Good Evening CMHS Parents, Caregivers, Students and Guardians,

I was recently reading a book on parenting teenagers, yes ... there is such a thing, and one of the topics focused on the importance of sharing family mealtimes together. Mealtime can be one of the best opportunities to connect with teens, talk about everyone’s day, and plan future family events. Unfortunately, today’s fast-paced world, filled with school activities, sports, and jobs, has made sitting down together much more challenging. Perhaps shifting the expectation to even one shared meal a week is a more realistic goal for many families.

Many years ago, one of my nephews was struggling to make good decisions, so I invited him to live with me and attend Western Canada High School for three years while I was teaching there. I was very strict with him, and thankfully it paid off. Today he is an addictions counsellor in Northern Alberta helping and supporting many others. Around the time he came to live with me to complete his high school, I had heard that sitting down together for meals could positively impact teens by increasing their self-confidence, cooperation, sense of responsibility, and feeling of belonging. I remember thinking, “As if sitting down for meals does all that?” I was honestly shocked by the results. I would set the table, he would sit down, and he would talk for nearly an hour straight. I quickly realized that kids need adults they feel safe with, adults they can trust and openly share what is happening in their worlds.

Around the table, he learned how to express his ideas, state his opinions appropriately, and receive feedback and guidance. He also learned practical life skills such as setting the table properly and using good manners. We had many interesting conversations and discussions, and over time, it became a routine in our home whenever possible. At the same time, he was also heavily involved in school athletics, playing football and rugby while excelling in wrestling (coached by our very own Ms. Hennick).

Growing up, my family also had set supper times, and I always had a designated place at the kitchen table. As a child, I had to sit across from my dad because when my older sister sat across from me, I might have kicked her under the table … ha ha ha. Even years later, as adults returning home for family events, we still instinctively knew where our seats were. It became that ingrained.

Family time is precious, and the moments spent together around a table often become the memories and conversations that stay with us for life. Enjoy that time together whenever you can.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Anne Kromm
Principal

Important Dates to Remember

See our School Calendar for all of our school events

  • Fri May 29 - Sun May 31 - Tipi Camp Powwow & Market Howard Park North Field Okotoks
  • Friday May 29 - TsuuT’ina Education Powwow Seven Chiefs Sportsplex 12 - 9:00
  • Sat May 30 & Sun May 31 - Okotoks Powwow Okotoks Viking Rentals Centre 1:00
  • Tuesday June 2 - EXAM SS 10 Part A (in classrooms)
  • Wednesday June 3 - EXAM SS 20 Part A (in classrooms)
  • Wednesday June 3 - Pick up Graduation Flower Orders @ Main Office
  • Thursday June 4 - GRADuation Ceremony (9:00) & Banquet (6:00) @ Grey Eagle Casino
  • Thursday June 4 - NO CLASSES - GRAD Day
  • Monday June 8 - Construction Info Session North Glenmore Community Association 6:30
  • Monday June 8 & Tuesday June 9 – EXAM ELA 10 Part A (in classrooms)
  • Monday June 8 & Tuesday June 9 – EXAM ELA 20 Part A (in classrooms)
  • Monday June 8 & Tuesday June 9 – EXAM SS 10 Part B (in classrooms)
  • Monday June 8 & Tuesday June 9 – EXAM SS 20 Part B (in classrooms)
  • Tuesday June 9 - Last Day of Regular Classes before Exams
  • Wednesday June 10 - Dinos Goalkeeper Training Hawkings Field 5:00 (June & July dates)
  • Monday June 15 - CMHS Academic Awards 6:30
  • Saturday June 20 - Calgary Stampeders GRAD Walk McMahon Stadium 5:00
  • Saturday June 20 & Sunday June 21 - CMHS School Casino
  • Friday June 26 - Last day for TASC/CSSI
  • Monday June 29 & Tuesday June 30 - NID Days

CMHS Sports

  • Monday June 1 - Boys Rugby PLAYOFFS @ ND 4:45
  • Monday June 1 - Girls Rugby PLAYOFFS @ CENT 4:45
  • Friday June 5 & Saturday June 6 - Track & Field SSA PROVINCIALS Calgary Zone @ Foothills ALL DAY

Future School Events

  • Monday June 1 - Friday June 5 - CMHS Spirit Week
  • Tuesday June 2 - Dance Fusion Performance 7:00
  • Tuesday June 2 - Jazz Night at the Ironwood 7:00
  • Thursday June 4 - CMHS GRADuation (9:00) & Banquet (6:00) @ Grey Eagle Casino
  • Thursday June 11 - PVA New Student Orientation 5:30
  • Monday June 15 - Academic Awards 6:30