School Profile

Grace Martin School promotes positive self-image, responsibility and citizenship, and motivates lifelong learning. Our programs include the regular elementary program, Division 1 and 2 Opportunity.  French as a Second Language is taught in Grades 4 to 6. Our school also has the Sakinah Circle alternative program.   The students in this program take an Introduction to the Arabic language .  Students are encouraged to take part in Breakfast Club, Library Club, Recycle Club and intramurals.

The opening of Grace Martin School on December 1, 1972 was the 70th anniversary of the opening of the first school in the Ellerslie district whose first teacher was Mrs. Grace Martin McEachern.  When the school first opened in January 1902 there were 21 students in all grades with the exception of grade 7. There was one boy in grade 8. The majority of the students in the school were unable to speak English at the time but by the time the Christmas concert came around all the children were able to speak and sing in English.  The guest speaker at the concert was a young lawyer by the name of A.C. Rutherford. He would later become the first premier of Alberta.

Mrs. McEachern played an active role in the first few years of Grace Martin School attending special functions and joining classes on field trips.  At the age of 105, she was still able to join school staff for a birthday party held in her honour and paid a visit to the school's Volunteer Tea in June, 1984.  She passed away at the age of 109.

We are honoured to carry the name of such a marvellous lady and the children of this school have a constant challenge before them represented in the courage, kindliness, integrity, and good citizenship that Mrs. McEachern demonstrated throughout her life.