Dear Families,
Here is the weekly update for the week beginning June 9, 2025:
Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)
Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests begin in earnest this week. It is important that students arrive on time so they can settle in before testing starts. All tests begin at 8:30 a.m. Students who are absent may be required to write two tests the following day.
PAT Schedule:
- Thursday, June 12 – English Language Arts (Part B)
- Friday, June 13 – Mathematics (Part A)
- Tuesday, June 17 – Mathematics (Part B)
- Wednesday, June 18 – Social Studies
- Thursday, June 19 – Science
Grade 8 Weaselhead Trip
While the School Council generously covered most of the costs for the Grade 8 trip to the Weaselhead Environmental Area, there is a small remaining fee of $10 per student. This fee has been added to your MyCBE account and can be paid online.
Weaselhead Field Trip Canceled for 8-7 and 8-8
Due to the high air quality health index for the city of Calgary today the field trip scheduled to weasel head. Environmental area will be canceled. Unfortunately, due to the lateness in the year, this field trip will not be able to be rescheduled. We apologize for this lost opportunity for students, but their health and safety remains our greatest concern.
Important Dates
Monday, June 9
- Track and Field Meet at Foothills Athletic Park
- Grade 8-5 and 8-6 Weaselhead Trip (students attending Track and Field will have a chance to go on a different day)
Tuesday, June 10
- Full School Assembly and Talent Show
- School Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons
Wednesday, June 11
- Grade 8-7 and 8-8 Weaselhead Trip CANCELLED
Thursday, June 12:
- PAT: Grade 9 English Language Arts (Part B)
Friday, June 13
- PAT: Grade 9 Mathematics (Part A)
Monday, June 16
- Pow Wow Demo in Honour of National Indigenous Month
- Grade Farewell Tickets Sent Home
Tuesday, June 17
- PAT: Grade 9 Mathematics (Part B)
Wednesday, June 18
- PAT: Grade 9 Social Studies
Thursday, June 19
- PAT: Grade 9 Science
Friday, June 20
- Marjok Okado's Free Basketball Camp
Tuesday, June 24
- Grade 9 Farewell starting at 1pm followed by Summer Jam Celebration on the sport court from 3pm - 4:30pm.
Wednesday, June 25
- Report Cards Available Online
Thursday, June 26
- Last Day of School (Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.)
Friday, June 27
- Appeals Day (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Celebrating the Northeast
As the final guest in our Higgins Speaker Series, we were honoured to welcome Dr. Rupinder Toor, a proud alumna of our school. Known affectionately as “Doc-Toor,” Dr. Toor is one of the most celebrated alumni in our school’s and the Calgary Board of Education’s history. She received the 2018 CBE Legacy Award, which honours individuals who have made significant contributions to public education and their community.
Dr. Toor has also received national recognition, including:
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- College of Family Physicians of Canada Award of Excellence
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Alumni of Distinction Award
She shared her inspiring journey, which began right here at Dr. Gordon Higgins School, continued at James Fowler High School, and led to a degree in Biochemistry and a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary.
In 2007, Dr. Toor founded The IUD & NE Women’s Clinic to help women facing language, gender, and cultural barriers in accessing care. The clinic now supports over 30,000 patient visits each year. She is passionate about women’s health and believes empowering women through reproductive care is essential to building strong families and communities.
In 2020, she spoke at TEDx Calgary, and her team launched Project EmpowHER, a non-profit dedicated to supporting and empowering women—especially young, vulnerable girls.
She left students with powerful messages:
- Everyone deserves a “big and beautiful life”
- Trust your intuition and pursue your dreams
- It’s okay for men to express their emotions
- Challenge harmful beauty standards and care for your inner self
- Her “self-care prescriptions”: sleep, movement, meditation (with gratitude), meaningful relationships, healthy diet, and engaging work
Dr. Toor also announced the new Properties Alumni Award Scholarship for students from Rundle, Whitehorn, Pineridge, and Temple, which will open next school year through the EducationMatters website. This generous gift continues the Speaker Series legacy, along with the 35 inspiring guests who visited every week this year.
Student Feedback
Here are some of the heartfelt reflections from our students:
“I relate to her as someone from immigrant parents with dreams in medicine. She showed me I can achieve more than I imagined.”
“Her clinic supports women of all backgrounds. As a Muslim girl, I appreciate that my family has access to respectful, appropriate care.”
“She’s a Punjabi woman like me, and seeing her success makes me believe I can also become a doctor who makes a difference.”
“Hearing her story reassured me that I can succeed too, no matter where I come from.”
“She taught me that life doesn’t lead you—you lead it. Caring for yourself lets you care for others.”
“Her determination to help women is amazing. She opened a clinic that saves lives. She inspired me to never give up.”
“She’s so genuine. As a girl, I appreciate how she removed barriers to women’s healthcare.”
“She reminded us to listen to our inner voice and believe in ourselves. Saying ‘Today is a great day!’ can change your life.”
“Helping others will help you in return. Follow what you love, and success will come.”
Message from Mr. Brar
Dear Higgins Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for joining us on this 10-month journey through the Higgins Speaker Series. I’ve appreciated all the kind words throughout the year about our amazing guests. Each speaker had roots in the Northeast and shared valuable insights with our students that they will carry with them for years to come.
In total, we welcomed 35 speakers from diverse backgrounds and careers. Their stories motivated our students to believe in their potential and find pride in their community.
The legacy of this series continues through:
- Marjok Okado’s Free Basketball Camp (June 20)
- Our Summer Jam Celebration (June 24, 3:00–4:30 p.m.)
- Dr. Toor’s new Properties Alumni Award Scholarship, available next year to graduating students from the Properties
What began as a way to share Northeast success stories has become a lasting legacy. As the quote says:
"Leave the world a better place than how you found it."
I’m proud that, with our guest speakers, we’ve made this more than a saying—it’s something we live by.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I look forward to hearing your child’s Northeast success story in the future.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brar
A Thank You to Mr. Brar
We’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank Mr. Brar. He consistently does amazing work at Higgins with students in mind, often quietly and without seeking recognition.
He’s full of big ideas (usually shared on Fridays at 4 p.m.!), and what started as a simple wish from a parent—that their child be proud to come from the Northeast—has grown into something incredible. Mr. Brar kept going even when the week was already full because he, too, is a product of this community and knows the power of pride in where you come from.
We’re so fortunate to have him on staff. His service and commitment to our students are unwavering.
Sincerely,
Colin McCracken
Principal