Good Evening CMHS Parents, Caregivers, Students and Guardians,

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and restorative Winter Break, with time to unwind and connect with loved ones. In speaking with colleagues, it is wonderful to hear about the many ways our community recharged, from time in the mountains, travel to warmer destinations, quiet reading at home, finishing university courses, tobogganing with little ones, building puzzles and Lego, to simply slowing down and enjoying a short, but much needed change of pace.

Leading into the break, many of our students were working incredibly hard, finishing tests, performance tasks, and projects, and feeling the fatigue that naturally comes with sustained effort and commitment. There is so much to be proud of, and I continue to be inspired by the ways in which Central students achieve excellence and pursue their passions. Two memorable highlights from this season were our PVA play Clue and the musical Alice by Heart. Audience members who attended Alice by Heart were truly impressed by the remarkable number of lines, choreography, and attention to detail demonstrated by our PVA students. Clue delighted each audience with its clever dialogue and comedic timing. Bravo! At this time of year, winter sports are also well underway, including basketball and wrestling, and we encourage all who are able to come out and support our Rams athletes. Your presence and encouragement make a meaningful difference, and our athletes truly appreciate the energy of their supporters!

As we return from Winter Break, the building is once again alive with the energy of our students. For the first time in several years, we will not be holding a January examination period, and students will continue with structured, in-class learning. January 28, the start of Semester Two, offers a fresh beginning and new opportunities for students to embark upon (please see important dates on this newsletter).

As we begin a new year, for those reflecting on New Year’s resolutions, I would like to share a takeaway from Atomic Habits by James Clear, a book I finished over the holidays. This book was a beautiful reminder that meaningful growth comes from small, consistent choices over time, and progress rooted in daily habits rather than single, transformative moments. When we focus on the process and commit to small improvements, we allow ourselves to experience satisfaction along the way and ultimately sustain the momentum required to reach loftier goals. On a personal note, as I move into 2026, my goal is to be more intentional about reaching out to those I care about and making sure they know how much they matter.

Warmest wishes for a happy and fulfilling 2026.

Vanessa Yaschuk Assistant Principal

Important Dates to Remember

  • Tuesday January 13 - New PVA Student Application Deadline
  • Tuesday January 20 - Friday January 23 - PVA Audition Week
  • Tuesday January 27 - Last Day for S2 Class changes
  • Friday January 23 - Last Day for Semester 1
  • Friday January 23 - Parent/Student Report Card Access TURNED OFF at 3:45
  • Monday January 26 & Tuesday January 27 - Get It Done Days (All Day)
  • Wednesday January 28 - First Day of Semester 2 & T3
  • Thursday January 29 - CMHS Open House 5:00 & Gr 9 Tours (during school hours)
  • Friday January 30 - Non-Instructional Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Monday February 2 - Report Card Viewing Turned On
  • Thursday February 12 & Friday February 13 - Teachers' Convention - NO SCHOOL
  • Monday February 16 - Family Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Thursday February 19 - S2 Language Challenge Opportunity
  • Tuesday April 7 - Last Day to drop classes in S2

CMHS Sports

  • Friday January 9 & Saturday January 10 - HOST Sr Boys Basketball Raffin Classic ALL DAY
  • Friday January 9 & Saturday January 10 - HOST Sr Girls Basketball Raffin Classic ALL DAY
  • Friday January 9 & Saturday January 10 - Orange Crush Wrestling Tournament at ABE
  • Tuesday January 13 - Jr Girls Basketball at NM 5:30
  • Tuesday January 13 - Sr Girls Basketball at NM 7:30
  • Wednesday January 14 - Wrestling Novice Quad Meet at CENT 5:00 - 8:00
  • Thursday January 15 – HOST Jr Girls Basketball vs LB 5:30
  • Thursday January 15 – HOST Sr Girls Basketball vs LB 7:30
  • Thursday January 15 – Jr Girls Basketball at BC 5:30
  • Thursday January 15 – Sr Girls Basketball at BC 7:30 

Future School Events

  • Friday January 16 - PVA Music 20 Recital 1:35
  • Tuesday January 20- Friday January 23 - PVA New Applicant Audition Wek
  • Wednesday January 21 - Friday January 23 - Dance Fusion 7:00
  • Monday January 26 - Jazz Night at CMHS 7:00
  • Thursday January 29 - Central Memorial Open House 5:00
  • Friday January 30 - Saturday January 31 - Girls in Jazz Event