Welcome Douglas Harkness Families
Whether you are returning to Douglas Harkness School or are new to our school, we would like to welcome you. Please review the below information in preparation for starting the school year.
New Principal – Ms. Amardeep Chana
I am pleased to join Douglas Harkness as the Principal where every student will have the opportunities to thrive and learn academically and socially. I look forward to getting to know our students and working closely with staff to continue building an inclusive, positive, and supportive learning environment. I am also looking forward to working collaboratively with parents / legal guardians, communities, and partners to support our students’ learning.
I believe building strong relationships with each other is foundational for students to succeed and have a sense of belonging. I take this opportunity to get to know each of you and being part of the “Harkness has Heart” learning community.
Your Child’s Teacher
Next week, your child’s teacher will be phoning families with important information for the first day of school. If you miss our phone call, we will leave a message.
Grade 5 and 6 Classes
Douglas Harkness is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school. Currently, due to funding and resources, we have three split Grade 5/6 classes. Should more funding and resources be available, grade 5 and 6 classes will be separated.
First Day of School - Thursday, August 29
Students will be gathering in the back field at 8:20 a.m. Please look for your child’s grade poster. At that time, you will follow your child’s homeroom teacher to the assigned entry and exit door. This is the same door you will pick your child up at 3:25 p.m. If your child will be walking home alone, please notify your child’s homeroom teacher.
What to Bring and Not to Bring to School
The school will provide the school supplies (e.g. paper, pencils, crayons etc). However, please send the below with your child:
- a lunch kit and a lunch
- a snack
- a backpack
- a pair of indoor shoes (e.g. running shoes) which are to be left at the school and appropriate for gym class
- a refillable plastic or metal water bottle with a lid
Note | Ensure your child’s first name and last initial is on their personal belongings.
Please do not send any valuables (e.g. toys, gaming devices, cell phones etc.) as the school is not responsible for the loss or damage of these valuable items.
Lunch
If your child is staying at school between 12 p.m. and 12:50 p.m. from Monday - Thursday, you will need to register them for the noon supervision program through MyCBE.
School Start and End Times
On the Douglas Harkness School website, the below information is posted for Full Day Kindergarten to Grade 6 students:
Monday to Thursday:
Morning: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lunch: 12 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Afternoon: 12:50 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Friday (early dismissal):
8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Note | Kindergarten is a full-day program from Monday to Thursday. There are no Kindergarten classes on Fridays.
Office Hours
The office will not be open until Monday, August 26 at 8 a.m.
Upcoming Events
- August 29: First Day of School (see information above)
- September 2: Labor Day (No School)
- September 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Meet the Teacher Night
- September 27: Non-Instruction Day: (No School)
- September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)
Note | Please refer to the Calgary Board of Education’s 2024-2025 Instructional Calendar and Douglas Harkness School’s Calendar.
We look forward to a great year.
Sincerely
Ms. Amardeep Chana, Principal
Mr. Kenneth Perrone, Assistant Principal