I hope that your child and your family were able to relax and have some enjoyable, memorable adventures over the summer break. I want to welcome back students and families to Ted Harrison School. To those students and families that are new to the Ted Harrison community, a special welcome. When we add to our school community, we are stronger and more resilient.

I hope that parents have already made contact with their child’s teaching team. I am aware that teachers reached out to welcome all families. If you have not connected with your child’s teacher, I would encourage you to make this a priority in the week ahead. We know that thoughtful, timely, respectful and honest communication builds a trusting relationship. It is in the context of this relationship that students, families and school staff are able to maximize student growth. You will hear from your child’s teaching team minimally once every two weeks to let you know what is happening for your child in school. You have immediate access to your child’s program through MyCBE and the teachers’ online classroom. You are encouraged to reach out to your child’s teacher or school administration to discuss your child’s experiences and progress at school when you feel the need.

At the beginning of a school year there tends to be plenty of requests to change a student’s class. At Ted Harrison School we have over 900 students in 6 homeroom classes per grade. Teachers design class lists considering student support and academic success. Students and parents often request class changes based on friendships. We do not change a student’s class so that they can be with their best friend. Experience as a school Principal has shown me that students will develop friendships and support in their class. This does not negate close friendships, however before school, at lunch, after school and during extra curricular activities, students can exercise their choices socially. Rarely does school Administration change the class placement of a student. We ask that parents connect with a students teaching team to resolve issues within a class as opposed to thinking that switching class is an option.

We are encouraged by the excitement and positive energy of students as they are arriving to school this year. Students do their best when they are welcomed into their classrooms, when they feel safe and supported and when in class learning is focused and intentional. Students must be on time for school, and they must be in their classrooms prepared for the activities of the day.

Please discuss with your student the importance of school attendance, staying current in their studies and continual organization and review of material covered in class. All students are issued a school locker and it is expected that each student uses their locker. Students must not carry extra materials to class such as outdoor clothing and winter boots. It is important for students to remember that lockers are the property of the school. Lockers are to be kept clean and materials stored in lockers are school appropriate. If school administration has a concern about the contents of a student’s locker, these lockers are subject to search by school Administration.

At the beginning of the last school year the Province of Alberta indicated through legislation that personal electronic devices were prohibited within middle schools. Students at Ted Harrison have been very respectful of this regulation. It is expected that cell phones, electronic devices that have data capabilities, earphones and earbuds are in students’ lockers or bags. At Ted Harrison we ask students not to wear hoods in school during the day.

The first formal opportunity of the school year to come into the school, see your child’s learning space and meet school staff is September 18 at 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the annual School Meet the Teacher. I would encourage families to come to the school and allow your student to give you a tour and introduce you to their teachers.

Ted Harrison School has been very fortunate to have a Parent Association that has run a Casino for a number of years. This effort supports school programming by raising approximately $80,000 every 2 years. The members of the Parent Association need increased membership. The commitment is minimal and the expertise required is in the abilities of most folks. I do not want parents to feel overwhelmed or that their contribution would not be greatly appreciated. School Council will invite parents to an Annual General Meeting most likely at the start of October. Please consider coming to this meeting and supporting the school in a very important way.

I am looking forward to the relationships that continue, and the new ones being developed as we move into this school year. I feel fortunate to be the Principal of Ted Harrison School and as such a member of the Taradale community. Please do not hesitate to connect with me with comments, suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Don Barbor Principal

Ted Harrison School