Blog - FFCA Works News Summary

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:39:00 GMT

FFCA Student Honored with Calgary 911 Hero Award

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:10:00 GMT

Global Learning Exchange - Australian Math by: Bharati Singh & Denise Budgen

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:08:00 GMT

On October 1st, 2024, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (FFCA) had the honor of hosting a delegation of 19 mathematics educators from Australia as part of their North American study tour.

Insights from Todd Hirsch: A Journey Through Alberta's Economics by: Elia Gindin

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:59:00 GMT

On October 10, 2024, our Finance and Economics class had the incredible opportunity to host Todd Hirsch, a renowned economist and former Chief Economist for ATB Financial.

FFCA Teams at the Science Olympics by: Tamara Roberts & Ekaterina Surova

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:48:00 GMT

Unbeknownst to each other, we turned up at the Science Olympics on Saturday to find out there were at least four FFCA teams! Two in grade 2 from SEE, apparently one in grade 4 that we didn’t see but heard were there, and one in grade 5 from SMS. Of course, the teams cheered each other on all day. ❤️

Open Letter by: Jeff Wilson

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:09:00 GMT

The opportunity to share a message with you all one final time is something I have been anticipating with equal parts excitement and anxiety. What a journey we’ve been on together!

Student-Run Clubs at SEE by: Brandi Symonds

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:38:00 GMT

Grade four students at SEE are taking responsibility for hosting clubs for younger grades.

Student Representative Council at SMS

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 19:48:00 GMT

For the first time in many years, South Middle has a Student Representative Council (SRC) running again.

Children's Literature Book Club by: Dawn Ackroyd

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:45:00 GMT

There are many good reasons to join a book club.

Middle School Math League Contest

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:52:00 GMT

Challenges are always difficult at any time in your life, add competition and it is taken to a whole new level. Our FFCA middle school students did an amazing job showing off their math skills in our recent contest.

FFCA Campus-Wide 2022 Calgary Food Bank Drive by: ASC

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:51:00 GMT

FFCA has had a long history in supporting our community, from helping our neighbours, family and friends to charitable giving events with our strong Character Education program. One of the fantastic opportunities our school community has been able to do each year is supporting the local Food Bank.

Learning and Teaching with Passion by: Heather Doraty

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:50:00 GMT

Using Professional Growth Plans to Enhance Personal Life Long Learning

Cat Rescue at NMS

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:50:00 GMT

Staff at Foundations for the Future Charter Academy North Middle School first spotted the cat high up in a tree on the afternoon of April 12.

What Does Home Mean to You? by: SEE Grade 4 Team

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

What does home mean to you? SEE students are once again participating in the Meaning of Home contest. Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 across Canada are invited to submit a writing piece to explain what home means to them.

The Future of STEM

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

As a teacher, you may not feel totally ready to jump into Python programming or computer engineering.

Just Add Paint...Creating a New Outdoor Learning Space at the SWE Campus by: Sonia Sheehan

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

Looking for new ways to address teaching and learning that comply with the 2020 Alberta School Re-Entry Plan of maintaining 2m physical distance between students, led to the development of a new outdoor learning space at the FFCA SWE Campus.

Can I Make a Difference to Help the Earth? - by: Heather Hadden

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

The students in Grade One at NWE are learning that the answer is �Yes! I can!� For the past several years, on October 31st, the Grade One students celebrate �Bat Day!�. For the entire day, they participate in learning centers and activities to learn about bats and how these unique creatures are critical to Alberta�s eco-systems.

A Tale of Two Idioms. Using ESL Benchmarks to Inform Instruction by: Lynne Bitterman

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

An ordeal by fire? Or a piece of cake? How would you describe the task of using Alberta Education�s ESL benchmarks to inform and guide your teaching?

The Big Brain Collective

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 20:49:00 GMT

Leadership 30 is an opportunity for the students to culminate all of their learning from previous leadership classes into an opportunity to make a difference and be a change agent in the world.

FFCA SMS Cheer Team Places First!

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:33:00 GMT

2022/23 has been an excellent year for the cheer team at SMS. They placed first in their competition hosted at Winsport by Imagine Cheer & Dance. They 'hit zero' and made CTV news!

Grade 8 SMS Students Visit SAIT

Thu, 19 May 2022 19:25:00 GMT

Today, the 8th graders at FFCA SMS went to SAIT College to explore and learn about careers in the technology field led by astounding volunteers and instructors who guided us throughout the day.

Grade 4 Empathy Pawject Art Show at the Calgary Public Library by: Rebecca Carruthers

Wed, 11 May 2022 16:42:00 GMT

The grade 4 students at Southeast Elementary have embarked on a special art project called the Empathy Pawject, which is now on display at the Central Library in downtown Calgary.

Sod-Turning Ceremony NHS

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:07:00 GMT

A sod-turning or ground breaking ceremony is an event to mark the official beginning of a project where those involved come together with the community to show support and create excitement for the building. The Sod-Turning Ceremony for the new FFCA North High School was on the morning of Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Children's Literature Book Club by: Dawn Ackroyd

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:36:00 GMT

Someone once said, everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten. Could it be said that everything you need to be can be found in children's literature?

Summer... A Perfect Time to Read

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:33:00 GMT

Now more than ever, everyone needs to acquire and refine sophisticated reading skills.

Indigenous History…Making It Part of Conversations Year-Round by: Joan Burke

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:06:00 GMT

I am writing this blog as a settler on Treaty 7 land, the ancestorial and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kanai, Pikani and Siksika as well as the Tsu T’ina First Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

Lifting Others Up by: Gr. 4 Team SEE

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 21:17:00 GMT

In the spirit of SEE’s Term Two character trait, compassion, grade 4 students made cards to send to seniors in a nearby community.

I Am Poetry by: Grade 8 SMS Students

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 18:28:00 GMT

As grade 8s transitioned to online learning once again, students in 8G got reacquainted with each other via poetry. In the style of spoken word, here’s a sample of some of the fantastic I AM poems.

Why I Remember by: Zoe Akhigbe

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:54:00 GMT

Students in 4RI at SEE chose to write in their journals about either Remembrance Day, or Kamala Harris's win in the US election and the dreams and opportunities that this presents to young girls. We talked about Ruby Bridges but had no idea that this past week was also the 60th anniversary of her trying to go to school despites protests of many.

Digital Citizenship

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 06:33:00 GMT

Teach Magazine recently published a special issue focusing on Digital Citizenship: What it means, and what it represents.

Tuesdays and Sundays by: Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:22:00 GMT

As the assistant director for FFCA’s Tuesdays and Sundays, I was at first nervous about my job. Little did I know was that this role allowed me to watch over the process as an outside eye and give my own little suggestions and notes from what I saw. As someone who watched and engaged in the behind the scenes, I was asked to write this blog to share with you the months we spent on this incredible play.

My Year in Reflection by: Andre Shoucri

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:56:00 GMT

My professional growth plan this year focused on topics that are near to my heart, and therefore they were always top of mind.

To the Class of 2020 by: Meredith Poole

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 16:58:00 GMT

As you finish your year, and embark on your lives You’ll be missing your hugs and your joyful high-fives Because your commencement takes place in a way That none of you could have imagined that day

How to Tackle Online University by: Hiba Kharroubi FFCA Alumni

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:47:00 GMT

After receiving notice from most post-secondary institutions that our fall semester will have a combination of online learning and in-person instruction, a group of FFCA alumni and I have decided to create a platform of resources that will alleviate some of that stress.

A Note of Appreciation by: Lorne McDonald

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 14:23:00 GMT

I have been going over this a number of times and hopefully I have found a way to say what needs to be said.

This is Us by: Joan Burke

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 14:21:00 GMT

When I joined FFCA in 2005, I didn’t really understand what I was getting into.

Year End Thoughts by: Karen Gies

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:31:00 GMT

As this unique school year comes to an end, I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions and thoughts. How much I miss my students and what they’ve missed out on, the support I’ve received from others, and where will we be going from here?

My Make Project by: Manreet Dhillon Gr. 8 NMS Student

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:01:00 GMT

We have all been cooped up in our homes for quite a while now, and along with doing our school work, playing video games and playing outside there is nothing much to do! Before Covid-19 I was going to participate in the Calgary Youth Science Fair, with some past experience. CYSF got cancelled, but we could post our projects on Make, and that’s what I did!

Black Lives Matter

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:34:00 GMT

As a student who has been attending FFCA for seven years, I have been taught to show character and take leadership roles throughout my life. When witnessing the circumstances of the past few weeks, I knew I needed to make a difference and spread a message, and decided to do so through a medium familiar and comforting to me: art.

A Message From Your Board of Directors

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:14:00 GMT

The spotlight being shone on racism in the United States and Canada through the Black Lives Matter movement this past week has been both difficult and necessary.

The World After Quarantine by: Dhruv Venkat Gr. 8 NMS Student

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:08:00 GMT

Dhruv Venkat is a Grade 8 Student at NMS. In this video he shares his thoughts on the world after quarantine.

Shell Canada Classroom Energy Diet by: Brooke Herwig

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:01:00 GMT

Class 8He is delighted to announce that they are the secondary level video award winners of the Classroom Energy Diet Challenge!

Empathy Pawject by: Rebecca Carruthers

Tue, 19 May 2020 20:34:00 GMT

Grade 4 students at SEE campus learn about empathy by painting adoptable dogs.

Learning From Home by: Arian Gr. 8 SMS Student

Tue, 19 May 2020 13:35:00 GMT

One SMS student’s journey thus far: grade 8 student’s at SMS write weekly blog’s about how they’re managing a home, or, about other topics dictated by their teachers. This is one of those entries.

Thank You Video by: Siddharth Kumar

Mon, 04 May 2020 16:03:00 GMT

Siddharth Kumar graduated in 2016 from FFCA. He currently attends the University of Waterloo and is working at Apple as a Manufacturing Design Engineer. The video below is a "thank you" to the staff and speaks about the importance of mentoring and his experience at the High School.

A Reponse to the Memoir Night - by: Kateryna S. Gr. 10 Student

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 19:21:00 GMT

A response to the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel.

Look for the Sunshine by: Nimrat Jawandha Gr. 12 Student

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:08:00 GMT

With all this “free” time now, I finally have a moment to just sit down and write.

7 Personalities by: Nazeefa A. Gr. 11 Student

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:08:00 GMT

With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, lives accross the globe have lost routine. Where the 7 days of the week brought diversity and feeling to our lifestyle, staying at home without a set purpose has made each day dull and monotonous.

FFCA Basketball Showcase

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 20:57:00 GMT

On February 7th from 3:30-5:30pm the first ever FFCA Basketball Showcase occurred at FFCA High School.

Grade 8 Poetry at SMS - by: Brooke Herwig

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:48:00 GMT

Here at SMS, we love the creative expressionism of poetry! Our kiddos go through a variety of activities, from spoken-word poetry, to two-voice poetry, to analyzing their favourite music for aspects of poetry.

Saa'kokoto - by: Geet Garcha

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:04:00 GMT

Hi! My name is Geet Garcha. I am in grade 4 and in Mrs. Petley-Kerr’s class. I would like to tell you how my teacher, my class, and I met Randy Bottle.

The Magic of Giving - by: Shawna Drummond

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:03:00 GMT

December can frequently be a time focused on consuming and getting things, whether it be black Friday or cyber Monday shopping, or thinking about things on our own “wish lists”. During this busy time of year, the Northwest Elementary staff and students chose to focus on the character virtue of compassion.

Spoken Word Poetry - By: Pamela Hunnisett

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:19:00 GMT

Our Creative Writing Grade 11 and 12 students have been writing, memorizing and performing Spoken Word Poetry.

Travelling the Silk Road - By: Elia Gindin

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 20:46:00 GMT

Travelling the Silk Road

Makey Makey

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:02:00 GMT

Makey Makey

SMS Grade 8s Giving Back To Our Community

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:01:00 GMT

SMS Grade 8s Giving Back To Our Community

The Me to WE Club at North Middle School: Powerful Student Leadership

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:01:00 GMT

The Me to WE Club at North Middle School: Powerful Student Leadership

Excellence at FFCA - More than just Academics

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Excellence at FFCA - More than just Academics

Kindness Matters

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Kindness Matters

Sonia Kovalevsky Day 2019 - Hiba K. Preet S.Bhavjit K.

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:23:00 GMT

Sonia Kovalevsky Day 2019 - Hiba K. Preet S.Bhavjit K.

SMS Career Fair - Amy H, Eda K, Nurain J. and Glynis Hunt

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:18:00 GMT

SMS Career Fair - Amy H, Eda K, Nurain J. and Glynis Hunt

Mental Health: Why I Need to Teach

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:02:00 GMT

Mental Health: Why I Need to Teach

Grade Eight Watershed Field Study - Michelle Huynh

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 19:23:00 GMT

Grade Eight Watershed Field Study - Michelle Huynh

Speedy PD at the High School

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:20:00 GMT

Speedy PD at the High School