It was great to see so many families at our recent Parent/Student/Teacher conferences. Along with students being prepared for class, staying up to date in their work, attending school daily communication plays a significant factor in a student’s success. The staff at Ted Harrison School appreciates families reaching out in a timely manner in support of students’ success. I always encourage continual, open, honest communication in a trusting relationship as a significant condition in the creation of a school environment where all students are welcomed, cared for and respected. It is in this environment that communities are created that encourage good health and positive growth for all members. When supportive structures exist for our students the expectations of “being a student first” at Ted Harrison are more attainable for all.
Unfortunately, the Calgary Transit Service which provides service to students at Ted Harrison is experiencing a great deal of disrespect and inappropriate behavior from students of Ted Harrison school. Employees of Calgary Transit and clients using the service have significant concerns about their own safety and the safety of the service as a result of the actions of Ted Harrison students. The Calgary Transit Authority will be placing extra support on these busses and monitoring route video from these busses. Any students identified not using the service appropriately and safely will be informed by Calgary Transit that they may receive a reprimand, a fine and/or be removed from the service. I would like to remind students that this type of behavior reflects badly on them, reflects badly on the school and the community. If students want to be given opportunities and choices, they must behave in a manner that supports that these choices will be healthy and have a positive impact for themselves and the community in which they exist.
The school attempted to hold a Parent Association/School Council meeting in November. The turn out was minimal. We will publicize a meeting for late in January 2025. Please consider attending this meeting to see how you can support programming at Ted Harrison School. This meeting will be online in hopes that more folks are able to attend a meeting in an online format.
Grade 9 students will be receiving vaccinations on December 12. Please have your student in attendance this day as it is important that students eligible for vaccinations receive them on this date.
Our Winter Concert is December 12, 2024. Please come to the school to support our band and choir programs. Our school basketball and soccer programs have almost come to an end. Congratulations to all teams in representing Ted Harrison School. A special congratulations to our division champions in Boys Soccer and Senior Girls Basketball. Our wrestlers are working hard as their season gets underway. It is great to see students’ participation in leadership, chess, jewelry club, art club, robotics and many more activities that are being provided to your student through the volunteering of teaching staff. Please reach out to staff members that are creating these opportunities for your child and thank them for their extra time at school. The excitement of our student population as they engage in our complimentary courses is amazing. The activities in which they engage, the skills they acquire and the pride students show in the products produced creates great enthusiasm for school. A reminder that many of these experiences have attached fees. Please reach out to the main office or the classroom teacher to ensure fees are paid.
I want to thank students, staff, families and the community for your support of Ted Harrison School. I want to confirm that the last day of classes before Winter Break is December 20, 2024 and classes resume on January 06, 2025. I will close this message with a hope that your family is able to enjoy some time together during the winter break. I wish all families the best of health and good fortune as we welcome a new year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Don Barbor
Principal, Ted Harrison School