Sir John Franklin School is the north campus for the Arts-Centred Learning (ACL) alternative program. It is located in the northeast community of Mayland Heights and serves Grade 5-9 students in Areas 1, 2, and 3. The school's enrollment includes students residing in many communities north of the Bow River. Charter busing is provided for candidates that have qualified for the program.
About the School
Sir John Franklin School was built in 1965 and is situated on 11.79 acres. Extensive renovations were completed during the 2006-07 school year and included new flooring, lighting and the refurbishment of the drama, dance and band rooms. Sir John Franklin School features:
- iMac Computer Lab With 30 Workstations
- PC Computer Lab with 30 Workstations
- Four class sets of MacBooks
- Learning Commons
- Gym and Stage Area with Stage Lighting
- Art Lab with a Vented Kiln
- Dance Studio
- Construction Workshop
- Foods and Fashion Lab
- Cafeteria
- Drama room
Our Mascot – The Firebird
The Firebird is an independent and courageous mythical creature noted for helping others in need. The Firebird emerges from fire to assist other people and create a positive community. This mascot embodies the goals of academic excellence and constant participation. Using the creative processes of art, athletics, dance, drama and music, the Firebird also represents the virtues of courage, compassion, fairness, respect and responsibility. At Sir John Franklin students are expected to model the powerful qualities of the Firebird. Therefore, students should demonstrate a desire to work to the best of their ability and help build a positive community. Be the best you can be!
Who Was Sir John Franklin?
The school was named after John Franklin, a British naval officer and Arctic explorer. He was born in Spilsby, England on April 16, 1786. He led three expeditions in search of the North West Passage and was knighted in 1829 for his explorations of the Arctic Coast and MacKenzie River. Sir John Franklin's expedition in 1845 met with disaster. Evidence found in 1854 indicated that part of his expedition had perished, with the ships trapped in ice. Records proving Franklin's discovery of the North West Passage and establishing the date of his death were found in a cairn at Point Victory in 1859. In 1983, the University of Alberta found evidence that the remaining crew members had succumbed to scurvy and starvation.
