Au Courant - 2020 Year in Review

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Message from the

International

Class of 2020:

Head of School

Languages

Where Did They Go

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International Studies

Athletics

Prestigious Alumni Awards

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Institute Programs

Outdoor Education

Class Notes 47. WICConnect 49. Alumni Mentoring Program

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Fine Arts

Drive-Thru Grad

Life at WIC after COVID-19

Message

FROM THE INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL GORD GOODWIN

1986 to 2020! 34 years! Thirty-four years of WIC grad

we were able to thrive during COVID as well.

classes. As well, 34 years since I walked into my own

showed the WIC community's

One of my favourite times of the year is Senior

second semester when we were forced into online

resilience and flexibility. We took

time, much has happened.

School Outdoor Education. I was able to visit the

learning. With support from the IT Department,

the many obstacles thrown at

Grade 10s as they challenged themselves on the high

the music faculty was able to produce and release

the College and turned them

I distinctly remember when a colleague produced a

ropes course and spent the night at Camp Chief

an online music extravaganza that was the envy of

into positive learning and growth

cell phone out of his car's trunk that he kept there so

Hector. Outstanding experiences were had by all as

Calgary schools.

opportunities. I would also

his girls could call in case of an emergency. Needless

we paddled rivers, crossed glaciers, hiked the high

to say, the "mobile" phone, in comparison to those of

alpine, learned to scuba dive, and cycled the Rockies.

In athletics we started the year of very well and this

the 2019-2020 school year, the

today, looked to be the size of a World War II military

The Grade 9s were able to experience cross country

success carried through until March.

College is a stronger and more

walkie-talkie. I also recall getting summoned to the

skiing as they got out to Kananaskis Country for two

library to look at a new program on the computer.

days in February.

venture to say that because of

flexible community in which to Senior Girls Golf team - 1st at Provincials

learn, teach and as a place that

Senior Boys Golf team – 2nd at Provincials

continues to thrive every day.

7 / 8 Girls Basketball – 1st in the City

cannot possibly comment on each one, other than to

Junior Varsity Boys Basketball - 1st in the City

SARS in 2002, the Swine Flu in 2009, MERS in 2012,

express my amazement at the diversity and extent

Senior Girls Basketball - 1st in the City

Zika virus in 2015, and BSE or the floods and wildfires

of student interests, and the leadership that is so

Senior Boys Basketball - 1st in the City

in Alberta; add to these historical events, strikes

evident within each of these groups. Our Fine Arts

in the health and education sectors and various

Department and faculty continue to amaze! The live

An outstanding year in athletics was cut short just

economic surges and collapses, they have all made

performance of Our Town and the online production

as both of our senior varsity basketball teams were

various times in the past very difficult. With Alberta's

of The Laramie Project were events that showed

heading to the provincial championships. I know we

economic issues and the arrival of the COVID-19

the outstanding abilities and talents of our students

were going to field championship-calibre teams on

pandemic, 2020 has turned into a year like no other.

and faculty. The visual arts have exploded over the

the Rugby and Field Hockey pitches. Nevertheless,

last year with numerous shows and displays. The

athletics continued at excellent levels in all areas

That said, as you will see throughout this edition of

Music Department inspires me. They followed an

throughout the time we were on campus.

the Au Courant, a thriving and resilient place called

outstanding Winter Concert with a senior band trip

WIC. Prior to March, the 2019-2020 year was one to

to Los Angeles that was a highlight for me as a staff

Overall, as we review 2020, we will always see a

remember on many fronts. But, as is evidenced here,

supervisor who has travelled many times with WIC

year cut short by COVID-19. But I would like to

Gord Goodwin

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Over 30 clubs operate every year at the College. I

received access.

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remember the year as one that

Angeles. They pulled off the ultimate pivot in the

classroom as a teacher for the first time. Over that

It was the Internet, to which my school had just

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students worldwide and twice with the band to Los

M E SSAG E F R O M T H E I N T E R I M H E A D O F S C H O O L

Interim Head of School

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING THROUGH THE YEARS TARA LAW Director of International Studies

Every year for decades (save 2020), our senior high

This past Spring Break, our four senior high trips

have offered their service all around the world, making

were cancelled due to COVID-19. Because of this,

indelible marks on the destinations that they have

unfortunately, our groups were unable to actively

visited.

participate in the service learning experiences that

programming, as well as arguably the most fulfilling

In Belize, our 2020 group was to work at Cockscomb

aspect of my job as Director of International Studies,

Basin Reserve in conjunction with the Belize Audubon

has always been the service learning component of

Society (BAS). Since its formation in 1969, the BAS

our trips.

has been an important environmental organization

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protecting Belize's precious natural resources while Broadly explained, “service learning” integrates

educating the public about their value and sustainable

meaningful community service with instruction and

uses. WIC students were to be involved with cleaning

reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach

trails, cutting hedges, painting benches and walls,

civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

upgrading the road and changing out boards

International volunteerism has become core to

on bridges and on the trails. The work was to be

WIC’s service learning model. Service learning is

strenuous but helpful to the local community.

almost unanimously cited as the best part of every trip. It asks staff and students to give of themselves,

In Cambodia, our two 2020 groups were to work

physically, mentally, and emotionally. It transcends

at Phenom Penh’s Centre for Children's Happiness

“mainstream tourism” and really makes our trips the

(CCH). Originally started as an orphanage in October

special, unique experiences that they are.

2002, CCH now provides a home and education to over 90 children. The children

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Fundamental to our senior high International Studies

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S E R V I C E L E A R N I N G

they had signed up for.

at CCH are either orphans or belong to parents

accomplished and learned, and how we can offer

who cannot take care of them due to illness or

our services in the future. It is my belief that through

disability; most previously worked as garbage

sustainable service projects, authentic engagement,

pickers at the Steung Mean Chey landfill, located

and cross-cultural education, the world will be a

in a southern Phnom Penh district of low-income

better, more understanding place for all.

neighborhoods and slums. WIC students were to have met the local community, established working groups and helped to renovate and repair the classrooms.

Alongside professional trades’ people, WIC students were to have undertaken general repair of roofs, walls, windows, floors and doors; painting of the external and interior areas of the building; improvement of the school garden; and seized opportunities to have classroom interactions with local, Cambodian students.

In South Africa, among various other projects, our 2020 group of girls (yes, only girls) was to visit and volunteer at the Cape Town campus of Christel House (CH), an international non-profit organization with a single mission: to break the cycle of poverty. The organization provides no-fee, character-based, and career-focused education to 750 learners from Grades K to 12 and who live in some of the poorest slums in

Websites:

involved in everything from tree planting to sharing

Belize Audubon Society

cultures, languages, games, and school activities.

http://www.belizeaudubon.org/

Service was to be core to the South Africa trip, in general, benefitting not only the local communities that we were to visit but our own students as well.

Centre for Children’s Happiness

As has been witnessed over the many years of service

http://www.cchcambodia.org/

students have worked hard; they have offered up blood, sweat, and tears, to improve communities that they visit. From digging irrigation ditch in Xijang,

Christel House South Africa https

China to painting classrooms in Kathmandu, Nepal,

https://christelhouse.org/our-schools/south-africa/

or landscaping in Mwanza, Tanzania, WIC students have desired to and learned to authentically engage, through service learning.

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learning at WIC, both internationally and locally, our

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S E R V I C E L E A R N I N G

Cape Town. WIC students’ work were to have been

Although we have not been able to travel this year,

References:

perhaps now is a time to reflect upon what has been

https://libguides.nyit.edu/c.php?g=837082&p=5978581

TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING NATASHA BATHGATE Director of Learning & Innovation

This year, students and teachers experienced

and lots of opportunities to connect with business

learning beyond the classroom in ways they probably

professionals through presentations, competitions,

never imagined themselves doing. If the Wolves

and site visits. Through a visit to the head office,

Den Speakers in the 2019-2020 school year were

students enjoyed seeing the how the company values

predicting our needs for the future, they prepared

of Fiasco Gelato influence their decision making

us well this year. In October, Anthony McLean talked

while the Business 10 students heard about Fiasco

to all students about their role in creating a positive,

Gelato’s marketing strategies from their Director of

inclusive, and safe school culture. He challenged

Sales, WIC alumni Mike McGregor. The Business Case

students to respect and value those with a different

Competition at the Haskayne School of Business

race, ability, religion, gender identity, or sexual

challenged students to work collaboratively with

orientation. Some of the powerful messages from

students from other schools on a Western Canada

Anthony McLean will undoubtedly have a lasting

marketing strategy for Neal’s Yard Remedies. A

impact on many of our students.

few students attended StartupYYC this year, where we discovered Goat Generation, a business startup

Our spring Wolves Den speaker was Sarah Wells,

aimed at decreasing food waste in Calgary. Following

the Olympic athlete who brought a timely webinar

this, our Grade 7 students learned from the founder

presentation on resilience. As this was our first large

of Goat Generation how to make an effective pitch as

scale zoom event, we were initially apprehensive

part of their sustainability project.

The opportunities for students to gain exposure

Sarah’s messages gained a broader audience -

to careers and research in Health Sciences were

extending to parents, students, alumni, and staff.

broad and enriching. Our resident scientific research

This turned out to be the first of many experiences

professional, Jason Spurrell, presented several

at WIC, where a challenge was turned into an

enrichment labs and research seminars, including

opportunity. Sarah’s entrepreneurial and confident

opioid genetic dependence, immunology, and

approach to challenge seemed very fitting in our

cancer research. Students were amazed at the brain

Calgary community.

interface neuroscience technology presented by the University of Calgary’s Ph.D. student Dion Kelly.

WIC Institutes continued to provide unparalleled

Using this technology, it appeared that they could

real-world learning experiences this year despite

make objects move just by willing it to happen!

COVID-19. While the San Francisco trip was curtailed,

After a Junior School presentation at Telus Spark

the Business Institute saw a healthy number in the

on environmental research in the Arctic, we invited

Friday morning meetings of the Investment club

Matthew Ayre from the Arctic Research Centre of

INSTITUTES PROGRAM

the original plan of one assembly for students,

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about how it would work out. However, rather than

North America to give a talk during Focus Friday on

journalist research stories and viewed the room

his research methods reading ancient hand-written

where advertisements are slotted into programming.

shipping records to map ice patterns in the Arctic

Students were able to ask staff questions, and how

using Geographic Information System mapping (GIS).

news stories are created, from inception to reporting,

Grade 9 Science students also use GIS mapping in

were explained.

one of their class projects; as such, it was great to see a post-doctoral fellow demonstrate his use of it

In October 2019, 15 WIC students visited the

too. In their own time, some senior school students

Calgary Herald to meet with Deputy Editor, Monica

participated in a six-week research program with

Zurkowski, for a site visit and tour of the Calgary

YOUREKA Canada, while one student participated

Herald facility. Students viewed old printing

in SHAD Canada’s summer research program that

equipment, antique computer systems, as well

was online for July, and another student completed a

as archived newspapers with some headlines

six-week research internship through the Highschool

dating back to the 1800s. Additionally, students

Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program in Health

met with journalists to discuss hot topics in the

Science.

news today and the changing role of journalists in today’s digitalized society. We are grateful for

Focus Friday provided students with exposure to

the opportunity to meet with these journalism

careers in engineering. Students had the opportunity

professionals.

to visit Exergy Solutions, a local company providing engineering solutions through the application

In December 2019, three West Island College

of 3D printing and virtual reality. A Focus Friday

alumni: Stephen Vincelli'11, Justin Sherman'03,

presentation and invitation to a site visit came

Riley Whitlock'04 and Muneeb Sadiq'06 formed a

from Owen Lightbody at Novachemicals, a Calgary

Liberal Arts Institute panel to discuss their university

company specializing in packaging. There was

experiences, their law school experiences, their most

no shortage of opportunities for students to get

interesting cases as lawyers, and accepted questions

involved with engineering competitions, such as

from students. At the end of this very engaging

Technovation Girls and the WIC senior engineering

session, students had to meet with them in small

competition. During these competitions, students

group breakout sessions. This was a networking

met professionals from a range of engineering fields,

opportunity not to be missed.

In March 2020, fifteen Grade 11 and 12 students were

challenges. We are very grateful to our alumni and

fortunate to visit the Calgary Courthouse. Balfour

mentors who are crucial to providing industry-based,

Der and Lisa Burgis Der, criminal defence lawyers,

professional feedback and support to WIC students

graciously led a tour for WIC students where they

in these competitions.

heard both Balfour Der and Lisa Burgis Der speak, sit in a courtroom, and learned the history and

For students interested in careers in the liberal arts,

symbology of the court system. The Ders introduced

several enriching and eye-opening experiences were

the students to a sergeant of the sheriffs who

offered. In September 2019, 21 WIC students visited

allowed students to view the holding cells under

the Global TV Studio. The students were able to sit

the courts. During this visit, we had the privilege

on the set at the news anchor desk and view a live

of viewing Balfour Der defending a murder case.

recording of Global News at noon. After the news,

Experiences like this one allow students to connect

the students toured the studio to see the area where

with their passions.

INSTITUTES PROGRAM

diligently in teams to create solutions to engineering

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learned from mentors, and worked creatively and

Before the COVID school closures, a group of

production. The themes of morality, prejudice, justice,

students had begun preparing for a Mock Law Trial

and acceptance were presented at a timely moment

competition. Mock Trial is a team trial advocacy

as we ended the school year during the world-wide

competition in which students assume the roles

protests for the Black Lives Matter movement.

of attorneys and witnesses and engage in trial simulations. Students develop critical thinking and

Students interested in learning about different

public speaking skills, as well as knowledge of legal

languages and cultures were not short of rich and

practices and procedures. Balfour Der and Lisa

varied opportunities beyond the classroom this

Burgis Der and their firm, DER Barristers, sponsored

year. Throughout the year, activities included the

the moot trial event and provided interesting

martial art of Chinese Stick-fighting, American

and complex case material for academic use.

Sign Language, and learning about Chinese

Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to COVID

Calligraphy. Students also enjoyed working with

restrictions; however, we thank the Der team for

our artist in residence, Patricia Lortie, on a large-

their time and support. This was a unique and rare

scale mural celebrating La Francophonie. Students

opportunity for a small group of students offered by

participated in a series of video conferences with a

a group of high-profile legal professionals.

school in Burkina Faso, where they learned about commonalities and differences between cultures. For

Creativity, perseverance, and collaboration were in

further information about the accomplishments of

abundance in the Fine Arts this year as our teachers

the International Languages and Culture students,

went above and beyond to reimagine our traditional

please see page 20.

concerts and productions into a digital format.

Ms. Cooper and Mr. Michalak did a tremendous job

Despite the global pandemic and significant changes

creating a virtual spring concert where each student

to the way we learn, it is clear that the breadth

recorded their part individually. These were then

and depth of the real-world learning opportunities

digitally edited and brought together to create one

afforded by our Institute programs will provide

amazing collective performance. Families, staff,

students with the skills and habits of mind to enable

and alumni thoroughly enjoyed this virtual evening

them to be successful now and in their future –

performance as it was live-streamed into our homes.

whatever it holds.

Natasha Bathgate,

COVID, students gained exposure to careers in music

Director of Learning and Innovation

on Focus Friday through a drumming circle group,

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a composition workshop, and a live performance from the Jonny Summers jazz duo; these activities provided an insight into the varied careers of musicians.

In the spring, Ms. Babott and her drama students wowed us with their digital animation of The Laramie Project. Using photos of the actors in different costumes, the students individually recorded their parts, and an incredible team of technically minded students brought it all together into one seamless

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uplift and unite us. Before we were closed due to

INSTITUTES PROGRAM

This was a fine example of the power of music to

2020

HINDSIGHT IS

It was difficult to watch these little boxes of typically

were all entirely driven by the students. I imagine

energetic young people shrink, or seem depressed or

this feeling being similar to when your 16-year-old

disengaged. Which I think is to be expected during

child gets their license and drives alone for the first

a pandemic and lockdown. There was a very real

time. I felt so proud, yet protective and nervous for

grieving process for everyone: loss of control, loss of

them. Admittedly my ego also felt a bit melancholy

normalcy, loss of connection, loss of autonomy, loss

that I was really no longer useful; I wasn’t the one

of purpose, loss of income, safety, etc. I was grieving

driving anymore. This process of independence and

for the loss of connection to students and the loss of

fierce creativity was replicated again in the Drama

creating art together.

30 Directing Showcase, and with Paperwork (the Fine Arts ‘zine). Knowing these young artists and

The cast and crew of The Laramie Project had already

working with them over the past three years, I am

spent six weeks working on a show we all knew could

not surprised at what they were able to create, but

When I was growing up, we used to spend a portion of time at my Gran’s cabin in Radium. She

no longer be performed. I remember having the Zoom

was so inspired by their resiliency and tenacity that it

had a tiny TV and only a few VHS tapes available for us kids to watch on rainy days. One of

rehearsal, where we came together to discuss how to

reminded me of why I became an artist and educator

those tapes was the movie “Outbreak,” which (and I’m paraphrasing) is a dystopian drama

move forward on the project. I was convinced that the

in the first place. The world in which we find ourselves

about a monkey who bites a human and ends up spreading a terrible disease and starting

consensus would be to abandon the project entirely

in is nothing like my Gran’s cabin in Radium, or even

an apocalyptic pandemic. I do not mean to say that a B-list movie from the 1990s was in

because having to figure out a new way forward

like it was in March of this year. As we press forward

any way an oracle, and I’m not much for conspiracy theories, but this detail from my

virtually seemed insurmountable. I was surprised that

into this uncertain new state, I feel excited and

childhood has just been floating around in my mind. It is so strange to think that this

the cast and crew wanted to continue, and in that

nervous to see what our artists will create. And I can

plot from my childhood seemed as unbelievable as Star Trek (sorry sci-fi nerds!), yet

moment, the project became theirs; the recordings,

assure you that it will be a thousand times better than

fast forward 20 years, and here we are.

photos, editing, post-production, performances

“Outbreak.”

Brittany Babott, TaniaMarie Cooper, & Cindy Martin

Thankfully, we have advanced technology beyond the VHS tape and have invented things like video conferencing; otherwise, our lockdown would have been a very different reality. I’m often asked by friends and family how I could not only teach virtually but teach Drama virtually. My response was usually: “Not well!”

Then I would talk about modifying projects different methods to perform in a quarantine.

A classic ‘dad joke’ that would usually be met with an eye roll.

We would talk about how the students were fairing, and I would say again: “Not well.”

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“The commute was fairly easy.”

HINDSIGHT IS 2020

so students could film themselves or use

HINDSIGHT IS 2020

HINDSIGHT IS 2020

Music

Art

2019-20 will go down as a year of transition and

A review of the school year 2019/2020,

celebration in the music department at WIC. We

you say? Hmmm, well, it was the most

welcomed the addition of professional trumpet player

bizarre year of my teaching career yet!

and band teacher Jay Michalak to the WIC team. With

It started off well; all WIC art students

his knowledge and experience, the program began to

were creating beautiful pieces and

incorporate more technology in the music teaching

learning about different art techniques

and learning process. Ms. Cooper and Mr. Michalak

and mediums and contemporary artists.

had no idea at the time that this use of technology

The Fine Arts team of students and

would become crucial to the events leading to the end

teachers was planning and looking

of the year.

forward to the spring Drama production and the Fine Arts Cabaret, which was

The beginners will always remember the excitement of making their first sounds and performing real band music together after only a few short weeks of playing!

The Grade 8’s will have a cold and snowy band camp memory while learning an incredible amount of music in

the evening that showcased all three our concert bands for “Excellent” adjudicated rated

art disciplines. We were all excited that

performances in the February AIBF Calgary festival.

spring was coming, and the daylight

AND THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED.

hours were finally getting longer.

that short time. The high school band students will always have their forced 7:00 a.m memories!

Technology became the only way to continue teaching, learning, and performing music! Music preparation

And then, school went online, and life was forever changed.

The 2019 Winter Concert showcased over 250 WIC

focused on the student use of programs such as Smart

student musicians from Grades 7 to 12. There were

Students and teachers alike tried their

Music and Acapella music, and our performances

somewhere between 50 to 100 musicians on the Jack

best to adjust. We changed plans, and

became an engineered process. The band students

Singer Concert Hall stage at any given time. From kazoos

we changed mindsets, we used different

learned to transition and take musical risks they had

to rock music and everything between, our 2019 concert

materials for art, and we tried to remain

never imagined. The final result of the year became

will be treasured, as it will be some time before we will be

calm in the face of so much uncertainty

WIC’s first-ever virtual Spring concert. After many

able to celebrate wind music in a live performance.

and newness. There were days where

hours of work by the students and sound engineers,

we cried together, and days where we

this incredible production became a concert viewed

stared blankly at all of the faces on a

around the world for our friends and families. Musicians

screen, but there were also days that

are some of the most creative and adaptive people, and

we just had to have a zoom class dance

our WIC music students lead the way. What a joy it was

party. We all coped in different ways on

to see the year’s collective celebration come together.

different days.

Senior Band tour in January 2020 was a success due to the dedication and excitement from a fantastic group of WIC musicians who performed on the Disney stage.

Both of the WIC Senior Concert Bands benefitted from many guest conductors and clinicians’ expertise this past year. These incredible musical experiences prepared

Stay tuned for what we have planned in 2020/21!

WIC art students accepted some creative challenges that were best done at home. They created excellent work

room. Collections projects challenged

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them to think about their belongings and what that says about who they are, along with forcing them to really look at the things in their physical spaces.

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able to do if they were working in the art

HINDSIGHT IS 2020

that they normally would not have been

SANDRINE BEREZOWSKI Director of International Languages & Culture

What can ÂŤ Le Petit Prince Âť teach us about life? This is a question that I always ask my students.

The Little Prince has captured the hearts of our students more than ever this year. His messages of compassion and goodwill continue to endure and to inspire our mission in the International Languages & Culture Department.

The narrator and the prince may be stranded in the desert, but they are both explorers who make a point of travelling the world around them. They argue that spiritual growth must also involve active exploration.

This is something we have always kept in mind to enlighten our program throughout the years, as told through quotes:

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F R E N C H & L A N G UAG E

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Le Petit

Draw me a sheep.

Dessine-moi un mouton.

1. A speech program “Speak Up

7. Drawing sessions with the caricaturist Garry Peck to

I was by this hint about other

- Summer Program at Yale

conservatory of Mount Royal

celebrate multilingualism and

planets.

University

University

cultural diversity 8. Webinars with our pages in

Creativity is the key element of our

Mandarin classes, Tai Chi

Ottawa, Derin Akkaya & Olivia

design thinking principle. This year,

classes, Russian Circus

MacKay

we took the time to collaborate,

sessions, American Sign

make personal connections, and

Language workshops,

empower teachers’ and students’

International Languages

effectiveness. As a result, we

sessions in Japanese, Afrikaans,

have worked with engaged

Creole and Japanese.

students in a diverse and inclusive 3. Poetry in Voice

point j'étais intrigué par cette

in Biochemistry at Purdue

conference for young women

allusion à d'autres planètes.

University

2019

4. A Winter Francophone Festival

Students and teachers participated in full-sponsored

examples of creative learning

5. An exhibition on Acadia

10. ACPI conference 11. Harvard Graduate School of

4. Forum for Young Canadians

Education

programs in the last two years

Prince » by Antoine De Saint-

and explored other ways of

Exupéry

thinking:

5. Explore

12. Global Online Academy

6. Odyssey

13. Calgary Regional Consortium

11. Planet Francophonie 2050 14. CAIS – Leadership Institute

– A blog to share stories

programming. Here are a few

9. YYC Bilingual Leadership

University

9. An African fresco with Patricia

10. An exhibition « The Little

8. French for the Future

2. The Summer Science Program

3. SHAD program at McGill Lortie, artist in residence

7. Encounters with Canada

Vous pouvez imaginer à quel

unparalleled real-world learning experiences with core academic

1. Yale Young Global Scholars

– Make Your Point” with the

2. A series of cultural workshops:

community. We have offered them

You can imagine how intrigued

of students taking climate actions.

opportunities: 6. Webinars with the Kombi Center

Nous écrivons des choses éternelles.

1. Students in French Immersion

participated and qualified for outstanding programs,

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scholarships, certificates, international diplomas and publications:

Here is my secret. It’s quite

The little prince represents the

International Languages & Culture

have been offered scholarships

en langue française average -

simple. One sees clearly with

open-mindedness of children. He

department. We are committed

for an amazing total of

DELF B1 & B2

the heart. Anything essential is

is a wanderer who restlessly asks

to working hard, laughing often,

invisible to the eyes.

questions and is willing to engage

and showing our students how

the invisible, secret mysteries of

to think for themselves and using

$443,500: Page Program, Hellmuth, Loblaw, Rutherford,

This year, our students

5. 90% is the Diplôme d’études

6. The diploma exams in FLA

Suncor, The Morehead-Cain

30-1 of Claire Padley and Alex

Voici mon secret. Il est très

the universe. The novel suggests

their voice. We are helping them

Foundation Scholarship and

Dong have been selected

simple: on ne voit bien qu’avec

that such inquisitiveness is

to see the value of relationships.

numerous other entrance

by Alberta Education to be

le coeur. L’essentiel est invisible

the key to understanding and

scholarships.

published in their 2019-2020

pour les yeux.

happiness. This is the most

After all, relationships make life

report for an excellent writing

important life lesson we keep

worth living, and it is the time you

sample. Students of the entire

reminding ourselves as teachers,

give to someone else that makes

province of Alberta will have

educators, parents, sons,

it a precious moment.

the privilege of reading their

daughters, sisters, brothers,

“textes littéraires” about “Au

colleagues and friends in the

2. “Outstanding” is the final average score on the Bilingual Diploma 2019-2020 3. 100% of students in the French

revoir les enfants – Louis Malle”

Immersion Stream have

& “Les Misérables – Victor

qualified for the International

Hugo.” This is a first for WIC

Languages & Culture Certificate

in its entire history of French Immersion education!

4. 95% is the AP average for French Language & Culture

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We write of eternal things.

F R E N C H & L A N G UAG E

in Burkina Faso and its school

A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS IN ATHLETICS TODD LARSEN Head of Experiential Education

The 2019-2020 athletic year was unprecedented

finished the season with an upset win in the league

for student participation, and the commitment

finals to capture the gold medal. At the senior level,

to being active by our athletes and coaches was

the seasons finished in what felt like a fairytale

simply outstanding. The athletics season began

ending. All three of the senior teams (Senior Girls,

quickly during the first week in September with golf,

Senior Boys and the JV Boys) finished their league

cross-country running and volleyball all starting at

championships in first place. The Senior Boys and

once. Our cross-country athletes showed incredible

Senior Girls teams competed against some of the

resiliency during the fall season, competing rain

best teams in the province all season and managed

or shine and representing WIC well at several

to stay consistently ranked in the top 5 across the

interschool competitions. The tradition of golf

province. All of the successful seasons could not

excellence continued in 2019 with WIC fielding

have occurred without our families' consistent

a full squad of teams and capturing the league

support and the hard work of our coaches and

championships for Senior Girls, 7/8 Boys, and 8/9

teachers. Although the 2020-2021 athletics seasons

Boys. Our Senior Girls and individual qualifier,

may look different, I know that our WIC athletes

Hunter Thompson, went on to represent WIC at

will be excited and ready to make the best of the

the Provincial Championships and both Hunter

opportunities that become available.

and the girls team proudly captured the provincial

teams in league competition. Volleyball teams at all levels had excellent tournament opportunities, and the extra competition and team building was a highlight for most teams. The WIC basketball season began in November, and within days the high school teams were already competing in high-level tournaments. The success of our basketball teams in league competition was arguably the greatest in WIC history. At the junior level, the 7/8 girls teams

AT H L E T I C S

were outstanding, with WIC running nine full

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gold medal! Interest and participation in volleyball

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AT H L E T I C S

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AT H L E T I C S

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2019–2020 OUTDOOR EDUCATION

TODD LARSEN

skills for future adventures.

students participating in Outdoor

Grade 11 and 12 students had

Education flourished during

the option of several activities

the 2019 - 2020 school year.

that included: Canoeing,

Programs for senior students

Mountaineering, Mountain Biking,

kicked off in September, and all

Day trip Activities, Scuba Diving

senior students participated in

and Alpine Hiking. All of the trips

three-days of outdoor programs.

created an excellent way to kick

Our Grade 10 students had the

off the year and build lifelong

opportunity to attend a custom

relationships and confidence.

program at Camp Chief Hector

During February, all Grade

that built relationships and

9 students spent three days

community and taught outdoor

engaged in cross-country ski

O U T D O O R E D U C AT I O N

The proud tradition of WIC

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Head of Experiential Education

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of Calgary Kananaskis Field Station. The growth in

and skiing extended loops.

O U T D O O R E D U C AT I O N

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We are truly fortunate to live in close proximity to

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activities in Kananaskis Country. The trip was highlighted by an overnight stay at the University the student’s confidence in managing the winter environment was simply exceptional. By the end of the trip, all of the students were skiing confidently

such a pristine natural environment, and we look forward to maximizing our student’s exposure to the outdoor world.

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O U T D O O R E D U C AT I O N

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D R I V E -T H R U G R A D

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D R I V E -T H R U G R A D

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Business/Economics

31.25%

Engineering

22.5%

Health Sciences

18.75%

Arts/Social Sciences

7.5%

Fine Arts

3.75%

Nursing

2.5%

Other Faculties

11%

Gap Year

2.75%

Acadia University

Mount Royal University

University of New Brunswick

Bishop’s University

Queen’s University

University of Ottawa

Carleton University

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

University of Saskatchewan

Dalhousie University

University of Alberta

University of St. Andrews

Huron University

University of Calgary

University of Toronto

McGill University

University of Victoria

University of Waterloo

McMaster University

University of British Columbia Vancouver

Western University

Mount Allison University

University of British Columbia Okanagan

Yale University

Accepted offers into the following programs of choice:

Are attending the following schools, and more, across

WHERE ARE THEY GOING 43

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Canada and Internationally:

Total Scholarships Offered:

Over $1,000,000

was one of five founders of

participants design and build a

Polytechnic University in Toronto.

Evolution Engineering, a company

fully autonomous drilling rig.

She is an award-winning television

that has grown from 5 people

director, writer, and producer

with one office in Calgary to

A continuous learner, Aaron

with an extensive background

113 people across three North

holds a Bachelor of Science in

in lifestyle programming and

American locations.

Mechanical Engineering and

documentary series.

Materials Engineering from Aaron led the Engineering

Queen’s University, is presently

Currently, Heather is focused

and Intellectual Property teams

attending the University of Oxford

on teaching and is thrilled to

at Evolution Engineering as the

for a Masters in Global Business,

bring all aspects of her life's

Vice President, Engineering.

and holds the P.Eng, Professional

work together through Langara

Aaron has over 15 years of

Engineer designation.

College's Expressive Art Therapy

experience in the Oil and Gas

program, where she plans to

industry and presently holds more

continue helping others explore

than 480 patents (nationalized

JEFF CORMACK ‘01

their paths through art, media,

families, continuations, and

Philanthropy Award

and creative writing.She has also

divisionals) to his name across

written for various publications,

three companies focused on

This year's recipient, Jeff Cormack

including "Growing Roots: A

downhole tool, short-range

'01, obtained a Business Degree in

Newcomers Guide to Vancouver."

communication, and Measurement

Finance from the Haskayne School

While Drilling technologies. He

of Business here in his hometown

Heather has had the pleasure of

has engineered four widely-

Calgary. Jeff has been with RBC

speaking to high school students

industry-adopted ground-up

Capital Markets for over 11 years.

in classrooms across mainland

MWD platforms focused on Mud

He is currently the Managing

BC about the power of travel and

Pulse, Electromagnetic, and

Director of Investment Banking for

the importance of opening our

Acoustic Telemetry.

RBC Capital Markets, focusing on

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ERIN BRADLEY ‘90

in Calgary. She is currently the

on building mutually beneficial

Personal Achievement Award

Vice President of Indigenous

opportunities for Stantec to work

Partnerships at Stantec and

in partnership with Indigenous

Erin Bradley, graduating in

is responsible for Stantec’s 11

communities and businesses.

the Class of 1990, is a trained

Indigenous partnership companies

biologist with a Master of

across Canada. Erin is also a

Environmental Design from the

member of Stantec’s Inclusion and

HEATHER MCCRAE ‘91

University of Calgary. She has

Diversity Council for Canada.

Arts Award

consultant and has held

Throughout her career, Erin

Heather has a Bachelor of Arts

leadership roles related to

has worked with Indigenous

in Canadian Studies and French

business development, business

communities in Northern and

from the University of Calgary

centre leadership, and technical

Southern Canada. A role that has

and an advanced standing

leadership at Stantec Consulting

allowed her to focus her efforts

Bachelor of Applied Arts in

Global Energy Investments.

students learn that these skills

Aaron began his career in

are the gateway to adventure and

the oilfield as an MWD field

Outside of his busy office life,

invaluable personal growth. She

hand where he was stationed

Jeff is passionate about his

has mentored several students to

across North America; he has

community and supports various

turn their journies into their own

held roles in manufacturing,

local organizations such as

documentaries. In doing so, they

field operations, repair and

the Calgary Zoo, Banff Centre,

inadvertently discover "meaning"

maintenance, new product

Alberta Children's Hospital and

in the simplest of events.

development, and sustaining

has provided significant support

engineering. Prior to Evolution,

to the MS Society of Canada.

Aaron was a Mechanical

Jeff's Philanthropic spirit has also

AARON LOGAN ‘04

Engineering Manager at

had him providing support for

Business Award

Schlumberger.

organizations abroad such as the former Hayati Children's Foundation

worked as an environmental

Aaron Logan graduated from

Aaron holds an Officer role

and recently 4 The Kids Foundation

WIC in 2004. He currently

on the technical section board

which facilitates development

works at Excir, a Calgary Start-

of the Society of Petroleum

of underprivileged children.

up focused on the ethical and

Engineers DSATS (Drilling System

Jeff's efforts continue to make a

sustainable extraction and

Automation Technical Section).

difference in the lives of many.

refinement of precious metals,

He is also a founding member and

as the Chief Commercial Officer.

Co-Chair of Drillbotics – a global

Before his current role, Aaron

university competition where

P R E S T I G I O U S A L U M N I AWA R D S

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minds to the world. Language

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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI AWARDS

Radio & Television from Ryerson

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES JAMES HOLDER

Calgary) and a Masters of

internationally as an athlete

Island College, James chased

Human Kinetics (University

worldwide from 1995-2006.

ANNE-MARIE DAVIES

his dream of competing at the

of Ottawa). Although the

After retiring from the sport,

Class of 1993

Olympic Games in the Decathlon

Olympic experience as an

he became a successful university

(Athletics), while completing a

athlete didn't ultimately happen,

and international coach and

Bachelor of Arts (University of

James represented Canada

professionally operates as

After graduating from WIC,

a Senior Analyst with Sport

Anne-Marie went on to complete

Canada. In this role, James

her business degree at the

attended the 2014 and 2018

University of Calgary. The biggest

Olympic Games and the 2011

highlight by far was spending

and 2015 Pan American Games

her last semester studying at

as a High-Performance Sport

the University of Strathclyde in

bilingual customer service rep

chain management continues

Expert, accompanying the

Glasgow, Scotland, which allowed

and fully expected to only work

to fascinate and challenge her.

Canadian Minister for Sport and

her to travel both during and once

for 1-2 years before embarking on

the Governor-General of Canada.

her studies were finished.

something much more exciting.

In her downtime, she loves

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The Tokyo 2021 and Beijing 2022

Apparently, the business itself

exploring the world for fun

Olympic Games are his current

Anne-Marie returned to

proved to be exciting as 17 years

(when there is no pandemic!)

projects. James coaches at the

Calgary to work for a large

later, Anne-Marie made the shift

and spending time being active

University of McGill, in Montreal,

transcontinental railroad based

from railroading to trucking, where

with her family and friends at

where he lives.

in Calgary. She started out as a

the world of logistics and supply

her cottage in Windermere.

Connection WICCONNECT

An all-inclusive Alumni Relations

classmates, see and register for

provide an opportunity to engage

platform providing exclusive

upcoming events, follow current

in the live information feed. This

access to WIC alumni, staff and

WIC social media posts, find or

platform can be accessed through

current students. This platform

post-employment opportunities,

the Alumni link on the WIC

allows alumni to reconnect with

seek volunteering initiatives and

Website.

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After graduating from West

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

Class of 1994

JENNIE BUCHANAN

PATRICK CHIU

Class of 2005

Class of 2009

Following her graduation from

In April, Jennie became engaged

Patrick Chiu, class of 2009,

WIC, Jennie pursued her long-

to her partner, Mike – an

is an alumnus from Dalhousie

time professional ambition,

exciting milestone that brought

University (B.Comm, 2013)

obtaining her law degree from

a welcome dose of optimism

and the University of Calgary

Queen’s University in 2013. Since

for the future in an otherwise

(MBA, 2018) and currently the

then, Jennie has practiced law

uncertain time. They look

Trico Group's General Manager.

in Toronto and Calgary, in both

forward to celebrating

Throughout the B.Comm program,

the public and private sectors.

their marriage among

he was able to work in various

Earlier this year, Jennie joined

friends and family

industries such as oil and gas,

the commercial litigation group

next summer in

finance, and even biotechnology;

at Lawson Lundell LLP. Jennie

Calgary.

however, Patrick found passion

attributes much of her academic

and interest in real estate. He built

and professional success to her

his knowledge and experience for

time at WIC.

housing and real estate through courses and on-hand jobs.

One rewarding project was with the Chiniki Nation of Stoney Nakoda and completing a flood restoration project of 160 homes.

The relationships built during that

Foundation as a director of the

golf. While travelling has been put

time helped with moving into

NU Community Board, which

on hold, he has been exploring

a managerial role within Trico.

is mandated to working with

different parts of Canada that he

Now, his main responsibility is

community and student leaders

never had the chance to go to

JULIA BOWES

to diversify the Trico portfolio

within the social entrepreneurship

until now.

Class of 2007

by developing purpose-built

space and assist with building

rentals, commercial, and senior

capacity in Calgary as the hub.

In his spare time, Patrick has

industry and/or the social

joined a bowling league with a

entrepreneurship space that want

degree from McGill University.

Additionally, Patrick is working

few other WIC alums and tries to

to connect, please do not hesitate

She then returned to Calgary and

with the Trico Charitable

consistently play a good round of

to contact Patrick!

received her Bachelor of Science

obtained her Doctor of Medicine,

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followed by an orthopedic surgery residency in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. Julia’s five years in Edmonton is where she grew the most- she became an orthopedic surgeon, a wife,

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and a mother to two children.

Her family has recently relocated across the country to Toronto, where she is sub-specializing in spine surgery.

Connection CONNECTING WIC WOLVES ACROSS CLASSES The WIC Journey doesn’t stop

Program where alumni support

experiences, and provide support

at graduation, WIC Alumni are

alumni? This program strengthens

for younger alumni. To find out

part of a global network of

the WIC community across all

more about this exciting initiative,

professionals contributing to a

classes by creating opportunities

visit the WIC website and click on

better world. Have you heard

for alumni with established

the Alumni tab.

about our WIC Alumni Mentoring

careers to share their knowledge,

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Municipal Area.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

curious about the real estate

living facilities within the Calgary After graduation from WIC, Julia

If there are any students

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L I F E AT W I C A F T E R C O V I D - 1 9

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LIFE AT WIC AFTER COVID-19