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Message from the
International
Class of 2020:
Head of School
Languages
Where Did They Go
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International Studies
Athletics
Prestigious Alumni Awards
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Institute Programs
Outdoor Education
Class Notes 47. WICConnect 49. Alumni Mentoring Program
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Fine Arts
Drive-Thru Grad
Life at WIC after COVID-19
Message
FROM THE INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL GORD GOODWIN
1986 to 2020! 34 years! Thirty-four years of WIC grad
we were able to thrive during COVID as well.
classes. As well, 34 years since I walked into my own
showed the WIC community's
One of my favourite times of the year is Senior
second semester when we were forced into online
resilience and flexibility. We took
time, much has happened.
School Outdoor Education. I was able to visit the
learning. With support from the IT Department,
the many obstacles thrown at
Grade 10s as they challenged themselves on the high
the music faculty was able to produce and release
the College and turned them
I distinctly remember when a colleague produced a
ropes course and spent the night at Camp Chief
an online music extravaganza that was the envy of
into positive learning and growth
cell phone out of his car's trunk that he kept there so
Hector. Outstanding experiences were had by all as
Calgary schools.
opportunities. I would also
his girls could call in case of an emergency. Needless
we paddled rivers, crossed glaciers, hiked the high
to say, the "mobile" phone, in comparison to those of
alpine, learned to scuba dive, and cycled the Rockies.
In athletics we started the year of very well and this
the 2019-2020 school year, the
today, looked to be the size of a World War II military
The Grade 9s were able to experience cross country
success carried through until March.
College is a stronger and more
walkie-talkie. I also recall getting summoned to the
skiing as they got out to Kananaskis Country for two
library to look at a new program on the computer.
days in February.
venture to say that because of
flexible community in which to Senior Girls Golf team - 1st at Provincials
learn, teach and as a place that
Senior Boys Golf team – 2nd at Provincials
continues to thrive every day.
7 / 8 Girls Basketball – 1st in the City
cannot possibly comment on each one, other than to
Junior Varsity Boys Basketball - 1st in the City
SARS in 2002, the Swine Flu in 2009, MERS in 2012,
express my amazement at the diversity and extent
Senior Girls Basketball - 1st in the City
Zika virus in 2015, and BSE or the floods and wildfires
of student interests, and the leadership that is so
Senior Boys Basketball - 1st in the City
in Alberta; add to these historical events, strikes
evident within each of these groups. Our Fine Arts
in the health and education sectors and various
Department and faculty continue to amaze! The live
An outstanding year in athletics was cut short just
economic surges and collapses, they have all made
performance of Our Town and the online production
as both of our senior varsity basketball teams were
various times in the past very difficult. With Alberta's
of The Laramie Project were events that showed
heading to the provincial championships. I know we
economic issues and the arrival of the COVID-19
the outstanding abilities and talents of our students
were going to field championship-calibre teams on
pandemic, 2020 has turned into a year like no other.
and faculty. The visual arts have exploded over the
the Rugby and Field Hockey pitches. Nevertheless,
last year with numerous shows and displays. The
athletics continued at excellent levels in all areas
That said, as you will see throughout this edition of
Music Department inspires me. They followed an
throughout the time we were on campus.
the Au Courant, a thriving and resilient place called
outstanding Winter Concert with a senior band trip
WIC. Prior to March, the 2019-2020 year was one to
to Los Angeles that was a highlight for me as a staff
Overall, as we review 2020, we will always see a
remember on many fronts. But, as is evidenced here,
supervisor who has travelled many times with WIC
year cut short by COVID-19. But I would like to
Gord Goodwin
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Over 30 clubs operate every year at the College. I
received access.
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remember the year as one that
Angeles. They pulled off the ultimate pivot in the
classroom as a teacher for the first time. Over that
It was the Internet, to which my school had just
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students worldwide and twice with the band to Los
M E SSAG E F R O M T H E I N T E R I M H E A D O F S C H O O L
Interim Head of School
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING THROUGH THE YEARS TARA LAW Director of International Studies
Every year for decades (save 2020), our senior high
This past Spring Break, our four senior high trips
have offered their service all around the world, making
were cancelled due to COVID-19. Because of this,
indelible marks on the destinations that they have
unfortunately, our groups were unable to actively
visited.
participate in the service learning experiences that
programming, as well as arguably the most fulfilling
In Belize, our 2020 group was to work at Cockscomb
aspect of my job as Director of International Studies,
Basin Reserve in conjunction with the Belize Audubon
has always been the service learning component of
Society (BAS). Since its formation in 1969, the BAS
our trips.
has been an important environmental organization
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protecting Belize's precious natural resources while Broadly explained, “service learning” integrates
educating the public about their value and sustainable
meaningful community service with instruction and
uses. WIC students were to be involved with cleaning
reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach
trails, cutting hedges, painting benches and walls,
civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
upgrading the road and changing out boards
International volunteerism has become core to
on bridges and on the trails. The work was to be
WIC’s service learning model. Service learning is
strenuous but helpful to the local community.
almost unanimously cited as the best part of every trip. It asks staff and students to give of themselves,
In Cambodia, our two 2020 groups were to work
physically, mentally, and emotionally. It transcends
at Phenom Penh’s Centre for Children's Happiness
“mainstream tourism” and really makes our trips the
(CCH). Originally started as an orphanage in October
special, unique experiences that they are.
2002, CCH now provides a home and education to over 90 children. The children
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Fundamental to our senior high International Studies
I N T E R N AT I O N A L S E R V I C E L E A R N I N G
they had signed up for.
at CCH are either orphans or belong to parents
accomplished and learned, and how we can offer
who cannot take care of them due to illness or
our services in the future. It is my belief that through
disability; most previously worked as garbage
sustainable service projects, authentic engagement,
pickers at the Steung Mean Chey landfill, located
and cross-cultural education, the world will be a
in a southern Phnom Penh district of low-income
better, more understanding place for all.
neighborhoods and slums. WIC students were to have met the local community, established working groups and helped to renovate and repair the classrooms. Alongside professional trades’ people, WIC students were to have undertaken general repair of roofs, walls, windows, floors and doors; painting of the external and interior areas of the building; improvement of the school garden; and seized opportunities to have classroom interactions with local, Cambodian students. In South Africa, among various other projects, our 2020 group of girls (yes, only girls) was to visit and volunteer at the Cape Town campus of Christel House (CH), an international non-profit organization with a single mission: to break the cycle of poverty. The organization provides no-fee, character-based, and career-focused education to 750 learners from Grades K to 12 and who live in some of the poorest slums in
Websites:
involved in everything from tree planting to sharing
Belize Audubon Society
cultures, languages, games, and school activities.
http://www.belizeaudubon.org/
Service was to be core to the South Africa trip, in general, benefitting not only the local communities that we were to visit but our own students as well.
Centre for Children’s Happiness
As has been witnessed over the many years of service
http://www.cchcambodia.org/
students have worked hard; they have offered up blood, sweat, and tears, to improve communities that they visit. From digging irrigation ditch in Xijang,
Christel House South Africa https
China to painting classrooms in Kathmandu, Nepal,
https://christelhouse.org/our-schools/south-africa/
or landscaping in Mwanza, Tanzania, WIC students have desired to and learned to authentically engage, through service learning.
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learning at WIC, both internationally and locally, our
I N T E R N AT I O N A L S E R V I C E L E A R N I N G
Cape Town. WIC students’ work were to have been
Although we have not been able to travel this year,
References:
perhaps now is a time to reflect upon what has been
https://libguides.nyit.edu/c.php?g=837082&p=5978581
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING NATASHA BATHGATE Director of Learning & Innovation
This year, students and teachers experienced
and lots of opportunities to connect with business
learning beyond the classroom in ways they probably
professionals through presentations, competitions,
never imagined themselves doing. If the Wolves
and site visits. Through a visit to the head office,
Den Speakers in the 2019-2020 school year were
students enjoyed seeing the how the company values
predicting our needs for the future, they prepared
of Fiasco Gelato influence their decision making
us well this year. In October, Anthony McLean talked
while the Business 10 students heard about Fiasco
to all students about their role in creating a positive,
Gelato’s marketing strategies from their Director of
inclusive, and safe school culture. He challenged
Sales, WIC alumni Mike McGregor. The Business Case
students to respect and value those with a different
Competition at the Haskayne School of Business
race, ability, religion, gender identity, or sexual
challenged students to work collaboratively with
orientation. Some of the powerful messages from
students from other schools on a Western Canada
Anthony McLean will undoubtedly have a lasting
marketing strategy for Neal’s Yard Remedies. A
impact on many of our students.
few students attended StartupYYC this year, where we discovered Goat Generation, a business startup
Our spring Wolves Den speaker was Sarah Wells,
aimed at decreasing food waste in Calgary. Following
the Olympic athlete who brought a timely webinar
this, our Grade 7 students learned from the founder
presentation on resilience. As this was our first large
of Goat Generation how to make an effective pitch as
scale zoom event, we were initially apprehensive
part of their sustainability project. The opportunities for students to gain exposure
Sarah’s messages gained a broader audience -
to careers and research in Health Sciences were
extending to parents, students, alumni, and staff.
broad and enriching. Our resident scientific research
This turned out to be the first of many experiences
professional, Jason Spurrell, presented several
at WIC, where a challenge was turned into an
enrichment labs and research seminars, including
opportunity. Sarah’s entrepreneurial and confident
opioid genetic dependence, immunology, and
approach to challenge seemed very fitting in our
cancer research. Students were amazed at the brain
Calgary community.
interface neuroscience technology presented by the University of Calgary’s Ph.D. student Dion Kelly.
WIC Institutes continued to provide unparalleled
Using this technology, it appeared that they could
real-world learning experiences this year despite
make objects move just by willing it to happen!
COVID-19. While the San Francisco trip was curtailed,
After a Junior School presentation at Telus Spark
the Business Institute saw a healthy number in the
on environmental research in the Arctic, we invited
Friday morning meetings of the Investment club
Matthew Ayre from the Arctic Research Centre of
INSTITUTES PROGRAM
the original plan of one assembly for students,
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about how it would work out. However, rather than
North America to give a talk during Focus Friday on
journalist research stories and viewed the room
his research methods reading ancient hand-written
where advertisements are slotted into programming.
shipping records to map ice patterns in the Arctic
Students were able to ask staff questions, and how
using Geographic Information System mapping (GIS).
news stories are created, from inception to reporting,
Grade 9 Science students also use GIS mapping in
were explained.
one of their class projects; as such, it was great to see a post-doctoral fellow demonstrate his use of it
In October 2019, 15 WIC students visited the
too. In their own time, some senior school students
Calgary Herald to meet with Deputy Editor, Monica
participated in a six-week research program with
Zurkowski, for a site visit and tour of the Calgary
YOUREKA Canada, while one student participated
Herald facility. Students viewed old printing
in SHAD Canada’s summer research program that
equipment, antique computer systems, as well
was online for July, and another student completed a
as archived newspapers with some headlines
six-week research internship through the Highschool
dating back to the 1800s. Additionally, students
Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program in Health
met with journalists to discuss hot topics in the
Science.
news today and the changing role of journalists in today’s digitalized society. We are grateful for
Focus Friday provided students with exposure to
the opportunity to meet with these journalism
careers in engineering. Students had the opportunity
professionals.
to visit Exergy Solutions, a local company providing engineering solutions through the application
In December 2019, three West Island College
of 3D printing and virtual reality. A Focus Friday
alumni: Stephen Vincelli'11, Justin Sherman'03,
presentation and invitation to a site visit came
Riley Whitlock'04 and Muneeb Sadiq'06 formed a
from Owen Lightbody at Novachemicals, a Calgary
Liberal Arts Institute panel to discuss their university
company specializing in packaging. There was
experiences, their law school experiences, their most
no shortage of opportunities for students to get
interesting cases as lawyers, and accepted questions
involved with engineering competitions, such as
from students. At the end of this very engaging
Technovation Girls and the WIC senior engineering
session, students had to meet with them in small
competition. During these competitions, students
group breakout sessions. This was a networking
met professionals from a range of engineering fields,
opportunity not to be missed. In March 2020, fifteen Grade 11 and 12 students were
challenges. We are very grateful to our alumni and
fortunate to visit the Calgary Courthouse. Balfour
mentors who are crucial to providing industry-based,
Der and Lisa Burgis Der, criminal defence lawyers,
professional feedback and support to WIC students
graciously led a tour for WIC students where they
in these competitions.
heard both Balfour Der and Lisa Burgis Der speak, sit in a courtroom, and learned the history and
For students interested in careers in the liberal arts,
symbology of the court system. The Ders introduced
several enriching and eye-opening experiences were
the students to a sergeant of the sheriffs who
offered. In September 2019, 21 WIC students visited
allowed students to view the holding cells under
the Global TV Studio. The students were able to sit
the courts. During this visit, we had the privilege
on the set at the news anchor desk and view a live
of viewing Balfour Der defending a murder case.
recording of Global News at noon. After the news,
Experiences like this one allow students to connect
the students toured the studio to see the area where
with their passions.
INSTITUTES PROGRAM
diligently in teams to create solutions to engineering
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learned from mentors, and worked creatively and
Before the COVID school closures, a group of
production. The themes of morality, prejudice, justice,
students had begun preparing for a Mock Law Trial
and acceptance were presented at a timely moment
competition. Mock Trial is a team trial advocacy
as we ended the school year during the world-wide
competition in which students assume the roles
protests for the Black Lives Matter movement.
of attorneys and witnesses and engage in trial simulations. Students develop critical thinking and
Students interested in learning about different
public speaking skills, as well as knowledge of legal
languages and cultures were not short of rich and
practices and procedures. Balfour Der and Lisa
varied opportunities beyond the classroom this
Burgis Der and their firm, DER Barristers, sponsored
year. Throughout the year, activities included the
the moot trial event and provided interesting
martial art of Chinese Stick-fighting, American
and complex case material for academic use.
Sign Language, and learning about Chinese
Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to COVID
Calligraphy. Students also enjoyed working with
restrictions; however, we thank the Der team for
our artist in residence, Patricia Lortie, on a large-
their time and support. This was a unique and rare
scale mural celebrating La Francophonie. Students
opportunity for a small group of students offered by
participated in a series of video conferences with a
a group of high-profile legal professionals.
school in Burkina Faso, where they learned about commonalities and differences between cultures. For
Creativity, perseverance, and collaboration were in
further information about the accomplishments of
abundance in the Fine Arts this year as our teachers
the International Languages and Culture students,
went above and beyond to reimagine our traditional
please see page 20.
concerts and productions into a digital format. Ms. Cooper and Mr. Michalak did a tremendous job
Despite the global pandemic and significant changes
creating a virtual spring concert where each student
to the way we learn, it is clear that the breadth
recorded their part individually. These were then
and depth of the real-world learning opportunities
digitally edited and brought together to create one
afforded by our Institute programs will provide
amazing collective performance. Families, staff,
students with the skills and habits of mind to enable
and alumni thoroughly enjoyed this virtual evening
them to be successful now and in their future –
performance as it was live-streamed into our homes.
whatever it holds. Natasha Bathgate,
COVID, students gained exposure to careers in music
Director of Learning and Innovation
on Focus Friday through a drumming circle group,
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a composition workshop, and a live performance from the Jonny Summers jazz duo; these activities provided an insight into the varied careers of musicians. In the spring, Ms. Babott and her drama students wowed us with their digital animation of The Laramie Project. Using photos of the actors in different costumes, the students individually recorded their parts, and an incredible team of technically minded students brought it all together into one seamless
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uplift and unite us. Before we were closed due to
INSTITUTES PROGRAM
This was a fine example of the power of music to
2020
HINDSIGHT IS
It was difficult to watch these little boxes of typically
were all entirely driven by the students. I imagine
energetic young people shrink, or seem depressed or
this feeling being similar to when your 16-year-old
disengaged. Which I think is to be expected during
child gets their license and drives alone for the first
a pandemic and lockdown. There was a very real
time. I felt so proud, yet protective and nervous for
grieving process for everyone: loss of control, loss of
them. Admittedly my ego also felt a bit melancholy
normalcy, loss of connection, loss of autonomy, loss
that I was really no longer useful; I wasn’t the one
of purpose, loss of income, safety, etc. I was grieving
driving anymore. This process of independence and
for the loss of connection to students and the loss of
fierce creativity was replicated again in the Drama
creating art together.
30 Directing Showcase, and with Paperwork (the Fine Arts ‘zine). Knowing these young artists and
The cast and crew of The Laramie Project had already
working with them over the past three years, I am
spent six weeks working on a show we all knew could
not surprised at what they were able to create, but
When I was growing up, we used to spend a portion of time at my Gran’s cabin in Radium. She
no longer be performed. I remember having the Zoom
was so inspired by their resiliency and tenacity that it
had a tiny TV and only a few VHS tapes available for us kids to watch on rainy days. One of
rehearsal, where we came together to discuss how to
reminded me of why I became an artist and educator
those tapes was the movie “Outbreak,” which (and I’m paraphrasing) is a dystopian drama
move forward on the project. I was convinced that the
in the first place. The world in which we find ourselves
about a monkey who bites a human and ends up spreading a terrible disease and starting
consensus would be to abandon the project entirely
in is nothing like my Gran’s cabin in Radium, or even
an apocalyptic pandemic. I do not mean to say that a B-list movie from the 1990s was in
because having to figure out a new way forward
like it was in March of this year. As we press forward
any way an oracle, and I’m not much for conspiracy theories, but this detail from my
virtually seemed insurmountable. I was surprised that
into this uncertain new state, I feel excited and
childhood has just been floating around in my mind. It is so strange to think that this
the cast and crew wanted to continue, and in that
nervous to see what our artists will create. And I can
plot from my childhood seemed as unbelievable as Star Trek (sorry sci-fi nerds!), yet
moment, the project became theirs; the recordings,
assure you that it will be a thousand times better than
fast forward 20 years, and here we are.
photos, editing, post-production, performances
“Outbreak.”
Brittany Babott, TaniaMarie Cooper, & Cindy Martin
Thankfully, we have advanced technology beyond the VHS tape and have invented things like video conferencing; otherwise, our lockdown would have been a very different reality. I’m often asked by friends and family how I could not only teach virtually but teach Drama virtually. My response was usually: “Not well!” Then I would talk about modifying projects different methods to perform in a quarantine.
A classic ‘dad joke’ that would usually be met with an eye roll. We would talk about how the students were fairing, and I would say again: “Not well.”
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“The commute was fairly easy.”
HINDSIGHT IS 2020
so students could film themselves or use
HINDSIGHT IS 2020
HINDSIGHT IS 2020
Music
Art
2019-20 will go down as a year of transition and
A review of the school year 2019/2020,
celebration in the music department at WIC. We
you say? Hmmm, well, it was the most
welcomed the addition of professional trumpet player
bizarre year of my teaching career yet!
and band teacher Jay Michalak to the WIC team. With
It started off well; all WIC art students
his knowledge and experience, the program began to
were creating beautiful pieces and
incorporate more technology in the music teaching
learning about different art techniques
and learning process. Ms. Cooper and Mr. Michalak
and mediums and contemporary artists.
had no idea at the time that this use of technology
The Fine Arts team of students and
would become crucial to the events leading to the end
teachers was planning and looking
of the year.
forward to the spring Drama production and the Fine Arts Cabaret, which was
The beginners will always remember the excitement of making their first sounds and performing real band music together after only a few short weeks of playing! The Grade 8’s will have a cold and snowy band camp memory while learning an incredible amount of music in
the evening that showcased all three our concert bands for “Excellent” adjudicated rated
art disciplines. We were all excited that
performances in the February AIBF Calgary festival.
spring was coming, and the daylight
AND THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED.
hours were finally getting longer.
that short time. The high school band students will always have their forced 7:00 a.m memories!
Technology became the only way to continue teaching, learning, and performing music! Music preparation
And then, school went online, and life was forever changed.
The 2019 Winter Concert showcased over 250 WIC
focused on the student use of programs such as Smart
student musicians from Grades 7 to 12. There were
Students and teachers alike tried their
Music and Acapella music, and our performances
somewhere between 50 to 100 musicians on the Jack
best to adjust. We changed plans, and
became an engineered process. The band students
Singer Concert Hall stage at any given time. From kazoos
we changed mindsets, we used different
learned to transition and take musical risks they had
to rock music and everything between, our 2019 concert
materials for art, and we tried to remain
never imagined. The final result of the year became
will be treasured, as it will be some time before we will be
calm in the face of so much uncertainty
WIC’s first-ever virtual Spring concert. After many
able to celebrate wind music in a live performance.
and newness. There were days where
hours of work by the students and sound engineers,
we cried together, and days where we
this incredible production became a concert viewed
stared blankly at all of the faces on a
around the world for our friends and families. Musicians
screen, but there were also days that
are some of the most creative and adaptive people, and
we just had to have a zoom class dance
our WIC music students lead the way. What a joy it was
party. We all coped in different ways on
to see the year’s collective celebration come together.
different days.
Senior Band tour in January 2020 was a success due to the dedication and excitement from a fantastic group of WIC musicians who performed on the Disney stage. Both of the WIC Senior Concert Bands benefitted from many guest conductors and clinicians’ expertise this past year. These incredible musical experiences prepared
Stay tuned for what we have planned in 2020/21! WIC art students accepted some creative challenges that were best done at home. They created excellent work
room. Collections projects challenged
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them to think about their belongings and what that says about who they are, along with forcing them to really look at the things in their physical spaces.
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able to do if they were working in the art
HINDSIGHT IS 2020
that they normally would not have been
SANDRINE BEREZOWSKI Director of International Languages & Culture
What can ÂŤ Le Petit Prince Âť teach us about life? This is a question that I always ask my students. The Little Prince has captured the hearts of our students more than ever this year. His messages of compassion and goodwill continue to endure and to inspire our mission in the International Languages & Culture Department. The narrator and the prince may be stranded in the desert, but they are both explorers who make a point of travelling the world around them. They argue that spiritual growth must also involve active exploration. This is something we have always kept in mind to enlighten our program throughout the years, as told through quotes:
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F R E N C H & L A N G UAG E
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Le Petit
Draw me a sheep. Dessine-moi un mouton.
1. A speech program “Speak Up
7. Drawing sessions with the caricaturist Garry Peck to
I was by this hint about other
- Summer Program at Yale
conservatory of Mount Royal
celebrate multilingualism and
planets.
University
University
cultural diversity 8. Webinars with our pages in
Creativity is the key element of our
Mandarin classes, Tai Chi
Ottawa, Derin Akkaya & Olivia
design thinking principle. This year,
classes, Russian Circus
MacKay
we took the time to collaborate,
sessions, American Sign
make personal connections, and
Language workshops,
empower teachers’ and students’
International Languages
effectiveness. As a result, we
sessions in Japanese, Afrikaans,
have worked with engaged
Creole and Japanese.
students in a diverse and inclusive 3. Poetry in Voice
point j'étais intrigué par cette
in Biochemistry at Purdue
conference for young women
allusion à d'autres planètes.
University
2019
4. A Winter Francophone Festival
Students and teachers participated in full-sponsored
examples of creative learning
5. An exhibition on Acadia
10. ACPI conference 11. Harvard Graduate School of
4. Forum for Young Canadians
Education
programs in the last two years
Prince » by Antoine De Saint-
and explored other ways of
Exupéry
thinking:
5. Explore
12. Global Online Academy
6. Odyssey
13. Calgary Regional Consortium
11. Planet Francophonie 2050 14. CAIS – Leadership Institute
– A blog to share stories
programming. Here are a few
9. YYC Bilingual Leadership
University
9. An African fresco with Patricia
10. An exhibition « The Little
8. French for the Future
2. The Summer Science Program
3. SHAD program at McGill Lortie, artist in residence
7. Encounters with Canada
Vous pouvez imaginer à quel
unparalleled real-world learning experiences with core academic
1. Yale Young Global Scholars
– Make Your Point” with the
2. A series of cultural workshops:
community. We have offered them
You can imagine how intrigued
of students taking climate actions.
opportunities: 6. Webinars with the Kombi Center
Nous écrivons des choses éternelles.
1. Students in French Immersion
participated and qualified for outstanding programs,
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scholarships, certificates, international diplomas and publications:
Here is my secret. It’s quite
The little prince represents the
International Languages & Culture
have been offered scholarships
en langue française average -
simple. One sees clearly with
open-mindedness of children. He
department. We are committed
for an amazing total of
DELF B1 & B2
the heart. Anything essential is
is a wanderer who restlessly asks
to working hard, laughing often,
invisible to the eyes.
questions and is willing to engage
and showing our students how
the invisible, secret mysteries of
to think for themselves and using
$443,500: Page Program, Hellmuth, Loblaw, Rutherford,
This year, our students
5. 90% is the Diplôme d’études
6. The diploma exams in FLA
Suncor, The Morehead-Cain
30-1 of Claire Padley and Alex
Voici mon secret. Il est très
the universe. The novel suggests
their voice. We are helping them
Foundation Scholarship and
Dong have been selected
simple: on ne voit bien qu’avec
that such inquisitiveness is
to see the value of relationships.
numerous other entrance
by Alberta Education to be
le coeur. L’essentiel est invisible
the key to understanding and
scholarships.
published in their 2019-2020
pour les yeux.
happiness. This is the most
After all, relationships make life
report for an excellent writing
important life lesson we keep
worth living, and it is the time you
sample. Students of the entire
reminding ourselves as teachers,
give to someone else that makes
province of Alberta will have
educators, parents, sons,
it a precious moment.
the privilege of reading their
daughters, sisters, brothers,
“textes littéraires” about “Au
colleagues and friends in the
2. “Outstanding” is the final average score on the Bilingual Diploma 2019-2020 3. 100% of students in the French
revoir les enfants – Louis Malle”
Immersion Stream have
& “Les Misérables – Victor
qualified for the International
Hugo.” This is a first for WIC
Languages & Culture Certificate
in its entire history of French Immersion education!
4. 95% is the AP average for French Language & Culture
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We write of eternal things.
F R E N C H & L A N G UAG E
in Burkina Faso and its school
A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS IN ATHLETICS TODD LARSEN Head of Experiential Education
The 2019-2020 athletic year was unprecedented
finished the season with an upset win in the league
for student participation, and the commitment
finals to capture the gold medal. At the senior level,
to being active by our athletes and coaches was
the seasons finished in what felt like a fairytale
simply outstanding. The athletics season began
ending. All three of the senior teams (Senior Girls,
quickly during the first week in September with golf,
Senior Boys and the JV Boys) finished their league
cross-country running and volleyball all starting at
championships in first place. The Senior Boys and
once. Our cross-country athletes showed incredible
Senior Girls teams competed against some of the
resiliency during the fall season, competing rain
best teams in the province all season and managed
or shine and representing WIC well at several
to stay consistently ranked in the top 5 across the
interschool competitions. The tradition of golf
province. All of the successful seasons could not
excellence continued in 2019 with WIC fielding
have occurred without our families' consistent
a full squad of teams and capturing the league
support and the hard work of our coaches and
championships for Senior Girls, 7/8 Boys, and 8/9
teachers. Although the 2020-2021 athletics seasons
Boys. Our Senior Girls and individual qualifier,
may look different, I know that our WIC athletes
Hunter Thompson, went on to represent WIC at
will be excited and ready to make the best of the
the Provincial Championships and both Hunter
opportunities that become available.
and the girls team proudly captured the provincial
teams in league competition. Volleyball teams at all levels had excellent tournament opportunities, and the extra competition and team building was a highlight for most teams. The WIC basketball season began in November, and within days the high school teams were already competing in high-level tournaments. The success of our basketball teams in league competition was arguably the greatest in WIC history. At the junior level, the 7/8 girls teams
AT H L E T I C S
were outstanding, with WIC running nine full
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gold medal! Interest and participation in volleyball
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AT H L E T I C S
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AT H L E T I C S
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2019–2020 OUTDOOR EDUCATION
TODD LARSEN
skills for future adventures.
students participating in Outdoor
Grade 11 and 12 students had
Education flourished during
the option of several activities
the 2019 - 2020 school year.
that included: Canoeing,
Programs for senior students
Mountaineering, Mountain Biking,
kicked off in September, and all
Day trip Activities, Scuba Diving
senior students participated in
and Alpine Hiking. All of the trips
three-days of outdoor programs.
created an excellent way to kick
Our Grade 10 students had the
off the year and build lifelong
opportunity to attend a custom
relationships and confidence.
program at Camp Chief Hector
During February, all Grade
that built relationships and
9 students spent three days
community and taught outdoor
engaged in cross-country ski
O U T D O O R E D U C AT I O N
The proud tradition of WIC
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Head of Experiential Education
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of Calgary Kananaskis Field Station. The growth in
and skiing extended loops.
O U T D O O R E D U C AT I O N
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We are truly fortunate to live in close proximity to
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activities in Kananaskis Country. The trip was highlighted by an overnight stay at the University the student’s confidence in managing the winter environment was simply exceptional. By the end of the trip, all of the students were skiing confidently
such a pristine natural environment, and we look forward to maximizing our student’s exposure to the outdoor world.
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20 20
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D R I V E -T H R U G R A D
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D R I V E -T H R U G R A D
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41
Business/Economics
31.25%
Engineering
22.5%
Health Sciences
18.75%
Arts/Social Sciences
7.5%
Fine Arts
3.75%
Nursing
2.5%
Other Faculties
11%
Gap Year
2.75%
Acadia University
Mount Royal University
University of New Brunswick
Bishop’s University
Queen’s University
University of Ottawa
Carleton University
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Saskatchewan
Dalhousie University
University of Alberta
University of St. Andrews
Huron University
University of Calgary
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of Victoria
University of Waterloo
McMaster University
University of British Columbia Vancouver
Western University
Mount Allison University
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Yale University
Accepted offers into the following programs of choice:
Are attending the following schools, and more, across
WHERE ARE THEY GOING 43
42
AU COURANT
Canada and Internationally:
Total Scholarships Offered:
Over $1,000,000
was one of five founders of
participants design and build a
Polytechnic University in Toronto.
Evolution Engineering, a company
fully autonomous drilling rig.
She is an award-winning television
that has grown from 5 people
director, writer, and producer
with one office in Calgary to
A continuous learner, Aaron
with an extensive background
113 people across three North
holds a Bachelor of Science in
in lifestyle programming and
American locations.
Mechanical Engineering and
documentary series.
Materials Engineering from Aaron led the Engineering
Queen’s University, is presently
Currently, Heather is focused
and Intellectual Property teams
attending the University of Oxford
on teaching and is thrilled to
at Evolution Engineering as the
for a Masters in Global Business,
bring all aspects of her life's
Vice President, Engineering.
and holds the P.Eng, Professional
work together through Langara
Aaron has over 15 years of
Engineer designation.
College's Expressive Art Therapy
experience in the Oil and Gas
program, where she plans to
industry and presently holds more
continue helping others explore
than 480 patents (nationalized
JEFF CORMACK ‘01
their paths through art, media,
families, continuations, and
Philanthropy Award
and creative writing.She has also
divisionals) to his name across
written for various publications,
three companies focused on
This year's recipient, Jeff Cormack
including "Growing Roots: A
downhole tool, short-range
'01, obtained a Business Degree in
Newcomers Guide to Vancouver."
communication, and Measurement
Finance from the Haskayne School
While Drilling technologies. He
of Business here in his hometown
Heather has had the pleasure of
has engineered four widely-
Calgary. Jeff has been with RBC
speaking to high school students
industry-adopted ground-up
Capital Markets for over 11 years.
in classrooms across mainland
MWD platforms focused on Mud
He is currently the Managing
BC about the power of travel and
Pulse, Electromagnetic, and
Director of Investment Banking for
the importance of opening our
Acoustic Telemetry.
RBC Capital Markets, focusing on
44
ERIN BRADLEY ‘90
in Calgary. She is currently the
on building mutually beneficial
Personal Achievement Award
Vice President of Indigenous
opportunities for Stantec to work
Partnerships at Stantec and
in partnership with Indigenous
Erin Bradley, graduating in
is responsible for Stantec’s 11
communities and businesses.
the Class of 1990, is a trained
Indigenous partnership companies
biologist with a Master of
across Canada. Erin is also a
Environmental Design from the
member of Stantec’s Inclusion and
HEATHER MCCRAE ‘91
University of Calgary. She has
Diversity Council for Canada.
Arts Award
consultant and has held
Throughout her career, Erin
Heather has a Bachelor of Arts
leadership roles related to
has worked with Indigenous
in Canadian Studies and French
business development, business
communities in Northern and
from the University of Calgary
centre leadership, and technical
Southern Canada. A role that has
and an advanced standing
leadership at Stantec Consulting
allowed her to focus her efforts
Bachelor of Applied Arts in
Global Energy Investments.
students learn that these skills
Aaron began his career in
are the gateway to adventure and
the oilfield as an MWD field
Outside of his busy office life,
invaluable personal growth. She
hand where he was stationed
Jeff is passionate about his
has mentored several students to
across North America; he has
community and supports various
turn their journies into their own
held roles in manufacturing,
local organizations such as
documentaries. In doing so, they
field operations, repair and
the Calgary Zoo, Banff Centre,
inadvertently discover "meaning"
maintenance, new product
Alberta Children's Hospital and
in the simplest of events.
development, and sustaining
has provided significant support
engineering. Prior to Evolution,
to the MS Society of Canada.
Aaron was a Mechanical
Jeff's Philanthropic spirit has also
AARON LOGAN ‘04
Engineering Manager at
had him providing support for
Business Award
Schlumberger.
organizations abroad such as the former Hayati Children's Foundation
worked as an environmental
Aaron Logan graduated from
Aaron holds an Officer role
and recently 4 The Kids Foundation
WIC in 2004. He currently
on the technical section board
which facilitates development
works at Excir, a Calgary Start-
of the Society of Petroleum
of underprivileged children.
up focused on the ethical and
Engineers DSATS (Drilling System
Jeff's efforts continue to make a
sustainable extraction and
Automation Technical Section).
difference in the lives of many.
refinement of precious metals,
He is also a founding member and
as the Chief Commercial Officer.
Co-Chair of Drillbotics – a global
Before his current role, Aaron
university competition where
P R E S T I G I O U S A L U M N I AWA R D S
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minds to the world. Language
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PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI AWARDS
Radio & Television from Ryerson
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES JAMES HOLDER
Calgary) and a Masters of
internationally as an athlete
Island College, James chased
Human Kinetics (University
worldwide from 1995-2006.
ANNE-MARIE DAVIES
his dream of competing at the
of Ottawa). Although the
After retiring from the sport,
Class of 1993
Olympic Games in the Decathlon
Olympic experience as an
he became a successful university
(Athletics), while completing a
athlete didn't ultimately happen,
and international coach and
Bachelor of Arts (University of
James represented Canada
professionally operates as
After graduating from WIC,
a Senior Analyst with Sport
Anne-Marie went on to complete
Canada. In this role, James
her business degree at the
attended the 2014 and 2018
University of Calgary. The biggest
Olympic Games and the 2011
highlight by far was spending
and 2015 Pan American Games
her last semester studying at
as a High-Performance Sport
the University of Strathclyde in
bilingual customer service rep
chain management continues
Expert, accompanying the
Glasgow, Scotland, which allowed
and fully expected to only work
to fascinate and challenge her.
Canadian Minister for Sport and
her to travel both during and once
for 1-2 years before embarking on
the Governor-General of Canada.
her studies were finished.
something much more exciting.
In her downtime, she loves
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The Tokyo 2021 and Beijing 2022
Apparently, the business itself
exploring the world for fun
Olympic Games are his current
Anne-Marie returned to
proved to be exciting as 17 years
(when there is no pandemic!)
projects. James coaches at the
Calgary to work for a large
later, Anne-Marie made the shift
and spending time being active
University of McGill, in Montreal,
transcontinental railroad based
from railroading to trucking, where
with her family and friends at
where he lives.
in Calgary. She started out as a
the world of logistics and supply
her cottage in Windermere.
Connection WICCONNECT
An all-inclusive Alumni Relations
classmates, see and register for
provide an opportunity to engage
platform providing exclusive
upcoming events, follow current
in the live information feed. This
access to WIC alumni, staff and
WIC social media posts, find or
platform can be accessed through
current students. This platform
post-employment opportunities,
the Alumni link on the WIC
allows alumni to reconnect with
seek volunteering initiatives and
Website.
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After graduating from West
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Class of 1994
JENNIE BUCHANAN
PATRICK CHIU
Class of 2005
Class of 2009
Following her graduation from
In April, Jennie became engaged
Patrick Chiu, class of 2009,
WIC, Jennie pursued her long-
to her partner, Mike – an
is an alumnus from Dalhousie
time professional ambition,
exciting milestone that brought
University (B.Comm, 2013)
obtaining her law degree from
a welcome dose of optimism
and the University of Calgary
Queen’s University in 2013. Since
for the future in an otherwise
(MBA, 2018) and currently the
then, Jennie has practiced law
uncertain time. They look
Trico Group's General Manager.
in Toronto and Calgary, in both
forward to celebrating
Throughout the B.Comm program,
the public and private sectors.
their marriage among
he was able to work in various
Earlier this year, Jennie joined
friends and family
industries such as oil and gas,
the commercial litigation group
next summer in
finance, and even biotechnology;
at Lawson Lundell LLP. Jennie
Calgary.
however, Patrick found passion
attributes much of her academic
and interest in real estate. He built
and professional success to her
his knowledge and experience for
time at WIC.
housing and real estate through courses and on-hand jobs. One rewarding project was with the Chiniki Nation of Stoney Nakoda and completing a flood restoration project of 160 homes. The relationships built during that
Foundation as a director of the
golf. While travelling has been put
time helped with moving into
NU Community Board, which
on hold, he has been exploring
a managerial role within Trico.
is mandated to working with
different parts of Canada that he
Now, his main responsibility is
community and student leaders
never had the chance to go to
JULIA BOWES
to diversify the Trico portfolio
within the social entrepreneurship
until now.
Class of 2007
by developing purpose-built
space and assist with building
rentals, commercial, and senior
capacity in Calgary as the hub. In his spare time, Patrick has
industry and/or the social
joined a bowling league with a
entrepreneurship space that want
degree from McGill University.
Additionally, Patrick is working
few other WIC alums and tries to
to connect, please do not hesitate
She then returned to Calgary and
with the Trico Charitable
consistently play a good round of
to contact Patrick!
received her Bachelor of Science
obtained her Doctor of Medicine,
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followed by an orthopedic surgery residency in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. Julia’s five years in Edmonton is where she grew the most- she became an orthopedic surgeon, a wife,
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and a mother to two children. Her family has recently relocated across the country to Toronto, where she is sub-specializing in spine surgery.
Connection CONNECTING WIC WOLVES ACROSS CLASSES The WIC Journey doesn’t stop
Program where alumni support
experiences, and provide support
at graduation, WIC Alumni are
alumni? This program strengthens
for younger alumni. To find out
part of a global network of
the WIC community across all
more about this exciting initiative,
professionals contributing to a
classes by creating opportunities
visit the WIC website and click on
better world. Have you heard
for alumni with established
the Alumni tab.
about our WIC Alumni Mentoring
careers to share their knowledge,
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Municipal Area.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
curious about the real estate
living facilities within the Calgary After graduation from WIC, Julia
If there are any students
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L I F E AT W I C A F T E R C O V I D - 1 9
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LIFE AT WIC AFTER COVID-19