August 29th, 2025

Dear Students and Parents:

I would like to welcome everyone back from summer, and also take this opportunity to introduce myself.  This is my 13th year at Glenview Public School. I have been teaching since 2003, and I have taught Grades 5 and 6 during my time at Lakeshore Public School and Glenview Public School.  My family and I live in Burlington, not far from Mapleview Centre. I enjoy living in the same community that I teach in, and it's always fun to run into Glenview students (past and present) around town.

Agendas:

I will be giving each student an agenda where they are able to record important information (e.g., homework due dates, upcoming events, forms/quizzes to be signed and returned). I ask that a parent is able to initial the agenda each day. You can also write a quick note to me if required (you can also reach me via email). 

Websites:

There are several websites that you should be aware of and visit. 

• Mr. Brandreth's Website:  

My website is full of useful information and I encourage you to check it frequently. I will have the agenda information listed everyday, along with the bi-weekly spelling words, interesting websites.  I also have a Twitter link to my class Twitter account that will have information and announcements about our class and the activities that we're doing.

• Glenview Website: http://glv.hdsb.ca

The Glenview website is updated frequently. It has important announcements, useful links, and the staff website links.

• Mr. Brandreth's X Page/Account: www.x.com/mrbrandreth

I am aiming to become a more a frequent "tweeter" than I was last year. I find it an excellent medium to share information about what the happenings in our class, in our school, and in the community. I have a X link on my website homepage (it is pretty hard to miss!). If you are on X, I encourage you to follow me on X (@MrBrandreth), and this will allow you to receive my tweets to your computer or personal device.

Halton District School Board: www.hdsb.ca

There are many resources on the board's website, your "go-to" spot for board-wide information about closures, bus-cancellations, and other board-level news.  

Contacting Me:

Should you need to contact me, there are numerous ways to do so. Emailing me (brandrethp@hdsb.ca) is probably the best method as I check it frequently. You can reach me at school by phone (905-634-6789) before and after school.

If you need to speak to me in person, please email or contact me to arrange a time to meet. We can also speak over the phone or via a Google Meet. I will be sure to set the time aside to meet with you as soon as possible.

Smartphones:

As you are probably aware, changes came into effect for the beginning of the previous school year. Cell phones are not permitted in K-6 classrooms and must be kept on silent mode and remain in student backpacks for the duration of the day.

If a student needs to use their phone for a particular reason during the day, such as sending a text to a parent to ask a question, all they have to do is check with me, and it is almost never a problem for them to use it and then put away again.

If parents need to urgently get a time-sensitive message to their child, they are asked to call the school and the message will be relayed to us in the classroom by one of the secretaries. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please don't hesitate to speak with me.

Footwear:

I ask that all students have footwear that is appropriate for gym and QDF (Quality Daily Fitness) activities. Shoes with laces that are tied up (or can be tied up) are required. Crocs, flip-flops, boots, or "flats" are not appropriate and students will not be able to participate in these activities.

During the winter months, students should have outdoor boots that will keep feet warm and dry, while also having "indoor shoes" that they can change into for class and gym/QDF. There are few things more uncomfortable than having cold and wet feet during class with no dry indoor shoes to change into. Indoor shoes also help to keep the portable floor dry and clean.

I hope you are as excited about the start of the school year as I am.

Best Regards,

Mr. Brandreth