Dear Woodman Families

The highlight of the past week was a very successful Open House. There was standing room only in the gymnasium, representing families from across south-west Calgary.  We were heartened by the more than 60 volunteer students who promoted our program offerings with much joy and pride; this included an outstanding live performance by the Jazz Band.  Registration is open for 2025-2026 in all three programs. Those interested in registering may inquire at the main office (woodman@cbe.ab.ca). Speak to your family, friends and neighbours about joining the Pack! 

Please take note of the important messages for the week of Feb. 10-12.  Note that Thurs. Feb. 13 and Fri. Feb. 14 are non-instructional days in the CBE, as teachers from across the city participate in the annual Calgary City Teachers’ Convention.  Mon. Feb. 17 is Family Day, and there is no school.  Regular classes will resume on Tues. Feb. 18. 

Winter Concert | Wed. Feb. 12

We look forward to the performances that Grades 5, 6, and 7 (Band) students will share during their inaugural concert on Wed. Feb. 12.  The Jazz Band will also perform a few of their highlight pieces. Be reminded of important details related to the concert: 

• 5:00 Grade 7 and Jazz Band students arrive to set up and practice
• 6:00 Grades 5-6 students arrive and report to the Drama Room
• 6:00 Seating will be on a first come first served basis; given the cold temperatures families will be permitted into the school earlier, however the gymnasium will remain closed until 6:00 to allow performers time to practice 
• 6:30 Concert commences (45-60 minutes)
• All students are expected to be in attendance in concert dress, unless a valid reason has been provided to Mr. Bane in advance. 

Alberta Foundation for the Arts | “Inseparable Fragments”

Thank you to Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their generous support of the artist-in-residence workshop, led by Santosh Korthiwada, for Grade 7-8 Art students last Friday. Inspired by his work, students will now create their own art pieces, which will be showcased in a student gallery and viewable to parents during the March Learning Conferences (March 20-21). 

Cold Weather Continues

Despite logistical issues and transportation delays, students were respectful of indoor lunch processes last week. This includes the restriction of Personal Mobile Device use within the school.  We expect that temperatures will continue to exceed -20 next week.  The Woodman staff organizes numerous indoor stations and physical activity to ensure that students are both supervised and comfortable during indoor lunch times. Students are encouraged to bring cards, board games or other small activities to keep entertained during indoor lunch.    

IPPs | Fri. Feb. 7

All families should have received either a hard copy or digital copy of their child’s Individual Program Plan on Friday. If your child was absent and you requested a hard copy, it will be provided on Monday. Please contact Ms. Stenhouse, Student Services Learning Leader (tastenhouse@cbe.ab.ca) with any questions, or if you did not receive the IPP. 

French for Parents

CBE Chinook Learning Services, Continuing Education, is please to offer entry level French classes to parents. Build your French language skills in this introductory course. Learn or refresh vocabulary and grammar while increasing your confidence speaking French. Become more comfortable helping your children with their homework and conversing with the school staff. Required textbook (approximately $20, available on Amazon). Details for purchasing it will be provided upon registration.

French for Parents - Level 1 

Fee: $309 per person or $429 per couple

French Summer Camps | Alliance Française

Boost your child and teen’s French skills this summer with fun educational and recreational activities, with options tailored for every age. Camps run from July 7-Aug. 20, in the heart of Calgary’s neighborhood of Marda Loop. Classes are taught by highly qualified teachers from France. Learn more through the following link: Camps for Kids and Teens

Woodman Music Parents Association Meeting | February 10 at 6:30pm

Everyone is encouraged to join us at our next WMPA meeting on Monday February 10 at 6:30pm.  We will meet virtually through the following Microsoft Teams link: Join Here

School Council and Parent Society Meetings | February 11 at 7:00 pm 

Everyone is encouraged to join us at our meetings on Tuesday February 11 at 7:00 pm.  Note that this will be a virtual-only meeting, given the cold temperatures.  There will be no in-person component until next month. Parent voice is very important to the decision-making process at Woodman School and we welcome families to provide input towards decisions being made. A focus of the Principal Report will allow families to learn more about the School Budget and Fees for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Vote on program enhancements for the Construction program.

Questions?  Email Tara at ParentCouncilWoodman@gmail.com 

Important Dates

Tues. Feb. 11                          Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman

                                                 Sailing Student Lunch Meeting, 12:30-1:00

                                               Woodman School Council, 7:00 pm

Wed. Feb. 12                          Glass Fusion Workshop

                                                 Grade 5-7 Winter Concert, 6:30 pm

Feb. 13-14                               Calgary City Teachers’ Convention, No School

Mon. Feb. 17                           Family Day, No School

Tues. Feb. 18                          Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman

                                                Sailing Trip Parent/Student Meeting, 6:30 pm

Wed. Feb. 19                          Grades 8/9 Alberta International Band Festival, 1:15

                                                Henry Wise Wood High School Virtual Parent Night. 6:00

                                                            -More information to follow shortly

Thurs. Feb. 20                        Grade 7, Alberta International Band Festival, 12:45

                                                Woodman Hosts Junior Girls Volleyball Games

                                                Grade 9 Quebec Trip Parent Meeting, 6:30 pm

Fri. Feb. 21                             B Day Option Classes

Mon. Feb. 24                           Nakiska Ski Day Trip, Grades 7-9

Tues. Feb. 25                          Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman

                                                Grade 5/6 Field Trip, Telus Spark

Wed. Feb. 26                          Grade 9 Pascal Math Contest

Fri. Feb. 28                             CBE Non-Instructional Day, no classes

Mon. March 3                          Purdy’s Fundraiser Launch

                                                CBE Chief Superintendent Visit to Woodman

                                                ENVOE Climbing Trip

Tues. March 4                         Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman

                                                Grade 9 ENVOE Climbing Field Trip

                                                School Council, CPS Cyber Crime Presentation, 7:00 pm

March 6-13                              Semaine de la francophonie

Fri. March 7                             A Day Options

Tues. March 11                       Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth at Woodman                                                                           Winds From the South Concert, Jack Singer Concert Hall, 6:30

Fri. March 14                           Henry Wise Wood Senior Volleyball Feeder Tournament, 12-6:00

March 17-21                            Spirit Week

Thurs. March 20                     Learning Conferences (in-person), 4:00-8:00 pm

Fri. March 21                           Non-Instructional Day, Learning Conferences (virtual)

March 24-28                            Spring Break, No Classes

Mon. March 31                        Classes Resume