Welcome to Ardmore School for 2009-2010!

Principal's Message

Ardmore School is continuing to strive to be the best it can be and bring out the best in students.   Last year was my second year as principal and the second year for our new Assistant principal, Mr.  Whan.  We had 3 new teachers and one new EA.  We entered our second year of the 4H program.   Overall, the school year was a success.  There was a positive learning community within the building. 

This year Ardmore School has 2 new teachers and one new EA.  The administration team is the same as last year and we are looking forward to a continued improvement in Ardmore School.  This year was the first year of increased enrollment at our school in a long time.  Unfortunately, most of the students in the grade 9 class decided to go to other schools this year, therefore we only have 2 grade 9 students for 2009-2010.  For this school year, as a leadership team and school we want to focus on

• A continued increase in academic success for the students
• Meet individual needs of the students
• Maintain a safe and caring school
• Continue the 4H program to help personalize education
• Increase the amount of music each student receives
• Have open communication with parents

Our staff team is dedicated to the successful operation of the school and the individual success of each student within the building.  We are thankful for all the support we get from parents (especially the parent council), the community, and the division.  We look forward to working with each student in the building and celebrating all the individual successes.  Our hope is that every student looks back at their time at Ardmore School with fond memories of a caring and nurturing environment, and that the students are motivated and prepared for a lifetime of learning once they leave our building.

Ken Wiens

Our School Philosophy

The school board’s goal for students of Northern Lights School Division is to maximize student achievement. We plan to do this by striving to make our students into critical and creative thinkers–to reason, be innovative and to become responsible citizens of the future. We try to reach this goal by involving all members of the school in decision-making including our teaching staff, our support staff, our parents and our students. Our ultimate goal is the academics success of all students in our school – helping students to be the best they can be.

Our School Mission

Ardmore School is a learning community advocating respect for others, accountability, resourcefulness, academic proficiency, and wellness while encouraging a desire for lifelong learning.

Original School

The original structure, a one room schoolhouse, was established about 1940.

Steve Skuba began a lifetime career in education in this area, at Ardmore School. He arrived at Ardmore School in 1944. By this time, it had become a two room facility. Mr. Skuba clearly recalls many interesting structural details. The school was built of reclaimed lumber from other old buildings. The walls and ceiling were constructed out of shiplap, and were filled with sawdust insulation. As the shiplap dried, the shavings fell out, and often down the back of his neck. There were no blackboards. Instead wood was painted black with slate paint. The capability of one piece of chalk was four words before another piece was required. Oil helped to keep the dust down on the very rough floor. In 1944, Steve taught 30 grade 1 - 5 students in one room, while Bill Sawchuk Sr. taught 30 grade 6 - 9 students in the other room.

Other interesting trivia involves his first monthly cheque for the amount of $72.93. Steve lived in the Ardmore Hotel from 1944 - 1948, until he was married. His expenses included $35 for room and board, plus $2 poll tax enabling him to vote. This left him with $37 a month for spending, from which he saved money to attend summer school.

In 1948-49, another addition to the school was added to make a four-room school with a crow's nest (a type of upper floor room, which was Steve Skuba's principal's office).

Other Modernizations

In 1955, a new school was built with 4 classrooms, a library, and the first gym. Student capacity was 100 students. The old school was torn down.

In 1961, an additional 75 student spaces were added with the addition of the new Junior High wing.

In 1974, an administration area and 4 primary classrooms were added.

In 1986, a full sized gym was constructed. The old gym became the library.

1997 saw the complete modernization of the old wings.

2002 marked the completion of the modernization of the 1974 addition.

Birthday Celebrations

In June 1994, the school hosted a special birthday party to celebrate Ardmore School's 55th birthday. The day was a trip down memory lane as former students, teachers, administrators, parents and the present community perused memorabilia. All students predicted the future by recording their thoughts. These predictions were then buried in a time capsule on the playground. The time capsule was to be opened ten years later.