Another school year is nearly concluded, with students writing their Final Exams before heading off to a well-earned summer. What a year it has been at Centennial High School - the first year in far too many that was essentially without restrictions and interruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
That is not to say that the impact of the pandemic is null. Students and staff have worked hard this year to counteract the learning gaps and social-emotional impacts created by the events of the past few years. We have returned to 'normalcy', and with that we have faced renewed and novel pressures, stress, and angst. And, we have seen students return to great success, as their generation and our world sees a renewal of hope.
Our Class of 2023 enjoyed a fabulous celebration of their accomplishments in May, and all of our much-loved traditions - from the arts to clubs and athletics, international travel and everything in between - resumed this school year. With everything back in full swing, it was an exhausting year for students, staff, and the greater school community. This comes as no surprise. This school year we experienced an unprecedented transition back to a more typical high school life after the equally unprecedented upheaval that preceded it.
I for one am excited to see what the 2023-2024 school year brings. It will be a wonderful year of continued growth and renewed energy. We will meet our new Grade 10 students (The Class of 2026!) on Thursday, August 31, as they will attend a full day of welcomes and orientation the way only Link Crew can do! On that same day our Grades 11 and 12 students will return to us in the afternoon, as we get re-acquainted and ready for another marvelous year as Coyotes.
As is always the case, it is bittersweet to see our graduating students depart. I would like to commend and applaud our Class of 2023, and to wish them the very best in what life has to offer. Come back and visit. You are welcome here. Once a Coyote, always a Coyote.
I would also like, as always, to wish everyone in our Centennial High School community a wonderful summer of rest and fun.
Sincerely,
Joe Sturgeon, Principal
