Sir John Franklin School - Calgary Board of Education

SJF
“Be the Best You Can Be”
Sir John Franklin School
May/June Newsletter
Principal’s Message:
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Where has the year disappeared to? It is hard to believe that
next week our grade six and nine students will be writing their
first of five Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT’s). In writing
this message I reflect back on last week’s amazing dance,
drumming and band evening. We had over 200 students
perform which is approximately 2/3rds of our student
population. Less than two weeks ago the grade nine band
returned home after a four day trip to the Nelson B.C. Music
Festival. Two students, Carlie G. and Brittany H. were
awarded bursaries to help support their music endeavours. In mid-April Sir John Franklin
hosted its’ second annual Spring Talent Show. Over 30 outstanding performances were
showcased. During the auditions, the quality of all the performances surpassed all expectations
that 85% of the auditioned performances made their way to the evening performance.
On Friday, May 13 over 75 students in grades 6 to 9 are participating in the Divisional Track
and Field Meet at Glenmore Stadium. All Sir John Franklin athletes have worked very hard
over the past month preparing for their events. I know they will be as competitive as always
and represent themselves and the school extremely well.
Last Thursday we held a Town Hall Meeting where we had approximately 40 parents in
attendance. I would like to confirm with all members of our community that there will be a
change in start and dismissal times for next year. We will be starting school at 9:00 a.m. next
year and pending Area Office approval we are looking at a 3:35 dismissal time. The change in
start and dismissal times is a result of buses being “paired up” between two schools and one
school needing to start early (around 8:00 am.) and a second school needing to start a minimum
of 65 minutes later (around 9:00 am.). Schools such as ours with longer bus routes (buses A
and D) were mandated to start later. I appreciated the feedback from parents that evening as
well as the input that we were able to gather from the on-line survey which can still be accessed
from our website at www.cbe.ab.ca/b649 or at www.artsatfranklin.ca. We will be accepting
responses to the survey up until May 20 th .
This is an important time of year for all students. In the last few weeks of school, all students
will be asked to complete some type of final assessment for their classes. Depending upon the
grade and the subject, students may need to write a multiple choice year-end final exam.
Others may have an alternative form of assessment – a project, presentation, demonstration or
performance. Whatever form the assessment takes, I expect that all students prepare for their
finals. Exam preparation for our grade nine students should start now, for students in grades
six to eight adequate preparation should begin shortly. Our grade five students will not have

formal final exams, however, they will have continuing assignments and projects that need to
be completed to the very best of their ability. Remember, at Franklin we always strive to “Be
the Best You Can Be”!
Sincerely,
Todd Cave
Principal
Art
What an awesome experience
some Grade 8 and 9 students
had as we held our first Art
Show and Sale at Resolution
Gallery in April. The students
were out in full force as they
greeted representatives from
the CBE, including the Area II
Director Susan Church, Ward
3 & 4 Trustee, Lynne Ferguson, local artists, as well as a host of Alberta College of Art and
Design professors and students. Sir John Franklin students stood their ground and answered
questions about their art as well as their influences and creative processes with passion, elegance
and class.
The show was a great success, with total sales of $2 725. Students received overwhelmingly
positive feedback from all of our guests. Comments included, “Fresh and inspiring…,” “An
amazing display of talent, energy, and learning…,” among various statements on the disbelief
that the art were done by young people.
Thank you so much to everyone
that came out, supported,
donated, bought art, and shared
such an incredible moment with
us. Thank you Lana Selbee,
Katie Selbee, and Frejya
Ulveland at Resolution Art
Gallery for providing us with a
beautiful space and all your hard
work promoting and supporting
us. Many thanks to practicum art
student, Jeff Chan for all your
hard work and dedication in this
crazy endeavour!

Lastly, thank you a million times over to all the students that worked so hard and passionately on
this project:
Bree R-L, Noah H, Lela S, Sydney D, Stephanie H, Alissa M, Paige H, Katie A, Lisa K, Taryn D,
Megan Y, Keanna W, Natasha G, Elena E-P, Emily T, Natasha J, Nicole I, Madi L, Faith R,
Kiersten W, Jessica B, Brandi R
Your energy, dedication, and love of learning have made a
difference to so many women and children that has and
continue to use shelters. You have all made Sir John
Franklin proud!
Next on our docket for all grades: contributions to Braeside
Elementary for their own art sale to raise money for a
community project and our ‘I Heart Calgary’ contest in
conjunction with a local realtor to promote Calgary. It’s a
mad, mad art world!!
Mr. Luu
‘Arts-Pass’ Final Field Trips
As part of the final ‘Arts-Pass’ field trip, Grade 5-9 students
will be viewing performances at the Calgary International
Children’s Festival on Thursday, May 26. Grade 5-7
students will be dancing to the rhythms of ‘Step Afrika’, while Grade 8-9 students will
experience the unique sights and sounds of ‘Physical Music’. These performances are
curriculum based and enhance the Arts-Centred Learning alternative program. Thank you for
your support of the ‘Arts-Pass’ initiative this year. Please complete the ‘Acknowledgment of
Risk’ forms that will be sent home with your child over the next few days.
Mr. Stein
Dance & Flash Mob News
Dance students have been busy with the talent show in April (congratulations to all "SJF Has
Talent" participants!) our Spring Show on May 12th, and Flash Mob on May 28 th . Students are
full of energy and continue to participate in after school rehearsals. Please look out for our Flash
Mob information letter to be distributed the week of May 16 th .
On May 10th most of the school viewed a performance of James Fowler High School's "Stepping
Into Spring" dance show. It was an outstanding experience!
Mrs. Martens

Final Assessment & Exams
Below is a schedule of final exams and assessments for grade 6-9 students of Sir John Franklin
School. Please note that grade 5 students will not be administered a formal final assessment. On
all exam days students will begin school at 8:00 am. They will be dismissed at 2:40 pm Monday
to Thursday and at 12:14 pm on Friday. When exams are completed students will follow a
regular timetable with the exception of grade 9s. Grade 9 students will be offered tutorials each
afternoon to prepare them for the next Provincial Achievement Test.
Each final exam or assessment will count for 10% of the students’ final mark for the year:
Term 1,2,3 30% each term
Final Exam or Assessment 10%
Total 100%
Grade 6: Provincial Achievement Tests
• May 18, 2011 English Language Arts – Written
• June 14, 2011 Social Studies
• June 15, 2011 English Language Arts - Reading
• June 16, 2011 Mathematics
• June 17, 2011 Science
Grade 7: Final project in humanities & science, multiple choice exam in math
• June 24, 2011 Mathematics
Grade 8: Final project in humanities, multiple choice exams in math & science
• June 23, 2011 Science
• June 24, 2011 Mathematics
Grade 9: Provincial Achievement Tests
• May 19, 2011 English Language Arts - Written
• June 22, 2011 English Language Arts – Reading
• June 23, 2011 Science
• June 24, 2011 Mathematics
• June 27, 2011 Social Studies
If you have questions about final exams and assessments, please contact Ms. Paxton at the school
or by email: sapaxton@cbe.ab.ca
Franklin’s Got Talent! – Spring Talent Show
The spring talent show was a great success. Approximately
30 student performances highlighted the tremendous student
talents in dancing, singing, and stand-up comedy.
A special thank you to the many parents, students and
teachers who helped support the event. Proceeds from the
evening performance were donated to the Canadian Red
Cross.
Mr. Stein

Grade 5
This year in Rm. 10 the Grade 5s have been all about stories. We have read stories from different
cultures, stories from before Canada was Canada and up through its Confederation, and stories
out of our own imaginations. Right now our classroom is populated by dragons, talking dogs,
strange creatures, would-be princesses and other fantastical characters as the students put the
finishing touches on their Fantasy stories. Some will be turning those stories into picture books
or graphic novels.
But not all the writing we do is so fanciful. The students spent considerable time in science and
humanities becoming “experts” on wetlands. They prepared presentations designed to convince
others of the worth of wetlands, as well as imagining themselves as time-travelling explorers,
witnessing the environmental changes themselves.
Through all of this have emerged many students who have demonstrated vivid imaginations, a
love of writing and reading, and an understanding of the many purposes, genres, and formats
writing and reading assume.
We celebrate each others accomplishments and I am proud of their many efforts.
Mrs. J. Sinclair
Grade 6
Grade 6 Language Arts
Students have been diligently comprising their skills in a number of different areas. In literacy
students have been delegated into groups and partake in "Book Club" every school day. They
have been honing literacy strategies, presentation skills, analysing, and inferencing. We have a
strong ‘reading bunch’ that are learning to solve their problems by managing and helping one
another.
Next on the agenda are the Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT). Our first test is May 18th for
LA Part A. I have sent home a practice test to help your child practice. Please take some time to
review the exam with your child. As well, several of our teachers will be working with students
prior to the exam to provide a "fresh" learning perspective to assist the grade 6 students.
Grade 6 Social Studies
As most may know, most of our year has been based on "Democracy". Our final democratic unit
involves the Iroquois and their contributions toward Canadian society. Our final inquiry question
is based on all of the democratic Social Studies units. Next on our list is a map of Canada, the
Great Lakes, and our capital cities. Grade 6's will also write the Social Studies PAT in June.
Mrs. Martens

Humanities – Grades 7 & 8
Grade 8
In grade eight social studies, we are currently exploring Edo period Japan. Students in 8A are
creating podcast radio programs to express their knowledge about Japanese culture during that
period of time. Their next focus will be the events that lead to the end of the Edo period and the
start of the Meiji Period. Students in 8B have been researching cultural developments of the Edo
period such as the geisha, ikebana, origami, sumo, and theatrical forms.
In grade eight language arts, 8A students have been creatively using their Haiku poem talents to
summarize their knowledge of the book Shipwrecked for our novel study. 8B students will be
reading this book next. Our next focus will be poetry. Students will be analyzing the meaning
and the usage of literary devices in poems, as well developing their own creative writing skills
using these same literary devices.
Mr. Howard & Mr. Stein
Grade 7
In grade 7 social studies, we have been exploring the factors that lead to Canada’s
Confederation. Students have just finished creating a movie poster based on the events
surrounding Manitoba and the Metis joining the Canadian confederation. Our next focus will be
exploring the expansion of Canada into the west and the development of the nation.
In grade 7 language arts, students started a poetry unit. Students will be analyzing the meaning
and the usage of literary devices in poems, as well developing their own creative writing skills
using these same literary devices.
Mr. Howard
Mathematics – Grades 8 & 9
As the year comes to a close, Grade
8 students are finishing their last unit
of study and will begin preparing for
their final exam. They have been
busy developing an understanding of
Algebraic equations through algebra
tiles and mathematical symbols. To
develop their understanding of the
terminology associated with Algebra,
they have created an Algebra Word
Wall in the classroom that includes
definitions and examples of
Variables, Constants and
Coefficients…OH MY!

The last unit the grade 8’s will explore is Geometry, in which they will create an object using
three dimensional shapes and calculate the surface area of various items, such as candy boxes
and pop cans.
Ms. Boughton
Music
We’ve had a wonderful and busy spring! Since the last newsletter, here is what’s been
happening:
The Grade 7 Band went to the Alberta International Band Festival on March 16 th . They played
well and we had the opportunity to hear several other bands. Festival is always a great
experience for the students! We arrived back at the school to a pizza lunch, provided by the
Music Parents Association. Many thanks to the volunteers who supervised – Marilyn Dennis,
Corinne El Ferro, Cindy Krieger and Allison Shelstad.
The Grade 9 Band
Rehearse-a-thon
Fundraiser on Saturday,
April 9 th was well
attended and a very
successful fundraiser for
the Band Tour. A few
students managed to
clear up ALL their debt
owing for the Band Tour
by getting significant
sponsorship for this
event. Well done!
We had 35 parents and
students attend the
Calgary Jazz Orchestra
concert on Sunday,
April 10 th . It was
absolutely fantastic, and I heard many of the parents say they want to look at season’s tickets for
next year. I have not been able to orchestrate a deal on these, and I know the season ticket prices
do go up at a point, so I would encourage you not to wait to purchase them. I sure hope to see
many of you at their concert in September.
“Outburst! A Night of Jazz” was a terrific event on April 15 th . Thanks to all of you who came
out to support our program. The Jazz band played exceptionally well – twelve songs is a LOT
for a junior high band to learn and perform - and it was fun to have a few guests join us – Mr.
Duane Lebo from Forest Lawn High School on Alto Sax, Mrs. Marilyn Dennis singing vocals
and several members of the William Aberhart Jazz Combo. After our performance, the Abe
Combo played for the rest of the evening, providing a lovely atmosphere for the event.

There were many people helping out as well, all of which I could not possibly list, but I do want
to say a very large THANK YOU to Mrs. Jodi Wood and Mrs. Marilyn Dennis who were the
driving force behind the evening, and also to everyone who helped organize, set up, prepare food
and clean up. A special thank you also goes to Mr. Cave and Mr. Stein, who were VERY
supportive and a tremendous help.
Twelve very short days later, the Grade 9 band, along with Cathy Young, Marilyn Dennis, Mr.
Stein and myself, boarded the bus heading out on our Band Tour to Nelson, BC. First stop was
the Frank Slide, where we had a tour of the centre, saw two documentary films where we learned
some of the history of the area and had time on our own to look at the exhibits. From there, we
headed to Sparwood to play our first concert at Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School. We were
very well received and invited to ‘come back anytime’! Kimberley was our next stop, where we
checked into our hotel, had a stroll around the
Platzl, which ending with an impromptu game of
‘keep the ball in the air’. From there we walked to
BJ’s restaurant for dinner and our own private
concert by a friend and local singer/guitar player,
Rick Voisey.
The next morning, it was clear our outdoor concert
on the Platzl would not happen, as the weather was
rather uncooperative; however, we played indoors
at McKim Middle in their amazing theatre! Then
we stayed and did a workshop with their grade 7
band class and played a few more songs for the
Grade 6 music class. Our students were wonderful
tutors and ambassadors for our school – I was very
proud of them! We were also a real inspiration to
their students, which their staff was particularly
pleased about. On the road again, we stopped for a
quick lunch in Cranbrook, and landed in Nelson in
the late afternoon. A little shopping downtown,
dinner, bowling and another day done!
Friday was festival day. We heard several bands in the morning (including Western Canada
from Calgary) and both the Grade 9 band and the Grade 9 Jazz band performed in the afternoon.
The adjudication was very good, and the festival coordinators did a superb job of keeping
everything well organized. That evening we attended a concert - which had half the audience up
dancing – lots of fun! Saturday was big day home – with a stop at Fairmont Hotsprings. What a
great tour it was!
When we returned to Calgary the school was notified that two Sir John Franklin School students
were selected for awards by Festival Nelson: The award recipients are: Brittany Hillman -
awarded a $250 registration credit to attend the 2011 UBC Summer Music Festival, and Carlie
Grenon who has been awarded a Festival Nelson $200 bursary which is to be used to reimburse
any music related expenses ie: music lessons, instrument repairs, workshops or post secondary
music education.

This week, the grade 9 band goes to Crescent Heights on Tuesday, May 10 th , for a feeder school
workshop, leading up to a concert on June 1 st . They will also go over for a half day on May 31 st .
This Thursday, May 12 th , is our Spring Extravaganza, starting at 7:00 p.m. – featuring all music
students and many dance students in our school. Nearly 200 students! We look forward to
seeing many of you there!
June 13 is our last Music Parents Association Meeting – starts at 7:00 in the library. All parents
are invited!
Mrs. McLauchlin
Physical Education
Students have been exploring each of the
events in Track & Field so far this spring.
Most of the students really enjoyed this
unit and chose to try out for an event to
hopefully earn a spot on our Track & Field
team. Our next unit we will be exploring
in PE is social dance. The students will
have the opportunity to learn from a guest
hip-hop dancer for a few days, as well as
learn some other dances. The last few
units will be teaching the students is
rugby/lacrosse, softball and low organized
games.
Badminton
The Badminton team did very well this year and was made up of Grade 7-9 students. This team
was hardworking and ready to play against any opponent they were faced with. Most of the team
played against older players. Some top performances from the tournament were Kayla placing
1 st , & Lisa & Kathy placing 6 th . Great job players and looking forward to many of you playing
again next season!
Singles Doubles Mixed
Kayla Ostare Lisa Klukus & Kathy Tea Andy Locke & Craig Schmaltz
Carly Chislett Gabby Velasquez & Magda Ghebru Jeremy Gosselin & Larry Luu
Matt Overdiek Kiara Lilley Bosch & Aleena Dung Wyatt Paton & Breydon White
Logan Sininger Lela Sanders & Denzil Carroll
Sub: Sandra Trinh Shae Lynn Neill & Anthony Brink
Coach: Mr. Luu

Track and Field
Our Track and Field team has been busy training this spring. Our track meet is fast approaching
on May 13 at Glenmore Athletic Park. All parents/guardians are invited to come and cheer on
their child. A big thanks goes out to all the athletes and coaches for their hard work this season
and lets hope for a good meet on the 13 th !
Gr. 6 Gr. 7 Gr. 8 Gr. 9 Volunteers
Sydney Jeter Eli Collier Bree Revitt-Lang Christine Nguyen Victoria Dennis
Jay St. Clair Kevin Lizaragga Breanna Smyth Keely Tea Sarah Pieters
Ben Collier Jeremy Gosselin Lela Sanders Kathy Tea
Daya Ward-
Selam Ghebru
Jared Brink Chris Sterling
Ayden Virgoe
Sandra Trinh Viney Evan Morash
Jackson Tamashiro Brooks Natasha Gordey Gabby Velasquez Sierra Mcleod
Kiersten
My-Linh Le Magda Ghebru Brett Hamilton Wooldridge
Shae-Lynn Neil Carly Chislett Emily Luckhardt Jordyn Tanner
Aleena Dung Noelle Pelletier
Kassidie Rechel-
Kayla Ostare Jules Hazelwood
Safiya Elferro Wagner Kat Dewitt Keanna Wong
Pam Rogers Sydney Deroche Nicole Intveld Elena Every
Trina Barrett Jenna Wood Brittany Ostare
Diana Dennis Larry Luu Lisa Klukus
Ally Sumner Anthony Brink Anna Barrett
Tori St. Clair Breydon White Alowel Mayong
Scott Taylor Andy Locke
Ben Timleck Colton Sawatsky
Noah Huebert Wyatt Paton
Logan Sininger
Ms. Schmidt
School Council Information
The final School Council meeting for the year will be held on a new date and time: Tuesday,
May 17 at 7 p.m. This change was made because Balzac Meats fundraiser orders will be
delivered and available for pick-up between 6-7 p.m. on that date. Please considering attending
School Council after you collect your order.
The winner of the $100 gift certificate (Coles-Chapters-Indigo) is Nadine McConnell. Her order
was a total of $1430 – the largest order received. Congratulations Nadine!

Yearbook
The yearbook has been completed and has been sent to the printers. The yearbook team would
like to thank everyone that has contributed photos to this years book. I personally would like to
thank the team for working so hard and diligently on this project. We have more pages, more
pictures and a brand new ‘widescreen’ viewing format. The book is also in full colour!
As of this writing, we have sold 206 books on a print run of 250. Price for a yearbook is $30 and
purchases could be made in the office. Make sure you get your book today, as once its gone, its
gone for good.
Mr. Luu
Calendar Update
Thursday, May 12 Spring Music Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 13: Division Track Meet
Tuesday, May 17 School Council Meeting – 7 p.m.
Balzac Meats Fundraiser Order Pick-Up 6-7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18 Grade 6 English Language Arts PAT Part A
Regular Dismissal
Thursday, May 19 Grade 9 English Language Arts PAT Part A
Regular Dismissal
Friday, May 20: System Professional Development Day – No Classes
Monday, May 23 Victoria Day – No School
Thursday, May 26 ‘Arts Pass’ Final Field Trips – All Grades
30 Hour Famine
Friday, May 27: 30 Hour Famine
Saturday, May 28 School Council Garage Sale
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Flashmob Event
Tuesday, May 31 Grade 9 Band to Crescent Heights High School
Thursday, June 2 Crescent Heights Feeder School Concert – 7:00 p.m. @
Rosza Centre, U of C – Grade 9 Band
Thursday, June 9 Grade 9 Celebration of Learning
Tuesday, June 14 Grade 6 Social Studies PAT
Regular Dismissal

Wednesday, June 15 Grade 6 English Language Arts PAT Part B
Regular Dismissal
Thursday, June 16 Grade 6 Mathematics PAT
Regular Dismissal
Friday, June 17 Grade 6 Science PAT
12:14 p.m. Dismissal
Monday, June 20 Organizational Day – No Classes
Tuesday, June 21 Aboriginal Day – Regular Classes
Wednesday, June 22 Grade 9 English Language Arts PAT Part B
Regular Dismissal
Thursday, June 23 Grade 9 Science PAT
Regular Dismissal
Friday, June 24 Grade 9 Mathematics PAT
12:14 p.m. Dismissal
Monday, June 27 Grade 9 Social Studies PAT
Regular Dismissal
Tuesday, June 28 Organizational Day – No Classes
Wednesday, June 29 Report Cards & Final Awards Assembly
12:14 p.m. Dismissal
Thursday, June 30 Appeals Day – Last Day of School

SIR JOHN FRANKLIN SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION
BINGO
PLEASE HELP!!
MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!
Our Bingos are held at 5 Star Bingo 4980 25 St. S.E.
We are still seeking more volunteers for our upcoming Bingo fundraising events. We need 12
volunteers per event. Volunteers can be anyone over the age of 18 – so bring a relative or friend
that could volunteer along with you. Grandparents make excellent Bingo volunteers!!
Our dates are Wednesday nights and run from 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Please indicate below which date(s) you can volunteer for.
_____ June 1 _____ July 6 _____ Sept 7
Do you need a ride? We can work with you to get you a ride if you need one – just let us
know!
Often at the last minute there are volunteers that cannot come out. We need people who can be available
on extremely short notice. If you could be one of those people who can come to our “rescue!” please
indicate that here: ________ I can be called upon at the last minute!
Volunteer’s Name: _______________________________________________________
BEST Phone Number to be reached at ___________________
Email:________________________
These events will give the Parents Association a steady and reliable source of revenue that will
go a long way to supporting our students. We will earn anywhere from $700 to $1000 per event!
WE NEED A FEW MORE COORDINATORS
We are desperately seeking 3 more people who would be willing to help out with coordinating our bingo
events. 3x per year only!! This would involve contacting volunteers by telephone and/or email and working
with the Bingo Hall Manager on the night of our event.
_______ I might be interested in this opportunity – Please call me! (leave contact information in above
blanks)
If you have questions, please contact Cindy at 403-226-1918 or at cindy.krieger@shaw.ca

SIR JOHN FRANKLIN SCHOOL COUNCIL
HUGE HUGE GARAGE GARAGE SALE!!
SALE!!
Your School Council is hosting a garage sale on Saturday, May 28 to raise some much needed funds
to support the students and programs of Sir John Franklin.
We are looking for donations of items for this garage sale. This could
include toys, housewares, tools, electronics, sports and recreational equipment, DVDs and videos,
books, seasonal items, home decor and anything else that you see as useful, but that you no longer
need. PLEASE - all items need to be clean and in working order.
We CANNOT accept the following items:
• Bedding and other linens
• Clothes
• Mattresses
• Upholstered furniture (wood or metal furniture only please)
• Stuffed animals
• Old television sets and computers
• Large appliances (unless they are like new and in working order)
• Weapons or anything of a “violent” nature
Donations can be dropped off at the school the following dates and times:
Saturday, May 21: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Tuesday, May 24: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (only evening drop off date)
Thursday, May 26: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Please call the School office at 403-777-7610 to make arrangements prior to your drop off if you have a
substantial number of items to drop off, if you are bringing large items (such as furniture) or if you will
require assistance when you arrive to the school.
In order to be successful, we will need MANY VOLUNTEERS! Please complete the information
below and return this form to the school office (drop off or fax to 403-777-7612) so we know that we
can count on your support.
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Email: _________________________________
______ I can help sort and price items in the days leading up to the garage sale (based on your schedule)
______ I can help with set up the morning of the garage sale (7:30 a.m.)
______ I can help during the garage sale (a shift between 8:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.)
______ I can help with clean up after the garage sale (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Dennis at 403-280-2911, omdennis@hotmail.com

Keeping Students First Guides the Budget Process
Over the last two months, there has been a lot of discussion about the impact of the provincial budget on public
education. If I had to say one good thing about the provincial budget, it is, that the budget has got people from
all walks of life talking about public education.
By now you know many of the facts. As a school board, we have a responsibility to balance the budget. We are
grappling with a $61.7 million budget shortfall. When three-quarters of the CBE’s operating budget is salaries
and benefits, we cannot absorb the shortfall without affecting people.
Anyone who has ever built a budget knows it’s a dynamic process. For school boards, the process starts when
the province announces the provincial budget. In the weeks that follow, CBE administration works out how we
propose to balance the budget. Ultimately, the budget remains a proposal until it is approved by the Board of
Trustees, which this year, is scheduled for June 21, 2011.
Balancing a budget is always a challenge. It is even more difficult when we have such a significant shortfall
and everything we do is important. Some parents have asked how we make decisions.
Our decisions are guided by our values and our commitment to educate each student, every day—no
exceptions. We are also committed to personalizing student learning. One of the many strengths of our
incredible system is that we have the scale to offer a variety of programs to teach each child the way that he or
she learns best.
To close the $61.7 million gap, we promised to keep students first by asking schools to absorb the shortfall
last. Initially, we calculated that the impact on schools would be almost $25 million. By redesigning our
central services and digging deeper, we have reduced the direct impact on schools to $14.4 million. The
difference equates to about 100 teaching positions.
“Redesigning central services” might sound like a bureaucratic process but it is actually one very close to
students and classrooms. At the risk of oversimplifying very complex and important work, the redesign
involves changing how we support all of our schools with best practices for teaching. The people and functions
affected may not work in schools but everything they do supports our schools and students.
The redesign and other initiatives has helped reduce costs by an estimated $28.8 million. Together with $18.5
of reserves (our savings for a rainy day) and the $14.4 million needed from schools, we have a solid proposal
to balance the budget. We have also met our commitment to keep students first by calling on schools to absorb
reductions last.
At a time like this, it may seem like everything we do is about the budget. I am happy to report that is not true.
While we work the budget, we continue to educate our students. Calgary has one of the best public education
systems in Canada and we have the results to prove it. We are focused on educating well-rounded students,
students whose academic achievement is complemented by the development of their character, citizenship, and
other attributes that will allow them to reach their highest personal potential.
Every day, more than 9,000 CBE employees dedicate their energy and ingenuity to educate more than 100,000
students. Our efforts are matched by the enthusiasm of parents and communities who care about public
education. When a budget becomes an issue, it is not about the expense, from our perspective. A budget is an
investment in the future of our learners. A budget enables our complex and wonderful system to personalize
learning for each student, every day—no exceptions.