Holbrook Weekly Memo - May 11-15, 2026
Holbrook Weekly Memo - May 11- 15, 2026
Holbrook families,
A reminder that Pizza Day is tomorrow for those that put orders in already. We are unable to take any more orders at this time. Thanks you!
A reminder that next Monday, May 18th is the Victoria Day holiday so there will be no school.
We would like to sincerely thank our families for joining us for our Open House and Scholastic Book Fair last week. It was amazing to see so many families enjoying touring, having pizza/drinks/popcorn and visiting our book fair! Our students will benefit from new cushion seating for the library and lots of new titles as we raised over $900 for Holbrook Library. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding with the long lines. It was well worth it for our students to be so excited for new titles and comfort to continue their love of reading.
HWDSB has updated our school websites. Go to : Holbrook Elementary School to check it out. Our weekly memos will be shared under News Stories.
If you are the parent/guardian of a new student in grades JK-6 or if you know of a family wishing to register for Holbrook please contact our school office at 905 385 5369 for registration information and to set up an intake meeting. Thank you.
IMPORTANT MESSAGES:
1. We ask that visitors to the school not allow others into the building as we are a secure buiding access only. Please remind students that they too are not to allow ANY visitors into the school for the safety of us all. Thank you!
2. Please also remind your children that the school washrooms are not for inappropriate play, hiding in during recess , vandalizing or socializing. Lately we have had several incidents, specifically in the Junior Boys and Girls washroom. Students are aware that there is no supervision in the washrooms however, they must be respectful of this space that is used by everyone as consequences will be in place. Remind students that other students do report issues to the office. Ms. Stirling, our wonderful caretaker, has been called on several occasions to clean up after incidents that should not be happening.
3. As the last few months approach students have been reminded to use agendas for daily communication with parents/guardians and we re asking for your help to ensure agendas are shared with you and signed or initialed by you as often there are important notes, forms etc.. We are promoting this skill to support our learning skills and work habits and to ensure strong communication with families.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, May 11th - Pizza Day - 2nd Nutrition Break
Monday, May 18th - Victoria Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 20th - Pizza Day - 2nd Nutrition Break
Tuesday, May 26th - Last Pizza Day of the school year
Friday, May 29th - Kindergarten trip to Children's Land
Monday June 1 - 4th - EQAO - Gr 3 - First Block / Gr 6 Second Block
Friday, June 5th - PA day no school for students
Monday, June 8-9th - EQAO Make Up Day - 8:45-10:45 am
I have attached a link to the HWDSB 2025-2026 Elementary 5 Day Cycle Calendar for your convenience - please print or copy if needed. Thank you!
Elementary-5-Day-Cycle-2025-26-Calendar.pdf
Ongoing Reminders:
For your convenience and ours we want to suggest that students have an extra change of clothing available if possible as there have been some students coming in from recess muddy or wet and having to call home. Thank you!
For the safety of all Holbrook families reminder to those that are walking, cycling or rolling to school to be cautious on the street, sidewalk and parking lots as drop off and pick up times become very busy. If you are bringing a bike it can be parked at the front in the bicycle rack and we recommend a lock of some sort please. Scooters and roller blades wheelies can be stored in locker please. We ask that students remove their wheels or get off bikes/scooter and walk them once they arrive at the school entrance or back playground. Thank you!
For the safety and security of all students, it is necessary that all families keep the school up-to-date with any changes or new information: this includes: phone numbers, contact information, emails, emergency pick ups, custody changes, medication/medical diagnoses, allergies, etc.. Thank you.
A reminder to all to please be respectful of all students and families by honouring privacy and confidentiality of others at all times. If any parents/guardians have any concerns or issues regarding students, staff or family members please report it to the office (905 385 5369 or email [email protected] ) and we will provide support and share processes to resolve the issue or concern. Thank you.
Please speak to your children about using the WAIT strategy ( walk away, ask them to stop, ignore and tell a teacher) when having issues with others, especially during recess and lunch periods as there are less adults supervising. Please remind children that they must find the teacher on duty at Nutrition Breaks wearing orange and yellow vests if there are issues.
A reminder that our school day ends at 3:05 pm so please ensure that you have made arrangements to pick up your child at this time. There is supervision on the playground until 3:20. After that time students are brought to the office and parents/guardians/other pick up contacts will be notified.
REMINDERS:
We also ask that parents please avoid entering the school from the playground or side entrances. If you need to enter please ring the buzzer at the front of the school and myself or Ms. Miles, our office administrator, will be happy to assist you and escort your child to their class. We ask this of parents and guardians to avoid interruptions to our staff while they are instructing and supervising large numbers of students. If you need to speak to your child's teacher please email them or put a note in your child's agenda. If you wish to speak with the office or your child's teacher at another time please email our office at [email protected] or call us at 905 385 5369 and we can set up an appointment. Thank you.
Our school day begins at 8:45 am but we will have supervision on the playground from 8:30-8:45 am if you need to drop off and leave. Students arriving after the bell must enter at the front doors and report to the office where they will be recorded as Late. Students are not permitted at the park during the school day and must have parent permission or be supervised by a parent/guardian if they are playing at the park before or after school.
Important Student Updates:
- Reminder - Holbrook is a scent friendly/ free building due to a variety of student and staff allergies - please no perfumes or colognes, body sprays or cosmetics of any kind. Thank you!
- Student Plan of Care and Contact Information - If your child has a medical condition (life threatening or non life threatening) - please speak with your teacher or the office to get the appropriate paperwork. This information is kept confidential with the teacher and office in case of an emergency. Thank you to the parents who have already updated/ submitted. A reminder if any information regarding your child's medical information or contact information (Email, Phone, Address, Emergency Contact etc. ) you must update the office immediately. To ensure student safety students will not be permitted to be picked up or leave with anyone that is not officially recorded in our system. Thank you.
ONGOING INFORMATION:
Holbrook Volunteers - If you are looking to volunteer at Holbrook, please make sure you complete your Vulnerable Sector Check with Hamilton Police. For this to be valid, it has to be completed within the last 6 months and be specific to Holbrook HWDSB. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Miles in the office.
Reminders about our playground rules:
Students are not to leave the schoolgrounds once they have been dropped off by parents in the morning. Students are also to remain on the schoolgrounds until pick up at the end of the day.
If you are the parent/guardian of a new student in grades JK-6 2nd please contact our school office at 905 385 5369 for registration information and to set up an intake meeting. Thank you.
From HWDSB: Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
We also invite families to keep up with communications from HWDSB by subscribing to email updates or following HWDSB on social media.
For information about HWDSB’s Code of Conduct and Reducing Distractions in classrooms, please click here: Reducing Distractions in Classrooms and Schools | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
To see the 2025-2026 school year calendar, please visit School Year Calendar | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Please find 2025-2026 Transportation information here: Hamilton Wentworth Student Transportation Services
If you have school-specific questions, please reach out at 905.385.5369 or email us at : [email protected]
FROM HOLBROOK SCHOOL COUNCIL:
Holbrook School Council Fundraisers:
We have year-round fundraisers that make a big impact at Holbrook—check them out below and online (https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/holbrook/holbrook-fundraising-page/)
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Mabel’s Labels: visit mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support and search Holbrook School (Hamilton) before you shop
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Factory Shoe Warehouse: shopping in-store download this card (
Factory Shoe Warehouse - 2025 Holbrook Card PDF.pdf). When shopping online use code 0350011 0137 at factoryshoe.ca checkout
- FlipGive: join our team at: https://www.flipgive.com/teams/454353-holbrook-elementary-school-council and when you shop your online Holbrook earns cash back
2025-2026 Fundraisers and Events Calendar
We're excited to share a sneak peek at all of the exciting fundraisers and events happening this school year. Please note the follow is always subject to change and will be updated as the year progresses.
Have a fundraiser or event idea? Contact the School Council at [email protected]. Thanks for supporting Holbrook!
Mr. G. Carey
Principal
Holbrook Elementary School
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