Dear Woodman Families:
We had a special commemoration of Remembrance Day today. Special thanks is extended to Retired Sergeant Tom MacCarl for his presence in the school. Together with his son, Assistant Principal MacCarl, students learned about life in the military, the unique role that Canada plays in peace-keeping missions, and how we can cherish and promote peace in our relationships, local communities and as a country.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week is Fall Break and there are no classes. Students return to school on Thurs. Nov. 13.
Note the important messages of the weeks ahead:
OurSCHOOL Survey
Gr. 7-9 students will be completing the OurSCHOOL Survey on Thurs. Nov. 13. The CBE Education Plan prioritizes student voice and well-being in our decision-making processes. This survey provides an opportunity for students to give feedback on a sense of belonging, positive relationships, anxiety, feeling safe at school, and other aspects of well being. Responses from this survey are used at the system, area and school level to recognize and improve what is necessary for students to feel safe, welcome, and cared for when at school.
Artist-in-Residence, “Mural of Meaning”
We are excited to be welcoming the mosaic artist, Michelena Bamford, to our building starting on Monday, Nov. 17. Over the next two weeks, she will be working for two periods with each of the grades 5-9 art classes to teach about mosaic art and help students create their own mini mosaics. Grade 9 students will also be helping to brainstorm some of the imagery for our "Cartography of Woodman" mural. A huge thank you to School Council for their generous financial support of this fabulous residency and mural creation project.
School Picture Re-Take Day Mon. Nov. 17
Students who were not at school for the September picture day have another opportunity to have their individual photos taking on Nov. 17. These students should bring their package of photos that they do not wish to order with them to school. Student photos will be uploaded to Power School and will be used for the annual school yearbook.
Parent-Teacher Conferences November 27-28
Reporting on student achievement through an “oral report card” is important at the mid-point of the first semester of school. Students are encouraged to attend together with their parent(s). In-person conferences will be held on Thurs. Nov. 27 (4:30-8:30 pm) and virtual conferences will be held on Fri. Nov. 28 (9:00-1:00). Each conference is 10 minutes in length and may be booked through the My CBE parent account, beginning on Thurs. Nov. 20, 5:30 pm. Please this date/time into your calendars, since conference slots fill quickly. Instructions for booking a conference are found here: How to Book a Conference
Overnight School Trip Opportunities 2025-2026
We have begun to communicate various parent interest meetings for overnight school trips this year. We know that these learning experiences create lifelong memories. As families begin to plan ahead, we wish to share an overview, so families can plan their calendars and finances accordingly:
Gr. 9 ENVOE Camp | Dec. 9-10, 2025 | Camp Cadicasu, Kananaskis, Alberta |
Gr. 8/9 SALTS Sailing | April 13-17, 2026 | British Columbia |
Gr. 7-9 Band Camp | April 22-24, 2026 | Caroline, Alberta |
Gr. 9 Quebec Trip | May 2-27, 2026 | Ottawa / Montreal / Quebec |
Keep posted on parent interest meetings through the Important Dates section, below.
Grade 9 – High School Transition
Grade 9 students are entering an exciting time in their educational journey; it is a time to learn about many new opportunities and high school learning pathways. Each student has been added to a Woodman Grade 9-High School Transitions D2L shell. This is a repository of all the information and invitations that we receive from CBE high schools. Our main feeder schools are Henry Wise Wood (English Program) and Dr. EP Scarlett (French Immersion Program). Students who are attending Woodman as an out-of-area student will attend the high school that they are designated to, based on their current address. The CBE has not yet finalized high school designations for the 2026-2027 school year. Mme. A Walker, Student Services Learning Leader, is the point contact for all high school transitions. More information will be communicated with Gr. 9 families over the upcoming months through the D2L shell, and through the Important Dates below.
Henry Wise Woodman High School International Baccalaureate Program
Future IB Warriors and families! The Henry Wise Wood High School International Baccalaureate Program Information Evening is happening on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00pm in the HWW King Gymnasium for current Grade 9 students looking to apply for the IB program for the 2025-26 school year. Topics will include an overview of the IB program at Henry Wise Wood with components and requirements, university recognition, costs and benefits of the program. The evening will also be available online - the link and subsequent video can be found at Henry Wise Woodman High School - IB Information Night. If you have any questions about the evening or the IB Program at Henry Wise Wood High School, email the IB Diploma Coordinator (Mr. Glenn Finockio) at gofinockio@cbe.ab.ca
Student Holiday Market Meeting – Wednesday – First Half of Lunch
There was strong turnout of interested student participants for the December Student Holiday Market. Planning meetings will change to Wednesday during the first half of lunch. Student participants should bring their lunch to the Learning Commons on a weekly basis.
Woodman School Council Updates
The Council is looking forward to meeting again on November 18 at 7pm. This meeting will be our AGM and will be held virtually - Join the meeting now .
All families are encouraged to join us to learn more about what is happening at Woodman.
We are currently looking for volunteers to take on small, but significant positions.
We are in need of a Volunteer Coordinator, a Staff Appreciation Coordinator, a Key Communicator, and a Secretary. Please reach out with any questions or to express your interest: parentcouncilwoodman@gmail.com
See the commercial email coming soon with the School Council Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser!
Woodman Parents’ Educational Society Updates
Congratulations to the winner of the 50/50 Raffle fundraiser. The winner was Erin R, who won $1,665.00. Proceeds for the school totalled $1300.00, which will be directed towards Computer Lab and Construction upgrades.
Modified Wrestling Season Commences
As a result of disruptions related labour action, Woodman will offer a wrestling team development approach instead of the usual competitive season. The intent is to gain body control, focus on skill development and have fun together. Note the following times for students to participate, until the winter break:
- Gr. 7-9 Mondays (4:00-5:00), commences Nov. 17
- Gr. 5-6 Tuesdays (Second half of Lunch), commences Nov. 18
Daily announcements will be provided to students closer to the date.
Important Dates
Nov. 7-30 | School Council Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser |
Nov. 10, 11, 12 | CBE Fall Break – No School |
Thurs. Nov. 13 | Healthy Hunger – Mucho Burrito |
Fri. Nov. 14 | A Day Option Classes Healthy Hunger – Cobs Bread |
Mon. Nov. 17 | Artist-in-Residency Commences: Michelena Bamford St. Mary’s University Student Teacher Commences – Ms. Karas’ classes School Picture Re-Take Day Grade 6 Vaccinations |
Tues. Nov. 18 | Healthy Hunger - Subway Calgary Bridge Foundation – After School Program, 3:45-5:45 Gr. 9 Quebec Trip Parent Interest Meeting, 6:30 pm Learning Commons School Council Virtual Meeting, 7:00 pm |
Thurs. Nov. 20 | Healthy Hunger – Chopped Leaf Learning Conferences Booking Tool Opens, 5:30 pm Gr. 8/9 SALTS Sailing Trip Parent Interest Meeting, |
Fri. Nov. 21 | B Day Options Healthy Hunger – Mr. Pretzels |
Mon. Nov. 24 | IPPs Circulated Western Canada High School French IB Open House, 6:30-8:00 pm |
Tues. Nov. 25 | Gr. 5 Field Trip – Hangar Museum Healthy Hunger – Boardwalk Woodman - Elboya BB Exhibition Game (Woodman Gymnasium) |
Thurs. Nov. 27 | Healthy Hunger – Boardwalk Henry Wise Woodman High School Tours, 11:30 (English Program) Dr. EP Scarlett Visits Woodman (French Program) Learning Conferences 4:30-8:30 (In-Person) Henry Wise Wood High School Open House, 6:00 pm |
Fri. Nov. 28 | No School – Learning Conferences (Virtual) |
Thurs. Dec. 4 | Haysboro Community Association Seniors Breakfast (Leadership Students) Winter Concert, 6:30 |
Fri. Dec. 5 | A Day Option Classes |
Dec. 9-10 | Gr. 9 ENVOE Overnight Camp Cadicasu |
Fri. Dec. 13 | Wellness Day |
Mon. Dec. 15 | Purdy’s Chocolate Order Pick Up |
Dec. 15-18 | Student Holiday Market, Lunch Hours in the Learning Commons |
Dec. 17-18 | Skills Canada Presentation “Ever-Evolving Technology” (select CTF classes) |
Fri. Dec. 19 | B Day Option Classes Last day before the winter break |
Dec. 22-Jan. 2 | CBE Winter Break – No School |
Mon. Jan. 5 | Classes resume |