Dear Centennial High School Community,

We hope this finds you well, and that when the weekend arrives you have a good one.  Please read below for a number of information items, including details about our Remembrance Day assembly tomorrow.

Remembrance Day Ceremony

• At Centennial we recognize the importance of honouring those who have come before and who strive to make the world a better place, including veterans of the Canadian Forces
• Our Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place tomorrow (Friday, November 7) at 10:10am in the school gymnasium
• Members of the public are welcome, so please consider joining us
• Thank you in advance to Lieutenant Colonel Graham Longhurst, our guest speaker for tomorrow
• Thank you as well to the Centennial staff and students working behind the scenes to make this event possible, as well as our Music program, student emcees, vocalists, trumpeters, and colour guard members, and our teacher bagpiper and speakers
• Our Student Leadership program is also collecting donations for the Veteran’s Food Bank; we appreciate any donations that students and families would like to bring to the school

November Break

• November Break is November 10 – 12; the school is closed on these dates
• Classes resume Thursday, November 13
• I recognize the timing of November Break may not be ideal, what with the recent return to school for teachers and students
• The extension of full Semester 1 classrooms through to late January will hopefully alleviate concerns about this calendar quirk

Remembrance Day

• As you know, Remembrance Day is November 11
• We encourage students to reflect on this day, and to consider all that has been sacrificed by our ancestors to provide an opportunity to experience democratic freedoms and rights – freedoms and rights that we must never take for granted
• I think of my grandpa frequently, and especially on Remembrance Day; he was a good man and proud member of the Calgary Highlanders, and he served valiantly during the Second World War…my grandpa taught me how to tie a tie, set a table, play snooker, and treat people with dignity; he died in his 90’s, knowing he had served his country with all his heart – to help improve the world for future generations
• Lest we forget

Student Progress Conferences Update

• As you may recall, our Student Progress Conferences were originally scheduled for October 20
• We have been able to re-schedule the conferences, which will now take place on Friday, November 28 (during a Non-Instruction Day)
• The conferences will be from 8:30am to 1:30pm, virtually (via Microsoft Teams)
• More information and instructions for booking your conferences will be provided after November Break

Chief Superintendent Student Advisory Council (CSSAC)

• On behalf of all Centennial students and staff, we congratulate Greyson J, a member of our Class of 2026
• Greyson is the Centennial CSSAC representative for the 2025/26 school year, joining two dozen high school leaders from across the Calgary Board of Education
• CSSAC representatives will meet with Chief Superintendent Jo Pitman to provide their insights on the state of our schools, while providing suggestions for improvement across the CBE
• Thank you for your leadership Greyson!

Parking Passes

• An important reminder for any students parking in our school lot that they are required to purchase a parking pass, which must be displayed in their vehicle at all times when parked in the lot
• Students can purchase parking passes by scanning the QR code outside the school Business Office
• Please note: there are two dozen students who have purchased passes but who have not picked up the physical pass to display in their vehicle – please go to the Business Office to get your pass if you are one of these people
• There are also 40+ students who have requested but not yet paid for or picked up the pass – please go to the Business Office if that is you
• Parking lot enforcement by Calgary Bylaw Officers will begin at some point after November Break

Tutorials

• Students are reminded that Tutorial class takes place Monday through Friday, 8:40 – 9:05am
• Students can attend any of their classes for Tutorial to access additional assistance
• There are a large number of students who I know could use extra help but are opting not to attend Tutorial – I encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their understanding and academic performance

The Outsiders

• Our Drama program continues to prepare for what I am sure will be a terrific performance of the iconic play The Outsiders
• I have learned that students involved actually took the initiative to continue with rehearsals and preparations while teachers were away during the strike/lockout – kudos to you all, cast and crew!
• Look out for more information to come as the show dates near!

Yearbook

• Yearbooks are available to purchase on Jostens' website: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?ref=A01084231
• Yearbooks are NOT being sold via your myCBE account – they can only be purchased via the Jostens website
• Each yearbook is $50 and offers a wonderful way to relive the unforgettable memories made throughout the year
• Be sure to order yours by February 28, 2026!

Basketball & Wrestling

• Basketball and Wrestling seasons will proceed this year, with more information to come after November Break
• Unfortunately, we will not have a Swim Team this season

 Thank you for reading, and have a great evening.

 Sincerely,

Joe Sturgeon

Principal, Centennial High School