Dear Woodman Families:
We are official in May, and with the nicer weather comes one of the busiest times of the school year! The Wolf Pack has so much going on as we look to finish out the last two months of the year strong. Now for some important news and notes:
The change in weather, outdoor lunch, and daily outdoor Physical Education classes have offered a welcome change for students and staff this week.
Thank you to the families who supported the WMPA Growing Smiles fundraiser. Plant order pick up takes place today between 2:00-6:00 PM. Access to the school is through the staff parking lot/gymnasium doors.
We look forward to receiving Grade 9 students and their teachers – Mme. Wister, Mme. Reeves, and Mr. Heron back from the Quebec trip, arriving at 8:15 PM this evening.
Take note of the important messages for the week of May 11-14. Friday, May 11 is a CBE non-instructional day and Mon. May 18 is a statutory holiday. Students return to regular classes on Tues. May 19
Grade 9 Farewell Forms Circulated Next Week
This upcoming week, Grade 9 students will receive all the needed information for participation in the Grade 9 Farewell celebration at Heritage Park.
- The event, on Tues. June 2 event (6:30-10:00 PM), is hosted for students and staff, and celebrates the growth, memories and friendships that have flourished while at Woodman.
- Please submit forms to homeroom teachers by May 30 at the latest, so the school can confirm numbers with Heritage Park. Payment is requested in Power School, in advance of the event.
We thank the Woodman School Council for their annual contribution towards Grade 9 Farewell costs, as well as generous donations from individual families who have offered to subsidize the cost of another student.
Grade 9 Riverwatch Field Trip – Wed. May 13
Select Grade 9 students (90) will be participating in an interactive, scientific field trip, rafting on the Bow River and testing water quality on May 13.
This field trip had originally been scheduled for October and was postponed because of labour action. We kindly request that families who have confirmed their child’s participation on the trip pay the corresponding fee through their MyCBE account in a punctual manner, and in advance of the trip.
Take note of the following reminders:
- Dress for the weather, since students are outdoors on the river all day
- Minimal items should be included in backpacks – including lunch, water bottle and sunscreen only; this assists with ensuring correct weight restrictions on the raft
- There are no student Personal Mobile Devices permitted
Cake Day – May 12/14
Leadership 9 students are fundraising for the upcoming Grade 9 Farewell at Heritage Park. They will be selling slices of cake during the 1st half of lunch on Tuesday and Thursday, for $2/slice. Students are invited to support the cause.
Upcoming Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)
Students in Gr. 6 and 9 will participate in their first round of PATs on:
- Tues. May 19 Gr. 6 French Language Arts, Part A, Writing
- Wed. May 20 Gr. 9 French Language Arts, Part A, Writing
- Thurs. May 21 Gr. 9 English Language Arts, Part A, Writing
Teachers have worked diligently in teams to prepare students to both show their strengths in writing, but also to maintain stamina and a positive mindset during a formal exam setting. We request assistance from parents in the following ways:
- Re-schedule any other activities and appointments, to ensure your child is present at school on PAT days
- Support punctual arrival to school; PAT instructions and log-in information commence at the bell (9:15); late arrivals compromise a positive exam launch
- Ensure your child is well rested, well-hydrated and with snacks/water to sustain them through the period of the exam
- Bring a favourite book from home or the library to read upon completion of the exam, and before students are permitted to leave the exam space
Regular Afternoon Classes Following PATs
Given the length of some of the Grade 9 PATs, lunch times may be modified for those students requiring extra time. The school plan includes sufficient rest time between the end of the exam and the commencement of afternoon classes. It is important that students remain at school for regular afternoon classes. Teachers are still busy covering curriculum and providing review opportunities for the remaining PATs in mid-June.
If a parent has an unavoidable cause and wishes to excuse their child from afternoon classes, regular communication processes are in place. This includes sending an email to woodmanattendance@cbe.ab.ca with your child’s last name, first name, grade and homeroom, and reason for absence.
Bicycles, E-Bikes and Scooters
With the warmer weather, many students commute to school on bicycles, e-bikes and scooters. We request families remind their children that:
- The ramp entrance (south-west side of school, off Elbow Drive) is open for students to enter the courtyard on their bicycles
- There are both bicycle and scooter racks in the courtyard; students should safeguard their bicycles and scooters using a lock brought from home prior to entering the school
- Students should always walk their bicycle/scooter across the crosswalks on Elbow Drive; we have had numerous near-accidents because of students speeding across the crosswalk without stopping and allowing vehicles to stop
2025-2026 Yearbook
Students always enjoy receiving a memory of the past school year on their last day of school. Yearbooks cost $40. To purchase a yearbook from your parent account, please follow the steps outlined below:
- Scroll to the bottom of the Fees page
- Select School Based Optional Fees tab
- Click on ‘Yearbook’
- Submit
This fee is now available in your fees list to select and pay for. Students will receive their yearbooks on the last day of school, June 26.
School Council / Parent Society Minutes
Important discussions and financial decisions were held at the last parent meetings on April 28. The school is grateful for the commitment of funding towards revitalizing the Design Lab ($14,000.00) and adding needed inventory/equipment to the Music Room ($12,000.00). See the minutes posted for more detail: School Council and Parent Society
City of Calgary Construction – Heritage Drive and Haddon Road
The City of Calgary is updating aging water main infrastructure on the corner of Heritage Drive SW at Haddon Rd. SW. The construction is anticipated to take place between May 18-June 30. There will be anticipated parking restrictions, road closures and detours in the area, with additional traffic and congestion between 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily.