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)
Commented [GT1]: SchoolsPlus (one word)
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
Commented [GT2]: Coordinator? Position title?
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Commented [GT4]: An
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Commented [GT7]: around LGBTQ issues? This sentence
needs another word.
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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.