Report to Community 2025-26

Grow with us.

2025-2026 Report to the Community

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 lifelong success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education.

Values We CARE. Nous sommes bienveillants.

We CONNECT. Nous créons des liens.

We STRIVE. Nous visons l'excellence.

2025–2026 Report to the Community

We GROW. Nous grandissons ensemble.

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Watch Our Story

cfis.com

More than a Building CFIS students and teachers deserve learning environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning. As our community continues to grow – with unprecedented student retention and waitlists across many grade levels – it is our responsibility to ensure that our facilities reflect the same excellence as the education taking place within them Our expansion will create warm, welcoming classrooms where languages, collaboration, innovation, and deep learning can flourish. More importantly, it will restore our campus to the way it was intended to function. Libraries will once again be places to discover a love of reading. Shared spaces will become hubs for collaboration and innovation. Music,

Nicola Abrioux-Camirand Head of School

athletics, and the performing arts will have room to flourish. More than adding square footage, this

project is about protecting what makes a CFIS education so special, and ensuring that current and future students continue to benefit from the exceptional opportunities that define our school.

This vision is already becoming reality because of the extraordinary generosity of our this vision: thank you. Your generosity and belief in our students are helping shape the future of CFIS. Already, 17% of our community has chosen to invest in this transformational project, a remarkable demonstration of what we can accomplish together.

Over the next two years, bringing this expansion to life will be one of our school's highest priorities. We invite every member of our community to be a part of this journey. Every gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to creating the inspiring spaces where children can discover new passions, build deep connections, explore, wonder, and learn. Together, we are investing in far more than a building: we are intentionally constructing the experiences, opportunities, and sense of belonging that will benefit generations of CFIS students, today and in the future. cfis.com

2025–2026 Report to the Community

community. To the many families, alumni, staff, and friends who have already supported

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Stewardship for Tomorrow As my tenure winds down and the CFIS Society Board transitions to a new Chair, I have been reflecting on all that the Board has accomplished over the last four years, and particularly this last year. I am tremendously proud of the collective commitment to the future growth and sustainability of CFIS and grateful for the hours of tireless work this talented group gives each month. The Board’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the longterm future of the school. With a strong focus on setting strategic priorities, building financial sustainability and establishing heightened governance rigour, the Board’s work has resulted in confidence to invest in exciting new pathways that will help ensure the school’s continued success in the years to come. Engaged leadership, improved physical facilities, and enhanced programming options are but a few tangible examples of these investments.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to chair the Board during a period of tremendous positive change and renewal. Thank you for the opportunity to serve CFIS in this capacity – I will forever treasure the experience.

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2025–2026 Report to the Community

Kate Bilson CFIS Society Chair

Building Beyond Tuition Tuition & government funding keep CFIS running.

Funding makes it possible to educate our students by covering the essential costs of operating our school: Exceptional faculty and staff Classroom learning and curriculum delivery Student support services Building operations and maintenance

Philanthropy builds the future.

Charitable gifts from our community make the opportunities and spaces possible that tuition alone cannot fund: Campus expansion and new facilities Classroom upgrades and renovations Innovative learning upgrades and technologies Enhanced school equipment, such as resurfacing of the playground and EBus Bridging & Travel Bursaries

These funds support daily operations and exceptional education, but they do not fund the transformative opportunities that shape our future.

Every gift goes beyond operations, it creates opportunities, inspires innovation, and leaves a lasting legacy for every student who walks through our doors.

As a non-profit organization, eligible donations made to CFIS will receive a charitable tax receipt.

Tuition sustains CFIS. Philanthropy transforms it.

Every family benefits from the generosity of those who came before us.

Today, we have the opportunity to invest in the students who will follow.

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One Community, One Purpose.

As I complete my second school year at CFIS, I continue to be grateful for the warm welcome I have received from this community. It has been a privilege to get to know so many of our families, staff, volunteers, alumni, and supporters, and to see firsthand the shared commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every student.

This year was a wonderful reminder that philanthropy is about more than fundraising – it is about bringing our community together around a common purpose. From the excitement of the Spring Benefit and the energy of Monster Mash to the connections made at Moms' Night Out, Dads' Night Out, and many other community events, we saw the strength of the CFIS community in action.

These moments would not be possible without the Stephanie Kallay Director of Development

dedication of our parent volunteers, the leadership of our Board of Directors, and the passion of our faculty and staff, who champion the mission of CFIS every day.

Thank you for the time, talent, and generosity you invest in our school.

While tuition provides the foundation for the exceptional education our students receive, philanthropy allows us to invest in opportunities that enrich their experience and shape the future of CFIS. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are moving forward with our Phase 2 Expansion, including eight new classrooms and a dedicated Music and Performing Arts Centre – an investment that will benefit students for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable community and for helping ensure that CFIS continues to thrive.

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2025–2026 Report to the Community

Annual Giving Highlights ‘25/26

$814 average donation

$40,000 largest single donation

highest lifetime giving

$ 24,000

raised through the CFIS Annual Fund in support of the expansion project.

raised towards student bursaries.

Participation

97

Giving Families

48

First Time Donors

7

$181,000

$ 254,000

17%

We raised $300,000 thanks to your support!

863

Students Supported

gifts of $10,000+

$ 22,000

raised through the Jörd Student Fundraising Committee.

584

Families Impacted

Donor Participation

190

Faculty & Staff Enriched

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Building the Future, Together CFIS Expansion Project Excitement filled the air on the last day of school, as our students, families, staff, and building partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the next phase in the CFIS Expansion Project. More than the start of construction, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our school and a shared vision for generations of future learners.

PHASE 1

Completed September 2025

September 2025 marked the successful completion of Phase 1 – a $3 million renovation of the Middle and Senior School that transformed learning spaces, including: Fully equipped design studios to foster innovation across multiple subjects.

A new Middle & Senior School student lounge and multipurpose Legacy Room for meetings and classes.

Study pods to support focused, quiet learning.

An upgraded sound system in the Primary Gym for concerts, assemblies, and presentations.

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2025–2026 Report to the Community

cfis.com

PHASE 2

Underway

Phase 2 is a $17 million expansion that will add approximately 15,000 square feet of new space across two levels. The project will include: Eight new classrooms, Collaborative learning pods A dedicated Movement & Performing Arts Centre

Designed with the entire CFIS community in mind, the new Movement & Performing Arts Centre will provide space for ECE physical education, a professional venue for concerts and presentations, and a welcoming hub for school and community events. It will also reduce pressure on shared spaces such as the gymnasium, library, and the stage, enhancing the daily experience for students and staff alike.

This investment reflects the remarkable growth and student retention at CFIS. In the 2025-26 school year we served 863 students across 50 classes. By 2027, enrolment is projected to reach over 900 students, growing to 1,021 students by 2035. The expansion ensures our campus evolves alongside our community while preserving the exceptional educational experience that defines CFIS.

With a total project amount of $20 million, made possible through a balanced combination of financing and philanthropy, this is more than a building project – it is a community investment.

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A Community of Giving in Action At CFIS, impact is built through the generosity, dedication, and shared commitment of our community. Whether through participating in school life, volunteering, or charitable giving, every contribution helps strengthen the experiences we create for our students and families.

More Families Participate in Philanthropy In October, the CFIS community came together for a new annual tradition: La Récolte: A Week of Thanks and Giving.

From the Cup of Gratitude and Apples of Appreciation, to the heartfelt gestures from parent volunteers, the week celebrated the many ways gratitude brings our community together.

That spirit of gratitude inspired an extraordinary response to our 2025 Fall Matching Campaign, raising $100,000 in support for CFIS. Thanks to the generosity and leadership of Keltie and Aaron Bilkoski, Beth and Sean Pollock, and an anonymous CFIS family, gifts of $1,000 or more were matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. Their leadership inspired new and returning families to participate, many for the first time, helping our community unlock the full match.

Funds raised support the CFIS Annual Fund and eight new classrooms being built as part of our school expansion.

To celebrate the impact of every gift, our Grade 4 students, with Mme Gagné’s support, painted one wooden apple for every $1,000 raised. These “seeds” of giving now line the school fence, creating a vibrant reminder of what we can accomplish together.

At CFIS, gratitude and giving are part of how we live our values: We care. We connect. We strive. We grow. As our school grows, every gift matters, every classroom counts, and every investment in our students is a seed planted for the future.

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20

first time donors who made gifts over

$1000

35

new donors

$50,000 $100,000

matched to become

Razzle Dazzle: A Celebration of Connection and Impact On May 1, the CFIS Spring Benefit: Razzle Dazzle brought sparkle and energy to the elementary gym, transforming the space into a vibrant 1920s-inspired celebration of connection and community. CFIS parents, friends, faculty, and staff gathered for an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, dancing, and memorable moments. The evening featured captivating performances by DJ Barron S & The Vancouver Sax Lady, members from the cast of Chicago, and the CFIS Stage Band, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and joy.

The evening also celebrated the transformative impact of philanthropy at

CFIS. Through the generosity of Silent Auction buyers, donors, sponsors, and supporters, the event raised over $70,000 in support of the CFIS Annual Fund, helping advance the vision for enhanced learning spaces and opportunities for future generations of students.

This achievement was made possible through the dedication of the Spring Benefit Committee, parent volunteers, sponsors, and all CFIS families and community members who contributed their time, talents, and generosity. Thank you to everyone who helped create another memorable evening!

$70,000

raised in support of the CFIS expansion

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The Heart of It All: Our Volunteers At the heart of CFIS are the people who show up, lend a hand, and make our community stronger. They are Les Amis of CFIS, bringing our community to life in ways that are both inspiring and essential. This year, more than 200 volunteers generously shared their time and talents to enrich our students’ experiences.

From school trips and pizza days to Monster Mash, the Spring Benefit, musical productions, athletics, and the ambassador program, volunteers create meaningful moments of connection and belonging. They support classrooms and teachers, welcome new families, coach teams, nurture our campus, organize events, and contribute in countless ways behind the scenes.

Many take on roles requiring an extraordinary commitment. Our event committees and musical crews transform ideas into memorable experiences.

Parent classroom reps strengthen connections among families and teachers, while parent coaches mentor students and model teamwork, confidence, and resilience.

To all of our parent, staff, and community volunteers – thank you! Your time, talents, generosity, and heart help make CFIS a stronger, more connected community.

200+

Volunteers helped strengthen the CFIS community.

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2025–2026 Report to the Community

Students Investing in a Greener Future CFIS students are helping build a greener future – quite literally.

Through the Jörd Student Fundraising Committee, students raised an incredible $22,000 to support environmental sustainability as part of CFIS’s campus expansion. Part of the funds raised has been allocated toward the sorting and diversion of construction waste, helping keep recyclable materials such as wood, metal, concrete, and drywall out of landfills.

According to the City of Calgary, approximately 41% of recyclable construction and demolition materials are still disposed of in City landfills. By supporting proper sorting and separation, our students are helping CFIS take a more sustainable approach to construction.

This initiative is a wonderful example of students taking an active role in shaping the future of their school and turning their commitment to sustainability into meaningful action.

As CFIS continues to grow, their contribution is an important reminder that sustainability isn't only about what we build, but how we build it.

Amount Raised:

$22,000

"The Jörd Committee is delighted to support the campus expansion. A natural next step in the CFIS story, these new facilities will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of our vibrant and globallyminded school community. Jörd is especially proud to fund projects that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, paving a path forward for the next generation of Earth stewards."

Alexander Bilson, Class of '26

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Board of Governors Senior Leadership Team Donors

Kate Bilson CFIS Society Chair

Oyin Shyllon CFIS Society Treasurer

Vlad Grigore

Natashya Lalani

CFIS Society Vice Chair

CFIS Society Secretary

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

Anonymous (8) Alma A. Yasmin Alhabli & Ahmed Al-Ghoul Kim Andersen Avdicos Family Swanti Aurora Feng Bai Cody & Natalee Battershill Paul Beke Bucan Family Amy & Shane Bilkoski Family Jenelle Breker Butlers Nicola Camirand Cameron Family Carbone Family Jennifer Connolly Cortese Family Yi Chen Colbert Family Davies Family Wuzhang Dehong Ellis Family Julie Figures

Morella Ferrer Eduardo Gonzalez & Norma Moreno Lindsay & Vlad Grigore Reem Hamdi Karen & Marc Hodgins Kendra & Tim Holtby Wenzhu Hou & Min Wei Margarita & Terence Houston Fadi Jourieh Kalkidan & Ted Stephanie Kallay Loveleen Kaur Darcy & Jennifer Kerwin Luke Killam Nina Kolias Natashya Lalani Angela Lane Xiao Liu Ridge Nguyen Family Sara Mazhar Holly McFarlane Shelley McNeil Randy Millar Catherine Milliken Mele Family

Prince Azom

Nketti Johnston-Taylor

Heather Treacy

Board Observers

Gordon Ellis

Mario Mele

Derek Wheatley

Keltie Bilkoski

Marc Hodgins

Mark Schulz

Jo-Anne Yau

Isabelle Petit

Margarita Houston

Josh Share

Jim Zunti

Elyse Bilodeau Director of Primary School

Julie Thomson Director of Finance

Ben Hunter Director of Middle and Senior School

Stephanie Kallay Director of Development

Chantalle Bourque Director of Global Education & Experiential Learning

Pedro Wong Director of Business Services

Alexei Melnik Meunier Family Ryder Mo Katherine Mueller Amy Murray Wiseman Nogela David Nolan Ouellette Family Rida Rehmani & Raheel Panjwani Xiao Ping Li Sean & Beth Pollock Proctors Mavis R .& Marco H. Reid Family Viorica Robinson Tania & James Rogers Josh & Erin Share Sonu Sharma Kristen Simpson Jana & Ronald Slootweg Marnie Smith Natalia & Doug Schneidmiller Fiona Schulte Fabio Stefani Julie Thomson

Nahman Treacy Family Sonia Van Cauwenberghe Delphine and David Vieira Maria Vigneault Brad Roger Van De Walle Williams Family Welsh-Collins Family Nishka Waite Natasha Wolfond Xiaojun Xie Jo-Anne Yau Qing Ye Sylvie Zuo Family Eason Zhang Family Jim Zunti

Corporate Donors Anonymous (1) Amy Bellomo Real Estate CDI Spaces Cenovus Design Your Space Desjardins Insurance Agency Generations Planning Group Inc. MorningStar

OSI Registry Services Regency Cleaning ScotiaBank Suncor Tetranex Solutions Inc. TC Energy TD

Merci! ¡Gracias! Thank You! We invite everyone to stay engaged as we continue this journey together, enhancing our legacy and continuing to build a vibrant future for CFIS and the community it serves.

Grow with us. Donate today.

cfis.com @yycfrench

giving@cfis.com

@CalgaryFrenchandInternationalSchool

Calgary French & International School