Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School Vice-Principal, Terry Hagel, announces his retirement

Congratulations and best wishes to Terry Hagel, who has announced he will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Hagel’s genuine leadership style, easy smile and grace has been a presence in Lethbridge School Division for 30 years. His passion for student engagement and unwavering commitment to doing what it takes to provide extra opportunities has strengthened pathways to growth for countless students. Hagel is an individual who cares deeply about others and wears his heart on his sleeve. Students and staff always know he puts their best interest at the forefront of decision-making. His energy and sense of fun is infectious and has been an absolute fit for working with middle school students for most of his career.
Hagel has been a staunch supporter of every school he has been in and an advocate for students and staff having the resources they need. His core beliefs of honesty, hard work and people-first have served schools well.
Approachable and kind, Hagel has been a “go to” over the years for students and staff seeking wisdom and words of encouragement. He has given much of himself, his time and energy to athletics and other activities outside of the classroom walls.
Coaching has been a huge part of his career including cross country, volleyball, badminton and track and field. He has always known intuitively that student growth is connected to rich experience. Hagel cherishes every moment he was able to spend with students and colleagues and describes his involvement with the culture and community of each school as a privilege. He has built relationships that will hold fast far past retirement.
Hagel began his career in Lethbridge School Division at Wilson as a teacher for 10 years. This was followed by a move to Churchill as a PE teacher and Athletic Director. His first leadership role as a vice-principal was at G.S. Lakie Middle School, followed by his current position at Senator Joyce Fairbairn. Hagel is grateful for the opportunities to learn and grown in supportive environments in all the schools and is thankful that the had the rare opportunity to be part of a leadership team opening a new school. Spending many years as a teacher and leader in the transitional years of middle school allowed him to push himself as an educator, learning and growing at multiple levels.
“My father always said, ‘If you really love what you do, you never work a day in your life.’  I am very proud to say the above statement pretty much sums up the last 30 years of my life,” said Hagel. “It is almost overwhelming to think of the amount of people (staff and students) who have impacted my career. My best memories come from the experiences I have had in my classrooms, the relationships I have forged with staff/students, the knowledge I have gained and the opportunities I had to share with those around me. I truly love being an educator and am thankful that I got to do it all here in Lethbridge.  I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of my life brings - out there. Cheers.”
Family is everything to Terry, and he will have more time to spend with the people that fill his heart: wife Sheila for 24 years and daughters Tielle and Hayden.
“I am sure Terry will also be spending more time pursuing his passions of golfing, volleyball, hockey and watching/coaching athletics - especially his daughters,” said Supt. Dr. Cheryl Gilmore.