Message From the School Counselors
Hello Woodlawn families! Back to school comes with a wide range of emotions - for all of us! All the changes can feel pretty overwhelming at times. And even though the first weeks of school are behind us, there are many other reasons big feelings will come our way throughout the school year. This is a normal part of living and life. Here are things we can do to help children (and ourselves) manage big emotions:
1) Acknowledge the feelings - ALL of them! All of us, kids and adults alike, experience positive and difficult emotions. Sometimes we may even feel nervous and worried and excited and hopeful all at the same time! If we give kids space and opportunity to name their feelings, and acknowledge them, it actually helps to tame them. Big feelings come and go more easily when they are listened to and acknowledged.
2) Remind our kids: We can do hard things! Starting in a new class can be hard. Making new friends can be hard. Adjusting to new routines can be hard. Doing hard things is what helps us build confidence as we find out how strong and capable we are. It’s how we learn!
3) Focus on strengths and gratitude. When your child feels anxious about school, help them to brainstorm who at school is there to help them, who makes them laugh or smile, who, and how, they can ask for help. What tools do they have to help when they feel upset? What are some things they enjoy about school or people they enjoy being with?
4) Remember kids need self-care too. Do what you can to ensure quality time at home for connection and downtime. Experts cannot stress enough the importance of physical activity, good nutrition and lots of sleep in terms of how these affect the positive mental health of our kids.
As a school counsellor, our job is to assist kids in their social and emotional development so they can experience success in school. This is done through school-wide programming, classroom instruction, small group work, and individual counselling. If at any point you feel your child would benefit from some additional support, we hope you will feel free to contact one of us or your child's teacher. If your concern is beyond the realm of school counselling support, our team can help connect you with outside supports as well.
Sandy Caners, School Counsellor - scaners@hsd.ca
Courtney Gangloff, School counsellor - cgangloff@hsd.ca
News from PAC
Staff Appreciation
We ended September with celebrating the amazing staff we have at Woodlawn school!
A huge thank you to all the parents/guardian’s who baked or purchased items. It was greatly appreciated.
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch will be available every Tuesday this year! We are very excited to be able to provide lots of options for kids.
Keep up to date by watching for email alerts, Instagram or the Woodlawn webpage.
Fundraising
We are so excited to be selling Niakwa frozen pizzas and gift cards as a fundraiser. With the money raised we will be expanding our outdoor play area. We are looking at getting a new play structure with accessibility. This will mean raising significant funds so any donations are also greatly appreciated.
We are also looking forward to offering some great incentives for our students . . .
Niakwa is donating a grand prize for the top seller. As well as a pizza party for the class with the most sales. The Woodlawn PAC will also be giving away prizes for the 2nd highest seller and everyone who sells will be entered to win a prize as well.
Next PAC meeting
Wednesday, October 12th at 6pm.
Important agenda addition.
Electing a NEW Chair. Nominations accepted until October 12th.
If you have any questions or would like to be nominated, please reach out to
woodlawnelementarypac@gmail.com
It’s an exciting year ahead and we look forward to working with you!
Woodlawn PAC
Parent Portal/Student Information
The HSD Parent Portal is a communications tool designed to enhance and increase parent/guardian involvement in the education of their children by providing secure online access to their child's student information. We encourage all parents/guardians to set up a parent portal account. With a single username and password you can access data for each of your children attending an HSD school. If you have not yet set up an account for each of your children please contact the school office for the access codes and set up information.
Please take a few minutes to review the student information and contact information for your child. It is important that the school has current address and contact information for your child in case it is necessary to reach someone during the school day. Contact the office for any changes that need to be made on the parent portal.
picture day
Mark your Calendar for our School Picture Day on
Wednesday, October 19 for KS1, KM1, Gr. 1, 2, and 3R
Thursday, October 20 for KM2, KS2, KR2, Gr. 3, Gr 3/4
and Gr. 4
For your convenience orders may be placed online.
All students will be photographed for school service products.
For Tips on preparing for photo day visit www.lifetouch.ca
Any questions, please call Lifetouch at 1-866-457-8212 or email: guestservices@lifetouch.ca
GROW A ROW
Traffic Safety
If your children walk to and from school it is always best if they walk in small groups and never alone. There is a crossing guard at the corner of Penner and Barkman from 8:35-8:53 and 3:45- 4:00. There is a crossing guard at the corner of Hespler and Ashford/Barkman from 8:30-8:50 and 3:30-4:00. Please remind your children to always go straight to school/home so they don't miss the crossing guards.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
An urban bus catchment area map is posted on the HSD website. Any urban or rural bus that will be late due to weather or mechanical issues is listed on the HSD website under the bus delay tab.
Go to the drop down menu of Services/Transportation Services and you can select:
1. School Bus Delay Bulletins - where any bus that is late is posted with the approximate delay.
2. Catchment Maps
Thank you for checking these options before calling the Hanover School Division Transportation Department with your questions regarding bus delays and Steinbach urban bus routes times and maps. Any questions for transportation please call 204-320-2347.
