Principal - Message - May 31

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Good Afternoon Cole Harbour District High School Families,

Hard to believe that next week is the start of June and we are entering the final month of the 2024-25 school year.  This week was one of our busiest weeks of the year.  We had students writing  PISA,  hosted a two day IB Conference, and had our rugby team play their final game yesterday.

PISA

At our school, over 85% of students who were eligible took part in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), demonstrating a high level of participation and engagement. Their strong turnout reflects both their commitment and the school’s support for meaningful learning experiences that align with international educational standards.  I want to thank all those who were able to participate.  Great Job CAVS!

IB Conference

Our school proudly hosted a very successful IB World Professional Development Conference on Wednesday and Thursday, welcoming educators from across the region for two days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration. The event was marked by engaging sessions and a strong sense of community, with participants sharing best practices and deepening their understanding of the IB philosophy. A highlight for many attendees was the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by our students—nearly all who attended commented on how friendly, respectful, and helpful our students were throughout the conference. Their positive presence truly showcased the spirit and values of our school.

Rugby

In their final rugby game of the season, the boys’ team faced a tough start, falling behind 41–0 late in the first half. Struggling to find their rhythm against a strong opponent, it seemed like the game might slip completely out of reach. However, during a crucial break, the coaches delivered an inspiring speech that reignited the team’s energy and focus. The players responded with determination, tightening their defense, executing strong passes, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

The second half told a different story, as the team stormed back with passion and intensity, scoring 40 unanswered points and bringing the crowd to life. With just minutes remaining, they were down by only one point and had possession, pressing forward with the hope of completing an incredible comeback. Unfortunately, time ran out before they could score again, and they fell just short in a heart-pounding 41–40 finish. Despite the loss, the team’s inspired second-half performance was a powerful display of CAVS' Pride, showcasing their resilience, teamwork, and heart right to the final whistle. 

I want to thank the coaches Steve Lenihan and Cohen Reddick for providing our students with an opportunity to participate in an exciting sport. I also want to thank Richard Boutilier for taking great action photos during the game.   Although we did not get the results we wanted, the team showed a tremendous amount of character. Great Job CAVS!  

Track & Field

We want to congratulate Ryan Giles for qualifying for the Nova Scotia High School Track & Field Provincial Championships.  This weekend Ryan is in Bridgetown competing in the 1500 and 3000 meter races.  The whole school wishes Ryan all the best in his races as he represents our CHDHS school community.  Great running Ryan!

Graduation 

Tickets and grad gowns for this year’s CHDHS Grad Ceremony will be available to graduating students this week.

Hockey

Exciting News! High School Hockey Returning to Cole Harbour High- Information Session on Monday, June 9th

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to announce the exciting return of a high school hockey team to Cole Harbour High School! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to represent their school with pride, develop their athletic skills, and foster teamwork and camaraderie.

We understand that many of your kids may be passionate about hockey and eager to participate. To gauge interest and provide you with more details about the program, we are hosting an information session on:

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm

Location: School Cafetorium

During this session, we will discuss important aspects of the team, including:

 * Tryout information and eligibility requirements

 * Practice schedules and game commitments

 * Coaching staff and team philosophy

 * Associated costs and fundraising opportunities

 * Answer any questions you may have

This meeting is a crucial first step for any student interested in playing on the Cavalier's hockey team. We strongly encourage you and your player to attend this information session to learn more and express your interest.

We believe that a high school hockey team will not only enrich the athletic program at Cole Harbour High but also create a stronger sense of school spirit and community involvement. We are excited about the possibilities this brings and look forward to seeing you on Monday, June 9

If you have any immediate questions prior to the information session, please feel free to contact Scott Tanton or Jerome Sparks.

Scott Tanton 

Head Coach

Email: Scott.tanton@gmail.com

Jerome Sparks

Athletic Director 

jsparks@gnspes.ca

Have a great weekend everyone.

Mr. Reddick