Good Evening CMHS Parents, Caregivers, Students, and Guardians,

We are very excited to move forward with our Principal Student Advisory Committee (PSAC) this year. Each student representative on the committee was thoughtfully nominated by an educator from our school’s leadership team, ensuring that all areas of the school are represented and that a wide range of student voices are brought to the table.

The goal of PSAC is simple but powerful: to elevate student voice, including perspectives we may not otherwise hear, and to ensure students are active partners in shaping their school experience.

This week, we held our first meeting of the year. We began by revisiting work from last year and intentionally picked up where we left off. Early conversations focused on homeroom—its purpose, its impact, and how it can continue to evolve to better serve students.

Why Homeroom Matters

As educators, we recognize that while academic success is important, it is only one part of a student’s learning experience. Students bring diverse talents, passions, and needs to school, and it is our responsibility to create meaningful connections that allow every student to thrive.

Homeroom was designed to be a student’s “home base”—a place where attendance and academic progress are regularly monitored so supports can be put in place early when needed. It also allows for peer mentorship, connecting Grade 12 students with younger peers, and provides opportunities for adults in the building to consistently check in on student well-being.

What We Heard From Students

Our student representatives engaged in thoughtful, respectful, and honest discussion. They shared that while the intention of homeroom is strong, the experience can vary greatly depending on the environment and approach.

Key themes that emerged include:

  • Connection and comfort matter.
    Students emphasized that homeroom should feel like a safe, welcoming space where they are comfortable speaking and being themselves.
  • One-on-one and small-group interactions are powerful.
    Structured activities—such as circle-style conversations, icebreaker questions, and opportunities to talk with different peers—help reduce pressure and encourage authentic connections.
  • Consistency is important.
    When homeroom routines and activities are consistent, trust and engagement build over time.
  • The environment makes a difference.
    Spaces such as gyms or shops can present challenges for conversation and connection, which we will continue to consider moving forward.
  • Student voice improves practice.
    Students shared ideas related to mentorship, learning-style groupings, partner systems, and more intentional community-building activities.

Perhaps most importantly, students reminded us that a sense of belonging cannot be assumed. While many students feel connected, it is our shared responsibility to ensure those who do not feel connected are supported, seen, and heard.

These conversations are exactly why PSAC exists. Student feedback will continue to inform our thinking as we work with staff to strengthen homeroom experiences across the school. We are grateful to our students for their honesty, courage, and willingness to engage in respectful dialogue—even when opinions differ—because that is how meaningful improvement happens.

We look forward to continuing this work together and to keeping our community informed as student voice helps shape next steps.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Anne Kromm
Principal

Important Dates to Remember

Future School Events

  • Friday, February 6 — Last day for U of C recruiting Black high school students to be mentees
  • Sunday, February 8 — Undergraduate Business Panel (registration via QR code)
  • Tuesday, February 10 — School Council Meeting, 6:00 PM (Hub)
  • Wednesday, February 11 — Rock Study Guide Sale ends (Education Matters)
  • Thursday, February 12 — Volunteer Mentor Orientations & Socials (final day; started Jan 26)
  • Thursday, February 12 & Friday, February 13 — Teachers’ Convention (No School)
  • Thursday, February 12 — GRAD List (Student Services) & Speech Applications (D2L)
  • Sunday, February 15 — Vanguard Scholars application deadline
  • Monday, February 16 — Family Day (No School)
  • Monday, February 16 — Schulich Learn to Code registration deadline
  • Wednesday, February 18 & Thursday, February 19 — Jostens Grad Jewelry (Foyer)
  • Thursday, February 19 — Semester 2 Language Challenge opportunity deadline
  • Tuesday, February 24 — Career Fair @ Central, 6:00–8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, February 25 — Pink Shirt Day
  • Friday, February 27 — Non-Instructional Day (No School)

Upcoming GRAD & Academic Dates

  • Friday, March 20 — Updated GRAD List (Student Services)
  • Tuesday, March 31 — Education Matters Scholarship deadline
  • Friday, April 3 — GRAD Speech Applications due
  • Tuesday, April 7 — Last day to drop classes in Semester 2
  • Monday, April 13 — GRAD Speech Auditions
  • Friday, April 24 — GRAD Speech Candidates announced
  • Tuesday, April 28 — Cardiovascular Research Day (UCalgary Foothills Campus), 8:00–4:30
  • Friday, May 22 — Indigenous Graduation @ Lord Beaverbrook, 3:00–5:30 PM

CMHS Sports & Activities

  • Thursday, February 19 — Semester 2 Language Challenge Opportunity
  • Thursday, February 19 — COS & Autobody Late Night, 4:00–7:00 PM
  • Tuesday, February 24 — Career & Skills Trade Fair, 6:00–8:00 PM
  • Monday, March 16 – Thursday, March 19 — Dance Central Performance

Athletics

  • Monday, February 9
    • HOST Jr. Girls Basketball vs. BM — 5:30 PM
    • HOST Sr. Girls Basketball vs. BM — 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday, February 10
    • HOST Sr. Girls Basketball vs. CH — 5:30 PM
    • HOST Jr. Girls Basketball vs. CH — 7:30 PM
    • Jr. Boys Basketball @ ST — 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday, February 11
    • Wrestling Quad Meet @ EPS — 5:00–8:00 PM

Scholarships

Multiple scholarships are available to students. Please review the newsletter for additional information and application details.

Important submission deadlines:

  • Sunday, February 15
  • Sunday, March 1