2016-2017
ANNUAL REPORT:
HEADMASTER’S
MESSAGE
Dear
Rundle College Community:
In
2016-2017, Rundle Academy and College achieved, and in many cases surpassed, its
academic goals. It is without question that our schools continue to demonstrate
a commitment to improvement in the area of academics. Furthermore, our schools again
have been recognized by third-party organizations as leaders, ranking among the
top programs in Alberta. It would be easy for an organization like Rundle
College Society to start and stop here, with academic excellence; but as we all
know, Rundle College Society is about so much more than just academic
performance. It is my hope that these words will assist in bringing life to Rundle College Society and all of its
wondrous achievements in 2016-2017.
In
this brief report to our community and board, I
would like to highlight three standout achievements from this year which
occurred as result of our pursuit of the vision of “Shaping inspired minds and unparalleled character.”
Shaping the future of
education through design
In
the 2016-2017 school year Commencement, we had the honour of opening the W.J.
Collett School, which houses our College Primary and Elementary students. The school is designed as a place to learn,
play and come together. The physical spaces are as dynamic and engaging as the
young minds that bring them to life on a daily basis.
The
inspired design process was driven by an adherence to the Rundle value
statement: “Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well.” Among the dozens of
highlights in the school, you will find places like the Learning Commons, where
we can come together, classrooms, where kindness comes first, art and music
rooms, where we are compelled to be curious, and an amazing gymnasium, where we
are encouraged to be well.
Rundle
College Society Office was also relocated onto the Rundle College campus. The
design of the this space is where the tradition of Rundle College meets
innovation. When you see portraits of 25-year members hung on the walls with
pride and artifacts such as Dr. Conklin’s original principal’s desk, you sense the
rich history of Rundle’s programs. At the same time, you experience innovation
as you enjoy new-age break-out spaces
and state-of-the-art technology that serves to enrich and enhance collaborative
work experiences.
Finally,
we were proud to name the Jr. Sr. School, the R.C.
Conklin School and the playing field, Hauk Field. Each time we hear the names
which adorn these facilities, we undoubtedly will be reminded of the
contributions these leaders have made to shape the programs at Rundle College Society.
Inspired
minds at work and play
During
the course of this past school year, Rundle College Society has also seen the
addition of some dynamic programming. For the first time in Rundle’s history, we
added a before- and after-school program. The program looks to help parents
find care for their children if they are not able to pick them up and drop them
off during regular school hours. Secondly, Rundle embraced 21st century learning
competencies by introducing programs such as robotics and the c.Lab (curiosity
lab). Programs like these offer students the opportunity to acquire valuable
skills such as coding, engineering, design thinking and programming. Finally,
Rundle College saw the launch of a new
and exciting athletics program: Jr.Cobras. This program pairs
our senior athletes with some of the youngest students in Rundle’s program. The
aim is to provide coaching and leadership opportunities for older students,
while we develop the athletic competencies of primary and elementary students.
Unparalleled
character and a community that truly cares
Lastly,
it goes without saying that this was one of the most challenging years many of
us have ever faced. Throughout the year,
we were repeatedly saddened to tragically lose a number of community members. From
a faculty standpoint, we mourned the loss of both Mr. Russell Paxton and Mr.
Bruce Buchanan. Memories of them and their enduring impact on our programs and
our students will never be forgotten.
With each loss,
our community’s resolve was tested. With each test, our community responded
with love, compassion and support. Although each
instance challenged us, each time we found the strength to support each other,
and I believe that as we enter the 2017-2018 school year, we are stronger and
more cohesive than ever before.
Needless
to say, I am proud of our community. As we close the 2016-2017 school year, I
can say with confidence, we lived our Mission, Vision and Values in each and
every moment.
Sincerely,
Jason
B. Rogers
Headmaster
Rundle
College Society
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