James Ward
Teacher: Biology 20/30, Forensic Studies 25-3, Science 10
29th Year of working with young people. I joined NDHS in 1998 and I'm considered a silverback here. I have a B.Sc (94) & B.Ed (96) & M.Ed (08). I am current Department Head for ND Science.
My parents immigrated to Edmonton, Canada in 1972 (I was born in Jamaica). I went to school (Gr 3-12) in Cold Lake Alberta (Grad 1988). My wife and I celebrated 25 years where all 3 of our daughters are NDHS grads. Our eldest is studying Chemical Engineering at U of C, our middle is studying Psychology at UVic and discerning her next steps & our youngest is starting her MRT program at NAIT fall 2025. We have 2 dogs, reside in Red Deer and have extended our roots into central alberta.
My daughters shared what they felt was best for their academic journey while attending Notre Dame. 1) Pay attention. 2) Participate. 3) Do the practice. 4) Get involved in school life (sports, arts, grad activities etc).
My professional philosophy is learning focused rather than subject focused. I enjoy my subject but I fill my bucket witnessing students embracing the rigor, self discipline and enjoyment of learning & achieving.
TWO QUOTES THAT GUIDE MY PRACTICE!
"Whether you think you can or you think you cannot you are right." -Henry Ford
(I am here for you but YOU MUST have SKIN IN THE GAME for your personal growth.)
"If an egg is broken from the outside, life ends. If an egg is broken from the inside, life begins. Great things always begin from the inside." Paulo Coehlo
(Academic challenges prepare us for life's challenges. Embrace it, learn from it and grow from it.)