G.W. Skene School at a Glance
We believe that education is a journey and that staff and students are on this journey together. We believe that our students are capable of not only learning information, but developing thoughts and ideas to solve complex problems. It is our dream that every student realize their potential as learners.
Our “endgame” at G.W. Skene is to see all of our students graduate from high school ready for the world. We want them to understand who they are, including their values, strengths, and dreams for the future.
“Inspiring Minds In A Caring Community”
G.W. Skene school was built in 1979 and is situated on 20 acres. The school is organized into nine classrooms. Each classroom creates and maintains a comprehensive literacy program. Teachers integrate music and art daily into lessons. A physical education teacher provides a daily program within our high school size gymnasium. In 2012 our library was converted into a Learning Commons which serves as a hub for discipline-based inquiry. A dedicated Learning Commons teacher facilitates inter-disciplinary opportunities for all students.
Our school is unique in that we are a Division II school having only students in Grades 3 to 5. Students in Kindergarten and Grades 1 -2 attend James Short Memorial School located on the adjoining field. Students move from G.W. Skene to Ernest Morrow School (Penbrooke Meadows residents) or Dr. Gladys McKelvie Egbert School (Applewood residents) for Grades 6 to 9, then to Forest Lawn High School. Our students bring a rich diversity to our school community with approximately 50% of our students having English as a second language.
Our Core Values
At G.W. Skene School we have an amazing staff and highly capable students. We believe that education is a journey and that staff and students are on this journey together. We believe that our students are capable of not only learning information, but also developing thoughts and ideas to solve complex problems. It is our dream that every student realize their potential as learners.
The term “Endgame” is often used to describe the ultimate goal or purpose for something. Our “Endgame” at G.W. Skene is to see each student graduate from high school ready for the world. We want them to understand who they are including their values, strengths, and dreams for the future.
We like to speak of our students as having a “voice.” While almost all people are able to talk, having a “voice” can mean more than this. We mean that when our students use knowledge to develop and express their opinions, people listen. Every year, the students at G.W. Skene propose solutions to problems locally and globally and their plans are followed by action. This is something we encourage.
Knowledge is increasing very quickly in the world. It is no longer enough for students to learn facts, figures, and information at school. In addition to this, students must learn to make judgments and exercise creativity with what they know. The following illustration of Bloom’s Taxonomy is a helpful tool to explain our educational values. All levels of the triangle are important and necessary, yet we want our students to move to the upper levels of the triangle in their thinking.
Who Was George Wilbert Skene?
G.W. Skene, Q.C. was born in Ontario. He moved to Calgary in 1911 to article as a law student. Mr. Skene practiced law and was a member of the Calgary Public School Board and was chairman in 1944. He later was the solicitor for the Board for 29 years.
Our School's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
We are committed to acknowledging and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action specific to education. Our school, along with all CBE schools, made a Truth and Reconciliation Commitment to Action, on June 21, we renewed our commitment.
View Our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment | 2025-2026
School Development Plan
Each year, our school prepares a development plan with input from teachers, school staff, students and parents. We review many sources of data, including report cards, provincial achievement test results and school surveys. Based on this information, we create our plan identifying targeted areas for growth. Our school development plan is not meant to represent all of the work that takes place in our school, but rather it focuses on specific areas for improvement.
View Our GW Skene School Development Plan 2025 26
School Improvement Results Report
Our school also prepares a results plan, which looks at our previous school year. It shows our students’ achievement and progress in meeting the goals and outcomes as set out by the CBE and Alberta Education, outlines some of the highlights of our school development plan and gives an overview of our school. You can look on the CBE website for system-wide results.