On behalf of the staff at Crescent Heights High School, I would like to welcome all students and their families to the 2021-2022 school year. As a staff, we are incredibly excited to welcome back our students, and reconnect with our families, particularly given the events over the past several months.
Among the many positives to emerge out of last year’s COVID-19 challenge is the importance of heart-felt connections and our genuine need to be connected to a strong and caring network. As a school community we have emerged from this period much stronger and closer than ever, and we look forward to welcoming our new Grade 10’s into this culture of caring and respect.
Moving forward into the 2021-2022 school year, we will continue to be vigilant and flexible, putting student and staff safety and wellbeing at the forefront of our daily routines. We will continue to enact all necessary health and safety protocols that are provided to us through our partners at Alberta Health Services and the City of Calgary. It is important that families stay connected to the school during the summer by email and social media for the latest information. Please provide our front office updated contact information so as not to miss important information.
Prior to the start of our school year, I would strongly encourage all parents/guardians to familiarize yourself with our Student Code of Conduct, Crescent Heights High School Assessment Policy, as well as our Parent Communication Cheat Sheet. These documents are located on our website. The primary goal of these guiding documents is to create consistent messaging that supports, reinforces and enhances student learning. Additional sources of information can be found on the schools @crescentcowboys Twitter and our @crescentcowboys Instagram feeds.
As a school community we continue to transition Crescent Heights High School into a true ‘campus’ model, where students can engage in their studies through their preferred learning style. These learning opportunities include our Science and Technology AP Learning Focus, Traditional Community Approach, as well as our Self-Paced Learning Program. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of our dual credit programs in partnership with the University of Calgary, SAIT, Bow Valley College, and the Alberta University of the Arts. These partnerships allow students to gain post-secondary and high school credit exploring future areas of interest.
Some reminders for a smooth start-up:
- Please be sure to contact the school regarding student absences and lates.Parent(s)/guardian(s) are reminded of the importance that regularattendance and punctuality have on long-term student academic growth and success.
- Parents and guests are reminded to check-in with our main office prior toentering the building during our regular school day.
- Guests and visitors to our learning community will be given a visitor badge so our students and staff can identify those who are welcome in the building.
- Please allow space directly in front of the main doors for bus drop-off/pick-up, this is particularly important for those students requiring wheelchair accessibility.
- Please make sure that your demographic information is up-to-date and correct so that the school can contact you in a timely manner.
- Please refrain from texting or contacting your child via cellphone during class time as this disrupts the learning of others. We ask that parent(s)/guardian(s) contact the main office who can relay any important messages to your child(ren).
As families begin to develop their fall calendars, please be aware of the following up-coming dates and events in August and September. These dates are subject to change based on recommendations from Alberta Health Services, The City of Calgary, and/or Calgary Board of Education representatives.
Lastly, in our conversations with students over the coming days we will emphasize the importance of ‘getting involved’ in extracurricular clubs, teams, and groups. This includes students trying out for athletic teams, joining clubs, and becoming active in our school’s extensive extra-curricular opportunities. Developing a stronger connection through extra-curricular activities ultimately results in improved academic performance. Therefore, I would highly encourage your child to put themselves forward for these opportunities throughout the school year.
In conclusion, we look forward to connecting with all our students and parent(s)/guardian(s) in the coming days and weeks as we begin our exciting 2021-2022 learning journey. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Assistant Principals Eve Moreau (last names A-G), Tim Kitchen (last names H-O), or Rachel Elliott (last names P-Z) throughout the course of the year.
Mike Wilson
Principal – Crescent Heights High School