Dr. Probe principal Heather Hadford announces her retirement
Congratulations and best wishes to Heather Hadford, who has announced she will be retiring at the end of January, 2020.
Unwavering commitment to the school division and all those she has served has characterized Hadford’s career path.
“On more than one occasion, I sought Heather out for her experience, insight, excellence with people, and student-centred approach to priorities, and asked, ‘Heather, what do you think about… Heather, would you consider?’ ” said Lethbridge School Division Superintendent Cheryl Gilmore.
Highly regarded as a leader and educator, Hadford knew how to rally a school, build culture and breathe life into an initiative. A quote found at the bottom of Hadford’s email signature for many years, and displayed prominently on the office wall of two schools, inquires, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” (Mary Oliver).
There is no doubt that whatever it is Hadford plans to do with her wild and precious life, it will benefit others. Her priorities have always been to ensure the best staff are working to provide exceptional learning opportunities to students, and that meaningful leadership opportunities are available for students and staff.
Hadford has been with Lethbridge School Division since September of 1994 when she began working with the Lethbridge Outreach Schools and Programs in the infancy of the Lethbridge Outreach High School. She worked as an education counsellor and teacher, responsible for all high school English courses for six years before becoming the Assistant Principal.
Hadford completed her Masters in Educational Leadership in 2001 and became Principal of the Lethbridge Outreach Schools and Programs in 2007. Heather was Principal of Senator Buchanan Elementary from 2009 to 2014, when she was transferred to Nicholas Sheran Community School for only two years. In 2016, Heather was transferred to Dr. Probe Elementary School where she will wrap up her career. Heather’s contributions to division committee work and initiatives have been very rewarding for her.
“I have let my career be guided by the idea that the answers are always in the room and that, in order for school communities to be successful, all the voices in the room need to be heard. At the end of the day, we need to trust our people,” said Hadford.
Her passion has been in caring for staff so that they are the best they can be for students while also being their best for themselves and their own families. After 25 years in education, and 19 of those as a school administrator, Hadford is well prepared for new adventures in a second career.