and parent donations - makes this vital program possible. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to support this initiative!
Confidential Community Support: If your family could use assistance with groceries or food security, please feel free to reach out directly to our office staff. We have access to various community food programs and are always here to help.
Volunteers: Update
Last spring we sent out information about requiring a Police Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screen completed every 5 years. Please see the past communication about Police Check Protocols so you are aware of what you need before volunteering.
