Bert Church High School is a high school in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada with approximately 1400 students in enrollment. The school is under the administration of Rocky View School Division. Bert Church High School is named after Bert Church, the son of an early Alberta settler, and a member of the rural school board of Calgary.
| Bert Church High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
1010 East Lake Boulevard , , Canada | |
| Coordinates | 51°17′0.2″N 113°59′29.4″W / 51.283389°N 113.991500°W |
| Information | |
| Motto | Quaerite Excellentiam (Strive for Excellence) |
| Established | 1983 |
| School board | Rocky View School Division |
| Superintendent | Greg Luterbach |
| Chairman | Fiona Gilbert |
| Principal | Nikki Tysowski |
| Colour(s) | Blue and Yellow |
| Sports | Football, Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, Curling, Golf, Volleyball |
| Mascot | Ram |
| Team name | BCHS Chargers |
| Feeder schools | Meadowbrook Middle School, CW Perry School, RJ Hawkey School, Heloise Lorimier School, Good Shepherd School |
| Website | http://bertchurch.rockyview.ab.ca/ |
History
editBert Church High School opened in 1983, becoming Airdrie's only high school. The school replaced George McDougall High School, which became a Junior High School. This arrangement lasted for four years, after which George McDougall reverted back to a high school to alleviate demand from Bert Church.[1] Bert Church High School's namesake is Bert Church, who died in 1984. He was the son of one of Alberta's earliest settlers, W.J. Church, who arrived in 1890. Bert was a member of the rural school board of Calgary.[2]
Programs, courses, and clubs
editThe school offers an assortment of clubs and courses for students to choose from. Musical programs at Bert Church include: concert choir, junior and senior concert band, as well as senior jazz band, which have performed for former Alberta Premier, Alison Redford. Bert Church also is noted for its drama, performing arts and technical theater courses, which put on winter and spring productions.
Courses include mechanics, art, Aboriginal studies, photography, videography, and more.
Theatre
editBert Church High School is noted for its 373-seat proscenium theatre which is used for both school productions, and professional productions. The theatre is also used as a teaching space for grade 9-12 drama classes.
Athletics
editBert Church offers a variety of athletic programs including football, volleyball, basketball, cross country running, soccer, golf, and curling. The school's official team name is The Bert Church Chargers.
Under Armour Finding Undeniable Contest
editBert Church High School was the Under Armour Finding Undeniable 2013 winner. The school received support from then premier Alison Redford, MP Blake Richards, and Rocky Views superintendent Greg Bass in a contest that could win $100,000 in sports equipment.[3]
Special Olympics
editIn 2018, Bert Church participated in the Ontario Special Olympics, winning a gold medal.[4] Four of their students defended their title in 2019, winning bronze medals each.[5]
Notable alumni
edit- Ty Rattie: Professional hockey player drafted 32nd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues.
References
edit- ^ "School nearing Diamond anniversary". AirdrieToday.com. 2012-11-15. Archived from the original on 2022-01-16. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
- ^ Valerie, Berenyi (2009-07-13). "Pioneer celebrates 101st birthday". Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on 2022-01-16. Retrieved 2022-01-16 – via PressReader.
- ^ "Local high school wins $100,000 in national contest". AirdrieToday.com. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
- ^ "Bert Church Chargers Roll Their Way to History". Special Olympics Canada. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
- ^ "Bert Church students represent at Ontario Special Olympics Youth Games". airdrieecho.com. Retrieved 2022-01-31.