Ms. Keon and I hope that this newsletter finds you well rested and ready for an exciting new year. We are looking forward to welcoming students back to CCHS on Monday January 6th for the final 9 days of classes before exams begin.
On the afternoon of December 20th I was fortunate to take 13 grade 9 -12 students to the Bow River Lodge to deliver the gifts that CCHS students and staff donated for the Bow Valley Elves. Ms. Sellers kindly took 3 other students to the Canmore Hospital to their long term resident wing to deliver gifts there. The students displayed empathy and kindness in true Wolverine spirit and in honour of the “Attitude” portion of our 4 A’s. The students spent time carol singing and having friendly conversations with the residents before handing out gifts and assisting with the present opening. Thanks to the students and Ms. Sellers for their compassion and for giving up their first afternoon of vacation to do this.
Sleepy Students and Exams
We often have sleepy students in the days after a school break. Sleep patterns often change over the breaks and it can be challenging to get teens back into healthy patterns that will support the academic challenges of high school. One of the best ways you can support your student in preparing for exams is to ensure they get a good night’s sleep. Supporting your child in setting a healthy bedtime and reducing screen use before bedtime can help them achieve the rest they need to do their best. In alignment with teen sleep recommendations we suggest that teens not have access to personal devices in their bedrooms at bedtime as they can disrupt healthy sleep. Setting up your student with an ‘old school’ alarm clock can be a step in achieving this. Here are some suggestions to help support your teen in getting a good night’s sleep. This article contains a great video summary (scroll to the top of the article) and also tips to slowly reduce screen time before bedtime.
Textbooks - your ticket into your exam!
The average single high school textbook costs between $80-150. Each year CCHS spends a lot of money replacing lost textbooks. In an effort to reduce this drain on our financial resources we will be collecting in textbooks at the entrance to our exam room each day. A student’s textbook for each subject will be their ‘ticket’ into their exam for semestered classes. All textbooks are signed out via our library to your student’s account and so we have accurate records as to who has and has not signed out a textbook. Textbooks not returned on exam day (or prior to) will be charged to student fees in parent portal. Students in year long courses are only expected to hand in those textbooks in June.
Study Skills and Exam Preparation Support Session for Families and Students Jan 9th 6:30 pmmeet.google.com/spt-gxmp-myb
Ms. Kestle and Mr. Purcell, our Learning Support Teachers, will hold a special online parent micro session on how to support your student in preparing and studying for their upcoming exams. We suggest that both families and students attend this online only session so that expectations are aligned.
Final Exam Schedule
Check in with your student as teachers should be providing an exam outline or study guide in the week before exams.
Our grade 9 FRENCH IMMERSION students will write Part A of their English Language Arts Exam on Friday Jan 17th. They will write Part B of this exam on Monday Jan 20th. Grade 9 French Immersion students CAN still participate in Career Explorations after writing their PAT exam.
All other Grade 9 PAT exams for all grade 9 students will be written in June 2024.
Grade 12 Diploma exams begin on January 14th 2024 with English Language Arts 30-1 and 30-2 Part A exams and continue through to Jan 27th. You can find the full schedule HERE on the second page of the document. Diploma exams can ONLY be written on the day indicated on the schedule as per Alberta Education regulations.
Last day of Semester 2 classes is January 16th 2024. Exams begin January 17th. The exam schedule for grade 9-11 students will be sent out this week. Students only need to come to school for their exams. Students may choose to come to school for quiet study; our regular mobile device rules will continue to be in place if students choose to come to school during exam break. The library, learning commons and Wolverine Den will be available but will not be directly supervised. Students should only be using the building for quiet studying, meeting with teachers and writing exams to respect the students who are completing exams throughout the building.
All CRPS and Nakoda Bus Lines buses will continue to run daily on their regular schedule. Our cafeteria will continue to provide continental breakfast and lunch each day. Punch cards and debit/cash will continue to be accepted.
Students who would like support in building a study schedule or learning active study techniques should connect with Mr. Kestle or Mr. Purcell about this prior to winter break. Students who are unsure what to study need to connect with their classroom teacher as soon as possible.
Grade 9 students will also have the opportunity to participate in Career Explorations during exam break from Jan 20th to 24th. This program runs through our Digital Literacy course and with the support of Divisional Principal Hans.Holthuis@crps.ca Please see this Parent Introduction Letter for specific details of the program. Students must have completed their HCS 3000 workplace safety module in Digital Literacy class to be eligible to participate in Career Explorations.
Grade 12 updated Grad Plans Due Feb 3rd 2025
All grade 12’s must submit a NEW Grad Plan to the folder in the main office by Feb 3rd 2025
Sail and Life Training (SALTS) October 2025 Trip Waitlist Information Update
The first 28 $500 non refundable deposits of students notified that their names were pulled in the lottery were due Friday Dec 20th by 11am. Students who have not provided their deposit will be replaced by students from the waitlist in the order in which they were pulled on Jan 6th at 3:30pm. Families with students on the waitlist will be notified as soon as possible via email and given a week to provide their $500 deposit. As a reminder The initial $500 is non refundable under any circumstances. The next $500 payment is due March 28th 2025. The third $500 payment is due June 3rd 2025 and the remainder (subject to flight and other costs) is due Sept 5th 2025.
If you have any questions please contact annabel.preece@crps.ca (CCHS students) hans.holthuis@crps.ca (BCHS students)
*New* Fine Arts Scholarship Available to Grade 12 students
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is excited to once again be offering the Peter and Catharine Whyte Scholarship to high school students graduating in 2025. This $1000 scholarship is given on an annual basis to an exceptional Grade 12 student attending high school in Banff, Canmore, or Mînî Thnî, whose intention is to pursue post-secondary education full-time, following a creative art stream.
Please see attached the Application form that must be filled out along with more information and this year’s information Flyer.
The student must submit one completed artwork in their choice of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or multi-media.
The submission deadline is May 15th/2025. Please send the completed application to me, the Education and Interpretation Coordinator, at spalmerforrest@whyte.org. Please let Mr. O in student services know by May 1st if you are applying for this scholarship.
Family Connection Center Family and Parenting sessions
Protecting Against Substance Abuse - Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Using Love and Limits - Tuesday Feb. 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Managing Family Dynamic Challenges - Tuesday Mar. 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Managing Guilt and “What-if’s” - Tuesday Mar. 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Parents can register each program separately or all by visiting the following link:
Grade 9 Parent participants needed for Outcomes Based Assessment Research Study
High schools in the Canadian Rockies Public are implementing Outcomes-Based Assessment and Reporting to provide a more accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational way of assessing student achievement. The Canmore Collegiate has formed a partnership with the University of Calgary to track our progress. We are looking for parents to provide their feedback about this work. If you are interested in participating in this research, please download this consent form, sign, and return to the Canmore Collegiate Main Office. You will be contributing to the improvement of student assessment at the Canmore Collegiate High School.
Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) Team Upcoming Events
The following free SWIS events, aimed at foreign-born students, parents, and family members are available for registration now.
Positive Ways to Parent Tuesdays: January 14, 21, 28, and February 4 Time: 6:00–7:00 pm (online via Zoom)
Schooling in Canada: Grade to Grade Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM (online via Zoom) Pizza will be provided. Register here
The Board of Trustees Legacy Scholarship
The Board of Trustees Legacy Scholarship was just approved at the recent board meeting. This initiative, aligned with our mission of "Inspiring the hearts and minds of every student," aims to empower high school students who exemplify Alberta Education’s Student Competencies, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, global citizenship, and personal well-being.
Scholarship Overview:
Who can apply?: Grade 11 and 12 students at Banff Community High School and Canmore Collegiate High School.
Scholarship value: Total fund of $5,000 distributed as follows:
One scholarship of $1,250 per school
One scholarship of $750 per school
One scholarship of $500 per school
Eligible expenses: Post-secondary tuition, housing, apprenticeships, or other structured educational opportunities.
Application Requirements: Students must submit the following by April 11, 2024:
A media submission (e.g., essay, video, podcast) showcasing their engagement with Alberta Education’s Student Competencies.
One letter of reference from a teacher, mentor, or community leader.
Recognition and Benefits: Recipients will be honoured at your school's awards ceremonies, featured in a media release, and highlighted in the CRPS’ 2024/25 Annual Education Results Report (AERR).
For additional details or assistance (website), please contact Jackie Bowes at 403-609-6072 or via email at Jackie.Bowes@crps.ca.
Please click on this link to find out how to apply.
Avalanche Safety Training Course online course available now in Grade 10 STEM classes
All grade 10 students are now working on the AST Level 1 online portion of the course. Please encourage your grade 10 student to complete this online portion and reach out to their STEM teacher if you have questions. This online portion is REQUIRED, along with the presentation during the school day on Feb 3 and 10th. The technical portion of the certification held at Lake Louise Ski Resort is also mandatory to earn certification and will be held on Feb 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 with each STEM class attending one session with their STEM teacher.
