CEC Annual Report 2014-2015

School and Community Context

School Motto:

“VeritasOmniaVincit”– “Truth Conquers All”

Mission Statement:

“Our Mission is to provide a broad-based, quality education for all of our students and it is our

belief that to do this we need to provide diversity of experience, as well as excellence in

individual courses, programs and experiences. It is our aim to provide our students not just with

the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are necessary to become life-long thinkers and learners,

but also to develop them to the fullest of their potential both academically and as good citizens of

our community.”

Officially opened in 1970, Cobequid Educational Centre was originally designed to replace the

aging Colchester Academy which served the Truro area. The CEC campus was built in three

phases. The first phase opened in 1970 and is the home of the administrative offices, student

services, library, student run Cougar Café, science labs, 48 classrooms, Yoga studio, Judo dojo,

computer labs, cultural rooms and the audio visual room which seats 1000 people. Four years

later phase two opened which houses two large gymnasiums, cafeteria, technology labs, CEP

classrooms, Family Studies area, Visual Art studios and a large staffroom. In 2001 phase three

became part of CEC proper. What had been the former offices of Colchester East Hants School

Board, and then Ecoleacadienne, became the Drama and Dance studio areas as well as the weight

room. CEC has had to continuously grow to meet the needs of our evolving educational

programs.

Cobequid Educational Centre is one of the largest grade 10-12 high schools in the province of

Nova Scotia with a student population of approx. 1365 students. We currently have four feeder

schools including Truro Junior High, West Colchester Junior High, Bible Hill Junior High, and

Central Colchester Junior High.

CEC currently offers 223 courses. Our courses offer a wide opportunity of choice and interest.

We offerIB, advanced, academic, open, support level and locally developed courses. To meet our

student needs, not only do we provide a wide range of academic courses but we also have many

programs to support students with a variety of learning profiles. These programs include a

Learning Centre Program, an Extended Support Program, a Career Exploration Program, a

Special Education Program, a French Immersion Program, and the International Student Program.

Beginning in September 2015, CEC will offer the O2 (Options and Opportunities) program to

incoming grade 10 students.

Approximately 425 students graduate from Cobequid Educational Centre each year with over

35% of these students entering a post-secondary degree-granting institution the following fall.

Roughly 30% of our graduates enter a one or two year program at the provincial community

college or one of the many private institutions in Atlantic Canada.

Our school has a successful International Student Program. The community, host families, and

CEC provide a cultural and educational experience to students from all over the world.

Approximately 40 international students take part in the programevery year.

School Advisory Council

Cobequid Educational Centre’s School Advisory Council continued to meet monthly during the

2015-2016 school year with an active, committed group of students, parents, community

members and school staff supporting school improvement at CEC.Our committee is made up of

six student representatives, four staff members, five parent / community members and our school

resource officer. Our focus this past year was providing updates to the members of our CSI

(Continuous School Improvement) progress and sharing relevant information about CEC policies

and programs.

Safe and Orderly Environment

CEC became one of the 19 CCRSB Restorative Practice Pilot Schools in 2013. Our lead teachers

have provided in-servicing to our staff during staff meetings and on professional development

days. Restorative approach is based on relational theory wherein the fundamental belief is that

behavior is rooted in relationships. We have begun a progressive approach in regard to building

relationships using community circles. We begin by establishing a positive tone and inclusive

classroom climate. Through community circles we build trust and build rapport with students. We

have students work with each other in small group and whole group settings. In this cooperative

environment, students get to know themselves and each other, recognizing and appreciating that

all students have different strengths and areas that need improvement. The overall goal is to be

able to work together and appreciate our unique differences, so students feel comfortable

contributing and taking controlled risks.

CEC continues to add surveillance cameras each year to its system allowing the administration to

monitor more areas within the school as well as the surrounding grounds. We presently have

67surveillance cameras at CEC and will be adding an additional 5 this fall.

CEC has been very fortunate to have Constable Edwin Reynolds from the Truro Police Service as

our full time School Resource Officer for the third year in a row. Constable Reynolds has

continued to be an important part of our school staff and has continued to work hard to develop a

positive relationship with our students by participating in many academic and extra-curricular

activities, as well as CEC’s Safe Grad Program.

Additional School Supports

Aside from designated teaching positions, CEC offers these additional supports:

3 guidance counselors

3 vice-principals

11 department heads

International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator

Registrar

5.5 learning centre teachers

1 section of ESL (English as a Second Language) each semester

African NS student support worker

First Nations Support Teacher

16 Educational assistants

School Resource Officer

SchoolsPlus Program

School Psychologist (part-time)

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Speech Language Pathologist(part-time)

Teen Health Centre Nurse (3 days a week)

2 Addiction Counsellors (part-time)

3 administrative assistants

Athletic Director

Career Exploration Program (CEP)

Librarian and a Library Specialist

4 Noon Hour Supervisors

1 Hall Monitor

In-School Suspension EA

Professional Development

Our teachers and support staff are all committed to their ongoing professional development

actively seeking opportunities focused on their professional goals to enhance student

achievement. Each of our eleven departments worked on the school achievement goal during

monthly PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities) as well as staff professional development

days. PLC’s have brought our staff closer together and have greatly benefitted our students’

education.

Staff also used professional development opportunities to continue our work on Restorative

Practices, BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology), and issues related to anxiety and Mental Health

issues. An engaging morning was spent when staff participated in the CEC Amazing Race to

develop and build collaborative team relationships. Nolan Pike, who previously worked for the

Nova Scotia Youth Project, presented to the staff around LGBTQ* (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,

Transgender, Queer) issues. The staff also had a presentation from Laing HouseaboutYouth

Speak. Laing House is a peer support organization for youth living with mental illness.

A significant number of our staff participated in furthering their education through enrollment in

Masters and Diploma programs, National, International and local conferences.

Continuous School Improvement (CSI)

School Achievement Goal:

CEC will increase student learning in Mathematics and Literacy by 5% over the next

three years (June 2017) as measured by Provincial and Board Exams at grade 10 and 12;

o Nova Scotia Mathematics Examination 10

o Nova Scotia Mathematics at Work Examination 10

o CCRSB Regional Mathematics Examination 12

o CCRSB Regional Mathematics Examination 12 Advanced

o Nova Scotia English Examination 10

o CCRSB Regional English Examination 12

o CCRSB Regional English Communications Examination 12

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Provincial and Board Assessment results

Mathematics Courses 2014-15

Percent Passed

Time Frame

Math at Work 10 73.3% Semester 2

60.9% Semester 1

Math 10 and Math 10 Pre IB 84.9% Year course

Mathematics 12 57.0% Semester 2

60.0% Semester 1

English Language Arts Courses 2014-15

Percent Passed

Time Frame

English 10 and English 10 Pre IB 84.3% Semester 2

93.5% Semester 1

English Communications 12 66.7% Semester 2

86.4% Semester 1

English 12, Advanced English 12 and English 12 African Heritage

97.8% Semester 2

100.0% Semester 1

School Climate Goal:

Suspensions at CEC for Severely Disruptive Behaviours will be reduced by 10% by June

2017 through the use of Communities of Practice identified in the yearly action plan.

Total Number of suspensions for Severely Disruptive Behaviours for 2014-2015

(September to June)

Bullying 1 Physical/Mental discrimination 0

Chronic Disruptive Behaviour

Incident

0 Physically Aggressive 12

Cyberbullying 2 Racial and/or Discriminatory

Misconduct

0

Disrespect or Insubordination 50 Sexual Harassment and/or assault 2

Disruptions to School Operations 1 Sexual Orientation discrimination 0

Illegal Activity 31 Sexual/Physical Misconduct or Abuse 0

Non/Poor Attendance 0 Use of Possession of a weapon 2

Other Acts of Misconduct 0 Vandalism 3

Physical Violence 18 Verbal Abuse 1

TOTAL 123

Year Sept. 30 Enrollment # of suspensions % by enrollment

2014 – 2015 1354 123 9.1%

Highlights of 2014-2015

African Nova Scotian Cultural Room

~The African Nova Scotian Cultural Room celebrated its 7th Anniversary in January 2015. Early

in the room’s development phases, it was decided the Cultural Room would stand as a monument

to the history, wealth and diversity of African culture.

~The room provides a positive experience for students, families and staff.

Its purpose is to foster conditions for academic success, to provide increased access to schooling,

to provide support for students and families, and to model the importance of education for

African Nova Scotian students.

Career Exploration Program

~The Career Exploration Program (CEP) has a mandatory co-operative work experience course.

Each year we send more than 80 students out to work in various businesses around the Truro area.

We would like to thank all of the businesses who agreed to take our students, to provide them

with valuable on-the-job work experience.

~The Nova Scotia Skills Competition & Career Showcase is a chance for students and

apprentices from across the province to put their skills to the test, and showcase their talents in

skilled trades and technologies. Four students from CEP competed this past March in Dartmouth

at NSCC - Akerley Campus, in two events. Ryan Dillman and CamrinMcnabb-Bylund competed

in the secondary cooking competition with Ryan receiving a silver medal. Ally Power and Jessie

Fillmore competed in the secondary baking program with Ally winning a silver medal.

~We are proud to report we opened a Café in the CCRSB building as an extension of the CEP

cooking program. We have only been open for three months but the response has been great. We

look forward to opening again in September.

~ CEP has been involved in many caterings, both large and small, throughout the year. We did

have the opportunity to give back to the community this year, as well. We donated 200+

cupcakes to Maggie’s Place as part of their 20th anniversary, helped out the local SPCA with two

fundraisers for both dogs and cats, making cupcakes and cookies respectively. As well, we

donated some baked goods for a bag which was given out at a provincial school board meeting

held in Truro last month.

English

But soft, what news from English doth exist?

Thou art a scholar, speak to it Horatio.

How did we teach thee? Let us count the ways.

We met, we taught, we made exchange of learning.

And how, I’ll tell thee as we pass.

If English be the food of life – we feasted on reading, toiled with our writing and spoke the

eloquence of the Bard’s tongue.

10 000 essays we did mark, and you, noble student, no less effort on your part.

With indirections we did find directions out,

With Spoken Word we did find our passion,

With the sound creation of CEC Podcasts we did find our voice,

And with each passing day we challenged our perception of this world which we inhabit.

But, shall I compare thee to a school’s day?

Thou art more than the summation of your credits, the bounty of your grades, the blurb in your

graduation booklet.

So, speak no more.

These words, like daggers, enter in mine ears and graduation doth loom.

So, good night sweet peeps, and flights of angels sing thee to thy future endeavors.

Fine Arts/Family Studies The Fine Arts and Family Studies Department had another extremely busy year, with

performances and learning opportunities too numerous to mention. Below is just a brief list of

some of the activities our staff coordinated and highlights that our students had the opportunity to

take part in this year:

Sheena Henderson

~Choir: Silent Night concert in November, in recognition of the hundredth anniversary of the

Christmas Truce and a trip to Toronto where they received a “Standing of Excellence” at the

Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Trills and Thrills Festival.

~Vocals classes: Performed at Maggie's Place for their Christmas party.

Kate Adams

~Health & Human Services and Canadian Families: Visited Cedarstone Long Term Care Facility

to share time and stories with residents.

~Family Studies: Visited and volunteered at the Colchester Foodbank.

~Run Club: A six-week program twice a year (Fall & Spring) which culminated in a 5K race after

each session.

Tammi Hepworth

~Therapeutic riding lessons with Life Skills students, over 8 sessions ending with a showcase and

pot-luck lunch for parents.

~Child Studies: Held baby showers that brought in many items to be donated to the Christmas

Index program and they coordinated and held three daycare days for preschool children.

~Integrated Fine Arts: Learned many of the art aspects of the Mi'kmaq culture and worked on

creating masks, pow wow dancing and regalia.

Heather Nolan

~Dance Classes: Taught Life Skills students dances and went to Truro Junior to teach some of the

students there and held dance ‘Informance’ nights at the end of each semester.

Robert Lutz

~Drama Classes: Wrote and performed several plays at the end of each semester, entertained an

audience and served food at a dinner theatre in May, performed and played drama games with

elementary students at Harmony Heights plus they performed for CEC’s Remembrance Day

ceremony.

~Instrumental Strings Class: Held a coffee house evening for friends and parents.

John MacLeod

~Band Program: Participated in Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Musical Pit Band, and two jazz

combos. Performances included Remembrance Day, the musical, several concerts, awards

ceremonies, and numerous school board and private functions. Band students also travelled to

Toronto to compete at the Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Trills and Thrills Festival while

enjoying many of the attractions of southern Ontario.

~Band Classes: Enjoyed a range of visiting clinicians including the HuuBac Quartet, Andrew

Boudreau & Will Fisher, and Jessica Ackerley& Andrew MacKelvie.

Grace Simms

~Visual Arts Classes: Installed several ‘Street Art’ exhibits throughout the school.

~Visual Arts Program: Decorated the musical set, providing visuals for Remembrance Day

Ceremony.

Fine Arts Department

~Musical Theatre: Staged Anne of Green Gables to an audience of several thousand in April. The

production involved over a hundred students including actors, dancers, musicians, technical crew,

stage and set crew, and front of house staff.

First Nations Cultural Room

~The First Nation Education Support Centre had a very busy and active year. Many students were

involved in extracurricular activities such as rugby, lacrosse, softball, track, football, musical and

the Rally Against Racism. We’d like to take this opportunity to commend this year’s graduates on

demonstrating growth and dedication to their academics.

International Baccalaureate

~This year marks the sixth group of graduates to have had access to the International

Baccalaureate program. Many students enroll in the courses offered in this international

curriculum and continue to be pleased with their level of preparation for university. The

opportunities for advance credits at university and for scholarships also continue to benefit our

students. Highlights from the academic side of IB are part of the department highlights. The full

diploma students have additional requirements for graduation beyond the classroom, as IB not

only believes that creativity, action and service are important, but that the personal and

interpersonal growth those activities offer is increased by reflection and guidance. Some of the

activities set up within this program are limited to full diploma students but many are inclusive

and have had a variety of students from outside the program get involved.

~As in the past, the grade 12 IB retreat was held at Tim Horton’s Camp in October. The grade 11

class participated in a day of leadership activities at the Dal AC campus. Groups of students

attended events such as the Global Brigades Mount Allison chapter fundraiser, the Global

Awareness and Perspectives Conference at Saint Mary’s and WE Day in Halifax. Two teams of

students participated in the second annual Saint Mary’s Stock Market challenge; one team came

away as winners. Students attended the Heritage Fair as judges, created a Knit A Square chapter,

and sponsored Christmas Index families. In addition, students worked to raise money for

earthquake relief in Nepal and have begun an ongoing project to build a school in Sierra Leone.

All of these activities were organized through the IB program but IB students also participated in

many school and community organizations.

Languages

~French summer study EXPLORE Bursaries were awarded and a number of our students will be

attending a French program this summer in Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ontario.

~Our grade 12 French students registered in the Core, Integrated or Immersion programs had the

opportunity to participate in the DELF examination –Diplômed'études en langue française

(DELF). This is an internationally accredited examination that determines a student’s level of

French proficiency across the four competencies oflistening, speaking, reading, and writing.

~Janice Trider’sInteract Club had another successful year under the leadership of KirstyMallay

and with the support of the Truro Rotary Club. Members met weekly to discuss and plan fund-

raising projects for a variety of organizations. Members volunteered their time, energy, and

cooking skills this year towards a variety of initiatives; two members were invited to attend the

provincial Rotary Club conference, and all are excited to continue next year.

~Martha Kenny worked with the Making –Friends Pre-school and during the course of the

second semester, 46 of our French language students visited the pre-school in St. Andrew’s

Church and presented a 10-15 minute mini-lesson in French based upon weekly themes.

~Hilary Cormier’s Anti-bullying group had a great year: having the most successful PINK Day

so far. They have started a new initiative to raise funds for a local youth group. This year our

student body sent out over 1500 Sweet Tweets to help raise $500.00 for the Truro Boys and Girls

Club.

~Matthew Fullerton’s International Club attracted approximately 50 members this year. They

had another successful year with a lot of activities and finished off with an end of the year BBQ.

~Matthew Fullerton’s planned educational travel to France and Italy for next spring continues to

draw interest from students.

~Our department received a grant to purchase tabletsfor our students. These mobile devices

allow the students and the teacher to individualize and differentiate instruction in a way that is

familiar to many of our students while still working on learning outcomes. Our students are

surrounded by technology and we believe the use of the tablets will help demonstrate to students

that the device they use for communication and enjoyment is also a powerful learning tool.

Life Skills and Extended Program Support

~Several of our students participated in the Remembrance Day Poster Contest sponsored by the

Royal Canadian Legion. Winners were Denali Belliveau, Tamara Crawford, Natalie Dennis, and

Eric Horne. Students also participated in the International Safety Poster Contest sponsored by the

United Commercial Travelers.

~Our Special Athletes competed in District, Regional, and Provincial track meets this year. The

athletes competed in the 100m, shot put, and long jump. The team members all showed great

sportsmanship. Congratulations to Becca Bird, Tamara Crawford, Natalie Dennis, Brianna Harris,

Jenny Parks, and Brandon Wilson who competed at Provincials at Acadia University.

Congratulations to Brianna Harris who won three Silver medals – one each in shot put, long

jump, and 100m. Congratulations also to Natalie Dennis who won Bronze in long jump. Special

thanks to Coach Marc Roberts and Coach Chris Moore, members of the CEC Track and Field

team, and all of the teachers and educational assistants for their support of our team.

~Our Life Skills students also participated in eight Therapeutic Riding sessions at Porter’s

Equine. We would like to extend a thank you to the Town of Truro and the County of Colchester

for providing us with a grant through the Sport and Recreation Facility Access Program, which

allowed our students the opportunity of six swimming sessions at RECC (along with students

from South Colchester Academy) throughout the spring.

~A very special thank you to our Shared Readers for their commitment, enthusiasm, and

friendship throughout the year.

~The graduates of the Life Skills and Extended Program participated in out-of-school work

placements. A very special thank you is extended to the following organizations/businesses for

making this possible: Colchester Food Bank, Colchester Community Workshops, The Mira,

Super King Pizza, MacQuarriesPharmasave, Slack's Garage, Ultramar Bible Hill, Dr. Jane

Norman Child Centre, River Breeze, East End Mini Mart, Slate Youth Centre, and Will-Kare

Paving.

Math

~This year CEC students have continued to do very well in national and provincial mathematics

competitions. In both the grade 11 Fermat Contest and the grade 10 Cayley Contest, CEC’s team

placed first in Nova Scotia. We had three students, Paul Diamond, Bailey Ferguson and Fraser

Robinson, tie for highest score in our region of NS, NB and PEI on the Fermat contest. On the

grade 12 Euclid Contest and the grade 11 Hypatia contest, CEC placed second in Nova Scotia.

~In the Nova Scotia Math League competition, CEC sent a team to the provincial finals and the

team of Matthew Fultz, Oliver Wang, Sam Hames and Hayden MacKenzie were awarded a silver

medal.

Physical Education-Athletic Report

~Here at CEC we are constantly striving to carry on a tradition of excellence which began when

our doors first opened in 1970.

~This year we competed in all 18 sports under the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation.

~We had 27 different teams on the go throughout the school year and it took a team effort to

accomplish this.

~Over 60 VOLUNTEER coaches devote themselves to making this happen

~Over 400 different student athletes took part on at least one school team this year.

~This COUGAR team doesn’t stop here! What drives CEC athletics? The families, teachers, our

school’s administration, our administrative assistants, our custodial staff, the school board’s

transportation team, yearbook staff, and Student’s Council. A special thank you to the families of

our coaches who support our coaches at home, enabling them to commit such generous amounts

of time to our athletic programs.

~This year we had 7 teams capture provincial championships, 8 teams finished as provincial

runner ups,2 third place finishes.

Individually we had 23 athletes win medals provincially

6 gold

10 silver

7 bronze

CEC athletes set 1 new Nova Scotia Provincial record.

CEC won 18 Northumberland Regional banners!

2015 Major Award Winners

Bob Piers Bowl-Ben Gorringe

Blaikie-MacKinnon Award-Drew Spinney

Brian Scallion and Dianne Powell Award-Mike van derPoel

David Higgins Rising Star Award-Brooklyn Brown

Omnia Award-Riley MacEachern

Omnia Award-Allison Ellis

Peter Harris Award-Riley Jennings

Unsung Hero Award-Katrina Betts

Female Athlete of the Year-Janine Marshall

Male Athlete of the Year-Mike van derPoel

NSSAF Celebration of School Sport-Recipients

Female Student Athlete-Olivia MacPhee

Male Student-Athlete-Luke Ferguson

Coach Mr. Paul Dennis

Hugh A Noble-Distinguished Service Award 2015-Mr.Bob Piers

Schools Plus

~Schools Plus is a provincial initiative that came about as a result of the Nunn inquiry. The focus

of the program is to help those students, who otherwise may fall through the cracks, stay

connected with school and be connected to needed community resources. CEC’s Schools Plus

team consists of Tracey Shay- Facilitator, Mike Holton- Community Outreach Worker, and

Penny Gill - Mental Health Clinician.

~This year we have facilitated a number of groups and initiatives at CEC including, but not

limited to, groups such as: prenatal class, Options to Anger, self-esteem, grief and loss,

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness and Lifeforce yoga. As part of our initiatives,

Schools Plus was also able to facilitate a community workshop on Supporting Transgender

Youth.

~Schools Plus is pleased to partner with a wide variety of individuals and organizations. This year

some of our key partnerships included: the CEC Health Centre, Guidance, the Learning Centre,

NSCC, The Youth Project, Maggie’s Place, Truro Police, Department of Community Services,

Justice, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Colchester Sexual Assault Center.

~This year the Schools Plus team received thirty referrals for students requesting support. As

well, eighty-eight referrals were received specifically for Mental Health Services.

Science

~In November we had a grade 12 group of biology students travel to Dalhousie University to

participate in Dalhousie/TD Canada Trust “Day of Discovery”; the students enjoyed the

opportunity to learn about a number of professions in Brain Research, Physiotherapy,

Occupational Therapy and Radiology

~In March and April we had a group of students write National Physics and Chemistry exams.

In April and May the Biology 11 students collaborated with DAL AC under the direction of

Katherine Rutherford to prepare a DNA profile. Students compared genetically modified corn to

non-genetically modified corn.

~In June, approximately 160 Oceans 11 students attended an all day field-trip to the beach.

Students greatly enjoyed the opportunity to see firsthand many of the ocean specimens that have

been discussed in class and to put their knowledge into practice collecting ecological marine data.

~Also in June, approximately 60 trout were released into the Salmon River. The eggs arrived in

March and were kept in an aquarium until June.

Social Studies

~The Social Studies Department continues its commitment to connecting students and curriculum

to the real world. In addition to daily discussions of current events, this process includes a wide

variety of visitors to our classrooms and a number of field trips to places near and far.

~The visit in first term from Gwynne Dyer was a highlight for us; Mr. Dyer not only provoked

critical thinking in the assembly room, but was also kind enough to stay behind and engage in

discussion with individual students. We were also lucky to have many local individuals speak

about relevant topics. Brenda Leenders came for a whole day to talk about Ten Thousand

Villages, Fair Trade and Canadian Food Grains Bank. Other presenters include Janet Hazelton

(NS Nurses Union), Laura Hicks (Colchester Community Credit Union), Todd Burgess

(blueberry producer), Fred Pierce (speaking on cooperatives and grass roots development), Peter

Topshee (roofless workers in Brazil), Blake Jennings (egg production and local food), Dr. Colin

Audain, David Mahoney (from NS Legal Aid to discuss criminal law), and 6 lawyers from

Burchell MacDougall (contract issues, family law scenarios and Charter matters).

~Trips organized by social studies teachers include trips outside the community and those within

walking distance. Mr. MacNeill took 40 students to Europe (Glasgow to London). The World

Religions class made a trip to Halifax to the Shambhala Centre and Beth Israel Synagogue.

Global Economics students enjoyed a tour of Stanfields. Canadian History students spent some

time at the Colchester Historeum. Law students visited both the Provincial Court and the Truro

Police Station. IB Geography students spent time at the Masstown Market, investigating local

food production and distribution.

~We continue to foster research skills by guiding all social studies students through the process of

appropriate research to an end product through which they report and analyze their findings. We

also work to embed the use of technology in our courses, helping students not only to make use of

current technology, but to learn skills that will help them make use of new technologies as they

develop.

Student Council

~Faced with the challenge of leading a Student Council consisting of over 100 members, co-

presidents Serena Sodhi and Chris Lomond successfully guided this group of school leaders

through a spirited year of competitions, dances, variety show, and volunteer activities. The Trick

or Eat food drive collected over 1000 lbs of food.

~Through monetary and volunteer efforts, Council continues to support the many and varied

extra-curricular and athletic opportunities available at CEC.

~President for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year is Mary MacLean.

Student Services

~This year our Encounters with Canada participants were: Olivia Ungar, Allison Ellis, and

Brianna Dukeshire (all International Affairs); Cheyla Rogers (Law); Rhoslyn Lloyd-Jones and

Serena Sodhi (Mental Health and Wellness); Naveen Singh (Medicine and Health); and Jordan

Atkinson (Art and Culture). Our two Forum for Young Canadians participants were: Maggy

Somers and Lauren Doane.

Grade 11 IB student Haley Matthews attended the 2015 Chignecto International Leadership

Camp in Campeche, Mexico, for two weeks in March.

~RumanaRafiq(Grad 2014) was CEC's 2014 Governor General's Academic Medal winner and

Keigan MacLean (Grad 2014) was CEC's 2014 Queen Elizabeth Medal winner. A ceremony was

held in December in the AV room to celebrate their awards.

~Grade 11 students Cameron Graham, Austin MacCoul, and Josh Whidden will complete a seven

week work placement this summer in the Construction Association of NS - Building Futures for

Youth program (www.buildingfutures.ca). This program is designed for students who know they

are interested in a career in the construction industry. Students who go through this program are

registered as a Construction Trades Pre-apprentice, receive 300 hours towards an apprenticeship

and gain three high school Co-op 12 credits. They receive NSCC training and are employed in a

trade over the summer. It is a valuable and unique opportunity.

~Grade 11 students Mary MacLean and Fraser Robinson received the Lieutenant Governor’s

Education Medal. The awards were presented by Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant.

~We are pleased to announce a new scholarship ‘The Olive M. and R. TruemanMacIntosh

Memorial Education Scholarship’. It is for any graduating CEC student who has been a resident

in NS for at least two years, is pursuing post secondary studies, is in good academic standing, has

high personal standards, and would benefit from significant financial support. Scholarships carry

the potential to be renewed for a second year. Up to four scholarships can be given annually. We

thank Robert T.K. MacIntosh for his support of our graduates.

~Another new scholarship we are pleased to announce is the R. Lorne MacDougall Bursary. This

scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who is a resident of Colchester County, involved

in extra-curricular activities, has integrity, honesty, and concern for others. Thanks to Burchell-

MacDougall for supporting our graduates in memory of Lorne MacDougall.

~2015 Marks the 20th year graduates of CEC will benefit from the legacy of the J. Harris Read

Scholarships. These scholarships honour J. Harris Read, one of the last principals of the Truro

Senior High School. Since the inception of these awards, when four were initially offered, J.

Harris Read scholarships have grown in both number and influence. Currently, 15 scholarships

are awarded annually to students who might not be able to consider post-secondary education due

to financial constraints. Thanks to Rod MacLennan and grandson Bruce MacLennan for their

support of our graduates.

Technology Education

~Thirty-five Technology Education students attended the New Media Arts day at the NSCC. The

purpose of the event was to encourage high school students who possess a passion or desire to

learn more about digital media and interactive motion graphics techniques. Workshops were

offered in 2D animation, 3D modeling, classical animation, experimental animation, game

development, sound recording and video production.

~CEC Multimedia 12 students Noah Levering and Brent Garnhum captured first place in 2D

animation at the Skills Nova Scotia competition. The CEC team of Haley Holly and Amber

Schubrink were awarded the silver medal. Noah and Haley traveled to Saskatoon where they

represented Nova Scotia at the National Skills Canada competition.

~The Technology Department received over $10,000 in grants this year to promote careers in the

trades and technologies. The funding was used to purchase material and equipment that was used

to expose students to the skilled trades.

~The Technology Department is in the process of establishing a fabrication lab that will allow

students to gain experience in a number of processes including MIG, stick and plastic welding,

plasma cutting and CNC programming. The project is being supported by CEC,

CCRSBCommunity-Based Learning Consultant Don Hill and the Department of Education and

Early Childhood Development.