Oct. 23, 2014
Three mayors, many more City councillors, dozens of City experts and over 10,000 students later…City Hall School celebrates its 15th year!
Campus Calgary City Hall School is an opportunity for teachers and students to move their classroom to the Municipal Building for a week-long, personalized learning opportunity. Each week, students and teachers explore such topics as civic government, our city, community and the important role of citizens. Working along side City of Calgary employees to uncover connections and discover important elements of city government, students become highly engaged, truly experiencing what it means to be an ethical citizen. Throughout the week, students are able to meet with elected officials to further their inquiries.
To honor the great partnerships of City Hall School, collaborating partners, including Mayor Nenshi, and former mayors Dave Bronconnier and Al Duerr celebrated with a special cake cutting ceremony. The guest speakers who shared their insights about the impact of the program were; Cathy Faber, CBE Superintendent Learning Innovation; Dr. Andra McGinn, CCSD Superintendent; Cynthia Busche-Hiebert, Manager of Community Programs & Services, within Community & Neighbourhood Services; Marlene Mulligan, Co-Chair Campus Calgary/Open Minds; Mayor Nenshi and Morgan McClaren; former student.
“I have the privilege of meeting, each week, with the students at City Hall School,” said Mayor Nenshi. “I’m always struck by the pride students feel for their community and how they are able to articulate their hopes for the future.”
City Hall School Coordinator, Jody Danchuk said, “Students get an inside look at how The City works and how they can be involved in local government. We are so proud to know that young Calgarians are [given] a better understanding of the importance of civic engagement and being involved in their communities.”
Superintendent of learning innovation, Cathy Faber extended her gratitude for this collaboration saying, “Thank you, Mayor Nenshi and thank you for the support we receive from the City. Your endorsement and active participation demonstrate your ongoing commitment to the work of public education.”
Also present at the celebration was Morgan McClaren, a former student who attended City Hall School nine years ago who is now employed by the City of Calgary. “City Hall School helped me understand the role of government. It made me understand the importance of voting. Being engaged in government is a right we should exercise.”
Campus Calgary is proud of this strong collaboration and excited to see City Hall School continue for many years to come.
City Hall School is a partnership with The City of Calgary’s Community and Neighbourhood services and Campus Calgary.
Campus Calgary/Open Minds provides over 220 weeks of experiential learning at 11 sites throughout the City of Calgary. The CBE and CCSD work collaboratively with a number of community partners and advisors including the Calgary Foundation.
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