October 2025
Embedded Files
September Highlights
Terry Fox Walk/Run
Our annual Terry Fox event for grades K-5 students took place on Friday, September 25th. Students participated in a warmup followed by a walk/run on a designated course on the school fields. Students were encouraged to wear Canada's colours of red and white, or Briarwood's colours of blue and yellow. A big thank you to our school's DJ Brent for playing the music to keep us all energized!!
Our main goal at Briarwood has always been to teach the students about this incredible Canadian and his strength, perseverance, and determination to help others and cure cancer. To learn more about Terry Fox please check out this link https://terryfoxschoolrun.org/about-terry/
Meet Terry Fox, learn about his vision and his goal to help cure cancer (terryfoxschoolrun.org)
Our school fundraising goal was $500. If you would like to donate to this very worthy cause you still can! Please visit https://schools.terryfox.ca/67100
Briarwood Public School - Mississauga, ON | Terry Fox School Run
Thank you Briarwood for your donations! We have raised $305.00 for the Terry Fox Foundation!
Briarwood Public school recipient of canadian Tire jumpstart charity grant!
Briarwood Public school recipient of canadian Tire jumpstart charity grant!
Exciting News: Jumpstart Grant Supports Our Recess Project!
We are thrilled to share that Briarwood Public School has received a $2,500 grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart to support our Recess Project initiative for the 2025–2026 school year!
This generous funding has helped us purchase equipment and materials to further enhance our playground and create an inclusive recess experience for all students. Our Recess Project is designed to offer a variety of engaging activity zones, each equipped and managed with age-appropriate resources. Activities are rotated based on student interest and include options such as:
High intensity sports like soccer and basketball
Traditional games like four square, wall ball, frisbee, scoops and balls
Restorative/quiet play, with chalk drawings, creative / loose parts and dramatic play
All activity areas are supervised by school staff and student playground leaders (PALS), and participation is always optional.
This initiative is guided by UNCRC Article 31 – The Right to Play, and reflects our commitment to student well-being, inclusion, and choice. We regularly support staff and students in understanding the new routines and the purpose behind improving the recess experience.
We are grateful to Canadian Tire Jumpstart for helping us bring this vision to life and for investing in the health and happiness of our students.
Some of our purchases from Canadian Tire to be used for the Recess Project initiative!
A Message from our School Council
On Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. we held our first School Council meeting.
The agenda/minutes of this meeting can be found HERE.
Please consider attending our School Council meeting as a member of our school community. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Virtually. The details are in the minutes. .
Mark Your Calendars!
briarwood open house
briarwood open house
Welcome Back to Briarwood Public School!
We will be hosting an Open House for all families to come and meet their child's teacher and visit the classroom. Mark your calendar's for Tuesday, October 7th at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Briarwood Tree Planting!
Junior Students October Tree Planting Event:
As part of our school's plan to take action and become environmental leaders, grade 5 students will again take part in a tree planting excursion on October 30th to Greenfield Park. We thank Mr. Luste for organizing this great opportunity for our students with the City of Mississauga! Stay tuned for more Briarwood Bee climate actions!
Briarwood Launches ECoSchools Program!
Briarwood Launches ECoSchools Program!
EcoSchools program has been empowering students to take climate action and become environmental leaders in PDSB communities since 2009. Last year (2024), a total of 93 PDSB schools had certified and become EcoSchools. This year, PDSB has elevated their commitment toward sustainability to a new level. In alignment with the core value of Environmental Stewardship in PDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP, 2024-2028), PDSB will declare a Climate Emergency followed by a Climate Change Action Plan. As a key initiative, all PDSB schools are now required to participate in the EcoSchools program, with a goal of achieving 100% certification within four years. The phased implementation plan for K-5 schools is as follows:
2024-2025: All PDSB schools are required to register with EcoSchools, with encouragement to pursue certification.
2027-2028: All K-5 elementary schools are required to achieve EcoSchools certification, reaching a 100% certification rate across PDSB.
Briarwood book fair!
Briarwood book fair!
Briarwood is hosting a Scholastic Book fair this month!
Briarwood is hosting another book fair to raise funds for the school.
Book Sales for students during school hours (cash only) will begin on
Monday, October 7th and continue until Thursday, October 10th.
Parents are welcome to attend our evening book shopping night (cash, debit, credit accepted) in the library during the school open house on Tuesday, October 8th. The library will be open for book browsing and shopping from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hope to see you there!
BRIARWOOD SELECTED TO BE A PART OF Mississauga’s School Walking Routes Program
BRIARWOOD SELECTED TO BE A PART OF Mississauga’s School Walking Routes Program
This year, our school is participating in the City of Mississauga’s School Walking Routes Program that promotes walking, rolling, and all other types of active transportation. The program is led by the City of Mississauga and supported by Peel Public Health.
What is active transportation? Active transportation is using your own power to get from one place to another. It includes walking, riding a bike, riding a scooter, propelling a wheelchair, and so many other fun ways of travelling!
Why do we want to promote active transportation? Active transportation has so many benefits!
- Being active is good for your family’s health
- Walking or rolling to school all or part of the way can help children arrive to school feeling refreshed and energized and ready to learn
- Leaving the car at home is good for the environment and helps improve air quality around the school
- Less car traffic at the school makes a safer community for everyone, no matter what your travel mode
- It’s fun!
Things to look forward to with the School Walking Routes Program this year:
- Walk to School Launch Event on Wednesday, October 15th
- Safety Audit Walk on Tuesday, November 11th
- Event #1 Winter Wonderland Active Travel Excursion on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
- Event #2 Pedestrian Safety Skills Walking Excursion on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
- Ongoing activities and contests throughout the school year to promote getting around actively and safely
If you are interested in volunteering at any of these events, please let us know.
We look forward to participating in this program to support the health and well-being of our school community. Happy walking and rolling everyone!
Leading up to Briarwood's Walking Routes Launch
On Wednesday October 15th we will be hosting the official launch of our School Walking Routes program! Walk and roll to school on Wednesday October 15th to get free giveaways and to be part of the celebration before school.
Why do we want to promote active transportation? Active transportation has so many benefits!
- Being active is good for your family’s health
- It can help your child arrive to school feeling refreshed and energized and ready to learn
- Leaving the car at home is good for the environment and helps improve air quality around the school
- Less car traffic at the school makes a safer community for everyone, no matter what your travel mode
- It’s fun!
What if my child takes the school bus? If your child takes the school bus, try walking to the bus stop instead of driving.
What if we live too far to walk or roll to school? Try parking 5 or 10 minutes away from the school, and walk or roll the rest of the way. You’ll avoid traffic and get some exercise, too! Plan your route to school: See the map created especially for our school on this webpage: https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/11122912/briarwood-public-school-routes-to-school-map.pdf
We look forward to seeing you the morning of Wednesday, October 15th. Happy walking and rolling!
Other Parent Resources include:
STOPR “Walk and Roll to School” webpage: https://www.stopr.ca/walk-and-roll-to-school
Peel Region Walk and Roll to School Guide for Parents: https://www.stopr.ca/documents/b569d4b4-7386-431e-9f2b-8e0820f4e886/TRA-0231%20Walk%20and%20Roll%20booklet%20V3%20FINAL.pdf
Big BRothers & Big Sisters of Peel Newcomer art program at Briarwood !
Big BRothers & Big Sisters of Peel Newcomer art program at Briarwood !
The Newcomer Art Program is a weekly, in-school group mentoring program designed to support newcomer youth in Grades 2 - 5. Each 1 - 1.5 hour session is led by trained BBBSPY staff and supported by dedicated volunteer Mentors. Through a variety of hands-on, engaging, and culturally responsive activities, children are encouraged to express themselves through art, drama, and music, while also developing English language skills and building confidence in a safe, inclusive environment.
Briarwood is thrilled to be selected as a school this year to offer this program that will foster a sense of belonging by creating meaningful connections between students, Mentors and peers - helping newcomer children feel supported as they adjust to their new school community.
OCTOBER - TEA and TALK for Newcomer Families
Newcomer families to Briarwood are warmly invited to our Newcomer Tea & Talk on Wednesday, October 22nd from 9:00–10:00 am in the school library. Facilitated by our school's Settlement Worked with the Newcomer Centre of Peel, this event is a friendly gathering for newcomer families to connect, enjoy some light refreshments, and learn more about the education system. Families will have the chance to hear important school information, ask questions, and meet staff who are here to support you. We look forward to welcoming you and building connections together!
Hearing and Vision screening for briarwood students!
Hearing and Vision screening for briarwood students!
It’s Hearing and Vision Screening time! The clinic will be at your school Briarwood on: October 21st – 24th, 2025. Register your child and complete the payment through this Online Registration.
https://form.jotform.com/252655732759267
Deadline for registration is Oct.17th, and the duration at the school may be adjusted based on student participation.
Your child’s Hearing and Vision should be screened every year! A fee of $25.00 is collected to help offset the cost of bringing this clinic to your school.
Why Screening Matters:
Growing children are very susceptible to middle ear problems and one of the best ways to prevent hearing loss is early detection of middle ear function issues.
Vision issues are common in children, so early detection is crucial for their healthy development and academic success.
Our screening program helps identify hearing and vision concerns before they impact learning and social development, ensuring children get the support they need to thrive. As part of the program, we will refer any results that are considered outside the normal range to the parents for follow-up with their physician and/or optometrist.
For hearing concerns, we recommend bringing your referral to your physician, who can then refer you to an ENT specialist, which is covered by OHIP. Alternatively, you have the option to schedule an appointment with an Audiologist without needing a referral from your family physician. Please note that visits to an Audiologist may not be covered by OHIP, and you could incur a fee ranging from $75 to $150 or more.
Your child's hearing is not being monitored unless they're seeing an audiologist or an ENT specialist, making our screening program a valuable resource for your child's health.
While eye exams are covered by OHIP, our hearing clinic offers a basic vision screening for students participating in the hearing clinic.
For more information and to address all your questions and concerns, please visit our website at www.schoolscreeningassociation.ca.
Good Grades start with Good Hearing and Vision
Parking is very limited at Briarwood Public School. The school is in excess of 50 years old and the facility was not built to accommodate the vehicular traffic that we see today. Please be patient and have an alternate plan to arrive to school on time. We encourage students and families to walk to school.
Consider parking at a location that is five to 10 minutes away instead of waiting in the Kiss and Ride during morning / afternoon pick-up. This avoids congestion and provides an opportunity for quality time and connection with your student on the walk to and from school.
Try parking on adjacent streets with walking paths and/or crossing guards to Briarwood Public School (i.e. Molly Drive, Nadine Crescent, Galedowns Court, Eversley Drive.)
If you are using the Kiss and Ride Lane at the beginning or end of the school day, remember to:
Stay in the vehicle if you are the driver or guardian.
Do not park and leave your car.
The Kiss and Ride is an active lane way for children to be dropped off and picked up.
At drop off, only students who can leave the vehicle unassisted with their backpacks in-hand on the curbside should be using the Kiss and Ride Lane.
Do not let students out on the driver side at any time. This is unsafe.
Only stop at designated stops. Do not stop in the Drive Thru Lane.
Follow staff direction who are there to keep the Kiss and Ride safe. Disrespectful communication will not be tolerated and violates the PDSB and school Code of Conduct.
Drive slowly and cautiously, signal lane changes and keep traffic flowing.
Being on Time for School
Being on Time for School
Please note that ALL students (Kindergarten to Grade 5) are to assemble outside of their entry / exit doors in the morning where they will be met by their teacher when the bell rings. Students are to arrive to school between 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Supervision of students begins at 8:15 a.m. If students are dropped off before 8:15 a.m. they must be supervised by parents / caregivers until staff members arrive at their supervision locations.
The entry bell to start the school day is at 8:30 a.m. Students are NOT to enter through the main office door unless they are arriving late to school. If late for school, students must be accompanied by parents who will sign them in at the main office before proceeding to class. Depending on the number of students late for school, we ask for your patience, as we must record lates to ensure attendance is accurate before safe arrival calls are made. This process can take time.
Parent Fact Sheet - Being On Time For School
Does being late for school really matter?
In the morning rush, just getting your child out of the door can be a victory. But will your child be on time for school? Occasionally, circumstances beyond your control will cause a late arrival. But a pattern of late arrivals- even just a few minutes - can have a negative impact on your child.
Punctuality is an important life skill. Students who are chronically late for school do not learn the value of being on time and are negatively impacted.
Rushing in the morning can be stressful for your child and start their day off in the wrong frame of mind, not ready to learn.
Students miss valuable social time with their peers before school begins.
Students who are often late feel embarrassed or self-conscious when they arrive to class late.
Late arrivals disrupt the morning routines of their classmates and their teachers.
Important teaching happens at the beginning of the school day, from the moment they line up outside to start their day.
Missing even 5 to 10 minutes of a lesson can make it harder for your child to understand the material being taught.
Lateness can lead to academic and social frustration, as well as lowered self-esteem.
School starts at 8:30 a.m. at Briarwood Public School
Please have your child arrive at school between 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. If your child arrives late to school, please go to the main office to sign them in. Teachers will not open doors to receive students who are late to school as we are required to ensure attendance is accurately recorded.
Please let us know how best we can support you to get your child to school on time.
Student Nutrition Program
We are excited to welcome back the Briarwood School Nutrition Program again this year. The program will commence on Monday October 20th, 2025. Students will be provided with a variety of nutritious snacks in their classroom on a daily basis.
If you would like to opt out of having your child participate in the program please complete the Permission Form and return the form to the school by October 16th, 2025.
We have been fortunate to have many of our families generously contribute online monetary donations to our School Nutrition Program every year. Your contributions have led to helping keep our program running.
If you are interested in providing a monetary donation to the program this year, please do so through school cash online. If you are not registered with School Cash Online, please click here to register.
If at anytime you have questions about the program please feel free to reach out to Ms. Pacheco (jennifer.pacheco@peelsb.com), Ms. Janco (brittany.janco@peelsb.com), or Ms. Shirodkar (rashmi.shirodkar@peelsb.com) via email.
Gino's Pizza on Thursdays - NOVEMBER 2025
Our school has decided to offer Pizza again as a fundraiser. Our pizza is supplied by Gino's Pizza. Your support of this program is appreciated. The school will use proceeds to support student activities and buy extra resources for our school. The Pizza will be served during the second Nutrition Break at 12:30 p.m. Please send a snack with your child for the first Nutrition Break. Cost is $2.50 per slice.
Pizza Days will take place on November 6, November 13, November 20, and November 27.
All orders should be placed and paid for using the SCHOOL CASH ONLINE system. If you are not registered with School Cash Online, please click here to register. The final date for payment is October 31, 2025 . Late orders will NOT be accepted.
There is no weekly option or “pay as you go” option available. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for absences, as the pizza will be pre-ordered.
Welcome to Lunchbox!
How to Order
1. Login to your SchoolCash Online account using your existing credentials. If you don't currently have an account, contact the School to set one up.
2. Go to the Items Page in your child's SchoolCash Online account, scroll to the Lunchbox banner, and click 'Order Now'.
3. Confirm your phone number and student allergy information then click 'Update'.
4. Press the 'Order Now' button beside your child's name.
5. Place your child's lunch order(s) on your school's ordering calendar by clicking the blue date for the scheduled vendors.
The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit MasterCard, or Visa Debit. Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards are also accepted.
Reminders
• The weekly deadline to place lunch orders for the upcoming week is Sunday at 12:00PM; we are unable to accept any orders after this deadline.
• If you need to make any updates or changes to your lunch orders, please do so before Sunday at 12:00PM for the upcoming week.
• For any order cancellations, please notify us 2 days prior to the delivery date. If this is not possible, please contact your school to make alternate arrangements for the meal.
• If there is a school closure, lunches will be cancelled, and a credit will be issued to your Lunchbox account within 3 business days.
• We have updated our Refunds and Credits Policy; please review the updated terms at https://identity.schoolcashonline.com/Account/Terms
Questions? Contact the Lunchbox support team by e-mail at info@lunchboxorders.com
October 5th - Celebrate World and Peel Teachers’ Day
Since 1994, parents and students from around the world have celebrated World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the work of teachers and their contributions to society. On October 3rd, we took the time to thank our amazing educators at Briarwood! Please join us in recognizing their great work!!!
October 8th - Celebrate Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day
In 2018, the board of trustees declared the second Wednesday of October as Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day. This year, this day will be celebrated on October 8th. This day allows the community to recognize the important work of principals and vice-principals, and to acknowledge the lasting contributions that they make in the lives of students, families and community members. Take a moment to let your principal and vice-principal know they are truly appreciated.
OCTOBER 23 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
OCTOBER 23 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
PDSB schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on October 23rd.
If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank their bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do the same. Peel District School Board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and October 23rd provides an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.
October 20 - Peel Educational Assistants and Designated Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day
This year, Peel Educational Assistants and Designated Early Childhood Educators’ Day falls on October 20th. Peel District School Board appreciates the important work of Educational Assistants and Designated Early Childhood Educators, and the contributions that they make in the lives of children, families and community members.
October is Walk to School Month
The days are getting cooler, the smell of fall is in the air, and there is a satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot as you walk or roll. What better time to try walking or rolling to school?
Why do we want to promote walking and rolling? Travelling actively has so many benefits!
- Being active is good for your family’s health
- It can help your child arrive to school feeling refreshed and energized and ready to learn
- Leaving the car at home is good for the environment and helps improve air quality around the school
- Less car traffic at the school makes a safer community for everyone, no matter what your travel mode
- It’s fun!
This month, challenge your family to improve your walking and rolling routine!
- If you normally drive to school: Try walking or rolling one day per week this month. If you live too far to walk or roll the whole way, try parking 5 or 10 minutes away and walk the rest of the way.
- If your child takes the bus to school: Try walking or rolling to the bus stop.
- If you sometimes walk or roll already: Try walking or rolling one more day per week than you normally do.
- If you always walk and roll already: Try a new route or invite another family to join you.
Happy walking and rolling this fall!
Check out https://ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/international-walk-to-school-month/ for ideas and resources.
courtesy seats
courtesy seats
school bus transportation update for Briarwood pUBLIC SCHOOL
school bus transportation update for Briarwood pUBLIC SCHOOL
We currently have six full-size school buses operating at Briarwood Public School. Of these, four buses are at FULL capacity and no courtesy seats will be offered at this time. This includes Bus #1, Bus #2, Bus #4 and Bus #5. As families continue to opt out of transportation services for these bus routes, seats may become available in the future. Please be aware that the school can not exceed a certain number of seats on each bus. This is to ensure that room is available for future students who register at Briarwood and who are eligible for transportation.
At this time, we are pleased to offer a limited number of courtesy seats for Bus #3 and Bus #6, for students who live in the following areas:
Bus #3 – Serving:
333 Meadows Blvd
370 Rathburn Road East
Wilcox Rd and Kozel Court
405 Rathburn Road West and Central Parkway East at Youngstown Avenue
Bus #6 – Serving:
Rathburn Road East at Angeloni Drive East
Northbound Shipp Drive (South of 4185)
Courtesy seat applications will be accepted from October 6 to October 9 for only these eligible addresses. Seats will be assigned based on the criteria set by Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR). This includes but is not limited to age of student, distance from school. Younger students will receive preference over older students in acquiring a courtesy seat. Please be aware that courtesy seats can be revoked at any time if seats are required for new student registrations who are eligible for transportation. Parents will be notified by the school the week of October 14 - 17th if their applications have been approved.
For more information, please visit www.stopr.ca for policies and procedures on Courtesy Seats. Courtesy seat applications can be found at on the STOPR website under Forms.
In October we affirm Latinx Identities
Peel District School Board acknowledges Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month each October and remains committed to amplifying, celebrating, and centring the voices of Latinx communities throughout the year.
Recognizing Islamic Heritage Month
At PDSB, we honour the vibrant traditions, histories, and achievements of Muslim students, staff, families, and communities. Islamic Heritage Month is not only a time of celebration, but also a powerful opportunity to affirm Muslim identities and foster belonging.
October is Cyber Awareness Month - Help your child stay safe online
As digital technologies and artificial intelligence become a bigger part of our children’s lives, it's more important than ever to help kids build safe online habits. By learning how to spot scams, protect personal information and think critically online, families can reduce the risk of cyber threats and create safer digital spaces for everyone–especially their children.
The K–12 Cyber Awareness parent guide and website offer free, age-appropriate resources to support these conversations at home.
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Ontario is a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and the tremendous resilience of individuals with learning disabilities.
By raising awareness and fostering open dialogue, this initiative helps to create more inclusive educational environments and moves us closer to a world in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.
Additional resources for families:
Women's History Month
This October, as we honour Women’s History Month, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the trailblazing women who came before us, those who fought for our rights, broke barriers, and left a legacy through their contributions.
Peel District School Board and Briarwood Public School Code of Conduct
The school code of conduct applies to all members of the school community including parents / caregivers and any visitors to our school. Please review the Code of Conduct to help create a safe, inclusive learning environment for all. Translated versions are available at www.peelschools.org
During the month of September, all students in K-5 became familiar with our school's Code of Conduct through class assemblies and in class presentations. We invite you to continue having conversations with your children about their reponsibilities as students and members of Briarwood Public School.
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