At this time of year, the staff start looking ahead to the next school year. We are working to get our staffing in place for the 2023-2024 school year.

In early June we will start to put together our class lists. This is a complex process and as in previous years we are seeking parental understanding and support of this process. It is our strong belief that the learning atmosphere in the classroom must be the first consideration in the formation of class groupings. Classes are organized to ensure Appropriate Education takes place for all students. We make every effort to minimize the potential for negative student interactions.

Staff teams strive to create classes that are heterogeneous and balanced in all respects. The following criteria (in no specific order) are considered when determining class lists:

• Student abilities

• Our knowledge of social interactions and dynamics between individual students and groups of students

• Student/teacher match

• Placement of students new to Woodlawn School

• Male/female ratio

• Parental information

• Approximately equal class sizes

Parents can assist the class formation process by:

• Helping their children to understand the importance of class formation.

• Supporting placements that have been made.

As part of this process we recognize that having a positive learning partner contributes to this success and engagement. Classroom teachers will be reaching out to parents this month to get input on who parents consider to be good learning partners for their children. We ask that you please discuss this with your child and respond to the classroom teacher by the date requested.

Given appropriate support at home and at school, it has been our experience that the vast majority of placements are successful. Where a placement is proving to be difficult, we ask that parents and students give it the time required for friendships and classroom community building to develop.

The name of your child’s teacher for 2023-2024 will be included with the June report card. Should you have any concerns, you are asked to put them in writing addressed to the principal. Concerns will be dealt with upon return in August. Once the lists are compiled, the administration tries not to make adjustments. However, certain circumstances may arise where placements need to be altered due to students leaving or enrolling, registration of new students with high needs etc. In these instances, parents will be notified in late August of the change in order to prepare your child.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s education at Woodlawn School.

Summer is quickly approaching, so exciting! Have you planned it all out? What about doing some of the planning together with your kids? There are so many ways to do this, but here are just a few ideas for how you can involve your kids and also naturally build in literacy activities (speaking, reading and drawing/writing):

Make a bucket list for the summer - have a brainstorming session open to any possible idea, if you dare! Your kids could come up with some really creative options that are actually doable. Get them to draw or write down their ideas, with your help if needed.

Make a weekly schedule together and discuss it week by week so that your kids know what to expect and what to look forward to.

Going on a road trip? Invite your kids to help with figuring out accommodations, writing or drawing a packing list, and making a map that they can follow. They could also come up with some interesting activities to do in the car (which could include reading and/or listening to audiobooks).

Trying out a new destination? Give your kids a “research project” to learn about the place you’re going and some activities to do there.

Going camping? Invite your kids to help plan the menu and make grocery and packing lists.

Summer is short and even though the days can seem wonderfully (and/or terribly!) long, the whole summer can slip by in an instant. With a little extra planning, summer can have a good mix of activities and free time and be enjoyable for the whole family.

Have fun planning a fantastic summer full of great memories!

Field trips will be starting up this spring. This means our teachers are going to be looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please make sure your volunteer status is up to date with the Hanover School Division. Parents will not be able to volunteer without all the checks being cleared. This process can take several weeks so please do not delay.

Click HERE to read what will be needed to volunteer.