Sir William Van Horne High School

View Home page

Walk Zone Map: Not Available
Email: sirwilliamvanhorne@cbe.ab.ca
Phone: (403) 284-3381
Fax: (403) 777-7029

School Hours: AM: 8:30 ~ PM: ~ 3:23

School Location

2215 Uxbridge Dr. N.W.
Calgary , AB
T2N 4Y3

Click on map to view full map.
(Flash player required)

The Board of Trustees approved the closure of Sir William Van Horne School and all programs contained therein as of June 30, 2010, providing for a one year transition period such that the operative date of closure shall be June 30, 2011.

Sir William Van Horne High School is located in the northwest community of University Heights. Students attending Sir William Van Horne have primarily registered from the following junior high schools on the north side of the Bow River: Colonel Irvine, Colonel Macleod, F.E. Osborne, Georges P. Vanier, H.D. Cartwright, Montgomery, Senator Patrick Burns, Simon Fraser, Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir John Franklin, Tom Baines and Thomas B. Riley and Valley Creek Middle School.

About the School

The school was built in 1967 and is situated on 8.73 acres. We are a technical high school of choice offering Knowledge and Employability courses based on the Alberta Learning Curriculum. Our particular emphasis is on work education and career exploration. We have 9 different shop facilities to support these career endeavors. These are: Autobody, Automotives, Cosmetology and Esthetics, Human Care, Commercial Food Preparation, Construction Studies, Art /Media, Art/Design and Metal Fabrication. Students attending SWVH have an interest in making a smooth transition from school to the world of work or post-secondary study with a particular focus on a trade, technical career or the service industry.

About School Name

Our school was named after Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, one of the driving forces behind the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), which was a major factor in the development of Canada as a united country.

Van Horne was born in the United States in 1843. In 1882, he was appointed general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway with the mandate to complete the rail line from coast to coast. His drive and determination were responsible for the rapid completion of the railway line that tied all of Canada together. He became president of the CPR in 1888 and in his tenure developed the telegraph service, launched the Empress line of steamships, and founded Canadian Pacific Hotels, even helping in the architectural design of the Banff Springs Hotel. He received his knighthood in 1894.

Van Horne personifies fierce commitment and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and fulfilling dreams.

School Mission

Our mission is to help our students develop self-esteem and acquire the attitudes, skills and knowledge for a successful and productive life as they move from school to careers or post-secondary education.

School Vision: Sir William Van Horne High School will deliver an inclusive educational program that emphasizes the transition from school to career.

Beliefs:

We believe in the worth and dignity of the individual.

We believe that each individual is unique.

We believe that everyone is capable of learning.

We believe that everyone wants to learn and to experience success.

We believe that all stakeholders have the right to participate in decisions that affect learning.

We believe that every student needs a teacher advocate.

The school's actions are consistent with the Calgary Board of Education's Mission Statement, "Educating Tomorrow's Citizens Today".

School Motto

"We Personalize Learning."

Unique Points

Small high school, with small classes, providing opportunity for a high degree of personal interaction among students, staff and parents.
Stimulating, active and supportive learning environment structured for success through encouragement, patience and acceptance.
Diverse trades, technical and service industry courses emphasizing integration with core academic courses: Art/Design, Art/Media, Autobody, Automotives, Commercial Food Preparation, Construction Services, Cosmetology and Esthetics, Human Care and Metal Fabrication.
Strong academic core program with a focus on continuous learning.
Significant focus on transferable work skills and attitudes throughout all courses.
Up-to-date Career Centre and job preparation opportunities including Work Experience, Work Study and Workplace Practicum courses as well as the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Opportunity to graduate with the Knowledge and Employability Certificate of High School Achievement or a High School Diploma.
Teacher Advisor program to enhance school-home partnership and promote advocacy to support student success.
An emphasis on the development of learning, plans and portfolios for all students.
Supportive business - community partnerships with First Canada/Cardinal Coach Lines Limited, Rotary Club (Olympic Chapter), Excel Homes (Nexus Building Group) and McCann's Building Movers Limited.
Our School expectations are:
Come prepared to learn.
Demonstrate courtesy and respect for yourself and others.
Be a positive contributor in our school and in our community.