Wednesday, April 29, 2026

MAY We Plant Seeds for a Great School Year!

Yay! We’re heading into May!

 (we're ready to leave that INSANE wind behind us...)


Before we SPRING into what’s ahead, we want to take a moment to look back and say a big THANK YOU.


Thank you and congratulations to all of our incredible Read-a-Thon readers and their generous, supportive sponsors! Your enthusiasm for reading and commitment to supporting our school made this fundraiser a wonderful success.

Together, our students read an amazing 53,928 minutes—that’s almost 900 hours of reading! What an incredible accomplishment.

A special shoutout goes to our Grade 3 classes, who led the way by reading more than 16,000 minutes on their own. Outstanding work!

We are so proud of all of our students for showing that reading can make a big impact. Thank you for helping raise funds for our school while building a love of reading.

Whoooo Hooooo! April BOOLs Dance 


Our April BOOLs Dance was such a fun and memorable evening! Since we weren’t able to celebrate back in October, it was extra special to bring a little Halloween spirit into the spring—and our students absolutely loved it. Cool costumes, lots of dancing, lots of candy and lots of fun!

Thank you to all the families who came out to join the fun, and an especially huge thank you to our incredible volunteers. From decorating to organizing to helping everything run smoothly, your time and energy made the night a success. Events like this simply couldn’t happen without you!

Upcoming Events

May 5 – Parent Society & Council Meeting
School Library, 6:30 PM
Come learn more about what’s happening in the school, ask questions, and meet other families. Our school trustee, Jenny Regal, will also be joining us.

May 20 – Boston Pizza Fun Lunch CLICK HERE TO ORDER! PIZZA PIZZA!!
A lunch kids will definitely eat —be sure to get your orders in!

May 21 – Kindergarten Orientation Night
5:30 PM
We’re excited to welcome our incoming kindergarten families.

and then afterwards....


May 21 – Cultural Night
6:30 PM
Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating the diversity of our school community.


Get Involved: Society & Council

MAY We Plant Seeds for a Strong '26-'27 school year!

(Yes, some people here are AI versions of our actual members. But do you know how hard it is to get a picture of everyone together???)


Have you ever wondered how decisions are made or how events come together at our school?

School Society is the fundraising arm of our parent association.
School Council focuses on policy, communication, and representing parent voices.

Both groups are essential to helping our school thrive—and we need new volunteers to keep them strong.

Why Get Involved?

Because your voice matters.
Because your skills matter.
Because community matters.

  • Around 3 hours per month (or less) for most roles
  • A supportive, team-based environment
  • A chance to directly impact your child’s school experience
  • Opportunities to meet other families and build community

You do not need to attend every meeting or commit huge amounts of time. Many roles are light monthly commitments with occasional busier periods once or twice a year.


Open Positions & Role Breakdown

Society Roles

President

The President helps lead meetings and keeps things moving efficiently. This sounds more intimidating than it is.

Responsibilities include:

  • Following the agenda during meetings
  • Keeping meetings organized and on track
  • Acting as a contact person for Society matters
  • Helping coordinate the team

This role is ideal for someone who likes teamwork and efficient meetings!

Vice President

The Vice President is the President’s backup and support person.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting the President as needed
  • Filling in when the President is unavailable
  • Helping with projects and planning

A great role if you'd like to help lead while learning the ropes.

Casino Duo (2 People)

This is a very important duo for our school.

Most of the time, this position has very little monthly work. Then, once every two years, coordinators help run our school casino fundraiser.

What it involves:

  • Being the main contact for volunteers for a short stint (usually 3 days)
  • Completing some paperwork
  • Coordinating schedules
  • Helping things run smoothly during casino days

You are not expected to figure it all out alone—we have a casino advisor who guides coordinators through every step and the rest of the society & council backing you up.

Our last casino raised nearly $90,000 for the school. Without this role filled, it would be a major financial loss to our students and programs.

Fundraising Duo (2 People)

We need creative thinkers to help lead fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities include:

  • Brainstorming fresh, FUN fundraising ideas
  • Helping organize community-building events
  • Forming and delegating a team to plan and promote fundraisers
  • Finding ways to raise funds without relying on outdated sales models

You would not be doing this alone—the whole group supports fundraising efforts.


Council Roles

Sage Hill Community Association Liaison

This role helps connect our school to Sage Hill.

Responsibilities include:

  • Connecting with the community association before monthly meetings to ask for updates (email is great, or you can go in person if you're really gung-ho!)
  • Sharing relevant community news with Council

This role is flexible and low commitment.

Communications Duo (2 People)

Help keep families informed and engaged.

Responsibilities include:

  • Updating the outdoor school sign once or twice a month
  • Sharing school and Calgary Board of Education updates with families
  • Exploring effective ways to communicate with the school community, such as surveys or any other ideas you might have!

An informed school community is an active school community.


Why These Roles Matter

Without enough volunteers, we cannot run a School Society or School Council.

Without Society:

  • No fundraising
  • No casino revenue
  • No new technology for classrooms
  • Fewer furniture upgrades
  • More expensive in-school residencies
  • Fewer enrichment opportunities for students

Without Council:

  • No parent voice in school policy discussions
  • No connection to the Alberta School Councils’ Association
  • Fewer opportunities to advocate for public education
  • Reduced ability to represent our school community

Simply put: these groups help our school grow, improve, and stay connected.


A Final Note

We don’t need a few people doing everything—we need many people doing a little.

We're all busy parents, working, extra-curriculars, often addressing special needs, & many are now in the sandwich generation - often taking care of our parents AND our kids. Today's Council & Society needs to reflect ALL OF THIS. Join us and help our school connect with parents, support kids and teachers and thrive during these busy, often crazy-making times. 

When the same small group carries all the work, people burn out and it stops being fun. With more families involved, the workload stays light, ideas stay fresh, and our school community becomes stronger.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to build something special together!


As always, if you have any questions, send us an email hawkwoodsc@gmail.com .


Happy May,

Hawkwood School Council & Friends of Hawkwood School Society

Monday, April 6, 2026

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Spring Has Sprung… But So Have the Ghosts! 

Who says Halloween only belongs in October? At Hawkwood School, we believe fun is always in season—and we’re bringing back one of our most fang-tastic traditions!

Our beloved Halloween Dance (that was sadly boo-ed away in October 👻) is rising from the grave and making its grand return on:

April 23rd
6:00–8:00 PM

All children must be accompanied by an adult (18+)

Get ready for a night full of monster mash-ups, ghoulish grooves, and spine-tingling dance moves—because nothing says APRIL BOOLS like costumes, cobwebs, and a dance floor full of laughter!

This event has long been a Hawkwood favourite! Whether kids dress up as witches, superheroes, skeletons, or something totally original, it’s all about dressing up, dancing it out, and having a frightfully good time with friends. (no weapons please)

Why a Spring Halloween?
Because we just couldn’t ghost one of the most loved events of the year! Plus, mixing pumpkins with petals? That’s a combo that’s simply un-boo-lievable.

🙌We Need Your Help!
To make this night a screaming success, we’re looking for volunteers to help with:

  • Decorating (think spooky meets spring!)
  • Music & dance floor fun
  • Treat tables
  • Set-up and clean-up

Even a little bit of time helps—many hands make light (and fun) work!


Click here to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4AAFAD2CA7F49-62635674-hawkwood

So mark your calendars, dust off those costumes, and get ready to boogie with the boos. Let’s make this a night to remember—no tricks, just treats and tons of dancing!





 


Tuesday, March 31, 2026

April is here! So that means Spring has sprung... right?????



Lots of fun stuff happening at Hawkwood School this month, regardless of the weather.



April 3-12th - Read-a-thon! Reading is what? FUNDAMENTAL! 

*From The Child Mind Institute: Reading builds essential language, vocabulary, and literacy skills while strengthening cognitive development, empathy, and emotional regulation. It fosters a strong parent-child bond, improves concentration, and stimulates imagination. Daily reading prepares children for academic success by establishing routines, enhancing comprehension, and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

Wowzee!

Our Read-a-thon puts some energy and motion behind reading for those that may not love it yet, and encourages those that already love to read, to track their accomplishments. For more info, prizes and pledge forms, click this link: Read-a-Thon info & forms

April 8th - Class Photo Day :)

April 10th - Dress as your favourite book character day! 

April 15th - Subway Fun Lunch! Subway Fun Lunch (click here to order)

Volunteers needed: Volunteer for Fun Lunch (So easy!)

April 17th: Kernels Fun Snack at recess! (order through the healthy hunger link above :)

April 23rd: The Spoktacularily Late, Halfway to Hallowe'en Dance! 6-8pm we're gonna boogie in our Halloween finest, come join us for the annual Halloween Dance in APRIL?!?! That's right! We're only 6 months behind, or ahead...depending on how you look at it... but that won't stop us from the most fun, danciest, boogiest, ghouliest night of the year!


DETAILS:

FHSS & School Council are excited to present our April BOO-LS Halfway to Halloween spring dance! 

We were sad we could not have our annual dance in October so we decided to still have it just Spooktacularly late this year!
Are you ready for the Halfway Halloween Family Dance?!

April 23rd at 6-8pm
👻 Tickets can be Pre-ordered $5/person or $20/family at www.healthyhunger.com
👻 Tickets at the door are $7/person or $25/family
👻Please have a printed proof of purchase ready to show at the door
👻 ALL children must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
👻Come in your best costume (no weapons), groove to the DJ and enjoy the $1 and $2 concession. 

We can’t do it alone! 
🎵Sign up to Volunteer 


🎵Donate individually wrapped treats, mini chip bags, snacks (Granola bars, fruit snacks, mini Candy bars etc. ) Glow Sticks & bottled water by Friday April 17th



Friends of Hawkwood School Society needs you!

What IS this society and why do they keep bothering me?!!

Friends of Hawkwood School Society is a separate, volunteer-run group that focuses on fundraising and financial support for the school.

The Society organizes fundraisers (like fun lunches, book sale donations, dances, casino, etc...) & then uses those for school enhancements such as resources, technology, experiences, and special projects that benefit students.

At the end of this year, some of our team is leaving and we need to replace them. If we cannot fill spots on Society, we cannot legally form a society. And if we cannot form a society we cannot fundraise. So no more dances, sports day, field trip subsidies, tech for classrooms, etc... 

NO SOCIETY = NO EXTRA $$ FOR HAWKWOOD SCHOOL

You don't need to have experience or have special skills. All that is required are team players who like to learn, laugh and make things happen together! We're looking for good folks with good vibes for the following positions:

Society Open Spots:
President
Vice President
Casino Team (2)
Fundraising Team (2)
Fun Lunch Team (2)

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF POSITIONS: Society Positions Info

Join us at our next meeting May 5th, 6:30pm at the school library and shoot us an email at hawkwoodsociety@gmail.com.

Take care & Happy Spring? April!
Hawkwood Council & Friends of Hawkwood School Society




Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Books, Books, Books!

 Specific information on Used Book Sale & Scholastic Book Fair:


















Click this link for Hawkwood Scholastic Book Fair Website

Spring is in the air and books are everywhere — happy March, Hawkwood! 📚

 

🌷 March is Here at Hawkwood! 🌷

March has arrived — and we are feeling excited about all the wonderful things happening at Hawkwood School! This month is packed with books, community events, and opportunities to come together as a school.


📚 Scholastic Book Fair & Used Book Sale



We’re excited to host our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair! Did you know that Hawkwood School hosts the largest book fair in Northwest Calgary, and one of the largest in the city? Our sales last year generated nearly $6000 in cash and scholastic book credits for our library.

The Scholastic Book Fair isn’t just fun, it gives directly back to the school, putting books & resources into the hands of all Hawkwood students. 

📅 Important Dates:

  • March 4–16 – Used Book Drop-Off (outside the office)

  • March 5th - 6:30pm - Literacy Night at Hawkwood School - bring the whole family!

  • March 16 & 17 – Scholastic Book Fair Viewing Days

  • March 18–20 – Scholastic Book Fair & Used Book Sale

  • March 19 (5:00–8:00 PM) – Student-Led Conferences

  • March 20 (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) – Student-Led Conferences
    (No school on March 20, but the Book Fair and Used Book Sale will be open if you'd like to browse with your child!)


💛 Our Gently Used Book Sale

Alongside the fair, we will also offer a gently used book sale. Families are invited to donate books their children no longer read (please see donation guidelines below).

Our goal is simple: to make sure every child has the chance to take home a book, regardless of their family’s budget.

Access to books at home helps children:

  • Build reading skills and confidence

  • Grow their imagination and curiosity

  • Develop a lifelong love of learning

The used book table gives pre-loved stories a new home, keeps books out of landfills, and helps ensure that every student can experience the joy of choosing a book of their own.

Optional donations of $1 per book (not mandatory) will be accepted at the Used Book Sale. Any funds raised will go toward the Friends of Hawkwood School Society.


📦 Donation Guidelines

When donating, please make sure books are:

Clean and gently used

Free of rips, stains, writing, or strong odors

Complete (no missing pages)

Appropriate for elementary-aged readers

Please only donate books you would feel good about giving to a child.


Whether your family shops the Scholastic Fair, donates gently used books, visits the used book table, or all three — thank you for helping us build a strong reading community for every student. 📖


🤝 What’s the Difference Between School Council and School Society?

Many parents aren’t sure what these two groups do — and both are important parts of our school community!

🏫 School Council (as outlined by the Calgary Board of Education)

School Council is a group of parents, caregivers, the principal, and teachers who work together in an advisory role.

What does that mean in simple terms?

  • We share parent voice and feedback with the principal (like the recent parent survey results).

  • We discuss school plans, goals, and priorities.

  • We provide input on decisions that impact students (every year, through the ASCA we get to help develop policy that is then put forth to Alberta Education).

  • We help strengthen communication between families and the school (we are the go between for parents and caregivers: email us, come to a meeting, we're here to listen and help!)

School Council does not handle fundraising or manage money — it focuses on collaboration, communication, and supporting student success.

Everyone is welcome at School Council meetings — you don’t need a special role to attend or ask questions.


💰 Friends of Hawkwood School Society

The School Society is a separate, volunteer-run group that focuses on fundraising and financial support for the school.

The Society:

  • Organizes fundraisers (like fun lunches, book sale donations, dances, casino, etc...).

  • Manages raised funds responsibly.

  • Uses funds to support school enhancements such as resources, technology, experiences, and special projects that benefit students.

In short:

  • School Council = Parent voice & school collaboration.

  • School Society = Fundraising & financial support for student opportunities.

Both groups work together toward the same goal — making Hawkwood School the best it can be for every student.


🗓 Other March Events to Mark on Your Calendar

  • Tuesday, March 3 – 6:30 PM
    School Council Meeting at school and online

  • Thursday, March 5 – 6:30 PM
    Literacy Night at school

  • Wednesday, March 11
    A&W Fun Lunch CLICK HERE TO ORDER

March into reading, March into community, and March into a great month ahead! 🌷📚 (except for the time change...)


Hawkwood School Council & Friends of Hawkwood School Society


As always, if you have any questions for us, you can send us an email at hawkwoodsc@gmail.com.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Help us spend our $500 grant!

It's here....February. The most honest month of the year: 



And here's what's happening at Hawkwood School: 


We have $500, tell us how we should spend it! 

Hawkwood School Council has been given a community engagement grant, and we'd like your feedback about how to spend it (click link below). Please take a few minutes to answer this short survey (up until Feb 14th), it would really help us understand where parent and guardian needs are at:  Spend our grant $$ survey

 

February 18th is Fun Lunch and we're doing Dominos'! Save yourself packing a sandwich your kids won't eat AND help Hawkwood School at the same time. Did you know that a portion of money from Fun Lunch goes toward Hawkwood School? Every time you buy a fun lunch you help to buy laptops for classrooms, replace broken furniture, and support education!  click link to order: Fun Lunch!


Break up the bland, bleak, dreary February with a movie night on Thursday Feb 26th! We're watching Elio!

Doors open 5:45pm, tickets and pizza available at healthy hunger: tickets


Report cards are available online February 24th.

 

No school February 12th & 13th, 16th or 27th

 

February 25th is pink shirt day at school. If you'd like to learn more, click here: history of pink shirt day








If you need some good karma, or just appreciate the programs that the Hawkwood Community Association puts on, and love the Community Park, consider signing up for their casino. 1 shift can make a LOT of money for our the neighbourhood: Hawkwood Community Association Casino .


Happy Valentine's and Galentine's and buyyourselfaboxofchocolates day! 

muah,

Friends of Hawkwood School Society & Hawkwood School Council 


*If you have any questions for us, you can send us an email at hawkwoodsc@gmail.com.


 


Thursday, January 8, 2026

Jumping right into January!

 


Happy New Year Everyone!

We hope the break was a good one and now we're back in action for January.
Coming up Jan 21st is Fun Lunch, and we're doing Popeyes!

Click here to order and save yourself a day of packing lunches: 

We will need volunteers to help sort the fun lunch, so if you have a couple spare hours on Jan 21st, 11:30-1:30pm-ish, please come join us. It's a really easy (and surprisingly enjoyable) way to help our school. SIGN UP HERE, SO FUN :)




If you want an inside look at what the parent society and school council do, or if you have any school questions or ideas you would like to share, please come join us for our monthly meeting at the school (available online also) Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30pm in the school library.





Dates of mention for this month:

Monday, Jan 12th - Kindergarten registration begins
Wednesday, Jan 21st - Popeyes Fun Lunch
Thursday, Jan 29th - Hawkwood School Science Fair
Friday, Jan 30th - No school


As always, if  you have any questions for us, you can send us an email at hawkwoodsc@gmail.com.



Have a Jazzy January!

Friends of Hawkwood School Society & Hawkwood School Council















Finishing the Year with Flair

  Sun’s Out (?), Fun’s Out! From Stampede to Sports Day — June is Jumping! As we head into the final month of the school year, June is pack...