MRU partners with Foundations for the Future Charter Academy on classrooms, computer labs and recreation spaces after fire
Students and staff up and running in Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning
— Mount Royal University | Posted: May 17, 2022
From left, Josha Symonds, Principal Educator, FFCA; Phil Warsaba, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Students, MRU; and Grade 12 students Victor Bunescu, Dai Matsuzaka and Morire Akinbile.
Students and staff from the Foundations for the Future Charter Academy's (FFCA), south high-school campus, a public charter school that was recently damaged in a fire, are using classrooms, computer labs and other facilities at Mount Royal University’s Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning as well as recreation spaces to finish their school year.
“We are pleased we can work with Foundations for the Future Charter Academy during this difficult time,” said Mount Royal President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD. “Calgary is our community and we know the value of in-person learning. We are able to adapt to meet the short-term needs of FFCA, while minimizing interruption to our continuing education and spring session classes. We are doing what we can so that these students can complete their programs and be able to write final and diploma exams in the coming weeks.”
Students and teachers of FFCA’s south high-school campus had shifted to online learning after the fire that crews responded to during the early morning hours of May 9. But after enormous effort on both sides, Foundations for the Future is now renting 15 classrooms, two computer labs and two boardrooms. Approximately 500 students along with 30 teachers, administrators and staff will be on campus until June 24.
Grade 12 student Victor Bunescu said it has been a stressful time for FFCA, that he and his classmates were concerned about the possibility of having to finish the year online and are “grateful” for the temporary home to finish their studies. By later morning on the first day, students had found their way to campus and classes were running smoothly.
“This space will allow our students to continue their complete program of learning, including all core and elective courses and be able to write final and diploma exams in a few weeks,” said FFCA Principal Educator Josh Symonds. “We are incredibly thankful to be partnering with MRU in this challenging situation. They have worked many hours in a very short time to reorganize their own programs to accommodate our needs. FFCA has always been fortunate to have a great team of administrators, staff, and parents; this reminds us of the larger community of which we are a part.”
This is not the first time MRU has responded to community needs. During the Calgary flood of 2013, MRU assisted the Calgary Emergency Response Agency with its response in providing aid for evacuees, and provided office and meeting space to Bow Valley College when its downtown campus was flooded. In 2016, a number of families who were evacuated from the Fort McMurray fires stayed in MRU residences.