Dear Centennial High School Community,

I hope you are all staying warm and that your furnaces and vehicles are cooperating during this (hopefully) final blast of icy weather.  We have a number of information items, updates and celebrations to share today.  Please read below.

Centennial Students & Staff Giving the Gift of Life

• Today over two dozen students and staff went downtown to Canadian Blood Services to donate blood (thank you to our Phys-Ed team for providing transportation to and from the venue!)
• These were mostly Grade 12 students, while a couple Grade 11s also donated the gift of life (you must be 17 years of age to donate blood)
• As Mr. Krause says, we congratulate these students “for being awesome humans”
• Donating blood literally saves lives – thank you Mr. Krause for continuing to ensure that Centennial is a national leader in youth blood donations

Centennial Honours Black History Month at The Grand

• Two days ago students from Drama, Technical Theatre, and Leadership attended a film screening of Cheryl Foggo's films Kickin Up a Fuss and We Call Him Sir Charles at the Grand Theatre
• Cheryl Foggo is a prominent Black historian and playwright, who often marries fine and performing arts, such as dance, spoken word, visual art, photography and film to tell stories of Black history on the Canadian prairies
• • Foggo’s films not only tell important Canadian stories, but also explore how the arts are an entry point for learning and making stories accessible
  • The two films featured the story of Charles Daniels, a Black Calgarian who was refused entry at the same Grand Theatre in 1914 – despite having purchased a ticket for a production of King Lear
  • The films detail his courage in standing up to systemic injustice, as well as his legacy
• Cheryl and Wakefield Brewster (an artist featured in the films) were in attendance to speak with the students in attendance about the films
• This was an outstanding opportunity for our students, who conducted themselves with utmost grace
• Thank you Ms. Miller and Ms. Kalala for making this opportunity possible for Centennial students

Alberta International Band Festival this Weekend!

• Centennial's performing ensembles will hit the stage this Saturday (February 21) at the Alberta International Band Festival!
• The festival takes place in the Rosza Centre Theatre at the University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
• The CHS Concert Band performs at 10:30am, with the Wind Ensemble performing at noon
• Good luck to Ms. Laurendeau and all of our incredible Coyote musicians!

Free Peer Tutoring!

• Here is an example of the exceptional citizenship exhibited by Centennial students:
• • Recognizing the stress many of their peers are experiencing due to challenges with academics, a couple of our students have decided to spearhead a Peer Tutoring initiative here at Centennial
• Beginning February 24, any student wanting to work with a peer tutor can go to the Leadership Classroom (E107) every Tuesday during lunch

Lockdown Practice – February 24

• Though we do not typically announce Lockdown Drills in advance, considering the tragic recent events in BC we want to ensure you are aware that we have one scheduled for this coming Tuesday
• Staff are well-versed in emergency protocols, and we take these drills very seriously
• Staff will remind students in advance of the drill on Tuesday, to hopefully reduce the anxiety that some may feel during Lockdown Drills

Ramadan

• Yesterday marked the beginning of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims around the world
• This sacred month is a time of reflection, compassion, generosity, and gratitude for the many families and communities who observe Ramadan
• Ramadan involves a month-long period of spiritual commitment and community connection, and is an opportunity to deepen understanding while honouring the diverse traditions of Muslim students, staff, and families

Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 25

• Pink Shirt Day is an annual event focused on anti-bullying and kindness
• Through Pink Shirt Day we honour grassroots acts of kindness and reaffirm our shared commitment to nurture welcoming, caring safe and respectful spaces for everyone
• We encourage students to break out their pink shirts next Wednesday!

Horizons Leadership Conference – Wednesday, February 25

• Also next Wednesday, Centennial High School is hosting the Horizons Leadership Conference
• Dozens of students and staff from several schools will join Centennial Leadership students in our gymnasium for a day of learning and inspiration
• Thank you to Mr. Dickson and our Leadership program for stepping up to host this valuable event, after another school in the province unfortunately had to bow out

Honour Roll Update

• The Honour Roll Committee is hard at work sorting through Semester 1 data
• We hope to have information available to students and parents by the end of February
• Thank you Mr. Freeborn and Ms. Kim for all your work ensuring that we recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of our amazing students

Student Fees

• A reminder to please check your myCBE account to pay outstanding fees
• Just as information for those owing fees for previous school years (including at other schools), I believe fees owing will be sent to Collections in March

Yearbook Purchase Deadline Approaches!

• Time is running out to purchase a yearbook (the deadline is February 28)
• Cost is $50 and yearbooks are NOT being sold via MyCBE fees
• Yearbooks can only be purchased via the Jostens website: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?ref=A01084231

From the Guidance Department: Post-Secondary Events

• Post-Secondary institutions continue to roll out both virtual and in-person events to support future students (these are ideal for students in any grade)
• University of Regina: February 19, 4:30-7:30pm in person
• • Alt Hotel University District
  • Admission on the spot event in Calgary; apply to the University of Regina, save on the application fee, and receive an admission decision all in one visit!
• University of Calgary: February 20, 6:00-7:00pm in person
• • For students who have received an offer to your first or second choice, or who are still waiting, they will walk through what’s happening with your application, the role of the Student Access Program, and why it’s important to ensure all your documents are submitted
  • They will also cover what to consider if you're thinking about changing your program or updating your choices, and will have plenty of time for questions
• Old's College: VIP tours February 20, and every Friday in March
• • Personalized Tours, free on the spot applications, admissions and financial aid guidance
  • See D2L to register
• Old's College & Mount Royal University
• • Virtual program-specific updates continue through January and February
• King’s University Campus Visit Day: February 27 (see D2L)
• St. Mary's Open House and update for students experiencing disabilities: February 21 (1:00 – 3:00pm)
• • Representatives from Alberta University of the Arts, Ambrose University, Athabasca University, Mount Royal University, Olds College, SAIT, St. Mary's University, and University of Calgary will be in attendance
• SAIT: Open House February 28
• CIWA: February 7, 2026 (12:00pm-3:00pm)
• Career talk where doctors, nurses, and med students will come in to share their experiences and answer questions
• Please see D2L for more information about all post-secondary visits, open houses, and events

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful evening, Friday, and weekend.

Sincerely,
Joe Sturgeon

Principal, Centennial High School