Weekly Community Message

Hello BTL Families,

It was another wonderful week at BTL! Walking through the halls and classrooms, I am constantly reminded of how special our school is. Our students are engaged, learning, and bringing so much energy to our school every single day.

I want to take a moment to express how truly grateful I am to be part of this incredible community. The strong partnership between our staff, families, and students is what makes BTL such a warm and inspiring place to be.

Please see the important messages and updates below for the coming week. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!Enjoy your weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

Warmest wishes, 

Sandra Lynch, Principal

Email: lynchs@hdsb.ca; Instagram: @btlpublicschool

Spirit Wear

Spirit Wear continues to be available to order directly from LC Marketing through this link:  www.lcms.ca/brucetlindleyps

The deadline to order is October 20th.

Fridays: BTL Spirit Wear Days 💙

Going forward, every Friday will be a day to show our BTL school spirit! We encourage all students and staff to wear their BTL Spirit Wear or dress in BTL’s official color: Blue. Let’s show our school pride together every Friday!

Halloween Message: 

On Friday, October 30th, we will be holding our annual Halloween Parade from 9:00 AM to 9:20 AM on the Blacktop (or indoors if it rains). Families are welcome to gather and watch the parade on the blacktop perimeter as our students share in the fun.

Please note that participating in costume dress-up is entirely optional, and there is no expectation for students to dress up. To ensure the morning is enjoyable, positive, and inclusive for every single student, please review the following School Costume Guidelines if your child chooses to wear a costume:

• Fun & Respectful: Costumes should be positive and inclusive. Costumes that mimic the traditional attire of an ethnic, religious, racial, or gender group/identity are not appropriate.
• Safe & Friendly: Costumes that are overly frightening or intended to incite fear are not appropriate for a K–6 environment.
• No Weapons or Masks: Replica weapons and full-face masks should be left at home.
• Keep Accessories Safe: We strongly recommend keeping extra costume accessories at home so they don't get lost or damaged during the school day.

Thank you so much for your partnership in making this a fun, safe, and welcoming event for our entire BTL family!

World Mental Health Day – Saturday, October 10

This Saturday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Throughout the past month, our school community has highlighted the importance of student well-being, everyday mental health practices, and building supportive environments both at school and at home.

Grounded in resources from School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO), we encourage families to take time this weekend to check in with one another, talk openly about feelings, and practice small acts of daily self-care together. To learn more about supporting your child's mental health and to access practical family resources, visit School Mental Health Ontario.

Bus Safety Presentation

Yesterday, our students participated in an exciting and dynamic Bus Safety Presentation, brought to us through a partnership between our transportation consortium, school board, and the Ministry of Education. Even though most of our students walk or bike to school, learning these safety rules is essential - both for staying aware of buses in our neighborhood and for keeping everyone safe during upcoming off-site field trips!

School Start Up Forms - ACTION REQUIRED

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. These forms were to be completed by Thursday, September 24th. We are still missing forms. If we do not receive the walking consent form back, your child is not allowed to leave the school property for community walks. 

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 - ACTION REQUIRED

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.

Kindergarten Registration for September 2027 is now Open

Do you have a child starting school in September 2027? Registration is underway for Kindergarten in the HDSB! The HDSB’s Kindergarten program provides children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success by developing curiosity, problem-solving and early literacy and math skills in a welcoming environment.  

Parents/guardians can register online or in-person. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/8wnn9uv9 

REPOST

BTL Welcomes Teachers from Spain in 2FI and STEM

The HDSB International Student Program is welcoming teachers from Spain from October 19 - 30, 2026 as part of a visiting teacher program.  We will be welcoming two teachers from Spain to Bruce T. Lindley PS.  The visiting teachers will only be shadowing and observing the classroom teacher.  This is a great opportunity for our staff to engage in reciprocal professional dialogue and to continue to build global perspectives.

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

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. 

Enjoy your weekend.

Warmest wishes, 

Sandra Lynch, Principal

Email: lynchs@hdsb.ca; Instagram: @btlpublicschool

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

On September 30th, students participated in discussions and activities to reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. 

Take a moment to watch this short video with BTL Students showing words to answer the question: Why do we wear orange on September 30th. 

• Video: Why do we wear orange on September 30th?

Spirit Wear

We are excited to announce that Spirit Wear is now available to order directly from LC Marketing through this link:  www.lcms.ca/brucetlindleyps The deadline to order is October 20th.

BTL Welcomes Teachers from Spain in 2FI and STEM

The HDSB International Student Program is welcoming teachers from Spain from October 19 - 30, 2026 as part of a visiting teacher program.  We will be welcoming two teachers from Spain to Bruce T. Lindley PS.  The visiting teachers will only be shadowing and observing the classroom teacher.  This is a great opportunity for our staff to engage in reciprocal professional dialogue and to continue to build global perspectives.

Lost and Found - Please pick up by Oct. 5th

Do these items belong to you?? Items not retrieved by Monday, Oct. 5th will be donated. Thank you.

EQAO Results: Webinar for Parents/Guardians

EQAO results from last spring’s assessment will be sent home with Gr. 4 students in the next week or so. Click link: EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians: 2025–2026 EQAO Results

• October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

In this live webinar, EQAO will present the results of the 2025–2026 primary- (Grade 3) and junior-division (Grade 6) Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics; the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics; and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q & A with EQAO staff.

School Council

We had our  first BTL School Council Meeting on Monday, September 28th. Thank you to all who were able to attend. Please find our Meeting Notes on the BTL website.

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. These forms were to be completed by Thursday, September 24th. We are still missing forms. If we do not receive the walking consent form back, your child is not allowed to leave the school property for community walks. 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.

BTL Fox Update

As a follow-up to last week’s update, we wanted to share that our local fox continues to be spotted near the school grounds during morning entry. We remain in close contact with the City of Burlington. City staff shared that while they haven't been able to visit during our morning entry window due to other calls across the city, they have confirmed there is no den on our school property. They plan to conduct patrols over the weekend and will make every effort to have someone from their team present during our entry time next week.

Important Safety & Care Reminders for Families:

• Please do not feed the fox or any wild animals. Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural hunting habits, causes them to rely on humans, and can lead to a change in their behavior. Please note that feeding wildlife is also subject to city fines.
• Keep a respectful distance: Please remind your children to enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance and to never approach or chase any wild animals.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in keeping our school community safe and caring for our local environment!

Kindergarten Registration for September 2027 is now Open

Do you have a child starting school in September 2027? Registration is underway for Kindergarten in the HDSB! The HDSB’s Kindergarten program provides children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success by developing curiosity, problem-solving and early literacy and math skills in a welcoming environment. Parents/guardians can register online or in-person. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/8wnn9uv9 

REPOST

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

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

• HDSB School Year Calendar 2025-26
• HDSB's Calendar of Events and Observances

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. 

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

• HDSB School Year Calendar 2025-26
• HDSB's Calendar of Events and Observances

September

• 24 - Cross Country Gr. 3 - 6 (Send Consent Forms back asap)
• 25 - Terry Fox Run 2:10pm: Wear Red and White
• 25 - Franco-Ontarian Day
• 28 - School Council Meeting 6:00pm - See information below
• 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

This is just a quick note to remind you that our K-6 Terry Fox School Run is coming up this Friday, September 25 at 2:10pm.

Our students are so excited to run, build empathy, and help make a difference. We are still working hard to reach our fundraising goal for cancer research, and 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

Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated and shared the link with family and friends. We appreciate your incredible support!

• Check out Bryan Adams -  Ballad of Terry Fox Song 

Cross Country: September 24

It is so wonderful to see so many of our Gr. 3 - 6 students training for Cross Country every 2nd break! If your child is attending the Cross Country Meet on Thursday, September 24th, please ensure they have submitted their permission form.  The team will run rain or shine! Let’s Go BTL!!

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 to you. 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.

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.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day - Wednesday, Sept. 30: 

All HDSB schools and Board offices will lower their flags to half-mast on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

At BTL, 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.

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.

IMPORTANT: Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps…

If your child develops chicken pox, measles, mumps, or any other contagious illness during the 2026/27 school year, please contact the school office immediately. As usual, when your own child is unwell, please keep him/her home from school. 

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.

Hearing and Vision Screening: Oct 6th

It’s Hearing and Vision Screening Time! The clinic will be at Bruce T. Lindley on: October 6th, 2026. Please see below for registration and cost. 

• Hearing and Vision Registration

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

Strategies to Help You and Your Child Thrive - Virtual Parent Group Opportunity 

If you have families in your school community who are interested in this opportunity, please share this information flyer with them.  

The group is for parents/caregivers of children 6-12 years of age who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. The group will run virtually from 6-7:30pm weekly starting on October 21st for 7-weeks. 

Referrals go through Access and System Navigation (ASN) https://rockonline.ca/asn/

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

INFORMATION: Free Screening of Screenagers Generation AI  

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, HDSB is offering two screenings of Screenagers: Generation AI at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The film examines how artificial intelligence has rapidly entered the lives of young people and what it means for their relationships, learning and well-being. The free screenings are at Film.ca Cinemas Oakville  (171 Speers Rd.) and open to parents/guardians, educators, interested community members and students in Grade 4 and above.

REPOST
Volunteers Needed

BTL Needs Volunteers for various events through the year. School Council Members will be recruiting volunteers to help with Pizza at 2nd Break on Mondays. If you are interested, please email Jeff Moore at jefferymoore@gmail.com. Messaging about ordering pizza for Block one will be coming out in the next couple of weeks.  Stay tuned for more information along with other volunteer opportunities. 

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. 

Hello BTL Families,

We hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful first week back to school! It was such a joy to welcome back our BTL students and see their smiles light up our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House last night - seeing so many families come together was the perfect start to what is going to be a FABULOUS year!

Please take a moment to review the information and a few reminders below. 

Warmest wishes, Sandra Lynch, Principal

Email: lynchs@hdsb.ca; Instagram: @btlpublicschool

Important Dates

• HDSB School Year Calendar 2025-26
• HDSB's Calendar of Events and Observances

September

• 18 - Picture Day
• 24 - Cross Country Gr. 3 - 6 (Send Consent Forms back asap)
• 25 - Terry Fox Run - Stay tuned for more information
• 25 - Franco-Ontarian Day
• 28 - School Council Meeting 6:00pm - See information below
• 30 - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day

October

• 6 - Hearing and Vision Screening
• 8 - Bus Safety Presentations (Primary 9:10; Junior 10am)
• 9 - P.A. Day
• 12 - Thanksgiving (No School)

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 to you prior to the first day of school. 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. 

Volunteers Needed

BTL Needs Volunteers for various events through the year. School Council Members will be recruiting volunteers to help with Pizza at 2nd Break on Mondays. If you are interested, please email Jeff Moore at jefferymoore@gmail.com. Messaging about ordering pizza for Block one will be coming out in the next couple of weeks. 

Stay tuned for more information along with other volunteer opportunities. 

Last spring we sent out information about requiring a Police Check with a  Vulnerable Sector Screen completed every 5 years. Please see the graphic below along with the past communication about Police Check Protocols so you are aware of what you need before volunteering.

School Council Nomination Forms: Due September 14th

Are you interested in being part of this year's BTL School Council? You are welcome to be an officially voted in member, a voting member, or you can just come to listen and join in when you are able. 

If you are interested there will be approximately five - six meetings over the year. The main purpose will be to help organize school events, assist with fundraising initiatives and support our AWESOME BTL community. Please complete this form no later than the end of day on Monday September 14th. Only answer the questions that are relevant for how you are looking to participate. 

If you are looking for more information about HDSB School Councils, please visit the HDSB website and you will find the School Council Handbook.

Our first BTL School Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28th 6pm - 7pm. We will be meeting in-person, with a hybrid option. Please fill in this Google Form to indicate if you will be joining in-person at the school or via a Google Meet. 

Drop off/Pick Up & Sustainability Reminders

A huge thank you to all the families who have been walking or biking to school! Seeing empty parking spaces at the end of the day is fantastic, and we appreciate your support with our climate sustainability goals and student safety.

Now that our first week is behind us and routines are taking shape, please review the following reminders to help keep our school yard safe for everyone:

• Blacktop Perimeter: To keep line-ups organized and secure, we ask all parents and guardians to wait along the perimeter of the blacktop during both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Stepping back once your child arrives or while waiting for dismissal gives staff clear sightlines and helps keep all students safe.
• Furry Friends: While we love pets, please keep dogs on a leash at the perimeter of the school yard and off the blacktop. We have students and staff with severe allergies or fears, and keeping pets at the boundary helps ensure a safe, comfortable space for everyone.
• Active Play on the Blacktop: Because the blacktop is very crowded during arrival and dismissal, students are asked to refrain from playing running games or basketball during these times.
• Playground Structure Supervision: Yard supervision is not provided on the playground equipment before or after school (8:30–8:45 AM and 3:05–3:20 PM). Students should not play on the structure during these times unless an adult is directly supervising them. Please remind your child of this rule.
• Parking & Pedestrian Safety: Please only use accessible parking spaces if you hold a valid permit, and please do not park in the bus lane. When walking near the parking lot, please use the sidewalks and perimeter pathways - do not walk between parked vehicles.
• Supervision Times: Please note that staff supervision ends promptly at 3:20 PM.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping our community safe!

Nutrition Program

We are excited to share that our Nutrition Program is starting up once again this year. Thank you to Mme. Turingia who continues to organize this program and trains the Gr. 5/6s to run the carts. Breakfast for the Brain Carts will start up  by the end of next week - we are hoping we will be ready to go by Wednesday.

We are grateful for the support of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT), whose funding - along with grants and donations from our parent community - makes this program possible. Stay tuned for ways you can help support this initiative!

This program is available to all students. We do ask that students only take what they need, not what they want. Thank you:) 

Note: If your family could use some assistance with groceries, please reach out to our office staff. We have access to food programs that can help.

BTL Technology and Cell Phone Protocol

Please read the following document to learn about the BTL Expectations of acceptable use of Technology and Cell Phones and how you can help your child become a positive digital citizen.

• BTL: Acceptable Use of Technology and Cell Phones 2026-27

Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYC-P) & School’s Social Worker (SW)

We welcome Krystal Carmichael (CYC-P) and Jeff Von Zuben (SW) back to BTL!! Please read the following information below on how they will continue to support our students. 

CYC Letter

HDSB Student & Family Support Office

Student and Family Support Office

Questions about your child's education? Start by speaking with your child's teacher and principal. If you still need support, the HDSB’s Student and Family Support Office can help answer questions, provide information and connect you with the appropriate supports.

Help 400 HDSB Students Start School with Confidence

As students across our community head back to school, some will arrive without the basics they need: a backpack, school supplies, or even lunch. The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF), thanks to our generous community, is here to help.

HLF launched its Back-to-School campaign, with the help of its cheerful helper, Carrie the Backpack, to support 400 HDSB students by September 30. Families are counting on this support, and HLF is asking our generous community to step in urgently so they can continue to say “YES” to every request for emergency support they receive.

Here's what one parent shared about what saying “YES” meant to her family:

Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this support. I’m a single mom, and because of your help, I’m able to get what my daughter needs for back-to-school and food, and I’m so unbelievably grateful for the support.

Make a gift for a student in need today: Donate Now

Together, we can give students not just supplies, but confidence, dignity, and hope.

Learn more about Carrie’s Back to School mission and how you can help at GoBack2School.ca.