December 2015 edition of the Notre Monde

Spotlight on our
Secondary Division
Donors make KIBO
robotics and much
more possible
CFIS Alumni
interviews
Notre Monde
Monthly news from the Calgary French & International School | December 2015
OUR CFIS
FAMILY
Whether it is through our collective
experience or our family tree,
CFIS is an integral part of our students’
lives now and after graduation
www.cfis.com • 403-240-1500 • [email protected]
CONTENTS
Page 3 Message from the Head of School:
Celebrating Tomorrow’s World
Page 4-5 Update on the Classroom
Giving Catalogue
Pages 6-7 Donation enables funding of
KIBO robotics for ECE
Pages 8-23 Spotlight on Secondary
Pages 8-9 Meet our graduands
Page 10 Tech workshops, fresh skills
Page 11 Google Cardboard: A new
way to see
Page 12 We Day and beyond
Classroom Giving Catalogue
There is still time to give to the Classroom
Giving Catalogue, and there are many items
waiting for your support! See the online
bulletin for details or visit
https://secure.cfis.com for details!
Page 13 Skills Canada competition
Pages 14-15 Election party
Page 16 Grade 7 students visit the
zoo for ecosystem studies
Page 17 Biomes of the Rockies in
Grade 10
Page 17 The Crucible for Grade 11
students
Pages 18-19 Speech and debate
Notre Monde
Our World
Notre Monde means Our World in French.
This magazine is our main source of
communicating initiatives happening within
the Calgary French & International School
(CFIS) to our community and beyond.
The Notre Monde is a wonderfully
collaborative effort with dozens of students
and parents and nearly all faculty members
writing one or more stories for the
magazine each year.
Articles are compiled and edited by our
editorial and design team, under the
guidance of our Head of School.
Please contact Mme. Theresa Gerritsen,
Director of Communications,
Marketing and Advancement at
[email protected] with any submissions,
photos, questions, comments or corrections.
Thank you for reading the Notre Monde.
We invite you to pass along this edition and
others to your friends, family, colleagues
and anyone who might be interested in
becoming part of the CFIS community.
Copyright © 2015 CFIS
Page 19 Education at work
will consist of a short presentation, followed
by conference-style sessions about the varied
programs at our school.
CFIS’s standing as a UNESCO Associated
to others with whom we share our planet is
course of a school
School provides a platform upon which to find
more important than ever.
year, there are
meaningful ways to foster peace and cultural
understanding in our students and the broader
CFIS Grade 12 graduates leave our school
community. Our school’s unique UNESCO
community with a strong academic foundation
Page 21 Day of the Dead
of cultural and
perspective brings our students together in
and fluency in three languages. They also leave
Pages 22-23 Athletics
religious celebra-
many ways with communities throughout the
with an interest in and an understanding of the
tion. I am proud of our school’s cultural
world. This lens allows CFIS teachers to spark
world beyond our community and their own
diversity, and I am grateful to the CFIS
critical thinking and guide our students in the
lived experience. faculty and parents who offer guidance
development of their social conscience.
Over the coming weeks, you will get to know
and assistance as together we strive to
Page 27 M. Juan J. Trujillo
Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m. The evening
Throughout the
important days
Page 25 Dr. Aubin Calvert
Page 26 M. Stephen Warnica
high program at our Secondary Open House
CELEBRATING TOMORROW’S WORLD
many and varied
Page 24 M. Michael Markowsky
Learn about our dynamic junior and senior
~Mme. Margaret Dorrance
A MESSAGE FROM CFIS HEAD OF SCHOOL,
MME. MARGARET DORRANCE
Page 20 Spanish students dine out
Pages 24 to 27 Alumni interviews
Secondary open house invitation
“Our school’s unique
UNESCO perspective brings
our students together in
many ways with communities
throughout the world. This
lens allows CFIS teachers to
spark critical thinking and
guide our students in the
development of their social
conscience. ”
teach CFIS students about each other’s
On a daily basis, the global experience is
our latest class of Grade 12 graduands a bit
practices and traditions.
brought to life for CFIS students: a child in
better via the pages of each month’s Notre
kindergarten at CFIS might Tweet with children
Monde. I am very excited for you to get to
Growing up in Scotland in a small
in Abu Dhabi, another could speak over Skype
know this special group of students. While a
farming town, I didn’t have opportuni-
with a small community in Quebec, other
few came to us in late elementary or second-
ties to be exposed to other cultures or
classes might raise money for and communi-
ary, over half of our graduating class has been
languages. Coming from this small village,
cate online with school children in a Kenyan
at CFIS since before kindergarten. These
Page 29 Food bank field trip
at the age of seven, it was an ideological
village. After years of experiences similar to
students are busily applying to universities to
epiphany for me to learn a Christmas
these, our students travel abroad to places
be engineers, designers, linguists and leaders.
Page 30 Honouring M. Ray Gilbert
carol in Latin, and then later, in Grade
such as Central and South America, Southeast
Each is unique, and yet all share many common
Staying connected to the school community
11 and living in Canada, to take a world
Asia, Europe and Africa to be immersed in cul-
bonds—a global perspective, a desire to make
via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and / or
religions course. This class, in particular,
ture, language and community service. I believe
a difference in the larger world and a strong
LinkedIn is an easy way to stay informed and
was a key moment in the development
that this continuity of authentic global learn-
foundation for life-long success. in touch.
of my eventual comprehension of the
ing is unique to CFIS, even when one looks
vast diversity of faiths and beliefs around
nationally. Given the changing world we live
the world—it gave me both perspec-
in, and the sometimes alarming landscape of
tive and a deep respect and awe for
global events that can be difficult to explain to
Mme. Margaret Dorrance
individual differences and similarities. children, providing authentic opportunities for
Head of School
Page 27 Alumni meet-up and thank you
Page 28 Student-led conferences
Page 31 Remembrance Day thank you
Page 32 UNESCO and beyond
Page 33 Caring for critters in ECE
Sincerely,
our students to open their hearts and minds
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Notre Monde
December 2015
December 2015
Notre Monde | 3
Classroom
Giving Catalogue
Donor generosity results in first purchases from the
catalogue to improve student learning
Dear Families,
I am pleased to say
that we have made a
number of purchases
after meeting our goal
for four full and one
partial (microscopes
from the science and
mathematics innovation
laboratory) project outlined within the
Classroom Giving Catalogue.
Thank you to our parent donors who helped
to purchase the following items:
•
Training for teachers and workshops for
students on the key areas of executive
function and mental health;
•
20 Chromebooks and a cart for the pilot
project;
•
Robotics including LEGO Mindstorms and
KIBO robotics for younger students;
•
High-powered microscopes for the
science and math innovation lab; and
•
Apple TVs for our early childhood
classrooms.
Dona
tions
Octo
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0 ran
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to ov
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om $
0,000
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,
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ith a
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$1,02
1.
Initiatives waiting for support
Please join our 56 generous donor families who have made gifts in support of student learning
at CFIS. Every donation helps us reach our goal, regardless of the amount!
We hope you are inspired to give to one of
these areas focused on improving student
learning. The following projects are still waiting
for full or partial support:
There is still a need for full or partial
funding for a variety of items. See the
adjacent Page 5 for details.
If you haven’t given, I hope you will
consider joining our parent, faculty and
staff donors who have already included
CFIS as part of their charitable giving
this year.
•
Sound systems for our early childhood
classrooms;
•
Collections of books for our classroom
libraries;
•
A set of laptops for our older students;
•
Learning tools and teaching tech for ECE;
•
Three class sets of iPads—one for
elementary, one for art / music and a third
for our Secondary Division science and
math classes as well as cases, stylus pens
and charging carts for the devices;
•
Apple TV technology for our math and
science innovation labs;
Thank you for all the ways in
which you support the school
and our students.
•
Funding for our performer in residence,
stage improvements and costume rentals;
and
Sincerely,
•
Fitbits for athletics!
You can make a one-time or monthly
donation online at
https://secure.cfis.com or drop-off a
cheque to Mme. Ani Fernandez in
finance via the main reception desk.
It is a testament to the CFIS
community that we have received
such generous donations for our
first annual giving campaign in a
challenging economic climate in
Calgary this year.
Theresa Gerritsen
Director of Communications,
Marketing and Advancement
for the
s
r
o
n
o
r d
making
s to ou
k
e
r
n
a
a
h
t
u
yo
Sincere
vements
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!
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OUR FINANCIAL GOAL
BY DECEMBER 31, 2015:
$151,800
The deadline for donations made at
https://secure.cfis.com for the 2015
tax-year is December 31
before midnight.
Donations made by cheque must
be received by CFIS’s Finance
Department before the end of day
on December 17 to allow time to
process and deposit.
To help fund the projects
within the catalogue visit
DONATIONS TO DATE:
https://secure.cfis.com
$55,578
Thank you!
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December 2015
December 2015
Notre Monde | 5
CODING SKILLS BEGIN EARLY
USING KIBO ROBOTICS
Continuity of educational technology from early childhood
to graduation made possible by a generous donation to CFIS
Mme. Alex Lianne Carter Mme. Amy Murray Mme. Theresa Gerritsen
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
What are KIBO robotics?
for the first time this year. As our students get
early childhood classrooms invites students to
younger grades with the integration of KIBO into
KIBO robotics are new tools for early childhood
older, they will be able to apply their skills and
explore the basics of coding and programming.
the classroom.
educators to introduce programming children as
knowledge to compete in local science, robotics
young as four years old. The robot is dynamic,
and math competitions.
screenless and introduces the basics of coding
How did our school purchase KIBO units
for our early childhood classrooms?
to our youngest students.The purchase of these
How will we use KIBO at CFIS?
KIBO was one of the items in our recent
robots is one of many initiatives focused on inte-
At the junior kindergarten level, KIBO will largely
Classroom Giving Catalogue and we purchased
grating STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering,
be used for open-ended play and exploration.
them through the gift of a generous donor family.
Arts and Math) into our classrooms. You can
Teachers will look for opportunities to con-
You can view our Classroom Giving Catalogue
watch a video of a KIBO robot carrying out its
nect KIBO to the children’s existing interests
under our Ways to Donate section here: http://
pre-programmed tasks on our Twitter feed or
and skills, and to gently propel students toward
www.cfis.com/donate/ways-donate clicking on the link on the adjacent page.
critical and creative thinking. In our kindergarten
classrooms, KIBO will also be used for free play
Will KIBO be part of a larger STEAM envi-
Why is it important to build opportunities
and exploration,as well as being integrated into
ronment that includes programming?
for STEAM in CFIS classrooms?
more structured language, math, science, and
Yes. We are building coding and programming
In a technology-enriched society, integrating
social studies objectives.
skills and abilities into our school’s technology
STEAM into the classroom allows students to
scope and sequence that will begin in preschool
develop critical-thinking and problem-solving
Implementing KIBO in our classrooms also sup-
and extend through to Grade 12. CFIS students
skills that can be applied in real-world situations.
ports the Alberta Education Cross-Curricular
then apply their skills and knowledge developed
We already have clubs such as Scratch-coding,
Competencies. A cross-curricular competency is
in clubs and courses to compete in local science,
Mindstorms, and Raspberry Pi for our Elementary
an interrelated set of attitudes, skills and knowl-
robotics and math competitions. As we continue
and Secondary Division students, and now we are
edge that can be applied in any given situation
to grow our coding and programming curriculum
excited to introduce these concepts to students
or context to aid in successful learning and living.
at CFIS, we are excited to introduce problem
in the younger grades. We are extremely pleased
solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration,
that our KIBO robots arrived just in time for
By teaching students how to code, we are teach-
Hour of Code, in which CFIS will be participating
ing students how to create. Using KIBO in our
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December 2015
GIVING TO STUDENT LEARNING
and communication skills to our students in our
This year, to continue to
encourage and promote
STEAM across the school,
CFIS will participate
for the first time in the
Hour of Code. We are
extremely excited that
our robots have arrived
just in time, so our
ECE students can also
participate in this whole
school event.
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GIVING TO STUDENT LEARNING
December 2015
Notre Monde | 7
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY BEGINS
Pages 8 to 23 showcase a selection of stories about the past month’s
activities and initiatives from grades 7 to 12.
MEET OUR
GRADUANDS
The next generation
of CFIS alumni
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December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 9
STUDENT SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT EFFICIENT STUDENT LEARNING
TECH WORKSHOPS PROVIDE
FRESH NEW SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Mme. Alex Lianne Carter
[email protected]
Mme. Michelle Cross
[email protected]
Mme. Arpan Hari
[email protected]
STUDENTS VISIT THE LOUVRE REMOTELY AS ONE OF THEIR FIRST PROJECTS WITH OUR NEW GOOGLE GOGGLES
A NEW WAY TO SEE THE WORLD
Mme. Kristine Gagnon
[email protected]
Google recently released several new geo-tools to
Using Google Cardboard’s 3D goggles, students
help connect people to places and beyond.These
can place their phones inside and use Google
tools have the potential to change how teachers
Streetview to turn almost any scene from
During the month of November, Mme. Alex Lianne
Speech-to-text / Text-to-speech
are down on paper, they are able to re-organise
teach and students learn about their communities
anywhere in the world into a virtual traveling
Carter, Director of Educational Technology &
Students were introduced to using speech to
their ideas and make connections so that their
and the world. Most people have heard of Google
experience.
Innovation, Mme. Arpan Hari, Secondary Division
text software which allows them to speak their
content becomes cohesive. Using a digital mind
Maps and Google Earth, but there is a rich suite of
Guidance Counsellor, and Mme. Michelle Cross,
ideas and have them typed out for them. This
mapping tool such as MindMeister, students can
other Google Geo applications set for geospatial
With the senior high students’ upcoming trip in the
Learning Strategist, hosted assistive technology
helps students in a variety of ways such as getting
collaborate with peers and share their plan with
learning. GeoEducation Summit is a one-day
spring, we will have the students prepare a short
workshops to teach our Secondary Division
their ideas quickly on paper or setting a quick
their teacher. In this way, teachers can provide
event that introduces and describes how to use
presentation about the sights they will visit ahead
students and parents about technology tools that
reminder on their phone. Once students have
feedback and suggestions on their plan, before
My Maps, Tour Builder, Cultural Institute, Street
of time. One way to do background research is to
can be used on a daily basis to help with studying,
completed a written assignment, they can also
they begin writing their essay or starting a project.
View, photo spheres and Google Cardboard to
use the Google Cardboard goggles to view a site
completing homework assignments and more.
then have their work read back to them with a
create these interactive and engaging learning
before we travel there. Seeing something ahead
Students have been encouraged to try one new
opportunities. Participants will create maps, tours
of time can be very motivating and impressive.
tool at a time, and to explore various different
and other projects as they learn about the features
text-to-speech add-on.
The workshops introduced various software and
around at their own pace. I can even record my
applications that can be used across mobile and
Mastering organization
tools and methods to find the one that works best
of each tool. By the end of this workshop, they
With donations from the Spring Benefit, the
portable platforms and can be retrieved from
During this workshop, students were introduced
for them.These methods and strategies outlined
will have a solid understanding of how these tools
school also recently purchased a special camera
voice on site and narrate the scene.”
the Google Chrome Web Store, Google Play
to ways to help them get organized. We talked
over the past few weeks introduce valuable skills
can be used in classrooms.
with that takes spherical images.
and iTunes. By using software and applications
about getting their workspace organized, making
and abilities that can accompany students for life.
available on all devices, this allows students to use
sure to write everything down, using a calendar
Science faculty members at CFIS aim to
“We were excited to acquire this device for
reinforce materials learned and help parents keep
their Chrome web browser in school, add items
and a checklist, removing distractions when doing
A follow-up session will be offered in the new year.
incorporate more technology into the classroom
a number of reasons. I travel a lot in my spare
in touch with their children when they are abroad.
to their phone when they are out and about,
homework and breaking projects down into
If you are interested in learning more about any
this year. CFIS Secondary Division teachers, as a
time and frequently see sights that I would love
Imagine seeing 360-degree photos of your child
and then access all of their information in one
achievable tasks.
strategy or method shared, please contact Mme.
whole, are also interested in enhancing student
to show my students,” says Mme. Gagnon. “For
in a faraway land, and by clicking on his or her
Carter at [email protected] .
This new 360º camera will be taken on our travel
studies adventures and field trips. Teachers can
travel study experiences and discovering new
example, I went to Iceland a few years ago and saw
face, you can hear a short message from him or
Mind maps for planning
tools to prepare students before heading out on
so many unique geographical features: icebergs,
her describing their experience.
The following three workshops were organized:
Students were introduced to the skill of mind
international trips. It is important that technology
glaciers, geysers and volcanoes.” Mme. Gagnon
•
Speech-to-text / Text-to-speech
mapping—a strategy that encourages students to
in this context be used only if it enhances the
continues, “I can show them photos, but this new
Thank you to all our parents who contribute
•
Mastering organization
create a visual diagram.This visual diagram allows
student’s learning experience and is easy to use.
technology gives them a semi-realistic experience
to enabling learning to go above and beyond
•
Mind maps for planning
students to quickly write their ideas down using
of virtually walking through my trip and looking
at our school!
place when they are at home doing homework.
images, words and sentences. Once all their ideas
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December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 11
WE DAY AND BEYOND
Mme. Jennifer Connolly
[email protected]
SKILLS CANADA
CARDBOARD BOAT RACES
Mme. Kristine Gagnon
[email protected]
Fifty-seven CFIS students saw inspiring musi-
them in front of the Secondary Division office
cians and speakers at We Day Alberta in
and organized a bake sale to raise money for the
October at the Scotiabank Saddledome. With
Canadian Mental Health Association. Labels on
This past October, four of our Grade 12 students
website:
over 16,000 attendees, this was the highest
the bags and simple discussions addressed what
participated in the Skills Canada Cardboard
http://www.skillsalberta.com/cardboard-boat-races
attendance yet for this annual motivational
they learned about mental health.They ended the
Boat Race.
event, which has youth from across Alberta
week with a Wear Colourful Socks Day for the
celebrating with like-minded individuals the
Secondary Division in support of someone with
Graduands Alessandra M., ’16 John W. ’16,
power of youth to change the world. Students
a mental illness. We are proud of the students’
Sebastien B. ’16 and Lyndon A. ’16, along with
were moved by incredible performances by
initiative and desire to end stigmas surrounding
their teacher mentors, met once a cycle for two
The Band Perry and Francesco Yates, and
this very important topic.
months to plan the construction of their cardboard
inspiring speeches from author Joseph Boyden
boat. Prototypes were tested on the pond near
From the Skills Alberta website:
“This challenge is open ended and problem
solving in nature, paralleling the thrust of
broad-based curriculum. It involves: design,
research & presentation, principles of structure,
strength, rigidity, water permeability, propulsion,
and Olympian Silken Laumann, motivat-
Since the start of the new term, UNESCO option
ing them to get started on their projects.
students have begun making sleeping mats out
During the first term, CFIS students taking
of plastic bags for Calgary’s homeless. If you have
There were 16 high school teams competing and
displacement, adhesives and bonding,
the UNESCO option hosted a mental health
plastic bags to donate for this initiative, please
it was CFIS’s inaugural showing at the event. With
teamwork and FUN”
awareness campaign where they learned
send them to Mme. Connolly’s classroom (175)
1.5 hours to build their boat, students were limited
about mental health illnesses pertinent to
or the Secondary Division office. We will collect
to four, four 4’ x 4’ sheets of cardboard, one role
young people. They prepared flyers and put
bags until February.
of duct tape and one role of packing tape. A
the school.
friction and direction control, buoyancy and
surprise was thrown into the mix: 10 zipties had
to be incorporated into the plan.
Students raced their boat with one student in
it across the length of an Olympic pool. Fewer
than 25 per cent of the boats made it the entire
length, but the CFIS craft was one of them, and
our team placed fifth overall.
For more information on this fun, hands-on
engineering competition, visit the Skills Alberta
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December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 13
ELECTION FEVER CATCHING AMONG
SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
A CFIS ELECTION PARTY
Mme. Lisa Mallory
[email protected]
More than half of CFIS’s senior high students
stayed at the school overnight on October 19 to
watch live coverage of the election and engage in
politics with their peers as part of CFIS’s Advanced
Placement (AP) Comparative Government class.
The CFIS election party allowed
me to express my political views
in an encouraging and supporting
environment.
Seeing the difference between the
number of seats each party won
compared to the percentage of votes
received made me understand why
so many people want to see our
electoral system reformed.
I find voter turnout rates among
young Canadians disappointing.
In class, we discussed Canadian
electoral participation rates and
talked about ways of getting our
school more engaged in the elections.
Hosting a “Political Party” seemed
like a great way to get everyone
engaged!
– Cole A.
– Arran S.
I got to show my friends that
politics and elections actually
are interesting.
We had a really fun night!
– John W.
– Patrick C.
It was really fun to have an
event exclusively for the
senior high students. It was
a great opportunity to bond
with kids outside of my class.
– Zoie S.
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December 2015
I’ve been wanting to be more
involved in leadership initiatives
within the high school. This was an
amazing opportunity to share my
love for Canadian politics with my
classmates
– Liam R.
I understood first-past-thepost before the election
party, but watching the
elections in real time made it
much clearer.
– Ryann A.
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 15
EXPLORING THE BIOMES
OF THE ROCKIES
IN GRADE 10
M. Nicolas Aubert
[email protected]
GRADE 7 ZOO TRIP: ECOSYSTEM ENRICHMENT
M. Christian Legault
[email protected]
Our annual trip to the University of Calgary’s
Biogeoscience Institute, in Kananaskis Country,
Grade 7 students demonstrated their understanding of concepts
was an amazing experience for our Grade 10
learned since the beginning of the school year at the Calgary
students. Students spoke with professors in the
Zoo’s Interactions & Ecosystems program in October. In addi-
environmental field, asked scientific questions
tion to seeing and touching the animals, they were given the
regarding the biomes of our mountains, and gath-
task of discovering and presenting about some of the animals’
ered data in the forest to prove their hypothesis
adaptations, and describing how these are necessary when inter-
regarding a specific question they had. It was a
acting within their respective ecosystems. Students constructed
rich experience for our students. Although we
concept diagrams relating to some of Canada’s endangered
were busy doing science experiments, we also
species and learned why they are endangered.They also gained
had a few hours to relax and bond. Thanks to
a better appreciation of the zoo’s conservation efforts. Students
M. Aubert, M. Legault and Mme. Plante-Wassill
gained confidence in expressing their knowledge and learned
for organizing.
new facts before completing the Grade 7 environment unit.
Grade 11
students
enjoy a
trip to the
Theatre
Calgary’s
The
Crucible
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December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 17
SPEECH AND DEBATE
FULL-STEAM AHEAD
EDUCATION AT WORK
Mmes. Julie Chrapko and Deana Adams
[email protected] and [email protected]
Mme. Sabine Crandall
[email protected]
Speech, debate, and Model UN have
class to learn presentation skills, and this will
speeches in a classroom setting, the students
knowing they have participated well in such a
Hundreds of thousands of Grade 9 students
more information. Select the Resources tab and
become integral courses for students
help us in other classes,” says Geneve M. ‘21
are in a safe environment, among their peers,”
public, speaking event.”
across Canada, including CFIS, joined a parent
view the Parent Guide.
wrote Pamela & Bradley W. when asked for
in grades 7 to 9, providing an authentic
The following are the revised results for
context in which we will continue to
“I’m really enjoying debate because it gives me
their feedback about the speech and debate
develop our students’ leadership skills.
a chance to argue for fun! It’s great.”
programs. They continued, “Students gain
ADSA’s debate competition at CFIS this
Students have made incredible progress
says Gabrielle Y. ’20“
confidence speaking in front of others who
November:
know them and are respectful of the process.
in poise, voice control, expression, eye
contact and speed in a short time.
Our participation in speech and debate
The students can then choose to participate
Teachers are so excited to see these
competitions continues to grow, as does
in the speech and debate tournaments in the
presentations skills transfer to other
our ranking in the competitions. In 2015,
city. Parents are asked to participate as judges
classes and to outside activities.
we increased number of Grade 7 students
during the tournaments. It is rewarding and
involved as well as the number of high school
encouraging to see so many students take
“Pushing students to do something
students participating. It’s exciting to see the
different in an appropriate context
students gaining confidence in their abilities.
Shivana M. and Ariel C.
Silver medal (Team Beginner):
Our Kids To Work (TOKTW) on November 4.
Here are some quotes from students regarding
This job-shadowing experience compliments the
their experience.
Health and Personal Life Skills Course curriculum
with the following objectives:
1. Understand the importance of staying in school
pride in their learning, perform in many of the
Bronze medal (Team Beginner):
2. Begin thinking about careers;
categories, and develop increased self-esteem
Sara B. and Kaitlyn M.
Silver medal (Individual Speaker Beginner):
Ben R.
the pharmacy, I realized that medicine would be
something I would consider.”
3. Have a first-hand look at a day in the workforce;
“We had an opportunity to talk to a mother of a
4. Communicate a long-term goal and what it
patient, and she told us all about what it was like
will take to achieve the goal; and
for her to have a child in the ICU. This gave me a
recently, was watching a seasoned Speech Club
Ouellette “It also gives them a structured
student present a confident, enthusiastic, and
place to hone their arguments and
“easily heard” announcement at a Secondary
presentation skills all while thinking
Division assembly,” notes Mme. Deana Adams.
about subjects they wouldn’t think about
“It’s great to see the results of years of
otherwise.”
participation.”
Students are equally excited about the
Parents have opportunities to judge
submitted a report regarding their day. Go to
opportunity and have begun to draw the
competitions and see their child compete. The
http://www.thelearningpartnership.ca/TOKW for
connections between this course and the
new programs have been received with open
depth of impact it will have on all aspects
arms by the parent community.
Sarah M.
“ I wanted to see if medicine was something I would
be interested in doing in the future. After my day at
counter-arguments,” says M. Eddie
Bronze medal (Individual Speaker Beginner):
learned from school.”
and continuing with post-secondary education
by observing skills needed in today’s workforce;
“One of the most encouraging sights for me
“ I was extremely surprised when I found I was able
to draw connections and apply knowledge that I
Gabrielle Y. and Maya K.
develops their critical thinking skills
through trying to find arguments and
Gold medal (Team Beginner):
or other adult in the nation-wide program Take
deep respect for what all of the doctors and nurses
5. Recognize their parents’ roles in making a living
do every day.”
and supporting their families.
“ I developed an appreciation for the hard work my
Following the workday experience, students
parents put in every day for our family.”
of their education.
“As parents, we feel that any opportunity a
18 |
“I love speech because it opens a lot of
student has to learn to speak in public is a
opportunities. It helps to have an extra
beneficial life-long skill. When learning to make
Notre Monde
December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 19
SPANISH IN SITU
An immersive lunch at Inti
Señora Sylvia Riccetto-Mendes
[email protected]
Ayer fuimos al restaurante Inti, fue muy
bueno. La comida fue muy sabrosa, mi
plato favorito fue al pollo porque fue
muy jugoso y no fue demasiado picante.
También, la historia de la comida es
muy interesante, la persona dice que la
comida fue un fusión de la comida inca y
español.
Our Grade 10 students have learned to
state their opinions and debate issues in
Spanish, and are learning the preterite
past tense. They put these skills to use at
Inti, a Peruvian restaurant in Calgary that
features many traditional meals that date
back to the Quechua people and the Incan
Empire. They enjoyed lunch surrounded
by pictures and objects from Perú and
practised their Spanish with the server
- Armaan M.
and teachers Señora Riccetto-Mendes and
Señor Mondaca. Gracias al “Señor Director
Amrouche” who accompanied the group.
- Mario O.
Here is what our students had to say about
their field trip:
En mi opinión, cuando fuimos al
restaurante, yo no estaba segura
de si sería bueno. Pero yo estaba
equivocada. La comida que comimos
fue excelente y la camarera fue muy
buena y informativa sobre la comida
de Perú y su cultura!
- Emma M.
Notre Monde
skulls. The symbol of the skull dates back to
pre-Colombian times and the tradition of
making them on the Day of the Dead is to
keep alive the memory of the deceased. During
this celebration, Mexican people decorate the
skulls with colours and symbols that represent
November 2, called the Day of the Dead (Dias
de los Muertos), is of Mexican origin.This day is
an opportunity to remember the deceased by
Me gustó mucho el restaurante peruano.
La comida era muy buena y que era bueno
para probar algo nuevo y diferente. Me
gustó cómo la señora nos dijo un poco
de historia antes de que comimos, así que
pensamos acerca de la cultura, mientras
que comimos. Muchas gracias!
stimulating their five senses. To simulate their
- Sayaka H.
created and decorated sugar skulls in Spanish
senses, the family of the deceased decorates
sugar skulls, leaves flowers, personal items, their
favourite foods on the graves of the dead, and
play the dead’s favourite music, as well as modern
songs. To feel involved in this celebration, we
class.This has been a tradition for a number of
it for years to come.
Ayer, fuimos a Intí, un restaurante dónde
sirven la comida peruana. Bebimos
refrescos como la “Inca Kola” y la chica
morada. En mi opinion, fueron muy
deliciosas. Después, comimos las papas
con paprika y el pollo muy rico. A mi me
gustaría regresar allí otra vez.
December 2015
interesting piece of history while making sugar
years at CFIS, and we are excited to continue
Creo que la comida de la restaurante
fue muy delicioso.Yo comí mucho pollo
y pastel de chocolate. Bebí una nueva
bebida que se llama el “Inca Cola”. Tuvo
un gusto interesante.
20 |
Our Grade 8 to 10 students learned an
The annual celebration that takes place on
- Jorden R.
- Carson P.
Sylvia Ricetto-Mendes
[email protected]
the people they are remembering.
Ayer, en el restaurante, tuve el
aprendizaje divertido sobre la cultura
azteca. Además, me comí la comida
increíble que yo no lo había tenido
la oportunidad de probar. Fue muy
delicioso.
¡Opino que el restaurante fue delicioso!
Probé mucha de la comida, y me encantó
toda. Me gustó la presentación cultural
sobre Perú también.
- Emma C.
El Lunes, el nueve de noviembre, de 2015,
fuimos al restaurante peruano llamado Inti.
Tuvieron una gran variedad de comidas
tipicas de Peru, con raíces Inca y con
influencias de culturas europeas y asiáticas.
Las comidas eran muy deliciosas, y yo
tuve un plato de arroz con pollo, papas,
y espinaca. El postre fue un pedazo de
torta de chocolate. Fue muy rico, y le
recomendaría este restaurante a cualquiera
que le guste comida deliciosa.
DAY OF THE DEAD
- Anna G.
El restaurante Inti fue absolutamente increíble.
La comida era increíble, comì ahí me hizo
sentir como si estuviera en Perú. El aspecto y
el ambiente del restaurante era impresionante
también.Comer en Inti fue una experiencia
divertida y me gustaría poder ir todos los días
- Ryan S.
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 21
THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF A TEAM IS AN IMPORTANT
PART OF OUR SECONDARY DIVISION EXPERIENCE
ATHLETICS
Mme. Sabine Crandall
[email protected]
Our athletic year continues in full force as
students new to team sports and seasoned
athletes participate enthusiastically on a variety of teams.
Volleyball
We ran six teams this year in volleyball:
•
Two Grade 7 girls team
•
One Grade 7 boys team
•
One Grade 8 girls team
•
One Grade 8/9 boys team
•
One Grade 9 girls team
We consolidated the two Grade 7 girls teams
to represent CFIS in the championship tournament and they finished in third place.
The Grade 8 girls team finished 1st in Tier
2 competition and won the Championship
banner. Our Grade 9 girls finished fourth in
CISAA Tier 2 rankings.
Congratulations to
our Grade 8 girls for
bringing home the
championship banner!
22 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
SPOTLIGHT ON SECONDARY
December 2015
Notre Monde | 23
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS WORKING WITH MICHAEL DURING A RECENT VISIT TO THE SCHOOL AS OUR GUEST ARTIST
INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MARKOWSKY
CFIS alumnus, professor of art and dynamic visual artist
THEN AND NOW, DR. AUBIN CALVERT IS ONE HER WAY
TO THE SUPREME COURT
INTERVIEW WITH
DR. AUBIN CALVERT
CFIS alumnus with a doctorate in political science
Tell us a bit about your life and what you do.
When did you attend the Calgary French School
an endless amount of encouragement during my
I attended the Alberta College of Art and
(CFS)? What was it like back then?
formative years at CFIS.
Design, Cooper Union in New York City, the
I attended CFS from kindergarten until Grade 6
Royal College of Art in London (UK), and
in the early to mid 1980s. Back then, the school
Tell us about your foundation for French immer-
finally the Art Center in Los Angeles, where I
didn’t have a junior or senior high school program.
graduated with my masters degree in painting.
When I first started, the school was located
I met and studied with the greatest artists in
in a bunch of portables at Crowchild Trail and
lege, when I backpacked around Europe, that I
the world. After college, I taught drawing at
24 Avenue SW, and then it moved to near the
realized the profound gift I had been given. Last
When did you attend CFS? What was it like
Emily Carr University, and now I own an art
intersection of Crowchild and Glenmore Trail.
year, I spent two months making artwork in a
studio in Vancouver. I paint and draw while
The school was much smaller than the shiny new
tiny village outside of Paris where no one spoke
travelling the world. I’ve been a Canadian
building CFIS is in now!
war artist for the past five years. I travelled
Tell us a bit about your life and what you do.
some of their lives and accomplishments, many of
de Champlain—speaks to how effective that
I hold a PhD in Political Science from UBC and
my classmates have done just that. I also remem-
approach to teaching was.
I’m in my final year of law school at UBC. Next
ber the emphasis on celebrating accomplishments,
sion at CFS.
year I’m heading to Ottawa for a judicial clerkship
big and small. I remember feeling incredibly proud
Tell us about your foundation for French
I hated having to learn French. It wasn’t until col-
with the Supreme Court of Canada.
to learn that a painting I’d made using an apple
immersion at CFS.
sliced in half as a stamp had been put up in the
I am incredibly lucky to have had that foundation,
teacher’s lounge. Showcasing student art through
and even now that it’s a bit rusty, it’s made all the
back then?
annual shows quickly became the norm. I also
difference. You never know when it will come
I attended the Calgary French School from 1989
have fond memories from the Grade 6 Quebec
in handy, from rough-and-ready translation at
English, and my ability to converse in French
to 1997 at the Lakeview location from preschool
trip with my closest friends that capped off my
an academic conference to interviewing with
came in handy.
to Grade 6, along with a core group of classmates,
time at CFS.
the Supreme Court of Canada.
many of whom I’m still in touch with.The school
to the North Pole with the RCAF to paint
What are your fondest memories of the school?
landscapes in -30ºC weather and document
I fondly remember the art teacher allowing me
What was it like coming back to visit the school?
was already growing. If I’m not mistaken, my cohort
How did CFS influence the person you are
life inside the tiny Air Force base called CFIS
to work on my own, independent of class assign-
I came back full circle to where everything began
was one of the first to have enough students
today?
Alert on the northernmost tip of Ellesmere
ments. She allowed me to draw or paint whatever
for me. I found it easy to make a personal con-
for two full Grade 6 classes. The Lakeview site
I will always look back gratefully on the qual-
Island. In 2013, I became the first person to
I wanted, as long as I could fulfill the requirements
nection with the students because I had been
was a pretty standard school building, but each
ity of teaching I received. Those teachers laid
make artwork while travelling faster than the
of the projects. She gave me responsibilities and
in their position once. I could say, “Look. I wore
classroom had an incredible amount of character
the foundation for everything I’ve been able to
speed of sound in a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet.
treated me with a kind of respect that no other
that uniform 30 years ago, and now I’m living my
and vibrance. Every square inch of available space
achieve academically since.Two things in particu-
A documentary film about that experience,
adult in my life would afford me. I was truly blessed
dream as an artist. I’m proof that you can achieve
showcased the personalities and work of the
lar stand out: the importance of creativity and
called Markowsky Draws in a Fighter Plane,
to have had a mentor like that.
whatever you want to do with your life!”
students and teachers.
seeing a project through from start to finish. I
premiered at the Calgary International Film
recall being taught to take ownership of a task
Festival in 2015. My next big exhibition is at
How did CFS influence you to be the person
Do you see connections between CFIS now
What are your fondest memories of the school?
and see it through. When it was time to take
the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Ontario. I’ve
you are today?
and the school as it was years ago?
The atmosphere: kids who were happy to be there
on a project, we learned to pick a topic, do the
been commissioned to create a new series of
Going to a school where my passions were
The school seems to be in really good hands, and
and teachers who made us believe we could do
research and present our results. The fact that I
landscape paintings and drawings in honour
encouraged and my talents were cultivated gave
I’m glad to see it growing. I’m happy that the class
anything we set our minds to. Having followed
can remember a lot of those projects—gorillas,
of the 100th anniversary of the death of Tom
me a huge advantage over other students. By the
sizes continue to remain small and that students
Thomson, perhaps the most famous and
age of 10, I had a relatively clear idea of what I
still have a great rapport with the teachers. I taught
beloved artist in Canadian history, in 2017.
wanted to do with my life, and was developing a
art in the public school system and it was hard
good set of tools to get me there. Confidence is
to connect to students when there were 40 or
key to being a professional artist, and I was given
50 all vying for my attention.
24 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
ALUMNI INTERVIEWS
the province of BC, the Algonquian people, Samuel
ALUMNI INTERVIEWSDecember 2015 Notre Monde | 25
THEN AND NOW, STEPHEN WARNICA DRIVES AND REVIEWS HIGH-END SPORTS CARS AS PART OF HIS VIDEO PRODUCTION WORK
project7productions.com
INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN WARNICA ’12
CFIS alumnus and Executive Producer of Project 7 Productions
THEN AND NOW, JUAN J. TRUJILLO IS STUDYING TOWARDS A DEGREE IN MEDICINE AT SAINT-JEAN
INTERVIEW WITH JUAN TRUJILLO ’12
CFIS alumnus on his way to a degree in medicine
When did you attend CFIS? What was
Tell us a bit about your life and what you do.
it even though I don’t use my French as much as
Tell us a bit about your life and what you do.
in infrastructure or methods, that gained our
Tell us about your foundation for French immer-
it like back then?
I run my own video production company Project
I’d like to these days.
I’m a fourth year student at the University of
attention and excitement.
sion at CFIS?
I attended CFIS from grades 4 to 12 (2003-
7 Productions. We do freelance work and produce
2012). It was a lot different then—the senior
our own original series. For one of those series, I
Do you see connections between the school
towards a career in medicine. One of my
What are your fondest memories of the school?
express myself. I chose Saint-Jean at the University
high didn’t exist until I was in Grade 8, I
get to drive and review high-end sports cars—a
as it is now and as it was years ago?
many passions is dance. I am the president
I have fond memories of every class I took—so
of Alberta on recommendation from CFIS, who
believe. I got to watch and be a part of the
passion of mine. I hope to make a career out of
This past November was the first time I’ve prop-
of the dance club at Campus Saint-Jean to
many precious hours in the lab doing experi-
knew it would be so important for me, the foun-
growth of the school from when we moved
having a television series based on cars. Producing
erly visited CFIS since graduating.Visiting alongside
inspire a love for dance in students
ments and countless moments playing games in
dation for my multiculturalism and everything I
into the wing formerly rented from CFIS by
a variety of content, from cars to comedy to short
my friends, especially Juan since we graduated
gym. My best memories were of the senior high
do in Edmonton.
the Edge School, to being a student in the
films, is an incredible experience.
together, was great (not to mention more than
When did you attend CFIS? What was it
lounge, taking a break from studying, catching up
on homework or just hanging out.
Alberta, studying biochemistry and working
CFIS showed me that French would allow me to
a little nostalgic). Talking with former teachers
like back then?
like something was a bit different. I quite
How did CFIS influence you to be the person
was enjoyable and probably gave me the big-
I started in 2009 in Grade 9 and graduated
liked that.
you are today?
gest sense of how much times have changed. I
in 2012. It was only four years but probably
How did CFIS influence you to be the person
entrance made me feel important and walking
The influence CFIS had on me is profound. I
would love to return and get involved in the CFIS
the most amazing four years I’ve had. CFIS
you are today?
through the halls again made me feel nostalgic.
What are your fondest memories of the
could achieve anything I set my mind to. I never
community again.
was smaller, and I was part of the third gradu-
CFIS taught me to get more involved with every-
Seeing all the young students reminded me how
school?
felt restricted when considering a career path,
ating class of only six people. The students
thing I do. It showed me how important it is to
I used to be and of how proud I was to wear the
The trip to Cuba in Grade 10 immediately
considering I bounced back and forth for a while
were so close and, because of that, the staff
not only want something, but to work hard for
uniform. I feel like CFIS has changed a lot since
comes to mind. Getting to stay with locals
with several different choices. I always felt sup-
considered grades 10 to 12 as one class.
it.The most important thing it taught me was to
I graduated. We were the “guinea pigs” for the
and help re-paint a preschool was an amazing
ported to pursue anything I wanted while finding
With the new senior high curriculum, we
always open myself to people so they will do the
senior high program but I’m glad to see how many
experience, if not the hardest work I’ve ever
a post-secondary fit for that choice. I learned
were constantly exposed to changes, either
same for others.
people are in the senior high now. I can’t wait to
experienced on a school trip, so that was
how important it is to have strong connections
rewarding in itself. Overall, the memories of
and friendships. Having such a small class size
getting to know my fellow students in senior
throughout senior high was key to that.
first complete senior high. Every year it felt
high always stand out. Quite a few of those
friendships I’ve kept dear to me ever since.
Tell us about your foundation for
We were definitely a family. Attending CFIS
French immersion at CFIS?
not only gave me a network of friends that
My parents always insisted that
I still cherish to this day, but an educational
learning a second language was
experience I’m not sure anywhere else could
important, and I’m glad I stuck with
What was it like coming back to visit the school?
To see the pictures of all the graduates at the
see CFIS evolve and be a part of it as an alumnus.
Thank you to CFIS alumni, Rebecca Finely Schidlowsky and Taylor Nadeau,
for organizing November’s Calgary alumni meet-up!
have given me.To this day, I still fondly recall
my days as a student there.
>> CFIS alumni
drop by for a
visit!
26 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
ALUMNI INTERVIEWS
ALUMNI INTERVIEWSDecember 2015 Notre Monde | 27
STUDENT-LED
CONFERENCES
IN THE
ELEMENTARY
DIVISION
Each year, CFIS holds student-led conferences
as a leadership and academic initiative that
helps to further connect parents and guardians with what’s happening in the classroom.
It is a great pleasure for teachers to see the
pride on their students’ faces and to watch
families interact within the classroom together.
Thank you to all who were able to attend
the student-led conferences this past
November.
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paren
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CALGARY FOOD BANK
Some field trips are good
...this one was great.
It was very informative
and interesting for both
students and parent
volunteers.
- CFIS parent Amanda
28 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
December 2015
Notre Monde | 29
MR. RAYMOND ANDREW GILBERT (1922-2015) WITH CFIS PARENT, M. HUNT
ON REMEMBRANCE DAY 2014
HONOURING A DIEPPE VETERAN
By Zoe L-H ’23
A past visitor to CFIS, Mr. Raymond Andrew
journalism students who interviewed him on
family, his community and his country. His family
Gilbert, who served as a Trooper in the 14th
behalf of CBC Radio Canada. Mr. Gilbert said
carried his casket out of the church, for burial in
Canadian Army Tank Regiment (Calgary Tanks)
that he felt like he was treated ‘like a rock star’,
his hometown of Stettler.
during the Second World War, sadly passed away
and he continued to speak with fondness about
in Calgary on November 6, 2015, at the age of 93.
CFIS for months after his visit.
We at CFIS can be proud that we made Mr.
Gilbert’s last Remembrance Day very special
SAYING THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS
Mme. Stephanie Couture
[email protected]
During the raid on Dieppe in August 1942, Mr.
At Mr. Gilbert’s funeral, people sang songs, and
Gilbert was a loader/radio operator in a Churchill
his barbershop choir sang a special song for
to him.
Two classes joined together to create post-
tank. His tank fought on the beach while covering
him. The pastor talked about how his life after
cards for veterans last month. During the
the withdrawal of Canadian soldiers back onto
the war was like a resurrection. His family talked
week of Remembrance Day, Mme. Couture’s
landing craft. His crew continued to fight until
about how much he enjoyed life, and loved his
Grade 4 class and Mme. Ambroisine-Hudson’s
they ran out of ammunition. They were then
Grade 1 class created Postcards for Peace,
captured by the Germans, and Mr. Gilbert spent
an initiative from Veterans Affairs of Canada
the next two years at the prisoner of Camp
that partners with many long-term care facili-
Stalag VIIIB before being sent back to England in
ties to allow people to send postcards to
a prisoner exchange.
veterans in their area. Our postcards, with
the students’ messages and pictures, were
Following the war, Mr. Gilbert raised a family
sent to the Mount Royal Care Centre. We
with his wife Dorothy. They had three children,
hope they made the veterans feel special and
eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
aware of how grateful we are for all they did
He worked for Gulf Oil for many years. Upon
for us and for Canada.
retiring, he continued to volunteer at the Museum
of the Regiments (now The Military Museums)
and told his story to thousands of visiting school
children each year. Mr. Gilbert also sang with a
barbershop choir for 50 years and was a member
of his church choir. He enjoyed telling his life
story to CFIS students during our Remembrance
Day 2014 assembly and after to CFIS junior high
30 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
LEADERSHIP
December 2015
Notre Monde | 31
UNESCO AND BEYOND
CARING FOR CRITTERS
M. Benoit St-Arneault
[email protected]
Mme. Chelsea Mageau
[email protected]
A glimpse into emergent curriculum at CFIS
On November 4, all three Grade 6 classes from
learning to do, learning to be and learning to live
tomorrow’s world: confidence, a willingness to
the Calgary French & International School pre-
together. ASPnet schools also agree to undertake
listen and learn, adaptability, flexibility, self-reliance,
sented a showcase about issues related to trees
educational and social projects that focus on one
teamwork, dependability and honesty.
and forest, including solutions that our com-
or more of the following teaching themes: human
It was near the end of October and the students
A week had passed, and we were quietly enjoying
The students understood that animals have simi-
munity can put in place to protect these fragile
rights, democracy and tolerance, world concerns
The hard work associated with the UNESCO
had really taken an interest in learning about
snacks, when the students suddenly sparked the
lar needs to their own, and that they like to eat
ecosystems.
and the role of the United Nations, environ-
Showcase was orchestrated by M. David Parent,
the needs of the animals in their lives. Since we
conversation. “Let’s go to the forest to see les
healthy treats just like us. Within the next few
mental sustainability and intercultural learning
Mme. Jessica McConnell and M. Sébastien Hachey
could not bring dogs, cats and other pets into the
oiseaux!” the students pleaded with curious minds
weeks, the students were eager to venture back
and diversity.
along with M. Benoit St-Arneault and Mme. Nicola
classroom, we decided to explore our beautiful
and big bright eyes. Off we ventured in search of
into the forest and explore the progress of their
Abrioux-Camirand.These educators were proud
school’s surroundings, and go for a walk in the
our bird feeders. We were pleasantly surprised!
feeders. Each day, our classroom gets flooded
Together, the process and presentation of these
of the authentic presentations that reflected key
forest. It was a sunny afternoon, but with fall now
UNESCO projects provide opportunities for our
concepts and skills acquired from classroom les-
upon us we bundled up in warm jackets and fuzzy
“I found mine! The birds ate some!” screamed
about animals. We’re so excited to embark on
students to develop skills needed for success in
sons and activities.
mittens… and we were off!
Naomi with excitement.
new adventures surrounding this interest!
“Look at the birds!” cried one student.
“Mme. Chelsea, look! The birds were sure hungry,”
The students worked for two months on their
projects. From bake sales to games, each group
prepared a unique presentation.
The Grade 6 UNESCO adventure began in
with new drawings, crafts, literature and questions
science class when students were confronted
with the reality of deforestation and its affect
on our planet.They were then inspired to work
on different types of projects connected to sci-
said William.
“There’s so many different kinds,” said Klara.
ence, English, French and social studies. Different
With this newfound love for animals and a grow-
mediums were proposed for each project to
Breathing in the crisp air and walking along the
ing understanding of their needs, we invited the
accommodate ones better suited to a small
windy trails was an exhausting task for the chil-
Calgary Humane Society into our classroom to
screen, posters, big screen or, alternatively, for a
dren’s little legs, so we headed back to school to
learn more about the fun, fuzzy creatures who
more interactive setting.
discuss what we could do to help the birds, with
enhance our lives.The students were captivated
winter on its way. “Let’s make bird feeders,” the
by the presentation, which featured Max, a life-
class shouted. What a thoughtful activity!
sized dog stuffy. Our special guest, Mel, asked the
As a UNESCO Associated School (ASPnet), we
have pledged to adapt our policies and practices
students: “What do we need to take care of Max?”
to incorporate what UNESCO defines as the
The children had realized that with the weather
four major pillars of learning: learning to know,
starting to get colder, the birds would soon have
“We pet him and love him,” said Aboudi.
no food. With the help of our Grade 1 friends in
Mme. Aline’s class, we constructed delightful bird
>> CFIS students make and sell
chocolate bark to raise money
“Maybe Max needs a fence?” Queried George.
feeders out of Cheerios, which we hung on the
delicate branches in the forest.
for a local charity connected to
their UNESCO project
32 |
Notre Monde
December 2015
December 2015
Notre Monde | 33