School Surveillance:
Our school has a video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property. The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Education Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), specifically section 10(1) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA). This technology can be placed in areas such as the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, stairwells and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information. Inquiries concerning the video surveillance system, or the collection and use of recorded information may be made by contacting the school office.
Principal’s Listening Circle:
Student Voice Matters: Starting after Thanksgiving weekend, Ms. Fraser will be launching a new initiative at Sherwood School called the Principal’s Listening Circle. A few times throughout the school year, Ms. Fraser will invite small groups of students to join her for a short, approximately 20-minute conversation about their experience at Sherwood. The purpose is simple: We want to hear directly from our students about what school is actually like from their point of view. Students will be invited to share what is going well, what helps them feel connected and successful, what sometimes gets in the way of their learning or sense of belonging, and what we could do differently or better as a school. There are no right or wrong answers, and this is not a meeting students are sent to because they are in trouble. It is an opportunity for Ms. Fraser to listen, learn and better understand our school through the eyes of our students. Participation will always be voluntary. We also want to ensure that we hear from a wide range of students, not only those who are already comfortable speaking up or taking on leadership roles. Students, listen for announcements beginning after Thanksgiving weekend! If you hear an invitation to participate in a Principal’s Listening Circle and would like to share your perspective.
October 2nd
What a meaningful week of learning in our 5/6 classroom! Students continued building their understanding across subjects while making connections to Treaty Education, Truth and Reconciliation, community, and their own responsibilities as learners and community members. We also had lots of opportunities to apply our learning through hands-on activities, discussion, reflection, and creative projects.
Important reminders
-Friday Oct. 9th: Walking Field Trip
-Monday Oct. 12: No school (Thanksgiving)
-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Mrs. Saunders' class at Werklund field trip Oct. 15, 20-23
Ms. Toews' class at Werklund Field trip Oct 26-30
Please email your child's homeroom teacher if you're able to volunteer for any of these dates!
-Sherwood School Spirit Wear FALL 2026 | Big Mountain Activewear | powered by OrderMyGear
-Monday Oct: 19: No School
-Picture Retakes: Oct. 22nd
Learning This Week
ELAL
With Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week, our ELAL learning focused on learning from the past, listening to Indigenous perspectives, and considering our responsibilities moving forward.
Students explored Calls to Action and discussed what they mean and why they are important. They brainstormed ideas for a possible class commitment, thinking about actions we can take as a classroom community to contribute to reconciliation.
Students also explored the Medicine Wheel and continued building their understanding of Orange Shirt Day and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. We are continuing to develop our skills as thoughtful readers and writers who listen to different perspectives, ask questions, and consider how our actions can make a difference.
Math
This week, students continued working with transformations on coordinate grids, focusing on reflections and translations.
Students practiced reflecting shapes across lines and translating shapes by moving them across a coordinate grid. We continued looking for patterns and using mathematical language to describe how shapes change or stay the same when they are transformed.
Science
Our investigation of matter and density continued this week! Students explored how density can impact aquatic life and began making connections between the properties of matter and the world around us.
Students also began their “Mystery Object” project, which will give them an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of matter and the particle model. They are using what they have learned to investigate and explain the properties of a mystery object.
Social Studies
Both Grade 5 and Grade 6 students explored the idea of land and our relationship to place this week.
Students created their own personal land acknowledgements, thinking about the land they live and learn on and what it means to acknowledge the people, histories, and relationships connected to that land.
Our Grade 5 students also examined different scenarios and considered whether they would need to move, modify, or adapt in response to changes in their environment.
Our Grade 6 students continued exploring the development of Athenian democracy, focusing on the timeline of events and the changes that eventually contributed to the development of democracy in Athens.
Special Presentation
We also enjoyed a special Arts and Culture presentation through the Jubilee, joining virtually for an opportunity to experience and learn from artists and performers. It was a great chance to connect our classroom learning with experiences beyond our school!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Toews, Ms. Little & Mrs. Saunders
Get your Sherwood Swag!
Sherwood School Spirit Wear FALL 2026 | Big Mountain Activewear | powered by OrderMyGear
Mural Update
In 2027, Sherwood School will proudly celebrate 70 years of learning, belonging, and community. To mark this milestone, we are partnering with Calgary-based Blank Page Studio for an Artist-in-Residence project that will bring students together to help create a permanent outdoor mural. Painted in spring 2027, the mural will honour Sherwood’s history and community while reflecting the voices, identities and hopes of today’s students and looking toward the future. Your donation will help us create more than a mural, it will create a lasting legacy designed with our students, for our community, and for generations to come. Please donate HERE.
Thank you,
Brenna Fraser, Principal
September 24th
What another great week in our 5/6 classroom! Our students continued to build their confidence as learners while tackling new concepts, applying their thinking, and working together to solve problems. From mapping movement on coordinate grids to investigating the density of liquids, there was lots of hands-on learning and curiosity happening throughout the week.
We also continued exploring important ideas about communities, history, and perspective while developing our skills as readers, writers, artists, designers, and critical thinkers.
Important Reminders
- No school Friday Sept. 25th
Learning This Week
ELAL
With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coming up, our ELAL learning took us into an important topic: Treaties and Indigenous peoples.
Students engaged with a variety of reading and writing activities as they learned more about treaties and their significance. We also explored some common myths and misconceptions about Indigenous peoples. Students used their critical thinking skills to examine these ideas, consider whether they were accurate, and rewrite them using more accurate and respectful descriptions.
We are continuing to work toward becoming thoughtful readers and writers who question information, look for evidence, and think carefully about the messages they encounter.
Students also enjoyed a story walk outside to learn about different perspectives on the Fall Equinox.
Math
Our coordinate grid learning continued this week. We started making those little numbered grids do a lot more work!
Students described the movement and location of polygons on grids, with Grade 5 focusing on the first quadrant and Grade 6 working with the full Cartesian plane. Students also modelled polygons on coordinate grids and investigated the relationships and patterns between coordinate points and the shapes they create.
We are beginning to see that coordinates aren't just numbers on a page. They can be used to describe location, movement, and mathematical relationships.
Science
Science got hands-on again this week as students explored density!
Students tested the density of different liquids using graduated cylinders and made careful observations throughout the investigation. They practiced following procedures, making predictions, observing closely, and using evidence from their experiment to develop their understanding.
There was also some impressive concentration happening as students carefully watched the liquids settle and compared what they observed!
Social Studies
Our Grade 6 students examined some of the problems Athens faced before the development of democracy and then considered the strengths and limitations of Athenian democracy. We are beginning to look beyond simply asking “What happened?” and instead asking questions such as “Why did this happen?”, “Who benefited?”, and “What were the limitations?”
Our Grade 5 students continued exploring why communities settle where they do, with a particular focus on the importance of water. Students also learned about sketchnoting as a way to record information visually and strengthen their understanding of important concepts.
5/6 Options
Our options classes were busy putting creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills to work!
Art: Students brought together the drawing skills they have been practicing to create a final piece that demonstrated their learning and personal style.
Life Hacks: Students practiced identifying problems, examining different choices, and thinking through possible consequences using our “Sticky Situations.” We are working on becoming thoughtful decision-makers who can consider different perspectives and possible outcomes before choosing how to respond.
Design: Students worked through the design thinking process to create their own bookmarks. They identified a need, generated ideas, created prototypes, and refined their designs.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Toews, Ms. Little & Mrs. Saunders
September 18
What a busy and exciting third week! This week was full of investigation, problem-solving, collaboration, and a few opportunities to get a little messy! We also came together as a school community for our Terry Fox Run/Walk, and we are already looking forward to next week’s Spirit Week!
Important Reminders
Spirit Week – September 21–24: Get ready for four days of fun! Please see the Spirit Week schedule below for each day’s theme.
SherBurger – Thursday, September 24, 4:00–6:30 PM: Join us at Sherwood School for one of our favourite community traditions! Grade 4-6 classrooms will be open from 4:00-5:00. Otherwise, please visit us at the outdoor BBQ. Families are invited to come by, grab some dinner, connect with the Sherwood community, and check out what’s happening at the school.
No School: Friday Sept. 25th
Learning This Week
ELAL
This week, our ELAL learning took a bit of a mystery twist! Students became detectives as they investigated a pretend “Who Done It?” case involving a missing Archer. Using a collection of reading clues, students practiced separating facts from opinions and used evidence to support their conclusions. They then wrote a paragraph explaining who they believed was responsible, including claims and evidence to support their thinking.
Students also continued to strengthen their paragraph-writing skills through exemplar analysis and quick-write practice. We are working toward becoming writers who can clearly communicate an idea, support it with evidence, and use feedback to make our writing stronger.
Math
We wrapped up our learning about symmetry with a concept check, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned about reflectional and rotational symmetry.
Our Grade 5 students also continued their work with government screeners, while our Grade 6 students explored tessellations and the mathematical patterns behind them.
Both grades have now begun exploring the Cartesian plane. Students are learning how to plot and describe points using coordinates and discovering that there is a lot more to those little numbered grids than meets the eye!
Science
Things got a little melty in Science this week!
Students investigated particles during phase changes through a hands-on experiment involving chocolate lollipops. As the chocolate changed state, students observed what was happening and connected their observations to our learning about particles and changes in matter.
There may also have been some very serious scientific investigation into whether the chocolate tasted different at different stages.
Just a few quotes from science this week: "This is the best day of my life!" And "This is lowkey actually kind of fun"
Social Studies
Our Grade 5 students investigated geographical factors that influence where early settlements develop. Students considered how features such as water, land, climate, and natural resources can influence where people choose to live and build communities.
Our Grade 6 students took a closer look at democracy in Ancient Athens. We explored what participation in Athenian democracy actually looked like and investigated how the process worked. Students began thinking about who was included, who was excluded, and how this system compares with our understanding of democracy today.
Terry Fox Run/Walk
On Friday, our school community came together for our Terry Fox Run/Walk! Students and staff got outside, got moving, and helped carry forward Terry’s message of courage, determination, and hope.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Toonies for Terry and helped make the day such a meaningful part of our week.
We have had another wonderful week together, and it has been exciting to see our students becoming more confident, curious, and connected to their learning. Thank you for continuing to support them and for helping us build such a positive classroom community.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Toews, Ms. Little & Mrs. Saunders
Sept. 11th
What a fantastic second week! Our 5/6 students have continued to settle into classroom routines while diving deeper into their learning. This week brought lots of hands-on exploration, thoughtful conversations, collaboration, and opportunities to look at familiar ideas in new ways. We are especially excited to share about our first Place-Based Learning adventure in Ogden!
Important Reminders
- Terry Fox Run – Friday, September 18: We are getting ready to run, walk, and fundraise in support of cancer research. Please consider sending toonies for Terry with your child.
- SherBurger – Thursday, September 24, 4:00–6:30 PM: Join us at Sherwood School for one of our favourite community traditions! See the details below.
- It Takes a Community: SherBurger is also looking for volunteers. Please consider signing up to help make this special evening happen!
Learning This Week
ELAL
This week, students became paragraph detectives! We examined the rubrics we will be using to assess our paragraph writing and practiced using them to analyze different paragraphs. Students looked closely for evidence of strong writing, identified areas for improvement, and practiced editing with a critical eye. We are building the skills students need to become thoughtful writers who can use feedback to strengthen their work.
Math
We continued our exploration of symmetry, moving from reflectional symmetry into rotational symmetry. Students learned about order of rotation and explored the concept through hands-on activities, movement, and art. It was wonderful to see students experimenting with patterns and designs while thinking mathematically!
Science
Our exploration of Matter continued as students investigated the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. We began looking more closely at the properties that help us describe and identify different forms of matter. Students also participated in hexagonal thinking activities, working collaboratively to make connections between important concepts and vocabulary. These activities led to some excellent conversations and surprising connections!
Social Studies
Our Grade 6 students continued exploring democracy in ancient civilizations by examining artifacts. Students used evidence from the artifacts to generate questions, make observations, and spark conversations about how people may have lived and participated in their communities.
Our Grade 5 students began building their geography skills by exploring the different parts of a map and learning how maps communicate information. They also began working with timelines, developing an understanding of how events can be organized chronologically and how timelines help us understand history.
Place-Based Learning: Then, Now & Next
Friday was a very exciting day for our 5/6 students! We spent the entire day exploring trains in Ogden through the lens of Then, Now, and Next.
We began by examining current events and articles connected to the Green Line and thinking about how changes happening today may impact our community. From there, we travelled back in time to explore the history of trains in Ogden and the important role railways have played in shaping our community.
We then headed out for a community walk, putting our learning into action as we looked closely at the places, spaces, and signs of our community. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to observe, question, make connections, and consider different perspectives.
SherBurger – Celebrating Community. Connecting Families.
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 4:00–6:30 PM | Sherwood School
Bring the family and join us for one of our favourite Sherwood traditions! SherBurger is an evening to reconnect, meet our staff, explore the school, and enjoy some food and fun together.
Grab Some Dinner
Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available for students and families, with ice cream served inside the West Foyer.
Visit Our Grade 4–6 Classrooms | 4:00–5:00 PM
Grade 4–6 families are invited to stop by classrooms, meet teachers, and see where the learning happens.
Meet the Sherwood Team
Say hello, ask questions, and get to know the people supporting your child this year.
Explore Our Community Partners
Visit community vendors and information booths, including the Green Line team.
Enter to Win!
Don't forget to stop by our raffle tables for a chance to take home some great prizes.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY!
We would love your help in making this evening a success. If you are able to volunteer, please sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4CA5AF2CA6FEC61-65449311-volunteer#/
We have had another wonderful week together, and it has been so exciting to see our students becoming more comfortable, curious, and connected. Thank you for continuing to support their learning and for helping us build such a positive classroom community.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Toews, Ms. Little & Mrs. Saunders
Sept. 4th
What a wonderful first week back! We have spent the week getting to know one another, settling into our new routines, and beginning to build the kind of classroom community we want to have this year. Through games, stories, challenges, and lots of conversation, students have had opportunities to share a little about themselves, discover things they have in common, and begin making connections with their classmates. We are so proud of how our 5/6 students have jumped into the year with enthusiasm and an open mind!
Important Reminders
- No School – Monday, September 7: Enjoy the long weekend!
- Picture Day – Wednesday, September 9:
- Sherburger/Open House - Sept. 24th (see details below our weekly update)
- Show Off Folders: Please check your child's backpack for their Show Off Folder. Inside, you will find important Health forms (and Athletic forms for Grade 6) to read over, sign, and return to school.
Learning This Week
ELAL
Students explored our new classroom libraries and were introduced to a variety of books and genres. We talked about our intentions for the year and used a variety of picture books and stories to help us think about the kind of learners and community members we want to be.
Students also began working on "The Important Thing About Me", along with a variety of writing prompts designed to help us get to know them as writers, learners, and people. We are already learning so many interesting things about our students!
Math
We kicked off our year with geometry, focusing specifically on symmetry. Students learned about reflectional symmetry, connected their learning to examples in the real world, and even created their own symmetrical designs and examples.
Science
We began our first science unit: Matter! Students started by collaborating in groups to sort and discuss important vocabulary terms. This led to some fantastic conversations as students shared what they already knew, made connections, and wondered about unfamiliar words. Students also practiced making qualitative and quantitative observations, an important skill that we will continue to build throughout the year.
Social Studies
Our Grade 5 students were introduced to our first unit on Ancient Civilizations, while our Grade 6 students began exploring democracy through a fun classroom reenactment. Both groups jumped right into their learning and had lots of opportunities to discuss, question, and make connections.
We have had such a great start to the year, and we are looking forward to all that is ahead! Thank you for helping your children begin the year with such positive energy and enthusiasm.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to connect. We are looking forward to working together to make this a fantastic year for your child.
Have a wonderful and well-deserved long weekend!
Warmly,
Ms. Toews, Ms. Little & Mrs. Saunders
SHER BURGER IS BACK!
Celebrating Community. Connecting Families. Kicking Off Another Great Year at Sherwood.
Thursday, September 24, 2026 4:00–6:30 PM | Sherwood School
Bring the family and join us for one of our favourite Sherwood traditions! Sher Burger is an evening to reconnect, meet our staff, explore the school and enjoy some food and fun together.
Grab Some Dinner Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for students and families, with ice cream served inside the West Foyer.
Visit Our Grade 4–6 Classrooms | 4:00–5:00 PM Grade 4–6 families are invited to stop by classrooms, meet teachers and see where the learning happens.
Meet the Sherwood Team Connect with our staff, say hello, ask questions and get to know the people supporting your child this year.
Explore Our Community Partners Visit our community vendors and information booths, including the Green Line team.
Enter to Win! Don't forget to stop by our raffle tables for a chance to take home some great prizes.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY-please sign up to volunteer https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4CA5AF2CA6FEC61-65449311-volunteer#/
Welcome to Grade 5/6!
We hope you had a wonderful summer and that your child is excited to begin a new school year. We are thrilled to welcome you and your child to Grade 5/6 class at Sherwood School. For some families, this is our first hello, and for others, it is a welcome back. We are delighted to be continuing with a few students from last year and to build on the learning and relationships we started together.
We are your 5/6 Teachers: Ms. Desiree Toews, Mrs. Stephanie Saunders, and Ms. Diya Little. We are looking forward to getting to know each student as a learner and as an individual, and building a classroom where everyone feels that they belong.
This year will be filled with exciting and engaging opportunities for students to ask questions, explore ideas, and challenge themselves in new ways. Our goal is to meet students where they are in their learning and support them in growing both academically and personally. We will focus on building confidence, encouraging creativity, fostering collaboration, and developing a classroom community where every student feels valued.
About Our Grade 5/6 Classes
A combined class means students in two grades learn side by side in one classroom. Each student follows the Alberta curriculum for their own grade level, and their report card reflects their grade's outcomes.
Combined classes offer some real advantages: older students have opportunities to grow as leaders and mentors, younger students learn from strong models, and everyone benefits from a classroom where working at your own level is simply how things are done.
Our First Day
Our first day of school is Monday, August 31, 2026.
Outdoor supervision begins at 7:40 a.m., students are expected to be heading inside and making their way to their classes at 7:55 a.m, and instruction will begin at 8:00. On the first morning, we will be outside at the southeast doors with stairs by the playground to greet students and help them get settled. Students will enter and exit through these same doors each day.
Arrival & Dismissal
Our regular school hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:55 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Morning supervision begins at 7:40 a.m.
If you need to pick up your child during the school day, please check them out through the main office. The office will contact our classroom, or your child can be ready for you when the pickup has been arranged in advance.
Classroom & School Expectations
A few simple expectations help our classroom stay focused, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone. Please review these with your child before the first day:
- Hoods down in the classroom. Being able to see one another's faces helps us connect, communicate, and stay engaged in learning (hats are okay).
- Water only. Water bottles are welcome and encouraged. Energy drinks are not permitted, and other beverages should be saved for lunch.
- Phones away. Cell phones and personal devices stay in lockers during the entire school day, in keeping with provincial and CBE policy. If you need to reach your child during school hours, please call the office and we will pass along your message.
- Valuables/toys/stuffies/gizmos/gadgets: Are expected to be left at home.
Students should bring a nutritious snack, water bottle, and lunch each day.
In these first warm weeks, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses will help your child stay comfortable during our time outside. As the seasons change, weather-appropriate clothing is always a good idea.
Supplies & Footwear
The school provides all required supplies. Students in Grade 5 and 6 will be given a pencil case to store their supplies. If your child has a pencil case they love and would like to use, they are welcome to bring it.
Indoor shoes are optional. However, proper footwear is required for Phys Ed. Crocs, sandals, and winter or rain boots are not permitted in gym class. Students need appropriate footwear such as sneakers.
Please label your child's belongings with their name.
Looking Ahead: Week Long Field Trips
We are excited to share that our classes will take part in a five-day field trip
Ms. Toews' class will be going to the Werklund Centre from October 26–30
Mrs. Saunders' class will be going to the Werklunk Centre Oct. 15, and 20th-23rd
Ms. Little's class will be going to the Jubilee Auditorium from Jan. 18-22nd
This trip cannot happen without volunteers. All volunteers must have a current Police Information Check, and these can take up to six weeks to process.
If you are interested in volunteering:
- Please contact the office as soon as possible to begin the Police Information Check process.
- If you are unsure whether you are already a registered volunteer with the school, the office can confirm this for you.
- Once you are cleared, please let us know which days you are available to volunteer.
Thank you in advance to those who are able to support us. These experiences are made possible in large part because of our wonderful parent and family volunteers.
Staying Connected
School Phone: (403) 777-7590
School Website: sherwood.cbe.ab.ca
Please reach out whenever you have a question, concern, or something you think would help us better support your child.
Our First Week
The first days of school will focus on helping students feel comfortable and confident. We will ease into academics with community-building activities, both indoors and outdoors, designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and curiosity.
We will spend time establishing shared routines and expectations so that everyone feels like part of the same class from day one. Students will have opportunities to reconnect with friends, get to know classmates, explore our classroom, and begin building the routines that will help us have a successful year together.
Our number one priority is your child's safety and well-being as they transition back from summer. From there, we will work together to build a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, ask questions, and be themselves.
I can't wait to welcome your child on Monday morning and begin our year together. I am looking forward to all of the learning, laughter, challenges, discoveries, and memories we will create along the way!
Warmly,
Ms. Desiree Toews, Mrs. Stephanie Saunders, and Ms. Diya Little
Grade 5/6 Teachers
Sherwood School