Media Advisory

Children in new Southwest communities ‘flip-out’

Provincial government provides $125K in support of new recreational facilities in growing area

Calgary, Alberta – December 17, 2002 – A new gymnasium will be built in the community of West Springs/Cougar Ridge, thanks to the allocation of a $125,000 grant to Calgary French & International School, who will share the facility with the local community associations.

Karen Kryczka, MLA for Calgary West, Craig Burroughs, Alderman for Ward 6 and Helen Wilson, community relations officer for the Community Facility Enhancement Program were on hand today for a cheque presentation at the School’s new campus under construction at the corner of Old Banff Coach Road and 77 Street SW.

“In many new communities the community facilities are sparse,” said Kryczka. “By supporting Calgary French & International School in the building of their new gym, we could do two things – help support the School in building its new campus, and give all children in the local area a facility available for community programming,” she added.

The Community Facility Enhancement Program provides matching dollars for valuable community capital projects and has proven to be a successful government-based partnership program. Calgary French & International School’s gymnasium project meets program goals and is receiving the maximum grant available on the strength of its collaboration with the neighboring communities of West Springs, Cougar Ridge, Coach Hill, Patterson Heights and Strathcona/Christie.

“Many of our facilities under construction, including our gymnasium, stage and outdoor playing facilities were designed for the use of our students and children in the community,” said Donna Finley, volunteer President at Calgary French & International School. “Our success has been built on the support of the community and by making our School accessible to others, we believe we’re building stronger partnerships,” she added.

Calgary French & International School is poised to take the lead as the centre of educational excellence in Language Immersion in the city. Construction is now underway on its new $12 million campus. A need to move from their current location in Lakeview, waiting lists for most grade levels and strong support for the design and implementation of expanded Language Immersion education has led to this ambitious project. Premier Ralph Klein joined in the ground-breaking ceremony on the site of the new School on June 10.

For over 30 years, Calgary French & International School (previously known as The Calgary French School), has prepared children to embrace the world around them and be active participants. The School fosters success in academics, athletics, music and fine arts all within a Language Immersion environment. It was Calgary’s first French Immersion school and established its French language program prior to the Royal Commission that led to the federal policy of official bilingualism. Currently, the School offers affordable French and Spanish Immersion education from Preschool to Grade 7 for approximately 400 students. The School’s new home at 700 77 Street SW will open in September 2003.