Dear Woodman Families
Over the last few weeks, Woodman families donated over 4300 goods towards the “Fill-a-Sock” campaign. This is a fantastic display of generosity. To increase the fun in giving, homeroom classes were challenged to give the most. The top giving class will be announced early next week. Filled socks, which will be handed over to the Calgary Drop-In-Centre, all include a hand written note of encouragement for Calgarian citizens who are currently experiencing difficult times. Thank you for your involvement, Woodman community!
Take note of upcoming events and announcements for the last week before the winter break - Dec. 16-20.
Wellness Day Today
The energy in the building on Wellness Days is different. There is less rushing and more joy. There is reflection and a greater sense of togetherness.
- Grade 9 students were nervously excited to visit Chinook Park, Haysboro and Janet Johnstone Schools to work with younger friends today.
- Grade 8 students had an ambitious morning of preparing food and learning more about programming at the Calgary Dream Centre.
- Grade 7 students participated in presentations by the Calgary Drop-In Centre and the Mustard Seed, before filling dozens of socks with donated goods.
- Grade 5/6 students enjoyed distributing holiday greeting cards to the neighbours around the school
Today’s Wellness Day was designed to allow students to feel that they are needed, and can enrich the communities they are part of. The next Wellness Day is on April 11 and will be focussed on positive relationships, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries.
Student Holiday Market – Lunch Times, Monday-Thursday
As was previously mentioned, we encourage students to come to school with cash to purchase some gifts and snacks for themselves, their friends, or their family members during the upcoming Student Holiday Market. Students with allergies may wish to select non-food purchases, given that the goods are homemade, and ingredients labels may not be available. The market will run over the entire lunch hour each day next week. Student vendors will be provided with time to eat their lunch in advance of the market opening each day. Parents of students who wish to drop off final décor items on Monday may do so. Final set will commence at 12:00 pm.
MyCBE – Grades Disabled
The CBE will be disabling access to grades in January, allowing teachers to collect work from students and complete final assessments for semester 1. Report cards will be viewable on the MyCBE account on Jan. 27.
Coffee With the Principal – Wed. Dec. 18, 2:15-3:30 pm
Several times throughout the year, we invite parents to attend an informal visit with school administration. There are no set agenda items. Rather, this is a time to get to know one another and for the school to hear about your experiences and ideas to keep our school a great place to learn. Please confirm your attendance by emailing woodman@cbe.ab.ca.
Student Council Updates
A dedicated group of Grade 8/9 students meet every Thursday to express student voice on their school experiences, and to create plans for improvements. Current projects include:
- Submitting a project for upgrades to student bathrooms
- Responding to two themes which emerged from student survey results:
- Students believe they should demonstrate more care for each other
- Students want to learn to respect each others’ cultures more sincerely
Updates and student engagement are ongoing, through Student Council visits to classrooms during Friday Wolf Pack, and through the communication board in front of the Learning Commons. Students are always invited to provide input on enhancing school life by speaking with their Student Council representative.
Looking Ahead – Grade 6/9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)
Alberta Education has recently released its PAT dates for May-June 2025. All Grade 6/9 students in Alberta complete standardized assessments in core subjects. Test results do not comprise part of a CBE student report card, however individual results are communicated to families and recorded in the Student Official Record. PATs are used for schools and teachers to ensure teaching and learning excellence. As a result, we work hard to prepare students for success.
We request that families consider the following dates and plan family events, tournament participation, or other absences from school at alternative times. Please ensure your child is present at school leading up to, and on the dates of PATs. These dates, below, have also been placed on the calendar of the school website:
Grade 6
Wed. May 28 English Language Arts, (Part A, Writing)
Thurs. June 12 English Language Arts (Part B, Reading)
Fri. June 13 Mathematics (Part A, Mental Math)
Tues. June 17 Mathematics (Part B, Problem Solving)
Wed. June 18 Social Studies
*Grade 6 Science and French Language Arts will not be administered in the 2024-2025 school year, as a result of the implementation of new curricula
Grade 9
Wed. May 27 French Language Arts (Part A, Writing)
Thurs. May 29 English Language Arts (Part A, Writing)
Wed. June 11 French Language Arts (Part B, Reading)
Thurs. June 12 English Language Arts (Part B, Reading)
Fri. June 13 Mathematics (Part A, Mental Math)
Tues. June 17 Mathematics (Part B, Problem Solving)
Wed. June 18 Social Studies
Thurs. June 19 Science
These dates are also on the calendar.
Volleyball Try-Outs Jan. 6-10
Students have been actively developing volleyball skills through Physical Education classes and intramural drop-ins. The volleyball season runs from early January to the end of March. Try-outs for Grades 7-9 students commence during the first week back from winter break, on the following days/times:
Mon., Jan. 6 Sr. Girls, 7:45 - 8:45
Sr. Boys, 3:45 - 4:45
Tues. Jan. 7 Sr. Boys, 7:45 - 8:45
Sr. Girls, 3:45 - 4:45
Wed. Jan. 8 Jr. Girls, 7:45 - 8:45
Jr. Boys, 3:45 - 4:45
Thurs. Jan. 9 Jr. Boys, 7:45 - 8:45
Jr. Girls, 3:45 - 4:45
Competition for team selection is high. As such, in order to be selected for the team, students must not only demonstrate the needed volleyball skills, but also represent the character, citizenship, and academic commitment reflected at Woodman School. Additionally, students are expected to consistently attend all practices and games. There is a fee associated with team participation, which covers the cost of referees, jerseys, and the Calgary Middle Level Schools Amateur Athletics (CMLSAA) membership.
Important Dates
Dec. 16-19 Student Holiday Market (Lunch Hours, Learning Commons)
Tues. Dec. 17 Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman
Wrestling Quad #2, 5:00-7:00 pm
Fri. Dec. 20 Last Day of Classes
Senior/Jazz Band performance for Woodman students
Dec. 23-Jan. 3 Winter Break
Mon. Jan. 6 Classes Resume
Wed. Jan. 8 Dr. EP Scarlett Registration Presentation, 9:00-11:00
Mon. Jan. 13 WMPA Virtual Meeting, 6:30 pm
Tues. Jan. 14 Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman
Wresting Quad #3, 5:00 pm
School Council Meeting, 7:00 pm
Thurs. Jan. 23 Dr. EP Scarlett High School Open House
Mon. Jan. 27 CBE Semester 1 Report Cards
Grade 9 Immunizations
Western Canada Open House, 4:00 pm
Tues. Jan. 28 Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman
First day of semester 2 option classes
CBE Well-Being Symposium, Mount Royal University
Wrestling Divisionals, Genesis Centre
Senior Band Clinics, 4:00
Fri. Jan. 31 CBE Non-Instructional Day
Dr. EP Scarlett Jazz Workshop
Feb. 3-25 TREX Art Exhibit
Thurs. Feb. 6 Woodman Open House 2025-2026