Hello Griffith Woods Families,
At Griffith Woods, we encourage all students to lead by example each day. They can do that by modelling positive behaviour, speaking kindly to others, stepping up when help is needed, including everyone, and working together to solve problems. Leadership isn’t about a title, but it is about the choices we make and the actions we take to support one another and build a positive school community.
Mrs. Bombard and Dr. Batycky
Reminders
Important Upcoming Dates are available in the School Calendar.
Dates of Significance
- May: Asian Heritage, Canadian Jewish Heritage, & Polish Heritage Month
- May 15: International Day of Families
- May 17: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
- May 19 - 26: Indigenous Awareness Week
- May 21 - 23: Shavuot
- May 27: Eid al-Adha
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and mother-figures in our community. We hope your weekend is filled with appreciation, rest and a little extra joy.
Updates
TIPI Event
On June 8, 2026, Griffith Woods School will be joined by Elders, Indigenous Drummers and Dancers to raise a tipi. We will be doing it from 4:30-5:30 PM and would like to invite our community and families to join us. Elder Saa’kokoto will be doing tipi teachings on school field with dancing and drumming. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
GWS Howler Newsletter
GWS Howl Newsletter is looking for submissions from Grade 5-9 students (short story, poem, artwork etc.). This will be the last newsletter of the school year. Thank you for the contributions.
Yellow School Bus Registration is Now Open for 2026-27
Families can now apply for yellow school bus service for the 2026-27 school year. To ensure service is in place for the first day of classes, registrations must be received by Sunday, June 14. Registrations submitted after this date will be accepted; however, access to bus routes may be delayed. Of note:
- A banner story outlining service levels and proposed fees has been posted to the corporate and school websites.
- Conditional Rider forms will be available starting Monday, June 15.
- Confirmed bus routes will be posted for families who registered by the deadline in MyCBE in late August.
- The transportation fee has increased from $360 to $500/rider and from $180 to $250 for one-way kindergarten riders.
For several years, CBE was able to limit fee increases by using surplus funds to help offset rising costs. These funds were generated by delaying the implementation of shorter transportation eligibility distances for two years. However, those surplus funds are now nearly exhausted.
At the same time, transportation costs have continued to rise, driven by factors such as increased fuel prices and the need for specialized supports. As a result, a fee increase is necessary to balance the budget and maintain current service levels for students.
We remain committed to supporting families. Fee waivers and supports will be available to ensure students continue to access the transportation services they need.
Families can cancel without financial impact by submitting a cancellation form by Sept. 30.
Class List Requests
Creating class lists for a new school year is a thoughtful, collaborative, and highly intentional process. Our teachers carefully consider a wide range of factors to create balanced learning environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. While it is not possible to accommodate every preference or request, significant time and professional judgment are devoted to building classes that best support the needs of all learners.
We begin this process by reflecting on each student’s learning profile, social development, and overall well-being. Current classroom teachers provide valuable insight into how students learn best, the types of supports they may require, and the classroom environments in which they are most successful. This information helps ensure that each class is composed in a way that promotes positive learning experiences and strong peer relationships. Teachers consider how students work together, how they contribute to classroom dynamics, and what combinations of learners will foster productive and inclusive learning environments.
Teachers have also included student-voice into this process by asking them to identify 5 positive “learning partners” that they would like to be in class with next year. Emphasis will be on choosing learning partners that help make learning better for both students working together. We have also looked at parent requests that have been submitted.
Grade 9 Farewell
The Grade 9 Farewell will be taking place on June 24, 2026. Parents are invited to attend at the school from 8:30 AM to about 10:15 AM.
Extra Yearbooks
This year we have some extra yearbooks available in case you have missed the deadline and still want one. They are $25.
