Dear Woodman Families,
It was an intensely good week!  Thank you to our families for navigating the many converging events – volleyball, band festival, overnight trip meetings and more.  Your support in our work to give students the best learning experiences possible is needed and much appreciated.

Please take note of the important messages for the week of Feb. 24-27.  Note that Fri. Feb. 28 is a CBE non-instructional day for students.  Woodman teachers will be participating in intensive professional learning on our campus about high impact strategies for teaching older students to be strong readers.

Monday Nakiska Ski Trip – 8:15 AM Arrival

Almost 100 students will be enjoying each other and the great outdoors, travelling to the Kananaskis region to ski. We request that families allow plenty of time for drop off, arriving to the school with all ski gear, clothing, food and drink.  Students will gather in the main gymnasium by 8:15 AM at the latest, for attendance and final instructions. Expect increased congestion on 86th Ave. SW during drop off time.  We request that parents ensure their vehicles are not parked along the south side of 86th Ave SW after 8:30 AM, to allow for the regular arrival of yellow school busses. There are no Personal Mobile Devices permitted on this trip.

Woodman Student Council “Declaration of Kindness”

Leading up to Pink Shirt Day on Wed. Feb. 26, the Student Council has engaged each homeroom in developing the most impactful actions that could contribute to a more kind, more compassionate student experience.  This work is a direct response to student surveys, highlighting the need to treat each other with greater respect. Ideas generated for our declaration relate to themes such as: social exclusion, teasing others, and insensitive online engagement. The Woodman Declaration of Kindness will be shared publicly next week on our social media account, through daily announcements, and on learning displays in school hallways. We encourage all students to wear pink on Wednesday as a clear expression of their commitment.

Pink Shirt and Pascal!

On the same day as Pink Shirt, interested Grade 9 students will participate in the Pascal Math contest from the University of Waterloo.  Many of the participants must still bring $2 to their teacher.  The school is funding a portion of each student’s registration cost.  We request family attention to this matter.

Parent Survey Closes March 3 – School Development Plan, Budget and Fees

Last week, an important survey was shared with families to provide input on planning for next year.  Your input is vital, and your time is appreciated.

Francophone Winter Festival – Feb. 28 - March 1

The ACFA Régionale de Calgary is organizing a Francophone Winter Festival to be held at at the Confluence Historic Site on Feb. 28 - March 1, 2025.  The Calgary Francophone WinterFest will bring feature folkloric dances, children’s shows, and both indoor and outdoor activities. The mission of the event is to offer the public a memorable cultural experience in French while forging intercultural links. See the Confluence website for more information and add the date to your family calendar.

Francophone Week is Coming to Woodman!

Each March, the French speaking world participates in great celebrations, based on varying traditions across the world, and across Francophone communities in Canada. Woodman staff has been busy planning for a host of cultural and linguistic enrichment opportunities, as follows:

  • Fri. March 6 – Cinémagine Alberta (Landmark Cinema, Shawnessy), French Immersion students, Café français, English Program students
  • Mon. March 10 - Cabane à sucre (Maple Taffy), through the generous support of the School Council
  • Tues. March 11 – Ice Castle Challenge
  • Wed. March 12 – Folklofolie spectacle, live performance for Grade 5-7
  • Thurs. March 13 – Bonhomme Carnaval
  • Tues. March 18 – French for the Future (U of C), Grade 8 French Immersion

More information will be provided to respective classes participating in each event.

Important Dates                                                         

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

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

                                                Grade 5/6 Field Trip, Telus Spark

                                                Transition to High School for Newcomers, 2:00 pm

                                                Hosted by Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth

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

Fri. March 6                              Cinémagine Alberta Field Trip, 9:15-12:45                         

Fri. March 7                             A Day Options

                                                Breakfast With the Wolves – Citizenship, 8:00 am

Mon, March 10                        WMPA Virtual Meeting, 6:30 pm

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

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

March 17-21                            Spirit Week

Tues. March 18                       French for the Future Field Trip, Grade 8 French Immersion

Thurs. March 20                     Learning Conferences, 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