Au Courant Summer 2021

Au Courant WEST ISLAND COLLEGE SUMMER 2021

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L E TTE R F RO M TH E I NTE RI M H E A D O F SC H O O L

L E TTE R F RO M TH E NE W H E A D O F SC H O O L

C I V TA L KS

I NNOVATI O N

I NSTI TUTE S

L I BE RA L A RTS

D RA MA

ART

MU S IC

IN T ER N AT ION A L LA N G UAG E S & C U LT URE

AT H LET IC S

ST U D E N T IN IT IAT IV ES

A DVA N C EME N T

A LU MN I

JAC K G RA N T – IN MEMOR IA M

Cove r Ar t wor k By Saoirse Musgrove ‘22

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WHAT A JOURNEY! G O RD GO O DW IN , IN T E R IM H EA D OF S C H O O L

It was about 35 years ago that I walked into my first

Irish Football Team, at a coaching conference many

Grade 7 Physical Education class as a newly minted

years ago. One of his key messages was the three

teacher. That day was the beginning of an education

rules he has for his players: Do Right, Do Your Best,

that continues today and will continue outside the

and Do Unto Others. It has been these rules, over the

walls of a school.

years, that have become my mantra and belief system.

When I came to West Island College and brought the

Five years of university and two degrees only

“3 Rules” with me, I found that WIC was a place that

prepares you for that first day. From then on, every

embodied this already. Students, parents, and staff

day is a learning experience. That is what I found so

have led by example in demonstrating the importance

interesting. Even though I taught the same students

of these three basic expectations. It was also at WIC

every day, each day was different. The classroom holds

where the importance of building relationships was

inside its walls personalities, problems, struggles,

cemented securely into my belief system. There

accomplishments, and successes, and you never know

were relationships made on the many trips I had

what each day is going to bring within that classroom.

the privilege of being involved with, watching and

That is why teaching is such a demanding profession.

cheering on our teams, meeting with students, and

Part of teaching is an “art,” and part is empathy,

working with the staff, that are forever a part of who

compassion, knowledge and understanding. The

I am today. As I move into retirement and finish my

other critical aspect, and one that is difficult to teach,

career as Interim Head of School, I have a lot to reflect

is the aspect of relationships. The ability to build

on. I am honoured that WIC chose me to lead the

and maintain strong, positive relationships, to me,

school this year, and I hope you will remember my

is the cornerstone of becoming a great teacher. The

time here as a time where I nurtured, cared for and

concept of relationship education can be difficult to

cultivated relationships. I will forever be indebted to

teach students entering their education program, but

the people who have walked before me and beside me

I believe this is where relationship education begins.

as mentors and guides as I have journeyed through the

From there, the education, the learning, never ends.

last 11 years at WIC. Thirty-five years in education, and I’m grateful to still be learning.

The relationships I have had the honour of building over 35 years have been an entire career of continuous learning. The people I have worked with, taught, and

“ T H E A BI L I TY TO BUI L D A ND

coached have brought me untold life lessons. Working

MA I NTA I N STRO NG , POSI TI V E

with people is a primary part of the job of an educator.

RE L ATI O NSH I PS, TO ME , I S THE CO RNE RSTO NE O F BECO MI NG A

One of my greatest life lessons occurred when I listened to Lou Holtz, Head Coach of the Fighting

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G RE AT TE AC H E R.”

AU CO URAN T

THE START OF OUR JOURNEY E RI N COR B E T T, IN COMIN G H EA D O F SC H O O L

“ F O RWA RD -TH I NK I NG A ND CO MMUNI TY C E NTRE D, WE ARE A SC H O O L F O C USE D O N PROMISE A ND POTE NTI A L .”

It was a delight to be asked to contribute to this issue of Au Courant. As a WIC advocate and admirer, it is my honour to be able to contribute as a soon-to-be fullyfledged community member.

It has been difficult to know what to write as I prepare this while still living in Toronto. It’s the month of May amidst another Stay At Home order in Ontario, and it feels somewhat presumptuous to talk about a journey together that we have yet to start. Let me then begin by saying that I am deeply honoured to be your next Head of School & CEO. I have held two other Headships throughout my education career, one in Calgary and the other in Toronto, in addition to roles that spanned the operations of a school; from Teacher to Admissions to Fundraising. I have also been known to dive into a dumpster to find a student’s insole or (futilely) bail

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COMM UNITY water from a flooding school

and dive into independent school

team of educators, administrators

basement. I love schools and their

education and leadership, and

and a passionate student and

complexities and am happy and

I haven’t looked back.

parent community. Some of us may only have a year together, others

willing to get my hands dirty (or A born and raised Calgarian,

many more, but I anticipate our

I have witnessed our city’s

journey together with optimism

I haven’t always worked in

remarkable ingenuity and

and excitement. There are many

education, and if you were to speak

innovation first-hand and see

experiences we will share and new

to any of my teachers from high

West Island College reflected in

things I know I will learn from each

school, they likely wouldn’t have

this image. Forward-thinking and

of you along the way.

imagined that it was where I would

community centred, we are a school

find such happiness and fulfillment!

focused on promise and potential.

My role as your Head of School

My first degree and working life

Knowing that we are shaped by the

is a profound responsibility and

began in music and theatre as an

environments in which we learn,

a deeply personal act of service.

opera singer in the United Kingdom

it is incumbent upon us to inspire

Committed to our students, faculty

at the Royal Academy of Music.

the students at the College and

and staff, parents, alumni and the

After a number of years living and

continue to provide them with

broader community we serve, there

working abroad, the heartstrings

abundant opportunities. Ensuring

are a great many things that we

of Calgary and family pulled me

that they develop the competencies

will do by working together boldly,

back home. I then transitioned

and skills to live, work, and flourish

bravely and courageously.

into major gift fundraising and

as healthy, happy adults, we will

I look forward to meeting everyone

special event management for a

work to anticipate and program for

and hearing about your ideas and

variety of charitable organizations

the future our students will inherit

dreams for the next steps we will

in fine arts and health. During this

and shape.

take. My priority will always be our

wet) whenever the need arises.

WIC community, and my proverbial

time of learning the intricacies of running a business and a charity,

I am proud to follow in the

door is always open. I can’t wait

I was inspired to go back to earn

footsteps of extraordinary leaders

to start this journey, together.

my second - and third - degrees

and to be joining an exemplary

T H E START OF OU R JOU RNE Y

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BLACK LIVES MATTER

THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS HERE FO RWA RD BY MS . TA RA LAW ( FAC U LT Y ), SPE EC H BY SAC H I -I MA NI UD E H (GRADE 12 ST U D EN T & P R E F EC T ) A N D E STH E R TH O MPSO N (G RA D E 11 STUDE N T ) , PO E M BY S EA N - G E RA LD U D E H (WI C A LUMNI , C L ASS O F 2 017).

A signature catchphrase repeated by one of our

As you read, consider this “CIV Talk” as a step forward

school’s founders, Mr. Jack A. Grant, was “If you are

in our collective journey to a more knowledgeable,

not moving forward, you are falling behind.” Even

equitable, understanding, and kind society (call it a

in Mr. Grant’s absence, the spirit of “moving forward”

“journey of a thousand miles”). As you read, consider

is undoubtably alive and well inside the WIC

the words as steps forward on our collective journey

student body.

to always know better and to try to do better. By having the chance to revisit these words in print, perhaps

Regularly, our students “move forward” by telling

we are all better able to consider their intent and

their own and listening to others’ stories. They “move

implications a little more slowly and carefully.

forward” by being harbingers of hope and courage.

They “move forward” by bravely telling their truths

With this talk, I believe that Sachi and Esther are

and seeking to do better.

helping our community to “move forward” by taking one step on our journey of a thousand miles. I have

Recently, WIC students “moved forward” (or, for the

no doubt that Mr. Grant would be proud.

purposes of this publication, “journeyed”) towards

Well done, ladies (and gent)!

betterment through a powerful and memorable “CIV Talk” inspired by the notable Black Lives Matter (#BLM)

What follows here is the transcript of the Tuesday,

movement. As you will read below, the words spoken

February 23, 2021 “CIV Talk” delivered by Sachi-Imani

were earnest and raw. The speakers, not only eloquent

Udeh (Grade 12, Prefect) and Esther Thompson (Grade

role models, were bold.

11). The introductory poem was written and recited by Sean-Gerald Udeh ‘17 (former Head Boy) and the host was Elaine Chen (Grade 12, Prefect).

T H E JOU RNE Y OF A T H OU SAND MIL E S B E GINS H E RE

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Sachi-Imani:

As a result, I always felt like what

The intention of this talk is not an

I had experienced was so small in

attempt to bash anyone or make

comparison to what people dealt

anyone feel bad. Racism and lack

with every day, having to live in

of diversity have never been a one-

constant anxiety and fear.

dimensional issue and have been deeply rooted and weaved into

The first time I heard the term

our society. This has just been my

microaggression was last summer,

experience in the world, whether

and it was like my experience in

people have intentionally or

society being put into words. The

unintentionally made me feel the

definition of microaggression in the

way I feel.

Oxford dictionary is “a statement, action, or incident regarded as

Sean-Gerald: May They Go There is a road between being loved in my skin And loving myself regardless That heaven knows how to traverse painlessly Tragic, that her gates should always seem so far away from me None of my ancestors were made victims of the boats Still I spent 21 years a slave as I stumbled down this road Head bowed to 21 years of thoughts that could not have been my own Tell me why I felt such pain over this thing I could not change But the road changed me Because it is beautiful For there are flowers Put there by people And I wish I could wipe the tears That nurtured those flowers But denying their struggle is to deny them their power We can turn pain into beauty So I keep walking In spite of tears that flow So that one day down this road Without pain, they may go.

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For me, there was never a turning

an instance of indirect, subtle,

point experience in my life that

or unintentional discrimination

racism caused. There wasn’t a

against members of a marginalized

moment where I understood what

group, such as a racial

it was truly like to feel fear because

or ethnic minority.”

of your skin colour.

I was shown a video, and it For a while, this made me feel like

described microaggressions as

I was unable to relate to what

mosquito stings. Getting bitten

some African Americans were

once in a while was tolerable,

going through as I didn’t know

but when it was incessant, it

what it felt like to have a family

began to add up. In my case,

member be targeted and killed

I didn’t even notice the full effect

or experience a hate crime.

microaggressions began to have

be your mom, or brother, or your dad,” and I would be so confused because (a) I didn’t even know the black person and (b) they had never seen my family before so

“ T HE DE F I N I T I O N OF MIC R OAG G R E SS ION I N T HE OX F O R D D IC T ION A RY IS “A STATE ME NT,

how would they know what they

ACTION, OR INCIDENT REGARDED AS AN INSTANCE

look like? Or being the only people

OF I N DI REC T, SU BT LE, OR U N IN T E N T IO NA L

questioned on multiple occasions

D I S C RI M I N AT I O N AG A IN ST MEMB ER S OF A

by airport gate agents and other

MARGI N A L I Z E D G R OU P, S U C H AS A RAC I A L

people in the line if you know that

O R E T HN I C M I NOR IT Y.”

this is the Business Class line?

Personally, microaggressions led me to suppressing who I was over time as I never wanted to perpetuate the idea that I was even

on me until I was older because,

work you put in to be a good

as a kid, I thought I was going

athlete. Or being questioned if

insane sometimes when people

you are related to any other black

would say a “harmless” joke with

person attending the school.

a racist connotation and I would take offence and every time I

I can remember times I would be

tried to point out that I didn’t like

walking around with a friend at

what was being said I was either

school, and we would see another

deemed as “the angry black girl

black man or woman, and they

who couldn’t take a joke” or I was

would instantly say, “Oh, that must

more different than I already was.

I always felt like I let people define who I was, and I was always too much or too little of things. As a result, it made me feel like I had to accommodate society to make people feel more comfortable with my skin colour.

brushed off, invalidating how I felt and this stopped me from voicing my opinions many times.

It was not only the “jokes” but being told that I act very white for a black person or that I don’t act black, even though I was just being myself, and these comments always came out of the blue and had no context to the conversation I was having. It’s having people you call your friends tell you that they find black people scary, but that you’re alright since you didn’t act black. It was being told that you’re only good at sports because of your skin colour and not the

T H E JOU RNE Y OF A T H OU SAND MIL E S B E GINS H E RE

11

I believe that Nigerian culture is summarized through a strong sense of pride of one’s nation, family, and respect.

Again, I do not share these experiences to make people feel bad, especially if they did not understand if what they were doing or saying would be interpreted as being discriminatory.

My intention is to hopefully help people understand that, while there has been immense progress towards combating racism, there is still a lot of work to do, especially As I have grown up, I began to

The culture in Nigeria is highlighted

in terms of indirect racism. This

embrace who I am more, and a big

through its diverse nature of each

indirect discrimination needs to

part of this included learning more

ethnic group and how they vary.

be addressed and discussed so

about my own culture.

Since I am Igbo, which is one of the

that people can attempt to make

largest ethnic groups, I am going

a difference.

I am from Nigeria, located in West

to talk a little bit about its culture

Africa, and home to over 250

and what I’ve learned about it.

While I urge people to be

Music is a large aspect of the

I realize that it can be really hard

culture, and flutes and drums

to understand what someone else

are used to mimic speech and

is going through, even if you try

emphasize the importance of

to put yourself in their situations,

songs as means of communication

but I think the most important

and expression. Most food dishes

thing is to just listen and to learn

feature the staple crops harvested

so that we are not ignorant nor

in Igboland, such as cassava, corn,

complacent of the racism, whether

okra, yam, and beans. A lot of the

direct or indirect, that is still

art is abstract and quite detailed,

occurring in society.

distinct ethnic groups.

“ O VERA L L , I BE L I EV E T H AT N I G E RI AN C U LT U R E I S SUM M ARI Z E D T H R OU G H A STRO N G S E N S E OF P R ID E OF O N E ’ S N AT I O N , FA MILY, AN D RE S PEC T.”

empathic and make a change,

and many works include textiles, masks, artifacts, and sculptures

Esther:

using various materials, usually

Hello, West Island College.

wood or bronze. Traditional

My name is Esther. I’m currently

clothing in Nigeria consists of

in Grade 11, and today I’m going

vibrant coloured fabrics, often

to talk about what Black History

with embellishments, but types

Month means to me.

of traditional clothing vary from the different ethnic groups. Overall,

I think that, at its core, Black History Month is a time where we celebrate the accomplishments

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of black people in the past and

I think, for me and many other

those whose actions are directly

in modern day. I think that it’s

black people, there’s been an

rooted in the oppression of others.

important to give black people

immense pressure to conform

It’s about recognizing your own

the confidence so they can be

but, no matter how much a black

privilege and accepting the fact

anything they want to be and

person tries to be like their white

that, with it, it doesn’t mean that

to bring awareness to how much

peers, the world will always see

you’ve never struggled, but that

black people have contributed

them as a “black person” and, with

others can’t walk with the same

to the success of the world.

that, there’s a lot of oppression

grace and acceptance as you. It’s

and marginalization.

about checking your feminism and

I do believe Black History Month

how, most of the time, it doesn’t

is important, but I also think

Personally, I’ve never been

have the same connotation for

that black people should not be

in a school environment where

black, indigenous, and women of

only celebrated because of their

racism and microaggressions

colour as it does for white women.

social and scientific contributions.

don’t exist. I’ve been discriminated

It’s about listening and not taking

Despite the lived-in realities of

against my entire life. I’ve been

other people’s stories to fit your

black people, our strength and

told I was “dumb,” “gross,”

own agenda.

perseverance should be celebrated.

“unprofessional,” “too black,” and “not black enough” because

I don’t want Black History Month

During the outrage of George

of my hair, how I speak, and some

to end on February 28th for all of

Floyd and the Black Lives Matter

things I cannot – and never want

us to feel like we’ve done our jobs

(BLM) protests that followed,

to – change about myself. And,

but, rather, to continue to create

my siblings and I sat in a group,

with those experiences, it creates

an inclusive WIC community where

talked about our experiences of

combativeness, especially

Asians, white, indigenous, mixed

BLM and racism. Throughout that

in a white environment.

race, and black people can identify with.

conversation, we were laughing, joking, and basically using comedy

Even with how much I prepare

to alleviate the difficulty of the

myself and tell myself that when

conversation. My brother would

this happens, I’ll talk in that way

talk about his experiences being

and when that happens, I’ll talk

tokenized as “the athletic black

in this way. I can never be prepared

boy” and my sister about how

because, the truth is, you can never

much aggression she would face

be prepared for racism.

for being only one of three black girls in her grade. Seeing that they

I don’t want the future generations

both went to private schools, I was

of young black people to feel

terrified to see what my next two

like they have to code-switch

years would be like. Towards the

or become the face of activism

end of our conversation, I asked

in their schools to be accepted.

my brother why he didn’t stand

I think that being an ally or a

up to them, and he answered me

supporter of black issues isn’t

by saying that, at the time, he was

only about posting a black square

in “their” territory and, to continue

on Instagram, but it’s also about

to have the opportunities that

being a voice for those that are

private school gives, he’d have

not given the platform to speak.

to assimilate.

It’s about calling in and calling out

BLM

T H E JOU RNE Y OF A T H OU SAND MIL E S B E GINS H E RE

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IN OVAT IO N

JOURNEY TO INNOVATION N ATAS H A B AT H G AT E , D IR EC TOR O F L E A RNI NG & I NNOVATI O N

A little while ago, I met Robin

have greatly benefitted from

Zoom empowered quieter students

Chase, the co-founder of ZipCar.

experiencing more flexibility in

to contribute

Asking her about the characteristics

their learning. It hasn’t been all bad.

This may surprise some people;

of an innovator, she told me that

however, having classes via Zoom

the competencies of adaptivity,

Many of us gasped recently

made it easier for some students

collaboration, open-mindedness,

at the uncanny accuracy of this

to contribute to class discussions

and empathy are all contributing

Archie comic published in 1997.

and communicate with their

factors to being able to advance

While flying cars are not yet

teachers. Students who don’t

innovation in any field. For many,

commonplace, here are three areas

always feel comfortable speaking

the silver lining of the COVID-19

of teaching and learning that have

up in class were better able to

pandemic is that it has acted

changed for the better this year:

share their thoughts and opinions

as a catalyst for innovation

on Zoom by using the text chat

in education. In the past twelve

Greater flexibility in where and

months, teachers and students have

when students learn.

had to change how they teach and

Through WIC’s “Remote

Zoom made it harder for many

learn. As one teacher described

Attendance” option, many students

to connect with peers compared

it, “it’s like being asked to ride

and families appreciated the

with in-class learning; however,

a unicycle; we know how to ride

opportunity to have their children

it has shone a light on the benefits

a bike with two wheels but take

learn from home (or an alternative

of this technology in helping

one off and you’re unstable and

place) for short or long periods of

quieter students to contribute.

have to learn all over again.” During

time. For some, this was a way to

this time, many teachers have felt

protect vulnerable family members

exhausted, unbalanced, and unsure,

from exposure to COVID-19 while

while many students have, at

not interrupting their child’s

times, felt disconnected, tired, and

learning. This has caused us to

unmotivated. Conversely, teachers

reflect and consider how we might

have also felt accomplished

continue to provide flexibility in

and proud of the changes they

learning space and time beyond

have made, while many students

the pandemic.

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function and the more private breakout rooms. Admittedly,

Greater variety in how students can demonstrate their learning Assessment practices have changed significantly recently, not least because of COVID-19 reducing the reliability and ease of administering standardized tests. Students are no longer limited to demonstrating their learning through pen and paper summative tests. Seminars, portfolios, interviews, videos, podcasts, and increased use of the various features of D2L are just a few of the innovative assessment practices that have emerged at WIC over the past twelve months.

Our traditional conception of assessment has expanded.

Nothing speeds up innovation more so than necessity, and it’s fair to say that COVID-19 has required everyone to quickly stretch their competencies of adaptivity, collaboration, openmindedness, and empathy. As such, the acceleration of change brought on by COVID-19 has broadened our collective vision of teaching and learning and has arguably betterprepared students to be innovative citizens.

JOU RNE Y TO INNOVAT ION

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NATASH A BATH G ATE , D I REC TO R O F L E A RNI NG & I NNOVATION

THE INSTITUTES AND A JOURNEY TO A NEW FUTURE J I M R IED ER , H E A D OF IN ST ITUTE S A ND STRATEG I C D E V E LO PME NT

“ L I F E I S A N E VO LV ING JOURNEY O F E XPE RI E NC E S, AND SO ARE TH E I NSTI TUTE S.”

In the fall of 2020, WIC hosted a Wolves Den speaker named Chris Slubicki. Chris’s topic was focused on energy, what is now and where the world is transitioning. He spoke about the fact that the energy Alberta produced for the world was not going to disappear anytime soon and would still be in high demand while the world was making the shift to new forms of energy. Prior to the presentation, students participated in a poll where they were asked about their views on energy. One of the questions that was asked was

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whether the students were planning

of activity and quite possibly

on entering into a career in the

change your whole life. He followed

Oil and Gas sector. The response

up with three actionable sessions

came back with an astounding zero

with the students, challenging them

percent answering yes. This is a

to shape their futures. We learned

clear sign that times are changing

much from this speaker, as our

and what was once seen as a great

students understand that the world

career path in Calgary is no longer.

is different for them than from their parents, and they can own their

WIC and the Institutes Program

future, whatever that becomes.

must continue the journey to

The key is to act, in some small

provide opportunities in the new

way, and start your journey;

economy for our students. We are

invent your future.

providing hands-on opportunities and access to professionals.

As we move forward, the Institutes

Students are able to explore future-

will evolve. We are aware we are

forward sectors and career paths

to people and programs via

trying to get ready for 2030 and

in areas such as entrepreneurship,

online platforms such as Zoom.

not for 2019. What we experienced

green energy, social enterprise,

We continued to bring in experts

with the students when we first

fintech, data science, healthcare

who recognized that meaningful

began the Institutes in 2010 will not

specializations, computer science,

connections can still be made,

be what we experience in 2022 and

diversity and inclusion careers,

even when we are not face-to-face.

beyond. Life is an evolving journey

and many more.

This spring, our Wolves Den Speaker,

of experiences, and so are the

Sam Demma, joined us from Toronto.

Institutes. Stay tuned, or better yet,

Like all organizations during

He shared a message of student

join us and be part of the journey.

COVID-19, WIC carried on its

leadership and how one small idea

journey by providing access

or action can create a landslide

T H E INST IT U T E S AND A JOU RNE Y TO A NE W F U T U RE

19

LIFE IS INTERDISCIPLINARY

N I CO L E M ACA R T H U R , LIB E RA L A R TS INSTI TUTE CO O RD I NATO R

Our world seems to have

creative use of information

become fractious. Discussions

and ideas. The wider knowledge

erode into shouting matches; fear

base of the world that liberal

and anxiety levels have risen, and

arts experiences cultivate, help

the dissonance of social media has

students engage in some of the

become all-pervading. At best,

most important issues of today: the

we agree to disagree to keep

environment, foreign policy, social

the peace.

justice, national and international security and ethics. It is this kind

It is situations like this where the

of experience that asks students to

benefits of a Liberal Arts education

reach beyond their own experiences

are evident. Centred on principles

to see and imagine worlds different

such as free and independent

from their own in time, space and

thinking, Liberal Arts learning

thought. Learning such as this is

facilitates a students’ capacity

never obsolete.

to evaluate arguments and evidence

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based not on the external authority

Focusing on analytical and

of peers, parents or teachers, but

knowledge-building skills, and

on one’s own thoughts and

critical and creative thinking

skills will help find solutions to

It would be overly simplistic

The Liberal Arts Institute at West

the difficult problems. Effective

to state that Liberal Arts training

Island College focuses on providing

oral and written communication

is the single answer to all of the

opportunities such as: Global TV

will help alleviate social media

world’s problems. We need people

site tours, the Calgary Herald visits,

misrepresentations. The ability

of varied interests, skills and

mock trial participation, courthouse

to pose meaningful questions

experiences to make decisions.

tours, opportunities to meet

to advance understanding and

We need those with specialized

with lawyers, politicians, media

knowledge, the capability to

skills and expertise. We could not

personalities, (and much more)

express the results of analysis and

function without these people. But,

as ways to expose students the

evaluation, and the skill to conduct

well-rounded, creative people may

myriad of possibilities associated

meaningful research will facilitate

just bring us together, connect us.

with Liberal Arts learning. Should

the growth of individuals who are

And maybe that’s just what we

your student be interested in

sensitive to cultural differences,

need right now.

the Liberal Arts Institute, please

open to working with others, and who, because of their selfunderstanding and awareness, are able to effectively cooperate with others.

feel free to contact me at “ B U T, WE L L-RO UND E D,

nicolemacarthur@mywic.ca

C R E ATI V E PEO PL E MAY J U ST BRI NG US TO G E TH E R, CON NEC T US.”

L IF E IS INT E RDIS C IP L INARY

21

DRAMA

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ BRI T TA N Y B A B OT T, T E AC H IN G & L E A RNI NG L E A D E R

When I think of the word Journey,

show of performances ranging

of the key ingredients needed to

I immediately think of the 1970s

from dancers, singers, bands,

create a memorable performance.

rock sensation band, who authored

monologues, spoken word poetry,

one of the most iconic songs of

and staged readings of “bot

Although it has only been two years

the twentieth century: “Don’t Stop

scripts.” For this particular Cabaret,

since that cabaret, these images of

Believin’.” As I sat down to mull

we decided (after many eye rolls)

students on stage singing together

over what to write for this article,

to end the show with a group

seem so foreign now. I often

I had begun feeling nostalgic as

singalong of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

wonder if this style of performance

I was thinking back to the WIC

The students agreed to take the

is something that we will be able to

Cabaret we had in the Spring of

creative risk and go along with it.

get back to post-COVID or if we will

2019. The WIC Cabaret is a variety

It was weird, nerdy, and fun – some

remain in this holding pattern for

22

AU COURANT

the foreseeable future? The burden

Production. We were all craving

and comforting; building props and

of uncertainty we are all carrying

being back in the rehearsal hall.

costumes, working with guest artists,

is a heavy load.

The beautiful thing about theatre

and spending hours in the theatre has

is it is about expression, connection,

been a beacon of light for us – in what

The journey of creating theatre

and constructing meaning through

continues to be a very dark time.

in the era of COVID-19 is, for me,

shared narratives. Creating theatre

an act of optimism. As an industry,

is essentially an exercise in creative

Over the past year, we have learned

theatre and performance have been

problem-solving. In our current

how to move forward, be patient,

heavily impacted by the COVID

rehearsal process for the Spring

and sit in the uncertainty of our

restrictions. Thankfully, our school

Production of “She Kills Monsters”

current reality. As with most things,

has been able to continue to create

by Qui Nguyen we are trying to

our journey in performing arts has

theatre throughout the pandemic,

stage actions such as:

not been linear. This year has taught

both in-person and online. We’ve

us that we need to continue to

had guest artists teach over Zoom,

“The large beast and Agnes wage an

move forward and take it one day

socially distanced warm-up games,

all our war against one another. It’s

at a time.

and we even had a hybrid scene

an impressive and spectacular fight.”

performance where one actor was

Life is anything but fair, but we can

on screen, and the other actor

It has been joyful to attempt to

work together, take care of each

was onstage.

stage this play, and the group

other, lower our expectations, and

of student artists are resilient,

trust the process.

Unlike the past few years, our

creative, and professional. Going

work throughout the pandemic

through the familiar motions of

Don’t stop believing; hold

has been focused primarily on the

creating theatre has felt cathartic

on to that feeling.

process instead of the product as we have adapted to the changes throughout the school year. In the fall of 2020, we had collaborated and created a screenplay called “Surface Tension.” We were in the stages of preproduction of the film shoot in December when schools went into an online lockdown to help curb the second wave of COVID, forcing us to postpone the filming – indefinitely.

Despite the disappointment we faced from Surface Tension never being fully realized, we decided to attempt to stage a Spring

“ T HE L A RGE BE AST A N D AG N E S WAG E A N ALL O UR WAR AG A IN ST ON E A N OT H E R . I T’ S AN I M PRE SS I VE A N D S P EC TAC U LA R F I G H T.”

DONT STOP B E L IE V IN ’

23

ART

JOURNEY THROUGH ART C I N DY M A R T IN , T E AC H IN G & LEA RNI NG L E A D E R

Journeys. Life is one big journey

Students were asked to think

Students worked from their own

made up of many smaller journeys.

about a place from a time when

photos of their chosen places of

Many of them are journeys that

we could freely travel anywhere

no one seeks out, but that turn

significance and then found images

in the world and its significance to

out to be transformative. The macro

them. This project allowed students

of the places they plan to travel to

and the micro all making us into

to explore these places that hold

who we are today and who we

so much meaning to them. There

will be tomorrow.

are no limits on when or where

someday. The final artworks were created with watercolour paints and done in the format of old

these places are. They do not even

polaroid pictures. Once the work

School. School is a journey that

necessarily have to be a place they

was completed and displayed,

we have all participated in. Some

have been; it could be a place they

students then had the opportunity

of us excel on this journey, and

have never travelled but hope to

to come together and each tell

some of us struggle. The journey

one day. They are able to tell their

a story of their own personal

that we are all taking together the

story of the journey that got them

journey to get to this place and

past year has been unprecedented

to where they are through their

why it is so important to them.

and full of many challenges for

art pieces.

everyone. We focus on the macro

Just for a moment, each student

challenges so often; here, instead,

gets to daydream and share the

we’ll look at the micro-journeys that

places that are dear to them and

have been sweet and positive.

take that journey in their mind “ T H E JO URNE Y TH AT WE

In the art room, things are different.

A R E A L L TA K I NG TO G E TH E R

Gone are the large shared tables

T H E PAST YE A R H AS BE E N

and field trips, but the ideas, the

U N P REC E D E NTE D A ND F UL L

creativity, and the conversations

OF MA NY C H A L L E NG E S

are still alive and well. We “travel”

F OR E V E RYO NE .”

to escape the challenges we face in our daily lives today.

via virtual museum visits and documentaries. And we travel with our paintbrushes.

JOU RNE Y T H ROU GH ART

25

MUS IC

BAND’S JOURNEY THROUGH PUPPY PADS TA N I AMA R IE COOP ER , T E AC H ING & L E A RNI NG L E A D E R

It was discovered, without much “ F IN D YO UR SQ UA RE A ND

surprise, that wind instruments

SA N ITI Z E …A ND D O N’ T

that are covered at the bell release

F ORG E T YO UR PUPPY PA D.”

few aerosols. Mask the musician at the same time with specially designed music masks, and the aerosols are further contained

A greeting never heard before

to the individual musician. Add

in band rooms anywhere before

personal bottles of hand sanitizer

2021! Unlike many other school

(to be used constantly), woodwind

subjects, which can somewhat

playing bags, not talking while

modify online for individual study,

wearing music masks, remaining

Performing Arts relies on learning

two meters apart in one’s square,

and participating together as

having proper air filtration, adding

an ensemble. Placing 25-100+

UV light technology, reducing

wind band instrumentalists in

playing time to 30 minutes, limiting

one room, 2-3 meters apart is

students to 23 (for our space)

nearly impossible now. Though

and by using the farthest possible

technology has advanced

corners… and we somehow create

considerably, the latency issue

instrumental (slightly muffled)

for live online music rehearsals

sounds again!

and performances doesn’t quite work yet. The question then

Who knew something as simple

becomes, how do we adapt

as playing our band instruments

to instrument ensemble learning

together would become the most

in this new normal?

challenging but most gratifying experience in music class this year?

The answer came in the form

26

AU COURANT

of aerosol studies from the

Playing music together with others

University of Colorado Boulder*.

is powerful. Whether it is playing

in percussion ensembles, practicing at home, recording virtually or playing instruments with all the constraints, the WIC band students of 2020/21 adapted, persevered, and created the most memorable journey imaginable.

What’s next? Our musical journey continues; our destination is unknown. But brass players, “...don’t forget to pick up your puppy pad.”

*Colorado Source: https://www.nfhs.org/ articles/unprecedented-internationalcoalition-led-by-performing-artsorganizations-to-commission-covid-19study/

B AND’S JOU RNE Y T H ROU GH P U P PY PADS

27

“

“

C I NDY MA RTI N, TE AC H I NG & L E A RNI NG L E A D E R

C ULT URE

LA GRANDE ÉVASION SAN DRI N E B ER EZOWS K I, D IR EC TO R O F F RE NC H I MME RSI O N & I N T E R N AT ION A L LA N G UAG E S & C ULTURE

Cette saison 2020-2021 a été belle,

département international des

We live in a singular time, marked

vivante, exigeante et triomphante !

langues et de la culture ont agrandi

by the pandemic and by social

Dès septembre, nous nous sommes

leur espace virtuel et n’ont cessé

movements that remind us of the

engagés à vous proposer des

d’être présents sur le terrain

importance of building “human”

chemins d’évasions par les langues,

de l’école en montrant qu’il est

bridges and overcoming our

la musique, la cuisine, l’art, le rire, la

toujours possible d’apprendre,

differences. To meet this challenge,

culture, la créativité et la positivité !

d’être créatif et de s’amuser

the French Immersion Department

« ensemble » !

and the International Languages &

Nous vivons une époque singulière,

Culture Department have increased

marquée par la pandémie et par

The Great Escape

their virtual space and have

des mouvements sociaux. Ce

The 2020-2021 season was

continuously occupied the school

tourbillon d’évènements sans

beautiful, lively, discerning and

grounds to show that it is always

précédent, a renforcé notre

triumphant as we were committed

possible to learn, to be creative and

engagement à surmonter nos

to offering you escapes through

to have fun “ensemble”!

différences en construisant des

language, music, art, laughter,

passerelles « humaines ». Pour

cooking, culture, creativity

relever ce défi, le département

and positivity!

d’immersion française et le

“ W E L I VE IN A S IN G U LA R T IME, M ARK E D BY T H E PA N D EMIC A N D

BY S O C I A L MOV E MEN TS T H AT RE M I N D U S OF T H E IMP OR TA N C E O F BUI L D IN G “ H U MA N ” B R ID G ES A N D OVE R COMIN G OU R DI F F E RE N C E S ”

30

AU COURANT

ORANGE S H IRT DAY 30 SEPTEMBRE 202 0

J E T E DO N N E… 2 6 O CTO B RE 2 020

R E ST E Z BI E N AU C HAUD 23 N OV E MBR E 2020

ALL DRESSED TO INSPIRE! 26 D É C E M BR E 2 02 0

L E S VOIX DE LA P O ÉSIE 1 2 JANVIER 2021

O N N ’ EST PAS À UN E B ÊT ISE PRÈS. . .

2 5 F ÉVRIER 2 021

L A V I E E N R OS E 4 FÉ V R I E R 2021

LA FRANCOPHONIE, C’EST QUOI ?

20 MARS 2021

FA MOU S 5 9 AVRIL 2021

L E PET IT P RIN C E A 75 AN S !

12 J U IN 2 02 1

L A GRANDE É VAS ION

31

ENJOY THE JOURNEY TODD L A RS E N , H E A D OF E X P ER IE N T IA L E D UCATI O N

Ralph Waldo Emerson is most

students work hard and improve,

often credited with the quote “Life

compete, and try their best to

is a journey, not a destination,”

win a championship. Along the

and starting the philosophical

way, the students have fun, build

conversation of understanding and

relationships and lifelong skills.

enjoying the journey as much as

What then happens when you can’t

the destination. This past year, the

compete? When school started

reality is that the destination or final

in September, it quickly became

goal of many of our co-curricular

apparent that under current health

programs have changed, or in

guidelines, athletic competition was

many cases, simply not existed.

not going to be a reality. Despite

Even though the destination has

the fact that the school year started

changed, many of our programs

with significant challenges, it did

have still pushed ahead with

do two things for athletics: it forced

their journey.

us to be flexible, and it created a necessity for innovation. The result

Athletics is perhaps the best

was a series of new weekly skills

example of a program that has

clinics that focused on allowing

a clear and distinct destination

students to safely be active and

or goal. A season of play starts,

grow as athletes. More importantly,

32

AU COURANT

the weekly sessions facilitated

A Canadian study from April

outdoor activities far more than in

the fun and relationships that so

2020 indicated that less than

the past, facilitating more outdoor

many young people have been

5% of children and youth met

education activities on campus

desperately craving. The creativity

the recommended guidelines

or locally, unprecedented use of

of offering skill development

for physical activity during the

our fitness facility, and much more

sessions to all students in Grades

first month of the pandemic. For

emphasis on “play” as opposed to

7-12 has been very successful

most people, physical activity has

competition. As we all look forward

and, in the case of basketball,

never been more important, but

to the summer, I would encourage

has actually exceeded normal

it has also been very challenging

everyone to consider the joy in the

participation rates with 151 students

to facilitate. For WIC students,

journey even if the destination

taking part in the basketball skill

outdoor education, athletics,

looks different.

development sessions.

lunchtime intramurals, and physical education class has looked and

The skill sessions have filled

felt very different. Although

a much-needed void in many

these activities have needed to

student’s routines, and the open

adapt, they have never been more

and flexible nature of the sessions

cherished. The need to be creative

have allowed for excellent

with physical activity has created

student growth.

some amazing opportunities at WIC that have included: maximizing

E NJOY T H E JOU RNE Y

33

ST UDE N TS

WIC COMMUNITY IN ACTION: STUDENT INITIATIVES DO N N A J OY, LE A D T E AC H E R

that we do comes from student

for other families from EvenStart

initiatives and issues that are

who had received nothing because

important to students!

of COVID-19. We are so grateful to our generous community!

“ B E T HE C H A N G E YO U WA N T TO SEE IN THE WO RL D ”

One of our most important projects is “Adopt-a-Family,” which we initiate every November.

We campaign for the EvenStart Foundation of Calgary, which supports young children from backgrounds of poverty and trauma and provides early childhood

Another important event that

education. These families truly

we hosted was WIC Mental Health

appreciate our help. We had

Week, March 15- 19. Some of the

incredible participation by the WIC

issues that students wanted to raise

The quote above is a representation

community this year, becoming

awareness about were the impact

of our Community in Action club.

our best year ever. Through the

of loneliness and isolation on teens,

Our mission is to create change and

amazing support of the entire

anxiety and depression in teens,

offer support to the community

WIC community, including alumni,

and de-stigmatizing conversations

around us, both within our school

parents, teachers and students,

around teen mental health. Also,

and the community at large.

we provided over 300 gifts of

we were determined to fundraise

We want to spread awareness on

toys, clothing, hygiene products,

for the Canadian Mental

important issues and problems that

appliances and winter clothing,

Health Association.

affect the people in our city and

including big-ticket items such

national community. We also try

as a vacuum, car seat and lots of

Our club organized a Walk for

to offer more direct aid, working

electronics. Beyond the gifts, we

Mental Health, and students came

closely with charities to help

were able to raise over $8,000 in

to participate in the walk and

support those who are in need

donations and gift cards for our

donated a toonie! We also hosted

through our initiatives. The work

families! We made a large donation

a guest speaker, Tasha Belix, parent

34

AU COURANT

and a very respected Calgary

Through the work we do in

have learned to know that we are

psychologist and speaker, where

Community in Action, we have

not immune to the difficulties that

she spoke about teen mental

learned to ask for help when we

others face. Our work is not done

health. Ms. Belix was a dynamic,

need it, and to work even harder

for this year, but we will continue

fun and interesting presenter who

through adversity. We have learned

to dream big and be the change!

connected with the students and

to value our friends, family, and

gave them a space to talk about

community more than ever, and we

the effects of COVID-19 on young people.

WIC COMMU NIT Y IN AC T ION: ST U DE NT INIT IAT IV E S

35

ST UDE N TS

GET INSPIRED. GET INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SAN DRI N E B ER EZOWS K I, D IR EC TO R O F F RE NC H I MME RSI O N & I NTE RNATI O NA L L AN G UAG E S & C U LT U R E .

COVID or no COVID, WIC is a family.

#RefectingTogether

WIC is our family. We can still encourage one another; we can still

Talia Apel, Clare Carpenter, Elaine

have fun, and we can still support

Chen, Colette Choy, Shelby Fulton,

our community in return.

Olivia Galley, Camryn Hooey, Abigail

King, Samara McInnes, Maria Inès-

With the giving spirit in mind, Grade

Sinfon, Sachi Udeh, Sarina Virani,

12 students came together to make

Sophie-Charlotte Verbeke.

a difference in the lives of students by supporting WIC’s Financial Aid

On behalf of Grade 12 students

Program. This campaign was the

& Sandrine Berezowski, Debra

class of 2021’s graduation gift, and

Klippenstein, Victoria Minich,

any donations toward financial

Jim Rieder.

aid supported current families experiencing financial difficulties.

The All Dressed to Inspire Campaign was officially launched on December 26, and students have raised over $4,500 dollars.

Grade 12 students acted responsibly; they stayed determined, creative, generous, and entrepreneurial.

They kept in mind that “a small and consistent action” can make a big difference in someone’s life.

GE T INS P IRE D. GE T INVOLV E D. MAK E A DIF F E RE NC E

37

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY – OUR JOURNEY IN ADVANCEMENT DEB RA K L I PPE NST E IN , EX EC U T IV E D IREC TO R O F A DVA NC E ME NT

It seems like just yesterday

For the past five years,

that I entered West Island College

strengthening community

as its first Executive Director of

connections has been our focus.

Advancement to launch a formal

I look back with numerous fond

fundraising and community building

memories of the times we’ve spent

program for the school. That was

gathered together, getting to know

Registration Day, August 31, 2015,

one another and enjoying each

and many wonderful things have

other’s company.

happened at WIC since then.

These included: • Our galas • Student art projects • Our annual New Families Welcome BBQ • Grade 7 Sleepover Parent Mixer • Grade 9 Celebration, Graduation

Sydney Cor m ack ‘ 21

• Wine & cheese mixers • Wolves Den Speaker Series • Band concerts • Drama productions • Alumni events and reunions • Sporting events.

COVID has certainly changed our world in 2020 and 2021, but we will get back to the events we hold dear!

Ale ssa n d ra C a st ro ‘ 25

38

AU COURANT

Generosity of spirit and philanthropy have permeated the halls of WIC for many years. Our students, teachers, staff, alumni and parents have donated thousands of volunteer hours and dollars annually to worthy causes in Calgary, in Alberta and globally since our founding in 1982. Some of our families and alumni have even gone

on to establish their own charitable

this support for the school year

students, foundations, and the

foundations. We are proud of WIC’s

after year.

business community to make a

community spirit.

difference in the financial strength The impact you have made is

and future of the College. Over

We are thankful that so many

incredible! Gifts from the WIC

600 students and teachers benefit

members of our school community

community since the launch of

each year through your donations

are now making WIC one of their

our Advancement Program have

and the work of the Advancement

yearly philanthropic priorities. I am

enabled WIC to purchase a brand-

Department.

pleased to report that we have had

new WIC bus, a scoreboard for

100% participation from our Board

Gym 1, a kiln for the Art Room, a

Your gift to West Island College

of Directors and Senior Leadership

Harmony Director and instruments

truly strengthens our programs

Team for all five of our Annual Fund

for our Band Program, a cart and

and sense of community – it is

Campaigns. In addition to this,

microscopes for the Junior Lab,

an opportunity for us to come

support and participation from our

the Design & Innovation Lab in

together to support one another

parent community, staff, and faculty

our Hall of Nations, two student

and ensure that every student has

continues to grow each and every

collaboration rooms in the Great

access to the best education, first-

year. The key to the Annual Fund’s

Hall, the ability to launch a new

rate facilities, unparalleled real-

success is participation. Our goal

Financial Aid Program for existing

world learning opportunities, and

is to see every member of the WIC

families, and so much more. The

the innovative programs that set us

community participate in whatever

Annual Fund is the best vehicle

apart from others.

way they are able to, while growing

for parents, grandparents, alumni, In the words of our Annual Fund Campaign Chair, Kim Berjian,

Ella Tillapaugh ‘23

“If we all give a little, together we can accomplish a lot.”

Every donor makes a difference.

Please accept our heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported WIC’s students and the Annual Fund over the past five years.

C U LT IVAT ING COMMU NIT Y – OU R JOU RNE Y IN ADVANC E ME NT

39

ALUMN I

MEET OUR ALUMNI COMMITTEE! ALUM N I C LASS N OT E S

TI M MCG OWA N ‘ 1 0 Tim obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies at Mount Royal University and works in Fund involved with over $237 million

Development at Inn from the Cold.

in sales transactions, totalling

While at University, Tim was part of

over 1.5 million square feet sold,

the Squash and Ski Club.

and over $172 million in lease

transactions, totalling over 3.75

This is Tim’s first year on the WIC

million square feet leased.

Alumni Committee, and he brings a strong passion for community

PAT RI C K SAI L E R ‘07 After graduating from WIC, Patrick went on to receive his

Patrick and his girlfriend, Hailey,

building. Tim also volunteers

recently bought a house in SW

on Product Calgary’s Board of

Calgary and will soon be getting

Directors, helping to grow and

a new dog to join them! Patrick

scale product management talent

and Hailey spend their time skiing

in Calgary. He believes in being

in the winter and golfing

part of a community where non-

in the summer.

profits can create rewarding volunteer opportunities for people

Bachelor of Commerce from

to give back in meaningful ways.

Guelph University, specializing in

Tim is grateful to be part of the

Real Estate and Housing. He then

WIC community as an Alumni.

returned to Calgary and started his

He also enjoys being in the

commercial real estate career at

outdoors with his loving fiancé,

Avison Young in 2011. He worked

Jen Brown ‘10. They met at WIC in

there for just over one year before

2005, and the rest is history!

he moving to Colliers International, where he still works to this day.

Patrick and his team at Colliers specialize in the Calgary industrial real estate market and have been

40

AU COURANT

A DA M BRO NI E WSKI ‘06 After graduating from WIC, JO HN M AC K I NN ON ‘1 2

Adam pursued a Mechanical Engineering degree from the

After graduating from West

University of Calgary and took

Island College, John completed

a “scenic” seven years to finish.

his undergraduate degree

He then started working as

in Biology at Queen’s University.

a Project Manager and is now

He went on to obtain his Master’s

an Emergency Response and

Degree in Climate Change Impact

Investigation lead with TC Energy.

Assessment at the University of Toronto. Once his schooling

A D IL H I RJI ‘ 03

Adam is most proud of achieving ten years of recovery from drug

was complete, he returned to Calgary and joined PwC in their

Following his graduation from

and alcohol abuse, a struggle that

Risk Assurance Services practice,

WIC, Adil pursued a Bachelor of

started in university and that he

more recently focusing on their

Commerce degree at Dalhousie

continues to actively manage.

Sustainability and Climate Change

University (B.Comm), which

He caught the travel bug from

services group where he currently

allowed him to study and work

WIC’s travel studies program (39

works. John is focused on providing

both in Europe and Asia.

countries and counting!) and most recently toured Europe during a

his clients across Canada with a wide range of assurance services

Following the completion of his

3-month honeymoon with his wife

and improving the overall reporting

B.Comm, Adil worked in investment

Sarah in 2019.

and disclosure of ESG

banking in Calgary and then

related metrics.

pursued a law degree in the United

Adam loves the calm of fly

Kingdom at Durham University.

fishing, the quiet of camping, the

He currently resides in Calgary

Following law school, Adil worked

excitement of travel, and recently,

with his fiancée Sydney and dog

with the TSX Venture Exchange

the creative story-telling of

Abby. John joined the Alumni

and joined the securities group

Dungeons and Dragons as well

Committee back in September

at Burstall LLP in 2017, where

as painting.

of 2020 and is looking forward

he continues to practice.

to giving back to the community that gave him so much

Adil has volunteered on the WIC

as a student.

Alumni Committee since 2016 and also volunteers on a committee for the Calgary Public Library.

ME E T OU R ALU MNI COMMIT T E E

41

FE AT URE

ALUMNI FEATURE - DAVID WASLEN ‘03 “ W E ’ RE NOT SURE WHERE L I F E WI L L L E A D U S NEX T, B UT WE K NOW I T WI L L B E A GREAT A DV E NTURE !”

I have been on quite the journey since graduating from WIC in 2003.

As an avid tennis player, I attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire for my undergraduate degree. Upon completion of my degree, I attended the London Business School, where I obtained my MBA. I am currently the CEO of Wilder World, an immersive 3D metaverse powered entirely by NFTs and the CEO of HedgeTrade, a cryptocurrency exchange and social trading platform.

My wife Martha and I originally met in Hong Kong while I was living there, participating in an exchange semester during my MBA. Martha was living in Singapore at the time

42

AU COURANT

and was just visiting for one night.

We both moved to New York a few months later, where we worked in Manhattan before eventually moving to Calgary.

We lived in Calgary for several years, both working in finance.

I started in investment banking and private equity and, for several years, I worked for Calgary’s own W. Brett Wilson, managing his start-up portfolio while Brett was on Dragon’s Den. Eventually, I moved into the blockchain

Both of our children, Gigi (three

and cryptocurrency sector.

years old) and George (one and

Unfortunately, Canada did not have

a half years old), were born

sufficient infrastructure or clarity

in Singapore.

about the sector with regards to regulations and handcuffed our

While we miss Calgary very much,

business objectives. Consequently,

we really enjoy life in Singapore.

after much consideration and

The economy is great, and

research, we decided to move

internationally recognized, the

to Singapore.

people are friendly, respectful and active. It’s extremely safe and

The business I was running was

has great educational programs.

moving very rapidly, and the

However, we still miss the people

move to Singapore happened

in Calgary and our loved ones.

quite quickly. We were actually six

We’re not sure where life will lead

months pregnant with our daughter

us next, but we know it will

when we made the move.

be a great adventure!

T H E INST IT U T E S AND A JOU RNE Y TO A NE W F U T U RE

43

IN MEMORY OF JACK A. GRANT M AY 1 6 , 19 4 6 – AU G U ST 1 5 , 202 0

We remember Jack Grant for his 34 years of dedicated

beginnings in 1982. WIC would not be the educational

service to West Island College

institution it is today without Mr. Grant’s ideas and efforts and, for these, we are profoundly grateful.

Mr. Grant’s contributions to the development of what West Island College is today are immeasurable. His

Mr. Grant was forever proud of his “little school

mantra, “If you are not moving forward, you are falling

that could” and his wisdom and guidance will never

behind,” was always at the forefront of everything he

be forgotten.

did and something that he frequently shared with all his staff. Mr. Grant loved a good laugh, cooking for his

In March 2020, we were fortunate to have

team and sharing stories.

Mr. Grant come back to the school campus for a visit.

While here, he sat down for a fireside chat, where

Always a wise and guiding force, Mr. Grant was the

he impressed us with his incredible memories and

longest-standing Headmaster of WIC and one of the

profound insights; he told us all about the inception

primary visionaries of the College from its humble

of WIC and his time here.

“ I F YO U A R E N OT MOV IN G F O RWA R D, YOU A R E FA L L IN G B E H IN D.”

To view a transcript of this conversation, scan the QR code.

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AU COURANT

IN ME MORY OF JAC K A. GRANT

45

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“ TO D D L A RSE N, H E A D O F E XPE RI E NTI A L E D UCATI O N