Media Release

Artist shares his vision of “Learning with Heart”

Real Fournier unveils an inspiring painting at local school’s Official Opening celebration.

Calgary, Alberta – November 7, 2003 – As a result of the tremendous efforts of the parents, staff, students and community partners, Calgary French & International School celebrates the official opening of its brand new facility on Friday, November 7, 2003.

The celebration gets under way at 2:30 pm and features accomplished artist Real Fournier among many special guests. “His imagery is bursting with color and movement, it captures the spirit of our school beautifully” said Brigitte Moore, a volunteer parent who commissioned Mr. Fournier to do the 48” X 72” painting through Webster Galleries Inc.. “The whole school is buzzing with anticipation in preparation for the unveiling.” The painting is titled “Learning with Heart” and brings to life the new school building with bold swaying shapes surrounded by children playing, dancing and singing.

Premier Klein, Dr. Lyle Oberg (Minister of Learning), Karen Kryczka (MLA), Deputy Mayor Alderman Craig Burrows and many community partners will participate in the ceremony to herald the official debut of the new facility. The recently completed building, located at the corner of Old Banff Coach Rd. and 77th Street SW, houses one of the oldest independent schools in Calgary. Pioneers of French Immersion Education, Calgary French & International School introduced its program 34 years ago – even before the Royal Commission on Bilingualism was launched.

Calgary French & International School is an independent, accredited, not-for-profit school that prides itself on high quality education at an affordable tuition. It is ‘home’ to over 450 students from Preschool to Grade 8 and is expanding its tradition of educational excellence to include Junior and Senior High. Over the next four years, the school will continue to grow to include Grades 9 through 12 and offer Middle and Late French Immersion and Late Spanish Immersion.

Construction of its new $12 million campus was initiated several years ago when its lease of the Lakeview Elementary School was scheduled for termination. Project Manager and parent Ed Romanowski, as well as Stuart Olson Construction, worked alongside a number of parent volunteers to ensure that the school was completed on time and on budget.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Darren Forrester
Principal, Calgary French & International School
(403) 240-1500
d.forrester@cfs.calgary.ab.ca

Donna Finley
President and CEO, Calgary French & International School
(403) 815-7981
dfinley@framework-partners.com

Ed Romanowski
VP Facilities, Calgary International Language Foundation
(403) 256-9452
ed@bellstar.ca