Welcome to Ernest Manning High School

We believe our students need to become citizens who are both informed and involved; who possess the character to do what is ethically right; and achieve their highest personal potential. Therefore, we aim to create an environment that allows students to excel, to be contributing citizens and to be well prepared to advance in the world of work and the ever changing world around them. At EM High, we encourage the growth and development of these beliefs in our students by preparing them for responsible participation in their both local and global communities.

In September 2010, our school embarked on a cutting edge initiative in Alberta. EM High students were the first to access the new Career and Technology Centre, located off site. This Centre provided new opportunities for our students, integrating academic studies and technical curriculum, expanding the concept of schooling and personalizing learning based on student interests and talents. Further preparation for employment and post secondary studies are achieved. This new initiative is one of the many ways we prepared for the move to our new location in Springbank Hills.

We are excited to be in our new location and will continue to embrace our steep traditions of the past and redefine our future to support a 21st century concept of schooling. Our role is to nurture intellectual entrepreneurs who cultivate ingenuity, imagination, creativity, as well as a civic responsibility. We invite our students to commit their best to our dynamic school community and become the pace setters of the future.

School Mission

To engage and support all students as they become self-directed, life-long learners who think critically and creatively, and function as caring, productive citizens.

School Vision

Engaging global learners in a digital age embracing high quality, innovative, personalized learning opportunities.

School Values

The Instructional Core – the respectful, dignified relationship between the learner and the teacher in the presence of content – is the heart and soul of our work.

Our role is to enhance learning and the role of the student is to learn.

School Beliefs

We believe that learning:

• is a collaborative process involving students, staff, teacher advisors, parents and community.
• is both an individual and cooperative process concerned with development of the whole person.
• prepares students to become competent, productive, healthy, contributing members of the school and larger community.
• is continuous and lifelong.
• thrives in an atmosphere of trust and respect, and in a safe, attractive physical environment both inside and outside the school.

History

Ernest Manning High School opened in 1963 at a cost of close to 3.5 million dollars. The school is named after the eighth premier of Alberta, Ernest Manning. It opened with 1400 students and by the mid 1970's, grew to 1700 students. The school itself had much more to offer than the standard matriculation courses presented in other high schools across the country. It was considered leading edge. Students had a wider field of choice in programs to help prepare them for the world of advanced study, business or trades courses. Being fully equipped in the usual sense, having three gymnasiums, a large auditorium, with a mezzanine floor, a cafeteria and a well equipped library. The school also housed a complete shop area to accommodate motor mechanics, welding, tin-smithing, commercial art and drafting. Offering choice to students has been an ongoing accomplishment. Closure of the original Ernest Manning High School was approved by the Board on October 7, 2008. Design for the new building commenced in October 2008, in accordance with a tri-party agreement between the Province, the City of Calgary and the CBE.

In September 2011, Ernest Manning High School relocated to the Springbank Hills area and opened with close to 1300 students. After collecting and reviewing input from more than 2000 students, parents, staff, alumni and community members, it became clear the majority of respondents overwhelmingly favoured keeping the existing name. The Calgary Board of Education Trustees voted unanimously to transfer the name to the new location. Ernest Manning High School, or EM High as more commonly known, continues its long standing history of preparing students for their future. Setting high academic standards, offering choice and personalizing learning are the tenants of its existence. Advanced Placement, second languages including mandarin, pre-engineering, architecture design, culinary arts, broadcast journalism, outdoor leadership, international certificates are some of the choices offered. Access to the Career and Technology Centre and online learning are some of the new distributed learning models currently embraced and available to students.

Principals of Ernest Manning High School

1963-1965            Mr. L.W. Roberts
1965-1970            Mr. T.T. Humphrey
1970-1973            Mr. M. MacDougall
1973-1981            Mr. H. Sharlow
1981-1985            Mr. G Unsworth
1985-1990            Mr. L. Hall
1990-1993            Mr. J. B Braun
1993-1995            Mr. J.R Frank
1995-1998            Mr. J.W. Stevenson
1998-2002            Dr. B. Bamford
2002-2009            Dr. W.M. Christison
2009-2022            Dr. M.C. Hood
2022-Present       Mr. M. Wilson