In 2003, the dreams of a small group of people became reality when Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies became a Calgary Board of Education alternative school program. In 2006, Juno Beach Academy saw it’s first grade 12 class graduate and walk the sands of Juno Beach in Normandy, France. In 2010, Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies proudly opened the doors of its own building and welcomed returning and new students to an education with a deliberately Canadian focus. Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies continues to grow and evolve!

The dream of 2003 has faced challenges and growing pains. Each year presents new challenge but also many rewards. Through challenges and rewards, the focus has remained on providing students with a quality educational experience in an environment that encourages them to learn more about their country and its place in the global community.

As the school moves into its tenth year of operation, one can look back and see the evolution of Juno Beach Academy – staff changes, site changes, growth from a junior high school program into a grades 7-12 program, and uniform changes. The only constant is change itself! As a school, we have established ourselves as a school that makes a positive contribution to the wider community and as a school that honours our veterans and their service. We truly honour the past!

Academically we continue to strive towards improvement and making changes in our program that reflects the needs of our students as they move into the future. This year, we offer Food Studies at the high school level in response to student demand for that program. As we increase in size, we will increase our ability to offer an even wider variety of courses. Juno Beach Academy strives to effectively prepare our students for the future!

This school year will see the completion of the Peace Park, located to the west of the school’s front entrance. Envisioned and pondered since 2003, the Peace Park will be a ‘place’ not only for the school but the surrounding communities.

Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies is a school known for wide ranging community relationships. Each of these community organizations offers something that enhances our educational programs and ties the school to the wider community it serves. The school has a devoted cadre of parents who make up the school council, volunteer for school activities, and lend their own skills and talents to better the school experience for all students.

To all members of the Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies family – welcome to the 2012-2013 school year. It is a year for continued growth and a year to take on new and exciting challenges. I encourage not only our students but all members of the school community to extend themselves and try something new. As Doug Firebaugh writes, “Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow”. Do not be satisfied with the way things are, seek always to make them better!

M.C. (Mike) Black
Principal