October 2, 2026
Jordan Balaban, CJA '00 | Current CJA Staff & CEO
All legacies start somewhere, and for Jordan Balaban, a Grade 9 graduate from CJA’s Class of 2000, his began before he was born and will likely continue for generations to come. Today, Jordan serves as the CEO of the CJA, giving back to the school and community that helped shape him.
October 1, 2026
Jonah Maerov, CJA '23
There are many ways to make an impact on the Jewish community, and Jonah Maerov, a 2023 Grade 9 alumnus, intends to inspire those around him through his unique path. Jonah has always recognized the importance of coming together as a group and building a family, whether through school, volunteering, or his athletic career.
September 30, 2026
Rabbi Lara Rodin, CJA '10
Many in our community share a love of Jewish learning, and Rabbi Lara Rodin, a CJA 2010 Grade 9 alumna, embodies it deeply. Lara not only has a passion for Jewish learning, but also for helping Jewish children discover their own spark for their history and tradition.
September 29, 2026
Dr. A. Mark Joffe, CHS 69' / '75
For some, the call to help others is second nature, yet for Mark Joffe, a CHS Grade 12 alumnus from 1975, it's how he walks through every step of his life. His memories of the school remain fond, and the relationships he’s made in the community are even stronger.
September 28, 2026
Joel Cohen, ILP '79
It is often said that comedy comes in threes; nevertheless, for Joel Cohen, an I.L. Peretz School Grade 6, 1979 graduate, it came before the punchline. With his wit, Joel decided that the only natural path for him was to become a television comedy writer and to share his love of comedy with the world.
September 27, 2026
Larry Katz, CHS '65 / '75
The beauty of learning is vast and complex, and Larry Katz, a CHS Class of 1965 Grade 6 and Class of 1971 Grade 12 alumnus and second-generation member of the school community (his mother was also a student), understands this well. He and his wife, Deborah, still live in Calgary and remain closely connected to the CJA community.
September 26, 2026
Shelly Gelfand, CHS '82 | Current CJA Staff & Principal
Making a difference in children's lives has always been a priority for Shelly Gelfand, but it was her own kids who helped bring her back to where her story began. A CHS 1982 Grade 9 alumna, Shelly returned to CJA as Principal in the summer of 2025, choosing the school she and later, her children, attended for the final chapter of her career.
September 25, 2026
Kinsley Stella, CJA '25
Kinsley Stella, a CJA Grade 9 alumna, may not have been born on the stage, but she would do anything to stay there. Although Kinsley is a recent CJA graduate from 2025, she proves that incredible achievements are possible at any age.
September 24, 2026
Jackie Halpern, CHS '80
To help each other and to always do what’s best for each other and the community. For Jackie Halpern, this is what it means to live by the value of Tikkun Olam in her family, career, and community involvement. A CHS 1980 Grade 9 alumna, Jackie currently lives in Calgary and has practiced law as a civil litigator for 35 years.