TO ALL CADETS AND PARENTS:

We are getting closer to the beginning of the training year. We do not have all the information we need right now, but here is what we do know.

1. We will be starting up again NEXT WEEK (Wednesday 1 September) with document validation for LEVEL 5s ONLY. The following week (Wednesday 8 September) will be document validation for returning cadets in Level 2-4. The locations for these nights is still to be determined.

2. We will be having a registration and information night for NEW RECRUITS and their families on Wednesday 15 September. This will also be the first night of actual training for all returning cadets.

3. As of this moment, we do not have a facility. School boards are not allowing community groups to book space due to the uncertainty of the COVID situation. As of this moment, we will be beginning the training year online.

4. We do have access to some small facilities for activities like air rifle marksmanship. This will start up as soon as we can.

5. There will be a supply night coming soon. Stay tuned to the Facebook page and website for sign-ups for measurements and uniform requests. This will also be an opportunity for returning cadets to pick up ranks, awards, medals, and other accoutrements from last training year.

6. We will be starting the year using the same Microsoft Teams platform we used last year. We will soon be shifting to a nationally-run CADET365 platform, but we’re not there yet. All returning cadets should log in to our Teams platform and get comfortable with it again.

7. SENIOR CADETS: please start having discussions amongst yourselves about desired roles and subjects for the year. We will be having a “Senior Development Weekend” on 11-12 September. It will be online (overnight activities are prohibited for at least September). WO1 Neil will be giving you more information shortly.

8. At the time of this post, we have not received our operating guidance from the region yet. Everything is fluid. Paying attention to 872’s website is going to be extremely important as we move forward.

IN SUMMARY: As the COVID situation continues to present challenges in so many ways, our training year will be affected. All staff at 872 want nothing more than to be back in-person, providing the best program we can. However, we have to keep waiting for guidance and keeping the health and safety of cadets as our overriding motivation. As soon as we get new information, we will be passing it on.

Captain James Wood
Commanding Officer872 Squadron