Central Memorial High School
5111 – 21 Street S.W., Calgary, AB T3E 1R9
http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b823
t | 403-243-8880 f | 403-777-7059
Newsletter | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Principal’s Message
Important Dates
February
1
2
3
5
8
10
NID (no classes)
First day Semester 2
Winter Walk day
Last day for course changes
School Council 6:30 pm
TASC/CSSI (Special Ed)
Parent/Teacher Conf
4:00-8:00 pm
11-12 Teachers Convention
15 Family Day
19 Raffin Rams Classic
20 Raffin Rams Classic
25 Chamber Choir – Ambrose Choir
Celebration (Ambrose)
29 Battle of the Rams (Lunch)
March
1-4 Battle of the Rams
8 Pursue your Passion
10 Course Selection Day
1:00-7:00 pm
(no classes)
14 AP Open House
Encore Open House
7:00-8:30 pm
14 School Council 6:30 pm
15-17 Dance Central 7:00 pm
Wright Theatre, Mount Royal
17 Last day of classes before
Spring Break
18 NID (no classes)
29 Classes resume
Greetings!!
February is a strange month in the world of senior high school. Not only is the month itself shorter
than the other months, but second semester has just begun and yet there is a pause not even midway through for Teachers Convention and Family Day. Getting our rhythm can be a bit challenging,
but we are on beat and ready to go! I wanted to share with you some important upcoming events and
some changes to our calendar dates:
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AP Open House & Encore Open House: Our Advanced Placement Open House was
scheduled for February 23, but we have elected to hold a second, Encore Open House for
prospective students and their families and will be amalgamating the AP Open House into
the Encore Open House on March 14 at 7pm.
nd
Pursue Your Passion Day:
The 2 annual Pursue Your Passion Day is March 8.
We do hope you will support our efforts and encourage your child to attend. There are a
myriad of engaging learning opportunities on this day that we just aren’t able to offer on a
regular basis.
Course Selection Day:
March 10 is Course Selection Day from 1-7pm. This
particular day is of the utmost importance in setting our students up for success in their
coming school year. Students will receive registration packages and planners in Homeroom
next week. They will have a few days to make course selection decisions. On March 10 you
have a chance to speak with the Homeroom teacher and guidance counselors will also be
available around your child’s plan and course selection. It is important to be very thorough
and ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel that your child has a solid plan in
place that will set them up for future success. We are here to support you in this!!
Information on how to book your appointment with your child’s homeroom teacher will be
available soon on our website and an email message will also be sent out.
Our website is a great source of information and the perfect tool to keep parents/guardians up-to-date
with what is happening at Central Memorial. Our School Calendar, Daily Bulletin and other important
events or messages can always be found on our website: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b823/default.html.
As well we do use social media to promote events, share successes, and provide information. Follow
us on Twitter @cmhsrams and like us on Facebook at Central Memorial High School and The Centre
for Performing & Visual Arts.
Over the coming months we will begin the process for planning the 2016-2017 school year. We would
welcome your thoughts and insights as we make school-wide decisions that may impact your child’s
education. As always, we want to provide the best possible learning opportunities for all our students
and we cannot improve or adjust if we don’t hear from all parties involved in the educational journey of
our students. Please call or drop me a line at centralmemorial@cbe.ab.ca. Your support is greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Nancy Lisi, Principal
Follow us on twitter: @cmhsrams
Grad 2016
Grad is just around the corner and there are some important dates for families to be aware
of. Below is a brief outline of various grad events:
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Grad photos were taken the week of February 2. ** It is important for all grade
12s to sit for a photo even if you are not purchasing a package. This will ensure
your photo is included in the grad composite. If you did not have a grad photo taken
at school, please call Lifetouch at 403-255-5440 to book a photo sitting.
In the February 26 Homeroom, grade 12s will go to the gym to learn more about
everything grad related.
Students interested in speaking at Grad can pick up an information package from
Ms. Hayward in the Hub beginning on February 29.
In the March 1 Homeroom, grade 12s will learn more about lining up for the
ceremony processional.
March 10 is Course Selection Day. Parents and students can find out all about
grad in two information sessions occurring at 2:00 & 7:00 PM. Both sessions
will take place in Central’s Theatre.
Grad Banquet Tickets will be available for purchase from April 1 – 15 via an online
ticketing agency. A link to the agency will be provided on Central’s website. Before
students can purchase tickets, all outstanding school fees must be paid.
On Friday May 13, grads will pick up their robes and practice the ceremony
processional.
The Grad Ceremony will take place on Wednesday May 18 at 9:00 AM at the
University of Calgary (Jack Simpson Gym).
The Grad Banquet will take place on the evening of May 18 at the Telus
Convention Centre.
Dance Central 2016
The PVA Dance majors are gearing up for their annual production, Dance Central 2016.
This engaging and inspiring evening of Dance will take place at The Wright Theatre at
Mount Royal University on March 15, 16 & 17 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available on
February 22 via the Mount Royal Ticket services, www.tickets.mru.ca. Get your tickets
early as this production will SELL OUT!!!
Lighthouse Awards
Two of our Central Memorial students were invited to participate in the most recent
presentation of the CBE Lighthouse Award to the RBC Foundation. The Lighthouse
Awards program recognizes an organization’s contributions to the CBE, its schools and its
programs.
Grade 12 student Pola P and recent CMHS graduate, Jessica S spoke on behalf
of students enrolled in the Junior Achievment/CBE Entrepreneurial Artist course, which is
financially supported by the RBC Foundation.
These two young ladies spoke eloquently about their experiences in this course, and how
they have found an exciting and plausible means of combining their artistic ability with
a potentially viable business career. Jessica is currently enrolled in SAIT to study Business
Administration in an effort to continue learning how to successfully develop a career as a
Visual Artist. Pola is currently working on a Business Plan for an Event Planning Business
that will work in conjunction with the Calgary dance community. We would like to thank
these two young entrepreneurs for their contribution to the Lighthouse Award presentation
and wish them luck. We look forward to following all of their future successes.
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Model UN
The University of Calgary High School Model UN is fast approaching and will be held the
weekend of February 20 – 21, 2016. Students are busy working on their country research,
drafting resolutions, and practicing their public speaking. This year we will be representing
the United Kingdom, Iceland, Indonesia, Columbia and the Czech Republic. Students will
be debating issues such as cyber security, biological diversity, children’s rights, the
deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, the
future of peacekeeping, the conflicts in Syria and the Ukraine, as well as many others. It
should be a great weekend full of interesting debate.
French and International Languages
Did you know that learning another language can give you greater respect for other cultures
and a deeper understanding of your own culture?
Challenge Exams
The challenge exams for French and Spanish will be held in June, during exam time.
Anyone interested in challenging a language class has to meet with Ms. Engel (room 109)
prior to April 1. Registration forms and more details about the process are available on the
school website under CMHS Quicklicks – Second Language Challenge Information.
Alberta Education Student Exchange Programs
Alberta Education sponsors a number of student exchange programs open to high school
students studying second languages. Established programs being offered again this year
are the reciprocal exchanges with Québec, Germany, Spain and Mexico. In this program,
Alberta students alternate between hosting partners in their homes and schools for a
number of months and traveling to live with their partners, experiencing their homes, and
becoming active participants at their schools for an equivalent number of months at another
time during the school year. Although students and their families face expenses associated
with travel and hosting, there is no program fee, and the overall return can be enormous! A
tremendous benefit of this experience is the increased linguistic skills with which the
students return. Other benefits, that are less tangible, but no less important, are personal
growth, increased self-esteem and confidence, and the ability to adapt to new situations.
For more information please visit the Alberta Education website
http://education.alberta.ca/apps/internationalEducation/languages/
The deadline to apply to participate in this Exchange Program for the next school year is
MARCH 15. Don’t leave it until the last minute. If you are interested in this fantastic
opportunity, visit Ms. Engel in room 109 or email at acengel@cbe.ab.ca
The International Certificate
The International Certificate is a way of recognizing and valuing the significant
contributions, work, and experiences of an international nature that students have
accomplished throughout their CBE journey. This certificate is awarded to all CBE grade 12
students who have created a portfolio throughout their high school career. The portfolio
consists of artifacts and reflections of their international journey either in Canada or abroad.
All international students, second language students or any student who has participated in
international experiences (trips, workshops, volunteering, youth clubs) are welcome to
attend. This is a great opportunity to reflect about global issues, and understand different
cultures. You just need to join and complete certain assignments from school with an
international focus. It is a great opportunity. Don’t miss it.
Students interested in receiving the certificate are invited to come and meet with Ms. Engel
in room 109 or email her at acengel@cbe.ab.ca. Anyone interested is welcome!
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Multicultural Club
We have a new club at Central. If you are interested in sharing your culture with other
students and want to participate in cultural activities, such as tasting food, talking about
different traditions and ways of living in other countries, then you should join our club. We
meet every Monday at lunch in Room 109. For more information, contact Ms. Engel at
acengel@cbe.ab.ca
Spanish/French
We had lots of fun in our Spanish classes last semester. Students had the opportunity to
celebrate the Dia de los muertos (Day of the death) by painting their faces as sugar skulls.
We did this project with the Cosmetology students at the CT Centre. We also celebrated
birthdays and enjoyed different fiestas with treats and piñatas. Students were able to fly Air
Swimmers around the school to practice orientation and directions vocabulary and we had
a great time with our Spanish 20/30 classes in a Mexican restaurant.
Join the second languages classes. We have fun while learning Spanish and French.
AP Psychology
Central Memorial has been approved by the Advanced Placement College Board to offer an
AP Psychology course. This February, students were offered the first ever Psychology AP
class as a 6 credit 30/35 level elective.
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of
human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies
that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key
concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior,
sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology,
testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology.
Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical
considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and
evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. There are no prerequisites for AP
Psychology, however it is encouraged that students take Psychology 20 to build a strong
knowledge foundation.
Interested students and/or parents should contact Mr. Tomczyk in room 107 or at
pstomczyk@cbe.ab.ca
An update from the desk of your counsellors in student services…..
Course Selection Day – March 10, 2016 from 1:00 - 7:00pm
Appointments can be booked online starting on March 1, 2016
February 26 and March 1 - Students are required to attend these homerooms to clarify
course pathways and graduation requirements prior to Course Selection Day.
More information to follow.
Accountability Pillar Survey
As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an
opportunity for Alberta Education and school authorities to ensure that we are equipping
students for success.
The Accountability Pillar uses a set of 16 indicators consisting of surveys of students,
parents and teachers on various aspects of quality; student outcomes such as dropout and
high school completion rates; and provincial assessments of student learning.
From January to the end of February, Alberta Education will be conducting the annual
Accountability Pillar Survey. In January, parents of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 will
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receive a survey from Alberta Education. In February, students in grades 4, 7 and 10 and
all teachers will be completing their surveys online at school.
All surveys are anonymous and ask questions about experiences with the school. In
addition to English and French, the parent survey is available in Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic,
Blackfoot, Cree, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu.
Parent surveys were mailed to parents in January and are to be returned directly to Alberta
Education. Your participation in the survey helps provide important information on the
quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to return your survey
promptly.
Survey results will be available to school authorities in May 2016, and will be reported
publicly as part of their 3-Year Education Plans and Annual Education Results Reports.
Yearbook Recognition Ads
Looking for a creative way to tell your child, “I love you and I’m proud of you”?
Place a recognition ad in the yearbook!
Whether your son or daughter is graduating or just starting their high school career, a
recognition ad is always a great idea. In the future, seeing your message will bring a smile
as they remember your love and support during these important years. It’s easy to create a
recognition ad. Just send us a physical or electronic copy of your favourite photo and
compose your message. Yearbook staff will apply the same high level of layout skills to
your ad as they do in the rest of the yearbook. Digital photos must be at least 300x300
pixels in size to print at 1”x1” physical size.
While you’re thinking of what your ad will look like, also think about the size of the ad space.
Select a horizontal or vertical format in a variety of sizes and costs. All ads will be printed in
colour.
E-mail Ms. Brenna Toblan for more information. Parents of grade 12 students will be
receiving an information mailout in the next few days, but anyone may purchase an ad.
Links to the information, order forms, and a sample ad can be found on the yearbook pages
of the school’s website.
We can even keep the ad a secret until the yearbook is distributed (but only if your son or
daughter isn’t on the yearbook staff).
Don’t let it go without saying. Reserve a space for your recognition ad today to say how
proud you are. The deadline to submit your ad with payment is March 14, 2016. Like the
yearbook, your message will be a permanent memory.
Revenues from these ads will be used first to cover the costs of the additional pages
required. Any profits will be used by the yearbook (to purchase equipment for yearbook
production such as computers and digital cameras).
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Staff
Brenna Toblan, Advisor
brtoblan@cbe.ab.ca
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Healthy Children
Parent Newsletter
October 2015
Welcome everyone to Ram Country!!
Go Rams Go!
Basketball is winding down this season and a number of our teams are in a great position to
make playoffs. Our Sr. Boys Basketball team, averaging 91 points a game, are undefeated this
year and continue to play tremendous team ball led by Coach Turner. The Sr. Girls have been
powering through a tough start to the year as many players have been injured. However, fresh
off a win, these young ladies look to turn things around. As the Jr. Girls continue to push for a
playoff position they are playing great ball and continue to develop each and every
practice/game. Jr. Boys are smack dab in the middle of the pack fighting for playoff position
each and every night as they scramble to move their way to a higher seed.
The wrestling team has had the opportunity to attend many meets this year and have been
successful with many athletes medaling in their individual weight classes. As the season
continues, things are looking very positive as these hard working Rams “singlet” up for cities in
March.
Please come and support our Rams as they push for playoffs and cities.
Stay on the lookout as tryouts for Badminton, Rugby and Track and Field are fast approaching.
From all of us in RAM COUNTRY
Thank you for your Support
Healthy Children
Parent Newsletter
October 2015
Healthy Children
Parent Newsletter
October 2015
Healthy Children
Parent Newsletter
October 2015