Dear Scenic Acres Families,

I am writing to share some personal news with our school community.

After 33 years in education, I have made the decision to retire at the end of March. The timing may feel a bit unusual, but it connects to a new CBE role I am starting in April and allows for a smooth, supported transition for the rest of the school year. My last day with students will be Thursday, March 19 (ironically my birthday), and my last day of work at Scenic Acres will be Friday, March 20.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the final years of my career at Scenic Acres School. This is a truly special community, and I have been very lucky. From our Terry Fox fundraising, to the many hours of volunteering, to the enrichment opportunities supported by our School Council, I have seen firsthand how deeply families care about this school and the children who learn here.

What I will miss most are the daily moments — the hugs and high fives, conversations about lost teeth and birthdays, the morning and after-school chats with parents, grandparents, and preschoolers, and even the early morning sunrises with the mountains glowing in the distance. Scenic Acres truly has one of the most beautiful views in the city.

I know this news may feel hard for some students. Please know that the relationships and connections we have built truly matter to me, and they will always stay with me.

Please know that this is a planned and well-supported transition. Education Director Kevin Howell will be working closely with the school to support the transition to a new principal, who will be hired this spring and begin in August 2026. In the interim, the Calgary Board of Education will appoint an Acting Principal to lead the school beginning in April through the end of the school year. Education Director Howell is committed to providing families with updates throughout this transition. The strong learning environment and caring culture at Scenic Acres will continue.

I am also excited to be moving into a new role with Chinook Learning Services / CBE Learn, a CBE program, and I hope to continue subbing occasionally as a principal or teacher from September to March. This is not goodbye forever.

There is a quote I love:
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

That is truly how I feel, and I hope in time that is how our students will feel too.

Thank you for the trust, kindness, and support you have shown me. It has been an honour to serve this community.

All the best in the future,
Bill Garner
Principal, Scenic Acres School