Weekly Update

May 2

We call this time of the year MaJune as these two final months blend together and go by so quickly.  It is hard to believe that there are 8 weeks of school left in this year!  Let’s make the most out of every moment.  

Mr. Flahat, our Superintendent came for his spring visit on Friday.  He was met by our Student of Excellence, Marcus as well as members of our Caucus and some grade 4 students who spoke about the No Mow Zone and Junior Integration!  We was amazed by the students’ ability to share their engagement and learning as well as the ties to the Board’s Multi Year Plan.  

On Monday at 1:45 (**Please note timing change**), we will be recognizing the importance of music education by participating in Music Monday.  Ms. Jansz has put together an assembly that showcases some of the musical opportunities at DCB and will culminate in the singing of Canadian Rockers Triumph’s song Hold On including special Community representation.  

We plan on videotaping the singing of this song to submit it to the Coalition For Music Education for consideration to win $1,000 for our music program.  This request falls outside of the permission to photograph students that you received in September.  Submitted videos will be viewed by Rik Emmett, vocalist and guitar player for Triumph!  

• Please note that this recording will be used for promotional purposes outside of the HDSB by the Coalition.

• Please note that a copy of the video will be sent to the Coalition after capturing the performance which will indicate a link to Dr. Charles Best PS in Burlington.  

• Other than the video and the link to DCB, no other identifying information will be shared.  

• The video will capture groups of students, not individuals and no names.  

Please email DRCPS@hdsb.ca if you do not want your child included in the video by Monday at 12:00 PM.

• Students in grades 3, 4, 5 are asked to bring their recorder to School on Monday as they will be showcased during the assembly.  
  
  
• All Students are welcome to wear Spirit Day colours (DCB wear or favourite colours)

Class Building Repost 

We will begin building classes for next year in the next few weeks.  I want you to know that the DCB staff puts considerable thought into developing an understanding of students’ learning profiles.  We then spend time sharing student learning profiles with next year’s teachers when they are confirmed.  We are a small school but I want you to know that we are growing.  Final organizations and class placements will be shared on the Friday August 28, 2026. 

Parents are welcome to send me an email for consideration when class building if they wish.  This email might reinforce a parent’s understanding of their child’s learning profile, social connections that are either desirable if possible as well as connections that might need a break.  These messages should only come to me at thomsonp@hdsb.ca and need to be received by May 15, 2026. 

Upcoming Events- Repost

There are a number of events coming up that we would like you to consider putting in your calendar.  All of these events are also posted on the School Calendar found by scrolling to the bottom of our webpage’s main page (we are working to make this more accessible)

May 4th is Music Monday.  **Timing Change**  Please consider joining us for an outdoor (weather permitting) singing this year's anthem “Hold On’ by Canadian rockers Triumph!  We are trying to sing this song ~1:45 to join in with other schools across the country.  Ms. Jansz will confirm the entire song order this week but plan on joining us ~1:45 on the blacktop.  

May 12- Junior Relay Meet at Hayden

May 19th- Kindergarten Orientation 6-7 PM

May 20th- Family Arts Night (connect with Ms. Jansz if you can assist in setting up or supervising some of the stations)

May 21st- Third annual Chess Tournament @ Paul A. Fisher P. S. (more details to come)

Week of May 25- Grade 3 EQAO Provincial Practice Test 

May 29- Grade 5 visit to SEM

June 2, 3, 4- Grade 3 EQAO

June 9- End of Year Family Picnic- DCB School Council

June 15- Junior Track and Field

June 23- Grade 5 Celebration- 1:35

June 24- SK “Hop The Fence" Celebration- 1:35

June 26- Last day of School 1:45 dismissal

April 25

What a Week!  I marvel at all of the activity going on in and around our school and feel so fortunate to be part of it all. A couple of highlights for me were the activities in support of Earth Day (including our whole school outdoor picnic) as well as the Rock Band from SEM performance on Thursday.  This was in addition to all of the other goings on like crochet club, art club, digging club, batting practice, junior basketball, relay practice, soccer, manhunt, musical theatre, choir and chess club.  A huge thank you to the staff for providing such a menu of activities for the students.  

Class Building 

We will begin building classes for next year in the next few weeks.  I want you to know that the DCB staff puts considerable thought into developing an understanding of students’ learning profiles.  We then spend time sharing student learning profiles with next year’s teachers when they are confirmed.  We are a small school but I want you to know that we are growing.  Final organizations and class placements will be shared on the Friday August 28, 2026. 

Parents are welcome to send me an email for consideration when class building if they wish.  This email might reinforce a parent’s understanding of their child’s learning profile, social connections that are either desirable if possible as well as connections that might need a break.  These messages should only come to me at thomsonp@hdsb.ca and need to be received by May 15, 2026. 

For Your Calendar

There are a number of events coming up that we would like you to consider putting in your calendar.  All of these events are also posted on the School Calendar found by scrolling to the bottom of our webpage’s main page (we are working to make this more accessible)

• Music Monday
  Monday, May 4th, 1:45pm 
  Families are invited to join us on the blacktop as we raise our voices with Students all across Canada. Feel free to learn the Music Monday anthem this year, 'Hold On' by Triumph.  Listen, sing and be a part of the amazing community of Music that unites us all! 
• May 12- Junior Relay Meet at Hayden
• May 19th- Kindergarten Orientation 6-7 PM
• Arts Night
  Wednesday, May 20th, 6-8pm
  Arts Night is coming to DCB!  Save the Date! 
  The whole school community is invited to an incredible evening of The Arts!  Our students are working hard to prepare for this event... you won't want to miss it!  (connect with Ms. Jansz if you can assist in setting up or supervising some of the stations)
• May 21st- Third annual Chess Tournament @ Paul A. Fisher P. S. (more details to come)
• Week of May 25- Grade 3 EQAO Provincial Practice Test 
• May 29- Grade 5 visit to SEM
• June 2, 3, 4- Grade 3 EQAO
• June 9- End of Year Family Picnic- DCB School Council
• June 15- Junior Track and Field

Last Chance Cookie Lovers! 

Only a few days left to order your cookies! 

Order Deadline: April 29th, 2026

Get ready because the DCB School Council is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies for a delicious fundraiser!

Cookie Drops are just $15 per box, and the best part? 40% of every purchase goes straight back to DCB! 

Click the link below to place your order!

DCB TERRA COTTA FUNDRAISER

Don’t miss out, help our school AND treat yourself at the same time! 

April 18

Last week was full of nature’s surprises with the temperature, sun, wind and rain.  Please remember that we get outside often and students will be most comfortable if they are dressed for the everchanging conditions.  Please consider having a pair of shoes that are left at school as indoor shoes that can be changed into once students re-enter after being outside.  Families often consider packing a spare pair of pants and shorts to wear in the event a student falls on the wet grass or gets muddy in the sandpit.  

As you may be aware, we have a very active fox den along our fence line.  The fox did make an appearance during our morning nutrition break on Friday.  I want you to know that staff patrol the yard with a keen eye looking out for the fox.  As your child may have shared, we have whistles that we blow loudly to redirect the fox away from the playground.  Rest assured that in the event that the fox does not move off the field when students are coming out, we will relocate students to another place around or in the school.  I have already shared my observations and concerns with the City of Burlington.

Look for DCB out and about on Wednesday at different points during the day in recognition of Earth Day.  Please consider sending your child to school with gloves suitable for Community Cleanup activities- a limited number of gloves wil be available at the school. 

On Thursday, we will entertained by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Rock Band!  We are glad that they have included us on their current tour and look forward to hearing several former DCB students rock out during their performance.  Feel free to join us in the gym if you are available.  Doors open at 1:30- wristband policy is waived for this event!! 

This is a four day week for students.  Staff will be involved in Cyber Security and Generative AI training on Friday.  

Yearbook Ordering Time!

Don’t miss out on the memories! Pre-order your 2025-2026 Dr. Charles Best Yearbook today! 

Order Deadline: May 25th, 2026.

Yearbook cost is $23 per book and is ordered through the Edge Imaging Link below

 Order Now:  Edge Imaging Yearbook Orders

 School Code: DHB

Please note: Pre-orders only. No yearbooks will be sold at school.

Order yours today and make sure you don’t miss out on this cherished keepsake!

Courtesy Seat Application for 2026-27

Each year, in accordance with HSTS Procedure HS-1-004 – Courtesy Seats, families with children who are not eligible for school bus transportation to and from school, may apply for a courtesy seat. The HSTS Courtesy Seat online application will be open for submissions from April 15th, 2026 until Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

HSTS will complete the courtesy seat application review and allocation process over the summer, in order to allow approved courtesy riders to begin riding the bus on the first day of school in September 2026. Parents and guardians will be advised of the status of their application by the third week of August via email, to the primary contact provided to the school. Approved applicants can access their transportation schedule via the HSTS Parent Portal (Parent Portal Instructions) during the third week of August.

In addition, it would be helpful to request families complete the HSTS Opt out form if their eligible children do not intend on using the school bus in 2026-27. This will allow HSTS the opportunity to assign as many courtesy seat riders as possible over the summer. 

For more information, please visit the school staff page on haltonbus.ca for answers to frequently asked questions for school staff. Thank you for your assistance.

Attention Cookie Lovers! Don't Miss Out!!

Get ready because the DCB School Council is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies for a delicious fundraiser! 

Cookie Drops are just $15 per box, and the best part? 40% of every purchase goes straight back to DCB! 

Order Deadline: April 29th, 2026

Click the link below to place your order!

DCB TERRA COTTA FUNDRAISER

Don’t miss out, help our school AND treat yourself at the same time!

All proceeds will go toward Student Learning and Activities 

April 11

I want to thank your children for another busy but amazing week at DCB.  I also want to thank the staff for their responsiveness to student suggestions and concerns.  It all rolls into our quest for a school where everyone feels included, safe, and proud to belong to. 

I sent a message out last week regarding our Lockdown drill.  These drills are a part of our Emergency Preparedness Planning along with Fire Drills, Suspicious Package/Evacuation Drills and Hold and Secure Drills.  Students responded extremely well to the drill last week.  

Courtesy Seat Application for 2026-27

Each year, in accordance with HSTS Procedure HS-1-004 – Courtesy Seats, families with children who are not eligible for school bus transportation to and from school, may apply for a courtesy seat. The HSTS Courtesy Seat online application will be open for submissions from April 15th, 2026 until Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

HSTS will complete the courtesy seat application review and allocation process over the summer, in order to allow approved courtesy riders to begin riding the bus on the first day of school in September 2026. Parents and guardians will be advised of the status of their application by the third week of August via email, to the primary contact provided to the school. Approved applicants can access their transportation schedule via the HSTS Parent Portal (Parent Portal Instructions) during the third week of August.

We kindly request families complete the HSTS Opt out form if their eligible children do not intend on using the school bus in 2026-27. This will allow HSTS the opportunity to assign as many courtesy seat riders as possible over the summer. 

For more information, please visit the school staff page on haltonbus.ca for answers to frequently asked questions for school staff. Thank you for your assistance.

The School Council is putting their final plans together for the End of Year Family Picnic. Please mark your calendar for June 9. More details to follow regarding activities, food pre-ordering and other logistics. We are looking to broaden our volunteer pool for this event. If you are interested in helping out, please contact us at drbestevent@gmail.com 

FAMILY ARTS NIGHT! 

DCB families, join us for a vibrant evening to APPRECIATE, CREATE and CELEBRATE the Arts TOGETHER!

When: Wednesday, May 20th

Time: 6-8 pm

Where: DCB! 

What’s In Store?

• The Gallery Walk: Stroll through curated galleries showcasing the hard work and unique visions of our student artists

• Get Your Hands Dirty: Don’t just look -- create! We’ll have interactive stations where families can create together

• A World of Sound: Explore different instruments, listen to live music, and find your family’s rhythm 

• Scholastic Book Fair: Come and check out some new book titles for purchase 

• Get Into the Groove: Ready to move? Jump into a mini-workshop where you can learn a new catchy song or a few new dance moves

• The Grand Finale: We will cap off the night with a special performance by the choir at 7:45 pm

Attention Cookie Lovers! 

Get ready because the DCB School Council is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies for a delicious fundraiser! 

Cookie Drops are just $15 per box, and the best part? 40% of every purchase goes straight back to DCB! 

Order Deadline: April 29th, 2026

Click the link below to place your order!

DCB TERRA COTTA FUNDRAISER

Don’t miss out, help our school AND treat yourself at the same time!

All proceeds will go toward Student Learning and Activities 

April 4

Two four day weeks for students means we don’t get to see your children again until Tuesday April 7. Our hope is that you are enjoying time together this long weekend.  My apologies for the delay in getting this message out to you. 

The School Council met last week to put final plans together for the End of Year Family Picnic. Please mark your calendar for June 9. More details to follow regarding activities, food pre-ordering and other logistics. We are looking to broaden our volunteer pool for this event. If you are interested in helping out, please contact us at drbestevent@gmail.com 

FAMILY ARTS NIGHT! 

DCB families, join us for a vibrant evening to APPRECIATE, CREATE and CELEBRATE the Arts TOGETHER!

The Details

When: Wednesday, May 20th

Time: 6-8 pm

Where: DCB! 

What’s In Store?

• The Gallery Walk: Stroll through curated galleries showcasing the hard work and unique visions of our student artists

• Get Your Hands Dirty: Don’t just look -- create! We’ll have interactive stations where families can create together

• A World of Sound: Explore different instruments, listen to live music, and find your family’s rhythm 

• Scholastic Book Fair: Come and check out some new book titles for purchase 

• Get Into the Groove: Ready to move? Jump into a mini-workshop where you can learn a new catchy song or a few new dance moves

• The Grand Finale: We will cap off the night with a special performance by the choir at 7:45 pm

Attention Cookie Lovers! 

Get ready because the DCB School Council is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies for a delicious fundraiser! 

Cookie Drops are just $15 per box, and the best part? 40% of every purchase goes straight back to DCB! 

Order Deadline: April 29th, 2026

Click the link below to place your order!

DCB TERRA COTTA FUNDRAISER

Don’t miss out, help our school AND treat yourself at the same time!

All proceeds will go toward Student Learning and Activities 

March 28

We had another week full of excitement, activities and learning!  Recorder Karate has taken off for our older grades and the Ukeleles are being heard around the school.  Musical Theatre, Choir, Art Club, Comic Club, Digging/Sandbox Club, are just a few of the weekly activities going on.  Several students have signed up for Chess Club which will begin next week.  We also took delivery of some new soccer nets with the support of the School Council that give us three full sized soccer pitches as well as a set of nets for our Kindergarten students to use at breaks.  Thanks to Aria, Abby, Phoenix and Hudson from Ms. Pryde’s class for assembling the new nets.  I appreciate your leadership!  

In addition, several students engage in batting practice at breaks using a tball stand, soft bat and tennis balls.  Please note that students are only using school supplied balls and bats for nutrition breaks for safety.  Students are able to bring in their own baseball gloves (please label the glove with your child’s name).  Additionally, we have basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls going out at recess breaks.  Students are allowed to bring their own balls (well labelled) if they wish.    

On Thursday, DCB was represented by 2 teams at the Halton Skills Competition.  Although we are still awaiting our final score and standing, it was made clear to me by the Officials that our teams both represented themselves, their families and the DCB community to the highest degree.  Congratulations!  It was a pleasure to clap this team back in yesterday morning to Mr. Roboto!  

Yesterday was also a day of support for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Our day began with a rousing rendition of “Okay Blue Jays” in the halls.  Perhaps you got to hear about it at home as well!  Let’s Go Jays!! 

School Council Update

The DCB School Council will meet on April 1 at 7:00 in the Art Hall.  We are putting final plans together for the Spring Fun Fair. All are welcome to join either in person or virtually through this link.   

March 21

I hope you have had a wonderful March Break and had a chance to enjoy time as a family.  We look forward to reconnecting with students on Monday as we jump right back into learning, laughing and belonging together.  

Our newly updated Website has a new link for the Saturday Synopsis.  Please follow this link to access the weekly Synopsis.  

On March 26, DCB will be sending 2 teams to the Halton Skills Competition at the New Street Education Centre!  Good luck to both of our teams!!

Blue Jays Spirit Day – Friday, March 27 

To celebrate the start of a new baseball season and the Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener, our school will be hosting a Blue Jays Spirit Day on Friday, March 27!  Students are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing Blue Jays fan gear, blue clothing, or their own baseball attire. Let’s fill the school with blue and celebrate another exciting season of baseball together!

Go Jays Go!

SK Grad Photos

Adults with students in SK are asked to circle April 1 on your calendar as this is the date for the SK Grad Photos.  More details to come.  

Term 3 Pizza Days 

Deadline to Order - March 23rd, 2026

When: Every Tuesday from April 7st to June 23rd

Each slice will be individually wrapped and provided by Little Caesars, ensuring safety remains our top priority.

Pizza Options:

• Cheese Pizza

• Gluten-Friendly Crust (please note: gluten-friendly, not gluten-free)

• Dairy-Free (No Cheese) Pizza

Ordering Information:

Orders must be placed through School Cash Online no later than March 23rd.

Late orders are unable to be accepted.

If you have more than one student at Dr. Charles Best, please place a separate order for each child to ensure their slice(s) are delivered to the correct classroom.

 Refunds will not be provided for absences on pizza days.

Allergen Safety & Dietary Accommodations:

• Gluten-friendly crust is available upon request (not certified gluten-free)

• Cheese-free pizza is available upon request

Need Help?

If you do not have a School Cash Online account, please contact the school for assistance in setting one up.

March 7

I hope that you have spent a bit of time outside today enjoying some of the sunny breaks between the showers.  We expect some more of the same this week at school which will likely have us off the field as it thaws and dries up.  When possible, we will continue to go outside at breaks so please ensure students come dressed for the weather.  

Last week was our final session of the Crash Rhythm workshops.  During the week there was a blend of drumming and recorder practicing going on as well at the Music Battle of the Decades.  Don't be surprised if your child requests some additions to the family playlists at home!

Students in Ms. Pryde’s class created an initiative in support of our pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals at DCB.  Yesterday and every Friday in March at 2:00, our school goes ‘lights out’ for 20 minutes where it is safe to do so.  

A few staff might have needed some Voltaren this morning after answering the challenge to play against the Boys’ Volleyball team.  It was a lot of fun for all and a great way to bring us together.  The Girls’ team has challenged the Staff this week- time to stretch Teachers.  The Girls are definitely going to bring it!!

This week will also provide us with some time to view Canada’s Paralympic teams as they demonstrate the pursuit of excellence in athletes- no matter what.  We wish our teams all the best.  To recognize their commitments, we will have a Spirit Day on Friday.  Students might want to wear Canada gear or colours, their own team jerseys, DCB wear or come dressed in their favourite colours.  Go Canada!!

Term 3 Pizza Days 

Deadline to Order - March 23rd, 2026

When: Every Tuesday from April 7st to June 23rd

Each slice will be individually wrapped and provided by Little Caesars, ensuring safety remains our top priority.

Pizza Options:

• Cheese Pizza

• Gluten-Friendly Crust (please note: gluten-friendly, not gluten-free)

• Dairy-Free (No Cheese) Pizza

Ordering Information:

Orders must be placed through School Cash Online no later than March 23rd 

Late orders are unable to be accepted.

If you have more than one student at Dr. Charles Best, please place a separate order for each child to ensure their slice(s) are delivered to the correct classroom.

Refunds will not be provided for absences on pizza days.

Allergen Safety & Dietary Accommodations:

• Gluten-friendly crust is available upon request (not certified gluten-free)

• Cheese-free pizza is available upon request

Need Help?

If you do not have a School Cash Online account, please contact the school for assistance in setting one up.