The start of a school year is always such an exciting time. Welcome back to all of our students and families returning to Woodlawn. Also a big welcome to all of our new students and families. We look forward to meeting you all. We would also like to welcome Trudy Smeltz (K) and Loribelle Monchamp (2) who are new teachers at Woodlawn.

It takes a lot of work to get a school ready for the start of the year. A big thank you to Ed Wolfe and his summer cleaning staff for making our school look great! Another big thank you to Melissa Thiessen and Crystal Penner in the office for the hard work they do behind the scenes making sure everything is in order. Thank you to the teachers who have been working hard getting their classrooms ready for their students.

Last year the staff at Woodlawn worked on our school beliefs. These beliefs guide us in our decision making and we worked hard to make sure they reflect our values as a school staff. We shared them with our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and asked for their input. These are our new belief statements that will guide us as we embark on a new school year:

1. We believe compassionate support, curiosity, and co-regulation create a school culture of caring relationships between students, families, and staff.
2. We believe that all students belong here and their voice matters. We celebrate and value our diversity and believe that inclusion is a human right.
3. We believe that children must be viewed as intelligent, creative and capable with gifts and abilities that surface through play and relationships with self, others, and environment.
4. We believe the purpose of education is a pursuit of creativity, collaboration, communication, citizenship, character, critical thinking and a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy.
5. We believe in a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by understanding our collective history and moving towards reconciliation through mutual respect, empathy and intercultural understanding.

Karen Fraser and Tara Reimer

** PLEASE NOTE:

On Wednesday, September 7, (the first day of school) there will be an early dismissal at 3:15 pm for all non bus students.

All bus students are asked to stay in school for the regular dismissal. Due to our large number of bus students, all teachers will be involved in helping students locate bus lines.

Please take the time to read the Student Handbook. The handbook can be a valuable reference tool during the school year for many questions that students or parents have.

The student handbook is also posted on our school website at woodlawn.hsd.ca.

This is our regular daily routine for the 2022-2023 school year. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact either Karen Fraser or Tara Reimer.

9:00-9:05 Homeroom Time or Religious Exercises (in designated area)

9:05-11:05 Learning Block 1

11:05-11:55 Nutritional and Activity Break

11:55-1:10 Learning Block 2

1:10-2:00 Nutritional and Activity Break

2:00-3:45 Learning Block 3

3:45 Dismissal of Students

If you are picking up your child during the school day or dropping something off (labelled with name and homeroom) for your child you must report to the office. If it is necessary to pick your child up for an appointment please do so at the office before or after break times. It is difficult for recess supervisors to find students on the playground.

A good day starts with a good breakfast. It is vital for students' growth and development to eat healthy meals throughout the day. Providing food for your family can sometimes be difficult, especially with the increasing food prices. Soups On can graciously provide breakfasts and/or lunches for students in need. At Woodlawn, food is delivered to the child's classroom before the bell rings. If your child/ren would benefit from this program, please let their classroom teacher know or contact Courtney Gangloff (Woodlawn-Soups On liaison) at the school at 204-325-6110 or cgangloff@hsd.ca.

The AGM will take place on September 13 at 6:00. Parents are strongly encouraged to consider joining the PAC. The PAC works to support the school. They do this through fundraising for various projects, providing special treats for the students, staff appreciation, and providing feedback to administration. The PAC is looking for someone to fill the position of secretary. Nominations will be accepted up until the AGM on Sept. 13.

The following changes to the constitution have been brought forward and will be voted on at the AGM:

Additions to be considered and voted on at AGM:
i) ADD to Section 5: Disputes/disagreements between members are encouraged to
be addressed privately among those members involved. If unresolvable, then the
Chair would be involved.
ii) Add-PAC will apply teamwork, honesty, integrity, transparency and respect
throughout their efforts as PAC members.

If you have any questions, please contact the PAC Chairperson, Sara Richards at woodlawnelementarypac@gmail.com

If your child will be away from school or will be late or will not be returning to school after the nutritional and activity breaks please ensure you call the school at 204-326-6110, email woodlawn@hsd.ca or enter the attendance in your parent portal to let us know. If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent please enter the absence in the parent portal, email woodlawn@hsd.ca or call the office to let us know. When the school is not advised of an absence or late arrival, the office begins a call back procedure to parents and emergency contacts. Many of these calls can be avoided if parents call ahead to advise us of the absence.

To ensure the safety of our students and due to congestion of our staff parking lots and bus loop areas, parents are not to enter those ares between 8:15 - 4:30. Also note there is no public parking available at Entrance D (Barkman Street) at any time. All parking is reserved for school staff. If you are dropping off or picking up your child please park on Henry Street or on the church parking lot across from the school. For the safety of your child we request that you escort your child across Henry Street. For students' safety, please avoid parking along Barkman Street across from the school between 8:30 - 9:00 am and 3:30 - 4:00 pm.

In the past there has been some confusion regarding the administering of medication while your child is under the care of the school. In accordance with Hanover School Policy, we feel you should be aware of the following points if your child requires the use of prescribed medication:

· All medication must be brought to school by the child’s guardian to ensure that the medication administered to your child is the correct medication. All Medications must be brought in the original pharmacy container.

· All medication administered at school will require forms completed by the parent which are available at the school office. If medication is required for more than fourteen days, an Individual Health Care Plan may be required.

· The school will not administer non-prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication. A doctor’s prescription is always required.

Even if your child is capable of taking their prescribed medication independently at school, it will still require the appropriate paperwork. The medication will be kept under lock and key. Students are not allowed to keep any type of medication in their locker, lunch kit, or backpack while on school premises.

If you have any further questions about this issue we would be happy to discuss it with you.

Our school is involved with the Canadian Medic Alert Foundation’s

No Child Without program. There is no cost for students who attend our school and are between the ages of 4 up to their 14th birthday to join the Medic Alert through this program. If your child has a medical condition, allergy or is required to take medication on a regular basis, then you should consider this program. A child’s MedicAlert identification can alert school staff, friends, coaches and other’s about your child’s medical condition should an emergency occur.

For further information come to the office for a brochure or go to

www.nochild without.ca. To register your child you will need a NO Child Without brochure from the school office.

If your child is already part of the No Child Without program and there has been a change to their medical condition, medications or emergency contact information, call MedicAlert at 1-866-679-3220 Ext 1 to update your child’s file.

Kindergarten

KM1/KM2 - Angela Martin

KS1/KS2 - Trudy Smeltz

KR - Samuela Isenschmid Reimer

Grade 1

1S - Chris Schroeder

1D - Jason Dyck

1C - Elena Cornelson

Grade 1/2 Combined

1/2C - Amanda Cipriano

1/2JC - Jenn Cuppage

1/2P - Heather Penner

Grade 2

2LR- Loribelle Monchamp

2PR - Pat Reimer

2KF - Kristen Falk

Grade 3

3R - Kristen Reimer

3CG - Cathy Toews + Angela Gosselin

3K - Shawn Kehoe

Grade 3/4 Combined

3/4A - Jordyn Arcand

3/4B Michael Bourget

3/4D Andrea Dick

3/4M Lisa Martens

Grade 4

4F - Marlene Funk

4G Simmy Gandhi

4JK Jerilyn Koslowsky

Music and Gym - K-1 Music & Gym Aimee Kroeker

Music and Gym - 2-4 Music Jessica Heier, 2-4 Gym Jesse Adams

Guidance Counselors - Sandy Caners, Courtney Gangloff

Learning Support - Glenda Maendel, Amanda Bilevicius, Courtney Gangloff

Instructional Coach - Monica Martens

Literacy Support - April Harder, Katherine Peters

Principal - Karen Fraser

Vice Principal - Tara Reimer

Head Secretary - Melissa Thiessen

Secretary - Crystal Penner

Librarian - Sandy Loewen

Custodian - Ed Wolfe

Educational Assistants -

Yvonne Neufeld

Natalie Dyck

Esther Plett

Stephanie Nickel

Tara Ledrew

Laura Zech

Sara Falk

Rose Falk

Shana Heppner

Carol Peters

Terra-Lee Wilson

Rachel Friesen

Reetu Sethi

Melissa Walsh

Kiana Friesen

Candace Martens

Marita Rempel

Nancy Runkowsky

Bonnie Bram

Kristen Warkentin

2022 - 2023 Important Dates

Monday, September 5 - Labour Day

Tuesday, September 6 - PD/Admin Day

Tuesday, September 6 - Meet the Teacher

Wednesday, September 7 - First Day of Classes / K Interviews

Thursday, September 8 - K Interviews

Friday, September 9 - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

Monday, September 12 - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

Tuesday, September 13 - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

Wednesday, September 14 - Kindergarten Staggered Entry

Thursday, September 15 - All K Students Attend (Days 1,3,5)

Friday, September 16 - All K Students Attend (Days 2,4,6)

Friday, September 16 - Strong Connections Day 1

Monday, September 19 - Strong Connections Day 2

Friday, September 23 - Terry Fox Run

Friday, September 30 - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - No Classes

Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving Day - No Classes

Mon-Thur - October 17-20 -Bus Safety Week

Friday, October 21 - MTS PD Day

Wednesday, October 19 - Picture Day

Thursday - October 20 - Picture Day

Thursday - November 10 -Remembrance Day Assembly

Friday, November 11 - Remembrance Day - No Classes

Monday, November 14 - PD Day

Monday, November 21 - Picture Retake Day

Monday, November 28 - Admin Day (Report Card Writing Day)

Friday, December 2 - Reports Issued

Tuesday, December 6 - Student Led Conferences

Tuesday, December 13 - Aft/Evening Christmas Concert

Wednesday, December 21 - Last Day of School Before Christmas Break

Thursday, January 5 - First Day Back at School After Christmas Break

Friday, February 3 - PD Day- no classes

Wed-Fri, Feb 8-10 - Book Fair

Friday, Feb 17 - Winter Fun Day

Monday, February 20 - Louis Riel Day - No Classes

Friday, February 24 - HTA PD Day - No Classes

Friday, March 10 - Admin Day - No Classes

Friday, March 17 - Report Cards Issued

Mon-Fri - March 20-24 - Wacky Week

Tuesday, March 23 - Student Led Conferences

Friday, March 24 - Community Pancake Breakfast

Friday, March 24 - Last Day of School Before Spring Break

Monday, April 3 - First Day Back After Spring Break

Friday, April 7 - Good Friday- no classes

Monday, April 17 -PD Day - No Classes

Tuesday, May 9 -Aft/Eve Spring Concert - Grade 1

Thursday, May 11 - Aft/Eve Spring Concert - Grade 1/2 & 2

TBA - Volunteer Appreciation Event

Monday, May 22 - Victoria Day - No Classes

Monday, June 5 - Admin/PD Day - No Classes

Thursday, June 29 - School Picnic and Last Day of Classes

Thursday - June 29 - Report Cards released on Parent Portal

Friday - June 30 - Admin Day

Please read the attached information regarding voluntary student accident insurance.

- Student Accident Insurance Parent Letter

- Voluntary Student Accident Insurance Highlights

- Student Accident Insurance and Remote Learning

Strong Connections Program at Woodlawn For Grades 1-4

Please sign into your child's Parent Portal to see which date your grade 1-4 student will attend for Strong Connections.

(Kindergarten classes will take place as usual.)

September 16 and 19!

Strong Connections will take place once again at Woodlawn School. This program has been implemented for several years now in Hanover School Division. Strong Connections is a program designed to build the relationships between teachers and their students as well as enhance the beginning of the year assessment of each child. Strong Connections activities are designed to help us get to know our students and how they learn in order to know where to begin with instruction. This provides an opportunity for teachers to extend and

consolidate their understanding of each child through one to one interview/assessment times. This will facilitate teachers in planning for instruction that will effectively address learning needs early in the year.

What will teachers learn through Strong Connections?

Teachers working individually with their students in an atmosphere of support and

encouragement have an opportunity to collect first hand information about such things as:

· How they learn

· Their confidence as learners

· The learning strategies they possess

· Their reading, writing and mathematical skills

· Their approach to problem solving

· Their attitudes toward school and learning

· Their ability to reflect upon and set goals for their learning

How will it work?

On either September 16 or 19 , students will attend school one day out of two. With half of the students present, homeroom teachers will have the opportunity to meet one on one with each student to participate in relationship building activities and assessment which revolves around literacy and numeracy. This is an opportunity for teachers to gather information about each child’s learning that may not be evident during whole class instruction. It is also an opportunity to further develop the teacher-student relationship. While some students are with the teacher, others will be participating in a variety of stations which include music, physical education, literacy, technology, art, and character building.

During these days, there will be no regularly scheduled classes for students. Students will arrive at school in their normal manner (bus or other) for their scheduled day. Parents will be notified during the first week of school as to when their child’s scheduled Strong Connections day will be.

We look forward to using these days to provide us with a deeper understanding of each student. More information will be sent out in September including which day your child is scheduled to attend.

Notice of Approved Petitions for Woodlawn School

Petition for Religious Exercises - The Hanover School Division Board of Trustees has received a petition requesting that religious exercises be held in Woodlawn School during the 2022-2023 school year. The petitioners have specified their desire for the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and the reading of a Bible passage or story from the Bible. As the petition bears the signatures of parents/guardians representing more than 60 students in the school, the Board of Trustees of the Hanover School Division has authorized religious exercises, as specified above, to be held before the official instructional day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m., in a designated common area of the school.

Petition for Religious Instruction - The Hanover School Division Board of Trustees has received a petition requesting that religious instruction be held in Woodlawn School during the 2022-2023 school year. The petitioners have specified their desire for the Discovery Time program offered by Child Evangelism Fellowship. As the petition bears the signatures of parents/guardians representing more than 25 students in the school, the Board of Trustees of the Hanover School Division has passed the required by-law permitting religious instruction, as specified above, to be offered by volunteers during designated half-hour per week classes.

Parents/guardians who did not sign the original petitions are eligible to join at any time by submitting a signed note to the HSD Board of Trustees (forward directly to Woodlawn School). The note must indicate the name and grade of student for whom permission to participate is being given. Only children whose parents/guardians signed the original petition, or have subsequently joined, may participate in the exercises and instruction as described above.

As a Manitoba public school division, HSD is obligated to comply with the provisions of The Public Schools Act and provincial guidelines governing the implementation of religious exercises and religious instruction. The Public Schools Act states that public schools must be non-sectarian. Religious exercises and religious instruction in public schools may only be implemented by school boards in a manner consistent with the Public Schools Act and provincial guidelines - after parent/guardian petition is presented to the school board. Such petitions require annual submission, and must be received by the HSD Board of Trustees no later than April 30 (previous to the school year for which the petition applies).

Additional information regarding the Public Schools Act, HSD policies, and provincial guidelines governing these petitions can be viewed here on the Woodlawn School website.