A Message from the Counsellors
It seems like there are so many new things to think about and learn about as parents these days, and it can feel overwhelming. We would like host an after school session to talk about… whatever you want to talk about! In the next few weeks, we will be sending a survey out to see if there are topics you would like to discuss with us, as the school counsellors, and other Woodlawn parents. If there is interest, we will gather resources to learn from the experts on your topic of choice, plan a date to spend time together to learn, support each other, and eat! We look forward to hearing from you.
Literacy News
Here’s a little riddle …
What is a massive amber vehicle that transports youth?
If you guessed ‘a school bus’, it’s because you’ve developed an expanded vocabulary and know other ways of saying ‘big’ and ‘yellow’. Teachers sometimes call descriptive words or new vocabulary “juicy words”. We encourage students to use juicy words in their writing and we love discovering the juicy words authors use in books we read aloud.
February is “I Love to Read” month and this year’s theme is Juicy Words. All month classes will be encouraged to participate in vocabulary-building activities. On Friday, February 10th, we hope to see students wearing sleek fedoras, lustrous tiaras, embellished sombreros or other headwear for Hat Day!
Vocabulary naturally builds in children when they are interacting with others. Simple habits such as having conversations over dinner or during car rides can be beneficial. You’ll encounter new words as you read together or explore a new interest. Following a recipe or building/fixing something together can help you to naturally encounter new words.
Seize opportunities to say things in a different way. Instead of “Let’s go!” try “Let’s depart! Instead of “Who won?” try “Who was the victor?” If your child says they’re hungry, respond with “I’m famished too. Let’s go make something to devour!”
Have fun exploring language, throughout “I Love to Read” month and always!
Numeracy News
February is I love to Read month so I thought I would create a list of some books that are either about math or that pull out some mathematical thinking. The next time you are looking for books, check out these titles:
One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab by April Pulley Sayre
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
The Doorbell Rang By Pat Hutchins
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All By Marilyn Burns
The Best of Times by Sturat J. Murphy
How much is a Million? By David M. Schwarts
Bean Thirteen By Matthew McElligott
We All Count: A Book of Cree Numbers By Julie Flett
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
If you are looking for a great book to read as an adult about mathematics, I highly recommend the book Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su. I have read this book several times! It looks at mathematics from a lens not typically examined.
Indigenous Perspectives
Our Elder and Knowledge Keeper programming is underway and it’s pure joy to see Woodlawn students soaking up the learning. Jacklyn Friesen taught us about rabbit snaring, fishing with her uncle, and living on the land. We talked about different habitats and the kinds of animals that live in different parts of Manitoba. We explored tools for cutting wood and shrubs in the bush and the difference between green and dry wood and how that affects fire making outdoors.
In February our guests will be Darla Contois and Elder Geraldine Shingoose. Darla is Cree-Salteaux from Misipawistik First Nation (Grand Rapids). Darla will be exploring storytelling and story-acting with our younger students and doing drama workshops with our older students. We are very excited to have such an accomplished artist working with Woodlawn students (see information about Artist in the School for more information about Darla).
Geraldine Shingoose, otherwise known as Gramma Shingoose, is an Elder who will share traditional stories. Gramma Shingoose is an ambassador for residential school survivors, however she will not be speaking about that with Woodlawn students. You can read her story here.
In addition, Marlene Henry and Diane Henry from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation are making regalia with some of our students who have been asked to participate in the Gathering of Friends Powwow at Ginew School in spring. Marlene, an accomplished Traditional Powwow dancer herself, will also be teaching these students their powwow dance steps.
We are looking for parent feedback and connections for Indigenous programming in our school. Please contact Monica Martens (mmartens@hsd.ca) if:
your child would like to be part of the Indigenous Student Leadership Group
you, as a parent, would like to attend part or whole days with the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and guests helping out with student needs and sitting in on the learning
you would like the school to explore traditional cultural learning (like making regalia) for your child
you have family connections to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and/or community members who could spend time with our students
Monica Martens
Curriculum Learning Support Teacher
Valentine's Day
ATTENDANCE - DID YOU KNOW?
2023 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If your child is eligible for Kindergarten Registration (must be five years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2023), our online registration is now available. Our new online registration process takes only a few minutes to complete. To begin, visit the HSD Kindergarten Registration page at https://hsd.ca/schools/student-registration/
If you do not have access to the Internet, please visit our school and we will assist you in completing the registration form on a school computer.
Registering early will assist our school in preparation and planning for the upcoming school year. Early registration also provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to participate in upcoming orientation activities.
WOODLAWN BOOK FAIR
BOOK FAIR HOURS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
8:30-8:55, 11:05-11:55 - (Kindergarten , Grade 1 & Grade 2)
1:10-2:00 - (Grade 3 & 4) 3:45-6:30** Open late only on Wednesday
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
8:30-8:55, 11:05-11:55 - (Kindergarten , Grade 1 & Grade 2)
1:10-2:00 - (Grade 3 & 4) 3:45-4:30
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
8:30 8:55, 11:05-11:55 - (Kindergarten, Grade 1 & Grade 2)
1:10-2:00 - (Grade 3 & 4) 3:45-4:30
Students will be browsing Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Shopping will be Wednesday, February 8- Friday, February 10. Check out the preview flyer going home soon for a taste of what will be at the fair. You can also order virtually during the book fair as well. Stay tuned for more information in the letter that will be sent home.
BUS INFORMATION
All school busses that are running late or cancelled will be posted on the Hanover School Division website at www.hsd.ca
Under the Departments tab you will find Transportation, Bus Delay Bulletins, and a list of affected busses.
The transportation department will no longer be calling individual homes when busses are delayed. When a bus route is cancelled due to weather or road conditions it may be cancelled for the a.m. and p.m. runs. If you drive your students to school, you will need to confirm whether or not your bus is operating in the afternoon. Please call transportation at 204-320-2347.
Parents will be expected to obtain information, if needed, on the status of their bus through the website. Busses that are running more than 10 minutes late on a given day will have the bus number and estimated lateness posted on the page. Homes that do not have computer access to the web should make arrangements with another family on the route whom they could contact.
