Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that our school sits on Treaty 7 territory, and that the people of the Blackfoot Confederacy — including the Siksiká, Piikáni, Káinai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Stoney Nakoda including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations, were the caretakers of the land where we now learn and play.
Calgary French & International School is situated on Aiss ka pooma, a traditional Blackfoot name meaning Medicine Hill, and known today as Paskapoo Slopes. The buffalo that roamed this traditional hunting ground provided food, shelter and clothing to its inhabitants. This land continues to be a place where plants, animals, rocks, water, air and earth, people and all things tangible and intangible exist. As participants now gathered here at CFIS, in the heart of Aiss ka pooma, we have an ongoing responsibility to protect, learn about and honour the land. We thank its traditional caretakers and knowledge keepers.
EDIA Statement
CFIS is a respectful community, dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We deeply value the unique identities and well-being of every community member, striving to ensure everyone feels accepted, supported, and has a true sense of belonging. We embrace and share a variety of perspectives, experiences, and cultures. With kindness and empathy, we learn and grow together.
We care. Nous sommes bienveillants. We connect.
Nous créons des liens. We strive. Nous visons l’excellence. We grow. Nous grandissons ensemble.
Mission
Calgary French & International School develops each student’s individual and academic potential through full French immersion, an international focus and the development of the whole student in a rich and dynamic learning environment.
Vision
CFIS graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for life-long success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education.
We are CFIS. Nous sommes CFIS.
Nicola Abrioux-Camirand Head of School
Kate Bilson CFIS Society Chair
A Message from the Head of School and Board Chair
With the strength of
our
community and the shared belief in what’s possible, we are building more than just new spaces, we are shaping the next chapter of CFIS.
As we reflect on the 2024–2025 school year, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the strength, care, and connection that define the CFIS community. This year has been one of remarkable growth, shared purpose, and renewed momentum, marked by record enrollment, inspiring accomplishments, and bold steps toward our future.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our families, staff, alumni, and friends. It is your dedication, generosity, and belief in CFIS that make everything we do not only possible, but truly meaningful.
We are CFIS. Nous Sommes CFIS.
These words reflect the heart of who we are: a vibrant, multilingual community rooted in excellence and united by a shared vision. That vision has come to life in powerful ways this year. From record attendance at school events to the resounding success of our Spring Benefit, the momentum at CFIS has never been stronger. We celebrated the arrival of the electric bus and took meaningful steps toward sustainability, and began construction on exciting new campus renovations set to transform our learning spaces in summer 2025.
A vital part of this momentum comes from our Board of Governors. This dedicated team of community leaders, educators, and visionaries plays a critical role in shaping the direction of our school. Their strategic guidance and unwavering commitment to CFIS ensure we remain at the forefront of educational excellence. Their support has been instrumental in launching these transformative projects, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership and belief in our shared future. We are equally grateful to our extraordinary community of donors and volunteers. Your generosity and belief in CFIS continue to fuel our growth and impact. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals to bring visionary enhancements to life, because tuition alone covers only our day-to-day operations and maintenance.
Innovation, expansion, and improvement beyond the classroom is made possible thanks to those who choose to invest in the future of our students.
The future of CFIS is bold, ambitious, and within reach. With the strength of our community and the shared belief in what’s possible, we are building more than just new spaces, we are shaping the next chapter of CFIS. Every step forward is a testament to our collective vision, our courage to grow, and our commitment to creating something truly lasting. Together, we are laying the foundation for a legacy that will inspire and empower generations to come.
Board of Governors
Board Observers
Senior Leadership Team
Kate Bilson
CFIS Society Chair
Vlad Grigore
CFIS Society Vice Chair
Oyin Shyllon
CFIS Society Secretary-Treasurer
Prince Azom
Gordon Ellis
Marc Hodgins
Margarita Houston
Nketti Johnston-Taylor
Natashya Lalani
Mario Mele
Katherine Mueller
Mark Schulz
Josh Share
Heather Treacy
Derek Wheatley
Jo-Anne Yau
Jim Zunti
Keltie Bilkoski
Victoria Bohm
Tommy Gelbman
Isabelle Petit
Laura Thiessen
Nicola Abrioux-Camirand Head of School
Tawnya Schile Assistant Head of School: Academics and Operational Compliance
Amy Murray Assistant Head of School: Community and Early Learning
Elyse Bilodeau Director of Primary School
Ben Hunter Director of Middle and Senior School
Chantalle Bourque Director of Global Education & Experiential Learning
Julie Thomson Director of Finance
Stephanie Kallay Director of Development
Pedro Wong Director of Business Services
Investing in our students.
Setting the stage
The CFIS music programs boost confidence and open students’ eyes to different perspectives.
Music brings communities together. It’s a universal language, and it’s essential for our students. It sparks creativity, supports self-expression, and helps build critical thinking skills. It also challenges students to step outside their comfort zone and learn something new. Through performance, they develop teamwork, focus, and problem-solving. The CFIS music programs boost confidence and open students’ eyes to different perspectives, enriching both their education and their view of the world.
Andrew Bacsalmasi Music Specialist
$ 100,000 raised and invested into performance upgrades in the elementary gym
The future of design & innovation
Students will cultivate critical abilities in problem-solving, collaboration & design thinking.
The new design labs are pivotal for our students, providing cutting-edge tools and inspiring spaces that ignite creativity and innovation. These spaces will unlock greater potential by offering handson opportunities to develop new skills in digital fabrication, 3D modeling, and multimedia design. Empowered to bring their ideas to life, students will cultivate critical abilities in problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking.
This dynamic environment will not only enhance artistic expression but also prepare them for future careers in the evolving fields of technology, entrepreneurship and design.
$ 150,000 raised and invested into new design labs and collaborative learning spaces
Tawnya Schile Assistant Head of School: Academics and Operational Compliance
Renovations & a bright future.
Derek Wheatley Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee & Society Board Governor
We ensure the school’s continued growth and vitality for both today’s community and generations to come.
The CFIS Strategic Planning Committee is dedicated to supporting School Leadership in advancing the priorities and success measures of the CFIS Strategic Plan (2023-2028). Our work includes goals and metrics tied to a financial plan that supports the maintenance and growth of our facilities. School Leadership prioritizes students, faculty, families, and the broader community in shaping CFIS’s future. This year, the Secondary Facilities Renovation is enhancing student and faculty spaces as part of a $3 million project, projected to come in 5% under budget. Expansion plans for ECE and Elementary are being carefully reviewed to ensure financial strength while improving facilities for our youngest learners. Our commitment extends beyond construction and finance to actively supporting initiatives that enhance learning opportunities and improve instructional methods. In doing so, we ensure the school’s continued growth and vitality for both today’s community and generations to come.
Highlights
Renovation
Completed in September 2025
Senior School Community Hub
Elementary Gym Performance
Enhancements
Completed in December 2025
Design STEM Labs for Middle & Senior School
Expansion
Coming soon
We raised $ 280,000 thanks to your support Highlights ‘24/25
106
117
$132,000 THE IMPACT OF YOUR GENEROSITY
Students enriched Families supported Teachers & staff inspired
FUNDS RAISED AT A GLANCE raised toward CFIS Annual Fund
$100,000
$19,500 raised toward Student Bursaries $19,000 Spring Benefit net proceeds
Jörd student fundraising
Building Fund Loans donated $15,000
One Community, One Purpose.
Stephanie Kallay Director of Development
As a non-profit organization, it’s your time, generosity, and involvement that make the CFIS experience truly exceptional.
At CFIS, we often say it takes a village, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have have a caring, generous, and engaged community walking alongside us.
One Community, One Purpose reflects our shared commitment to giving students the best possible education in a supportive and inspiring environment.
As a non-profit organization, it’s your time, generosity, and involvement that make the CFIS experience truly exceptional. Whether you volunteer, make a donation, or attend community events, every contribution helps strengthen programs, support students and staff, and build a vibrant school community.
Your support fuels what sets CFIS apart: enriched learning, innovation, and the meaningful experiences that shape our students’ growth. When we come together with a shared purpose, we do more than support a school, we build a stronger future for our children and for CFIS.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Why giving matters.
Gordon
As Chair of the Advancement Committee, and on behalf of our dedicated team, I want to thank you for being part of this incredible community. Many families don’t realize that we are a non-profit organization, meaning that while tuition covers day-to-day operations, the enhancements that elevate our students’ experiences are made possible through donor generosity and charitable giving.
From upgraded spaces to new programs, it’s the collective support of our parent community that fuels our progress. No gift is too small, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. There are many ways to give back, and together, our impact is powerful. We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support, generosity, and belief of our parents. Thank you for joining us in taking bold steps toward a bright and inspiring future for our students.
Ellis Chair of the Advancement Committee & Society Board Governor
‘24/25 Advancement Committee members
Gordon Ellis
Keltie Bilkoski
Margarita Houston
Nketti Johnston-Taylor
Laura Thiessen
Jo-Anne Yau
The Advancement Committee
The advancement committee plays an important advisory role at CFIS to help shape the school’s overall fundraising and community engagement strategy. By collaborating with the Development team, the Advancement Committee helps strengthen connections across our community and ensures the long-term growth of the school.
Giving that takes students further.
Chantalle Bourque Director of Global Education and Experiential Learning
$ 10.3K raised in ‘24/25 for the Round Square
Travel Bursary
Student travel and experiential learning go far beyond traditional sightseeing. Our focus on educational travel and cross-cultural connections deeply enriches students’ understanding of the world around them. These experiences help students develop resilience, adaptability, empathy, and independence. Students engage in thoughtful preparation and post-travel reflection, ensuring that learning is meaningfully integrated and personal growth is fully realized. Thanks to the generosity of our community, more students get to experience life-changing travel opportunities each year.
My first Round Square conference and travel experience truly deepened my understanding of diversity through my passion for public speaking. In just a week I was able to refine my communication and collaboration skills! I returned to CFIS with new ideas and a new sense of purpose; whether that leads me to study history, medicine, linguistics, or politics one day, I understand that my voice truly makes a difference in society.
Round Square Travel
Bursary Recipient
Class of 2026
Philanthropy starts here.
Students leading with purpose
As the Jörd Student Committee, we are proud to lead initiatives that support environmental sustainability in our school community. Each year, we fundraise for projects that make a positive impact, and this year, we chose to donate the money we raised to the Annual Fund in support of the exciting new learning spaces being created. We believe these spaces will inspire future generations to think big and act green. Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts - we’re so grateful. And a big thank you to our community for helping make the new Eco Bus a reality!
Jörd Student Committee
Alexander B. Class of ‘26
Isabel C. Class of ‘25
Nigel G. Class of ‘25
Sydney P. Class of ‘27
Aria G. Class of ‘26
Highlights
$ 19.5K raised through Jörd Student Committee led initiatives
The new Eco Bus arrived in March 2025, all made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Jörd Student Committee, coupled with individual donations and a generous matching gift from the Albrecht family.
Celebrating 55 years of community.
Five ways we celebrated CFIS’s 55th birthday.
Amy Murray Assistant Head of School: Community & Early Learning
We made art!
Our school year kicked off with our annual Welcome Back BBQ, where every guest added a sticker to a mural in the shape of the number 55. Each sticker was colour-coded to symbolize how long each guest had been a part of the CFIS community, with special golden stickers for everyone who had been with us for 12 years or more.
We threw a birthday party!
We threw a birthday party! At the request of our grade one students, we threw a birthday party at school on April 30th. Students and staff dressed up in their most celebratory vesti-party wear, added party hats, and gathered together to celebrate our school with singing, dancing, and some photos from the “good old days.”
We ate cake!
On that same day, our amazing food services staff served birthday cake to every student from toddlers to grade twelves, as well as all our staff.
We hosted the Spring Benefit at school!
For the first time ever, the CFIS gym was transformed into a sparkly event space, with food stations, a live band, and even custom cocktails as we celebrated CFIS Through the Decades.
Record attendance
& $ 132K raised
We launched a new chapter.
The renovations that were started this year are just the beginning of new learning spaces and opportunities that will touch CFIS students and families for years to come. We are so excited to see what the next 55 years will bring!
The power of getting involved.
Dominique Mathurin Primary School Parent & Volunteer
Time flies, and volunteering is a great way to be involved in your child’s life. I’ve seen firsthand how excited kids are to see their parents active at school. It’s a chance to better understand their experiences and to create memories that will last.
CFIS is an open and inclusive community where parents can feel confident sharing their stories and backgrounds. By stepping forward, you not only enrich the school experience but also help reflect the diverse, vibrant world we live in.
Jennifer Kerwin Senior School Parent & Volunteer
Support in the classroom
Coordinate community events
Serve smiles on pizza days
Supervise field trip adventures
Coach and cheer athletes
Fuel fundraising initiatives
Champion the musical production
Organize used uniform sales
Financial Reporting
Overview of the ‘23/24 audited statements ending August 31, 2024
REVENUE
$12,909,168
$4,191,605 Tuition & Fees
School Programs
Government Funding
$544,225 Donations & Fundraising (net)
$38,309 Other
$514,010
