A bit of rain didn’t dampen the excitement of the students, staff and guests during the official opening of Ian Bazalgette School on May 22, 2008. Two cheerful students greeted visitors with umbrellas to escort them from the parking lot to the festivities in the cafeteria. The cafeteria was humming with activity as finishing touches were added to the beautiful gold and black decorations.
The ceremony opened with the unveiling of a spectacular painting of Ian Bazalgette created by Mr. Ross Lynem that was donated to the school. This was followed by a presentation of the story of Ian Bazalgette who was a bomber pilot in World War II. He is the only Albertan ever awarded the Victoria Cross, Canada’s highest decoration for valor, for attempting to save the lives of his crew members when their plane was shot down over France.
Calgary Board of Education’s Pat Cochrane, chair of the board of Trustees, Dr. Brendan Croskery, Chief Superintendent and Margaret McBride, Director of Area III delivered inspiring speeches. Alderman of Ward 9 Joe Ceci, brought congratulations on behalf of the city and Moe Amery, MLA of Calgary-East extended greetings on behalf of the province.
Several students showcased their talent as they introduced the speakers, sang and played a guitar rendition of O’Canada. A true measure of the connection between the CBE and its students came when Dr. Croskery played guitar with the students before the start of the ceremony. His genuine affection for and dedication to students was highly evident throughout the proceedings.
The culmination of the event was the ribbon cutting when Principal Leta Youck-McGowan revealed possibly the largest pair of scissors in Calgary! Brimming with anticipation, the students waited for Ms. Youck-McGowan to give the signal and a hail of confetti was launched into the air. The school motto of “We Lead, Others Follow” was displayed throughout the school during the celebration.
Built in 1960, the major modernization of Ian Bazalgette School took place in three stages from 2001 to 2007. The project was completed at just under six million dollars, which was less than the projected budget. This project was funded by the Calgary Board of Education and the Province of Alberta as part of CBE’s commitment to modernize existing schools in established neighborhoods. The pride that students, CBE staff and community members have for their modernized school made the time and effort spent on this project very worthwhile.
“Educating Tomorrow’s Citizens Today”
Calgary Board of Education, Calgary’s public school system
"Educating Tomorrow’s Citizens Today"
The ceremony opened with the unveiling of a spectacular painting of Ian Bazalgette created by Mr. Ross Lynem that was donated to the school. This was followed by a presentation of the story of Ian Bazalgette who was a bomber pilot in World War II. He is the only Albertan ever awarded the Victoria Cross, Canada’s highest decoration for valor, for attempting to save the lives of his crew members when their plane was shot down over France.
Several students showcased their talent as they introduced the speakers, sang and played a guitar rendition of O’Canada. A true measure of the connection between the CBE and its students came when Dr. Croskery played guitar with the students before the start of the ceremony. His genuine affection for and dedication to students was highly evident throughout the proceedings.
