Hawk Highlights

Happy Friday, CH Norton families! From Take Me Outside Day to fall sports like flag football, volleyball, and Jr. basketball, plus new clubs like Eco Club and Nighthawk News, our school has been full of energy all week. A few of the highlights are included below. 

Take Me Outside week

Nature was our classroom this week for Take Me Outside Week! Under the theme “Hope Grows Outside,” our students brought their learning outdoors, blending fresh air with big ideas and stepping out together for an awesome Walk Wednesday! Head to our Instagram feed to peek at some artifacts and favorite moments! 

Flag Football 

Our Intermediate Flag Football team has officially closed out a fantastic season. The team's effort in practice truly shone through during their tournaments, delivering big plays, stellar hustle, and outstanding team spirit. A huge thank you and shout-out to Coaches Forani and Mason for their guidance, dedication, and mentorship of our student-athletes. 

Thank you Mr. Davis! 

Today marks Educational Assistant Mr. Davis’ last day at CHN. We are deeply grateful for the warmth, care, and dedication he has brought to our students and school community during his time with us. Please join us in thanking Mr. Davis for his wonderful service and wishing him all the best in his next chapter. 

Halloween @ CHN (repeat from last week)

With Halloween approaching, we’d like to share how our school will be engaging and provide a few reminders to help make the day safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

At CHN, students are welcome to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 30th.  Please note, there is no expectation for your child to dress up in a costume.  Students are welcome to wear a costume, orange and black, CHN spirit wear or their regular clothing.  If your child(ren) choose(s) to dress up in a costume, please ensure that they are contributing to the positive and welcoming environment we strive for at our school.  

Costume Guidelines for School: 

● Costumes should be fun and respectful. 

● Costumes that mimic the traditional attire of an ethnic, religious, racial or gender group/identity are not appropriate. 

● Costumes that are overly frightening or intended to incite fear are not appropriate. 

● Replica weapons and masks should not be brought to school. 

In CHN tradition, we will also be hosting a Halloween Parade on October 30th at 9:30 AM on the blacktop (weather permitting), where participating students can share their costumes with one another. Family members who wish to join us are warmly invited to line the perimeter of the blacktop!

Additionally, in compliance with Sabrina’s Law, we ask that no food treats be sent to school with your child(ren).

We thank you in advance for your support of our students and families at CHN!

Kindergarten Registration 2027-28

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 

Upcoming important dates

• Oct 25: Popcorn Orders Due

• Oct 26-30: Burlington Soccer Club Clinics (Grades 3-6)

• Nov 16-19:  Scholastic Bookfair (More information to come)

• Nov 17: Progress Reports/Kindergarten Communication of Learning: Initial Observations

• Nov 25:  Picture Retakes

• Nov 27: PA Day (K-8 Parent/Caregiver Interviews/Student Led Conferences)

• Dec 21 - Jan 1 (incl.): Winter Break 

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

We hope you all had a relaxing long weekend full of joy and gratitude! It was wonderful to see our students back in class on Tuesday as we jumped right into a week packed with school spirit and student activities.

Our Senior Volleyball teams kicked off their season on Tuesday against Pineland, with the boys playing at home and the girls competing away. Huge congratulations as well to our Flag Football team, who competed in their tournament at Nelson on Thursday and took home second place overall, an amazing effort by all! Student engagement is buzzing across the school with Halton Junior Jazz auditions, Band practice, and Junior Basketball information meetings all underway this week.

Please keep an eye on the calendar for next week, starting with Photo Day on Tuesday. We will also be celebrating Take Me Outside Week (October 19th–23rd), featuring a school-wide outdoor walk-a-thon on Wednesday, October 21st for Take Me Outside Day (more to follow on that below). In addition, Eco Club will officially launch next week for interested Grade 6–8 students.

Psst… we’re still on Instagram! If you haven’t hit that follow button yet, what are you waiting for? Follow us @chnortonps. 

Take Me Outside week

Eco- Club is back at CHN and we are partnering with our Outdoor Education team to participate in a week-long initiative to get outdoors and expand beyond the 4 walls of our classrooms! On Wednesday afternoon, we will participate in a school wide community walk to celebrate the official Take Me Outside Day as an entire school. Please be sure to come prepared with outdoor gear!

As part of this initiative, we are also encouraging students to try some eco-friendly and sustainable travel to and from school where possible. We will collect data on walking, rolling (bike, scooter, etc.), bussing and driving to school and will enter our numbers to see how we measure up in HDSB! Let's do our best and work together as a community to continue making CHN a great place to be!

Halloween @ CHN

With Halloween approaching, we’d like to share how our school will be engaging and provide a few reminders to help make the day safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

At CHN, students are welcome to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 30th.  Please note, there is no expectation for your child to dress up in a costume.  Students are welcome to wear a costume, orange and black, CHN spirit wear or their regular clothing.  If your child(ren) choose(s) to dress up in a costume, please ensure that they are contributing to the positive and welcoming environment we strive for at our school.  

Costume Guidelines for School: 

● Costumes should be fun and respectful. 

● Costumes that mimic the traditional attire of an ethnic, religious, racial or gender group/identity are not appropriate. 

● Costumes that are overly frightening or intended to incite fear are not appropriate. 

● Replica weapons and masks should not be brought to school. 

In CHN tradition, we will also be hosting a Halloween Parade on October 30th at 9:30 AM on the blacktop (weather permitting), where participating students can share their costumes with one another. Family members who wish to join us are warmly invited to line the perimeter of the blacktop!

Additionally, in compliance with Sabrina’s Law, we ask that no food treats be sent to school with your child(ren).

We thank you in advance for your support of our students and families at CHN!

Terra Cotta cookie fundraiser

CH Norton Public School is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies again this year to bring you delicious, peanut and nut-free cookies you will love. Choose from 12 scrumptious cookie dough flavours, including two gluten-free choices and a vegan option! Each box contains 40 x 20g pre-formed “Dough Drops™”. They come in compact boxes which are easily stored in your freezer to bake whenever that cookie craving hits. Pick-up and place on a cookie sheet to bake as many or as few as you want. But trust us, you’ll want to stock up because once you taste them, they won’t last long! There is also an option for already baked shortbread in a lovely gift box, perfect for gift giving.

Cookie Dough Drop Boxes are $16.00 each, and Shortbread Gift Boxes are $11.00 each.

Please see the link below to order:

https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/chnorton/ 

The campaign kicks off today and wraps up on November 4. The ordering web page closes at 11:59 p.m. on the final day. Orders will be available to pick up at CH Norton on November 18th. 

Municipal elections

Burlington’s municipal election is taking place between Oct. 14 and 26. Make a plan to vote at myvoteburlington.ca. Have your say by voting for the Mayor, Regional and Local Councillors and School Board Trustees.

Messages from Halton Student Transportation Services

No eating or drinking on the school bus

To ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable ride for all students, we would like to remind all families that eating and drinking are strictly prohibited on the school bus at all times (water is permitted).

This policy protects student safety for several critical reasons:

• Choking Risk: Vehicle movement, bumps, and sudden stops while eating increase the risk of choking.

• Severe Allergies: Food consumption or leftover crumbs can cause life-threatening allergic reactions for fellow passengers.

• Bus Cleanliness: Spills and trash create unsanitary conditions, odors, and pest issues.

• Driver Focus: Food-related incidents and cleanups divert the driver’s attention from the road.

Please remind your child to finish all food and snacks before boarding the bus and save any further eating for school or home. Thank you for your cooperation!

School Bus Safety Week & School Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day

Next week is School Bus Safety Week! We are excited to partner with HSTS to promote bus safety and celebrate the dedicated staff who transport our students safely each day. Be sure to follow HSTS on Facebook and Instagram throughout the week for daily safety tips. Most importantly, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 21st, which is School Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day. We encourage all bus riding students to take a moment to say a big thank-you or hand a card to their driver to show our gratitude for everything they do!

School Bus safety & parent/guardian responsibilities (JK – Grade 2)

Ensuring the safety of our youngest riders is a shared responsibility. In accordance with HSTS Procedure HS-2-001 (Accompanying JK/SK Students To/From the Bus Stop), parents/guardians play a critical role in keeping students safe throughout their daily commute.

Please review the specific guidelines below based on your child’s grade level.

Kindergarten (JK / SK) Responsibilities

Parents/guardians of Kindergarten students must:

• Meet at the Bus Door: Always meet your child directly at the door of the school bus upon arrival.

• Confirm Safety Tags: Ensure your child’s backpack has a yellow happy face safety tag attached. This tag allows bus drivers to easily identify students who must be met by an adult.

• Establish Contingency Plans: Have an alternate arrangement ready for unplanned delays, such as traffic or appointments.

• Teach Key Safety Rules: Ensure your child understands that they should:

• Only get off the bus at their designated stop.

• Immediately tell the bus driver if they do not see their parent or designated supervisor at the stop.

Grade 1 & Grade 2 Reminders

• Students in Grades 1 and 2 are not provided safety tags and are not flagged as "must be met."  To support their transition and safety, families should ensure their child knows:

• Their specific designated bus stop.

• The importance of spotting their parent/guardian or trusted adult before stepping off the bus.

• To inform the bus driver immediately if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable exiting the bus for any reason.

We encourage all families to watch Buzzy the Bee’s Safety Video together with their children for interactive, family-friendly safety tips.

Important reminder: action needed for student forms  

Student Verification Form (Due October 23)

• Secure electronic forms were sent out on Wednesday, September 23. You will need your child’s OEN to open the file.

• Please complete the Student Verification Google Form even if no changes are required.

• Prefer a paper copy? Email Rhian Persson at perssonr@hdsb.ca.

Kidssentials hot lunch program

Kidssentials is now back up and running for the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday's second break. Please see the following link for more information Kidssentials - Registration Information 

Lunchbox

We are now offering Lunchbox three times a week. 

Mondays: Pita Pit

Tuesday: Osmow’s 

Friday: Subway

Please use the following link for more information and how to order:

Lunchbox How to Order Guide for Parents

Upcoming important dates

• Oct 19 - 23: Take Me Outside Week

• Oct 20: Photo Day

• Oct 21: Take Me Outside Day

• Oct 23: School Bus Safety Presentation

• Oct 25: Popcorn Orders Due

• Oct 26 - 30: Burlington Soccer Club Clinics (Grades 3-6)

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

As we come to the end of another busy week, we want to take a moment to celebrate the dedication and school spirit shown by our Cross Country athletes on Wednesday. After weeks of training and preparation, our athletes spent the day at Sherwood Forest Park participating in the meet, cheering one another on, and helping out wherever they were needed. We are so proud of the effort, perseverance, and sportsmanship they demonstrated throughout the day.  Way to go Nighthawks!

We are looking forward to seeing our families at tonight’s Community Social and Open House. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection and community.

A reminder that tomorrow, Friday, is a PA Day, and there is no school for students. Monday is also Thanksgiving Monday, so there will be no school for students (and staff too!). To those in our community who celebrate, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday.

Psst… we’re still on Instagram! If you haven’t hit that follow button yet, what are you waiting for? Follow us @chnortonps. 

HDSB Student Senate

A big congratulations to Nila, who has been selected as CH Norton’s 2026/27 HDSB Student Senator!

As our Student Senator, Nila will help advocate for the voices and perspectives of our students, gather feedback from our school community, and connect our school with the broader HDSB Student Senate. We are excited to see the leadership she will bring to this important role and look forward to hearing student ideas and perspectives represented at the Board level.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the students who applied. Preparing an application package and applying for a leadership role takes considerable time, effort, and courage, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who showed an interest in this opportunity. While only one student could be selected, we know there are many ways to lead and make a difference. We can’t wait to see the various ways our applicants continue to demonstrate leadership in our school community and beyond.

Congratulations, Nila, and thank you to all of our applicants!

Terra Cotta cookie fundraiser

CH Norton Public School is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies again this year to bring you delicious, peanut and nut-free cookies you will love. Choose from 12 scrumptious cookie dough flavours, including two gluten-free choices and a vegan option! Each box contains 40 x 20g pre-formed “Dough Drops™”. They come in compact boxes which are easily stored in your freezer to bake whenever that cookie craving hits. Pick-up and place on a cookie sheet to bake as many or as few as you want. But trust us, you’ll want to stock up because once you taste them, they won’t last long! There is also an option for already baked shortbread in a lovely gift box, perfect for gift giving.

Cookie Dough Drop Boxes are $16.00 each, and Shortbread Gift Boxes are $11.00 each.

Please see the link below to order:

https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/chnorton/ 

The campaign kicks off today and wraps up on November 4. The ordering web page closes at 11:59 p.m. on the final day. Orders will be available to pick up at CH Norton on November 18th. 

Halton Student Transportation Services safety presentations 

On Friday, October 23rd, our school will host the School Bus Rider Safety Program in the gym, presented by guest instructors from Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) in partnership with our school board and the Ministry of Education. Recommended for all students (JK–Grade 8) regardless of how they travel to school, these live presentations connect directly to the Health and Physical Education curriculum by teaching vital bus safety rules, safe boarding procedures, and injury prevention. Students in both Primary (JK–3) and Junior/Intermediate (4–8) divisions will attend presentations through the afternoon and may bring home safety literature and activity handouts to reinforce learning at home. 

Parent Involvement Committee conference

The HDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) invites parents/guardians and community members to attend the upcoming Parent Involvement Committee Conference on Saturday, October 24, from 9 am to 3:30 pm at Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton.

The theme for this year’s event is Get Connected. This free event will feature informative workshops, community partners and displays, and a Brunch and Learn session for collaboration and networking.

Childminding is available at no cost for Kindergarten-age children up to 12 years of age. Morning refreshments and lunch are also provided. Transportation may be available for attendees who require it to travel from various areas within Halton to the conference. Learn more and register on the HDSB website.

Important reminder: action needed for student forms  

1. Student Verification Form (Due October 23)

• Secure electronic forms were sent out on Wednesday, September 23. You will need your child’s OEN to open the file.

• Please complete the Student Verification Google Form even if no changes are required.

• Prefer a paper copy? Email Rhian Persson at perssonr@hdsb.ca.

2. September Start-Up Forms (Past Due — Immediate Action Required)

• Please submit these forms as soon as possible if you haven't already. They are required for photo permissions (e.g., CHN Instagram posts, yearbook, graduation composites)  and for your child to take part in school events like Community Walks and outdoor education excursions. 

• Complete them online today using the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form (hard copies were also sent home on Sept 8).

Kidssentials hot lunch program

Kidssentials is now back up and running for the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday's second break. Please see the following link for more information Kidssentials - Registration Information 

Lunchbox

We are now offering Lunchbox three times a week. 

Mondays: Pita Pit

Tuesday: Osmow’s 

Friday: Subway

Please use the following link for more information and how to order:

Lunchbox How to Order Guide for Parents

School Council

This Monday, we held our final School Council meeting for the 2025/26 school year alongside our first meeting for the 2026/27 school year. We were so pleased to see such a wonderful turnout and strong engagement in supporting our school community!

Our next meeting will be on Monday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM in the Library. A virtual link will also be provided closer to the date for anyone who would like to join online. 

Drop-off/Early Pick-up Reminders:

• Students will be called down after a parent/guardian arrives at the school for early dismissal

• Parents/Guardians should remain in the office and not in the hallways while waiting for your child(ren)

• If you should require to pick up your child prior to the end of day, please do so prior to 3:20 pm -any time after this you will need to wait until our 3:35 dismissal time

Upcoming important dates

• Oct 9: PA Day - No school for students

• Oct 12: Thanksgiving Monday 

• Oct 14: First Pizza Day

• Oct 20: Photo Day

• Oct 21: Take Me Outside Day

• Oct 23: School Bus Safety Presentation

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

We have enjoyed another energetic week at CHN! Our Nighthawks have been busy participating in Cross Country practices, Senior Volleyball tryouts, Band, Choir, and Flag Football. We also conducted two successful fire drills this week to practice our safety routines.

Looking ahead, please Save the Date for our Open House on Thursday, October 8th. We can’t wait to welcome our CHN community into the school for the evening! 

Pre-orders open for fall fun fair & open house 

Pressed Sandwiches will be serving up delicious food at our upcoming event! Make sure to secure your order ahead of time. Presales end on Monday, October 5th at 11:59 AM through School Cash Online.

On the Menu: Beef Burger - $10.25 Veggie Burger - $10.25 Chicken Hot Dog - $7.75  Fries - $7.75 Soft Drink (Can) - $2.25

Terra Cotta cookie fundraiser

CH Norton Public School is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies again this year to bring you delicious, peanut and nut-free cookies you will love. Choose from 12 scrumptious cookie dough flavours, including two gluten-free choices and a vegan option! Each box contains 40 x 20g pre-formed “Dough Drops™”. They come in compact boxes which are easily stored in your freezer to bake whenever that cookie craving hits. Pick-up and place on a cookie sheet to bake as many or as few as you want. But trust us, you’ll want to stock up because once you taste them, they won’t last long! There is also an option for already baked shortbread in a lovely gift box, perfect for gift giving.

Cookie Dough Drop Boxes are $16.00 each, and Shortbread Gift Boxes are $11.00 each.

Please see the link below to order:

https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/chnorton/ 

The campaign kicks off today and wraps up on November 4. The ordering web page closes at 11:59 p.m. on the final day. Orders will be available to pick up at CH Norton on November 18th. 

Terry Fox run 

Thank you for making this year’s Terry Fox School Run such a wonderful success!

Our annual run took place this past Monday, September 28th, during Period 5, and the energy was fantastic. The students had an incredible time running, walking, and showing their school spirit while keeping Terry’s Marathon of Hope alive.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our school community, we officially surpassed our original goal of $1,500 by raising an amazing $1,935.00!

Thank you again for your continued support in helping our students make a meaningful difference.

National day for Truth & Reconciliation 

We are so proud of our students for participating in meaningful conversations, listening, and reflecting as part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Some of the activities students completed on September 28th for Orange Shirt Day have been posted on our school Instagram page. If you aren't already following, we invite families to check us out @chnortonps!

Important reminder: action needed for student forms  

1. Student Verification Form (Due October 23)

• Secure electronic forms were sent out on Wednesday, September 23. You will need your child’s OEN to open the file.

• Please complete the Student Verification Google Form even if no changes are required.

• Prefer a paper copy? Email Rhian Persson at perssonr@hdsb.ca.

2. September Start-Up Forms (Past Due — Immediate Action Required)

• If you haven't submitted these yet, please complete them right away. These forms are required for your child to participate in events, such as Community Walks.

• Complete them online today using the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form (hard copies were also sent home on Sept 8).

Kidssentials hot lunch program

Kidssentials is now back up and running for the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday's second break. Please see the following link for more information Kidssentials - Registration Information 

Lunchbox

We are now offering Lunchbox three times a week. 

Mondays: Pita Pit

Tuesday: Osmow’s 

Friday: Subway

Please use the following link for more information and how to order:

Lunchbox How to Order Guide for Parents

School Council: 

Please join us in welcoming our new, acclaimed School Council Executive Team:

• Chair: Krista Kukkonen

• Co-Chair: Shraeya Jain

• Treasurer: Suchi Beri

• Secretary: Richa Mahajan

• PIC Rep: Alicia McMillan

(Note: As each executive position received one nomination, all candidates were acclaimed and an election was not required.)

A special thank you as well to all of our Voting Members for stepping forward to support our school community!

First School Council Meeting

Date: Monday, October 5, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: CHN Library

All CHN parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend. Come connect with us, participate in meaningful conversations, and explore ways to get involved in driving student achievement this year.

We look forward to seeing you on October 5th! 

Drop-off/Early Pick-up Reminders:

• Students will be called down after a parent/guardian arrives at the school for early dismissal

• Parents/Guardians should remain in the office and not in the hallways while waiting for your child(ren)

• If you should require to pick up your child prior to the end of day, please do so prior to 3:20 pm -any time after this you will need to wait until our 3:35 dismissal time

Upcoming important dates

• Oct 4: Session 1 Pizza Orders due on School Cash Online

• Oct 5: Pressed Sandwiches Open House/Fall Fair Presales due

• Oct 5: First School Council Meeting (6:00 PM)

• Oct 7: Cross Country Meet @ Sherwood Park

• Oct 8: Open House & Community Social (5:00 PM)

• Oct 9: PA Day - No School for Students

• Oct 12: Thanksgiving Monday 

• Oct 20: Photo Day

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

As the crisp fall weather arrives, we have been grateful for this week's beautifully sunny skies! It has been an active week around CHN with Cross Country practices, Senior Volleyball tryouts, Band, Choir, Flag Football, and our first successful lockdown drill of the year to practice our safety routines.

Looking ahead, please Save the Date for our Open House on Thursday, October 8th. More details will follow soon, and we can’t wait to welcome our CHN community into the school for the evening!

Terry Fox run 

Our annual Terry Fox School Run is happening this Monday, September 28th, during Period 5! We are proud to keep Terry’s Marathon of Hope alive at CH Norton, and we are currently at $930 toward our $1,500 goal.

Students will participate in a brief video viewing at 2:00 PM before heading out on our community walk. Families are welcome to join us along the route! If you are able to help support life-saving cancer research, please consider donating on our CH Norton Terry Fox School Fundraising Page. 

A friendly reminder: if you have not already done so, please complete the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form to ensure your child can participate in our Terry Fox Community walk. 

National day for Truth & Reconciliation 

As we approach September 30th, our school community will pause to reflect on the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honors residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.

As part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation, students will engage with authentic Indigenous voices, stories and resources.  Classes will explore the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, the origins of Orange Shirt Day, and our shared responsibility to take meaningful action toward reconciliation.  

We invite all students to wear an orange shirt on September 30th as a visible expression of respect, solidarity, and support. We also encourage families to continue these important conversations at home.

Learn more on the Ministry website: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Ontario.ca

Thank you for joining us as we foster empathy, connection, and respect within our school.

Special guest assembly: Aubrey Noronha from Hello Hope

This week, our school had the privilege of welcoming guest speaker Aubrey Noronha from Hello Hope. Aubrey delivered a powerful presentation focused on understanding racism, recognizing bias, and treating everyone as part of one human family.

He challenged our students to be "color aware and color kind," inspiring them to actively practice anti-racism by caring for others and standing up against harmful ideas. Reminding our students, "You are the leaders of tomorrow…whether you want to be or not, whether you care or not, whether you're good at it or not," Aubrey left us with a message of encouragement: "We have a lot of hope for you! Go out there and do all the good that you can."

Thank you to Aubrey for helping us learn, reflect, and grow together as a caring community!

Telling Tales opportunity

Telling Tales is hosting its annual literary festival at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington on Saturday, Oct. 3. As Canada’s leading children’s literary festival since 2009 and a registered charity, Telling Tales puts homegrown Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers at centre stage. View the flyer or visit tellingtales.org for more information.

School parking lot safety & E-Scooter regulations

Please be aware that electric scooters are prohibited on all school sidewalks, playgrounds and within school buildings. E-scooters are not permitted to be stored in school.

In Halton, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks or trails. E-scooters must be operated on personal property and the rider must be at least 16 years old. 

The City of Burlington is currently running a two-year Centennial Trail E-Scooter Pilot until 2027, which allows e-scooters only on designated sections of the Centennial Trail between Brant Street, the Elgin Promenade and Burloak Drive. Outside of this defined pilot corridor, e-scooters remain prohibited on all other public roads, sidewalks and trails in Burlington. 

In addition to adhering to local by-laws, e-scooter riders are required under the Highway Traffic Act to use a CSA-approved motorcycle or bicycle helmet (if under the age of 18) For more information about e-scooter safety, view the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's guidelines and the Halton Regional Police Service Safety Tips webpage. 

Scent-sensitive environment

In line with Halton District School Board guidelines, C.H. Norton is a scent-sensitive environment. We have students and staff with health conditions and allergies that are triggered by strong fragrances, so please avoid wearing or sending scented personal products (e.g., body sprays, scented lotions, and scented hand sanitizers) to school. Thank you for helping us keep our school healthy and safe for all of our Nighthawks!

Student information verification forms/start-up forms  

Verification forms were sent electronically on Wednesday September 23rd. This is a secure email and you will require your child's OEN to open the file. Please complete the Student Verification Google form even if no changes are required to your child' s information. Please complete the Google form by October 23rd.  If you require a paper copy of your child' s verification form, please email Rhian Persson at perssonr@hdsb.ca. 

A friendly reminder that if you have not already done so, please complete the start-up forms as soon as possible. These are important forms and are necessary for participation in activities like Terry Fox and Community walks. Please use the following link: C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form. Separate hard-copy forms were also sent home with students on Sept 8th. All forms were due by September 24, 2026 . 

Kidssentials hot lunch program

Kidssentials is now back up and running for the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday's second break. Please see the following link for more information Kidssentials - Registration Information 

Lunchbox

We are now offering Lunchbox three times a week. 

Mondays: Pita Pit

Tuesday: Osmow’s 

Friday: Subway

Please use the following link for more information and how to order:

Lunchbox How to Order Guide for Parents

School Council update

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination form for our C.H. Norton School Council! Stay tuned for an update regarding elected positions. Our first formal School Council meeting will be on Monday, October 5th at 6:00 PM. 

Support Food 4 Kids Halton

One of our Food4Kids Halton volunteers created Wicked Wipes after his daughter became seriously ill. His mission is to help prevent the spread of germs by providing individually wrapped sanitizing wipes that are easy to keep in backpacks, lunch bags, purses, and cars.

Available for $34 per 50-pack, Wicked Wipes are a practical way to prepare for cold and flu season while supporting the more than 1,200 local elementary school children who rely on Food4Kids Halton each weekend for healthy food.

From September 18 to October 18, every purchase through this campaign helps support local kids. If you’re able, we would be grateful if you could share this campaign with your school community through your newsletter or parent communications.

Purchase Wicked Wipes here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/food4kids-halton/events/clean-hands-kind-hearts-big-impact-1/

Upcoming important dates

• Sept 28: School Terry Fox Run (Period 5)

• Sept 30: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

• Oct 4: Session 1 Pizza Orders due on School Cash Online

• Oct 5: First School Council Meeting (6:00 PM)

• Oct 7: Cross Country Meet @ Sherwood Park

• Oct 8: Open House & Community Social (5:00 PM)

• Oct 12: Thanksgiving Monday 

• Oct 20: Photo Day

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

Good afternoon, Nighthawk Families!

What an energetic start to the school year! It is amazing how quickly these first two weeks have flown by as our Nighthawks find their rhythm, establish daily routines, and build strong connections across the school.

That momentum is everywhere, both in our co-curriculars and in our school leadership. On the field and in the music room, activities are already in full swing with flag football tryouts, cross-country info meetings, senior band signups, and senior volleyball preparations all underway this week.

Alongside these activities, our students are taking an active role in shaping our school culture. Mrs. McAra and Ms. Savo met with each class last week to define our shared commitments to starting strong together. Additionally, several Grade 6–8 students joined us for a Student By Design meeting to brainstorm creative ways to maximize our outdoor shared spaces. There’s much more planning ahead, but we are incredibly proud of how these student leaders stepped up to advocate for themselves and their peers.

Not following us on Instagram yet? Head over to @chnortonps to see our daily moments of joy, connection, and community in action!    

Terry Fox run 

We are proud to keep Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope alive! Our annual Terry Fox School Run will take place on Monday, September 28th, during Period 5, and we would love for parents to join us. Please help us support life-saving cancer research by making a donation on our CH Norton Terry Fox School Fundraising Page.

There will be a brief assembly for students at 2:00 PM, followed by a walk through our community. Families are welcome to join us on the walk, and we are looking for parent volunteers to help guide students along our route.

If you're able to volunteer, or have any questions, please contact Ms. Vandenbarselaar -  vandenbarsel@hdsb.ca. 

National day for Truth & Reconciliation 

As we approach September 30th, our school community will pause to reflect on the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honors residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.

As part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation, students will engage with authentic Indigenous voices, stories and resources.  Classes will explore the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, the origins of Orange Shirt Day, and our shared responsibility to take meaningful action toward reconciliation.  

We invite all students to wear an orange shirt on September 30th as a visible expression of respect, solidarity, and support. We also encourage families to continue these important conversations at home.

Learn more on the Ministry website: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Ontario.ca

Thank you for joining us as we foster empathy, connection, and respect within our school.

School Cash online

For new and returning students that have not registered for School Cash Online, please follow the link below for instructions on how to register:

How to Register for School Cash Online

If you do not have your child’s Halton Student Number to register for School Cash Online, please contact Rhian Persson (perssonr@hdsb.ca). 

Fall fun fair - Silent auction basket donations

We are hoping to collect some additional items to put our themed baskets for this year's Fun Fair silent auction! Last year these baskets raised over $2500 to support school initiatives, and your generosity makes a huge difference.

If anyone has any last minute donations for our silent auction baskets, please have them dropped off in the office before September 25, 2026. We are collecting new, unopened items that match any of the themes listed below.

Basket themes:

• Arts & Crafts — markers, paints, sketchbooks, craft kits, stickers

• Movie Night — popcorn, movie gift cards, cozy blankets

• Animal Lover — plush toys, books, pet supplies, puzzles, animal‑themed games

• Cooking & Baking — mixes, utensils, cookie cutters, aprons, cookbooks

• Sports & Beach Day — balls, frisbees, sunscreen, water bottles, towels

• Gardening & Outdoors — seeds, gloves, tools, bug catchers, solar lights

• Game Night & Books — board games, card games, puzzle books, novels

• Spa & Wellness — lotions, bath bombs, candles, face masks, wellness journals

• Coffee & Tea Lovers — gourmet coffee, tea blends, mugs, gift cards, treats

• Home Care — dish detergent, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies

If there are any community members who would like a vendor table or would like to contribute to the fun fair, please reach out to Krista Kukkonen at krista.kukkonen79@gmail.com for additional information.

Thank you so much for helping us make this year's event a success!

School Council nominations

Please consider joining our School Council! If you are interested, please submit your Nomination Form by Thursday, September 24th at 4:00 PM.

• Elections (if needed): Virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 PM (link will be sent to nominees).

• First Meeting: Monday, October 5th, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the Library.

• Note: Regular meetings occur on the first Monday of the month (minimum of 4 times through the year, dates to be determined). For details, view the HDSB School Council Handbook.

School start-up forms

A friendly reminder to complete your annual start-up forms if you haven't already. You can get a head start online using the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form. Separate hard-copy forms were also sent home with students on Sept 8th. All forms are due by September 24, 2026 . Information regarding Student Verification Forms will be available later in September. 

HDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee conference

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

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.

Community screening: Screenagers - Generation AI

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, we are 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.

Upcoming important dates

• Sept 22: Practice Lockdown Drill

• Sept 22: Hearing and Vision Clinic

• Sept 28: School Terry Fox Run (Period 5)

• Sept 30: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

• Oct 4: Session 1 Pizza Orders due on School Cash Online

• Oct 5: First School Council Meeting (6:00 PM)

• Oct 7: Cross Country Meet @ Sherwood Park

• Oct 8: Open House & Fall Fair (5:00 PM)

• Oct 12: Thanksgiving Monday 

• Oct 20: Photo Day

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

Good afternoon, Nighthawk Families!

We have had a fantastic start to the school year! It has been wonderful to see our hallways filled with energy, laughter, and students eager to learn and reconnect. As we settle into the weeks ahead, we look forward to a year of growth, strong collaboration, and great memories together.

Pet safety reminder

For the safety and comfort of all students, please keep dogs off the school pavement during drop-off and pick-up times. This helps ensure a calm, safe, and allergy-aware environment for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!

Fall fun fair - Silent auction basket donations

We are hoping to collect some additional items to put our themed baskets for this year's Fun Fair silent auction! Last year these baskets raised over $2500 to support school initiatives, and your generosity makes a huge difference.

If anyone has any last minute donations for our silent auction baskets, please have them dropped off in the office before September 25, 2026. We are collecting new, unopened items that match any of the themes listed below.

Basket themes:

• Arts & Crafts — markers, paints, sketchbooks, craft kits, stickers

• Movie Night — popcorn, candy, DVDs, movie gift cards, cozy blankets

• Animal Lover — plush toys, books, pet supplies, puzzles, animal‑themed games

• Cooking & Baking — mixes, utensils, cookie cutters, aprons, cookbooks

• Sports & Beach Day — balls, frisbees, sunscreen, water bottles, towels

• Gardening & Outdoors — seeds, gloves, tools, bug catchers, solar lights

• Game Night & Books — board games, card games, puzzle books, novels

• Spa & Wellness — lotions, bath bombs, candles, face masks, wellness journals

• Coffee & Tea Lovers — gourmet coffee, tea blends, mugs, gift cards, treats

• Home Care — dish detergent, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies

If there are any community members who would like a vendor table or would like to contribute to the fun fair, please reach out to Krista Kukkonen at krista.kukkonen79@gmail.com for additional information.

Thank you so much for helping us make this year's event a success!

School Council nominations

Please consider joining our School Council! If you are interested, please submit your Nomination Form Link by Thursday, September 24th at 4:00 PM.

• Elections (if needed): Virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 PM (link will be sent to nominees).

• First Meeting: Monday, October 5th, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the Library.

• Note: Regular meetings occur on the first Monday of every month. For details, view the HDSB School Council Handbook.

School start-up forms

A friendly reminder to complete your annual start-up forms if you haven't already. You can get a head start online using the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms Google Form. Separate hard-copy forms were also sent home with students on Sept 8th. All forms are due by September 24, 2026 . Information regarding Student Verification Forms will be available later in September. 

Terry Fox run 

We are proud to keep Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope alive! Our annual Terry Fox School Run will take place on Monday, September 28th, during Period 5, and we would love for parents to join us. Please help us support life-saving cancer research by making a donation on our CH Norton Terry Fox School Fundraising Page.

There will be a brief assembly for students at 2:00 PM, followed by a walk through our community. Families are welcome to join us, and we are looking for parent volunteers to help guide students along our route.

If you're able to volunteer, or have any questions, please contact Ms. Vandenbarselaar -  vandenbarsel@hdsb.ca. 

Safety drill notice

As we start the new school year, we will be practicing our safety routines so students and staff feel prepared and confident in our responses.

In accordance with Ministry of Education policies requiring two practice lockdown drills per school year, our first lockdown drill will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd. We will also be practicing fire drills in the coming weeks. Spreading these practice runs out over time helps us build calm, familiar habits for everyone.

School schedule & supervision hours

Please note our daily schedule below. To avoid disruptions, we kindly ask families to refrain from picking up students during outdoor nutrition breaks whenever possible.

Questions or concerns?

We value open communication with our school community. If you ever have a question or concern, please refer to the How to Resolve Issues and Concerns webpage on hdsb.ca. 

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.

Upcoming important dates

• Sept 22: Practice Lockdown Drill

• Sept 28: School Terry Fox Run (Period 5)

• Sept 30: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

• Oct 5: First School Council Meeting (6:00 PM)

• Oct 7: Cross Country Meet @ Sherwood Park

• Oct 8: Open House & Fall Fair (5:00 PM)

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI.

Good afternoon, Nighthawk Families!

We are so excited for the school year to begin Tuesday!  We can’t wait to see our hallways filled with energy, laughter and students and staff eager to learn and connect.  As we welcome everyone back next week, you will notice some great updates to our outdoor spaces, including landscaping in the Kindergarten area and fresh blacktop painting. A special thanks to Houston’s Painting Plus and Colour Land Paint & Decor Graymondi Colour Collection for donating the materials and their time to refresh our main exterior walls and doors!

First day procedures

• Teachers will meet students starting at 9:00am.  Grades 1-8 classes will be on the blacktop; Kindergarten will be at the enclosed playground.

• Additional staff will be there to help connect students with their teachers.

• Families are asked to communicate how their child will be going home (e.g., Today’s Family, walk, bus) to the homeroom teacher. 

• Teachers will have signs identifying themselves and their class code.

• At dismissal students in Grades 1-8 will exit through the Primary or Junior/Intermediate doors leading to the blacktop. Kindergarten students will be dismissed at the Kindergarten playground.

• A reminder that furry friends are to remain just off the blacktop (edge of blacktop/grass). 

School hours

 Getting to/from school safely

To ensure our buses can move safely and to keep our students out of harm's way, please remember that our parking lot is closed to cars during entry and exit times. We will be using large pylons to close off the back lot and exit areas from 9:00–9:15 am and 3:30–3:50 pm each day.

We encourage all students to walk, scooter (not electric), or bike to school to help limit congestion. If you are dropping off your child, please use the quiet neighboring streets and remind students to stay on the sidewalks. We’ve included a map of our crossing guard locations below and strongly encourage families to use these supports on Cleaver rather than crossing mid-street. Thank you for your help in keeping our CHN community safe!

Bussing

Check in with HaltonBus regularly before school starts for eligibility, bus routes and transportation information.  

Technology Policy at CH Norton

Please read the Technology Policy at CH Norton and review with your child our expectations around technology use at school.

Welcome coffee & tea for new CHN families

Are you new to the CH Norton community this year? Once the bell rings and your child is settled in class, please join us in the library at 9:25 AM for a warm welcome! This casual drop-in is strictly for new parents and caregivers to grab a cup of coffee or tea, connect with other new families, and meet our resource staff, admin team and some of our community members. We’d love to say hello and help you feel right at home in the Nest!

Welcome new staff to CHN

We would like to welcome the following staff who are new to CHN.

• Ms. Britt - DECE

• Ms. Cardenas (LTO for Ms. Jacobs)- Gr 1

• Ms. Nakamura - Gr ⅘

• Ms. Faizi (LTO for Ms. Frieday)- Gr 6/7 

• Mr. Marshall (LTO for Ms. Scully)- Gr 8

• Mr. Forani - Coverage/Phys Ed

• Ms. Milosavijevic - French

• Ms. Franchuk - ESL/ELD

• Ms. McDonald - Social Worker

We are also welcoming back to CHN:

• Ms. Cowie (LTO for Ms. Colling) - FDK

School start-up forms

 A key task for the start of the year is completing our annual start-up forms. You can get a head start online using the C.H. Norton Public School 2026/27 September Start-Up Forms. Separate hard-copy forms will also be sent home with students on Sept 8th. Please return all completed forms by September 24, 2026 . Information regarding Student Verification Forms will be available later in September. 

Hearing and vision clinic

It’s Hearing and Vision Screening time! A School Screening Association clinic will be at C.H. Norton PS on: September 15th, 2026.

Register your child and complete the payment through this Online Registration link.       

The deadline for registration is September 14th, 2026 at 9 a.m. and the duration at the school may be adjusted based on student participation.

A fee of $25.00 is collected to help offset the cost of bringing this clinic to our school.

Important reminder: we are a nut free school!

We want to remind all families that we have students and staff with severe, life-threatening allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. To help keep our school community safe, please do not send snacks or lunches that contain nuts, nut products, or labels that state "may contain" nuts.

We also kindly ask that you remind your children not to share or trade food at school. Thank you so much for your cooperation and for helping us keep all of our students safe and healthy!

Follow us on Instagram 

We are excited to launch our official Instagram page! Follow us @chnortonps to catch glimpses of student learning, upcoming events, and all the wonderful things happening at CHN.

Mark your calendars

September 7th- Labour Day

September 8th- First day of school, Coffee in the library for new families (parents or caregivers) at 9:25 am

September 15th - Hearing and Vision Clinic

September 28- Terry Fox

September 30th- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

October 8th - Open House & Fall Fair

Have a wonderful weekend and see you on September 8th!

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI

Good afternoon, Nighthawk Families!

We hope you are having a relaxing summer enjoying the outdoors and creating memories with loved ones. As we prepare for a brand-new school year, we are thrilled to welcome our returning and new families to the Nest!

Class Lists

Class lists will be emailed on Friday, September 4th at 4:00 PM. Our staff have taken great care in creating balanced learning environments where every student can thrive, and we truly appreciate your trust and partnership in this process. At this time, we will not be making changes to class placements. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to ensure a positive start to the school year for all students. 

Weekly Friday Updates

Check our school website every Friday after 5:00 pm for important news and announcements. Next week's update will cover essential start-up details, including first-day procedures, and key calendar dates. Taking a few moments each week to review these posts will help keep our whole community connected.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Tech-Assisted, Human-Approved: This newsletter was curated by C.H. Norton staff with creative and editorial support from AI