Season's Greetings from the Staff of Centennial

Dear Centennial High School Community,

Today is the last day of classes as we head into Winter Break.  Classes resume Monday, January 5. 

But on this day, I would like to share something that came to my attention yesterday.

A senior who supports Sundance on the Green (the seniors’ residence just east of our school) popped into Centennial yesterday.  She came bearing a note, but asked to meet with me.  She didn’t want to just drop the note off and leave.  She waited patiently as I finished up a meeting, and then we sat down to chat.  She shared how a number of our Performing Arts students visited Sundance on the Green on Monday evening, playing a selection of festive songs for a large gathering of appreciative residents.  I confess – I was not even aware that this event had taken place.  I did not know that one of our students had reached out to the entertainment coordinator at Sundance on the Green a couple weeks ago, and that planning for the event had ensued.  But I’m not surprised.  I am never truly surprised by the exceptional kindness and thoughtfulness exhibited by Centennial staff, and by our students and their families.  Such beautiful gestures take place so often, every day, all to make the world a better place.  This is but one example.

Everyone who knows me well knows that honouring seniors is one of the most important values in my life.  Our elders are the knowledge keepers, sharers of wisdom and kindness.  They cheer us on – in the gyms, the theatres, and around Christmas dinner tables.  My own grandparents were more important to me than words can express.  A photo of my paternal grandma’s log cabin adorns my office wall, and my maternal grandpa’s cherished coin collection rests in a decorative box on my desk.  My grandparents are always nearby.  At Centennial, we welcome seniors as honoured guests at our Remembrance Day ceremonies.  We serve many seniors as evening clients in our Cosmetology program, Leadership students visit seniors in our community, and Culinary Arts students cater events at Sundance on the Green.  I am very proud of how the students and staff of Centennial honour and embrace seniors in our community. 

So, thank you Coyote students, for creating an evening of magic for our neighbouring seniors, and for bringing the joy of the holiday season to them.  Thank you Anja, for visiting with me yesterday and sharing how appreciated these young people are.  And, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you Coyote grandparents and great-grandparents out there – we appreciate you. 

It is time for a break, for everyone.  Students and staff alike.  It seems that each school year brings with it unexpected challenges, and significant adversity.  This year is no different.  Working and learning in schools can be taxing, exhausting even.  But the rewards are immeasurable.  One heartwarming conversation with a local senior, who took time from her day on a busy Thursday afternoon just to tell me how incredible our students are, is proof of that.

On behalf of all of us at Centennial High School, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.  We wish you all a season of rest, peace, and joy.  The year 2026 is going to be fantastic.

 Sincerely,

Joe Sturgeon

Principal, Centennial High School