The Howe…and Why of naming the School after Colleen and Gordie Howe.
May 31st 2001: The School Board had decided to name the school after Gordie Howe and his wife, Colleen. At the time, the district was determined to name new schools after Canadians who were ‘positive and inspirational role models for their students’. Gordie’s wife Colleen had been a long time supporter of many charities, as well as creating the Howe Foundation in 1993 that was dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children.
The Howe name stands for a strong sense of family, the importance of positive adult role models and a commitment to the positive development of children. Their name is synonymous with many of the values our school district wishes to promote in Abbotsford; values that form the basis for Middle School education.
John Smith, Abbotsford District 34 School Board Chair.
August 17th 2001: The school began preparations for moving in , as they started to prepare for the opening of the middle school on September 6th. 600 students and 30 staff entered into the beginning of a brand new school year in a brand new school.
If any children are unaware of the significance of the school’s name, that will change as the school year progresses and assemblies are held
Mr. Stan Peterson, Principal.
Fun Fact No.1!
Colleen and Gordie Howe was one of three new middle schools opening the same week in District 34. Chief Dan George and Simpson Traditional Middle were both converted Elementary schools.
June 25th, 2002: Colleen and Gordie Howe attended a grand opening ceremony and first year celebration of the school being opened. The students were involved in the celebration with the Howe Band performing O Canada, a performance from the dance team, and various students comments. Speeches were also made from a Pastor from Emmanuel Fellowship Church who had also been a Howe parent, and an opening remark from Principal Mr. Stan Petersen.
Abbotsford School Board Chairperson, Superintendent, and Member of Parliament had also participated with speeches, ribbon cutting, and unveiling of the dedication plaque.
He was so proud to have his name and his wife’s name on this school. He insisted on having his wife’s name on the school because he said “without her, I wouldn’t have become who I was”.
Paul Giesbrecht, Teacher at Howe Middle.
Fun Fact No.2!
This school has an Olympic athlete alumni! Sophie Schmidt won a bronze medal in 2012 with the Canadian women’s soccer team.
Sources Used For This Page:
abbyschools.ca, howemiddle.abbyschools.ca, and The Abbotsford News- The Reach Archives