Welcome Back!

It was great to see everyone return yesterday. Students were very happy to reconnect with friends, make some new friends and see their teachers.

Bussing

Our primary service provider for bussing this year is Southland Transportation.

The first week or two of bussing is always clunky as we get routes, lists, drivers and new riders sorted out. Establishing new routines as quickly as possible is our greatest chance for success. This is particularly important with our new riders in Kindergarten and grade one.

If your child rides the bus, please ensure that they can articulate

• their first name
• their last name
• their teacher’s name

It is also very helpful if the child and the parent know which route (A,B,C,D,E) that they are assigned to. Sorting 250 students onto buses is busy but these pieces can help tremendously. We also have coordinated protocols at the school, system and bussing level to make sure that every student makes it home safely.

Enrolment

Like many parts of the Calgary Board of Education, we are seeing significant enrollment growth. Families are coming to Calgary from all parts of the world and the country. With addition of homeroom classes at the grades 1 and 5 levels, our enrollment is now over 700 students and counting.

We are part of the three-year System Student Accommodations Plan (SSAP) attached to several northwest schools. This means that starting in Sep. of 2024, grade 6 students who live in Hawkwood will attend Arbor Lake School, and grade 6 students who live in Sage Hill will remain here at Hawkwood School. This is part of a plan that involves multiple schools in the northwest to ensure that they have adequate space for current and future enrollment growth.

Volunteering at Hawkwood School

We are fortunate at Hawkwood School to have a very supportive Hawkwood School Council that contributes greatly to all aspects of our school community. More information can be found on the Hawkwood School website and the School Council Blog.

There are many different ways volunteers contribute to the school culture here at Hawkwood School. If you are interested, the first step is to ensure that you have an up-to-date volunteer clearance.

Volunteer Security Clearance Process

Step 1: Prospective volunteers must first register as a volunteer at the school office where you plan on volunteering. School administrators will verify your identity and register you in the CBE volunteer database. The school office will provide you with a letter enabling you to obtain a police information check from the Calgary Police Service (CPS).

Please note, prospective volunteers must reside in Canada for a full year before registering. Police clearances from countries other than Canada are not accepted.

Step 2: Visit the CPS online system, electronic Police Information Check (ePIC), to obtain your police check using your CBE volunteer letter.

If you are unable to complete the process online, you may visit a police information check location instead.

Step 3: Once you have received your clearance document from CPS you will need to share it with the school in-person or by email.

Cost

Your security clearance is valid for five years and the cost is $21.25 ($15.00 for police clearance and 5.95+GST service fee) which is charged during the online ePIC application. This fee is not covered by the CBE.

Annual Volunteer Registration

Each school year you must complete the CBE volunteer registration form. By completing the form, you agree to abide by the conditions that protect the safety, confidentiality and working environment of our schools. You also make a signed declaration with regard to criminal charges.

• Annual Volunteer Registration Form - please print and return to the school if you would like to volunteer for the 2023-24 school year.
• Volunteer | Administrative Regulation 5003

Have a wonderful long weekend and remember, school is closed on Monday, September 4 for the holiday.