Welcome to Douglas Harkness School
Our goal is to create a learning community that provides personalized learning experiences for our students. We believe that parents are partners in the education of their children and that it is only through working together that we will provide the best opportunities for our students. At Douglas Harkness, we believe that diversity is our superpower. We welcome all of our students to school this year and look forward to another year of growing and learning together!
~ Douglas Harkness School Staff
School Mission
Our mission at Douglas Harkness School is to foster a school culture that honors diversity and encourages students to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society.
School Motto
#HarknessHasHeart
Our School's Three Pillars
In meeting the needs of each individual student, school expectations emphasize socially responsible behaviours that include respect for the rights and well‐being of others, our community, and our selves. Discussions with children will center on three pillars.
- Take Care of Yourself
- Take Care of Others
- Take care of Our Place, Our School and Our Land
Who Was Douglas Harkness?
Douglas Harkness School was named after Douglas Scott Harkness who was born in Toronto on March 29, 1903 and moved to Calgary in 1929. He graduated from the University of Alberta, then farmed and taught school in the vicinity of Red Deer. Mr Harkness taught at Crescent Heights High School until 1939. He had distinguished military career and in 1943 was awarded the George medal for "courage, gallantry and devotion to a duty of a high order."
In 1945, Mr. Harkness was elected to the House of Commons for the constituency of Calgary East. He continued his public service in the Departments of Northern Affairs, National Resources and Agriculture until his retirement in 1963. Mr. Harkness lived in Calgary until his death in 1999.
