Let's Meet! Bring Your Energy & Ideas to Council & Society

Can you believe the 2020/21 school year is coming to a close?

With it comes the Friends of Hawkwood School Society's AGM. Many great things happen during the annual general meeting. This includes reflecting on the hard work of the parent/guardian volunteers who inspired, planned and ran fundraisers throughout the year and being in awe of the outcome in terms of dollars raised. 

"What is that number?" you ask. It's over $11,000+ all of which goes towards enriching the learning experience for all students at Hawkwood School. 

Being a part of the Society is very rewarding. Every parent/guardian of a student at Hawkwood School are welcome to attend nearly monthly meetings where we plan all the fun stuff like holding events (when covid-19 allows; such as Movie Nights, Halloween Dance, Welcome Back Muffin Breakfast) and traditional fundraisers such as silent auction, product sales (i.e. Admazing Savings coupon books, The Mixing Spoon, Oliver's Labels, Indigo Fundraising), school-wide read-a-thon and wine survivor raffle.

Fresh, new ideas are always welcome! On that note, the Friends of Hawkwood School Society is looking to fill the following Board Member roles:

• President,
• Secretary (shared with Council) and
• Fundraising Director

The wonderful people in these roles have held them for almost three years and are moving on. Know that they won't be too far away (their kids still attend Hawkwood School) and can support those who enter these positions.

Join us during the Friends of Hawkwood School's AGM to find out more: 

Monday, June 14th @ 7:30 pm

RSVP for a Teams meeting link via Lucy: lgwooleong@cbe.ab.ca

*This meeting follows Hawkwood School Council's meeting which starts at 6:30pm. When you RSVP for one, you can attend both since they use the same Teams meeting link.

Tune in starting at 6:30pm to gain insight into the upcoming school year in terms of how Hawkwood School is planning for a "new normal", enrollment numbers and staffing. Hawkwood School Council is also looking to fill the positions of:

• Chair
• Secretary (shared with Society)

Nominations for these roles will commence at the beginning of next school year, in September, but come check things out as we wrap up 2020/21.

Learn more, follow us and like us:

SOCIETY EMAIL:      hawkwoodsociety@gmail.com

COUNCIL EMAIL:      hawkwoodsc@gmail.com

INSTAGRAM:            @hawkwood_school_council

FACEBOOK:             @hawkwoodschoolcouncil

The Positive Impact Fundraisers Have on Hawkwood School Students

 Every Little Bit We Do Makes a Difference

This past year and a half of school has been ____________________.

(Feel free to fill in the blank with your preferred adjective(s). I was trying to decide between things like special, unique, or crazy.)

What clearly has been AMAZING though is the level of support the Friends of Hawkwood School Society has experienced from small businesses and parents/guardians of students. Every year we set a goal to raise at least $11,000 for what we call "Legacy Funds". This allows the Society to give back to each classroom, the learning commons, music and physical education. Funds are also designated to a Grade 6 celebration and legacy gift to the school, as well as the leadership group.

This school year's fundraising initiatives included our first ever silent auction, orders for The Mixing Spoon, a spring into reading read-a-thon and finally, a wine survivor raffle. The level of participation in these fundraisers meant that the Society met it's fundraising goals!

Here are some highlights on how the money was used to enrich the learning experience for students (your kids!) at Hawkwood School:

• Art supplies for crafts: soapstone, air dry clay and more!
• Puppet theatre project
• Musical instruments and programs: hand drums, boom whackers and MusicPlay Online
• Virtual field trips and presentations: 
• Alberta History (Fur Trade), 
• Tipis, Tales & Teachings, and 
• Tornado Hunters
• Outdoor education supplies & resources for orienteering
• Many, many books for the learning commons
• School-wide virtual viewing of Storybook Theatre's Paper Bag Princess

For those who are more visual, below is our Impact Statement for the year.

Thank you everyone for such a great year!

2021 Wine Survivor Fundraiser

Pairing Wine with Fundraising

As we head into the sunny season here in Calgary, the Friends of Hawkwood School Society want to help you raise a glass of wine and cheers the day on your back deck, or perhaps on your driveway socially distanced with a friend or two.

Join us for our first WINE SURVIVOR draw for prize baskets full of an assortment of wine bottles curated by Crowfoot Wine and Spirits.

HOW WINE SURVIVOR WORKS

Daily draws will eliminate Hawkwood School Wine Survivors until there is one left standing. Will it be you?

There will be 3 winners total:

1. First place will win 50% of the collected bottles of wine
2. Second Place wins 30% of collected bottles of wine
3. Third place collects 20% of collected bottles of wine

You can ENTER now until Saturday, May 1st by emailing your full name and the number of entries you wish to purchase to: hawkwoodsociety@gmail.com

ENTRY = $30 per raffle ticket

Entry fee payment can be made by e-transfer to Society's email address as well. There is no limit to the number of times you enter, but all entries & payment must be received by May 1st.

ELIMINATION DRAWS

We will begin drawing names for elimination on May 3rd. The number of names drawn each day will depend on the number of entries received. If we draw your name, you are out of the game and no longer eligible to win the grand prize. Who will survive?

GRAND PRIZE

The final draw will take place May 19th. All names drawn on the last draw date are final. This will be a reverse draw which means the last names drawn are the winners of the Hawkwood School Wine Survivor! 

Participants will receive elimination draw results through email. Be sure to tune into our social media accounts where we will also post weekly elimination updates. 

Instagram: @hawkwood_school_council
Facebook: @HawkwoodSchoolCouncil

ALL money raised will go directly to the Friends of Hawkwood School Society to enrich the learning experience of our kids. In the past, our fundraising efforts have included updating technology, artists in residence, and special physical education programs.

Reach for a Book Daily, March 13-21st: Fun Activities & Prizes!

 Welcome to Hawkwood School's
"Spring Into Reading" Read-a-Thon

Have you seen this image circulating on the web these days? No matter what, every year it always makes me laugh.

To celebrate the change of seasons we are giving reading and literacy some extra attention. It's time to find a warm, sunny spot and curl up with a book. The challenge is to do this daily from Saturday, March 13th until Sunday, March 21st.

Packages went out to students this week with full details on: 

• how the read-a-thon works (tracking sheet & pledge form)
• special activities/events at school, and
• don't forget prizes!

We are excited to share with you more information about the fun stuff, including what students have a chance to win when they are entered into the "Reach for a Book" Draw Prize for participating in the Read-a-Thon. Find out more below. I promise it will excite everyone!

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Activities

• For the duration of the read-a-thon, a daily “stop, drop & read” announcement will be made at a random time. Students will pause what they’re doing, grab a book and read on the spot for 5 minutes.

• Classrooms will turn the school hallways into a visual library by decorating their doors like a book cover or storyline theme from a book voted on by students.

• Friday, March 19th is “Dress Up as Your Favourite Book Character” Day. Mark this date on your calendars and prepare a fun (no weapons) costume to celebrate everyone’s reading accomplishments.

Individual Prizes

• The student who reads, or is engaged with a book, for the most minutes in each grade, K-6 (a total of 7 students) will receive a $15 gift certificate for Indigo.

“Reach for a Book” Draw Prize

• Every student who participates (Student Tracking Sheet & Pledge Form due Monday, March 22nd to hawkwoodsociety@gmail.com) will be entered into a draw for a “wow” prize. Wait for it…

It's a GoPro HERO9 Bundle (worth $530!)

All winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

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You can download the full "Spring Into Reading" Read-a-Thon package by clicking >> right here!

The timing for the Friends of Hawkwood School Society's "Spring Into Reading" Read-a-Thon also matches up nicely with Hawkwood School's Scholastics Virtual Book Fair that runs from March 8-19th. Be sure to take a look at the great selection of books that'll keep our bookworms reading into summertime.

How to Bring Literacy Into Your Home (Family Literacy Day 2021)

Family Literacy Day is held annually on January 27th and was created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.

This year ABC Life Literacy Canada is encouraging families to "Travel the world together". This theme is design to encourage families to use their imagination to explore and travel the world from the comfort of their own home – you never know what you’ll learn or where you'll want to go once it's safe to travel again!

At home, you can take time to celebrate Family Literacy Day and cultivate a life-long love for the written word by: 

• Reading with your child each night, 
• Playing games together, 
• Listening to podcasts or audiobooks as a family, or 
• Engaging in some word play.

Here are 4 fun websites that you can explore and have some laughs with:

1. Would You Rather?
2. Tongue Twisters
3. 25 Best Podcasts For Kids (Common Sense Media)
4. Word Games for Kids and Adults

There are more resources and activities for Family Literacy Day online (click here) where you can find activity sheets, maps and booklets specific to the theme "Travel the World Together".

Happy reading and above all, enjoy many laughs as a family!

2021 Casino Fundraiser: Call for Volunteers

This casino fundraiser is currently
postponed due to Provincial
COVID-19 protocols.

Stay tuned for new dates,
to be announced after March 22!

We are currently seeking volunteers for our upcoming casino fundraiser. 

NOTE: We understand that the dates and volunteer requirements for our casino fundraiser can change at any time due to COVID-19. All volunteers will be communicated with promptly about any changes to their shift(s). Please continue reading for more information about this fundraiser, which in the past has brought 60K to our school.

(If you have any further questions, please contact the Friends of Hawkwood School Society Casino Chair, Lori Jaffray, hawkwoodsociety@gmail.com.)

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Help raise some BIG dollars for Hawkwood School within 2 days! This is what a fundraiser casino allows us to do. The Friends of Hawkwood School Society appreciates all of those who help, whether it's at the casino itself or perhaps providing child care for a casino volunteer.

No previous experience working a casino is necessary. Training and support are provided by an experienced, licensed Casino Advisor in both the cash cage area and the count room where the volunteer shifts take place. The advisor and fellow volunteers make the experience one that you will want to repeat!

WHEN: Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, 2021

WHERE: Cowboys Casino  (421 - 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB)

SHIFT TIMES:

Shift one: 11:00 am – 7:15 pm
Shift two: 7:00 pm – 3:30 am*
Count Room: 11:15 pm - 3:30 am*
(*or earlier)

Please SIGN UP for a shift here >> signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4aafad2ca7f49-hawkwood

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Important Rules & Benefits for Volunteers:

• It is very important to arrive on time for your shift. Late arrival results in back-up volunteers being called in.
• If cancellation is necessary, notify the Casino Chair as soon as possible (well in advance).
• You will need to bring a piece of photo ID.
• The casino is non-smoking.
• The dress is casual, but please no torn or immodest apparel.
• Free parking is available on site - underground parking, Level 1. No reserved area for volunteers – first come, first park! Plenty of parking space.
• Volunteers CANNOT play the casino games or slot machines at all during the dates of our casino fundraiser, nor consume alcohol or cannabis before or while working.
• You have access to a locked Volunteer Lounge to take scheduled breaks and store your personal items (i.e. jackets, purse, water bottle, book or something to do during quiet times, etc.)
• Every volunteer can expense a meal or snacks provided at the casino (value of up to $35 per volunteer shift - if you go over this amount the Friends of Hawkwood School Society has to pay the difference). Note, if you want to eat a meal before a late shift, please arrive at least 1 hour prior to your shift time. The Volunteer Lounge is stocked with beverages and snacks.

COVID-19 Protocols & Safety

• Masks must be worn at all times.
• Hand sanitizer is provided and use of it in regular intervals is encouraged. Hand washing is expected before and after a shift, as well as before and after a break.
• Gloves are provided for the handling of cash, etc.
• Guests at a casino are expected to wear a mask at all times and barriers are in place to ensure physical distancing between players (i.e. maximum of 2 players per table, or large clear barriers to prevent transmission.)

Not sure what role is right for you?
Here are Volunteer Position Descriptions:

Please note that all volunteer casino positions are straightforward and not difficult. You will receive training and assistance from the Cash Cage/Count Room Advisor and casino staff who are fun to work with.

GENERAL MANAGER
Official representative for the organization while on-site.
Works closely with the Casino Facility Games Manager.
Supervisor for all volunteers.

BANKER
Controls Cashier Cage floats of chips and cash.
Assisted by Cash Cage Advisor.
Busy only during opening, volunteer shift changes and closing of the casino.
Keeps track of all cash/chip transfers on a casino tracking system.
Mathematical skills are helpful

CASHIER
Cashes in chips for players and makes change.
The cashier has their own float – does not share cash/chip float with anybody.
Transactions over $200 must be witnessed by General Manager, Banker or Cash Cage Advisor.
This position requires concentration and accuracy and is not recommended for color blind volunteers.

CHIP RUNNER
Courier (runner) for chip orders (requests) from casino games.
Volunteer must be prepared to move around.
The position is usually busy at opening and closing of the casino.
Volunteer must be able to carry up to five pounds (2 kilograms) of chips.

COUNT ROOM SUPERVISOR
Works with Count Room Advisor in recording cash counts and game wins and losses.
Administrative skills are useful, good math (number) skills are helpful.
Not required to handle cash.

COUNT ROOM STAFF
Sorts, counts and verifies all cash from table game drop boxes.
Volunteers should be good working with their hands - use of cash counting machines - and following procedures to ensure cash counts are verified.

Happy 2021: News & Important Dates

Welcome to 2021 Everyone

Here we go into another new year and already we're close to being halfway through this school year - wow!

To start we want to share the good news about the Friends of Hawkwood School Society's first online silent auction. The 'Tis the Season Silent Auction raised over $5,100:

There were amazing items up for bid including signed hockey jerseys, Sherwood hockey sticks, K2 skies & snowboard with bindings, gift baskets full of local goods, weighted blanket, yoga mat, Camelbak & Yeti tumblers, rum, wine, gift certificates for massages and more!

Your child could even be Principal for the day or bring a pizza party to their classroom. The parent volunteers had a lot of fun putting together this fundraising initiative so we are sure to repeat next year. 

Congratulations to all of the highest bidders and thank you to those who helped secure donations for the amazing auction items.

Now for some Important Dates

Mark your calendars for Monday, January 11th starting at 6:30pm for Hawkwood School Council's general meeting followed by the Friends of Hawkwood School Society at 7:30pm.

These meetings are virtual and held through Microsoft Teams. To get a meeting link, please RSVP to lgwooleong@cbe.ab.ca before 4:30pm on Jan. 11th.

Here are the meeting agendas:

We look forward to seeing some friendly faces Monday night!