S T R AT E G I C P L A N 2 0 3 1
DEFINITION (verb) 1: to grow luxuriantly: thrive 2: to achieve success: prosper 3: to reach a height of development or influence
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(noun) 1: a period of thriving
S TRATHC ONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCH O O L ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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IN T RO DUCT ION
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T H E JO UR N EY
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S T R AT E G IC FRA M EWORK
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S T R AT E G IC GOA L PILLA RS
Message from our Head of School and Board of Governors Chair
Strategic Planning approach and phases
High-level strategic framework which acts as our foundation moving forward
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Bold Future Deep Learning and Engagement Enduring Sense of Community and Belonging Global Hub in a Natural Setting O UR CO MMITM ENT TO YOU
Marking its 50th anniversary, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is embracing a new strategic plan that honours a strong foundation of academic excellence, trailblazing innovation, and a vibrant and engaged community, while forging a courageous new path towards a flourishing school and community for years to come. Flourish 2031 celebrates growth, renewal, and the beautiful natural environment we look to as our ‘third teacher’ at STS. Through this theme, we embrace our new mission statement: “A diverse community where students pursue lives of purpose and flourish emotionally, physically, and intellectually.”
INTRODUCTION
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S TS I NSPI RES COMP AS S ION ATE, CUR IOUS , AND CREATI V E GLOBAL CITIZENS W HO L E A D W I TH CO URAGE.
With a nod to our School motto, Nil nisi optimum, or Nothing but our best, Flourish 2031 is a bold and ambitious ten-year plan. While future-focused, it also looks to our core and how we will continue STS’s legacy of developing good humans, thought-leaders, and global citizens above all else. The real-world learning experiences that have set the School apart will continue to be foundational and expanded in this strategic framework, embracing the opportunities that our campus, and the broader world, provide. We relish the prospect of affirming our commitment to excellence in education, embracing the global competencies our students need to be successful, and dwelling in unprecedented possibility. Flourish 2031 is the result of a robust and comprehensive consultation and planning process led by our partner, Berlineaton. Maintaining the sustained commitment of many people was no easy task during a global pandemic, yet the creativity, passion, resilience, determination, and hope of our stakeholders did not waver. The result is an empowering roadmap for our School’s future, reflective of our collective community’s vision. We look forward to working with all members of our STS community to bring the strategic vision outlined in Flourish 2031 to fruition. Together, we have the incredible opportunity to set the stage for STS’s next fifty years. It is an exciting time to be part of the Spartan family.
Mrs. Carol Grant-Watt Head of School, STS
Mr. Ted Rozsa Chair, STS Board of Governors
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ST R A T EGI C PLAN N I NG A P PR O ACH SCAN
Understand the current environment.
ALIGN
Match actions and resources to commitments.
ARTICULATE
EXECUTE
Realize commitments through focused actions.
DEFINE
Commit to the goals and priorities that will achieve the desired future.
MONITOR
Drive action and adjust as results emerge. 5
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T HE AP P R OAC H A N D P HAS E S OF OUR S T R AT E G I C P LAN N I N G P R OC E S S.
TH E JOURNE Y
Describe the unique purpose, desired future, and beliefs.
S TRATEG IC PLANNING
PHASES PROJECT DESIGN
SCAN
ARTICULATE
Create our Roadmap
Research & Community Engagement
Vision, Mission & Values
June 2020
June – October 2020
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Formation of project teams
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Internal and external research
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Project design session with both Boards and
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Review of existing surveys
Leadership Team
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Online community survey (393 responses)
Scheduled regular check-in meetings with
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Alumni survey (124 responses)
Project Management Team
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In-person and virtual stakeholder consultation
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sessions (217 community members engaged)
ALIGN
EXECUTE
Tactical Planning
Strategic Plan Launch to STS Community
May – September 2021 •
Two virtual tactical planning sessions with
October 2021 Onwards •
working groups
Share the new STS strategic plan with all key stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, families, alumni)
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Build awareness, clarity, and excitement
October – December 2020 •
One-day in-person workshop with both Boards and Leadership Team
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DEFINE
January – April 2021
Goals & Strategic Priorities •
Leadership Team to define goals and strategic
Two two-hour virtual working group sessions
priorities •
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Two-day virtual workshop with both Boards and
Three virtual working group sessions to finalize strategic framework
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Board of Governors meeting to approve strategic framework
MONITOR
October 2021 – 2031
Implementation, Measurement & Reporting •
Bring the plan to life
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Track and evaluate progress
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Adjust as needed
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Report to and engage community on a regular basis
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AT STS WE VALUE... Curiosity... as the first step in deep learning and innovative thinking. Creativity... as an authentic and entrepreneurial expression of self in relation to problem solving. Respect... for ourselves, others, and the earth as a fundamental commitment to how we live our lives.
STRAT EGIC
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A DIV E R S E C OMMUN IT Y WHE R E ST UD E N T S PUR SUE LIVE S OF PU RP OS E, FLOUR ISHIN G E M OT I ON ALLY, P HYS I C ALLY, A N D I N T E LLE C T UALLY.
S TR ATEG IC FRAM EWO RK
Kindness... as the well-spring for our shared sense of belonging. Pluralism... so we are open to, respect, and engage with diversity of thoughts, feelings, and people. Humility... in order to open ourselves to life-long learning and grow as human beings. Integrity... living every day with honesty and strong moral principles. Joy... as an inner feeling that celebrates personal success, well-being, and beautiful moments. Excellence... as the outcome of giving our best every day. Resiliency… through the hard work of learning to endure challenges and become stronger.
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RESILIE
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MISSION
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Offer experiential, real-world, life-changing learning opportunities where students engage deeply alongside exceptional faculty and staff.
Celebrate our history and 50 years on our beautiful campus by focusing on our connected and extended community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and strategic partners.
GLOBAL HUB IN A NATURAL SETTING
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Students will embrace and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, gain comfort with ambiguity and agency, and learn from failure as change agents in a safe environment.
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Focus on human-centred design thinking, character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, service through action, computation, critical thinking, and leadership to achieve academic excellence and promote scholarship within the IB Framework and through the Alberta Program of Studies.
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DEEP LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT
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Anchor the STS student experience to our 220acre campus and natural surroundings. Ensure facilities and outdoor spaces create a connected, collaborative, reflective, and engaging learning environment. Commit to a thriving, joyful, inclusive, and diverse community of belonging and well-being. Connecting through meaningful relationships is integral to authentic learning.
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Pursue a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the School’s operations: academics, co-curricular programs, well-being, business functions, operational efficiencies, safety and risk management, social enterprise, and environmental sustainability.
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Increase opportunities for exceptional students to attend STS through affordable tuition, financial assistance, and a healthy endowment.
STS inspires compassionate, curious, and creative global citizens who lead with courage.
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Drive sustainable financial growth and independence.
VISION
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Ensure the enduring strength and permanence of STS with a focus on financial health and resiliency.
ENDURING SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING
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BOLD FUTURE
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A diverse community where students pursue lives of purpose, flourishing emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
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RALISM
SCHOOL MOTTO Nil nisi optimum:
Nothing but our best
Harness the power of digital technologies to provide the tools, skills, framework, and capacity to transform education through the creation of an innovation hub system. Expand and create opportunities for STS students, faculty, and staff on and beyond our campus, in satellite locations, and through international travel, experiential learning and the development of partnerships. Learn any time, any place. As a leader in education, STS supports exceptional students, faculty, and staff to be well prepared to work and lead in a new economy.
MILITY ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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ST R A T EGI C P R I O R I TI ES SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Ensure the enduring strength and permanence of STS with a focus on financial health and resiliency. LEADING INNOVATION
Drive sustainable financial growth and independence. ACCESSIBILITY
Increase opportunities for exceptional students to attend STS through affordable tuition, financial assistance, and a healthy endowment. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Pursue a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the School’s operations: academics, co-curricular programs, well-being, business functions, operational efficiencies, safety and risk management, social enterprise, and environmental sustainability.
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PILLAR:
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BOLD FUTUR E GOAL P ILL AR:
W E A R E G U I D I N G TH E RI CH L EG A C Y O F S T S FO RWARD W I TH A F O C U S O N A CA D E M I C E X C E L L EN C E, F INANCI AL G R O W T H, A N D I NCREASED OPP O R T U N I T I E S F O R E X C E P T IO N A L STUD E NTS .
In a rapidly changing world with ever-increasing choice, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School will strike a bold path to ensure a sustainable future.
NEAR-TERM INITIATI V E S Develop a campus master plan, a comprehensive enrollment management strategy, and a financial framework to support the School’s growth and independence. Elevate and strengthen our education programs and provide a seamless continuum of learning by reimagining existing campus facilities, including outdoor education, athletics, the original core block of the school, and the Anderson wing.
F UTUR E -F O R W A R D I N I TI A TI V E S Build a tangible strategy focused on appreciating and understanding of our connection to nature at STS, and how it relates to our collective role in stewarding and creating a sustainable future. Develop a state-of-the-art design and innovation “think tank” facility. Investigate the viability of building a Centre for Excellence in Teaching, and a student residency/summer conference facility. Strengthen the School’s partnership with the Foundation and develop an endowment growth model to expand accessibility to exceptional students and continue to develop our campus.
Ensure our role as a member of the wider local, provincial, and global community is at the centre of all that we do and fosters respect for values of inclusion, service, and contribution. ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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ST R A T EGI C P R I O R I T I ES BALANCED LEARNING
Focus on human-centred design thinking, character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, service through action, computation, critical thinking, and leadership to achieve academic excellence and promote scholarship within the IB Framework and through the Alberta Program of Studies. STUDENT EMPOWERMENT
Students will embrace and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, gain comfort with ambiguity and agency, and learn from failure as change agents in a safe environment. IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Offer experiential, real-world, lifechanging learning opportunities where students engage deeply alongside exceptional faculty and staff.
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PILLAR:
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DEEP LEA R N ING AND E NGAGE ME NT GOAL P ILL AR:
M AX I M IZ E O P P O RTUNI TI E S F O R AUT H EN T IC L E A RNI NG A N D E N G A G E M E NT, I NCL U DI NG EN H A N C E D U SE O F O UTD O O R LE A R N IN G S P ACE S F O R A L L G R ADE L E V EL S.
DEEP LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT A living curriculum where students engage with curiosity, and are inspired and empowered by their thoughts and actions, to realize their full potential beyond the walls of their classroom.
NEAR-TERM INITIAT I V E S Use data-informed strategies to deepen learning experiences and offer meaningful feedback for growth. Fully embrace the IB ethos of learning and assessment for all students, at all grade levels. Create STS definitions of academic excellence, rigour, and deep learning. Reimagine the academic calendar to maximize opportunities for authentic learning and engagement, including enhanced use of outdoor learning spaces at all grade levels.
Intentionally support the health and well-being of every student by developing a 360 degree-approach to social-emotional learning. Articulate the value of an STS education by creating a portrait of a graduate’s ideal competencies, qualities, and dispositions.
F UTUR E -F O R WA R D I N I TI A TI V E S Establish STS as an internationally regarded centre for research and pedagogy on student achievement and well-being. Prioritize outreach and develop strategic partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance learning opportunities. Grow landmark programs that allow students to shine in a competitive environment. Ensure STS provides meaningful assessment and feedback that empowers authentic learning experiences, and allows students to know who they are as learners and how they can be successful. Establish STS as an International Centre of Excellence in STEAM, literacy, and computational thinking to attract students from around the world. ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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S T R A T E GI C P R I O R I TI ES CONNECTING OUR CAMPUS
Anchor the STS student experience to our 220-acre campus and natural surroundings. Ensure facilities and outdoor spaces create a connected, collaborative, reflective, and engaging learning environment.
GROWING TOGETHER
Commit to a thriving, joyful, inclusive, and diverse community of belonging and well-being. Connecting through meaningful relationships is integral to authentic learning.
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
Celebrate our history and 50 years on our beautiful campus by focusing on our connected and extended community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and strategic partners.
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PILLAR:
ENDURING SE NSE OF COMMUNITY AND BE LO N GIN G
C O NNECTING THR O UGH ME A NINGF U L R ELA TI ONSHI PS IS I N TEG RAL TO AUTHEN TIC L E A R NING.
GOAL P ILL AR:
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Enhance the advisory program to develop trusted support systems and mentoring for all students. Evolve the STS uniform to be more inclusive and current.
A strong sense of community is foundational to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School’s past, present, and future. Our STS family will grow stronger through our diversity and a genuine sense of belonging.
Pioneer a robust onboarding process for new students throughout their first year at STS. Leverage the home-to-school partnership by sharing progress, diagnostic data, learning, and strategies for student success. Ensure that STS, as an organization, is a good neighbour and citizen, contributing to the common good within our local community.
NEAR-TERM INITIATI V E S
F UTUR E -F O R WA R D I N I TI A TI V E S
Reinvigorate the house system and create meaningful opportunities for older students to mentor younger students.
Enhance elective course options for Middle and Senior School.
Ensure that multiple meaningful opportunities exist for all families and students to engage with the community, with a focus on embracing diverse interests, needs, and backgrounds. Establish positive and sustained relationships with Indigenous communities.
Foster individual and institutional wellness, and the concept of STS being a safe place to grow and evolve as a person. Continue to build belief and understanding of three Schools, one shared vision, and a community for life. Create an integrated student services model, with expertise in all areas, to support the social, emotional, learning, and physical needs of students. ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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S T R A T E GI C P R I O R ITI ES TRANSFORMING THE CLASSROOM
Harness the power of digital technologies to provide the tools, skills, framework, and capacity to transform education through the creation of an innovation hub ecosystem.
GLOBAL CITIZENS
Expand and create opportunities for STS students, faculty, and staff on and beyond our campus, in satellite locations, and through international travel, experiential learning and the development of partnerships. Learn any time, any place. FUTURE FOCUSED
As a leader in education, STS supports exceptional students, faculty, and staff to be well prepared to work and lead in a new economy.
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PILLAR:
GLOBAL H UB IN A NATUR AL SE TTING
TR AN S F O R M E D U CATI O N T HR O U G H T H E C REATI O N O F A N IN N O VA TI O N H U B E C O S Y S T E M.
Develop a K-12 coherence framework for all skills and literacies.
G OAL PILLAR :
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Establish a speaker series with a focus on broadening skills, perspectives, and global awareness.
In a connected world, our roots matter, as does our ability to learn beyond borders. StrathconaTweedsmuir School will provide a seamless learning environment on our campus, and far beyond, to curate experiences vital to developing skills and competencies for a brighter future.
NEAR-TERM INITIAT I V E S Develop a robust international experiential learning program. Create a teaching and innovation hub for learning with a strong focus on STEAM, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Expand summer and after school opportunities, including online learning. Establish a residency program that brings in renowned artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, community leaders, and thinkers to provoke new ways of teaching, learning, and being.
F UTUR E -F O R W A R D I N I TI A TI V E S Further develop external campus infrastructure. Broaden the learning experience for all students beyond the curriculum and our physical school walls. Expand our outdoor education program, and create an inter- and transdisciplinary nature-based learning program to promote well-being, reflection, and nature literacy. Investigate the viability of creating a physical Centre for Excellence in Teaching space. Develop a modern learning environment with collaborative, creative, and active learning spaces across all three Divisions. Establish a seamless transition between being a local community school and a global school, with learning any time, any place. Create a virtual extension in the form of an online Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. Develop partnerships with leading industry thought-leaders, post-secondary institutions, and community groups to create an innovation hub and meet the needs of diverse learners. ST R AT E GI C P LA N 2 0 3 1
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OUR COM MITME NT T O YO U
WE LO O K F O RW A RD TO W ORK ING W ITH A LL MEM B ERS O F O U R S TS COMMU NITY TO B R I NG TH E STRATEGI C VIS ION OUTLIN ED IN F L O UR ISH 20 3 1 TO F RUITION.
Nil nisi optimum: Nothing but our best
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OUR
Commitment
TO YOU
LO U R I S H 2 031 I S OUR NEW WAY OF BEING Rest assured, our new strategic plan will not sit on a shelf collecting dust. Flourish 2031 will be a part of our day-to-day life and ethos at STS, with all faculty, staff, and stakeholders becoming its stewards.
O UR STS G UI DI N G P R I N C I P LE S WI LL A C T A S O UR C O M P A SS: Inspire Leaders... STS offers a collaborative learning environment that empowers students to develop critical and independent thinking skills while exploring a challenging and balanced curriculum built on foundational core knowledge. Embrace Possibility... By effectively integrating the latest technology and learning methods into the classroom, we can help students be better prepared for a constantly changing world. See the World as our Classroom... We believe in offering our students a comprehensive array of authentic, real-world experiences that reflect and support our classroom curriculum on a global scale. Nourish Mind, Body, and Soul... We promote fitness, health, and well-being through academic, athletic, outdoor, and artistic pursuits. Foster Community... We view the health and safety of our students as paramount, and this begins with fostering strong interpersonal relationships between parents, students, faculty, staff, and alumni in a welcoming and nurturing environment.
T R A N S PA REN CY AND ENGAGEMENT
Be Good Humans... We focus on how we can give back to the world and our fellow global citizens; we strive to live lives of purpose and be our best selves.
We will regularly engage with our community to seek feedback and insights, and will clearly and consistently communicate regarding any progress, setbacks, adaptations, and changes in direction.
Honour our Legacy... We treasure our School’s history, strong sense of community, and diversity, and strive to uphold our founding values.
You can follow our progress as Flourish 2031 evolves at: S T S F LOUR I S H2 0 3 1 .C A
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S TS FLO UR ISH2031.CA