Dear Woodman Families:

The smooth entry into the first two days of the school year was impressive. Students spent quality time with their homeroom teacher, getting to know each other. This is a vital part of building the spirit of the Wolf Pack. We hosted an assembly in which Principal Krickhan and Assistant Principal MacCarl introduced themselves and encouraged students to bring their best to their class, and to the many learning experiences that await them this school year.

Take note of a few important messages for the week of Sept. 5-8. Monday, September 4, is a statutory holiday, and there is no school:

2023-2024 Woodman Forms Package

Please review the many important documents that were provided to your child on the first day of school. These informational forms are of significant importance to ensuring we have an organized and safe school year. Forms requiring signature are due back to homeroom teachers by Fri. Sept. 8.

Digital Citizenship Contract

The ethical use of technology is a foundational aspect of education at the middle school level. Peer conflict, social anxiety, and distraction can be mitigated when students are provided with a clear set of expectations for the use of social media and their handheld device – at home and at school. We encourage parents to take the extra time this weekend to review and sign the Digital Citizenship Contract together with your child. Teachers have done the same in class.

Students on Individualized Program Plans (IPPs)

During the first weeks of September, the Student Learning Team is busy reviewing student files, studying last year’s goals and accommodations, and supporting students as they transition into a new school year. Key teachers are assigned to students on IPPs during the month of September. Teachers appreciate time to get to know your child first, after which they will reach out to parents with a call or email. Students with special learning needs will be provided with meeting time with the IPP key teacher to set goals together; these meetings will be held on Fri. Sept. 22 (non-instructional day). Be assured that we know your child and are planning a careful entry into school for them.

Woodman Physical Education Gym Strip

Students were provided with a brief overview of Physical Education (PE) processes, including respectful behaviour in changerooms, bringing a pair of non-marking tennis shoes, and making a habit of changing into appropriate clothing for PE class on a daily basis.

All Grade 6-9 students, if they do not already have one from last year, are encouraged to purchase a Woodman T-shirt and Gym Shorts. Payment for both the T-shirt ($12) and Gym Shorts ($13) may be made by:

• Purchasing them in Power School (see the "School Based Optional Fees" tab) and bringing a proof of payment to the PE teacher, either through a printed receipt or photo taken on student cell phone, OR
• Bringing cash to the PE teacher

We would like all students to have paid for this fee during the first week of school. A copy of the form was provided to students on the first day of school. Please contact your child’s PE teacher if you have financial constraints and would benefit from a subsidy.

Terry Fox Run – Fri. Sept. 15

Families are welcome to meet up on the field to cheer on our Wolves as they run for a good cause, the Terry Fox Cancer Foundation. Donations will be collected by bring a “Toonie for Terry”, commencing the week of Sept. 11. Students will run in homeroom Packs, dressed in a creative theme that identifies their Pack. Healthy refreshments will be provided to students. More information about times will be shared with families shortly.

Save the Dates!

Two important family orientation events are planned for September, in order to provide you with as much relevant information as possible:

• Thurs. Sept. 21, 6:30-8:00 pm – “Meet Woodman Night”
• School tours and grade team presentations
• Tues. Sept. 26, School Council Family BBQ (more information will be shared soon)
• Meet new parents, form a support group, and mingle with the council executive and school administration

Grade 5-6 Lunch Supervision Fees

Registration for Grade 5-6 lunchroom services is mandatory. Following registration, fees will be available for payment, later in the fall. Please register in MyCBE.

Attendance Notifications

Please notify the school office if your student is going to be Absent, Late, or Leaving Early (before classes start if possible), by sending an email* (preferred) or calling the number below.

• Email | WoodmanAttendance@cbe.ab.ca (type student's first & last name in subject line)
• Voice mail | 403-777-7490 press ext. 1 (clearly say student's first & last name and grade, then spell last name)

Due to high call volumes, please try to avoid calling the office directly. For more information on attendance, see our website:
https://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/woodman/culture-environment/conduct/attendance/pages/default.aspx

Urgently Seeking Boys Soccer Coach

We have filled all volunteer coaching roles for Girls Soccer, the Cross Country team, and four Basketball Teams. We are still looking to fill the head coach for the Boys Soccer team. If you, or someone in your community of contacts, would be interested in volunteering their time, please email our new PE/Athletics Learning Leader, Mr. Heron, for more information (woodman@cbe.ab.ca). The season is short and extends only until the end of October, with six inter-school games. We hope to proceed with the following try-out schedule next week, only if we secure a coach:

September 5 (3:45 - 4:45)
September 7 (3:45 - 4:45)
September 12 (3:45 - 4:45)

Athletics Schedule

Girls Soccer Try-Outs (Grade 6-9)

September 6 (3:45 - 4:45)
September 11 (3:45 - 4:45)
September 13 (3:45 - 4:45)

Cross Country Team – All interested Grade 6-9 students

September 6 - Practice at 8:15am
September 11 - Practice at 3:45pm
September 18 - Practice at 3:45 pm
September 20 - Practice at 8:15am

Basketball Tryouts - all interested Grade 7-9 students
Basketball - Tryouts for both junior and senior teams will run from September 11 -15. More details around days/times will be communicated by Fri. Sept. 8.

School Council Updates

We wish to share that the Council Chair position, previously filled by Heidi D, has become vacant for the 2023-2024 school year. We sincerely thank Heidi for two years of dedicated service to the School Council. The Annual General Meeting (AGM), in which positions on the executive will be voted in, is held at the October meeting (Tues. Oct. 24). Vice-chair, Tara W, will act as chair until the AGM. Please email parentcouncilwoodman@gmail.com to express interest in being nominated for any executive role. A booth will be set up during the “Meet Woodman Night” on Sept. 21, in which more information about the School Council will be made available.

Woodman Music Parents’ Association (WMPA) Updates

The WMPA is an active group of parents of Grade 5/6 Music students, Grade 7-9 Band students, and Grade 9 Guitar students. Each year, the WMPA makes plans around how to support vibrant music programming for all students. Active fundraising and volunteering is needed in order to continue to maintain the varied offerings we are so proud of. A parent information evening and AGM will be held at the conclusion of the “Meet Woodman Night”, on Sept. 21, 8:00 pm. Please join us at the meeting to learn more.

Important Dates

Mon. Sept. 4 Statutory Holiday – No School
Fri. Sept. 8 B Day Option Classes
Mon. Sept. 11 Grade 8 ENVOE Option Class Canoe Field Trip (8:15-1:00)
Tues. Sept. 12 Grade 9 ENVOE Option Class Canoe Field Trip (8:15-1:00)
Wed. Sept. 13 Cross Country Team Meet
Fri. Sept. 15 Terry Fox Run
Mon. Sept. 18 Lifetouch School Picture Day
Thurs. Sept. 21 Meet Woodman Night, 6:30 pm – everyone invited!
Woodman Music Parents’ Association AGM, 8:00 pm
Fri. Sept. 22 CBE Non-Instructional Day
-IPP meetings between parents/teachers/students
Mon. Sept. 25 Cross Country Team Meet
Tues. Sept. 26 School Council Family BBQ
Fri. Sept. 29 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – No School