June 14th, 2024

We had a successful Bike to School Day on Tuesday! It was great to see so many students riding their bikes and engaging in active school travel! 

In Phys-Ed this week we continued with our striking and fielding unit outside. Students made their way through different stations and worked on their batting skills from the tee. They also worked to use a tennis racket as a bat and hit from a soft toss. Students continued to refine their throwing and catching skills while using a baseball glove. Some Div 2 students also played a game of baseball on Friday!

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY- JUNE 11TH

Dear Woodbine Families, 

Bike to School Day is on Tuesday June 11^th! We encourage all students to wheel to/from school on this day. There will be space in the gym for students to store their bikes throughout the day. Please see below for important info!

Prior to arriving at school: 

·       Label your child’s bike and helmet using tape with both their name and their teacher’s name 

Arriving at school:

·       Students are to bring their bike through the back gym doors. They then need to find their teacher’s name and ensure the bike goes in the right section of the gym. They will then return to their regular entrance door for when the entrance bell rings. We will have some student volunteers helping with this!  

At the end of the day: 

·       Grade 4-6 students will have their bikes and be dismissed from the gym doors 

·       K-3 students will pick up their bikes prior to the bell ringing and will be dismissed at their regular dismissal doors 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping make this day a success! Please reach out to clbignell@cbe.ab.ca  if you have any questions.

June 7, 2024

This week we began our striking and fielding unit! Building on our kicking skills we learned from our soccer unit, we played some modified kickball games to start off the week. We tried “Race to the Bases” a small group activity in addition to “Krazy Kickball”, a game where students kicked a ball and had to run all the bases continuously. These games focused on being able to strike to open space. In addition, we focused a lot on getting familiar with the bases, by playing “Rock Paper Scissors Baseball”. 

On Thursday we brought out the baseball gloves for the first time and just began practicing throwing and catching while wearing a glove! Lots of students worked to figure out what hand felt more comfortable for them . We will continue with the gloves next week and try out some striking with different implements. 

Just a reminder that we will continue to be outside for the rest of the year in Phys-Ed, so please ensure your child wears appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities (no crocs, sandals, flip flops please).

May 24, 2024

After wrapping up the swimming lessons at Canyon Meadows Pool, we have begun our soccer unit. Students started the week working on individual footwork skills. They practiced skills like toe taps, side to side, pop ups, balance, drop and trap, and the rainbow. They moved into dribbling, passing with a partner and playing some large group games like Octopus and Knockout. 

Next week, we hope that the weather will cooperate so we can play some scrimmages!

Tickets Still Available: The Woodbine Parent Association is excited to announce our upcoming Pub Night, and we need your support to make it a success! We invite you to join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and camaraderie, all for a great cause. The profits from ticket sales will go directly towards building a new playground to replace our expired one, ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for our children to play and grow. Your participation is crucial in helping us achieve this goal. Please purchase your tickets soon (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodbine-parent-association-1st-annual-pub-night-tickets-865140808447?aff=oddtdtcreator) and encourage friends and family to do the same. Together, we can create a wonderful new playground for our kids. Thank you for your support!

May 3, 2024

This week we continued with badminton in Phys-Ed. 

Div 2 

Students spent plenty of time practicing rallying with a partner and working on different types of shots (Clear, drop, drive). Later on in the week they tried playing some doubles games. They learned where they needed to serve from depending on the number of points they had and how to rotate. Overall, it was a big success. 

Div 1 

Students began the week partaking in various paddle/racket stations. They worked on serving a birdie into a bucket, serving a ball and their partner catching it in a cone, playing “balloonminton”, individual paddle and beanbag skills, pickleball passing. Later on in the week, students got the chance to work on their forehand and backhand serves in badminton and discover which one worked better for them. This led to them trying to rally with a partner over the net. It was very impressive how far they have come with their striking with implements skills.

A message from the Woodbine Parent Association..

Hello Parents, and Guardians,

Woodbine School's playground has supported countless hours of play and exploration over the years.  Unfortunately the playground is showing its age and the Woodbine Parents Association and Playground Committee are working hard to ensure it will be a gathering place for the community for years to come.

We are kicking off our fundraising with a Pub Night and Silent Auction. We hope you will join us on May 25 at the Point Public House for a chance to socialize with friends, neighbours and fellow parents/guardians. Feel free to come by anytime between 3-8. Tickets are $30/person and include a burger and beverage. A portion of each ticket will also go directly to funding the new playground.Limited tickets available - get yours today!https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/865140808447?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 26, 2024

We have been focusing on “Striking with Implements” this week in Phys-Ed. Students in Div 1 began the week traveling to various stations to work on this skill while keeping their balloon in the air. They used footballs, noodles, frisbees, scoops, pylons, mini hockey sticks to keep their balloon from hitting the floor. They determined by day 2 that it was more challenging to keep their balloon in the air without moving their feet. They continued throughout the week using the balloons and learning different grips while holding paddles and badminton rackets. 

Div 2 students started the week off with paddles and badminton rackets, learning both the forehand and backhand grips. They refined their pickleball and badminton serves by playing “Paddle Battle” and moved on serving over the pickleball nets while working on their accuracy.

A reminder to Grade 5/6 students who brought their forms back that badminton club begins Monday morning at 8:20am.

April 19, 2024 

Students became spies and agents this week in Phys-Ed while partaking in the Mission Impossible course. At the beginning of the week, students were attempting to make their way through 1 of the 4 stations which included climbing, jumping, balancing, rolling, crawling under the “lasers”, frisbee toss, bear walking through the “ocean”, climbing through the cobweb “lasers”, and much more. A big hit was the Canadian Climber where students were able to rope climb, use the monkey bars and sloth hang from the bar.  Students switched roles throughout the week and were able to send students back to the beginning if they talked or made a mistake. Near the end of the week, we were able to open up the entire course and have students move through it at the same time. Students did incredible all week long and were fantastic at challenging themselves while using many of the gymnastics skills they had learned. 

This was a great way to wrap up our gymnastics unit and students loved it! 

Volunteers Needed!

 As we gear up for two exciting events in the coming weeks, we're reaching out to you for your support and participation. Firstly, our annual Book Fair is just around the corner, scheduled for April 17th to 19th. We're looking for volunteers to assist with various tasks, from setting up and organizing books to helping students find their next literary adventure. If you're interested in lending a hand, please sign up for available slots using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DADAF23A6F58-48920448-woodbine#/. Your involvement will contribute to the success of this cherished event, fostering a love for reading among our students.

Moreover, we're seeking volunteers for our upcoming swimming lessons. If you have a passion for volunteering, please consider signing up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DADAF23A6F58-48991125-swimming#/ . Your dedication will play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all participants. We are in desperate need of male volunteers to support the male change room.

Additionally, we're also preparing to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week from April 22nd to 26th. Our dedicated teachers and staff work tirelessly to support our students' growth and success every day. We invite you to show your gratitude by providing treats or small tokens of appreciation throughout the week. If you'd like to contribute, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DADAF23A6F58-48974052-staff#/. Whether it's baked goods, heartfelt notes, or simple gestures of thanks, your generosity will surely brighten their days and remind them of the impact they have on our school community.

Together, let's make both the Book Fair, Swimming Lessons, and Staff Appreciation Week memorable and uplifting experiences. Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

April 12, 2024

This week students had a chance to explore 6 gymnastics stations. 

These included: 

• Partner balances
• Balance beam 
• Climbing 
• The vault
• Floor routines 
• Bar 

Students were able to travel through the stations which involved various gymnastics skills that they learned last week. Students in grades 2-6 created floor routines in their groups. These included 2 balances, a jump, animal walk/travel, and a roll. They were able to brainstorm together and perform it as a group. 

Next week we begin the much anticipated mission impossible course. This is a friendly reminder for students to come prepared for mission impossible by being “Head to Toe, Ready to Go”. (Hair tied back, jewelry off, one layer shirt (no hoodies), sporty pants and running shoes) Thank you!

Apr 5, 2024

This week, all grades began their gymnastics units. Students were lead through a series of mat work where they learned various skills listed below. 

Animal Travels 

• Inchworm 
• Seal walk
• Bear walk
• Crab walk
• Flamingo hop
• Gorilla walk 
• Troll walk
• Donkey kicks
• Monkey jumps

Balances

• Front/back/side support
• Arabesque
• Side scale
• Knee scale
• Candlestick
• Tuck/V sit

Rotations

• Log roll
• Egg roll
• Straight leg egg roll
• Tuck roll
• Back shoulder roll
• Forward roll

Jumps

• Tuck 
• Star
• Pencil
• Half turn
• Full turn
• Pike

Students learned the importance of maintaining control of their body by engaging different muscles. Near the end of the week, students were able to use the benches to perform their pencil, tuck, and star jumps with a safety landing. 

These progressions will allow for a smooth transition into the larger equipment next week, followed by the Mission Impossible course.

April 3, 2024

Precautions for the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8 On Monday, April 8 a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Calgary. The solar event will begin just before noon and conclude by 2:00 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring at 12:43 p.m. 

We know that this provides a unique learning experience for students and staff in our schools; however, there can be serious impacts to vision as a result of viewing the eclipse in an unsafe manner. 

During this partial solar eclipse on Monday, we would like to invite all students to remain at school during the lunch break. Please send a lunch with your child. If students are not participating in educational activities around the event, schools may choose to have students will be involved in supervised indoor activities.

 If you decide that your child will walk home for lunch on Monday, please discuss with your child not to look at the sun to protect his/her eyes from damage by the solar eclipse.  

During a solar eclipse, looking directly at the sun is dangerous. Safe viewing of the eclipse requires wearing specialized glasses or watching through a telescope or solar binoculars that have specialized lenses and should only be performed under the direction of a professional.  

For more safety information can be found on the NASA website or from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.  If you have further questions, please contact your school office.

March 15th, 2024

I am so proud of the first group of students who were able to go skating this week. It was so wonderful to see the growth, leadership, and resilience that everyone had. A special thanks to all the parent volunteers who came out to support! I am excited for the next group next week! 

When not skating, students began our floor hockey unit. Some students learned how to properly hold a hockey stick. We worked lots on stick handing through different games like knockout, octopus, stick handling thru traffic. We moved into passing and shooting activities. Including Wall to Wall and Shoot Pucks get Bucks. Next week, we will continue building these skills and hopefully move into some game play!

March 8, 2024

This week students in every grade rehearsed their hip-hop dances that they were able to showcase last night! Your child(ren) worked very hard to memorize and refine these dances and hopefully you were able to make it to the show last night to see them!

In addition to practicing their dances, students got the chance to play gaga ball in phys-ed this week. It was a huge success, we had multiple gaga pits to play in and near the end of the week we made one big one where the entire class could play! 

Just a reminder that skating starts next week for some classes! Students who have indicated they have skates and a CSA approved hockey helmet are reminded to bring them to school on their skating day. We also encourage all students to wear some sort of gloves and beginning/new skaters to wear snowpants!

March 1, 2024

On Monday all students played a game called “Castaways”, a cooperative activity which involved throwing, guarding and communication. Students were in charge of guarding their pins on their island while other team members used the scooter boards (rafts) to collect dodgeballs to bring back to their island for their teammates to throw. It was a big success with lots of interesting strategies from different teams. 

The rest of the week we wrapped up our dance residency with Sound Kreations. Students have been working very hard to learn their dances and are getting prepped for their performance next week on March 7th! 

Learning Celebrations: Woodbine School embraced the spirit of Black History Month and Pink Shirt Day with fervor, spotlighting the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Students took pride in delving into the lives of influential Black figures, showcasing their discoveries with enthusiasm. PSA announcements educated the school community on the crucial distinctions between being rude, mean, and engaging in bullying behaviors, reinforcing the commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. Through these initiatives, Woodbine School continues its dedication to nurturing empathy, respect, and understanding among its students.

Important Announcements

Skating Volunteers Needed:

For our upcoming skating field trip we are still in need of some volunteers! Please sign up by following this link! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DADAF23A6F58-47743214-skating#/

We are excited to invite you to our Spring Performance on March 7th. See details below.

February 23, 2024

We have spent the past 2 weeks learning from fabulous Sound Kreations Instructors. They have been teaching students important elements of hip hop. Students have been working hard to memorize their routines and get prepared for our upcoming Spring Performance!

Important Information From the Office

School Planning Survey: At Woodbine School, we hold the firm belief that families are pivotal to the academic success of children. We are asking that you participate in a short survey that opens February 17 at 8:00am and closes March 9, 2024. The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback from families on school planning, which includes the school development plan, school budget, and school fees. When students, staff and families work closely together, students experience greater success.

                                  Survey QR Code/link: https://woodbine.cbedialogue.com/en/projects/2023-24-school-year/engagements/school-planning-survey-2024-woodbine-school

Before and After School Care Registration begins Feb 5, 2024:

February 2, 2024

We continued with our basketball unit this week. Here’s what we got up to….

Div 1 

• Dribbling activities included “Sharks & Minnows”, “Red Light, Green Light”, “Builders & Bulldozers”
• Students learned about the jump stop and the triple threat position
• Practiced their dribbling and jump stop by playing “Sleeping Giant”
• Moved into some passing 

Div 2

• Practiced the jump stop and triple threat position 
• Moved into bounce and chest passing 
• Played “Keep Away”, a passing drill using 4 cones to make a square and having to use their chest and bounce passes to keep it from the person in the middle
• Learned BEEF (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow Through) 
• Went through the basics of performing a layup 
• Played “6 Wins, Wins”, a shooting activity

Important Reminders

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices in School: Cell phones and personal electronic devices may only utilize such devices with explicit permission from a teacher during instructional hours. Outside of designated usage times, including breaks, electronic devices must be stored either in your child’s backpack or in the classroom parking lot. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in confiscation of the electronic device, with return to the student or parent at the day's end. The expectation is applicable from 8:55 am to 3:50 pm, aimed at fostering a learning environment where students are fully engaged in instruction and minimizing distractions. Leaving cell phones in desks, in belt bags or in pockets can disrupt learning. To further mitigate distractions, parents are requested not to send text messages or electronic communications during class time. Instead, students are encouraged to use the office phone to contact parents, and when needed parents are welcome to contact the office for message relay.

IMPORTANT| Collections | 2022-23 Central Fees (Transportation and Lunch Supervision): In February all outstanding 2022-2023 Transportation & Lunch Supervision fees will be sent to a collections agency.  Lunch supervision is an annual fee and is not prorated for disruptions in services.  Fees are not removed due to non-attendance for illnesses, absences or vacation.  If you require a payment plan please email studentfees@cbe.ab.ca prior to January 20, 2024. 

January 26, 2024

Div 1

After the success we had last week with 6 Goal Handball, the K-3 students were able to spend a couple days playing some handball games.  Their teamwork, understanding of the rules and skills were quite impressive. It was a great way to wrap up the unit and move into our basketball unit. Students were introduced to the dribbling cues, and getting familiar with ball control by partaking in the warm up activities. They then moved into dribbling while moving. 

Div 2 Students 

The 4-6’s began the week by playing one last game of handball, which was a big success. They then moved into basketball and refined their dribbling techniques by playing “Partner Lap Dribble”, “Builders and Bulldozers” and “Knockout”. Next week we will move into passing, shooting and following that some game play!

Jan 19, 2024

We continued with our handball unit for all grades. Div 1 worked on some handball stations, where they had to travel through different obstacles and then shoot on the net. They then moved into “6 Goal Handball”, where their team tried to score on the other 5 nets.

Div 2 students began the week by playing “6 Goal Handball” and then moved into our modified game. Students worked on only taking 3 steps when in possession of the ball and getting open to receive the pass. I saw huge improvements from the beginning of the week to the end. Students were grasping different tactics and strategies to use and working together to be successful!

Jan 12, 2024

Happy New Year everyone! It was great getting back into the routines and procedures in Phys-Ed this week. Grade 2-6’s started off the week competing to beat their score from September in the “Crazy Cards Challenge”. This had them completing fun and silly tasks individually, with a partner and as groups. It was a great way to work on their cooperation skills with some competition! The K/1’s began the week with the “Partner Mixer” game where they moved around the gym and had to remember who was their partner for each task! 

Following these cooperation games, we moved into our handball unit for all grades. Students worked on quick reaction time by playing the “Sneak and React” game. They also practiced catching a ball while they were in motion, and making quick & accurate passes with their teammates while the other team member ran and tried to beat them. Later on in the week, students worked on how to score a goal on the handball net with and without a goalie. We will be continuing on with handball next week and some grades will be playing some modified games!

December 22, 2023

This week we embraced the holiday spirit by playing “Do you want to build a snowman?”. Check out some of the creative designs that students came up with! Div 1 students played “Gingerbread Man Tag”, “Candy Cane Tag”, and “Home Alone”. Some of the Div 2 students played “Snow Forts” and “Elf Express”- a cooperative activity which had them collecting different toys. 

Wishing you all a wonderful winter break! See you in the new year!

December 15, 2023

This week we wrapped up our volleyball unit! Div 2 students have come a FAR way with their volleyball skills and we put them to use by playing volleyball games. Students learned how to rotate when they are on the court, practice their serving and moving to the ball to make a controlled pass. We spent 3 days playing games and the improvement from day 1 to day 3 was impressive! I really encourage that some students look into volleyball programs outside of school as they have lots of potential!

Div 1 students were introduced to volleyball skills last week and we reinforced them this week while using the volleyball nets. Students learned how to underhand serve the softer volleyballs, and bump them to a partner and over the net. We played “Don’t throw junk in my backyard” while using the nets and underhand serving. We warmed up with “Snowman Tag” which had them running around and getting “melted” by the sun to keep going. 

Some Important Announcements: 

We are reaching out to gather your thoughts and preferences regarding the redevelopment of our school’s playground.

As you may know, the Woodbine Elementary Playground is set to undergo a redevelopment over the next few years, and we want to ensure that the new design reflects the desires and needs of both our school community and community at large. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this beloved space for our children.

Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey. Your responses will be kept confidential, and the information gathered will be used solely for the purpose of community feedback. As an integral part of our school community, your input is important. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JC99TKN. We thank you in advance for your time and valuable feedback. The Woodbine Elementary Playground Project Committee woodbineplayground@gmail.com

The Grade 3’s are reflecting on being good citizens and want to give back.  They are collecting gift cards for Inn from the Cold, a Calgary organization that seeks to support families by providing stability in times of crisis.  We are looking for gift card donations of any amount so that families are able to purchase items as needed.  Some suggested stores are Superstore, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Safeway, Winners, Tim Hortons.  We will be setting up a Christmas tree where you will be able to pin your gift card during our Winter Solstice Concert.

December 1, 2023

Happy December! Here’s what happened this week in Phys-Ed….

Div 2 

• Students were introduced to “The Volley”. They worked hard individually, with partners and in groups to practice this skill
• Students warmed up with games of spin the pin tag and belly tag

Div 1

• Students reinforced their catching skills by playing “Spot On”, “Beat that Card”, “Touchdowns” 
• Students warmed up with line tag & spin the pin tag

November 24, 2023

Div 1 

This week the K-3’s focused on catching various objects in Phys-Ed. We started off the week by learning the “Catching Cues” (Ready Position, Reach Grab Give, Over Belly Button= Thumbs Touching, Under Belly Button= Pinkies Touching). We worked through different stations practicing this technique. Some favourites were the footballs, “ice cream cones”, koosh balls, and bouncy balls. Students also warmed up with some games of RPS Tag and Everyone’s It Tag. 

Div 2 

The Grade 4-6’s have begun their volleyball unit. We started off the week with going over the forearm pass and the cues to follow while performing this type of pass. Students worked hard on their ready position and being able to move their feet to get to the ball. They worked individually and with a partner before moving into the passing line drill where they had to follow their ball. We really tried to remember that a good pass does not come from swinging the arms. We are going to continue working on forearm passing next week and move into some other important skills in volleyball.

Nov 17, 2023

We refined our overhand throwing skills this week by following the keys to success. We started off the short week by playing “Freedom Catch”, a tag game where students get saved by catching a dodgeball from another played and moving into “Swamp Ball” where students had to catch a ball in their swamp in order to be freed. All grade levels tried a game called “Castaways” which was a huge success for every class. Each group had an island and 4 pins. The players on the islands had to protect their pins from getting knocked over while also overhand throwing the dodgeballs at other islands. We used scooter boards as boats for their team members to move around the ocean to collect the dodgeballs. Grade ⅚ students also tried a game called “3 Ball” which involved lots of running, tagging and throwing.

November 3, 2023

This week we continued with some “Spooky” games and then moved into targeted work on overhand throwing. Students were taught the “Keys to Success” to perform an overhand throw and partook in some games to reinforce the skill. Most grades played a throwing and catching game called “Hungry Hungry Monsters”, all grades tried “Partner Catch Tag” where they practiced passing a ball with a partner and became a tagger when the music stopped. Div 1 students did Build 1, and 2 of “Prairie Dog Pickoff”, and Div 2 students  tried out build 2 and 3 of the game. Where they had to guard their pin from getting knocked over by a ball. Grade ⅚ students also played a game called “Spaceball”, where they practiced overhand throwing and dodging!

Oct 27, 2023

This week we embraced the “Spooky” season and turned some games into Halloween themed. We reinforced our understanding of  underhand throwing in games like “Pickles in the Pumpkin Patch” and “Pumpkin Pick Off”. Some fun tag games included “Witches Hat Tag” and “Zombie Tag”. Students loved these! The Div 2 students worked on strategies and tactics in a game of “Trick or Treat Tag”, while Div 1 students worked on locomotor and counting skills in a game of “Haunted House”. Some students on Friday partook in themed stations, which worked on underhand throwing, hand eye coordination and other skills.

Oct 20, 2023

This week we moved onto working on our underhand throwing. Students were introduced to the important cues to perform an underhand throw (Face your target, bring your throwing arm back, step with your opposite foot, release the object between your knee and waist, and follow through to your target). We practiced this skill in some small and large group activities. Like “Hot Potato Laps” where students would warm up by passing a bean bag with their partner, whenever the music stopped if they had the beanbag in their hand they would run a lap. Students were encouraged to set goals for themselves to see how many successful passes they could complete. The Div 1 students played an underhand throwing game called “Decorate the Cookie”, where they used various objects of various sizes and weights to throw into their hoop. All grade levels played “Make it, Take it” where there were several dots on the ground and different buckets that they had to throw to. If they were successful with their throw, then they could bring the dot they were standing on back to their home base. Div 2 students also played a game called “Champions and Challengers”, that worked on underhand throwing and awareness!

October 13, 2023

A lot has been happening the past few weeks in Phys-Ed. We spent 2 weeks learning new and old recess games like wall ball, four square, switch, slam ball, window ball, and elephant ball. We spent some time in PE learning and going over the rules and now students have been able to play these games at recess, which has been a success!

This week we moved into our bowling unit by learning the 4 cues to perform an underhand roll. We played different type of bowling games like Blackout Bowling, BINGO Bowling and “Bowling for Dollars” which helped students learn about money and used their counting skills. 

Important Information: 

The events in Israel, the Gaza Strip and other parts of the Middle East are cause for concern around the world and impact many people in our own community. We recognize that for CBE’s Jewish, Israeli, and Palestinian families, the impact is deeply personal and devastating.   

Our focus is on the safety and well-being of our students. For some, this conflict may be particularly triggering due to personal experiences, or they may have strong reactions due to personal or family ties to Israel or Palestine. Many of our community members are concerned about what the future holds in the days and weeks ahead for the citizens of both countries and the world.  

As a learning community it is our duty to uphold human rights and to protect the well-being of every individual so that they feel a sense of belonging at school and work. We will not tolerate hate in any form in our schools and at Woodbine School. 

We understand that with the significant media coverage of these events, children of all ages will have questions or concerns and will reach out to adults, both teachers and parents, to help them make sense of the issue. Having the ability to engage in these conversations is important and requires the ability to listen, provide information, and engage in honest dialogue with children. We recognize children may have questions and we encourage families to answer these questions according to their own family beliefs and values. It is when children can engage in thoughtful conversations with a caring adult that they are able to build resilience for themselves and compassion for others.   

September 15, 2023 

Div 2 

Students participated in a variety of active games including “Cone Flip 4 Corners” which has students advancing from each corner every time they made a successful cone flip and interacting positively with peers. They also played “Wheel and Deal” which was a teamwork activity that involved making trades with other groups and using strategy to be the first team to collect all required items. Some other activities this week included “Twister Tag” and “Cone Knockout”. 

Div 1 

We continued with practicing locomotor and non locomotor movements in a variety of games. “Around the World” was a game that involved working with dice and deciding which number was greater than/less than, while moving from each corner of the gym. We worked on nonlocomotor movements while standing in a hoop and practiced jumping and landing with two feet and hopping with one foot on the “trampolines” (hula hoops). Some K/1/2 classes played a game of “Zookeepers” where they had to pick an animal from our “zoo” and move around the gym. 

September 8, 2023

We have had a fabulous first few days back in the gym! The emphasis this week was on practicing routines and team building/cooperation type activities. The Grade 1-6 students all partook in a game called “Shipwreck” which emphasized moving with control of our bodies and communication among group mates. 

Grade 3-6’s 

These students tried out the “Crazy Card Challenge” which was a fun icebreaker game that had them completing many silly challenges. We were able to time the classes, and they are eager to try this game again to see if they can beat their time! 

Div 1 

These students, including our newest members of the school, the kinders, participated in a locomotor activity called “Twister” and practiced moving around the gym while listening to music and movement songs. 

Some other games that we played this week include “Over, Under, Around, Through”, “Fitness Reaction”, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones”, “Scoop”, and “Bumper Cars”.

Hello Woodbine Families, 

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and you are all excited for the beginning of the school year! I am delighted to be back at Woodbine this year teaching Physical Education. I will be teaching every grade level twice to three times a week. We will be learning both in the gym and out on the field/compound. Please ensure that your students have suitable shoes for being active. 

Throughout the year please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. My email is clbignell@cbe.ab.ca or you can reach me by phoning the school! 

I am looking forward to a fantastic year!