Holbrook Weekly Memo – Dec 8- 12, 2025

Holbrook Families,

Please be mindful of the slippery areas around the school as there are several areas that we do not clear. All walkways, entrance, school parking lots and some of the blacktop are cleared when snow falls. A huge shout out to Ms. Stirling as she braves early and frigid mornings to ensure that our school is clear of snow/ice and safe for all of us!!  Please contact the City of Hamilton if you have a concern regarding sidewalk , the park next door or the end of the back pathway on West 33rd St not being cleared but keep in mind our HWDSB snow clearing team is out very early clearing school zones and the larger city clearing may take a bit more time. Thank you.

A reminder that we are still accepting gently used items for our Holiday Market taking place this Wednesday, December 10th.  A reminder to consider sending students with larger bags to carry their purchases home in.

We are still collecting the following:

• Wrapping paper, newspapers or gift bags to wrap gifts 
• Donation of items that are gently used. Items may include costume jewelry, books, toys, games and househould items  – we are not accepting any clothing, hats, mitts, scarves, coats, boots or shoes. The last day to make donations is this Tuesday, Dec 9th. Thank you to those that have already donated items and to Ms. Johnston and Ms. Helm for their organization and coordination of this favourite event at Holbrook!

December Donations at Holbrook 

The Holbrook Healthy Action Team  will be collecting donated new mittens/gloves as we are excited to place them on our Mitten Tree in the Library and then donate to our local charity partner.  To support our local community partners we are also collecting non-perishable goods for our Food Bin which will also be picked up by our local charity partner. Thank you!

NEW UPDATES:

1.As the colder weather is upon us and the winter boots are worn, please make sure your child has their running shoes at school to change into while indoors. If you are unable to provide indoor shoes we do have some that can be worn.

2. Our Holbrook Holiday Market will be on Wednesday, December 10th click on the the link for details – Holiday Market (2)

3. Our Holiday Concert  for families will be held on Wednesday, December 17th from 9-10am – we ask that you limit attendees to 2 per child please.

4. A reminder as the weather turns colder please ensure students wear clothing appropriate for the weather (Hats, mittens/gloves, boots)

5. For those that missed Picture Day there will be a Picture Retake Day in the new school year. Stay tuned for the date as we will share in in the Weekly Memo.

UPCOMING HOLBROOK EVENTS: 

Upcoming Popcorn & TCBY Dates – These items have been added to School Cash Online or students can pay with cash the day of the event. . Please be sure to complete December pizza orders by the deadline of Monday, November 24th as we are unable to make exceptions to orders. 

Tuesday, December 9th – Pizza Day – 2nd nutrition Break

Wednesday, December 10th – Holbrook Holiday Market  – 8:45 – 3:30 pm (Gently used donations are being accepted at the school –  see the memo that went home last week for details(

Friday, December 12th – Popcorn Day – Popcorn for Sale 2nd Nutrition Break – $2.50/bag various flavours

Tuesday, December 16th – 1:45 pm Holiday Concert Dress Rehearsal – Students and Staff Only

Wednesday, December 17th – 9-10am – Holiday Concert – Families (Limit of 2 per family please).

Thursday, December 18th – Joy Day – Activities Throughout School – PM

Friday, December 19th – Last Day of school before Winter Holidays !! We return on Monday, January 5th, 2026

Important Updates: 

1. A reminder to all families using the Before and After Program – you must park in the Park Parking Lot not the school parking lot please. Thank you,
2. 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! 
3. 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.
4. A reminder to ensure students have the proper footwear (closed toes shoes) preferably running shoes for Physical Education.  Please have students dress appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, hats, water bottles etc.) as the forecast looks warm this week.

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. The police check is valid for 3 years. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Miles in the office.

ONGOING INFORMATION:

Reminders about our playground rules:

1.For the safety of all – students are not to throw, toss or kick snow under any circumstances- consequences will be in place

2.We are allowing students to slide on the hills but there are rules around waiting for space between sliders, walking back up on the sides not where sliders are and students are to slide facing forward only

3. students should all be wearing helmets when on bikes or scooters

4. students may park bikes and scooters at the bike rack (we encourage a bike lock as we cannot be responsible for stolen or damaged items) students will park bikes/scooters and then go around to the playground to enter with their class. At the end of the day students will be dismissed out the back and then come around the front to get their bikes/scooters – students are not to come through the school to get their bikes or scooters please.

5. We ask families to avoid bringing dogs to the playground (there are signs and some of our students have fears and allergies )

Please be mindful that our school parking lot has no parking or stopping so we will ask parents that are driving to enter the city park lot west of the school and walk your children over to the playground to meet their new teacher . For safety reasons we will not be allowing vehicles in the school parking lot unless they are staff.  A reminder that the parking closest to the school along the fence is reserved for staff so please park on the very west side.

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.

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.

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.

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/)

1. Mabel’s Labels: visit mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support and search Holbrook School (Hamilton) before you shop

2. 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

3. 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 allthe 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.

• Mitten Tree Donations, and Neighbour to Neighbour Food Donations
• December: Holiday Market
• January: Unplugged at Holbrook Games Night and Fundraiser!
• February: Joy Breakfast (for students during school hours)
• April: Cinnabon Gift Certificates Fundraiser
• May: Open House Carnival
• June: Butterfly Kit Fundraiser

Have a fundraiser or event idea? Contact the School Council at [email protected]. Thanks for supporting Holbrook!

Mr. G. Carey

Principal

Holbrook Elementary School

905.385.5369 or [email protected]