April 10, 2026
Curricular Update:
ELA: This week in ELA, students finished up their Literature Circles Unit with a staged performance of a scene from their novel. It was so great to see them perform in the Drama room and bring some of the greats parts from their books to the stage. We also started a brief unit on personal narrative writing, which they will show their learning in a practice written PAT on Thursday.
Math: This week in Math, students worked on solving more complex algebraic problems. They also learned mathematical modelling strategies for word problems. Next week, they have an Equations test on Monday and then will be starting their last Algebra Unit of the year: Linear Inequalities.
Social Studies: Next week in Social Studies, students will begin their economics unit! This unit is really fun, involves playing Monopoly, a business fair, and lots of real-world examples.
Science: This week in Science, students attempted to build a simple motor using a coil of wire, battery and a magnet. They also learned about Energy, Power, and Efficiency, and how to calculate these quantities in electrical devices. Next week, students will be visiting the Great Electricity of Canada in the Learning Commons. They will be learning about the different sources of electrical energy used throughout Canada and the pros and cons of each.
Tests & Quizzes:
Math test: Linear Equations on Monday, April 13
ELA: Personal Narrative Writing, Thursday, April 16
Upcoming Dates & Reminders:
Culture Week: April 27th-May 1st FOOD TRUCKS: Thursday April, 30th
________________________________________________________________________________
March 20, 2026
It was so great to see everyone who came to the parent-teacher conferences this week! If you were not able to attend and would like to touch base, please reach out through email, and we are happy to set up a phone call to chat! 0-
Kristen Renaud | |
David Castagne | |
Madison Wiltsey | |
Jared Exner |
Curricular Update:
ELA: This week in ELA, students started writing a script for their final literature circle project. We also continued our ongoing word study of Tier Two words, this week we looked at evaluate, excerpt, et cetera, exemplify, and explanation.
Math: This week in Math, students started a new unit in Algebra, learning how to solve equations when the missing variable, x, is on both sides of the equation. We focused on using algebra tiles to support their understanding and after the break students will transition to solving equations using symbolic methods.
Social Studies: This week in Social Studies, students finished their Historic Moments Artifact project. It was so great to see how they came together to create such meaningful representations of important events that have shaped our current immigration policies.
Science: This week in Science, students learned about Ohm’s Law and how to use formulas to calculate voltage and current of a circuit. They also completed a virtual lab, where they built circuits and learned how current changes in a circuit when the voltage changes. On Thursday, students wrote a mid-unit test on electricity, marks are on PowerSchool. After the break, students will study the second half of electricity, with a focus on motors and methods of energy generation.
Tests & Quizzes:
-Enjoy the break!
Upcoming Dates & Reminders:
-No school next week!
-Health & Life Skills Forms - please email to jaexner@cbe.ab.ca when complete
Gr 9 Parental Notification and Opt
________________________________________________________________________________
March 13, 2026
Curricular Update:
ELA: This week in ELA, students wrote a vocabulary quiz and were introduced to the final project, where they will be turning a selection from their novel into a stage performance. Next week they will have some time to start writing their script.
Math: This week in Math, 9-1 and 9-2 wrote their Rational Number test and results have been posted to PowerSchool. The remainder of the week students learned about surveys, sampling methods and biases. They also created a survey and collected, graphed and analyzed their data (9-3 will complete the survey next week). Next week, 9-1 and 9-2 will be revisiting Algebra with a unit on learning equations.
Social Studies: In Social Studies this week, students worked on provincial immigration policies and started a project where they are researching a historic Immigration event in Canada and creating an artifact that represents it. If you have any recyclable materials that could be used for building these artifacts, please send them in with your student.
Science: In Science, students are continuing to learn about electric circuits and they completed a lab where they investigated how current and bulb brightness changes within a series and parallel circuit. Next week, 9-1 and 9-2 will have a mid-unit test on Electricity.
Tests & Quizzes:
- Science Test on Thursday (9-1 & 9-2)
Upcoming Dates & Reminders:
- If your student hasn’t brought their skating form in please make sure they do so. Mr. Castagne and I will even join them!
_________________________________________________________________________________
March 6, 2026
Report Cards were available for viewing on February 24. Please log in and look it over with your student. If you have questions or concerns, we would love to see you at the conferences on March 19 & 20.
Next week is Spirit Week!
Curricular Update:
ELA: This week in ELA, students finished reading their novel and participated in their final Literacy Circle. Next week, they will begin working on their project for their book, which will wrap up this unit. Check in with your student to see if they are done reading their book! If they aren’t, then please encourage them to read over the weekend.
Math: In math this week, students continued working on fluency in fraction and decimal operations. 9-1 and 9-2 have a test on Monday, March 9th. They will start a unit on surveys on Tuesday.
Social Studies: Students continued exploring the history of Immigration in Canada and the Canadian Immigration point system. Today, students wrote a business email from the perspective of a prospective immigrant to Canada. Next week, they will learn more about immigration categories and the requirements for Canadian citizenship.
Science: This week in science, students started learning about the nature of static electricity, batteries and circuits. They explored how static causes materials to attract, built electric circuits and learned how to measure the current and voltage within a circuit. Next week, they will look at more complex circuits and how current and voltage changes depending on the number of pathways within a circuit.
Tests & Quizzes:
Math: Rational Number Math Test 9-1 and 9-2
Upcoming Dates & Reminders:
Next week is Spirit Week at Sherwood! Here's the schedule of theme days:
MONDAY, MARCH 9 | Pyjama Day |
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 | MAR1O Day |
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 | Twin Day |
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 | Dress Like a Teacher (or Student) Day |
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | Improperly Rounded Pi Day |
♻️ Bottle Drive Coordinator Needed! ♻️
We are currently looking for a parent or community volunteer to serve as our Bottle Drive Coordinator. Funds raised through our bottle drives go directly toward supporting our Grade 9 Farewell, helping to reduce the cost of student tickets and ensure the event is accessible for all students.
We are hoping to organize one or more bottle drives prior to May 30, and we need someone willing to take the lead in coordinating and running the initiative. This includes organizing dates, promoting the drive, and helping manage collection logistics.
If you are interested in supporting our Grade 9 students in this meaningful way, please contact the school office. Your support makes a real difference in creating a memorable and inclusive farewell experience for our students! If you are interested in taking this on, please contact Amanda at sherwoodschoolcouncil@gmail.com
Thank you,
Brenna Fraser, Principal
Feb 27, 2026
Curricular Updates
ELA: This week in ELA, we looked at non-fiction essays through a cross-curricular science study on gene editing. Students also had time to read their novels, and they were strongly encouraged to bring their novels home this weekend, and they should be nearly done with their novels. Students will need to have finished reading their novel by Thursday. We will wrap up the novel with a final literature circle this week and introduce the final project.
Math: In Math, students continued to practice rational number calculations, focusing on how to multiple and divide decimals and fractions. On Thursday, they practiced calculations with multiple operations. Students will continue order of operations next week with a test coming on Friday or early the following week.
Social: In Social Studies, students wrapped up their unit on Collective Rights and wrote their unit test. Yesterday, we began our study of Immigration, which Ms. Rav is teaching alongside Ms. Renaud. Students will continue their exploration of Immigration next week.
Science: This week in Science, students wrote a persuasive essay on whether governments or companies should be allowed to genetically engineer humans. On Thursday, they wrote their Biodiversity Unit final, marks can be found on PowerSchool. Next week, we will start the next unit - Electricity!
Tests & Quizzes
- Students will write a Vocabulary quiz near the end of the week.
- Rational Number test at the end of the next week or early the following week.
- 9-3 Biodiversity unit final
Upcoming Dates & Reminders
- Please remind your student to bring in their High School Form
- Return Health Parental Consent Form - Required for Health
__________________________________________________________________________________
Feb 20th
Curricular Updates
ELA: This week in ELA students were able to compare their different versions of their persuasive essays. It was great to see how much they improved and were able to incorporate feedback. We also looked at another non-fiction essay, which will be used to supplement their science understanding. Students also had some time to work on their novels and will have more time to read next week.
Math: This week in Math, students worked on fraction and decimal calculations, with a focus on addition and subtraction of positives and negatives. Next week, students will be working on multiplication and division.
Social: In Social Studies we wrapped up our unit on Collective Rights with a study on common myths about Indigenous Peoples in Canada and how to debunk them. They created posters to demonstrate this learning. Next week they will have time to review and will write their test.
Science: In Science, students learned about asexual and sexual reproduction and the pros and cons of each. Next week, they will write a persuasive essay on the benefits and perils of genetic engineering.
Test & Quizzes
Wednesday, February 25: Social Multiple Choice and Written Response
Thursday, February 26: Science Multiple Choice
Upcoming Dates & Reminders
- Pink Shirt Day: Wednesday March 25: Wear Pink!
- Return Health Parental Consent Form
- Sherwood Visual Announcement Video Link : Check weekly for the new announcements!
- https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jG4nIljImahznLhUgFOnPj7nWVz2Rcw65iTF3f5ttak/edit?usp=sharing
- Pink Shirt Day originated in Halifax, Nova Scotia back in 2008
with two high school aged students that saw a need to be kind while another student was not being treated with kindness and respect. That one act of compassion quickly spread beyond the school. In 2008, British Columbia’s provincial government proclaimed a provincial Anti-Bullying Day in February, and over time the idea of wearing pink to stand against bullying spread throughout Canada and then internationally. Today, Pink Shirt Day is observed annually in Canada on the last Wednesday of February.
Pink Shirt Day is now a national and global movement that encourages people of all ages to:
• Wear pink as a visible symbol of support for kindness, inclusion, and respect for others.
• Raise awareness and start conversations about why bullying is harmful and what we can do to prevent it.
• Raise funds for programs that help children and youth build healthy self-esteem, resilience, and safe environments. The Calgary Board of Education recognizes Pink Shirt Day across all schools and offers professional learning and classroom resources that support a strength-based approach to well-being, emphasizing schoolwide and classroom supports for students. As an organization, through Pink Shirt Day we honour the grassroots act of kindness and reaffirm our shared commitment to reducing bullying and creating welcoming, caring safe and respectful spaces for everyone.
Promoting inclusion is something that occurs in our schools every day. Check out some of the information and resources available!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Feb 9th Update
🏐 Digfest Volleyball Tournament – Food Support Needed! 🏐
Our annual Digfest Volleyball Tournament is coming up, and we’re excited to welcome athletes, coaches, and volunteers for a full day of competition and school spirit! To help keep everyone energized and supported, we’re asking our amazing school community to help by donating food items for the event.
If you’re able to contribute, please sign up using the link below. Every contribution—big or small—helps make Digfest a success and shows our appreciation for those giving their time and energy to our students.
👉 Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DADAF23A6F58-62260653-digfest
Thank you for supporting our athletes and helping make Digfest a fantastic day for everyone!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Feb 6th
Hello Grade 9 Families!
This week in ELA we continued working on our Literature Circles. Students should be about halfway through their novel now, and they are encouraged to read over the weekend to catch up. If your student did not bring their novel home, there are many audio recordings available on YouTube. In Social Studies, students learned about Minority Language rights and the Indian Act. On Monday, we will be watching We Were Children to further understand the implications of this piece of legislation. (https://blog.nfb.ca/blog/2012/10/02/we-were-children/ )Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the film.
In Math, students continued to learn how to perform operations like multiplying and dividing polynomial expressions. Next week, they will have a test on these skills and concepts. In Science, began an investigation of chromosomes, DNA, and genes. To apply this learning, they did a lab in which they extracted DNA from a strawberry. Next week, we will be learning about heredity and how genes are passed down from parent to child.
Today, we also sent home high school enrollment forms. Please ensure you fill this out with your student, sign it, and return to school as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this, please reach out.
Grade 9 Team
__________________________________________________________________________________
Jan 30th, 2026
Hello Grade 9 Families,
This week in ELA, we continued working on our Literature Circle Novels. We also examined the structure of a persuasive essay, which students applied to their writing on yesterday’s test. In Social, we wrapped up our unit on the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Grades will be posted on PowerSchool this weekend, and students are encouraged to come in at lunch on Tuesday if they wish to redo either portion of the test.
Next week, on Thursday, students will be listening to a podcast about the Indian Act as part of our next unit on Collective Rights. We will be going for a walk while we do this listening, so I am inviting students to bring their phones and earbuds/headphones to class. As per the Ministerial Order, students are required to leave their phones in their lockers during class time; this is an instructional exception. They will still be expected to only use their phones to listen to the assigned task. Please let me know if you would prefer them not to do this. I know some students don’t have access to a personal device, such as a phone, and we do have some options for students to use in this case.
Additionally, the following week, students will watch the film, We Were Children, about the history of residential schools in Canada. You can find more information about this film here: https://blog.nfb.ca/blog/2012/10/02/we-were-children/ Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the film.
In Math, students worked on algebra by adding and subtracting polynomials. Next week, they will be investigating how to multiply and divide polynomials. In Science, students wrote their mid-unit biodiversity test. Marks have been posted on PowerSchool. They have also been working on learning more annotation skills by reading an article on BC Sea Wolves. Next week, they will be studying more about genetics and DNA through a DNA extraction lab.
Grade 9 Team
__________________________________________________________________________________
Jan 23, 2026
Hello Grade 9 Families,
This week in ELA, we had our first Literature Circle for our new novels, and we wrapped up a series of academic vocabulary. Next week, we will have our second literature circle and a quiz on the words we have been working on over the past few weeks. There will be time to review in class. In Social Studies, we are almost done working on the Youth Criminal Justice Act and students will spend the early part of the week reviewing and then they will write their test on Thursday. As part of this test, they will be introduced to the persuasive essay format, and their written response will include this.
In Math, students practiced order of operations with exponents and wrote a short quiz today. Next week, we will be looking at Algebra and revisiting the topic of polynomials. In Science, students completed their animal adaptation project and next week they will have a mid unit test on biology.
In our Homeroom class we continued to talk about high school and recommendations. We encourage you to continue to regularly check powerschool to see your students grades and discuss with them what courses they will be the most successful in next year.
Below you can find our announcements for this week.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns :)
Grade 9 Team
_________________________________________________________________________________
Jan 16th
Hello Grade 9 Families!
This week in ELA students dove in their novel studies. They have been using the annotation strategy to better track ideas and focus on the story. Next week they will work on their first role sheet and participate in their first literature circle discussion of this novel. Many students have reading to do over the weekend and have brought home their novels. The novel has been checked out to them and must return to each class. Please check in with your student about their novel and if they are enjoying it! In Social Studies, we worked through Youth Justice Committees, it was great to see students demonstrating their understanding through their participation in this role play.
In Math, students wrapped up the surface area unit with a quiz on Wednesday. Students can check PowerSchool to see their grades. Today, students began working on exponents and order of operations calculations. They will continue this next week including some problem solving. In Science, students learned about natural selection, adaptations, and the niche of animals within an ecosystem. They performed a simulation involving Teddy Grahams to show how natural selection affects the traits of populations. Next week, students will begin an exciting project where students create an animal and describe its niche and adaptations it has to survive in its environment.
In homeroom today, students explored what their high school pathway might look like. It was great to be able to chat with students about what the next chapter of their lives will look like!
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns :)
Grade 9 Team
__________________________________________________________________________________
Jan 9th, 2026
Hello Grade 9 Families!
Welcome back! We had a great week with the grade 9 students. In ELA we worked on writing a business email, a skill that is very useful for students and will be a requirement on the PAT. We also started working on Literature Circles and we are very excited to start reading! Next week we will continue these novels! In Social Studies, students started working on the Youth Criminal Justice Act unit. We looked at case studies of youth who have broken the law and determined appropriate consequences for them. Next week, we will do some Youth Justice Committee role play!
In Math this week, students worked on calculating the surface area of complex 3D shapes. They will have a quiz on this on Wednesday. In Science, students started a unit on biology, they learned about species diversity. They did a task that required them to examine the diversity of traits amongst their classmates. Next week, students will dive into a study of natural selection!
In homeroom today we continued to learn about high school and students’ hopes and dreams. The CBE has introduced a new initiative for high school students who are interested in pursuing trades-based careers. Features include industry partnerships, hands-on exposure to trades, industry-specific specialized training (driving, fall, CPR, etc.), and a unique high school pathway in partnership with their home school.
Students need to be prepared to enroll in the pathway beginning in Semester 2 of their Grade 10 year.
More info at the link below:
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns :)
Grade 9 Team