Media Advisory

Calgary French & International School Poised to Expand Again

School begins construction on $6.3 million High School wing

Calgary , AB – June 23, 2004 : The construction of a $6.3 million High School wing is the final phase for Calgary French & International School ’s (CFIS) completion of their new $18.8 million complex. Last night, at a Special Meeting for registered members of CFIS and Calgary International Language Foundation (CILF), the resolution for financing of this final major step in the School’s capital campaign was unanimously approved to ensure that construction could begin immediately.

“We are extremely excited to begin construction on this final Phase for the school,” says Ed Romanowski, Vice President Facilities for Calgary International Language Foundation. “Thanks to the support of the community, we are on the verge of reaching a vision that was started over 5 years ago.”

Calgary French & International School ’s new High School wing is the second Phase of a massive multi-year undertaking that has been driven by a committed team of parent volunteers and has already witnessed the Phase 1 design and construction of a $12.5 million Preschool to Grade 9 facility in Cougar Ridge. Phase 1 was completed in September 2003 on-time and on-budget and at a 15-20% cost below that of comparable public schools. Both Phases have been built with the help of Stuart Olson, construction management and parent, Ed Romanowski steering the design and timely completion of the projects.

“Our Phase 2 financing is provided by TD Bank who have stuck with us since our initial phase,” says CFIS President & CEO, Donna Finley who has been a leading force for the project over the past 6 years. “This on top of our innovative RRSP program rallying parents to contribute to the construction, as well as, our in-house fundraising and grants has assisted our dedicated team in getting us to this milestone and seeing the project through.”

“This High School expansion ensures that over the next few years CFIS can grow to include Grades 9-12, Spanish, and the professional development for teachers qualified in language education across the province,” says Finley. “Each step of our progress has been directed by our commitment to being a successful Public Private Partnership (P3) model working for the mutual benefit of community and school. CFIS is meeting an educational need in Alberta where trends are showing just how important an asset like having a second language is. We are confident that our graduates will be equipped with the skills they need to succeed educationally and professionally.”

Calgary French & International School pioneered French Immersion education in Calgary almost 35 years ago. Today, CFIS offers affordable, research-based quality French Immersion education from Preschool to Grade 9 for almost 500 students.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Ed Romanowski
Vice President Facilities, Calgary International Language Foundation
(403) 819-3055
ed@bellstar.ca