204 Duke Street / P.O. Box 440 Chester, Nova Scotia B0J 1J0 Phone: 902-275-2720 · E-mail: cams@ssrce.ca

We respectfully acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources, but instead recognized Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

The 2025/26 school year is off and running, and I feel that we are off to a great start! October is a very busy month: grade 6 assessments, gathering baseline academic and behaviour data, student council starting up, and diving deeper into academics are all happening.

I want to give a big shout out to all of our Cougar athletes for a very successful September. Every day that I did the announcements in September, I was announcing success in soccer games, cross country meets, and golf tournaments. Our Cougars are definitely off to a great start to the athletic year. A big thanks goes to all of our coaches for supporting our athletes.

We have a number of school closures in October due to holidays and inservices. I strongly encourage everyone to check out our website www.cams.ednet.ns.ca for the most up-to-date information.

Sincerely,

Jay Thomas, principal
Chester Area Middle School

Early Dismissal October 8th

Our next early dismissal will be taking place on Wednesday, October 8th. Students will be dismissed at 12:48pm on this day.

October is Mi'kmaw History Month

In 1993, October was declared as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. Each October, community activities, events, sharing and showcasing of Mi’kmaw history and culture takes place across Nova Scotia. All are encouraged and welcome to participate in Mi’kmaq History Month events. This year’s theme is “Storytelling and Storytellers.” This theme celebrates the power of stories in Mi’kma’kik—stories shaped by the land and waters, carried through generations, and alive with laughter, teaching, and truth. Storytelling remains a living record of Mi’kmaw science, history, and values, connecting people to each other and to the ancestors who came before.

Here is the October 2025 Community Newsletter

CAMS Community Newsletter October 2025.pdf

Yearbooks Are Now on Sale!

Thanksgiving October 13th

Thanksgiving is on October 13th. There is no school for students or staff on this day.

Cougar Prowl Season is Here!

Cougar Prowl season is here! Cougar Prowl, our most important fundraiser of the year, will be taking place on Friday, October 17th. Please donate to our Prowl. All of the proceeds go directly back to our students!

2025/26 Cell Phone Directive

As follow up to the Cell Phone Directive, here is some very useful information for you to have about the implementation of the cell phone directive at CAMS:

a) Grade 5 and 6 students are not permitted to use cell phones or personal devices at any time during the school day, including during recess and lunch. If a grade 5 or 6 student is caught with their phone, devices will be confiscated and parents will be required to come and pick it up.

b) Grade 7 and 8 students are permitted to use their cell phones or personal devices during lunch time only, which is from 12:04-12:44pm this year.

Students who are caught using their cell phones at times outside of lunch are subject to the following consequences:

First Offence- students' phone will be confiscated and held in the office. Parents will be contacted, and the student will pick up their cell phone at end of day. The student will serve one lunchtime detention

Second Offence- students' phone will be confiscated and held in the office. Parents will be contacted, and the student will pick up their cell phone at end of day. The student will serve three lunchtime detentions

Third Offence- Step 3- students' phone will be confiscated and held in the office. Parents will be contacted and be required to pick up their child's phone. The third incident will be viewed as a violation of Code of Conduct, and a suspension will be the consequence.

Offences After Step 3- Steps of progressive discipline will be in places, including suspensions with increased length, suspensions will occur, and the student will be prohibited from bringing their phone into the building.

*Students with documented medical conditions (ie- using apps to monitor blood-sugar levels) are permitted to use their devices in school for their designated medical purposes.*

The cell phone directive and implementation at CAMS is designed to help students stay focused on learning and to make the schools a safer place for everyone. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please don't hesitate to contact the school's main line at (902) 275-2720, email at cams@ssrce.ca, or email your child's teacher directly.

Interested in Coaching at CAMS? Please see below how we select our coaches!

CAMS Coaching Selection.pdf

SchoolCash Online

SchoolCash Online is our preferred method of payment for school fees, including everything from field trips to yearbooks to lunches. You can sign-up for SchoolCash Online by clicking on the logo.

Donate Now - CAMS Thanks You For Your Support!

Click to make a donation to one of the following school programs: CAMS Library, Athletics, Breakfast Program or Lunch Program (please specify in the message box).

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