Rundle at 40: The K-6 Building’s Extraordinary Effort

Between 2005 and 2016, Rundle undertook a series of major projects that helped shape the school our students experience today. Behind each one was something just as important as the buildings themselves: a community of parents, staff, and supporters who believed in what Rundle could become, and who worked together to make it happen.

These spaces did not simply appear. They were carefully planned, thoughtfully designed, and made possible through a shared commitment to creating something meaningful for students.

The Collett Building

In 2015, Rundle set out to bring all Rundle College students together on a single campus. The vision was to build a new home for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students on the west side of Hauk Field, creating a dedicated space alongside the existing Conklin building that served our 7-12 students.

Designed to accommodate more than 330 students, the project marked a significant milestone in Rundle history. This project would become only the second (but not last!) building constructed from the ground up by the Rundle community. By creating this new campus, Rundle strengthened the K-12 journey, providing a more connected experience from a student’s first days in Kindergarten through to completing their studies in Grade 12 in the building across the field.

(Early Rendering of the Collett Building, 2015)

The school itself was intentionally designed for young learners, with bright, open classrooms and flexible spaces that support both structure and exploration. Natural light and thoughtful layouts create an environment that feels both engaging and secure, something all visitors immediately recognize when they walk through the doors.

(Early rendering for the indoor areas of the Collett Building, 2015)

From Vision to Reality

Bringing the Collett building to life required a collective effort, supported by key contributors whose generosity and leadership helped turn vision into reality. The project was designed by architect Alan Collier from DIALOG, whose work helped translate Rundle’s vision into a dynamic, innovative space that is well suited for Rundle’s youngest learners. From the onset, Iain McCorkindale and his team at M3 Development Management served as the owners representative and their expertise ensured the Collett building project was completed on budget and on time.

Ron Mathison and Early Advancement at Rundle

Ron Mathison has a long history of philanthropy in Calgary, supporting initiatives that create lasting impact across education, health, and community development.

At Rundle, his support was foundational to the Collett building. From the beginning, his generosity provided the stability and momentum the project required to move forward. Mr. Mathison made two significant contributions that helped advance key elements of the build. First, he donated the services of M3 Development Management, where Iain McCorkindale served as project manager, providing the expert oversight and leadership essential to the project. He also served as the lead donor for the Collett playground, helping create one of the most important spaces for our youngest students, where creativity and play are encouraged.

“Quote from Mr. Mathison”

Mr. Mathison’s involvement helped shape the culture around giving at Rundle. His belief in what Rundle was building encouraged others to step forward, contributing to a broader spirit of giving community-wide. His impact extends beyond the building itself and continues to influence the students who learn there each day.

An Extraordinary Effort

While Mr. Mathison’s leadership helped set the project in motion, the Collett building is the result of many individual contributions. Parents supported additional fundraising efforts and staff helped shape the vision for how the space would be used.

During this time, Rundle also introduced an innovative fundraising initiative known as VIPERS (Voluntary Interest-paying Education Receipts). This was developed with the support of the parent community and professionals in finance and law, becoming one of the most ambitious and collaborative efforts in Rundle’s history. This program raised more than $1.4 million, reflecting our community’s willingness to contribute to this project in a variety of ways.

(The K-6 Student Population, 2016)

Honouring Our Community

In September 2016, the Rundle community opened the doors to the new building, followed by an official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on September 23, 2017. The school building was named in honour of Rundle co-founder Dr. W.J. Collett, recognizing his enduring vision for student-centred education.

(Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Sept. 2016)

Dr. Collett believed that success should be measured by how well each student is supported in reaching their full potential. The Collett building reflects that philosophy by providing a space intentionally designed to support growth, confidence, and connection in the earliest years of learning.

Nearly a decade later, the building has become the starting point for a generation of Rundle students. It has supported hundreds of young learners as they build the foundations for future success, while also creating the everyday moments that define their school experience.

More than a place of learning, the Collett building reflects what’s possible when a community unites around a shared purpose—shaped by Dr. Collett’s vision, the generosity of supporters, and the collective spirit of the Rundle community.

Today, we remember those who supported our new school through the donor wall proudly displayed in our Collett building.

(Donor Wall in the Collett Building)