Rooted in this place: 50 years of belonging at École Percy Pegler School

Fifty years ago, a school opened its doors in Okotoks with a simple but powerful purpose: to be a place where children are known, valued, and inspired to learn. Today, École Percy Pegler School stands as a living story of that promise—shaped by generations of students, families, educators, and community members who have made belonging the heart of learning. 

From its earliest days to the vibrant learning community it is now, École Percy Pegler has grown alongside the community it serves. Programs have evolved, new voices have joined the story, and enrollment continues to grow as families choose École Percy Pegler as a place where their children can flourish. Through it all, one commitment has remained constant: creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every student feels they belong. 

A school shaped by choice, voice, and community

Today, École Percy Pegler School proudly offers three learning pathways—English, French Immersion, and Explore: Nature‑Based Learning—each reflecting the diverse strengths, interests, and hopes of the community it serves. Together, these programs demonstrate a shared belief that belonging is strengthened when families have meaningful choice and students can learn in ways that connect with who they are. 

The standard (English) program provides a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy while supporting students to grow as communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Learning is designed to be meaningful and transferable, helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging within a supportive school community. 

The French Immersion program supports bilingualism, cultural awareness, and rich language development. Students experience the same caring, inclusive environment while expanding their linguistic and cultural horizons—reflecting the community’s desire for strong language learning opportunities within a connected school culture. 

Rooted in place‑based and experiential learning, the Explore program connects students to the land, the environment, and the Okotoks community. Through outdoor and hands‑on experiences, students develop independence, resilience, and a deep sense of connection to place—strengthening engagement through authentic, meaningful learning.

Across all three programs, students learn together as one school community, united by shared values of care, curiosity, and respect.

Engagement as Partnership

At École Percy Pegler School, engagement has always meant more than participation—it means partnership. Students are encouraged to share their voice, take on leadership roles, and help shape their learning. Families are welcomed as collaborators, and staff work together through shared leadership and professional learning to ensure decisions reflect collective responsibility and care. 

This relational approach to engagement builds trust and connection, creating a welcoming environment for both long‑standing and new families as the school community continues to grow. 

Belonging that Supports the Whole Child

Guided by Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity, École Percy Pegler takes a whole‑child approach to learning and well‑being. Through a proactive continuum of supports, the school responds to students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs—creating the conditions for students to feel safe, confident, and ready to engage. 

When students feel they belong, learning flourishes—across classrooms, programs, and experiences.

Celebrating 50 years—Honouring the Land and the Future

To mark its 50th anniversary, École Percy Pegler School will gather the community on May 27 and 28 for a meaningful celebration that reflects its values, its programs, and the land on which it is rooted. Central to this milestone event will be a special performance in partnership with Calgary Opera, performed by students in three languages—Blackfoot, English, and French.

This trilingual performance honours the land and Indigenous languages, celebrates the bilingual and multilingual identity of the school, and reflects École Percy Pegler’s commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and community connection. It is a powerful expression of belonging—past, present, and future—bringing together students, families, and community members through story, music, and shared meaning.

As École Percy Pegler School celebrates 50 years, this milestone honours the generations who have shaped a culture of belonging and engagement—and looks ahead with optimism. With growing enrollment, strong community partnerships, and diverse learning pathways, the school continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its core values. 

Rooted in this place and guided by shared purpose, École Percy Pegler’s story is one of choice, connection, and care—a story still being written by every student who walks through its doors.

It is, and always has been, a story of belonging.

Who is Percy Pegler?

Percy Pegler was a pioneer of both place and purpose in Okotoks, remembered not only for his early contributions to the community, but for his deep belief in education as a foundation for belonging. After arriving in the community in the early 1911 at the age of 20, he dedicated much of his life to serving children and families—as a school trustee, caretaker, and steady presence in local schools. Known for his kindness, humility, and advocacy for students, Percy Pegler believed that schools should be places where every child is cared for and valued. École Percy Pegler School proudly carries his name, honouring a legacy rooted in service, connection, and a lasting commitment to the well‑being of children and community. 

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For more information, please contact the team at École Percy Pegler School