The 2023 Ascent Magazine

ASCENT THE

CELEBRATING THOSE WHO MAKE UP OUR EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY

@rundlealum @rundlealum

AARON GOETTEL | EDITOR Director of Alumni Relations & Advancement

JENNIFER KLASSEN | CONTRIBUTOR Coordinator of Alumni Relations & Advancement

MICHELLE CAWTHORPE | CONTRIBUTOR Rundle Academy Alumni Officer

DANA HEISE | COPYRIGHT EDITOR Director of Communications

LESLIE TECKLENBURG | DESIGNER Coordinator of Communications

@rundlealum

@rundle-alum

CONTACT

Rundle Alumni Department | Rundle College Society 7379 17 Avenue SW | Calgary, AB T3H 3W5 | 403.291.3866 | alumni@rundle.ab.ca

ON THE COVER

SAREENA (RUDA) DHALLA ‘05 COLLEGE, LUKE DEMJEN ‘03 COLLEGE & ARIF KANJI ‘03 COLLEGE These individuals epitomize what, at Rundle, we call our extraordinary community. Having graduated over 18 years ago, they remain closely connected as friends and business colleagues.

In this edition we will celebrate just a few of the individuals who make up our extraordinary community.

RUNDLE COLLEGE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MR. SCOTT BURROWS

Member Since 2018

Vice-Chair

MR. CHRIS CHAN

Member Since 2021

Director

MRS. CARRIE FERGUSON

Member Since 2013

Past Chair/Director

MS. KATHERINE HARMSWORTH

Member Since 2018

Director

MR. DENNIS LOCKING

Member Since 2008 Director

MR. IAIN MCCORKINDALE

Member Since 2017 Director

MR. JON MCKENZIE

Member Since 2018 Director

MRS. MEHRI SALIMOVA

Member Since 2017 Treasurer

MR. ERIC TOEWS

Member Since 2015

Chair

MS. SHANA WOLCH

Member Since 2022 Secretary

EDITOR'S LETTER

CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY

Aaron Goettel, Director of Alumni Relations & Advancement

ex·traor·di·nar·y (adjective) remarkable; unusually great com·mu·ni·ty (noun) 1. a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals; 2. having a particular characteristic in common

By definition, our 2353 alumni make up a truly extraordinary community who have accomplished remarkable feats in their personal and professional lives. From successful entrepreneurs and leaders in various industries to renowned scientists and artists, our alumni community represents the success of our institution.

One of the most striking things about our alumni community is their commitment to giving back. Many of our alumni are active volunteers and donors, working to support current students and contribute to the ongoing success of our institution. Whether through mentorship, financial support, or advocacy, our alumni are dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of students has the same opportunities they had to learn, grow, and succeed.

But it's not just those efforts that make our alumni community extraordinary. Our graduates have gone on to achieve incredible accomplishments in a wide range of fields. We have alumni who have founded and led successful startups, others who have made significant contributions to scientific research and innovation, and still others who have become prominent figures in the arts, entertainment, and media.

One particularly inspiring aspect of our alumni community is the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives represented among our graduates. This diversity is reflected in the many different industries and fields where our alumni have found success, as well as in their varied contributions to society.

Perhaps most importantly, our alumni community serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education. Whether through their individual achievements or their collective impact, our alumni demonstrate that the education and experiences they received at Rundle have equipped them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference in the world.

In short, our alumni community is a testament to the enduring value of education, and a source of pride and inspiration for everyone associated with our entire extraordinary community.

Wishing you all continued success and happiness.

With gratitude,

Aaron Goettel

Proud Rundle Community Member

YOUR ALUMNI EXPERIENCE STARTS WITH YOU!

GET INVOLVED

There are countless opportunities at Rundle to share your time and talents with students as a mentor, coach, or guest speaker. Your connection to Rundle, your successes and life experiences are invaluable and we want to celebrate with you.

Reach out to alumni@rundle.ab.ca or visit rundle.ab.ca/alumni.

There are many students that would benefit from a Rundle education, just as you did, but need financial assistance. Whether it's a subject specific scholarship or an endowed family fund, we invite you to include Rundle in your charitable giving.

Please visit rundle.ab.ca/giving for more information.

Want to be part of our world-wide alumni network? Share an update for the next edition of The Ascent? We want to hear from you. Follow

HEAD'S MESSAGE

Dear Rundle Alumni,

As the Head of School, I am delighted to connect with our Rundle community through our annual alumni magazine. The theme for this issue, "An Extraordinary Community," perfectly captures the essence of our collective spirit, as each one of you continues to inspire and make a difference in the world.

At Rundle, we see ourselves as a "kindergarten to forever community," nurturing lifelong relationships and continuous learning. Our alumni are a significant part of this vibrant community, as you continually contribute to our legacy of excellence.

Rundle has always been home to a diverse and engaged community, and each member contributes to our rich educational fabric. As alumni, you have set the stage for the success of our present and future students, exhibiting anti-fragility, dedication, and a commitment to excellence that has positioned our schools as a bastion of learning.

Our extraordinary community is rooted in shared values and an unwavering love for learning, embodied in our value statement: "Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well." Your passion and curiosity have propelled Rundle to the forefront of distinguished educational institutions. Your achievements, both at Rundle and beyond, serve as an ongoing inspiration for our faculty and students.

As someone who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, I have always been proud of the hardworking ethos of the people from my home province. It is that same spirit of hard work and dedication that has contributed to the success of our Rundle alumni across the country and around the world. Graduates from our institution have taken the lead in initiatives to improve public health, industry, technology, and social justice. Your unwavering dedication to making a positive impact is a testament to the values and education you embraced at Rundle.

As a school dedicated to nurturing future leaders, we recognize the importance of support from our alumni community. Currently, our alumni giving rate stands at 1%, resulting in 2–3 student bursaries each year. With your help, we believe we can achieve 5% or even 10%, significantly increasing the number of bursaries and the opportunities for deserving students to benefit from the Rundle experience.

We are excitedly investing in new resources and initiatives, focusing on innovation and excellence to ensure our students are wellprepared to face the challenges ahead. Your generosity plays a vital role in helping us achieve these goals.

In this engaging issue of the alumni magazine, we celebrate the exceptional individuals that comprise the extraordinary Rundle community. These stories showcase the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates and the tireless work of our faculty.

I encourage you to stay connected with Rundle and your fellow alumni. Our alumni network is a powerful resource for personal and professional growth, and we relish every opportunity to applaud your achievements.

As we advance, your ongoing support, through mentorship, volunteering, or philanthropy, is invaluable to our mission of offering an unparalleled educational experience. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of current and future Rundle students.

Thank you for being an essential part of our "kindergarten to forever community." I eagerly anticipate celebrating your successes and witnessing the incredible impact that the Rundle family will continue to have on the world.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jason Rogers | Head of School

GRADUATE REFLECTIONS

Although I was scared in the beginning, I soon discovered the genuine care and concern for my happiness and the support each teacher had for me, and with their encouragement, I built strong relationships and friendships.

I have always been good at speaking my mind and standing up for myself, and Rundle encouraged me to utilize my outspoken tendencies. I learned not just how to speak up, but how to advocate for myself in a powerful and meaningful way. Throughout Junior High, the teachers at Rundle really focus on helping you to learn what accommodations are right for you and teaching you how to ask for what you need. When I was at other schools, I did not know the vocabulary to ask for what I needed, but through Rundle, I came to understand strategies and tools that support my learning. My time at Rundle has not only been filled with academics but also with athletics. Rundle is a very supportive environment, and the teachers will always push you to be involved in things you will be good at. Had it not been for the reassurance of the teachers at Rundle I may never have been involved in wrestling, track and field, and rugby. Athletics at Rundle has opened many doors for me; their excellent wrestling program helped me obtain an athletic scholarship and join the wrestling team at university.

REFLECTIONS ON RUNDLE

Looking back on my time at Rundle, I can see how much of an impact it has had on my life. Junior High and High School are transformative periods of our lives where we discover who we are and develop both personally and academically. The teachers and administration at Rundle have played a vital role in shaping our experiences by empowering students through inclusion, encouragement, and mentorship.

When I joined Rundle Academy in grade seven, I was very anxious about being in a new school with new teachers, new classmates, and a new environment. Rundle’s greatest strength may be inclusive classrooms where all students feel welcome, teachers build trust, and students are empowered to embrace their unique abilities to learn.

At Rundle, the whole community wants you to succeed. Everyone wants you to be the best you can be, and no one is comparing you to someone else, but instead, supporting each of us to perform at our personal best. They celebrate our wins and are empathetic to our setbacks. I am grateful for the mentorship from each of my teachers, who encouraged me to learn Spanish, be part of the Student Council and even join the school musicals. Being involved in so many aspects of Rundle has benefited me, motivated me and inspired me. The Rundle community has my back and is a place where I feel I will always belong.

The Rundle learning philosophy opens the door to allow us to understand our strengths and weaknesses and builds individual strategies for our success. The Rundle community instills the ability to ask for help and support while building the confidence to advocate for your learning needs. I am thankful for how prepared we are to take on undergraduate studies and careers, thanks to the incredible team at Rundle.

Breanna Morgan '23 Academy

ALUMNI FEATURE

HONOURING COMMUNITY

By Namal Nadeem '25

When I asked how he would introduce himself in an interview, Michael Charney ‘09 answered how the pathway of his work life, from school to his current job, has changed over the years. He grew up in the small city of Brooks, Alberta until grade 12 when he moved to Calgary and attended Rundle College. In 2009, Michael graduated from Rundle College and found himself unsure of where he wanted to take himself in life. He had a keen interest in mathematics and physics while in school, so he moved to Ontario and started working towards getting a Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. While there, the program required a number of internships that would give him experience in the workforce.

Through the community there, Michael discovered a new affinity for the world of finance and later went on to earn his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Wilfrid Laurier University. After obtaining his BBA he worked for RBC, and for the past seven years, he has worked as an investment banker for Colliers. During his work hours, he often spends time communicating with others to learn about their entrepreneurial values and working to secure investments.

As I was listening to Michael’s story, one key element seemed to integrate itself through his journey — community. From first joining Rundle in grade 12, to what his career calls for today, a core aspect of his life is the requirement of community. He shared with me that when he first joined Rundle, he was actually rather scared at the prospect of moving schools. However, the small class sizes and the tight-knit community helped him integrate and feel more at home.

In addition, he also admired the values on which Rundle focused. When asked what makes Rundle stand out to him, Michael stated that he admired the focus on well-roundedness. While most schools focus on academics, the Rundle community focuses on co-curricular opportunities like music and sports, something he witnessed firsthand on the annual school ski trip and Cobras Rugby Team. He cited both as cherished Rundle memories — from surprising people with his skiing skills to learning a new sport, like rugby, among others.

Michael also gives back to the Rundle community through his generous support of the bursary program, which helps students who require financial assistance to continue their studies at Rundle. When asked, he refers to it as a tribute to honour all the friendships he still maintains with former classmates and how the community supported him when joining so late into his education. Just as the smaller class sizes and high-quality education helped guide him throughout his final years

of secondary school, he hopes that his gifts are able to benefit other students and give them the best possible experience and opportunities in life.

When I was first offered the opportunity to write this article a few months ago, I was told to incorporate the theme of “Our Extraordinary Community” into the article. Though initially concerned about how this could be troublesome, it soon became apparent to me that this would not be a problem at all. As I listened to Michael share his Rundle experiences to me, how he figured out his career path, and why he gives back to Rundle, the community was the focal point of it all. It was the community feeling of Rundle College that helped Michael adapt to moving schools and cities and the feeling of being encouraged and accepted. It was this experience that piqued his interest in investment banking. To this day, his current occupation focuses on knowing the people around him and being able to help them succeed. Micheal Charney’s story showed me the importance of community in all of our day-to-day lives and the significance of giving back, and so I hope it can do the same for you.

COLLEGE TODAY

Cross Country | Kaden K. ‘23 won the Provincial Championship for the Intermediate boys division.

Golf | The girls team won the ASAA Provincial Golf Championship for the second year in a row. The boys team took second place.

Football | The football team has continued to partner with Springbank to build and grow the program.

R+ Pom Squad | The senior high pom squad brought cheer and boosted the spirit of athletes and their fans at football, volleyball, and basketball games throughout the year.

Volleyball | The boys finished 2nd in the league and finished top 5 at provincials. The girls also finished 2nd in the league and qualified for provincials. The girls team also competed in a number of tournaments, including traveling to Edmonton and York House in Vancouver for Westerns.

Wrestling | The wrestling team won the CISAA Team Championship. Three athletes qualified for Provincials and the boys team finished 4th at Provincials.

Outdoor Ed | Students learned about travel in the mountains and snow science. Activities included: snowshoeing, snow pits, avalanche education, and shadowing ski patrol.

Travel | Costa Rica: nine days full of adventure and speaking Spanish as students experienced the rich and diverse ecosystem this beautiful country has to offer. Pura Vida!

France: French and Social Studies grade 11 & 12 students traveled to France to experience French culture, visit Paris, French palaces, battlegrounds, and memorials dedicated to WWI & WWII Canadian soldiers.

New México: grade 10 students traveled to New México, visiting Albuquerque, Santa Fé, and several sights of interest. They enjoyed several cross-curricular activities and the Hispanic culture of the southern United States.

The Ascent | Students who registered for The Ascent program had the opportunity to attend and engage in leadership sessions with guests including Doug Schweitzer, Jeff Davidson, Dr. Elka Walsh, Dr. Alan Shepard and more. These modules were hosted by Dr. Rogers wherein students developed the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to become effective, kind, and confident leaders.

Duke of Edinburgh | Rundle College is running its first ever Bronze Adventurous Journey trip in partnership with Outward Bound.

BROOKE NELSON '20, KAITLYN LOWE '22 and HILLARY GRAHAM '18

Band | The Senior Concert Band returned from a hugely successful band trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. The students represented Rundle College, Calgary, and Canada in a Mardi Gras parade.

Spring Production | Two Heads Are Better Than One ran from May 4–6. Featuring a large ensemble cast, this year's show is a cleverly crafted comedy filled with witty oneliners and eccentric Hollywood types.

Eco Club | Students worked on many projects such as proper waste disposal, wildflowers, carpooling and reduced idling. Logan M. ‘23 was named one of the top 25 Environmentalists under 25 by Starfish Canada organization.

Games Unplugged | The games we play embrace critical thinking, decisions that matter, teamwork or competition. It is an opportunity to put down our electronic devices, socialize, and have a good time together.

HEART Committee | The Health Empowerment and Resiliency Team (HEART) promotes health initiatives throughout the school such as March nutrition month challenges and mindful holiday eating. Connect with us on social @rundleheart.

Reach for the Top | Both senior teams qualified for the Provincial Championships.

Robotics | This year at the Canadian Pacific Regional Competition by First Robotics in Victoria, the Rundle College Robotics team placed 7th overall, qualifying for the quarter finals!

STEMRx | Students participated in the CDL (Creative Destructive Lab) modules and symposium, chemistry competitions, and National Brain Bee. Rundle College also partnered with Ambrose University to offer unique laboratory experiences in Molecular Biology and Chemistry, giving students essential experience in practical lab skills necessary for success in university.

DAVIS CARLSON '18, DAMIAN SUIDGEEST '21 AND ISHAN VERMANI '19 helping out with Robotics in Victoria.

ALUMNI FEATURE

RUNDLE CLASSMATES – FORGING A PATH AHEAD TOGETHER

By Erica Tsukishima '25

Luke Demjen ‘03, Sareena (Ruda) Dhalla ‘05, and Arif Kanji ‘03 all graduated from Rundle College and they currently work together in the finance industry for Qopia Financial. The name Qopia was inspired by the word cornucopia and symbolizes plenty, abundance, and nourishment. The five letters in the name Qopia represent the five services that the company offers — financial, mortgage, estate law, accounting, and general insurance. Qopia Financial is a business that cares for its clients and their own unique needs.

Sareena, Luke and Arif all reflect fondly on their days at Rundle and how the school helped them become the people they are today. They noted the camaraderie at the school given the small class sizes and the individualized attention they received from teachers, along with travel opportunities, sports, and the overall positive environment that they experienced during their days at Rundle. They all felt that the small class sizes helped them in university by giving them the confidence to excel in their classes. Because of Rundle’s class sizes, they could not just “hide” in the class – they were expected to interact with their

teachers on a daily basis. This allowed them to feel comfortable with asking their professors questions in university as they were used to this teacher-student dynamic. They still draw from their Rundle experiences in their day-to-day lives at Qopia through interactions with colleagues and clients.

Because of the tight-knit community that Rundle creates, they felt that the school fosters friendships and a collaborative environment. The positive community that Rundle nurtures helped them stay in touch after graduation and led to them becoming co-workers. They all highlighted how the smaller class sizes made everyone friends, and because of this, they were able to have strong relationships with their classmates years later.

Sareena has always been interested in financial care and helping people in need. Sareena knew that she wanted to help people in some way and have a connection with the clients she meets every day. She has had a varied career thus far, drawing on her educational

background in human resources, recruitment, client services, and office management. She loves working at Qopia and is happy with her work environment. Luke has always worked in the financial industry. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in economics, has over ten years of financial experience, and started his career at TD Bank. Arif has also worked in the financial industry for over ten years and he earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) as well as becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), which makes him very knowledgeable in his field of expertise.

Sareena is currently a Branch Manager of Qopia and she says that her days consist of helping clients and managing the office which entails a multitude of tasks. Arif is a Managing Director and Financial Planner and enjoys helping clients make the best decisions regarding their financial matters and their investment choices. Luke is an Analyst and works to help ensure that clients meet their financial goals and figures out ways to help grow the business. They all have one-on-one experiences with clients and all note the joy they feel when they help clients make better decisions regarding their finances and knowing that they have impacted their client’s life positively. They also love when they experience success in their business, knowing that they are an integral part of the team that is helping their business grow.

When they are not in the office, they all enjoy spending quality time with their loved ones. Sareena enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband, cooking and trying new recipes and spending time watching her young daughter grow and develop her own unique personality. Arif enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, and his dog, and stays active by playing soccer and other athletic pursuits. Outside of the office, Luke enjoys participating in sporting endeavours such as skiing and martial arts. He also enjoys making music, acting, and creating wonderful memories with his friends and family.

Sareena, Luke and Arif have all found success in their lives. However, as Arif states, “success is subjective.” Your success will be different when compared to someone else's success. You should not compare yourself to others as everyone is an individual. Luke comments on how today’s Rundle students should just enjoy their time in high school and how they should explore new topics to find what truly interests them and discover their passions. They all agree that you should stay true to yourself and strive to always be the best version of yourself that you can be. Enjoy your path of personal discovery as you grow as an individual and learn more and more about yourself.

GRADUATE REFLECTIONS

FOREVER GRATEFUL

Enzo Sartor '23 College

I came to Rundle College in Junior Kindergarten and have been a contributing member of the Rundle community all the way to grade 12. I have been at Rundle for 14 years due to the exceptional educational experiences, particularly, the constant teacher support, and co-curricular opportunities. Some of my fondest memories I have at Rundle include the Elementary School Spring Flings, where all students thought we were having a “crazy party night”. Along with that, I enjoyed all of our junior high house events, where we would partner up with the senior high students and play games all day.

Finally, the best moment of all was the 2023 2A Volleyball Provincial Championships, where the Rundle Senior Varsity Boys team competed in the hopes of bringing home the banner. Sadly, we were not victorious; however, it was a memorable moment when our coach, and teacher representative, Ms. Welsh, along with everyone else on the team, came together to cheer, support, and compete in hopes of a gold medal.

All the memories I have made here at Rundle are ones I will carry with me forever. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that they have provided for me and the people with whom I have connected.

ALUMNI EVENTS

It was so wonderful to see so many of our amazing alumni at December’s HoHoHomecoming event at the Wildrose Brewery. Thank you to all of the alumni and teachers who joined us to reconnect and kick off the holiday season.

In May 2021, Rundle hosted our first Rugby Homecoming Game in nearly two years! We were so excited to come together again to support our senior boys and girls Cobras Rugby teams. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, our community showed up to cheer on our athletes. We were thrilled to spot some of our Rundle alum at the game and enjoyed reconnecting with them at the alumni post-game event.

Another stop on our Alumni Reconnect Tour took us to Vancouver in October where we caught up with alumni at the University of British Columbia.

In October, our West Coast alumni came together at the Alumni Reconnect Event at the University of Victoria. It was a great opportunity to connect with our alumni in person once again.

The 22nd annual Summit Series was one of the best games in its history, with the students taking the win! Thanks EVAN BECK ‘12 RC and BRENDAN STEWART ‘12 RC for helping out the teacher team.

Thanks to all of the alumni, students and teachers who participated in the inaugural Rundle Holiday Classic Alumni Basketball Game in December. The event was a huge success and a ton of fun. We hope to do it again next year.

Thank you to alumnus ZAC KENDALL ‘14 RC for organizing our alumni to support the Mustard Seed.

EXTRAORDINARY GIFTS

On behalf of Rundle, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support and generosity. Your dedication and commitment towards giving back to the school in various ways is truly extraordinary. Your contributions have made a significant impact on our students, faculty, and the entire community.

Several of our alumni are now donating to the school. Your gifts have provided resources for our students and programs that have enriched the educational experience of our students. Your volunteer work through coaching, teaching and mentorship have also inspired and motivated our students to pursue their goals and reach their full potential.

We are proud of our extraordinary alumni community and the role you play in shaping the future of the school. Your continued support and involvement are critical to our success, and we are grateful for your ongoing commitment to the school's mission.

Once again, thank you for your generous contributions and unwavering dedication to the school. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Aaron Goettel Director of Alumni Relations & Advancement

Thank you to the following alumni families who have created endowment funds in support of our students:

Your Rundle Legacy

Want

ALUMNI FEATURE

THE WALK TO THE WILDERNESS

By Sarah Dowling '12 Academy

Over a decade has passed since my graduation from Rundle Academy, and I now reside in Canmore, enjoying the beauty of the Bow Valley. Reflecting on my journey fills me with overwhelming gratitude. Let's start from the beginning.

In September 2012, at 17 years old, I left home to attend the University of Guelph. Initially in a general science program, I soon discovered my passion for genetics and switched my major to Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). During my five years at Guelph, I actively participated in the MBG student association, played intramural sports, and volunteered for various causes like the Canadian Blood Services and Brain Day.

As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, I conducted an independent study on optimizing the expression of two proteins from Vitis riparia, exploring their structural and functional relationship. Additionally, I worked at the University of Calgary on molecular studies related to heart diseases. These experiences, though demanding, were immensely rewarding.

When I returned to Guelph for my final year, I dove into studying. I worked extremely hard to guarantee I would graduate with a high GPA despite being diagnosed with a learning disability at a young age. I will forever be grateful for the teachers and the tools I learned from Rundle to help me overcome my learning challenges. In April 2017, I graduated with distinction with an honours degree in molecular biology and genetics.

In the summers, I worked at Pedalheads Bike Camps and later at the Calgary Distress Centre, supporting individuals in need. I was drawn to the mountains, so I enrolled in the Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester, a program that honed my outdoor leadership and mountaineering skills. Since then, I have embarked on numerous adventures, exploring Alberta and BC while pursuing my passion for skiing and mountaineering.

Travel also became a significant part of my life, with memorable trips to Iceland, Ireland, Germany, England, Scotland, and Greece. Each journey brought unique experiences, from exploring the natural wonders of Iceland to tracing my Irish heritage and soaking in Greek culture.

Deciding between a career in genetics or pursuing an outdoor lifestyle, I took a summer to contemplate. Eventually, I secured a position as a Trail Host at Banff Sunshine Village, where I later became a Lead Interpretive Guide. Guiding hosted walks allowed me to share the beauty of the mountains and connect people to nature. Curiosity led me to venture into ski patrolling during the winter. As a ski patroller, I play a vital role in maintaining resort safety, performing avalanche control, responding to emergencies, and providing first aid. Over time, I gained expertise, obtained certifications, and even delivered presentations to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my personal and professional growth, and eager to see where life's path leads me next.

"I will forever be grateful for the teachers and the tools I learned from Rundle to help me overcome my learning challenges."

"Community is a place where the connections felt in our hearts make themselves known in the bonds between people, and where the tuggings and pullings of those bonds keep opening our hearts."

– Parker J. Palmer

THE NEXT GENERATION ....walking our halls

By Pam Cook | Enrolment Officer

Aliya (Haji) Khakhi graduated in 1999 from Rundle College, Barlow Campus, in the company of 11 other grade 12 students.

Looking back on her time as part of Rundle’s growing community, Aliya shares some fond memories, alluding to the outstanding teachers who shaped her world in senior high school.

It is a well-known fact that a teacher can have a pivotal role in a student’s life and one’s attitude toward learning. Aliya has chosen Rundle for her own children’s educational journey because her experiences at Rundle

speak to the impact such mentors had on her own path to success.

Now an independent business owner, Aliya shared with me how her English teacher, Mrs. Lynn Scott, helped her navigate the challenges she encountered when writing essays. This was not Aliya’s favourite subject, but Mrs. Scott had a unique way of teaching this skill and the impact she had changed the way Aliya mastered this challenge. As an Enrolment Coordinator, Mrs. Scott is still part of our Rundle family today, still reading essays, but from potential new students applying to our school.

In contrast, Mrs. Allison Belt taught Aliya her two favourite subjects, Biology and Chemistry, and while Mrs. Belt’s delivery of the curriculum in these subjects suited Aliya’s learning style; there was a personal connection between her and Mrs. Belt. Mrs. Belt is presently the Principal of our Senior High School and fondly remembers teaching Aliya all those years ago.

One cannot forget the formidable Headmaster at the time, Mr. Hauk. Aliya certainly could not leave our conversation without mentioning what a “good guy” he was. She elaborates, "Scary at times, but at the core, a figure of authority. He would address issues during

SAPHIRA '31 | ALIYA (HAJI) KHAKHI '99 COLLEGE | ARYAN '29

assemblies, such as appropriate student general conduct with such a firm tone that you could not help but respect the guy.” Mr. Hauk is still serving Rundle today, as our Superintendent.

Today, Aliya tells me why she chose Rundle for her children. Saphia is in grade 4 and her son, Aryan, is presently in grade 6. Aryan is very excited to be moving up to the Junior High at the College campus in September for grade 7. She explains how moving up to a bigger campus with older students has brought out in

Aryan great anticipation towards “growing up” and exploring new opportunities.

Aliya states; “Bigger isn’t always better, but at Rundle, it is!” The prospect of being able to join a school band, explore coding, learning another new language, and becoming part of the Rundle Cobras soccer team ticks all the boxes for her family. She adds that Rundle has a beautiful campus which is upgraded to move with the times and employs fabulous teachers that maintain longevity as a faculty. Student counsellors are also available when there are

GRADUATE REFLECTIONS

problems and they are “on it” she states with conviction!

In closing, Aliya added that Rundle brought out her hidden talents as an entrepreneur and gave her the gift of lasting friendships within her graduating class.

NOTE: We are excited to announce that Aliya's older son, Ilyan '26 will be joining Rundle College in the fall.

MY TAKEAWAY AFTER 13 YEARS

College

Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to have spent all my years at Rundle College. It has been an enriching experience filled with invaluable life lessons that I aim to carry with me throughout my life. The friendships I have formed at Rundle have turned into my second family; a testament to the tight-knit community that surrounds me. Not only have I developed close bonds with my fellow students, but also with my teachers. Thanks to smaller class sizes, I have received one-on-one support when needed, allowing me to excel academically.

My time at Rundle has been full of countless memorable moments, from kindergarten to senior high. What I cherish most from my time at Rundle are the people, especially my teachers who have become dear family friends. Their care and interest in my life go beyond just academic matters. I hope to maintain the lifelong friendships I have made at Rundle and continue to be part of this incredible community that has impacted my life in such a positive way.

During my time at Rundle, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as chemistry experiments, Shakespearean plays, and athletics. These experiences were made even more enjoyable by sharing them with my friends, making it truly “the high school dream.” While there were certainly difficult days, as is the case in any school, it was easy to seek help from my classmates or teachers whenever I needed it.

I will be forever grateful for the lifelong friendships I have made during my time at Rundle and will stay connected with this incredible community that has impacted my life in such a positive way.

Eleanor Bennett '23

CLASS NOTES

JESSICA TAYLOR '04 ACADEMY

Shortly after graduating in June 2004, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Athena. The success and life I have today are true because of the support I had around me. I knew when life allowed me to attend post-secondary, I had the tools I needed for success because of my time at Rundle. I had two more beautiful daughters, completed my diploma in medical aesthetics, and opened my medi spa in December 2020. I recently had a new space developed for my business, Find Your Glow Aesthetics in Marda Loop. My business partner and I took possession in December 2022. I am passionate about my work and love helping my clients with their skincare goals. You can find us at findyourglow.ca.

My daughters are my whole world and the most tremendous success of my life. My career puts a smile on my face daily because I love getting to know each and every one of my clients. I had no idea where life was going to take me after my grade 12 year at Rundle but it’s better than I could have ever imagined.

JAYME BUCHANAN '08 ACADEMY

Hey everyone. Jayme Buchanan here, or "Bukes" as I'm known around Rundle. I'm so excited to be able to give you all a life update and share with you where life's taken me since I graduated in 2008. After I graduated, I upgraded some courses at Mount Royal University and then transferred to the Travel & Tourism Program at SAIT. Needless to say, it was one of the best decisions I've made and it opened the door to an amazing and wonderful career path within the Hospitality & Tourism Industry. I graduated SAIT in 2015 and started working for The Westin Calgary as a guest services agent and Group Housing Coordinator. I'm now with Deloitte Calgary and have taken over their catering department. It's been an incredible experience so far, and one I can't wait to continue. I also spend some time as well working at UHAUL.

BECOME A LEGACY FAMILY

We are thrilled to have nine alumni families in our Rundle school community. Consider Rundle for your children.

Enrol your child and give them the advantage of a Rundle education.

Alumni are given priority application status through the enrolment process. Reach out to admissions@rundle.ab.ca

Summit Store RUNDLE

Did you know that the Rundle Summit Store offers a wide variety of apparel and merchandise to upgrade to your wardrobe. Rep some Rundle gear and show us your Rundle pride!

BE THE FIRST TO TAG US ON SOCIAL WEARING YOUR RUNDLE GEAR TO WIN AN ALUMNI GIFT PACK!

"The statement 'time flies' is most appropriate in describing my journey following Rundle Academy. It’s hard to imagine nine years ago, I was a student about to walk the stage after attending the Academy. At that time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I entered Mount Royal University as an 18-year-old student. In 2018, I worked for the Federal Government in Calgary. As a part of my co-op placement, I analyzed import and export policy. During my placement I began enjoying my work in policy analysis and took pride in knowing my work could advise decision-makers.

Once I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies at Mount Royal University in 2020, I applied to schools offering a Master of Public Policy or Masters of Public Administration. A few months later, I was accepted to the University of Calgary’s Master of Public Policy program.

During my time at the University of Calgary, I was immersed in learning experiences that expanded my knowledge in policy, economic analysis, and the policy process. Upon completion of my courses, I moved to Edmonton in the Summer of 2022 in order to work for the Government of Alberta in the Ministry of Seniors and Housing’s Housing Division as a Policy Analyst. It was in this role I worked on re-evaluating Alberta’s affordable housing programs.

During this time, I was working on completing my capstone for my master, which was on Chinese Government ties with

Canadian Academic Institutions and how this has caused concern over Canada's national security policy. Alberta’s famous political scientist, Dr. Duane Bratt was my supervisor for this project. In November 2022, I received my Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary and decided it was time for a break, so I embarked on a two-month journey to Southeast Asia. I travelled to Vietnam and Thailand where I was allowed wonderful opportunities to experience these cultures. It was an amazing experience.

Currently, I continue my work with the Government of Alberta, and I am excited about what my future holds."

STEPHANIE MARSTON '13 ACADEMY obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Athabasca University in 2019 before completing the Practical Nursing program at Bow Valley College. She now works on the Surgical Unit at Rockyview Hospital.

OWEN VOURI '14 COLLEGE and Natalie married last October in their backyard in Liverpool, Nova Scotia — "where we surf every swell that rolls through."

PAUL CORAH '14 ACADEMY

KAITLYN MAGEE '15 ACADEMY

"After I graduated from Rundle Academy in 2015, I realized just how important diversity in education was. Rundle Academy gave me the opportunity to realize the successful learner I could be when given the right support. This led me to complete my degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. This degree helped me learn about how much more work is needed toward inclusive education and inclusivity as a whole.

After completing my degree in disability studies, I began the next step of my journey toward being an educator. I am now completing my Bachelor of Education at Ambrose University. I am fortunate enough to be in a wonderful five-week practicum placement. I am co-teaching in a Grade 5 classroom and enjoying every minute of it. I am learning so much over my first year: things like Indigenous ways of knowing, universal learning design and what it means as an educator to connect to a wide variety of diverse learners.

The foundations I learned from Rundle Academy about fostering a safe and personalized learning environment for all students are something I am carrying with me through this journey. I hope to help create confident, life-long learners."

CURTIS HOLLOWAY '15 graduated from Rundle Academy in 2015 with the ambition of studying chemical engineering at Queen's University. After a slight pivot, he decided to specialize in computer engineering. During his first two years of studies, he rowed for the Queen's Gaels, followed by a couple of years of triathlon/cycling training and racing, which he has continued throughout the years. What he learned at Queen's was significantly different from anything he had done before, which is why he found it so cool. He was able to experience the power of technology and come up with some advanced software projects using Artificial Intelligence.

After university, Curtis moved back to Calgary in 2020 where he currently works remotely as a software developer. He writes software for a company that provides university students with affordable textbooks, alongside a platform to put most of the coursework and exams online.

Outside of work, Curtis trains full-time for swimming, biking, running, and triathlon races year-round. He has run multiple Ironman 70.3s and participated in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2022. He plans to run his first full Ironman by the end of the year. Outside of triathlons, he is running the Vancouver marathon in an attempt to qualify for one of the six major marathons. He will also be participating in Italy’s largest Gran Fondo this year, which will allow him to experience what some of the top cyclists in the world get to ride. Curtis is very grateful for Rundle Academy as it has helped shape the athlete he is today.

CLASS NOTES

After graduation from Rundle, TALIA KRUGER '16 COLLEGE went on to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary in health sciences –specializing in Public Health and Health and Society with a concentration in political science. She graduated in the 2020 COVID era, so grad celebrations and trips were limited, but was very lucky to be accepted into medical school in Calgary in July of 2020. She loved her experience in med school and graduated in May 2023. Talia will be pursuing her residency training in general surgery starting in July and is very excited. When asked what general surgery entails, Talia says "that’s what Meredith Grey does" and suddenly it clicks. "It has been amazing to have the support of Rundle alumni and staff throughout this entire process." My Rundle friends and I still hang out, travel, and meet up regularly. I am very proud to be a Rundle grad!"

SOREN BRADLEY '17 ACADEMY is currently completing his degree in computer science at Mount Royal University, where he has been a part of the Dean's List every semester. In addition, he has recently been awarded a spot in the Golden Key Society, where MRU recognizes his honours status. After graduating, Soren aspires to enter a master's program. However, he wants to take a year or two to work, putting some of that learning into practice and, hopefully, finding a specialization.

In the past year, Soren worked as a software architect for a start-up specializing in ground-penetrating radar. However, since then, he has stepped away as he was presented with an opportunity to pursue a research term at MRU. The project is working on a discrete event simulator, which aims to allow more students to contribute to the project in the future and focus on building tools to help interpret the results of different scheduling algorithms.

LEXI HILL '18 COLLEGE graduated in May 2022 from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, alongside her fellow Rundle Alum, AKASH KHAIRA '18 COLLEGE. Lexi and Akash have been in school together since Lexi first came to Rundle in grade 7, and they've continued to help each other ever since.

Lexi is now in Australia going to Griffith University’s Law School and was granted their Remarkable Scholarship, worth $60,000! "It is definitely weird being on my own, especially in a different country, but I’m glad I took this opportunity!"

the '20s

"Last summer, I traveled to India with a mission to provide medical aid to the vulnerable groups of underserved communities. While across the world, I was living in a large slum outside of New Delhi for two weeks.

Due to the robust nature of medicine in the capital of India, I was able to gain access to hospitals, GP surgery facilities, a women’s refuge, and the slum school beside which I was living. I helped treat hundreds of people daily as I learned new treatment techniques, and Hindi vocabulary from the local physicians.

While coordinating with predominantly European medical students, I was able to observe a wide variety of surgeries: including spinal fracture surgery, cyst removals, cesarean sections, and facial reconstructions. While practicing within my competence, I was also able to assist in a hysterectomy procedure due to the strong nature of gynecological medicine locally.

When I wasn't with patients, I was experiencing the culture to the fullest as I backpacked northern India. My favourite part of traveling was enjoying breakfast with the local monks in the mountain cities of the Himalayas. I may or may not have had A LOT of momos [Indian Cuisine].

Congratulations PAUL UPONI ‘18 ACADEMY who recently graduated with a double major in Psychology and Communications at the University of Toronto!

LEO OCHIENG '20 COLLEGE

This was a life-changing experience that I would recommend to anyone!"

Have an update to share? We'd love to hear from you. alumni@rundle.ab.ca

'21ACADEMY enjoy ing his passionofworkingonrace cars .

ALUMNI FEATURE

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

By Yahvi Gupta '23

Immigration and Refugee Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Service Agency. He focuses on fighting deportations and removals for those in society who are losing their status in Canada, and appealing refusals to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, as well as the Federal Board of the Canadian Government.

A lawyer’s approach to representing a case is quite personal, and for Jatin, client management is the most important and at the forefront of his work. The files that Jatin works with are very high-stake, affecting the clients, their families, and those around them, meaning that those who approach him are likely at their most desperate or are the most vulnerable in society. He finds it important to be emotionally invested — differentiating him in comparison to many of his professional counterparts, and straying away from the objectivity that is stressed in law school — because to him “in immigration, emotion is what drives success.”

He allows himself to empathize with his clients and puts himself in their shoes to ensure that he can properly advocate for them and the situation they are in. By connecting with his clients and their families, trust can be built as well as a proper foundation for their professional relationship.

Jatin Shory '09 is an immigration and refugee protection lawyer with the Shory Law Group family firm. After graduating from Rundle College in 2009, he went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Queen’s University and then attended law school at Thompson Rivers University.

After asking Jatin to tell me more about his job and what he does on a day-to-day basis, I learned much more about his work and the journey that it took for him to get to where he is and began to understand just how instrumental immigration lawyers are for so many in our society.

In 2017, Jatin joined the Shory Law Group as an articling student after completing his education. Since then, he has worked diligently to build the immigrant and refugee law department at his law firm — which he also now manages. Jatin’s role is quite multifaceted as he works not only with his clients as a lawyer, but also with junior lawyers as a leader.

He shared that as an immigration and refugee protection lawyer, he’s primarily “fighting the government”, particularly two departments —

I asked Jatin to tell me more about how he became involved in this area of law and what has made him stay. Surprisingly, he told me that before settling with Immigration and Refugee Protection law he was looking at pursuing music and entertainment law. However, the more he learned about music and entertainment, and what it entailed, the more he realized that he wanted more freedom than that area of law would have given him. He also saw an opportunity for a family practice by pursuing Refugee Protection and Immigration Law, and this form of law is also quite unique and a niche in the area, both of which appealed to him. Once he started to work in this field, the complexity of the files that he worked on kept his attention and made him stay.

Jatin’s journey in joining his father at the firm also was not completely straightforward. The turning point for him in choosing this area of law occurred when his dad returned from pursuing a career in politics and wanted to restart the firm, Jatin saw an opportunity in which he

wanted to invest. However, part of his journey was also showing his dad he deserved the opportunity to work at the firm, and that he had a clear trajectory in mind.

He explained to me how he first had to convince his dad to actually let him join the firm and the challenge of not wanting it to appear as though it was simply a handout. He wanted to ensure that everyone believed that he deserved to be there and that he did not just come about his role because it was a family firm.

Before he made the final decision to join the family firm, he received an offer from an industry job and had to choose between those two options. Ultimately, Jatin decided to join the family firm as it was a better fit for his long-term goals. It was of great importance to him to work at a reputable, high-stakes firm well-known for its quality service. With the opportunity to build his family practice he was able to find the perfect career and firm.

After joining the firm, Jatin had to wear a multitude of different hats to ensure that he could prove that he deserved to be there and could define himself as a person and as a dedicated worker. He was committed to his work and gave it his all. In the end, the long hours of hard work paid off.

When discussing the greatest lesson that he has learned, and if there is any particular advice that he would give, Jatin shared with me that there is an understanding that you need to have with yourself to know

that you’re walking into a certain space that will be demanding. It is highly important that you learn how to cope, particularly within the legal field as it can be quite taxing. Strong support is extremely valuable and, for Jatin, that support is his team at the office and his family and friends.

It is also very important that you learn what your fit is and what you want out of a specific career, as law can be quite a vast and demanding field. When entering law knowing where you fit in and what you want out of your career is crucial. “You have to have passion and like what you do. Understanding the value and knowing what is happening is important.”

Finally, he shared that people should not be afraid to ask for help because the reality is that no one will know everything, so mentorship is key and creating a strong circle of mentors is very important.

When remembering his time at Rundle, Jatin said that his favourite memory was a school trip that he took to Africa. It allowed for social and community work to be mixed with touring and was one of the first trips of its kind. It grew his perspective as he was able to see a completely different place and culture.

Not only did Rundle help shape him, but it allowed him to meet and build a group of friends and great friendships. Even if they don’t see each other regularly or haven’t kept in touch, it’s still exciting for him to run into these people and witness how they’ve positively built their own lives and careers — “It’s a full-circle moment.”

As a grade 12 student interested in pursuing a career in law, getting the opportunity to speak with Jatin Shory greatly opened my eyes to law and taught me much more about its importance to our society. It greatly inspired me and reinforced my decision to pursue this field in my postsecondary journey.

“You have to have passion and like what you do. Understanding the value and knowing what is happening is important.”

Rundle honours the commitment and dedication of faculty, staff,

25-Year Club Inductees

Faculty & Staff Board & Foundation

2011 Lynn Moriarity

2012 Mary Baird

Don Franklin

Frank Hansma

Dave Hauk

2017 Allison Belt

2019 Bob Forman

2020 Ron Clark

Andrea Friesen

Gary Sylven

2021 Neil Domstad

2022 Maria Gallo

10-Year Club Inductees

Faculty & Staff

1995 Ken Kroeker

1998 Rod Martens

1999 Lawrence Potapoff

2000 Brian Bridal

Yvon Gosselin

2001 Mike Tieman

2002 Trisha Cornies

2004 Marianne Johnston

Barb Mercier

Bev Ross

Peter Sarro

Samantha Woods

2006 Ruth Brydges

2007

2008

Lynn Scott

Michelle Cawthorpe

Donna Currie

Glenn Gibson

Michelle Armstrong

Tina Bristow

Aaron Goettel

Richard Lawson

Cheryl Phillips

2009 Bruce Buchanan

Sharon Golebiowski

Peter Morrow

Kathleen White

2010 Amy Defoy-Lamphier

Chad Hande

Brad James

Valerie McClements

Marcella Moodie

2011 Emma Guy Macdonald

Lisa Hansen

Terry Hoganson

Patrick Lake

2012 Barb Collin

Pam Cook

Michele Grierson

Dennis Holowaychuk

Jessica Kim

Brad Mellor

Stuart Palmer

Tony Ripley

Jason Rogers

Wendy Sobey

Debbie Tratechaud

2013 James Burla

Joelle Kopp

Wade Lamb

Melissa Mann

Holly Martin

Carla Thio

2010 W.J. (Jack) Collett

Rodney Conklin

Charles Holder

2013 Ron Carrick

2017 Clarence Buckley

2014 Laurel Adolphe

Robyn Bradley

IsaBelle Lecce Saliba

Nicola Spencer

2015 Brian Eremko

Jason Leong

Pam Montgomery

Mary Pumphrey

2016 Debi Baldwin

Jo Briggs

Carla Carnovale

Alana Hayman

Lisa Salter

2017 Ben Gibson

Lesley How

Dennis Moodie

Colleen Neale

Mireille Robinson

Leslie Tecklenburg

Taryn (Cossar) Wood

2018 Kellie Adams

Ashley (Donahue) Di Capua

Shannon Harte

Joanna Hews

Maria Santos

Keith van der Meer

In Memoriam

Faculty & Staff

Bruce Buchanan | 2017

Russell Paxton | 2016

Andrea Thiessen-Schoff | 2003

Kathleen White | 2019

Board & Foundation

Ron Carrick | 2022

W.J. (Jack) Collett | 1998

Rodney Conklin | 2019

Board & Foundation

Aukje van Engen

Eric Vesey

2019 Brent Hargreaves

Doug Hodgins

Nicole (Davidson) Jordan

Cheryl Lendvoy

Lorraine Lew

Courtney MacLellan

Jason Maitland

Filipe Mendes

Chris Paz

Christine Penton

Sarah (Dunsford) Rogers

Roma Stepaniuk

Nick Waterbury

John Wolf

2022 Julie Bohay

Rhonda Chehowy

Sheena Hollis

Julie Naugler

Anne Olivarez

Jenna Prest

Andria Slipp

Marlo Sullivan

1995 John McCarthy

Murdie Robertson

2001 Pat Smith

2002 Marisa Zarusky

2008 Doug Hodgins

2009 Robert Barclay

Graeme Proudfoot

2012 Robert Evans

2013 June Kilcolm

2015 Cathy Buckley

2017 Reg Pattemore

2019 Dennis Locking

Buster Moult

2020

Joanne Hewlett

Charles Martin

Heather Scott

Shannon Smith

Shilo Vesey

2021 Lisa Danis

Karen Goepen-Wee

Alistair Hardie

Heather Machida

Lisa (Whiting) Meszaros

board, and foundation members who have reached long-tenured milestones at Rundle.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

MICHAEL CHARNEY '09 | COLLEGE

We would like to congratulate Michael Charney ‘09 as this year’s recipient of our Distinguished Alumni Award.

Michael’s dedication to giving back and supporting Rundle is truly inspiring. He has often taken the time to be a career mentor to our current students and has been a dedicated donor over the past several years, helping to support our programs and students. He has been an advocate and ambassador for our school community.

He has been able to spend time supporting Rundle all the while finding incredible success in his career.

Michael is currently a Director of Global Strategic Investments at Colliers

International in Toronto. His career success is a testament to his character, hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It is evident that he made the most of his opportunities during his time at Rundle and post-secondary studies to make a significant impact in his field.

As an alumnus, Michael continues to demonstrate his commitment to our school by giving back in so many ways. This generosity and support have made a difference in the lives of so many students and staff members.

Once again, we would like to thank Michael for his contributions to Rundle, and congratulate him on his success. We are proud to call you one of our own.

CHANCE MAXWELL '20 | ACADEMY

Chance Maxwell, a graduate of the Academy's Class of 2020, has distinguished himself in the fields of coaching, sportsmanship, and leadership. Over the past two years, Chance has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to coaching our volleyball and basketball teams at the Academy, igniting the passion for these sports within our student athletes.

Chance's journey after graduating from the Academy led him to pursue his studies in Business at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). However, his connection to our school remained strong, and he continued to embody the values instilled in him during his time here.

Not only has Chance excelled academically, but he has also embraced the role as an ambassador of the

Academy. Through his volunteer work and numerous contributions, he has become a shining example of what it means to be a true leader. His dedication and commitment to our school have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Chance has proven to be more than just a talented athlete and coach. He is a role model, demonstrating positive values and inspiring others with his exceptional character. His enthusiasm, perseverance, and sportsmanship have set him apart, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

From the court to the classroom, he has exemplified the values we hold dear. His selflessness, determination, and leadership have not only made us proud but have also inspired future generations to follow in his footsteps.

Congratulations, Chance!

ALUMNI FEATURE

RENAISSANCE LEARNING IN THE MODERN WORLD

By Logan Mitchell '23

Faced with the overwhelmingly expansive opportunities at Rundle, it may be tempting for students to avoid risk and narrow their focus to that which they are most confident or skilled. Raeesa Lalani ‘09 is no such student. Raeesa embraces new experiences and learns for the sake of learning, cultivating a unique well-roundedness and a broad worldview that allows her to thrive in a variety of environments. By taking full advantage of her opportunities, Raeesa pursues her full potential as an athlete, artist, and lifelong learner.

Believing that “a liberal arts degree provides a fuller and more global perspective about everything in the world,” Raeesa left Rundle to major in English with a double minor in Spanish and Journalism, all while on a volleyball scholarship, at Dalhousie University. This unique education just furthered the versatility she demonstrated at Rundle as an actor, volleyball player, singer, and pianist. After achieving a Master's in Journalism at the University of King’s College, Raeesa put her skills to use working for Bell TV and hosting two of her own television shows.

Asking, “How can I continue to push myself to become a different professional?” Raeesa further diversified her career by taking on the field of marketing/PR. Using the transferable skills of her journalism degree in a new way, she joined the Prismatic Arts Festival. Prismatic is described as “a multidisciplinary festival that celebrates and showcases artistic work created by leading Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across the country,” a goal perfectly aligned with Raeesa’s pursuit of worldview-expanding education. Feeling that she had “the responsibility to amplify voices who have been traditionally left out and underrepresented in the arts,” Raeesa's career took an unexpected turn when she decided to become the Artistic Director of Prismatic.

I found it interesting that Raeesa, with her extensive academic and journalistic skills, focuses on art as a way to promote inclusivity. She insightfully explained this, stating that art “is a gentler way of disseminating hard-hitting facts and information.” Raeesa used this same notion to explain how art can bring people and communities together through the sharing of knowledge. Acting as “the bridge between these two worlds, where I've seen what opportunity looks like, but at the same time, I understand what marginalized people and communities go through,” Raeesa demonstrates how she uses her

breadth of knowledge to make a positive impact on communities.

Crediting her upbringing and education for allowing her to pursue her full potential, it seems fullcircle that Raeesa is now building community and opportunities for others. Her post-Rundle life revealed that “a lot of people don't get those same perspectives and opportunities that we're privileged to have,” emphasizing just how important it is to maximize the opportunities provided by one’s community. Ultimately, Raeesa stresses the importance of upholding and valuing communities, as this “goes back to the grassroots level of who human beings are, and helps you with your purpose, while fulfilling you and making you happy.” Raeesa’s interdisciplinary success is an inspiration for students to have the courage to maximize the opportunities in their communities and develop the whole self.

...she had "the responsibility to amplify voices who have been traditionally left out and underrepresented in the arts,”

COLLEGE ALUMNI RETURN

KEN HUNT '09 speaking to the grade 10's about poetry and effective writing.

JOEY HUBBARD '12 visiting the grade 4 students to talk about his experience living and working in South Korea.

RICHARD LOBSINGER '02 presenting his award at the Sr. High Awards Night in 2022.

Thank you ALANA KERR '15 and NICHOLAS WELCH '16 for speaking with our students about the importance of the arts in your careers.

MEGAN MATHISON '19, ARIELA JAMSHIDISHAHVAR ‘18, and ASHA SARA '16 bringing their talents back to coach the grade 6 Jr. Pom Squad.

AARON GOODARZI '95 presenting his family's science award at the Sr. High Awards Night in 2022.

JOHN VOTH '98 presenting the Jr. High Drama Award at Awards Night in 2022.

Dr. BRITTANY SUNDERANI '06 and MALLORY KIRZINGER '14 guest speakers at Grad 2022.

JENN CHOW '16 organizied the Rundle Alumni's Seniors Secret Santa fundraiser. The alumni raised over $300 for the cause.

Thank

Thank

This past December, Ms. Robinson hosted her annual Alumni Band Brunch joined by alumni from the classes of 2009 to 2022! Special congratulations to CHRISTINE COUTTS '09 who welcomed a baby girl in October and OLIVIA AWAD '09 who gave birth to a baby boy five days after the brunch!

JAMES BOUCHARD '14 speaking at the Grade 12 Celebration Breakfast in May 2022.

HILLARY GRAHAM '18 continues her basketball legacy at Rundle as a Jr. High coach.

Thank you KAITLYN LOWE '22 and RAYFF MCMAHON '17 for helping at our fall Open House.

GABRIELE ROMANO ‘21, ADHAM YOUNG ‘19, LEO OCHIENG ‘20, JULES SZARKO ‘20, TOBIN COOK ‘21, JOSHUA KOWAL ‘20, SOPHIE MCKENZIE ‘19 and BAILEY JOHNSON ‘21 returned to campus to talk to our grade 12's about post secondary life.

STEFANNA SPOLETINI '10, owner of Noto Gelato, speaking to our grade 10's about finance and starting your own business.

you to AARON CLARK ’21 and LEO DOUGAN ‘21 for joining our Sr. Girls Cobras Rugby team in May 2022 at their morning practice in Victoria.

you LAUREN MUNROE '17, CONNOR KENDALL '16, BRET BRADLEY '16 and JENNIFER CHOW '16 for helping out at our fall Open House.

NICHOLAS WELCH '16 and his father Phil presenting the Jr. High academic scholarships they generously fund.

ALUMNI FEATURE

ENGINEERING A HEALTHIER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

By Matthew Wall '23

Attaining new heights and providing oneself with a challenge every single day is a noble goal for anyone. Speaking with Graeham Douglas ‘06 left me with a lasting impression on how powerful a goal like this can be. Throughout his career, Dr. Douglas has worked to use his extensive education and personal experience for the benefit of others, working to build a better future through engineering.

An introduction to Graeham’s career follows his graduation from Rundle College in 2006. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of British Columbia in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical Engineering focus in 2010. Near the end of his undergraduate studies, Graeham had the opportunity to connect with a new professor at the university who specialized in cardiovascular research. Over the next two years, Graeham studied cardiovascular stents,

which is a technology used in the treatment of aneurysms and cardiovascular diseases. The devices are implanted into a patient's arteries and then expanded, which allows blood to pass through an artery that may have been blocked. The technology is an important part of cardiovascular medicine, and an estimated 2 million stent procedures are completed globally every year. The conclusion of this project earned Graeham a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.

Following this, Dr. Douglas began his PhD studies at the University of Cambridge. There, he studied the structure of cardiovascular tissue with Professor Micheal Sutcliffe. The research centered around the microscopic layers that make up human arteries, and involved imaging and simulations to collect data on the topic. Interestingly, Graeham

mentioned that they viewed these human tissues as a composite material, like carbon fibre. Both of these materials derive their strength from the fact that they consist of overlapping, fibrous layers. Consequently, any damage or defects within the material’s many layers greatly reduces its strength. This characteristic of arteries can lead to what Graeham calls the “perfect storm” for a heart attack or stroke. What was found is that these situations actually occur very often in the human body, far more than would be expected given the likelihood of any of the health problems they cause. The research conducted by Dr. Douglas and his professor developed a greater understanding of the many factors that make up these cardiovascular problems, and their findings have left a lasting impact on cardiovascular medicine.

Outside of his primary focus as a biomedical engineer, Graeham also explored other opportunities. At UBC, Dr. Douglas was the Mechanical Director of the Solar Car Team. The team’s goal was to design and build solar-powered cars, and in Graeham’s experience, drive them across North America. Graeham was also the Technical Advisor for the Eco Racing team at the University of Cambridge, wherein that team participated in races across Australia. The broader objective of these programs is to be at the forefront of sustainability as it relates to transportation. With each succinct design, members on the team learn more about clean energy and refine the cars to be as efficient as possible. Though different from his contributions in the field of biomedical engineering, Graeham’s efforts towards a more sustainable and efficient future also display the positive impact he has had on his community. He believes that participation in such extracurricular activities are part of being a well-rounded student, and displays that a person has a passion and interest in their studies.

At the end of his formal education, Dr. Douglas had amassed a great deal of experience dealing with cardiovascular treatments and had brought great strides forward for medicine in his field. However, having suffered from asthma as a swimmer and skier in high school, he decided to change his focus, shifting his efforts towards respiratory medicine. Speaking with other professionals in regard to asthma, and in his own experience, he found that asthma treatment could be very subjective. This would lead to large variations in treatments, and a reliance on the communication between a patient and doctor rather than objective testing. Furthermore, due to the need for specialized equipment and the variability of the disease, he found that many patients were unable to receive accurate test results for their treatment.

All of the above reasons led Dr. Douglas to create Arete Medical Technologies. His company, established in 2017, aims to create a more portable and accessible testing system for people who may suffer from asthma. The company is currently focused on the development of the Respicorder, a device that allows patients and medical professionals to monitor the disease more conveniently. The

company has received support from multiple organizations across the globe, including a £2 million grant from the UK Government towards the development of this technology. The end goal of this project is to allow for a much cheaper, more prevalent, and mobile avenue for asthma diagnosis and treatment. Nearly 300 million people suffer from asthma globally, and even more so in nations that lack modern medical technology. This fact alone makes the work Arete has completed, and continues to progress with, crucial to the lives of many across the world. Graeham views this project as his greatest achievement. However, he included “so far” in the same sentence, viewing his career as a work in progress and always striving to do more.

Dr. Douglas has achieved an exceptional number of educational accolades and career milestones. However, some of the lessons he learned at Rundle are still very important to him. Recognizing the importance of staying active, as well as a healthy worklife balance are both very important to him. Furthermore, as referenced previously, he values extracurriculars as a pillar of a person’s character, in that those activities are truly what sets someone apart from the rest in the field. From Rundle College to Arete, Dr. Graeham Douglas is a great example of a person who has always worked hard, and accepted any and all opportunities to further himself and his community.

Tell us how you really feel...

"Attending Rundle gave me the opportunity to be a part of a community that truly cared about my future. It’s a place where I felt confident academically and knew the teachers cared about me. My grade 12 year at Rundle set me up for long-term success."

– JESSICA TAYLOR '04 ACADEMY

“Though different from his contributions in the field of biomedical engineering, Graeham’s efforts [in the study of clean energy] towards a more sustainable and efficient future also display the positive impact he has had on his community."

ACADEMY ALUMNI RETURN

MAX COUPLAND '22, JONATHAN BLESSING '22 stop by for a visit with Mr Mellor.

Ms. Vesey and SAM STEPHEN '22 who is studying engineering at U of A.

CHRIS HUBAND '11, CATHERINE CARRUTHERS '18, and MORGAN EMERY '20 helping out with Fine Arts Day.

KAYLEY MILLER '11 shaved her head for cancer.

Mr. Burla, DJ DHALIWAL '18 who is studying science at MRU and Mr. Paz.

Mr. Paz, MAX SMITH '16 graduate of U of S in mechanical engineering, and Mr. Lawson.

JAXSON ROGERS '20 and Mr. Mellor

KAYLA WARTMAN '12 and MEAGAN MACDONALD-JASPER '12 at the Alumni & Staff Basketball Game.

AVERY BRUCE '22, SIMONE FLAMAN '22, and KATY ONSLOW '22 visting the Academy.

KATY ONSLOW '22 coaching volleyball

Mr. Vesey and NATHAN RETZER '18 who is studying engineering at U of A.

OWEN BROWN '22 coaching volleyball

CHLOE SCHOTANUS '21 ran into and Ms. Meszaros.

Alumni & Staff Basketball Game – December 2022

(left to right) MARCO PROVERBS '21, DJ DHALIWAL '18, CHANCE MAXWELL '20, ALLY DUCKWORTH '14, COLE GARCIA REDER '22, OWEN BROWN '22, LOGAN REED '21, JACKSON HUMMEL '21

ADAM KEIRLE '22 who is studying masonry at SAIT and Ms. Mibelli.

MOLLIE SMITH '15 guest speaker at the 2022 Moves Mountains Breakfast.

GRADUATE REFLECTIONS

opportune chance to mentor the next generation of Rundle students. Rundle has also given me core memories that I will forever cherish. Some of these memories in particular are the school trips, as well as events in the Primary School. I will never forget music Fridays when Mr. Carr would play his guitar during dismissal, or how the only thing students would look forward to during Sports Day was the bouncy castles and the cotton candy machine.

Over the course of 12 years, I have never truly had the opportunity to sit and reflect on my journey at Rundle. It feels like it was only yesterday that I was walking into Ms. Neal's grade one classroom, and now it is crazy to think that in a few short weeks, I will be graduating along with the rest of my peers.

Throughout my school experience, Rundle has become more than just a place of learning for me. They have created such an amazing community; it almost feels like family. Rundle encourages us to contribute to their ever-growing community, and had they not, I probably would not have had the opportunity to participate in the amazing programs they have offered.

I have been lucky enough to be part of the coaching team for the Jr. Cobras Pom Team, as well as a councillor for Rundle’s Curiosity Camps. Through these, I was able to expand my leadership skills and have the

I am also very thankful for the travel opportunities Rundle has provided, with my all-time favourite being Cheakamus. I don’t think I will ever forget Mr. Eremko walking all the way to the back of the bus to collect our phones one-by-one into a garbage bag. While at the time, it was probably our greatest nightmare to be separated from our phones for a week, it was definitely the best thing that ever happened to us. Having the entire grade tech-free allowed us to not only take in the forest and culture around us, but also helped us build relationships without the need or use of our phones. We learned first hand about PowWows, how extraordinary a forest is, the lifecycle of a fish, archery and canoeing, all of which could not be fully experienced with the presence of technology. There were a fair share of funny moments as well during our time at Cheakamus. While other cabins bonded through having mice in their cabin, mine bonded over the large invincible spiders crawling all over the place. No matter how many screams or pairs of shoes we threw at them, we just couldn’t seem to get rid of them. Clubs and sports teams have been, and still are, great ways to build interpersonal relations. I did my best to get involved by being on the Jr. High volleyball team, pom squad, games club and the winter/spring productions. Thanks to these, I have not only stepped out of my comfort zone multiple times, but I have also gained everlasting friendships.

These are just a few of the many great experiences Rundle has given me, and even though my journey as a Rundle student is coming to an end, I look forward to continuing being a part of the Rundle community as an alumna.

India Tahmazian '23 College

FOREVER A RUNDLE ALUMNA

"Rundle has become more than just a place of learning for me. They have created such an amazing community, it almost feels like family."

EAT. SLEEP. CAMP. REPEAT. | Summer Camps 2022

By Heather Mayer | Director of Elevated Opportunities

In July 2022, Rundle College Summer Camps resumed operations in full. The alumni coaches and counsellors who we are lucky to have return each year are what make our summer programs successful. They are enthusiastic, dedicated, nurturing, and entertaining. Our Jr. Cobra Sport and Curiosity Camp coaches assisted with session facilitation and frequently took the lead on basketball, volleyball, and other sports.

Our Rundle summer camps are a big success, attracting campers not only from Rundle but from our neighbouring communities.

Our coaches and counsellors are a significant reason why kids keep coming back! Each year, we employ both current and former Rundle students, since who else could manage our camps with integrity and competence but our own students? When you ask children who attend the camps what their favourite part is, it’s always our counsellors and coaches! What makes this program even more special is the interaction we see between our current student counselors and our alumni counsellors who serve as mentors for these future alumni.

Junior Cobras Sports Program

By Jillian Robinson | PE Teacher, Junior Cobras Sport Coordinator

It was fantastic to see our Jr. Cobra sessions return to our normal schedule after a few years of either canceled or modified Jr. Cobra sessions during Covid. I was fortunate to have our knowledgeable and competent alumni coaches run sessions and guide our volunteer high school coaches in my first year as the Junior Cobra Sport Coordinator as part of the c.Lab program. They provided a safe, active and inclusive environment while overseeing the POM squad, basketball, badminton, and volleyball clinics.

During practices, our alumni's passion, knowledge, and support were greatly appreciated. Some of our instructors joined us when the Junior Cobras sessions first started, while others are brand new to the program this year. Either way, we are so lucky to have our alumni return year after year and dedicate their time to our current students and programs!

(Back Left to Right): Mitchell O'Brien, Nathan Long ' 24 RC, OWEN BROWN '22 RA, Riley Dougan '24 RC, SARAH HOUGEN '14 RC, TOBIN COOK '21 RC, HENRY KING '21 RA, Laurel Adolphe (Front Left to Right) : KYLE TRAN '23 RC, KAITLYN LOWE '22 RC, HILLARY GRAHAM '18 RC, MICHELLE KIM '21 RC, Kate Domstad '25 RA, Charlie Adolphe '26 RC, Alexia Blum, Avery Ryan '24 RC (missing: MORGAN SAUNDERS '15 RC)

A COMMUNITY OF SHARED VALUES

Madeline Grumet’s work was first introduced to me during my early days in the Faculty of Education and her words about teaching remain with me today. I became a teacher because in my heart, I am a curious person but more than that, I thrive on sharing that curiosity and learning with others. It feels like just yesterday that I walked into the Carl Saffron Building on 12 Ave SW to teach my first junior high English Language Arts class. I remember being excited to have the opportunity to have a full-time teaching position right out of university, but I also remember feeling nervous about teaching so many young and impressionable minds. I knew that Rundle College was an exceptional educational institution that had built a reputation for helping students reach their potential, and I also was aware of the school’s commitment to excellence. However, what has kept me at Rundle for the past 23 years is that at its core, Rundle is an extraordinary community that is the embodiment of its values: Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well.

I love that "together" is at the heart of our values. At Rundle, we are all on this journey together, and we always support each other. I have seen a strong sense of togetherness over the years, be it coming together at Friday Night Lights, graduations, or school events. However, I think this idea of togetherness is best seen when we interact with the larger community. Be it field trips, travel, sporting events, competitions, or art showcases, we show our pride and encouragement for each other. All of the many activities offered outside of the classroom help to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students and encourage them to become responsible and engaged members of the community.

Next, it is so important to note that to "be kind" is the first value that is noted. This value is shared by all in the school. As one of my favourite writers, Mary Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Kindness is much more than words. Kindness is how we interact with others. I am so proud to work at a place, where kindness is a way of being. Where else do teenagers wipe snow off of windshields, hold open doors, share books, or leave chocolates for you? It is through acts of kindness that I have come to know students so well. I love that these relationships continue after graduation, and I am so happy to meet with former students and families long past graduation to hear about their new milestones.

Just as important, kindness is a way of being for everyone who works at Rundle. Thinking back to my Carl Saffron days, the junior high staff was so welcoming to this young, eager 24-year old teacher and there was an abundance of mentors that I could lean on for support or answers. People like Mary Baird, Maria Gallo, and Neil Domstad were quick to take me under their wings and show me what it means to be a part of the Rundle community. I learnt from them that as a staff, we look out for each other, we learn from each other, and we have fun together. I began my teaching career at Rundle, and honestly, I cannot imagine working anywhere else. As a staff, we come together every day to perform the service of developing inspired minds and unparalleled character. And teaching is a form of service. We are all here to contribute to the welfare of the students to help them reach their potential.

Finally, Rundle College is an extraordinary community because of its strong partnership with parents. The school recognizes the important role that parents play in their child's education and encourages them to be active participants in the community. Parents are invited to participate in school events, volunteer their time and expertise, and collaborate with teachers and staff to support their child's learning and development. I am so thankful for all of the support that I have felt from parents, and I truly believe that this partnership between parents and Rundle also helps to create a supportive and collaborative environment that enables each student to reach their potential.

In conclusion, I cannot imagine teaching anywhere else. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people that I have met over the years and I look towards working with many more. Rundle College’s strong sense of community enables students and teachers to thrive and achieve their full potential. Rundle is a place where we are connected to one another through our shared values.

“Teaching is about the connection to the world and to the other people whom we share that world.”

– Madeline R. Grumet

Valerie McClements, College ELA Teacher, GOA and Innovation Coordinator

MY EXTRAORDINARY CAREER JOURNEY: NURTURING AN EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY AT RUNDLE ACADEMY

Nicole Jordan, Head of Academics

Dear Rundle Academy Alumni Community,

As I reflect on my career, I am filled with gratitude for the path that led me to Rundle Academy sixteen years ago. As a diverse learner who struggled in high school, Rundle Academy was the perfect match for me. I discovered that the students and staff at Rundle Academy have unmatched dedication, and living up to this expectation has been the cornerstone of my every decision and it is what drives me to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Rundle Academy was my first, and it has been my only teaching position. I was hired at 23 and was full of ambition and I was more nervous than you could imagine about finally having my own classroom. I learned quickly that the Academy was a vibrant and dynamic community of students with unique talents, a ton of determination, challenges, and all the potential in the world. It was this combination that led me to redefine the notion of a learning disability into learning diversity. Learning diversity can be a gift. As an educator, each day presents a new opportunity to help diverse learners uncover their strengths and empower them to overcome life’s inevitable obstacles. Interacting with students in these moments are my most memorable experiences.

The whole ecosystem of the Academy is supported by an unwavering commitment from its community. This includes the parents, the students, and most importantly, the staff who share a common purpose, namely to provide an inclusive and nurturing

ACADEMY HISTORIAN

environment where our students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. I can honestly say every day for the past 16 years has been filled with immense gratitude because I can call myself a member of the great Rundle Academy community.

Rundle Academy helped me discover my purpose, which is to advocate for diverse learners and to provide them with the tools and support they need to achieve their full potential. Time and time again, I witnessed firsthand that with hard work and the right support, students at the Academy are virtually unlimited in their ability to progress, achieve success and accomplish their dreams. This support is characterized by a personalized approach to education and the development of a self-advocacy toolbox that is there for life.

In recent years, my journey at Rundle Academy brought me to administration, where I can have a broader impact on student learning. It is also from this vantage point that I realize the extent to which our community supports our students in school and beyond. I regularly get emails, text messages and phone calls from former students and their families describing how their years at the Academy prepared them for post-secondary school, their careers and relationships.

I have learned that academic success is not the only benchmark of success; emotional well-being, character development, and a sense of belonging are equally crucial. With this in mind, I have been a champion for initiatives that bring our students, staff, and families together, creating a network of support and collaboration.

However, the real impact of my career at Rundle can be described in a single word: relationships. The relationships are imprinted in my soul. Relationships spurred my growth. Relationships solidified my self-identity. And these relationships mean everything to me. So, to my former students, my homeroom members, the parents, the staff who are still here, and those who have moved elsewhere, thank you for all of the memories and for helping me grow into who I am today.

I am profoundly grateful for the support, opportunities, and lifelong connections that Rundle Academy has provided me. It is a privilege to be part of this extraordinary community.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Nicole Jordan

ACADEMY TODAY

Golf | The golf team started their season in the fall with a mixture of private lessons and some course play on a par 3 golf course. The students practiced their long and short games with the help of multiple golf professionals and learned a lot. In the spring, the students headed back to the course for a second round of lessons, building off what they already learned, and were ready for a successful golf season.

Football | The football team has continued to partner with Springbank to build and grow the program.

Basketball | Grade 7/8 girls' were small but mighty and worked diligently on fundamental skills and got better with each practice and game! The 8/9 girls had a phenomenal season full of skill development. They really hit their stride as a team this year and notably won the consolation bracket in the large Bearspaw invitational tournament.

Volleyball | The sr. boys team participated in three tournaments, along with an intense league schedule where, unfortunately, the Rockies lost to Clearwater Academy in a rematch of the 2021 league final. The sr. girls played in three tournaments, including the Girls Dig Pink tournament to raise awareness for breast cancer and women in sports. Thank you to all the girls for a fun season and a special shout out to our grade 12s, Gabby Salt '23 and Dylan Fisher '23 for their leadership, spirit, and dedication to volleyball throughout their high school experience. The jr. high girls' had an unprecedented turnout this

year and ended up creating four teams! The grade 7 girls learned the game quickly and had a lot fun and finished the season strong in third. The grade 8 girls were competitive all season just falling short in the playoffs and the grade 9 girls had two separate teams that got together for three tournaments, each time representing the school well into the latter stages of the tournaments. The grade 7/8 boys team made it to their league finals this season and ended with a silver medal! The grade 9 boys team had an incredible growth season. The same squad could be found last season with only one win in their hands, this year they tied for second in the league. Look out next year… this team should not be taken lightly!

Triathlon Club | This year a group of 18 gritty, determined, and curious Jr. High students signed up for Rundle's first-ever Triathlon Club. The Club is a sports club committed to building resilience, character, and fellowship while training to develop competency in all three disciplines – swimming, biking, and running. The RATC competed at the “10 Mile Tri” on March 5 and our athletes did very well.

Buddies Program | The Buddies program contributes to creating connections within our school community and is a leadership opportunity for our grade 12 students. At this point in the year, the grade 12's and 6’s have participated in various activities including the Terry Fox Walk, Christmas gift exchange, and bowling!

Duke of Edinburgh | Rundle ran its first ever Bronze Adventurous Journey trip in partnership with Outward Bound.

Elementary Library Club | Students in the Library Club showed their love for literacy and their pride in their school! Students explored new reads and shared their favourite books with their peers. Club members also organized our books into creative categories and genres. During our annual Scholastic Book Fair, students got creative and designed different contests for their peers to win books and prizes at the sale. Their pride and love for books help grow our Elementary Library into a great place to be!

Grade 6 Challenge Club | Grade 6 Challenge Club had a great year! They started the year off with volleyball, meeting after school to practice beginner serving and setting skills, court set-up, and rotations. While they did not win their game, they cheered on their teammates and played incredibly well. Next, they worked on their basketball fundamentals and finished off with a tournament in March.

Maker Club | Students have worked through eight weeks of our gifting module where they created handmade gifts such as bath bombs, leather bracelets, and cards. Our next module is Robotics, where students will learn coding and use Ozobots and Micro:bits. We ended the year creating our Maker T-shirts, 3D printing and using the laser cutter. Both senior teams qualified for the Provincial Championships.

Spring Production | In March, students came together to perform The Wizard of Oz.

STEAM | Students completed building challenges such as straw bridges, keeping a chip safe in the mail and crash test dummies, to name a few. Through designing and printing their own 3D key chains, students learned about the engineer design process, while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students also developed their technological literacy by engaging in robotics and coding through using Makey Makey’s, Microbits, and Littlebits. Students delved into their creative side with bacteria paintings. We explored the anatomy of grass frogs with an in-depth dissection lab. We ended our year with students exploring their passions in STEAM where they are tasked with creating their own projects.

Travel | This year, many students experienced the historically rich cities of Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec.