Dear HDC families,

We hope that everyone had a great Fall Break! Please find the weekly update below. As always, please feel free to reach out with to us with any questions.

Jim & Brandie 

Important Upcoming Dates 

  • November 18: Photo Retakes  
  • November 21: Band Camp Meeting – 6:00 PM 
  • November 25: School Council Meeting 6:30 PM (Online via Microsoft Teams) 
  • November 28:  Student Learning Conferences (In Person) 4:30 – 8:00 PM 
  • November 29:  Student Learning Conferences (Virtual/Online) 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 

Dates of Significance 

  • November 18 - 22: National Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week  
  • November 20 – 26: Canadian History Week 
  • November 20: National Child Day  
  • November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance 

HDC School Council Meeting – Monday, November 25 at 6:30 PM ONLINE

Due to basketball playoff games being hosted at HDC, we have moved our next HDC School Council meeting to Monday, November 25 at 6:30 PM.  We will be hosting this meeting online via Microsoft Teams (a separate email with a link to the meeting will be sent later this week). 

This meeting is open to ALL parents and guardians of HDC students.  Every school council meeting includes an update from school administration as well as school council business and planning. The focus of the school report will be on this year’s School Development Plan and School Improvement Results report.  

Upcoming Student Learning Conferences – November 28 & 29  

We are looking forward to welcoming parents to our first set of Learning Conferences on Thursday, November 28 (in-person) and Friday, November 29 (online). Conferences provide families with the important opportunity to discuss student learning and progress with their teachers.   

  • IN PERSON Conferences - Thursday, November 28: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM 
  • VIRTUAL/ONLINE Conferences - Friday, November 29: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM     

Conferences are booked through the MyCBE online booking system. The booking system will be opened to parents/guardians on Friday, November 22 at 10:00 AM.  It can be accessed at MyCBE 

HDC Physical Education 

We would like to remind families of the importance of proper footwear in PE every day. Please keep in mind that students in outdoor modules will be going outside even in subzero temperatures (above –20 degrees C, with the windchill). Please ensure your child has the appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions (gloves, hat, warm socks etc) so they can participate fully and safely. 

Students in wrestling modules are encouraged to bring an extra pair of socks, as we will participate in this unit, without shoes on. Please ensure that jewelry is off and athletic clothing is worn during this unit, for safety and comfort. 

For Monday November 18-Monday November 25: 

Students will be participating in the following activities, according to homeroom. 

  • Indoor Wrestling/Combatives- 703, 801, 803 
  • Indoor Volleyball - 701, 704, 802, 804, 901, 904 
  • Outdoor Games of Low Organization- 702, 805, 902, 903, 905 

** Activities are subject to change based on gym availability and weather** 

HDC Cougar Athletics Update

Basketball 

Basketball playoffs have now begun. Please ensure to check the school website and school whiteboard for playoff dates, times and locations, as the games continue. Just a friendly reminder that spectators are welcome and encouraged at Basketball games this season. Any students travelling to other schools to spectate MUST be accompanied by a supervising adult for the entirety of the time they are there, if they are not in compliance, they will be sent home from the venue.  

The basketball Wind Up Party (Jr and Sr Boys and Girls Teams) will be held on Wednesday November 27 from 3:15pm-4:45pm. All players, coaches, team managers and reserve players are welcome to attend. The Wind Up will include playing some games of basketball, and some friendly skills competitions (3:15-4:15), followed by pizza, drinks, snacks and celebrations (4:15-4:45pm). Thank you to all families for your support throughout the season and we hope to see you back playing basketball again next year! 

Basketball Academy 

Basketball Academy will have their final practice on Wednesday, December 4th from 3:15-4:15pm where they will play a student vs teacher basketball game! Thank you to all grade 7’s who put in their time and energy to improve their basketball skills and game knowledge. Thank you to Mr. Hall for all your time coaching our rising stars! 

Wrestling 

Wrestling Season is now in Full Swing! Any students who have joined the team but have not yet brought back forms, please do so as soon as possible. Any students who originally signed up but have decided to leave the team need to let Mrs. Kanary know by Thursday November 21. 

Practices continue Mondays and Tuesdays after school but we will be extending the time to 3:15-4:45pm to allow for more work on technique before the tournaments. Please adjust your pickup or ride arrangements accordingly. 

The first tournament we will be attending is on December 5 and 6 at William D Pratt School. Please see the calendar for additional details on the tournament times and dates for male and female wrestlers. Parents are welcome and encouraged to come and watch, but student spectators must be accompanied by a supervising adult. 

Sir Winston Churchill High School - Grade 9 IB Information Sessions  

Sir Winston Churchill offers the International Baccalaureate program. Students who love learning and enjoy a rigorous academic challenge might consider the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. IB students are self-motivated, engaged in learning, and resilient. Success in an IB program will depend on the student’s ability to: 

  • handle a demanding workload at a fairly quick pace 
  • work to understand concepts and their development rather than just memorize 
  • learn to become an independent, self-disciplined student 
  • face challenges with enthusiasm and resilience 

All in-area grade 9 students and parents who are interested in finding out more about our IB program should attend. These are repeat sessions to allow for a smaller setting; you only need to attend one. 

  • Tuesday, November 19 
  • Wednesday, November 27 
  • Thursday, December 5 

5:00-5:30: Mingle with current IB students in the foyer and ask them questions about their experience. 

5:30-7:00: Presentation from the IB Coordinator in the theatre 

Central Memorial High School - PVA Program Open House 

A unique program of choice within the CBE, the PVA program offers students specialized year-round learning for dance, theatre, band, vocal, string orchestra, technical theatre, media arts, fashion design, & visual arts. To learn more about our programming and how your student can flourish under our instruction over 3-years please join us for our PVA Open House on Thursday, November 21 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM.  

For more information about the PVA Program and the Open House, please click on the following link:  www.pvacentral.ca