A Rocky Mountain House School recently celebrated 100 years of learning with a reunion of former staff and students going back to 1930.
The current principal of Ecole Rocky Elementary (ERE), Tim Bowman said, the reason the school has been able to stay around for so long is because of the quality of people who have worked at the school.
Bowman Added, “We make a real effort to help each student reach their potential and then give them the tools to see beyond it. It might be the reason we have had so many with political and international influence come through this school like Alfred Hooke (MLA 1935-1971), Helen Hunley (MLA, first solicitor general, first woman lieutenant governor of Alberta), Ty Lund (MLA), Ralph Klein (premier), Bruce Haack (appeared on the Johnny Carson Show and Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood in 1968 for his pioneering electronic music work).”

Ecole Rocky Elementary celebrated 100 years of learning on May 20, 2022. Bowman noted, the celebration was outstanding, they had 500 people attend, including Helen Stelfox who started grade 1 at ERE in 1938.

Bowman gave praise to everyone who helped out to make the celebration great including, “Rocky Credit Union who had the halls smelling of fresh popcorn. Pidherneys ensured everyone found a parking spot. The French Immersion students from Pioneer School kept us entertained with traditional picnic games, but the biggest success was the sense of community and pride in a school that has been an important part of Rocky Mountain House for a century.”

Bowman arrived as the principal in 2019 and couldn’t believe what a wonderful school ERE is. Bowman stated, “When I started doing research on how this school came to be, the history became better and better, all the way back to 1921. So, celebrating 100 years honors all our outstanding staff and community that have supported public education for a century.”

“This school is the type of school you move 3 times to find, so I just feel so fortunate I arrived here three years ago to work with this staff and the ERE Families. We are really proud that we can offer instruction in French or English and the rich music, arts, library, environmental and PE programs we can offer. We are proud that we were able to celebrate 100 years with our community, and look forward to much more continued success in our near future.” Said Bowman.