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Westwood Collegiate band director Greg Edwards works with the intermediate jazz ensemble – a small portion of the group that will be traveling to Europe in July. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

When describing Westwood to others, I find that family-friendly is a common phrase.

The fact that we have several schools within our midst, both public and private, from beginning learners to graduating classes, certainly supports that.  

Many of our schools will be holding information evenings or open houses in February to help families make informed decisions about where they choose to send their children.

You can find complete details on each school’s own website, but here is a quick list of Westwood opportunities for kids set to begin kindergarten in September:

• Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary on Bedson — Thurs., Feb. 2

• Ecole Robert Browning — Mon., Feb. 13

• St. James Montessori (located in Lincoln Middle School) — Thurs., Feb. 16

• Sansome Elementary — Tues., Feb. 21

All four of these school open houses are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

For anyone hoping to ease their pre-schoolers into organized learning, the Montessori school has half-day spaces available.

Introducing little ones to a school environment prior to summer holidays can make the transition a little easier in the fall, says Shannon Basisty, director of the St. James Montessori School, located at 6-3180 McBey Ave.

For more information about the school, contact Basisty at 888-5700.

• • •

Parents of Westwood Collegiate band students invite you to jump on the proverbial bandwagon as they gear up for their Viva Las Vegas social event scheduled for Sat., Feb. 18.

The festivities will include family-focused entertainment, buffet dinner, a fun casino (with Monopoly money), silent auction, 50-50 draw and live classic rock entertainment. Viva Las Vegas will get underway beginning at 8 p.m. at Assiniboia Downs.

The event is organized by a committee of Westwood parents in support of the Westwood Collegiate band and choir trip to Europe this coming summer. More than 100 students plus teachers and parent chaperones will travel throughout Europe (including stops in Germany, Italy and Austria) for 19 days this July.

While each student is paying their own travel expenses, the funds raised at the social will go toward providing them with team jackets and travel bags as well as defray the costs of group activities and excursions to help make the trip a resounding success.

Similar events held in previous years have sold out. Tickets are available from participating students or in the Westwood band room.  

Contact Westwood band director Greg Edwards at 888-7650 for more information, or visit www.bandatwestwood.com.

Sharon Pfeifer is a community correspondent for Westwood. Send comments or suggestions to her at sdrinteractive@shaw.ca.