At Calgary Academy, we believe that students thrive when they are exposed to diverse perspectives, real-world insights, and meaningful dialogue. That’s why this year’s Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink (BFK) campaign is focused on funding our speaker series, which is a transformative initiative bringing expert voices into our classrooms for both staff and students.

“It’s not about the amount, but it’s about the impact we can create together. Every donation—big or small—adds up to something powerful.” – Debra Klippenstein, Director of Philanthropy.

Each year, CA selects a key project to support through BFK. This year’s choice was easy: the speaker series has been a catalyst for student engagement and teacher enrichment, covering topics like resilience, cybersecurity, digital citizenship, and DEI.

“When we bring in experts, the message resonates differently,” says Sarah Hoag, Director of Stakeholder Engagement. “They have stories and insights that stick with students, and sometimes all it takes is one speaker to spark lasting reflection or even change a life.”

From a decorated cybersecurity expert, Kathy Macdonald, sharing safe practices online, to powerful sessions and workshops on bias and resilience with former RCMP officer, Kwesi Millington, recent speakers to CA have brought authenticity and authority into learning. Students responded not just with attention, but with genuine curiosity.

“After one session, a student came up to me and said, ‘You’re the person that brought Kwesi Millington in. He was amazing,’” Sarah recalls. “Another teacher overheard a student say, ‘I wish we could get more speakers like that.’ That’s the kind of impact we’re aiming for.”

But meaningful programming like this comes with a price. Booking top-tier speakers, often nationally recognized experts, requires funding. Travel, accommodation, and speaking fees add up quickly.

“These are people whose work is their craft. They don’t just talk at students, rather they inspire, inform, and challenge them. That kind of learning opportunity is worth investing in.” – Sarah Hoag, Director of Stakeholder Engagement 

This is where BFK shines. With 100% of donations going directly to CA and up to 50% in matching funds, the campaign multiplies the value of every contribution.

“Money raised through donations provides us the opportunity to expand our educational offerings and bring in new resources that tuition alone cannot cover,” Debra explains. “Whether it’s a science lab, the foods program, or the speaker series, philanthropy makes it happen.”

Even small donations matter. Last year, CA staff led the way, demonstrating that giving back doesn’t require a large gift but rather a shared commitment to community.

“We’re so fortunate to work with people who lead not only with their time and talent but also their treasure,” says Debra.

As the speaker series grows, so does the opportunity to involve our broader community. Sarah is hopeful about what’s next, saying, “I’m excited to see more ideas for speakers come from our families and staff. This is how we keep learning alive, not just inside the school, but well beyond it.”

By donating today, you’re helping bring these voices into the room—voices that challenge, uplift, and inspire our students to be more curious, more compassionate, and more confident in the world they’re building.

Ready to Double Your Impact?
Make your donation before August 31 and support Calgary Academy’s speaker series through BFK. Click here to donate now.

At Calgary Academy (CA), learning is about curiosity, connection, and creating opportunity. For the past several years, Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink (BFK), has been a vital partner in helping us do just that.

We’re proud to share that CA has again been selected as a charity of choice for this initiative, a charitable program under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. Every year, this opportunity empowers our community to make a greater impact, with donations matched by up to 50%. Since 2022, BFK has incredibly raised over $26,000 for CA, directly supporting our students, programs, and school community.

This year, funds raised through BFK will launch a dynamic speaker series, which will bring expert voices into our classrooms. Covering topics like mental health, resiliency, digital citizenship, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), these sessions will equip students and educators with valuable tools and perspectives.

In 2022, BFK helped elevate one of our most meaningful traditions: the Legacy Award. This annual honour recognizes graduating Grade 12 students who lead with kindness, character, and commitment. That year, Kallen Velker received the prestigious award, which helped ease the financial impact of her post-secondary education.

“Winning the Legacy Award was just a reminder that I can do anything and that I’m capable of balancing all the things that are on my plate, even when times get hard.” – Kallen Velker

The award inspires a ripple effect across grades, encouraging students to reflect, give back, and invest in the CA community. It creates a lasting connection for recipients, and many return to support future grads.

“The Legacy Award is not about being the loudest voice. It’s about the quiet, consistent impact that a student leaves behind. This is one of the reasons I think so highly of this award and why BFK’s support was so impactful,” says Kaitlyn Parks-Gierl, Grade 12 teacher and this year’s Graduation Coordinator.

Read more about Kallen’s journey thanks to BFK here.

In 2023, BFK helped fund major renovations and upgrades to our junior science lab, and the impact was immediate.

“The new space has made it easier for students to work in groups, ask deeper questions, and show greater confidence in applying scientific thinking,” says Tanis McLeod, a Grade 8 science teacher.

The result? Science transformed from something students read about into something they actively experience. Students are developing critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.

“Looking ahead, I hope BFK can continue to fund initiatives that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging for all students. These kinds of experiences can help students connect their learning to the real world, develop skills, and see themselves as contributors to their communities.” – Ms. McLeod

Read more about the science lab enhanced by BFK here.

Launched in the Fall of 2024, our Foods program was also supported by BFK. This popular Integrated Studies (IS) course now serves 156 students and teaches far more than recipes. From kitchen safety, recipe math, teamwork, and how to take pride in their work, students are not only getting to eat the fruits of their labour, but most importantly, enhance their problem-solving and life skills that will benefit them from years to come.

With internships and industry exposure, students are gaining career-ready experience and exploring a future in hospitality.

“The support we receive from initiatives like BFK to launch programs like this is truly transformative and sets students up for long-term success. Programs like Foods are essential as they teach real-world skills, nurture student interests, and empower learners to confidently navigate daily life and future careers.” – Chef Brown

Read more about the launch of this innovative program thanks to BFK here.

Looking Ahead

“CA exists to empower unique learners, and continued support from BFK helps us do just that by funding innovative programs that meet students where they are and challenge them to grow into who they want to be. With support from BFK, we can continue to lead the way in inclusive, individualized education, giving students access to the tools, technologies, and environments they need to thrive.” – Ms. Parks-Gierl.

Want to make a difference? Donate to Calgary Academy through BFK today here!

• Welcome/Agenda/Land Acknowledgement – Shayne Arnold
• Welcome from the CEO – Greg Bass
• School Update – Tim Carlson
• Community Engagement – Sarah Hoag
• Volunteer Update – Christa Walsh
• Pathways to Post Secondary – Jessie Holwell and Alison Thom
• Thank You/Adjournment

• Welcome/Call to Order
• Approval of the Agenda
• Reports:
  • Chair – Shayne Arnold
  • Principal – Tim Carlson
  • CAPA Update – Randy Windsor
  • Philanthropy – Debra Klippenstein
  • Stakeholder Engagement – Sarah Hoag
  • Headwater Learning Foundation – Dr. Gina Cherkowski
• Thank You/Adjournment

• Welcome/Call to Order
• Approval of the Agenda
• Reports:
  • Chair – Shayne Arnold
  • Principal – Tim Carlson
  • CAPA Update – Randy Windsor
  • Philanthropy – Debra Klippenstein
  • Volunteers and Director of Stakeholder Engagement – Sarah Hoag
  • Arlette Speaker Series – Bullying Ends Here with Constable Tad Milmine
• AGM – May 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (In-Person)
• Thank You/Adjournment

• Welcome/Call to Order
• Approval of the Agenda
• Reports:
  • Chair – Shayne Arnold
  • Principal – Tim Carlson
  • CAPA Update – Randy Windsor
  • Volunteers and Director of Stakeholder Engagement – Sarah Hoag
  • Learning Team Presentation – Erin Ellis
• Next Meeting and Arlette Speaker Series – March 11, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (In-Person)
• Thank You/Adjournment

Meeting Link

In today’s world, experiences that create an understanding of new cultures, foster empathy and connection, and give students long-lasting memories are invaluable. One such opportunity unfolded earlier this month for Grades 7-9 students at Calgary Academy, who flew to the other side of the country to New Brunswick to take part in CA’s first school exchange.

CA Senior School teacher, Grayson St-Laurent, originally began his teaching journey on the East Coast at the University of New Brunswick (UNB).

“When I was studying at UNB, I was teaching under Mark Paquette at Bliss Carman Middle School as part of my practicum. It was through that mentorship that the opportunity happened about a year ago when Marc reached out to me wondering if CA would be interested in an exchange.” – Mr. St-Laurent

Welcome to New Brunswick, CA!

The journey for 13 Calgary Academy students continued nearly five years after that practicum when they touched down in the historic city of Fredericton in the middle of the night. Their itinerary was packed with many activities, including team bonding exercises, basketball skills training, a spirited school dance, visiting with their billet families, meeting a Member of Parliament, and touring many important landmarks around the city. The biggest challenge and opportunity for students was “just stepping outside their comfort zone and trying new things,” says Mr. St-Laurent.

While exploring the sights and sounds of another city was memorable, their experiences in Calgary also provided them with a fresh perspective as they hosted the Bliss Carman Middle School students upon their return from New Brunswick.

Sharing the Spirit of the West

Students shared local activities with our visitors such as Stampede School, which highlighted Indigenous customs, cultural traditions, and the values of Western Canada, including the students being bestowed with the iconic Western honour of being ‘White-Hatted’! Their tour continued to Banff, where the incredible Rocky Mountains left the visitors amazed, including our students.

CA Junior School teacher, Sarah Galbraith, was another educator integral to the exchange. “There were too many memorable experiences, but some highlights were practicing with the UNB Reds women’s basketball team and a training session here with the University of Calgary Dinos.”

Ms. Galbraith emphasized the biggest lasting impact of this exchange was the many friendships formed over the two weeks. While the New Brunswick students have returned home, the students are still talking every day.

“My biggest takeaway was the invaluable time spent outside of the classroom engaging with our students. We also had the opportunity to connect with educators from across Canada and learn so much from them and their school culture. I hope that 20 years from now if the students are travelling to each other’s provinces, they will connect!” – Ms. Galbraith

For everyone involved, the exchange wasn’t just about switching locations—it was a learning journey. Familiarizing themselves with another school’s culture and traditions, experiencing two cities through a fresh lens, and sharing in local customs will be an experience students will never forget!

• Welcome/Land Acknowledgment
• Approval of the Agenda
• Reports:
  • Chair – Shayne Arnold
  • Principal – Tim Carlson
  • Annual Education Results Report – Tim Carlson
  • Philanthropy Update – Debra Klippenstein
  • CA Student Leadership Report – Alex Noel and Meagan Heard
  • Stakeholder Engagement Report – Sarah Hoag
  • CAPA Report – Randy Windsor
• Next Meeting – Jan. 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)
• Thank You/Adjournment