About Our School

The School

Gilbert Paterson was built in 1955 and serves a population of 589 students. The school is unique in many ways:
1. We have students from Grade Six to Grade Eight.
2. Paterson Middle Level is a dual track school, with both English and French Immersion classes at each grade level. The Immersion students take their academic core subjects in the French language.
3. At the Grade Six and Seven levels, we offer Homeroom classrooms. Homeroom classes are primarily taught by one instructor. Grade Eight level is a combination of homeroom and departmental.
4. Gilbert Paterson has been a community school since 1985. It is designed to facilitate community educational activities. The school facility is available for educational, recreational, cultural and social use on an extended time basis, daily and yearly. Community activities might be scheduled at any time during the operational day. One goal of our school is to foster a sense of community. We feel it is important that our staff, students, parents and all other people who live in our community both know and care about each other.
5. Paterson owns its own bus. Students' Council and the Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge purchased the bus. The school maintains the bus which is extensively used for a variety of activities.

Our Mascot

This is "Tiger Territory". Our mascot "Snag", the tiger, a proud, intelligent animal with a good sense of humor! Our school colours are gold and black and our motto is "Conquer Thyself, Then Conquer The World".

School Philosophy

"Our mission is to develop caring, cooperative students who are thinkers, communicators and problem solvers. We will facilitate the creation of strong relationships among staff, students and parents because we believe that enhanced commitment improves achievement in all areas; academically, physically and socially."
We believe that:
1. All students are capable of learning.
2. All students and staff have the right to learn and work in a safe, nurturing environment that supports their individual strengths and needs.
3. Our students and staff should recognize and appreciate the similarities as well as respect the differences among individuals and cultures.
4. The school promotes academic excellence by meeting the goals and objectives prescribed by Alberta Education.
5. Our school must foster the desire for life-long learning.
6. Our students must have the opportunity to participate in physical activities and to explore the practical and fine arts.
7. The integration of technology with curriculum is a primary tool for teachers and learners.
8. Parents, students, staff and community are all stakeholders in education and must be mutually supportive in order to ensure a satisfying, productive and affirming school environment.
9. Students must take ultimate responsibility for their behavior. Stakeholders must work together to support appropriate social behavior and to foster independent decision-making, problem-solving and responsible self-discipline.
10. School staff should have the opportunity for collaborative decision-making, and professional development.