As the school year approaches, Calgary Academy is ready for any pandemic possibility
From small class sizes to expert teachers and a supportive learning and innovation team, Calgary Academy is well prepared for whatever the novel coronavirus throws at the school year.
The province drafted three possible scenarios for the upcoming school year, from near normal in-class instruction and operations under Scenario 1, to partial in-class instruction under the second scenario and at home learning under the third option.
On July 21, the province revealed it would begin the school year under Scenario 1, though it added that schools should be prepared to switch into any of the three scenarios throughout the year, depending on local infection rates.
Calgary Academy principal Tim Carlson says the southwest Calgary K-12 private school is ready.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” says Carlson. “We’re making the necessary adjustments to ensure we do our best to take care of our students and support their learning.”
With a 40-year history of individualizing learning and already small class ratios that range from 16:2 to 18:1, depending on need, Calgary
Academy teachers are one step ahead when it comes to delivering an exceptional experience — despite a pandemic. Students who are not able to be in class physically because of illness can access classes online while in-house psychologists are prepared to support students’ mental health.
The school’s integrated learning and innovation team provides support and expertise to the entire school community. It offers training resources, mentoring and professional learning to staff while working with students to address literacy, numeracy and other core skills. The team helps ensure that every student at Calgary Academy thrives.
The school also plans to use its 6.8 hectares (17 acres) of fields and aspen forest for as much outdoor learning as possible, including phys-ed classes in yoga, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Carlson notes the school community learned a lot from the four months of emergency online learning this past spring and will be applying those innovations despite the return to in-person classes. From virtual whole-school spirit assemblies to class projects featuring guest speakers via video conference and a drive-in graduation ceremony, there was a lot to celebrate in the 2019-20 school year.
“We believe that this pandemic has changed the landscape of education and while we remain committed to closing the gaps in learning and unleashing the talent our students possess, we are also looking to the future to prepare our students best for a rapidly changing world,” says Carlson.
As students, teachers and staff adjust to the COVID-19 reality, Carlson reiterates the importance of the school’s focus on individualized, responsive learning.
“We’re dedicated to the success of every student, despite whatever circumstances are in front of us,” he says. “We continue to strive to create as safe a learning environment as possible so they can surpass their potential.”
For more information, visit fall2020.calgaryacademy.com.
We’re dedicated to the success of every student, despite whatever circumstances are in front of us.”