Good Evening CMHS Parents, Caregivers, Students and Guardians,

What a special week we have had at CMHS. September 22 marked the anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, an agreement between the Canadian government and the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina Nations. The Treaty 7 flag that hangs in our school is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and a reminder of our ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples in southern Alberta. Monday gave us the opportunity to reflect on this important history and the meaning behind the symbols in the flag.

Today in homeroom, we took time to consider our own commitment to reconciliation and share our thoughts about what each of us is doing to support this work. We reminded one another that reconciliation is not about judgment or debate, but about listening, understanding, and empathy.

These conversations with students are so valuable, as they help us all think about how we can contribute in meaningful ways.

This week has also been National Truth and Reconciliation Week, a time for us to listen, learn, and reflect on the history of residential schools and the impact they continue to have on Indigenous communities. This time is an opportunity to honour the children who never made it home, as well as the families and communities forever changed by this legacy. For me, this work is also personal. I am fortunate to have a nephew from the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta who has recently shared that he is expecting his first child in November. He grew up in Lethbridge and Calgary (graduating from Western Canada High School) and has now returned to his nation to work as an addictions counsellor. His story and the many stories he shares, are a reminder to me of the resilience of Indigenous peoples, and of how important it is that we continue the work of reconciliation together.

Please note that Monday, September 29 is a non-instructional day, and Tuesday, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to honour the children and families affected by residential schools and to reflect on how we can all be part of reconciliation. I look forward to attending the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day event on Tuesday, September 30, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Confluence Historic Site, and I encourage families to join this meaningful gathering as well.

Thank you for the conversations you have with your children, for the reflection you model at home,

and for walking alongside us as we continue this important work.

Sincerely,

Anne Kromm

Principal

Important Dates to Remember

  • Monday September 29 - Non-Instruction Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday September 30 - National Truth & Reconciliation Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Monday October 6 - SAIT Table Talk - Foyer 8:30 am
  • Wednesday October 8 - St FX University Foyer 12:00 pm
  • Thursday October 9 - St. Mary’s University Foyer 11:30 am
  • Friday October 10 - Western University Foyer 8:30 am
  • Monday October 13 - Thanksgiving Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday October 14 - Photo Retake Day
  • Monday October 20 - Non-Instruction Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday October 21 - School Council AGM Meeting 6:00 - 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday October 22 - Get it Done Day

CMHS Sports

  • Wednesday October 1 - Girls Soccer vs WA 4:30 at Central
  • Wednesday October 1 - Cross Country Meet 4:30 at St. Mary’s
  • Thursday October 2 - Sr Football at EPS Stampeder 7:30
  • Thursday October 2 - Jr Boys Volleyball vs ABE 5:00 at Central
  • Thursday October 2 - Sr Boys Volleyball vs ABE 6:30 at Central

Future School Events

  • Wednesday October 1 - Friday October 3 - PVA Music Camp Kindle
  • Friday October 3 - Terry Fox Run 9:50 - 10:35
  • Thursday October 16 - COS & Autobody Late Night 4:00- 7:00