Dear Parents,

I would like to formally welcome you back to Centennial for the 2011/2012 year.  Although the year has started off a little differently than usual, we are very happy to see your kids back with us, and welcome the new ones to our building.  They have had a fantastic attitudinal start, and the tone of the first few days is better than any other year, since I have been here. 

Your children have been extremely patient and respectful and I would also like to thank you for your support as we have “adjusted on the fly” at the start of this year.

Our enrolment has increased significantly over the last few weeks, and some adjustments to class timetables and course offerings will occur for second semester.  It seems that we had had many people moving in to the area, while others are coming to take advantage of our excellent course offerings and extra-curricular activities.  A pretty good problem to have, I say!  This has, however, limited our ability to move student’s classes and honour some requests, and we apologize for that.  It really brings to light the emphasis we must place on wise, informed course selection in the spring.

In any event, I’d like to take a moment to clarify a few things for you for the beginning of the year:

1.       Our first PAC meeting is Monday, September 26.  All our welcome to attend in the school library at 7 p.m.  The PAC and school thanks you in advance for your donations so far.  We have certainly already surpassed last year’s total amount!

2.       Parent Orientation Night on Thursday, September 22 will not proceed as it has in the past.  However, the administrative team will host an evening to discuss the school, answer your questions, and we will have students conducting tours of the building.  Hopefully, you will take the opportunity to come and check out the school Thursday, September 21 at 7 p.m. in the Courtyard.

3.       Tutorial:  Many of you have asked about the nature of Tutorial. Tutorial is instructional time and teachers will be in the designated areas for the duration of the block 8:25 – 9:10 for three Fridays of every month, and occasionally on a day during the week from 10:15 – 10:40 a.m.  Students are encouraged to attend to get extra assistance with homework or to get clarity on assignments or projects.  Students must attend if they are assigned to tutorial by their parents, teacher, counsellor or administrator, to get extra help, complete missed work, or make up or re-do tests.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or counsellor for an update on progress, or an administrator for more information.  We will try and send out as many updates and bits of information as we can over the next few weeks.    

Thanks again for your support.

Robert Zambrano

Principal