The 2021-2022 School Year continued to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We want to thank you for your patience and understanding in support of learning as we navigated the many challenges. Throughout the year our students, staff and families adapted and learning moved forward. Some of the highlights from this year include students participating in extra-curricular athletic programs (Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Track and Field); the Band program; noon hour clubs and athletics; and, field trips (Telus Spark, the Weaslehead, the Calgary Zoo, Minecraft Challenge, Roots 2 Stem, etc.). It has been wonderful to re-connect with families in person at interviews and the band concert.
This year, following Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Dr. Gordon Higgins School committed to reconciliation through education. In collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, we committed to honouring Indigenous Peoples through school wide interdisciplinary work that builds capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Blackfoot dancer, Shirley Hill worked with staff and students on developing cultural understanding, hoop dancing with grade 7s and 8s. Cree – Metis storyteller, Chantal Chagnon met with staff and grew our understanding of the Holistic Lifelong Learning Framework. She also met with students during a full school assembly to share stories, drumming and song. Next school year we will continue to work on reconciliation through exploring land-based learning with our new outdoor learning space.
Next year Higgins will be home to grade 6, 7, 8 and 9 students from the community of Skyview. Staff and students from Prairie Sky School will join Higgins as construction continues. 
I have been blessed to lead the Higgins community for over 14 years as Assistant Principal and then Principal. I would like to thank you for the many positive relationships that have developed and for your support of learning. Dr. Gordon Higgins School is a special community that I will dearly miss as I move onto a new role supporting schools as the Area 1 System Principal. I welcome Mr. Colin McCracken as your new principal.
On behalf of all staff at Dr. Gordon Higgins, we wish the best to our grade 9 students moving on to high School and to families moving away from our designated communities. We look forward to seeing all grade 7, PLP and students new to Dr. Gordon Higgins School on September 1st, 2022. Current students moving into grade 8 and 9 will begin classes on September 2nd, 2022.
Take care,
​Maureen Hurst, Principal