Twenty-one students enjoyed an Edmonton Oilers game at Rogers Place on Dec. 16  in recognition of the positive contributions they make to the school community at Cold Lake Junior High. 

“Our students have shown tremendous growth and positivity in making new friends and adjusting to their new environment and teachers. They are working hard in our school to achieve their personal successes.” said Principal Chan Cusson. “We think it is important to recognize them for their hard work and this is just one of the opportunities we have planned to celebrate our students.”

This is the first year of operation for the new Cold Lake Junior High, which currently includes students in grades 6-9 from all over Cold Lake and the surrounding area. The school was initially expecting 442 students, and had over 90 additional students join at the beginning of the year for a total of 537 now attending school. 

“We had to make some changes to accommodate all of our new students, and I am proud of the way our students, staff and parents have made those adjustments and come together to support each other and ensure our students have a successful year,” said Cusson. 

Community support for the school has also been outstanding. The trip to the Oilers game was supported by Tim Hortons, Dominos Pizza, Express Pizza Plus, Pizza House and Sub, Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, the Cold Lake Junior High Parent Advisory Committee, and Booster Juice, which provided smoothies for the bus ride to the city.  

“We are beyond excited and grateful for the support to be able to provide this opportunity for our deserving students,” said Cusson. “So many community members and businesses have come forward to support our students and help us build this new school community.”

The school has been working with all of its stakeholders to build a new school identity and create a sense of community.  Here are some of the things that were identified during engagements with students, staff, parents and guardians (see picture above).

Oilers Trip