ate Captivate
BOARD UPDATE................................................................. 4 A WORD FROM GREG.......................................................... 5 A STRONG HISTORY, A BRIGHT FUTURE................................. 6 LEARNING AND INNOVATION AT CA...................................... 9 SCHOOL COUNCIL OF CALGARY ACADEMY.......................... 11 CALGARY ACADEMY PARENT ASSOCIATION........................ 12 INSPIRING EARLY LEARNERS: GRADE 1 PROGRAM.............. 13 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL STUDIES..................................... 14 ROUND OF APPLAUSE...................................................... 17 ALUMNI PROFILES.......................................................... 18 RAYMOND & NORMA JAENEN GIFT RECOGNITION ............... 25 BUILDER SERIES............................................................. 26 CONTRIBUTORS SERIES.................................................. 28 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD.......................................... 30 ALUMNI UPDATES........................................................... 31
BOARD UPDATE It’s been nearly two years since I assumed the role of Board Chair, and in that time we have accomplished so much as an organization. Launching our strategic planning process last year set our organization on an exciting, collaborativelycharted course into a very bright future. Thanks to the hard work of Dr. Greg Bass and all of our awesome staff, we continue to build our organization into the future. The Board welcomed two outstanding members to the table in the last year. Marion Burnyeat and Scott Fawcett are both Calgary Academy parents and bring significant business and board expertise from their respective communities. Their commitment to the school and their external board insights have helped drive several exciting new initiatives forward. Currently, more than half of the Board are either past or present Calgary Academy parents, ensuring our priorities are always aligned with helping CA students succeed. Living the belief that we are all learners, the Board implemented new effectiveness practices in January 2019 and tabled an action plan aligned to the organization’s Strategic Plan. The role of the Board is to help shepherd and steward the successes of Calgary Academy. We are here to help support our staff, so they can help support our students.
In that regard, some highlights from the last year include: ĉĉ Approving a 10-year master facilities plan to guide modernization and expansion projects; ĉĉ Approving continuous contracts and a staff wellness benefit; ĉĉ Approving a $1.5 million furniture and technology expenditure to transition every classroom into a modernized learning environment; ĉĉ Supporting the growth of our school programming to include both Grade 1 and Kindergarten; ĉĉ Launching an extensive policy review process, supported by a new Human Resources and Governance Board Committee. As we look towards the 2019-2020 school year, the Board will continue to prioritize and approve projects that support the four goals our community established in the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan: students surpass their potential, staff strives for success, instruction is innovative and effective, and decision-making reflects a student-centered approach.
Gary Pu rcell BOARD CHAIR
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A WORD FROM GREG Hello Calgary Academy! When I wrote my first editorial for Captivate, I was just a couple of months into immersing myself into this amazing learning community. I promised the years ahead would be full of excitement and change, as we looked for ways for Calgary Academy to have an even greater impact on both the lives of children and the greater education system. With the launch of the strategic planning process, we brought nearly 200 stakeholders together, representing students, staff, parents, alumni, board, and community members. Everyone brought different experiences and perspectives into the planning process, and the result was a unified picture of where we want our school to go. We’re well on our way to that future picture, and you can read more about the Strategic Plan One Year Celebration on page 6. As the close of Year 1 of the Strategic Plan approaches, the school has accomplished much together because of the efforts of our incredible staff and community. From embracing a new learning model (learn more on page 9), launching the School Council of Calgary Academy (read about them on page 11), building a 10-year master facility plan, to implementing new and improved financial, communications, and HR processes, everyone is working hard to realize the actualization of our collaboratively designed Strategic Plan. While our current state is a blend between exciting and exhausting, we are absolutely in the right place!
The years ahead promise more of the same: focused work towards our goals, increased engagement with our many stakeholders throughout these changes, passionate support for our students in everything that they do, and continual honing of our Strategic Plan to ensure the continued success and lasting impact of Calgary Academy. Thank you for your engagement in our future and your support of our great work. Please keep reaching out with questions, comments, and feedback whenever you can. Your continued input is invaluable to our efforts, and together, we are charting a course to a very bright future.
D r. G reg Bass PRESIDENT & CEO
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A STRONG HISTORY, A BRIGHT FUTURE STRATEGIC PLAN CELEBRATION — MARCH 6, 2019 BY Lindsey Meredith Last year, the Calgary Academy Board of Directors approved the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. Built around embracing our school’s strong history while charting a bright future, the plan features four goals built around students achieving and surpassing their potential, staff striving for excellence, instruction remaining innovative and effective, and decision-making reflecting a student-centred approach. The Calgary Academy 2018-2021 Strategic Plan was collaboratively developed through engagement sessions with 200 stakeholders representing students, staff, parents, alumni, board members and community members and on March 6, 2019, our community reunited. The day had three goals—to celebrate the successes to date of the Strategic Plan, to partake in our first-ever “Strategy Showcase,” where the progress and work was put on display, and then attendees were encouraged to learn more and ask questions. The showcase was followed by work in small groups looking at years 2 and 3 to see if edits or amendments were needed based on the progress of the first year.
We know so much great work has been going on at the school all year but seeing it all showcased at the celebration was an amazing experience. We are on our way!
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The highlights from Year 1 are summarized in a What We Heard document that was shared with the school community. The What We Heard document, as well as final Year 1 results are available online. To learn more about the work accomplished so far, visit calgaryacademy.com/strategic-plan.
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BY Learning and Innovation Team
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iven the rate and scale of change we’re all experiencing, we know that preparing students for their future looks different than how we prepared for our past. In this context, the next chapters for Calgary Academy have been collaboratively developed and outlined in our three-year strategic plan. Teachers, administrators, and a new Learning and Innovation (LI) department are working together to design engaging, dynamic, and student-centered experiences that empower students to thrive both now and in their future. We began as pioneers in inclusive education to address student needs in Calgary. As times change and evidence-informed ideas are introduced to modernize instruction, we know it’s essential to keep the individual needs of each student at the heart of everything we do. The Learning and Innovation department’s role is to work with teachers to co-create engaging, dynamic, and student-centred experiences as unique as our learners.
Our school psychologist, together with teachers, supports students experiencing challenges by designing learning plans that empower students to feel capable, experience success, and develop resiliency. If the need arises, students may have direct access to our psychologist. The Learning Supports team also includes a Speech and Language
As a school, we work toward connecting learning experiences with the challenges, strengths, interests, and motivations of every CA student. The LI department has three distinct teams to support these endeavors: Learning Supports, Assurance, and Information Technology. The Learning Supports team collaborates with instructional staff to apply an intentional learning process. Together, they determine what students need and provide supports to help them be successful. What services are available? Literacy and numeracy specialists work with students who are performing below grade level in reading, writing, and mathematics. During one-to-one and small group sessions in grades one to nine, specialists work with students to close achievement gaps and accelerate learning. Additionally, teachers receive training from an instructional coach who builds their capacity with instructional strategies in foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
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and delivering new staff training, are engaging in a student-centered coaching model by working side-by-side with teachers.
Pathologist (SLP) and access to an Occupational Therapist (OT). When referred, students work in a small group or one-to-one setting to improve skills. In addition, our SLP and OT consultants assess students to recommend strategies for teachers to use in classrooms. The role of the Assurance team is to make certain the goals stakeholders developed together in our Strategic Plan are realized. How do we do this? There are four roles on the team. Instructional designers work with teachers and administrators on projects that advance the outcomes of the Strategic Plan. Strategies include implementing a learning model inclusive of the CA Way, guiding personalized instruction with multiple pathways, ensuring learning is universally accessible, and designing dynamic learning experiences that empower students to achieve their academic potential while acquiring multiple literacies. Researchers build partnerships with leading learning organizations and ensure learning processes at CA are evidence-based and effectively applied. They establish benchmarks and data sets to assess instructional practices to inform impact. With the goal of moving learning in our organization forward, the professional learning lead organizes professional development, differentiated professional learning, and mentor programs for our new teachers. Instructional coaches, in addition to developing
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The Information Technology (IT) department is committed to helping students achieve their academic potential. All students are unique and have different needs. Therefore, IT decision-making reflects a student-centered approach that results in technology choices that serve student needs and enhance learning. At Calgary Academy we invest in a variety of assistive learning technologies to lower barriers learners may face while also supporting accessibility with our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model for older students. We believe that every student and teacher must have access to appropriate technologies when and where they are needed. The IT department works with students and teachers to ensure that they receive the best support in using technology to achieve their academic goals. The team works with students at an on-site IT Help Desk to troubleshoot technology problems they may experience. Award-winning SMART Technologies interactive displays are set up in classrooms to engage learning, and students attending Calgary Academy enjoy access to the full Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud product suites as well as Power School’s Learning Management System (Power Learning). Calgary Academy has a long history of meeting the individual needs of each student. As we plan for the next 35 years, our school vision is one of innovation: to be a beacon of possibility for richly personalized, engaging learning experiences that empower learners to pursue lives of passion and purpose. The Learning and Innovation department is excited to work within our school community as we create the next chapters of our story together. 
BY Jackie McDougall
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n 2018, the Calgary Academy school community proudly launched the School Council of Calgary Academy (SCOCA). Composed of parent and staff representatives, this volunteer organization has already made tangible, lasting impacts on the school.
With a mandate to represent the views of the school community at large, this advisory council initiated the first-ever formal CA parent volunteer community. Over 50 parents signed up to volunteer throughout the year, helping with major events such as the Terry Fox Run, scribing for students during exams, designing bulletin boards and assisting the school Drama department or coaching Knights Athletics teams. The Volunteer Pool also established two Staff Appreciation Dinners run during Parent Teacher Conference evenings, providing hot meals to the busy CA staff. The staff enjoyed the homemade supper, but the true takeaway was that the teachers were able to spend their break time together, building camaraderie and collegiality. Thank you to all families who supported this initiative. It was warmly appreciated! The larger council took an active role in Calgary Academy’s first year implementing the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, advising on major initiatives such as the Learning Model, Master Facility Plan, the addition of Kindergarten to Calgary
Academy, the Annual Education Results Report, and changes to the school calendar and schedule. Looking into its second year, the spring election took place in May. All parents are automatically granted membership in SCOCA, which comes with voting privileges at the AGM. The second year will look to build off this year’s successes—SCOCA will aim to promote a deeper sense of community among parents, students and CA staff and will strive to expand SCOCA’s profile in the school through consistent participation at CA events by providing new and varied volunteer opportunities, and by utilizing avenues such as social media and new parent orientation to increase parent engagement. All SCOCA information, including bylaws, agendas, minutes, and detailed meeting recaps can be found at calgaryacademy.com/school-council.
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CALGARY ACADEMY PARENT ASSOCIATION BY CAPA
Calgary Academy Parents Association (CAPA) is a not-for-profit organization comprised of parent volunteers that has been raising funds for over 30 years, in support of children requiring Calgary Academy’s specialized education program. Since its inception, CAPA has raised over $5 million in much-needed funding for bursaries. The group’s primary source of funding comes from working approximately 15 bingos per month, and a casino every 12-18 months. Elected in October 2018, Calgary Academy Parent Association’s new Board of Directors is as follows:
AARON LANE
CARLA NEUMEIER
DAVE PETERS
CHERIE MORRISON
STEVE PATTERSON
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Past President
The new Board of Directors has been working hard these past few months to forge relationships with the newly formed School Council of Calgary Academy (SCOCA), as well as senior executives at Calgary Academy, with the goal of future collaboration on new fundraising ideas. CAPA’s strong relationship with Calgary Academy ensures financial support is available for students who need it. CAPA would like to encourage the Calgary Academy community to share ideas on how to expand fundraising efforts in order to offer additional bursaries in support of the growing student population. If you want to learn more about CAPA, please check out our website at capa-calgary.com or contact Aaron Lane at aaronlane@crestconsultants.com or Carla Neumeier at c.neumeier@shaw.ca.
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Based on strong parental interest, a natural alignment to our expertise, and excitement for the opportunity to inspire greater numbers of students with a love of learning, the decision was made to add a Grade 1 program to Calgary Academy in the fall of 2018.
INSPIRING EARLY LEARNERS: GRADE 1 PROGRAM BY Kim McLean
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arents have always been interested in earlier entrance into the CA program and we know that the first years of a student’s education journey are the foundation for all future learning. For Calgary Academy, adding a Grade 1 program would be the first step in taking on those early learning years to help young learners build the strongest possible foundation.
While adding another grade might sound like an easy undertaking for an established school like Calgary Academy, the truth was that extensive planning was necessary to develop an engaging and hands-on Grade 1 program. With Grade 1 teacher Paula Munoz at the helm as teacher, the days are full as her students dive into literacy and numeracy, science and social studies. They tackle hands-on activities that engage a variety of diverse learning styles. The results of all our preparations, and of course, Ms. Munoz’s leadership and dedication, have been wonderful. From extensive outdoor education adventures, to a multidisciplinary hands-on activity that saw students explore human impact on rivers and waterways, our Grade 1 students have embraced their learning and are well-prepared for the next step in their learning journeys. “The magic of wonder is displayed in open exploration and deeply engaged learning with the class. They naturally reflect on their learning through making, creating, doing, collaborating and designing.” Longtime staff member Maureen Kelly-Gibson describes her experience with the Grade 1 students, as one of the facilitators of the project-based learning activity. This fall, we will be joined by an even younger group of students as we launch the Calgary Academy Kindergarten program. These are exciting times as CA expands program offerings and brings the signature “CA Way” to even more learners!
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International Travel Studies BY Darren Chu
I
caught the travel bug in my grade nine year when I was offered the opportunity to travel to Ecuador. We would visit Old Colonial Quito, scale the dormant volcano Cotopaxi, and descend into the Amazon Rainforest. Our trip concluded with a visit to Yachana Lodge, which means “a place for learning,” and whose commitment to sustainable tourism has always resonated with me. Last year, nearly twenty years later, I would finally return to Ecuador as a teacher hoping to instill that same sense of wonder into a group of twenty-four students.
In 2005, Calgary Academy’s International Travel Studies program launched with its inaugural trip to Tanzania. Since then we have successfully toured students to over a dozen different countries around the world. That list includes locales such as Cambodia, Mozambique, Ukraine, and Peru, the last of which is one of two trips that traveled this spring break (the other being a return to Tanzania).
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The program is offered to students in Grades 10-12, and we are fortunate to have staff with a shared passion for travel and who volunteer to embark on these journeys. Our mission is to provide students with authentic travel experiences and opportunities to share the REACH philosophy through altruistic service-learning projects at home and around the world.
Last year, CA offered two trips: one to Vietnam, and another to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. In Vietnam, students were immersed in local culture through cooking classes and a lantern-building workshop. Visits to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Crimes Museum revealed the lasting impact on locals from the war between Vietnam and America. As part of their
service-learning project, the group Highlights for Tanzania include safaris life skills than a foreign airport! When helped tear down an old classroom and in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti students return to Canada, the most prepare a site for a new one to be built. National Park, both home to the common realization is an appreciation for home and a On the Ecuador trip, deep sense of students worked at empathy for those an orphanage for That feeling of empathy sits at the core of the entire living in different children with HIV. They were tasked program, for it defines the work we do at home as well circumstances. That feeling of empathy with painting murals as overseas. sits at the core of in the dormitories the entire CA ITS and organizing several years’ worth of donations in the magnificent “Big Five” (lions, elephants, program, for it defines the altruism work cellar. Their hard work was rewarded with rhinoceros, leopards, and Cape Buffalo). we do at home as well as overseas. My hope as the Program Coordinator is that an exploration of the Galapagos Islands, complete with giant tortoises, marine Further to the experience of immersing all participants come away with a sense oneself in a foreign culture are the of wonder and joy that they can share iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. development of skills we believe to with others. This year, we sent a group of students be important in shaping CA students to Peru, and another to Tanzania. The to be global citizens: empathy, time To that end, I leave you with wisdom independence, and once shared with me: “Wherever you go, highlight for Peru was a hike along management, the Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu adaptability. There is no better teacher go with all your heart.” –Confucius Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” or classroom for learning such critical
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Ben Pratico
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ecognition of long service employees highlights and rewards the deep commitment so many Calgary Academy staff demonstrate to our students. With their deep understanding of the work we do on behalf of learners, these individuals play a key role in mentoring new staff and modeling the CA Way. They have dedicated many years of their professional lives to our school and for that we salute them! For the 2018-2019 school year, the following individuals were recognized for their long-standing service to Calgary Academy:
BRIAN WITTWER
JOHN LE
CHRISTINE GILES
GRAHAM DIEHL JANET LEWIS
DARCIE TATE DEAN SAWATZKY
KAREN GOUR KAREN STILES MARK SCHUEGRAF MEAGAN HEARD PAULA MUNOZ SARAH HAMILTON DARCIE TATE
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Calgary Academy’s alumni are an outstanding group of individuals. Through volunteering their time and talent, they have provided an invaluable resource for our students, and serve as examples of what is possible through earning a Calgary Academy diploma. As our alumni continue to make their mark on the world, CA is watching, knowing there are countless stories to share about their successes, adventures, and achievements! It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you five of these outstanding alumni.
JON BOYER BY Kim McLean
When Jon Boyer stands in his backyard and looks out to the sunny day ahead, he can see the Hollywood sign. This is a far cry from the snow and cold of Alberta where he grew up. Jon has found success in the difficult world of screenwriting and he doesn’t mind telling you that Calgary Academy helped him to achieve this success.
Academy Nicholl Fellowship (The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences) with his script: FREE BYRD. His script was also showcased on Hollywood’s “Black List” of top, ‘yet to be produced’ screenplays. Jon’s writing gained him representation by William Morris Endeavor (WME) and Zero Gravity Entertainment, and today, Jon has projects in development with various studios and production companies in Hollywood.
Jon arrived at Calgary Academy You have to be a risk taker to have in junior high. He felt he just As Jon describes his day and didn’t fit into the typical the confidence to take an idea that the processes needed to be a classroom setting and at that successful writer, you know he time snowboarding was just is not fully developed and share it, has found a way to capitalize on becoming popular and time on over and over again until you find the his Attention Deficit Disorder the hill was better than time in and use it as an asset—you have the classroom! Within days of right fit for your story. to be able to think on your feet arriving at Calgary Academy Jon and share ideas, while at the knew he had found the right school for him. “They didn’t try to force me into a preconceived same time you must listen to what the client is suggesting box of who I was.” He says. “They took time to get to know me, and mold them a combination of your story and their vision, all how I learned, what I was interested in and what I needed. Most within a 10 minute pitch! You have to be a risk taker to have the confidence to take an idea that is not fully developed and share of all they listened to me and they let me be me.” it, over and over again until you find the right fit for your story. Jon and the school worked together to enable him to take his snowboarding to a professional level while still completing school Jon does not mind sharing his own story with others, telling and graduating. He then combined his love for snowboarding them that without Calgary Academy accepting him and and photography to become a freelance writer for various sport supporting him he would not be where he is today. publications. This led to telling stories from behind the camera, Having never forgotten his Canadian roots, Jon’s love for the producing commercials, and then to screenwriting. mountains of his youth often finds its way into his work and he While honing this craft, Jon placed as a semi-finalist in the 2013 still likes to return to the snow (and cold!) whenever he can.
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PAMELA SCEVIOUR BY Dana Braunberger PHOTOGRAPHY BY Bob Tolsma
Traveling the world, managing a growing bistro, and shaking hands with our Prime Minister are all in a day’s work of our alumna, Pamela Sceviour.
me, this really helps people appreciate differences between us. Everyone was unique, and each person helped me see the different possibilities and directions my life could go.”
Pamela took a moment from her busy role in operations at Following her graduation from CA, she earned her diploma Canada Pacific Railway’s Bistro at Ogden Station to speak with from SAIT, which led to an opportunity to intern at Royal us about her time at CA, her current adventures and lessons Canadian Pacific, a division of Canadian Pacific that focuses on Luxury Historical Trains. learned along the way. Pamela Pamela has never looked back. attended Calgary Academy She participated in the iconic CP from Grade 7 through Grade 12. Canada 150 Train, conducting Pamela noted that she was a shy Pamela noted that she was a shy the cross-country tour and young girl, and that the small young girl, and that the small class connecting with thousands class sizes afforded her not only of Canadians. In addition to the opportunity to receive the sizes afforded her the opportunity to travelling in beautifully restored academic coaching she needed, Heritage Cars, Pamela had a but also a chance to “speak up” receive the academic coaching she front row seat to the amazing so that her voice could be heard. needed, and a chance to “speak up” Canadian talent that was She enjoyed being a regular showcased at multiple stops contributor on the technical so that her voice would be heard. throughout the route including crew for drama productions, Dallas Arcand, the champion played volleyball, was a Aboriginal hoop dancer, and scorekeeper for basketball, and country singers Dean Brody traveled to the West Coast to play percussion as a member of the Calgary Academy Band. and Kelly Prescott. Pamela even had the opportunity to shake All of these activities helped Pamela find her confidence and hands with our Prime Minister, one of the many VIP passengers and celebrities who travelled on this spectacular train. develop new passions. Looking back, Pamela noted that, in addition to the learning and extracurricular experiences, one of the best parts of CA was the “many different kinds of people who came here. To
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Pamela has one piece of advice for current CA students: “get your hands dirty. You never know what you want to do until you give it a try”.
OREN LAMON-FISCHER BY Sarah Hoag
What was happening in the world in 2001, you ask? Janet Jackson performed the song of the year, “All For You”, Gladiator won five Oscars, the world was introduced to the first generation iPod, the XBox hit the market and transformed the world of gaming, and Oren Lamon-Fischer graduated from Calgary Academy ready to take on the world. According to Oren, the structure of the teaching, the dedicated teachers, and full-year classes positioned him to enter the University of Calgary to complete an Economics degree.
finance, accounting, and budgets; all skills associated with a landlord’s responsibilities. Oren works daily on projects that include capital improvement projects, financial reporting and tenant relationships.
Oren has used his vast knowledge and experience to invest in his own rental properties with his wife, Stephanie. When time permits in their busy schedules, they can be found renovating their home or spending time in the mountains. Their busy life has become even busier, as their If you know what you want to daughter Brynn was born at the do, don’t hesitate to grab the end of December!
Business leader Robert Tew once said, “Challenge yourself every day to do better and be better. opportunity. If you do not know what When asked if he had one piece Remember, growth starts with of advice for Calgary Academy’s a decision to move beyond your you want to do, take some time to 2019 graduates, Oren said this: present circumstances.” Oren’s experience life. drive caught the attention of If you know what you want to an Alberta-based development do, don’t hesitate to grab the firm where he spent nine years opportunity. If you do not know gaining valuable experience what you want to do, take some in property management, time to experience life. Oren construction and commercial development. Again, Oren’s travelled to Australia and Singapore after graduation and desire for challenge brought new opportunities and projects, claims that his time spent there was a wonderful transition which brought him to his current position, working for to adulthood that helped determine what he wanted out of Harvard Property Management Inc. where he is responsible life. Calgary Academy is proud of this successful alumnus, who for managing 660,000 square feet of commercial real estate continually challenges himself to do better and to be better. in the Calgary area, including the new home of CBC Radio Oren is a role model we can all look up to. Canada. His economics degree helped him understand
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JAKE CHURCH BY Colleen Fleming
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! This familiar phrase has been a part 6, where he was able to bond and spend extra time with his of Jake Church’s vernacular since the age of four. He began teachers and classmates. Being at a school that provided his acting career by appearing in commercials for Enmax and individual assistance for students was very beneficial for Cardel Homes; movie auditions and voice-over work soon Jake. While on the set of Heartland, he had a private tutor, followed. His family has a long history of involvement in the with whom he worked every day, to ensure that he stayed film industry and his big breakthrough came at the age of 11, current with his school work. Without CA’s support for this when he played Jake Gyllenhaal arrangement, Jake would not and Anne Hathaway’s son in have enjoyed the same level Being at a school that provided of success. Brokeback Mountain.
individual assistance for students As Jake continues to shine in Working alongside some of the entertainment business, he Hollywood’s biggest stars was very beneficial for Jake, while is an encouraging role model has been an extraordinary on the set of Heartland. He had a for other young people who experience for Jake. A special have their sights set on a similar moment that stood out for private tutor, with whom he worked career path. Although Jake him was when Jake Gyllenhaal commented that he hasn’t complimented him on his new every day, to ensure that he stayed received much in the way of his runners and was then seen current with his school work. formal training, he encourages wearing his own pair in a photo! its pursuit because there is Jake also shared that his older much to learn about the film sisters, who are also actors, were big fans of Anne Hathaway. After they finished filming industry. He shared that he usually seeks extra coaching when Brokeback Mountain, Anne Hathaway sent his sisters a photo auditioning for a big role because he understands the value with a thoughtful, personal note. Most recently, Jake played of others’ perspectives and insight. Jake continues to hone the role of Jake Anderson on the award-winning Canadian his craft and will appear in the upcoming Netflix series, Black show Heartland. Summer, which will premiere this summer. Be sure to check out this incredible alumnus on a screen near you! Jake has fond memories of his four years at CA. He enjoyed his teachers and recalls their enthusiasm and zest for teaching. One event that stood out for Jake was going to camp in Grade 22 CAPTIVATE MAGAZINE
MELISSA GOLDSMITH BY Betty Braithwaite PHOTOGRAPHY BY Bob Tolsma
What do you get when you mix a love of computer game design with the altruistic use of a soapy sponge, then add in a big splash of drive and determination? Answer: Melissa Goldsmith, Calgary Academy graduate of the Class of 2018! Melissa was a familiar sight in the hallways of CA, having been a student at the school for 10 years. From the moment she stepped in the doors as an 8-year-old, Melissa knew she wanted to make a difference. This desire prompted her to join the elementary Quest Council. Being a natural introvert, it was a huge step for Melissa to make her speech, which led to her election to the Quest Council. During her high school years, this desire to make a positive difference to our school further led Melissa to her much-admired work as part of the “tech team” for the school plays. Her teachers also recall Melissa’s unrelenting drive and determination to improve her academic performance by tirelessly seeking extra help outside of class time. At Calgary Academy, Melissa was also recognized for her passion for the arts, and it was no surprise when she was presented with the Art Excellence Award at her graduation ceremony. Melissa credits her love of computer game design to her experiences at Calgary Academy. At the age of 16, a guest speaker provided her moment of epiphany: “It was a presentation in art class from a Vancouver school that made me realize I wanted to do this. It came at a very opportune time because it was right around the time that I realized I no longer wanted to be an architect.” Currently, Melissa is enrolled at Sheridan College in the Arts and Design program.
Melissa plans to graduate in 2022, travel to Germany, and then pursue her dreams of professional animation. Melissa recommends this program to others who are interested in video game design, but she cautions: “I enjoy the path I’m taking but it’s not easy. I recommend that people only pursue it if they are willing to commit 100% to the nature of the work done here. The industry, in general, involves more than a few all-nighters and people that come into this program thinking it will be easy usually don’t make it very far.” Drive and determination? Check! Passion for game design? Check! Now where does the soapy sponge fit into this story? Teachers fondly recall how Melissa and her friend Michaela would travel from classroom to classroom down the Grades 11/12 wing, volunteering to clean the student desks at the end of each week. It was this altruistic spirit that resulted in Melissa being recognized with the Community Outreach Award at Graduation. Melissa is grateful for the support she received as a long-time student at Calgary Academy, and she has a final piece of advice for current CA students: “If you’re going here because of a learning challenge, remember the hardest things in life are often the most worth it.” To experience Melissa’s first published game, visit https://globalgamejam.org/2019/games/finding-home-11
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WITH APPRECIATION
It is with deep appreciation that we extend our gratitude to Raymond and Norma Jaenen for their years of generosity to our organization. Our advancements in 21st century teaching and learning are founded in support from the Jaenen family and have brought immense benefits to Calgary Academy students and their families. Thank you!
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BUILDER SERIES At Calgary Academy, we have always had outstanding staff willing to go the extra distance for our students. We also have staff who have made significant contributions over the years. We call these people the Builders.
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hey are the people who come to CA and leave more than an enduring mark on our students; they leave a legacy for the entire organization. We are thrilled to continue this series with our first female Builder, Kim McLean.
Kim McLean took a leap of faith when she left Ontario in 1981 to join Calgary Academy: one of the first Canadian schools dedicated to students with learning disabilities. As a second-year special education teacher and volunteer with the
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Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, she was already heartbroken to see how the public system was failing so many perfectly capable students. “There was a lack of understanding of learning disabilities. These students didn’t graduate, they dropped out of school, there was no money allocated for specialized supports for them,” explains Kim. She wanted to be part of a team striving
to make change in the field of learning disabilities, and in doing so, change the lives of students who were being left behind.
and teachers alike reach their potential. From developing the first staff mentorship program, to sharing her expertise with external audiences and developing entirely new programs, Kim’s impact on CA is deep and rich.
Joining a new school in its first year of offering a radically different program was not for the faint of heart; but the gamble paid off. That first year, Kim was astounded at how Her master’s thesis ‘Metacognitive Lesson Planning for Learning Disabled Students’ was quickly CA’s students grew in an adopted as CA’s lesson plan and environment that understood and has been shared with many other met their needs. “The kids were Fueled by passion and schools. She helped CA offer happy, they learned to read, they got Teacher Institutes and was the Chair their confidence back. Behaviours expertise, Kim has progressed of the ‘Coming Together’ private they were exhibiting because they through several leadership schools conferences; all so teachers didn’t think they were smart enough, from other schools could learn best disappeared. They wanted to go to roles at Calgary Academy, practices from the field of learning school!” she enthuses. disabilities education. helping students and teachers Kim’s compassion and commitment alike reach their potential. Kim started her work at CA as a played a major role in helping pioneer in the field of learning those first CA students succeed. disabilities and today over 3000 As an early advocate and now as a widely recognized expert on remedial learning and learning students have benefitted from the school she helped build. She disabilities, Kim’s knowledge and experience have shaped is a 40-year volunteer with the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, a member of their Research Committee, and she much of the programming at Calgary Academy. testified as a learning disabilities expert, representing all LD Fueled by passion and expertise, Kim has progressed through students in the Court of Queen’s Bench in a tax case – which several leadership roles at Calgary Academy, helping students was successful! Not surprisingly, she is also a keynote speaker on many topics related to learning disabilities. In recognition of her many outstanding achievements, Kim received the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada’s National Award of Excellence in Education. But, Kim is humble about her decades of achievement, and she reminds us to keep growing and trying new things. She continues to expand her learning by working with her colleagues on the updated Calgary Academy Learning Model and the development of a new Kindergarten program. In recent years Kim even joined a competitive co-ed ice hockey team in her spare time! And so, Kim goes beyond inspiring learners at Calgary Academy; she inspires us all to be lifelong learners unafraid to embrace new passions. Kim’s immense impact is clear when students talk about her. A former student, who is now a Hollywood screenwriter, recently shared, “If it wasn’t for Kim believing in me, I would never be where I am today.” To Kim, there’s no better compliment.
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CONTRIBUTORS SERIES
A
s our school continues to grow, it becomes more important to reflect on where we came from, and the people who helped us get to where we are today. It took the tireless efforts of so many people to ensure our survival in the early days. This Contributors feature will showcase and recognize the ones outside our organization who committed their time, their talents, and/or their financial support to the CA legacy.
A school cannot exist or succeed on its own, and our lasting success is the culmination of the efforts of so many, including the wholly altruistic efforts of our external contributors.
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In our inaugural edition, we introduced you to our “Founding Four” Jim Gray, Doug Rogan, George Perry, and James Chaput, who were instrumental in the growth and success of our school. With each successive issue, we’ll continue to share an in-depth story on outstanding individuals such as them.
This is Doug Rogan’s story. Doug Rogan arrived in Calgary in 1960 carrying nothing more than a suitcase. By chance, the recent graduate of the University of Saskatchewan met Jim Gray through mutual friends, sparking a lifelong friendship, business relationship and ultimately the creation of Calgary Academy. While Doug’s career was in oil, his heart is in the work he does to support Calgary’s youth. A former director of Calgary’s Scouts Foundation, board member of the Canadiana Project for youth struggling with addiction, and one of CA’s co-founders, he uses his agile business skills to support youth-focused organizations.
Doug and Jim searched for the property—and funding—to build a permanent space for CA and in 1994 the school opened its permanent location on 17 acres of land west of the city. Doug recalls thinking “if we could get 200 young people here we’ll have reached nirvana. But look at us today, CA is approaching a population of 600 students.” More than the size of the student population, Doug is most proud of how many lives CA touches. Over 3000 students have attended the school but Doug knows CA doesn’t just support students, it bolsters their parents and extended families.
So when Jim Gray and Hal Anderson, CA’s first Executive Director, approached him in 1981 with the idea of creating a school for students with learning disabilities—Doug was eager to help.
“If you’ve ever talked to families of a child with a real learning disability, it impacts the whole extended family,” he explains. “I regard it as a great opportunity that we can support all those people.”
CA offered a welcome service for families and youth, but as Doug recalls that first decade was still fraught with challenges; financial struggles, constant recruiting efforts and most problematic—the lack of a permanent space. For ten years, CA leased spaces from the Calgary School Board but by 1991 the board had run out of space to share.
Looking forward, Doug sees that education needs to change in a technology-infused world, and he’s confident CA will persevere again. “We’re at the front end of the second stage of major growth and it’s exciting. The professional teaching staff here are ready for that. They are young people, impressive and anxious to do it better, not just the same old way.”
“So there we were, no funding and we’re out on the street,” says Doug. “We had to decide, do we shut down and go away—or survive. And we said, ‘we’re not quitting.’”
“Jim Gray and I have been friends for 60 years without ever tiring of each other. He doesn’t make judgements, instead he looks for the strengths in things. He’s a positive force.” CAPTIVATE MAGAZINE 29
Purpose of Award To recognize alumni of Calgary Academy who have unselfishly demonstrated the highest standards of achievement, leadership and innovation in their contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of their community.
This award will: ĉĉ Honor and celebrate alumni who have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership. ĉĉ Develop connections between the school and its alumni community. ĉĉ Raise the school’s profile and highlight the accomplishments of its alumni. ĉĉ Strengthen alumni pride and affinity to the school.
Eligibility of Nominee
The Calgary Academy Alumni Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Alumnus of the Year Award, to honor an outstanding alumnus.
ĉĉ Recipients of the award are expected to be formally recognized and agree to have their name publicized accordingly. ĉĉ Award cannot be given to current members of the Alumni Advisory Board. ĉĉ Award will not be given to current CA staff members unless they have demonstrated commitment beyond the scope of their duties. ĉĉ Recipients must hold a diploma from Calgary Academy. ĉĉ Posthumous nominations will not be considered. ĉĉ Self-nominations will not be considered. For more information and to receive a nomination form, please contact alumni@calgaryacademy.com
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2015
ALUMNI UPDATES 2011
LINDSAY CUMMING (STAYNER) After working in the advertising industry in Toronto and Calgary, Lindsay realized a passion for helping others and began a career in the non-profit sector. After eight years at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, she returned to her alma mater and is currently the Senior Strategist, Donor Relations at Mount Royal University.
2013
JON APOLONIO
JASON GEIGER
Jon currently resides in Vancouver. As a professional photographer, he takes photos for local boutiques in Vancouver. He is in the process of completing a fashion design program.
Imagine roaming the halls of Calgary Academy inside a Virtual Reality headset! Or how about playing a VR game that helps teach you new languages? Jason is an XR programmer developing AR/VR content with MAMMOTH XR.
2009
2003
HAYDEN MACRAE
KENT MERRIMAN
Hayden’s fall art show was held on November 1, 2019 with great success.. Hayden’s powerful glass art work can be seen on Instagram @fascappleglass. He is proud to announce that his new glass studio opened in May 2019.
Kent’s inaugural exhibition Kent Merriman Jr – In the Pocket of Time was held on December 7, 2018. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) in 2013. Kent will be featured in Glenbow Museum’s One New Work series, in the summer of 2019.
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CONNECT WITH US!
facebook-f facebook.com/wearecalgaryacademy GLOBE calgaryacademy.com ENVELOPE alumni@calgaryacademy.com
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