Supporting Our Teens Through Spring's Emotional Challenges

As spring unfolds, bringing longer days and renewed energy, some students may experience heightened emotional challenges, including increased instances of self-harm and relationship difficulties. These issues can be exacerbated by academic pressures, social dynamics, and seasonal changes.

Recognizing Signs of Distress

Parents and guardians should be vigilant for the following behavioral changes in their teens:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Unexplained injuries or frequent use of long sleeves
• Mood swings, irritability, or persistent sadness
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Decline in academic performance

Available Resources in Calgary and Southern Alberta

If you suspect your teen is struggling, the following local resources offer confidential support:

• Distress Centre Calgary
  - Phone/Text: 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357)
  - Online Chat: https://distresscentre.com/
• ConnecTeen
  - Phone: 403-264-8336 (24/7)
  - Text: 587-333-2724
  - Chat: https://calgaryconnecteen.com/
• Kids Help Phone
  - Phone: 1-800-668-6868
  - Text: 686868
  - Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Walk-In Service
  - Location: The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience
  - Details: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1084322& serviceAtFacilityID=1133928
• Hull Services – Bridging the Gap
  - Phone: 403-216-0660
  - Text: 403-216-0663
  - Email: BTGIntake@hullservices.ca
  - Website: https://hullservices.ca/ 

Our school is committed to the well-being of our students. If you have concerns about your child's mental health, please reach out to our counseling team. Together, we can ensure our students navigate these challenges with the support they need. 

Attendance

Regular, on-time attendance is critical for student success— academically, socially, and emotionally. Research shows that even moderate absences in middle school (Grades 4–9) can lead to lower achievement, reduced engagement, and a higher risk of dropping out (Journal of Educational Psychology, 2020). Socially, missed time can impact friendships and group work, while inconsistent routines can increase anxiety and impact mental well-being (Canadian Mental Health Association).

 The Alberta Education Act (Section 7) requires students to attend school regularly and punctually. Section 8 emphasizes that it is a parent’s legal responsibility to ensure this happens. 

We ask for your continued partnership in ensuring that your child arrives on time and is present each day unless they are ill or facing exceptional circumstances. 

Together, we can build a strong foundation that supports your child’s academic success, mental well-being, and social growth. If you are facing challenges related to attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you. 

Student Vote

As part of our commitment to fostering civic engagement and responsible citizenship, students will have the opportunity to participate in Student Vote, a parallel election program coinciding with the upcoming Federal Election. 

• Through this program, students will:
• Research and learn about the election process, political parties, and local candidates.
• Engage in classroom discussions and activities to better understand the election process.
• Cast a vote for the candidate of their choice in a mock election based on their own informed opinions. 

While the results of our Student Vote will not count toward the official election, this experience is a valuable way for students to develop critical thinking skills, understand democratic processes, and recognize the importance of participating in elections. 

Book Donations

Spring Cleaning? Trying to declutter? We can help… we’re looking for donations of gently used books for our upcoming used book sale. Proceeds from the sale will go towards updating our collection in the Sherwood Learning Commons. Books can be dropped off at the office. Thanks so much for your support! 

Sherwood Parent Association/School Council Update

Next School Council Meeting: May 12, 2025 at 6:30pm. If you would like to join online, please email sherwoodschoolcouncil@gmail.com for details. Future Council Meeting Dates: TBD 

Next Sherwood Parent Association Meeting: May 12, 2025 at 6:30pm. If you would like to join online, please email sherwoodschoolcouncil@gmail.com for details. Future Council Meeting Dates: TBD

Bottle Drive

Healthy Hunger Fun Lunches

https://healthyhunger.ca/

Remember to place your orders 5 days before the lunch event. Once the order is closed no changes or cancellations can be accepted. Please remember that no food should be ordered from Skip the Dishes Door Dash etc, or any other restaurant on that day, for distribution to our students – let’s make this event special by enjoying the food available from Healthy Hunger and place your order before the deadline

Upcoming Dates

April 21 No School - Non-Instruction Day
 Family Pizza Night at Domino’s

 April 24 Papa John’s Pizza Fundraiser
Fun Lunch-Edo 

April 28 Federal Election (Sherwood is a voting location)

May 1 Lockdown Drill

May 12 School Council/Association at 6:30PM 

May 16 No School - Non-Instruction Day

May 19 Family Pizza Night at Domino’s
No School - Victoria Day