Dear Vincent Massey Families, 

Thank you so much to those of you who reached out with kind words in response to the sad news that I shared earlier this week. Throughout this week, I've seen evidence of the caring and supportive community that we have here at Vincent Massey. Following the fall break, we got back into regular school activities right away, since we know that normal routines and enjoyable activities help us to carry on through good times and bad. At the same time, we trust that students who are struggling will reach out to the key adults in their lives, and that our families will engage with us as needed to support your children's well-being. 

If you are in need of some good news stories that will add a smile to your day, I encourage you to check out Vincent Massey TV. The most recent episode is always available on our school website showcase: https://vincentmassey.cbe.ab.ca/school-showcase. The unredacted version is shown to students in class and plays on the monitors in our hallways. 

Parent teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29.  We will continue our practice of offering in-person conferences at the school on Thursday from 4:30pm-8:30pm and online conferences on Microsoft Teams on Friday from 9am-1pm. Bookings will be available through myCBE starting at 4pm on November 21. Instructions are available on our website. 

As the parent of a Grade 9 student, I'm a little shocked that it is already time to consider high school transition planning!  As the Principal of Vincent Massey, I'm pleased to have a team of teachers in place to support this process over the coming months - from open houses to tours to course recommendations to registrations. Please read the following information carefully for upcoming key dates. 

For all high school matters, please check the CBE's "Find A School" webpage to verify your child's designated high school. If you are considering a transfer request, please check the high school transfer webpage to ensure that you understand the process and criteria. 

The International Baccalaureate Programme Open House for the 2025/26 school year at Western Canada High School will take place from 6:30-8:00 pm on Monday, November 25.  Doors open at 6:00 pm. Questions should be directed to 403-228-5363 or westerncanada@cbe.ab.ca. 

The Performing & Visual Arts program at Central Memorial High School offers outstanding opportunities for students to thrive in their academic classes, sports, and artistic pursuits. Grade 9 applicants are required to complete an Expression of Interest online application and submit a portfolio or audition, as well as interview for a spot in this program.  Through this process, they accept students from across Calgary who have similar focus and passion for their area of the arts and give them a place to find community, belonging, and dedication in their approach to learning.  Expression of interest applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open now at pvacentral.ca.  Interested applicants are encouraged to attend their Open House on November 21. 

Ernest Manning tours for students designated to that high school will take place on Thursday, November 28. Field trip forms for those tours were sent home with your child today. We have an afternoon tour slot, so students will attend morning classes then travel to Manning on the C-Train. Students with parental permission can be dismissed directly from Manning at the end of the day.  The tours will be followed by an Open House for families in the evening, from 6pm-7:30pm, starting with a welcome presentation at 6pm in the main gym.  

Other high schools will be having their tours later in the semester – more details to follow and on our website when we receive them.

All Grade 9 parents should also check their child's backpack for vaccination consent forms. School-based vaccination programs are an important part of insuring the individual and collective health of young people in our province. Please indicate your preference and return to school as soon as possible. If you have questions, please contact our school nurse, Carole Tomiyama at Carole.Tomiyama@albertahealthservices.ca. 

Our field trip to Bamfield on Vancouver Island departs this Sunday, November 17 and returns on Friday, November 22. Thank you to Ms. Lima for all her work putting this learning experience together for these students. I will be joining her in my capacity as a fellow Science teacher who has previously led this same trip. That means that I will have limited access to email next week – please direct any questions to the appropriate Assistant Principal as usual (Ms. Laurendeau for Grade 7 and 8; Ms. Springett for Grade 9, LEAD, L&L, and Bridges programs.) 

Here are your other upcoming events for the next week: 

·                     November 19 – Outdoor Leadership Parent Meeting, 7pm 

·                     November 20 

·                     Fun Lunch 

·                     Girls Basketball Semi-finals at Simon Fraser 

·                     November 21 

·                     Try-a-Trade Open House at Career & Technology Centre 

·                     Central Memorial High School Grade 9 band concert and PVA Open House 

·                     Junior Boys Basketball Semi-finals at A.E. Cross School 

·                     Senior Boys Basketball Semi-finals at Vincent Massey School 

·                     November 22 

·                     Basketball Finals at Queen Elizabeth High School 

Best wishes, 

David Pugh 

Principal