CFIS Strategic Plan 2023-2028

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Strategic Plan 2023–2028

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.

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MISSION

VISION

Calgary French & International School

CFIS graduates will be active global

develops each student’s individual and

citizens with a foundation for life-long

academic potential through full French

success, and our school will be the leader

immersion, an international focus and

in French immersion and international

the development of the whole student in

education.

a rich and dynamic learning environment.

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We care.

Nous sommes bienveillants.

We connect.

Nous créons des liens.

We strive.

Nous visons l’excellence.

We grow.

Nous grandissons ensemble.

Leading with purpose.

A message from the Head of School & Society Board Chair

Our ambitious goals include: • Maintain strong student and staff retention through genuine commitment to each individual’s experience.

• Enhance programming by integrating global standards and real-world learning.

• Upgrade and create new dynamic spaces

At Calgary French & International School (CFIS), we empower multilingual minds and global hearts.

to foster innovation and growth.

• Expand enrolment where capacity allows.

Through our robust multilingual and international programming, we ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong

Milestones in Student Experience

love of learning. From Early Childhood Education

From enriched multilingual education to leadership

to Senior School, our students develop into critical

opportunities, CFIS students engage in diverse co-

thinkers and compassionate leaders prepared to

curricular activities, advocacy, and community service,

make their mark on the world.

building empathy and a sense of global responsibility.

We are proud to shape future-ready graduates who

Looking ahead, CFIS is poised for growth and inn-

are confident navigating diverse perspectives.

ovation. Our enhanced strategic plan charts a bold course for the future, guiding us toward our long-term

Join Us in Shaping the Future

vision of becoming Alberta’s only bilingual IB World

CFIS’s long-term vision is fueled by the collective

Continuum School. With PYP and DP authorizations

efforts of our community. Together, we aim to re-

in place, MYP authorization expected by 2027, and

imagine education and create a school environment

IB continuum integrated by 2028, CFIS will offer

that offers every student the tools, opportunities,

unparalleled opportunities for students to excel

and inspiration to thrive.

academically, culturally, and personally.

We invite you to explore the big ideas driving our

Building for the Future

School Continuum status to bold facility enhance-

To realize this vision, CFIS is committed to enhancing

ments that will transform the CFIS student experi-

our facilities and programs to accommodate growing

ence. Thank you for joining us as we build an exciting

enrolment and to offer transformative experiences.

future for our students.

strategic vision, from the journey toward IB World

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2023–2028 Strategic Plan

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Guiding the way.

Setting priorities for CFIS. The Strategic Planning Committee, working with the Head of School, identified five Strategic Priorities. These Strategic Priorities build on CFIS's strengths, whilst helping to address areas of challenge.

Strategic Priorities and Measures of Success PRIORITY 1 Grow vibrant school divisions within a full French immersion and international context.

PRIORITY 2 Engage our diverse community.

PRIORITY 3 Value and celebrate our staff.

PRIORITY 4 Enhance our financial flexibility.

PRIORITY 5 Evolve with purpose, together.

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Priority 1

Grow vibrant school divisions within a full French immersion and international context.

Bright ideas belong here.

PRIORITY 1.1 DELIVER ROBUST, EVOLVING ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING Inspire lifelong learners through seamless, world-class curriculum continuity. Integrate Alberta, IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, from toddlers to Grade 12.

Build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving. Nurture deep engagement in multilingual literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, and realworld problem solving.

Elevate French and global proficiency at every stage. From playful beginnings to purposeful fluency—foster confidence, competence, and readiness for life beyond graduation.

PRIORITY 1.2 STRENGTHEN BILINGUAL AND MULTILINGUAL COMPETENCIES Champion French immersion from toddlers to Grade 12. Deliver consistent, high-impact instruction that fosters deep fluency, confidence, and cultural appreciation.

Nurture multilingual growth through French, Spanish, and English pathways. Foster confident multilingual learners from ECE to Grade 12, with intentional growth in French, Spanish, and early English foundations.

Cultivate global communicators with strong, flexible language skills. Empower students to

By launching Junior Preschool, CFIS now offers the earliest French immersion entry point in Western Canada.

thrive in diverse settings through meaningful, progressive language learning.

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From the earliest

PRIORITY 1.3

start to graduation,

ALL AGES

CFIS students

and innovation. Elevate music, visual arts,

emerge bilingual & globally ready — welcomed by top English, French, and bilingual universities.

FOSTER WELL-ROUNDED STUDENTS AT

Enrich learning through the arts, athletics, drama, physical education, and design as core contributors to cognitive and personal growth.

Strengthen belonging and balance across all ages. Support executive functioning, mental health, and social-emotional development at every stage of learning.

Connect learners through meaningful, cross-divisional experiences. Foster student leadership, collaboration, and continuity from ECE to Grade 12.

PRIORITY 1.4 EXPAND EXPERIENTIAL AND REAL-WORLD LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Learn by doing—in classrooms, communities, and the world. Embed hands-on, meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding at every age.

Grow leaders who serve with purpose.

Develop each student’s leadership capacity through service, citizenship, and real-world engagement.

Expand pathways beyond the classroom.

Partner with communities to offer off-campus learning, internships, and global opportunities —including international travel—that prepare students for the future.

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Together we are community.

Priority 2

Engage our diverse community.

PRIORITY 2.1 CREATE A CULTURE OF BELONGING Celebrate diversity. Build connection. Live our values. Embrace individual differences and foster belonging through interdivisional programming and character education.

PRIORITY 2.2 STUDENTS ARE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY Empower student voice and leadership across all ages. Provide authentic opportunities for students to lead, shape change, and stand up for what matters.

PRIORITY 2.3 PARENTS ARE ACTIVE PARTNERS IN BUILDING A CARING, CONNECTED, AND THRIVING SCHOOL COMMUNITY Foster a culture of connection. Engage parents as community builders and collaborators in their child’s journey through volunteering to help shape our community.

PRIORITY 2.4 INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF CONNECTIONS WITH CFIS ALUMNI WHO GRADUATED FROM GRADE 12 Keep alumni connected—to each other and to CFIS. Strengthen relationships through data, annual events, and meaningful alumni involvement.

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“Here, you will find partners in raising your children—partners who help you navigate their education and their growth into well-rounded human beings, ready to face a world we know little about today.

Together—the school, the family, and the children—we can all learn and grow.”

Morella, IB MYP Parent

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Where talent takes root.

Priority 3 Value and celebrate our staff.

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PRIORITY 3.1 100% OF STAFF AND FACULTY FEEL VALUED AND SUPPORTED Nurture a culture of support, appreciation, and growth. Prioritize wellness, collaborative culture, and personalized professional development.

PRIORITY 3.1 CFIS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE EMPLOYER OF CHOICE AMONG FRENCH IMMERSION SCHOOLS IN ALBERTA Be the destination for top French immersion talent. Attract and retain excellent teachers and grow university partnerships.

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A culture of growth and giving.

Priority 4

Enhance our financial flexibility.

PRIORITY 4.1

PRIORITY 4.2

CFIS WILL MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND

CFIS FUNDRAISING SUPPORTS FINANCIAL

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONAL BUDGET

STRENGTH AND FUTURE GROWTH

Plan for the future—responsibly and strategically.

Grow a culture of giving with lasting impact.

Strengthen enrollment, optimize spending, and

Inspire philanthropy and strengthen systems that

maintain long-term financial sustainability.

support strategic fundraising.

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Building a future with care.

Priority 5 Evolve with purpose, together.

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PRIORITY 5.1 TELL OUR STORY WITH CLARITY, CONSISTENCY, AND PURPOSE. Develop and implement a cohesive, strategic approach to all strands of CFIS’s marketing and communications.

PRIORITY 5.2 ENSURE STABLE ENROLMENT ACROSS ALL DIVISIONS.

PRIORITY 5.3 EXPAND FACILITIES AND PROGRAM DELIVERY TO SUPPORT AND SUSTAIN ENROLMENT GROWTH AND THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE.

By 2027, CFIS will be the only bilingual IB World Continuum School in Western Canada.

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Coming into focus.

The CFIS Strategic Planning Committee, in conjunction with input from the Board and School Leadership, has selected priority improvements to the School.

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Looking ahead at CFIS EXPANDING THE CFIS EXPERIENCE Offering the CFIS experience to more students and families by enhancing our facilities and maintaining enrolment where capacities allow.

ENHANCED OPPORTUNIES Creating spaces and programs that offer greater opportunities for all CFIS students.

FUTURE EXPANSION Exploring opportunities to accommodate long-term growth.

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RENOVATION As our campus grows, so does our ability to meet demand

and sustain the quality and connection at the heart of CFIS.

Phase 1 renovation, at a glance:

Senior School Community Hub

Completed in September, 2025

Elementary Gym Performance Enhancements

Design STEM Labs for Middle & Senior Schools

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2023–2028 Strategic Plan

Completed in September, 2025

To be completed September, 2026

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EXPANSION The future is taking shape — thanks to the community bringing it to life.

2025 capacity

Future capacity goals

186

194

Early Childhood

340

400

Primary School

173

240

Middle School

150

180

Senior School

Together, we are… Curious minds.

Compassionate humans. Allies.

Independent thinkers. Ethical decision-makers. Volunteers.

Global citizens. Bridge-builders.

Advocates. Visionaries. Creative problem-solvers. Champions of belonging. Uplifters. Community.

Active listeners. Active partners.

Change-makers. Critical thinkers.

Cultural contributors.

cfis.com

700 77 St SW Calgary, AB

(403) 240-1500 inquiries@cfis.com

www.cfis.com