Meet Mr. Harrison!
Dear Warrior Families,
My name is Derek Harrison and I am honoured to be the new principal of Elmer S. Gish School. I have a deep respect for the building and the community that lies within it. This respect has been built on 12 years of teaching and leading in the building.
I began my teaching career right here as ESG. I spent 4 years teaching kindergarten in the Cogito program and those 4 years taught me more about teaching and myself than I could ever ask for. I then moved into a grade 4 teaching position for a couple of years, then into grade 7 and 8. I have enjoyed every age group and learned so much from all of the students.
After 10 years of teaching at ESG, I moved into administration and was offered a position at Lorne Akins Jr. High where I spent 5 years experiencing a new environment, a new staff and learning community. While at Lorne Akins, I taught gr. 9 for three years.
Two years ago, I was honoured to be offered a position as Assistant Principal at ESG. It has been a phenomenal experience thus far. Rich learning and growth occurs in this building daily. I continue to grow with the help of my team, the students and our parent community.
Simply put, this building is amazing; the best in St. Albert! I look forward to an amazing year!
Respectfully,
Derek Harrison
Meet Mr. Rurka!
My name is Mr. Adam Rurka and I am thrilled to join Elmer S. Gish School for the 2024-2025 school year. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the students, families, and the greater ESG community. One of my earliest formal education experiences occurred at ESG 20 years ago, when I completed my first student teaching practicum here. It's hard to believe, but at that time, the school population was close to 300 students, and the Cogito program had just launched with its inauguration in 2003. Since then, the school has nearly tripled in population and grown uniquely in many ways. I am now formally in my 18th year with St. Albert Public Schools and 7th as an administrator.
I believe in fostering academic excellence while supporting connection, growth, and wellness among students and families. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. As a partner in education, I am committed to ensuring your child has the best school experience possible. I look forward to walking alongside those who call this wonderful place home for the 2024-2025 school year.
Parent Parking
Parking is in short supply as you can see. Please ensure you are doing the following:
Use the street (Akins Dr.) to find parking.
When dropping off your child(ren) you are encouraged to use the flowing drop off lanes that funnel to and by the front entrance of the school.
Ensure that you are following the 1.5 m rule when parking in front of someone’s house. Meaning, DO NOT BLOCK the homeowner’s driveway.
Obey all street signs to ensure proper flow of traffic.
Refrain from parking in the staff parking lot. This is for staff only.
Elmer S. Gish School
Email: esg@spschools.org
Website: https://esgish.spschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=970059&pageId=12037863#page
Phone: 780-459-7766
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElmerSGishSchool/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBsk-ZhqD_tyEPuCBCEkKBKOTXg_NJu1B9P7KnPimYa8yYQT6DOxnwErtRKsMhMqaVgej4sgTISzn12
Twitter: @GishEnergy