Optimum Magazine 2018

A S T R AT H C O N A -T W E E D S M U I R S C H O O L P U B L I C AT I O N V O L U M E E I G H T E E N | F A L L 2 018

IT STARTS HERE

CREDITS

HEAD OF SCHOOL

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY

DR. WILLIAM JONES

JENNIFER CHIPPERFIELD, KRISTAL GALLO, MELANIE HAMPSON, BRENDA THOMPSON, THE STS ARCHIVES, AND SEVERAL MORE STS FACULTY, STAFF, ALUMNI, PARENTS AND STUDENTS.

INCOMING HEAD OF SCHOOL CAROL GRANT-WATT

GRAPHIC DESIGN CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGING EDITOR

JOSLIN GREEN

MELANIE HAMPSON

PRE-PRESS AND PRINTING

PRODUCTION SUPPORT AND EDITING CAROLINE BANADAR, DONNA BUIE, GORDON FREIGHT, KRISTAL GALLO, BRENDA THOMPSON, LARA (HAMNETT) UNSWORTH ’95, JANA WAGER

OIL CITY PRESS LTD. OPTIMUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY THE ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE. PLEASE ASK PERMISSION BEFORE REPRINTING ANY PART OF THIS PUBLICATION.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL BABIN, CAROLINE BANADAR, TASHA BELIX, AYDIN BHOJANI ’21, DEB CARLSON, LARRY CLARK, JENNIFER CONWAY, LENNARD FINK, GORDON FREIGHT, KRISTAL GALLO, INGRID HARRISON, BRUCE HENDRICKS, DR. WILLIAM JONES, ZUBAIR KASSAM, TINA KENNEDY, DANA (MENDHAM) LOUGHEED ’90, KELSEY LOVELL, SEASON PREVOST, CHRIS RUSKAY, CHRIS SCHNEIDER, BRENDA THOMPSON, LARA (HAMNETT) UNSWORTH ’95, KEN ZELEZ, AND SEVERAL MORE STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND ALUMNI.

STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL 2018 STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL RR 2, OKOTOKS, AB T1S 1A2, CANADA 403-938-4431

ON THE COVER: Dr. Bill Jones ‘passed the bell’ to Carol Grant-Watt, carrying on the tradition of this antique school bell being passed down to our founding schools’ and STS’ Heads of School before them.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL.................................... 2

MENTORING ............................................................................................. 52

FAREWELL TO DR. WILLIAM JONES ...................................................... 4

HEALTH AND WELLNESS .......................................................................54

Q & A WITH CAROL GRANT-WATT .............................................. 6

OUR STS COMMUNITY .......................................................................... 56

THE YEAR IN REVIEW............................................................................... 8

OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY ................................................................ 57

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS ................................................................... 14

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA PAM HEARD ’73 ..........................58

FROM THE ARCHIVES ..............................................................................22

INSPIRING ALUMNI

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 24

Aimee-Jo Benoit ’97 ....................................................60

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES ............................................................. 26

Myles Chase ’15 and Scott Wilson ’15 ................ 61

KINDERGARTEN ......................................................................................28

Peter Hoang ’90............................................................. 62

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME .............................................................30

Miriam Paul Thacker ’94.............................................63

THE YOUTH COUNCIL .......................................................................... 31

Connor Waterous ’10..................................................64

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME ............................................................... 32

2018 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI ...................................66

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME ....................................................................34

ALUMNI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS ..............................................................68

INNOVATION AND DESIGN ............................................................36

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS ..............................................................73

SPEECH AND DEBATE .............................................................................38

ALUMNI DINNER ..................................................................................... 74

FINE ARTS.....................................................................................................40

RETIRING EMPLOYEES ............................................................................ 78

OUTDOOR EDUCATION ..................................................................... 42

CLASS NOTES ............................................................................................80

ATHLETICS .................................................................................................44

PASSINGS.....................................................................................................86

GLOBAL SCHOLARS ...............................................................................46

THE LEGACY OF NORMAN REID ......................................................87

CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING .....................................48

ATKINSON SOCIETY ..............................................................................88

ENROLLMENT............................................................................................ 50 1

FALL 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

IT STARTS HERE AT STR ATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL

BY DR. WILLIAM JONES, HEAD OF SCHOOL

T

he theme of this issue of Optimum is “It starts here.” A mere 12-months ago, as I was writing last year’s version of this article, I was wondering when we would finish the construction of the new building, and whether or not we would be able to raise the $27 million dollars to fund the goals of the Inspiring Possibilities campaign. How silly of me! This is Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) where we set lofty goals and our amazing community works together to achieve them. Having successfully completed that chapter, it is time to celebrate and also to refocus our energies and attention.

As I finish my career here and look ahead to retirement, the irony of writing my very last Optimum article on the theme “It starts here” does not escape me. Or perhaps there is no irony at all as both the school and I begin new chapters. When I think about the notion of “starting here,” I am reminded of how so many of our alumni built the foundation of their lives and careers while in uniform at STS.Their time here shaped their values, ignited their passions, imparted

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

them with skills, knowledge and confidence, and kindled friendships that have endured over the years.

For many, an interest in a particular subject became a career, and things like time spent in the outdoors created a lifestyle. What started here for many was also a life-long interest in learning, or leadership, or a predisposition to be in service of others.The seeds of character were also planted here for many in the form of resilience, compassion, determination, and integrity.

I am very proud to see so many alumni, who, after starting here, have continued to live purposeful lives and are contributing to our society in profound and diverse ways.

“It starts here” also holds meaning and excitement for our current students.They will have incredible opportunities to learn and develop, like those who came before them. However, they will also have new opportunities to develop innovative and creative thinking skills that position them well to become entrepreneurs and problem solvers. Opportunities like the STS design program, transdisciplinary learning, the

2

PYP Exhibition, and the MYP Personal Project serve to develop their critical thinking, compassion and original ideation. Along with these newer initiatives, traditionally important skills like public speaking, debating, and humanitarian projects remain as foundational pieces in their education and personal development. Fine and performing arts, and outdoor education enhance their appreciation of the human experience and develop a wide range of other significant skills.

As I wrap up the work that started here for me in 1992, I have great confidence in our incoming Head of School, Mrs. Carol Grant-Watt. She will add her fresh ideas and insightful perspectives to the mix, and will find new ways to ensure that our beloved school continues to thrive and provide an inspiring and relevant education for its current and future students.

I will continue to follow the progress of StrathconaTweedsmuir School with great interest. I am convinced that many more great things will start here.

"When I think about the notion of 'starting here,' I am reminded of how so many of our alumni built the foundation of their lives and careers while in uniform at STS."

3

FALL 2018

FAREWELL TO DR. WILLIAM JONES

CELEBR ATING DR. JONES RETIRING AFTER 18 YEARS AT STS

BY INGRID HARRISON, ENGLISH TEACHER

W

hen asked what words immediately come to mind about our former Head of School, Dr. William (Bill) Jones, responses include: ethical, visionary, focused, student-centered, excellence, and a wicked sense of humour. In June 2018, Dr. Jones retired from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School after 11 years of dedicated service as Head of School. He also served for seven years as our Senior School Principal from 1992 to 1999. His leadership leaves behind a far-reaching legacy that will reverberate through the halls of STS for years to come.

Perhaps the greatest reason behind his success is the fact that Dr. Jones’ personal educational philosophy so strongly reflects the core beliefs of our school: scholarship, leadership, and character.

Dr. Jones spent deacdes in the education sector where he constantly challenged himself and others to be lifelong learners. An ardent advocate of professional development, Dr. Jones knows that innovative teaching and learning practices are the key to help our students to not only successfully navigate, but to make an impact on their world.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

4

Dr. Jones walks hand-in-hand with William Jones ’30.

"We are so thankful to Dr. Jones for inspiring us to stride confidently forward as 21st Century learners and thinkers, and for fashioning StrathconaTweedsmuir School into a true Centre for Excellence."

FAREWELL TO DR. WILLIAM JONES

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Established in 2014, the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Centre for Excellence in Teaching aims to enrich and optimize the learning and personal development of our students by guiding them with talented and inspiring teachers who are empowered to continue their professional growth throughout their careers.

These ongoing professional development opportunities, community outreach, and the rich professional culture of the school serves to attract, develop and retain exceptional teachers from around the globe.

Dr. Jones celebrated the opening of our new learning facilities with the STS community in February 2018.

Beyond the capabilities of our mind, character has always been the heart of Dr. Jones’ view of an educational experience. It is no accident that after every game, trip, or event, others speak so highly of how well our students and alumni carry themselves, and through their interactions with others, are such engaging ambassadors for our school.

Having our students realize the impact they make on others is a lesson that Dr. Jones teaches by example. He has always demonstrated great enthusiasm for the well roundedness of our school programs. From leading the pack at the Terry Fox Run, to his love for his favorite event of the year, Speech Day, to the importance of experiential and outdoor learning, to making our school the forerunner on safety protocol, and even reducing the carbon footprint of our campus, STS has been indelibly shaped by his hands.

As an effective and inspiring leader, his vision and thoughtfulness, his calm and compassionate humanity, and his broad academic knowledge and intuitive sense of knowing what is right for students, staff,

and parents has not only guided us but also inspired us to be better leaders in our own right.

As STS Head of School, Dr. Jones channelled his passion for continuous learning and tireless dedication to excellence in teaching to spearhead this initiative. In honour of this legacy, the STS Centre for Excellence in Teaching was dedicated to Dr. William Jones upon his retirement.

Recently, a young lad, who was part of our first Kindergarten class, walked hand-in-hand with Dr. Jones to open the new addition of our school, and when asked his name, proudly announced, “My name is William Jones.” Indeed, we are all proud to follow his example.

Going forward into his retirement, there is no doubt that Dr. Jones will continue to inspire and help others to be leaders in their fields. It is with his broad vision and sound philosophical underpinnings, combined with the ability to harness our willingness and focus our resources that Dr. Jones has created a community that we are all privileged to be a part of. We are so thankful to Dr. Jones for inspiring us to stride confidently forward as 21st Century learners and thinkers, and for fashioning StrathconaTweedsmuir School into a true Centre for Excellence.

5

“In the complex equation of student learning, the most critical variables are undoubtedly the teacher and the quality of instruction. No other factors have such a profound influence on student achievement and personal development.”

– Dr. William Jones

FALL 2018

Q & A WITH CAROL GRANT-WATT

Q & A WITH CAROL GR ANT-WATT BEFORE STARTING HER JOURNEY AS STS’ NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL What achievements are you most proud of in your career thus far?

In my career, I am most proud of the students I have taught and worked with. I am also so proud of the people who I have worked with throughout the years to make our schools the best places for children possible.

What do you love most about education?

I love working with children and colleagues who are passionate about education. In a school, every day is new and no day is ever the same.There is nothing more energizing, inspiring and rewarding than seeing young people become young adults. I cannot imagine working in an environment without the energy of young people. I am excited about working with elementary students again and seeing the optimism, love of learning, and belief in dreams that they inherently have.

What kind of leader are you?

I am a compassionate leader who believes in team collaboration. I do my best to emulate and live by my own high expectations. I strive to be a high integrity individual who puts people first, who has the courage to make the right and tough decisions, and who believes that leadership is about service to others.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

6

What inspires you or drives you?

Making a positive difference in the interactions I have.

I believe I am a very blessed person and have a desire to ensure I honour all that I have been given by giving back to others. I am inspired by courageous people who take on challenges and change the world.The STS motto: Nil Nisi Optimum – nothing but your best is something I truly believe in.

Why did you want to take on the leadership of STS? As someone who grew up in the Calgary area, I was very aware of STS, and its great reputation and innovative programs. Dr. Jones was a Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) mentor for me when I assumed my first headship and he is someone I admire and respect immensely. Our conversations over the last nine years have only deepened my respect for the school. I was excited to have the opportunity to champion the distinctive ethos of the school and its focus on providing a complete well-rounded education for its students. I have had the honour of visiting the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School campus many times and am always in awe of the grounds and facilities. However, I am most impacted by the poise, confidence, and maturity of the StrathconaTweedsmuir students I meet and interact with.There is something truly special about the school and it is evident in the students I meet, as well as in the staff and faculty. The opportunity to become involved in this community was simply impossible to resist.

Q & A WITH CAROL GRANT-WATT

In your first year at the helm of STS what do you hope to achieve/focus on?

What I believe to be true of STS speaks to my core belief that the best schools provide for students by having a strong focus on the mind, challenged through rigorous and relevant academic programming; the heart, through a vibrant fine and performing arts program, creativity, a caring culture, and servant leadership; the body, through high level athletics, sport and recreation; and the soul, through a commitment to values and character. It is in this environment where students thrive, and where I thrive as a school leader and educator. What I hope to focus on in my first year is getting to know people. I want to earn the respect and trust of the students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni. I will be doing my very best to understand where I may be able to add value, and I hope to meet as many people as I can.

STS has been through some remarkable progressions in recent years (facility expansion, establishment of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching, expanded scholarship and bursary program, etc.). How do you hope to build on these (or complement these) to continue to position us well for the future?

The Centre for Excellence in Teaching is truly an exciting vision and I hope to see this program grow and flourish. I am a collaborative leader who believes it is essential to develop people and build capacity in others. Ensuring a strong succession plan for each role in the school is critical for the strength and sustainability of the school. It is vitally important in the attraction and retention of outstanding teachers and staff. This is an area of great strength for me as I reflect on the individuals I have worked with who are now successfully leading in their own schools and organizations.

I will also, of course, remain focused on maintaining the strength and permanence of the organization ensuring we are relevant, progressive, and renewing. I will be working with our Board of Governors, my team, and our community on developing the next strategic plan that will take STS forward.

Being a Head of School isn’t always serious… here are some questions to help our community get to know you better:

What is your favourite movie and why?

The Dead Poets Society is a favourite. Probably because it is a teacher movie and captures the complexity of the work we do.You cannot help but relate to the young men in the story, and it makes you laugh and cry.

What is your favourite flavor of ice cream?

Definitely chocolate!

What brings you joy in life?

What is your favourite book and why?

The short answer is simplicity and family time. I am a recent grandmother and spending time with my grandson brings me a new level of joy that I find remarkable. I love spending time in the outdoors kayaking with my husband and two dogs. I find joy spending time with friends. I love my work and find great joy in the company of students, their families, and my colleagues.

Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean.The book tells the story of the 1949 Mann Gulch forest fire in Montana. James Keelaghan, a Calgary singer/songwriter wrote a song called Cold Missouri Waters about the story.The story of the crew, who all perished, has become a part of my leadership work.

Who is your greatest mentor?

I love the islands in the Caribbean.The people are friendly, the pace of life is wonderful, food is great, and the water amazing.There is nothing better than a swim in the sea and long hikes on beautiful beaches.

I have been the beneficiary of the mentorship of so many great people. I am blessed to have both of my parents still living nearby and I consider them to be my greatest mentors.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I mostly always wanted to be a teacher. It is in my blood and it has been such an honour that I have been able to spend my career in this remarkable profession.

For a short time, I wanted to be a marine biologist, but that did not last long.

What is your favourite food?

This is a tough question. If I must give one answer I will say just about any kind of soup.There is something about soup that is good for the soul. I would also say that my favourite food is that which is prepared or served in the company of friends. I love an evening with a small group enjoying simple food paired with good conversation.

7

What is your favourite place you’ve travelled to and why?

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to be outdoors kayaking, hiking, and camping.

I also enjoy reading and binge watching historical documentaries.

What do you look forward to most being the STS Head of School?

I love new adventures! I am most excited about meeting the students and experiencing all that STS has to offer.To answer your question, I will simply say – everything. I am truly honoured to have this opportunity and cannot wait to explore all that it has to offer.

FALL 2018

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

INCREDIBLE PRODUCTION The annual Senior School musical, Les Miserables School Edition, showcased the incredible talents of our students and directors in staging what may have been their most challenging production to date.The overall execution was remarkable and the visual and emotional impact of the production brought many to tears. Over 80 STS community volunteers came together to help construct the set and props.

UNITING TO IGNITE THE FIRE WITHIN Senior School students traveled to South Africa to participate in the 2018 Round Square International Conference and a week-long pre-conference tour.The pre-conference tour included visits to the Apartheid Museum, Soweto Township, Nelson Mandela’s house, and Pilanesberg National Park.The conference included speeches by renowned South African wildlife veterinarian Dr. William Fowlds, and the inspirational champion surfer and shark attack victim, Caleb Swanepoel.There were also days dedicated to providing service for neighbourhoods in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Students helped to cook lunch and clean a schoolyard in Kyasands, as well as construct a garden at a primary school in Lavender Hill.The OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

adventure day included hiking on Table Mountain and around Cape Point where they enjoyed stunning views.

The conference theme of “Unite to Ignite the Fire Within” inspired students to consider the common 8

experiences of young people around the world, and how they could work collaboratively to improve acceptance of diversity and preservation of the environment.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

SPECIAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER TIMA KURDI The 13th annual STS Model United Nations conference developed a simulated refugee crisis in which student delegates worked collaboratively to develop solutions to the broader crisis as well as responses to ‘real time’ emerging complications.The opening plenary session featured special keynote speaker,Tima Kurdi. Ms. Kurdi is an internationally recognized spokesperson who has partnered with governments, businesses, and

citizens worldwide to help raise awareness about the global refugee crisis. Ms. Kurdi is the aunt of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed up on Turkish shores on September 2, 2015. Her emotional keynote addressed her challenges in immigrating to Canada and, when tragedy struck, being thrust onto the world stage as an advocate for refugees everywhere, a role for which she had never prepared but that allowed her to give voice to those who didn’t have an opportunity to speak for themselves.

STS FAIRS VERY WELL Students in Grades 5 and 8 participated in the city wide Calgary Youth Science Fair (CYSF), held at the University of Calgary Olympic Oval.This annual competition encourages and promotes ongoing interest for scientific principles and methods. Almost 1,000 students participated from all over the Calgary area, helping to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the city’s Science Fair.

The impressive STS results included an honourable mention, four gold medals, and a CYSF Director’s Award for Outstanding Elementary Project recognizing an excellent research project about the relationship between dense balls of neutrons and ripples in space-time.

9

FALL 2018

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

MARTI MCKAY WEEK 2017 STS celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Marti McKay Week, a special literary artists-in-residence program, with an incredible line-up of Canadian authors in student workshops and presentations.This year’s line-up included children’s book author and illustrator, Carolyn Fisher, presenting to students in Kindergarten to Grade 3, and Jacqueline Guest, a Metis author who writes books for children and young adults, presenting to Grades 4 to 7.

GLOBAL CITIZENS Students travelled to Costa Rica on a global service trip to protect leatherback sea turtles and immerse themselves in an indigenous Bri Bri tribe. During the first part of the trip, students helped clean the beach to enable the turtles to have room to lay their eggs, and built a new hatchery to protect the eggs from predators and poachers. At night, they patrolled the beach to find turtles and collect the eggs and data.

The second part of the trip included working with an indigenous Bri Bri tribe in Yorkin.The students learned a lot about the Bri Bri culture and how they use and preserve their natural resources in the community.They built thatch roofing with white cane sticks and sweet leaves, helped to install the floor of a new teacher collaboration room, and planted trees for new fruit and wood sources.The students also learned some of the native Bri Bri language of which they applied in their homestay experience.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

10

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORATION Exploration can happen in so many contexts at STS. This year, in OE15, students had the opportunity to explore landscapes, seasons, activities, and their own abilities.The annual backcountry ski trip is one of those places where skills learned in the summer environment are extended and applied to the winter world.Trip preparation, pacing, route-finding, navigation, care of others and safety management all enable students to move through a world that can divulge both hazards and significant learning. Discerning the difference between the two takes judgment, an ability best learned with the guidance of skilled mentors.

11

FALL 2018

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

ELEMENTARY COMMISSION 2018 To honour the opening of our new Elementary School facility, our music specialists commissioned well-known choral pedagogue, Dr. Robert de Frece (Dr. Bob), to create a piece especially for our Elementary School musicians. Dr. Bob composed a work that involves two-part singers, flute obligato, handbell ringers, and piano accompaniment.The lyrics of this work are particularly special as Dr. Bob used one of Marti McKay’s ’82 poems. Songs of Many Verses had its world premiere at the STS Elementary School Celebration.

NEW YORK! NEW YORK! Students in Fine Arts travelled to New York for an experience to remember. From Broadway shows to the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, they took in as much as they could.The students were introduced to the city with a day of sightseeing which

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

included a view from the top of the Empire State Building, a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, and a tour of the UN. In the following days, they participated in acting and musical theatre workshops, toured Radio City Music Hall, explored the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern

12

Art, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and Wall Street. Lunches were had in Times Square and evenings were filled with Broadway shows; Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Avenue Q, Anastasia, Chicago, The Play That Goes Wrong, and Three Tall Women.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

HONOUR DAY 2018 The STS community came together for our annual Honour Day assembly in recognition of the seven students lost in a tragic avalanche on February 1, 2003.This year our assembly featured guest speaker Orlando Bowen. Mr. Bowen inspired us with his own personal stories of strength and overcoming adversity, teaching us to be “game changers” in the lives of others, and to honour the legacy of the giants on whose shoulders we stand – those who have passed before us, survivors, and the many lives that have been touched by tragedy.

13

FALL 2018

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

“A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS…” – FREDERICK R. BARNARD

O CANADA! Students, staff, and parents were dressed in red and white and all things Canadian to show their spirit at the 32nd annual Terry Fox Run. Last year’s theme celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday.

A FEAST FOR BRIDGELAND MANOR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, STS hosted a Volunteer Appreciation reception to say thank you to all parent and alumni volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to supporting STS throughout the school year.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

14

Middle School students visited Bridgeland Manor, a residence for previously homeless seniors, and served a delicious Thanksgiving dinner to the residents.The meal featured harvested vegetables the students planted last spring in their on-campus garden.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

STS SUPERHEROES STAND UP TO BULLYING

GUEST TEACHER STEVE PATTERSON

In recognition of National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, Grade 12 Prefects dressed as “Bystander Superheroes” and spent the noon-hour recess each day of the week inspiring our young Spartans to be kind to others and to step up when they see bullying.

The Les Miserables cast gained a lot of insight for their roles thanks to the help of Mr. Patterson, a professional actor from Stratford, Ontario who led our students in workshops.

KINDNESS COUPONS To celebrate World Kindness Day, the Parents' Organization of STS (POSTS) surprised all STS students with ‘kindness coupons’ including a heartfelt message, “Strathcona-Tweedsmuir students ROCK!” GRADE 2 STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CANADIAN REGIONS Grade 2 students learned about the Northern Arctic regions of Canada and Regina’s rich Indigenous history through the beautiful story, Tale of the Buffalo, from members of our STS community.

SPARTANS DEFEND TITLE FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR The Senior School cross-country running team was successful in defending their title as 2A Provincial Champions, marking the eighth consecutive year that the Spartans have run away with the banner.

15

FALL 2018

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

MAKER MARKET MAGIC This year’s Grade 5 Maker Market was inspired by the STS Mini-Markets of the past and the current educational “Maker Movement" where students are creating and making their learning come alive.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE As part of our fifth annual Diversity Week, STS LGBTQ+ alumni created a heart-warming video message for current STS students that has reached a high watermark of engagement on our Facebook pages with thousands of likes, shares, views and comments. #loveislove

MILLARVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL HUMAN LIBRARY EVENT

STS LIFERS GRADUATING THIS YEAR Students who have attended STS their entire 12-year school career graduated in June 2018.These long-time members of our STS community have deep educational roots at STS (Back): Sheena Pujara, Hannah KermanMilne, Julia Wilson,Victoria Maybaum, Cameron Kletke, Apostolos Marinakos, Jyoti Ruparell, Holly Kletke, Monika Molnos, Maya Lakhu, (Front): Paulina Hart, Lucas Crichton, Paul Ostlund, Jake Dowdall, Anabelle Hicks, Braeden Ortt, Zoe Wilmoth.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

16

Senior School students participated in the first ever Human Library at Millarville Community School where students were able to “check out” STS students as if they were a real book, learning about their experiences from travelling, to spearheading a school campaign in Grade 5.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

GUEST CONDUCTOR Guest conductor, Dr. Gillian MacKay, visited STS to offer support in the musical endeavours of all of our bands.

Dr. MacKay is a Professor of Music at the University of Toronto and has experience conducting, adjudicating, and teaching bands and ensembles from around the world.

OPEN ARMS Senior School students started a week dedicated to educating and eliminating the stigma of mental health through our first ever “Open Arms Week.”

REAL SPARTANS WEAR PINK! UNIVERSITY TOURS 2017/2018 Fifty-three STS students visited 23 universities across Canada on the annual Eastern and West Coast university tours to learn first-hand about a variety of post-secondary options and help them find their best-fit education. Along the way, they connected with over 40 STS alumni.

17

STS joined others across Canada to take a visible stand against bullying by wearing a pink shirt on Pink Shirt Day.

FALL 2018

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

BRINGING HOME BRONZE The Senior Varsity Mens Volleyball team placed third at Provincials.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY In celebration of International Mother Language Day, Round Square students created a video with students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 welcoming refugees in their mother tongue showcasing the global diversity within the STS community.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE GARTH PRINCE Elementary School students were excited to work with Mr. Garth Prince, a Namibian-Canadian musician who shares the music and dance of his homeland with schools all over the province.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

18

GIVING TUESDAY A HUGE SUCCESS The STS community donated an incredible $857,000 in one day on Giving Tuesday.These donations and pledges were directed to the Inspiring Possibilities campaign, making our best even better at STS.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

OLYMPIC ATHLETE VISITS STS Olympian Jessica O’Connell, from the Esteem Team Role Model Program sponsored by Motivate Canada, spoke to STS students about grit, resilience, overcoming obstacles, and setting goals.

DAN ARATO DAY 2018 Middle School students celebrated Dan Arato Day with a day full of spirited activities, competing in their school “Houses” in various subject areas.

PIE THE PREFECTS As part of our annual Spirit Week, students and faculty lined up during lunch break to pie the Prefects.

ALMA MATER DAY Faculty and staff helped to celebrate higher education by donning shirts from their universities on the second annual Alma Mater Day at STS. 19

FALL 2018

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

SHADOW DAY DESIGN CHALLENGE Fun, teamwork, and innovation bonded a group of new Elementary School students joining STS in the fall with their STS buddies as part of our Shadow Morning design-challenge.

REACH FOR THE TOP This year’s Reach for the Top season proved to be exciting and suspenseful as our Junior, Intermediate, and Senior teams competed in various tournaments from January to March.

BISTRO STAFF APPRECIATION DAY Middle School Round Square students organized an event to honour and thank our beloved Black Watch Bistro staff for all that they do for the STS community.

SPECTACULAR ALBERTA LANDSCAPE Three groups of Grade 8 students made the journey down a portion of the lower Red Deer River where they camped, paddled and explored this rich and ancient world. Sights along the way included an old homestead (the 'Stone Castle'), beaver, muskrats and a golden eagle.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

20

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

GOLDEN SEASON The Grade 7 Girls Volleyball team proudly represented STS in the Foothills Triple Ball league with great sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and supportive teamwork throughout the season.

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY The Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS) prepared a delicious smorgasbord to celebrate all STS employees and bus drivers for another remarkable year of teaching, guidance, and support.

CAIS STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2018 Students represented STS at the 2018 CAIS Student Leadership Conference which unites students from over 40 CAIS schools across Canada to listen to guest speakers and attend workshops that focus on developing their leadership skills.

21

FALL 2018

FROM THE ARCHIVES

IT ALL STARTED HERE

BY GORDON FREIGHT, ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

I

n 1971, following the amalgamation of Tweedsmuir School for Girls and Strathcona School for Boys (SSB), the newly constituted Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) began to set its own course of development into the school we see today. Over a history of almost 50 years, many programs in academics, athletics, and the arts have taken shape.Through these formative years, the energy of the founding faculty expressed itself in the creation of enriching programs implemented to provide an education above and beyond accepted standards.

Many traditions from the predecessor schools were continued at STS and can be seen in today’s school. Some of these would include speech and debate, community service and outreach, Prefects, and House competitions.

Indeed, it soon appeared that the annual school calendar became increasingly crowded as innovative programs were continually added to the curriculum. As STS added an increasing number of students and faculty over the years it became feasible to add to the variety of curriculum offerings year by year. Some new STS traditions became part of school life. As an example “grub days” were added at intervals during the school calendar as a break from the traditional school uniform; these days have come to be known in recent years as “casual days”.

During the 1970s the school developed and implemented the Agencies Program.This was designed to expose high school students to a weekly commitment to a service agency in Calgary as a compulsory part of their curriculum.

This program has been enormously successful over the years and continues to flourish.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

22

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Another academic enrichment initiative developed was that of the French and Spanish language trips.These programs functioned on an annual basis so that entire classes could travel for a week to be immersed in the target language. Students were required to interact with speakers native to the second language in a genuine setting.

A few special programs that started in the school’s early years feature visits by guest specialists, as in the case of the McKay Artist in Residence program, and others focus on student written competitions, such as the poetry and creative writing contests.These initiatives have survived over many years and continue to thrive.

The STS athletic and outdoor education programs initiated many traditional events, which have continued to prosper as part of the STS experience. In particular, the Western Canadian Independent Schools Volleyball Tournament, the Grade 7 ski weeks, and the annual school triathlon are among those which continue to be offered.

These examples all illustrate a truly unique and special characteristic of STS – we embrace and uphold the traditions that make the school such an incredible place of learning, while continually striving for new and innovative methods to ensure we are doing nothing but our best. Nil Nisi Optimum.

23

FALL 2018

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

IT ALL STARTED WITH AN INSPIRING DREAM…

1

O

ur inspiring dream of building a new elementary wing, expanded fine and performing arts spaces, and a welcoming entry to the school began a decade ago.The Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Board of Governors envisioned a campus rejuvenation project that would further leverage our country campus as an extension of the classroom, offer flexible spaces to satisfy our students’ natural curiosity to learn, and optimize teaching and learning for all students.

On January 16, 2018, that dream became a reality when we officially opened the doors of our inspiring new facilities. A formal Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony was held on February 23, 2018 to celebrate this significant milestone in STS’ history and to announce that the Inspiring Possibilities fundraising campaign raised an incredible $27.3 million, surpassing the $27 million campaign goal.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

24

We extend a heart-felt thank you to all our community members who gave generously to the Inspiring Possibilities campaign and volunteered countless hours to make this dream a reality, resulting in: • INSPIRING FACILITIES: $24.6 million to build our new state-ofthe-art learning facility • INSPIRING TEACHERS: $0.8 million to invest in attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional faculty • INSPIRING STUDENTS: $1.9 million for scholarships and bursaries to ensure the best and brightest students can attend STS without financial barriers

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

GIVING A GIFT TO THE WORLD

By Randy Fielding, Co-Founder and Chairman of Fielding Nair International and lead architect on the new STS facility enhancement project

2

On a recent visit to the STS campus, I’m thrilled to say that in our work in 47 countries, I’ve never seen a more splendid integration of teaching, learning, nature, and facilities.Today, with a stimulus-rich environment, designed with the latest research in mind on space, place, acoustics, and lighting, even higher performance learning is evident.You can see a sense of calm among students and teachers, and an even stronger focus than before.

3

4

5

6

7

Studies show that the top three skills employers are looking for are complex problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

STS is ahead of the game, especially with these new facilities enabling the school to focus on these skills in all that you do – but not at the expense of kindness and empathy.

1.

Official ribbon cutting ceremony.

5. Practice rooms allow students a place to work uninterrupted.

2.

Open and spacious Grades 5-6 Learning Commons.

3.

Students bring their ideas and designs to life outside of the Innovation Lab.

6. The high, open ceilings of the Band Studio are acoustically designed to maximize the sound of our six school bands.

4.

Grade 4 student-engineers design mousetrap racers in the DaVinci Studio.

7.

Unique and beautiful new donor wall.

8

8. Rejuvenated front entrance.

25

FALL 2018

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

IT STARTS WITH A LEARNING COMMUNITY

BY CHERYL BABIN, PRIMARY YEARS PROGR AMME COORDINATOR

M

oving into the new Elementary School facility this past January has provided our community of students, educators, and families with truly unique opportunities.The professional learning that our faculty embraced during the past years served us well as we transitioned from more traditional classroom spaces to a learning community model of education.

Aesthetically, we have been thrilled with the natural light, stunning window views, modern furnishings, and brilliant architecture. But from the beginning, we wanted to ensure that the benefits of this expansion ran more than skindeep. We are committed to ensuring that learning improves because of our reflective practices and the mindful use of our environment.

As a school, our foundations remain strong in our drive to develop students for a life of purpose, through scholarship, leadership, and character. Our understanding and experience with the Alberta Program of Studies, delivered within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB), keep us

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

26

"The environment should act as an aquarium which reflects the ideas, ethics, attitudes and culture of the people who live in it.� – Loris Malaguzzi, Italian Educator, Innovator, Psychologist and Professor

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

"We know this to be true: everyone learns differently. We arrive each day with personal styles, preferences, complexities, experiences and ways of knowing. Herein lies the art of how these new spaces enable inspiring possibilities – we collaborate to equip each of the young citizens in our care with the competencies, understandings and abilities to be successful in each endeavour they encounter." grounded in best practice while we recognize current research that contributes to our knowledge of how children learn. We know this to be true: everyone learns differently. We arrive each day with personal styles, preferences, complexities, experiences, and ways of knowing. Herein lies the art of how these new spaces enable inspiring possibilities – we collaborate to equip each of the young citizens in our care with the competencies, understandings, and abilities to be successful in each endeavour they encounter.

The Learning Communities we have developed support our goals through the facilitation of three modes of learning: active, collaborative, and individual.

Our DaVinci Studios, the Renaissance Room and the Workshop have already evolved into dynamic spaces which support our emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning, design-thinking, and the transdisciplinary nature of real world problems. Furnishings provide our students developmentally appropriate choices that allow them to move, focus, and nestle in, while break out spaces provide quiet rooms for the individual reflection we all need at times.Through the process of choosing

furnishings and working with our local architects, we learned to provide high, medium, and low spaces because our bodies and brains need to move, to think, and to make connections.

Differentiation has long been an educators’ term used to describe the individual ways we meet students’ needs. With an inclusive universal design in mind, we create experiences that allow students to become intellectually engaged with concepts and learning in multiple ways. With more than one teacher involved, our teams offer abundant ways of uncovering new learning. Flexible groupings of students and teachers within a learning suite allow us to provide small group support when a concept needs reinforcement or enrichment. Students have more opportunities to choose how to reveal their knowledge and understandings, tapping into multiple intelligences, communication skills, and reflection practices.

Ongoing emphasis on assessment and communication among teachers and students enhances the data we collect about each student, offering more insight into areas of strength, targets for learning, and areas for 27

growth.The Primary Years Programme (PYP) reminds us that students are to become agents of their learning, capable in the assessment process, and advocates for themselves within a community. It is this collective action that drives our practices to grow in new ways.

We are inspired by the possibilities that our future holds. We are so fortunate to grow and learn in a community that honours and values our children.

FALL 2018

KINDERGARTEN

STARTING AT THE BEGINNING

BY SEASON PREVOST, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, AND CHERYL BABIN, PYP COORDINATOR

September was a momentous time in STS’ history as we welcomed our first-ever Kindergarten cohort – the Class of 2030. The tradition of inspiring possibilities continues as STS alumni were among the parents dropping off their little ones for their first day of Kindergarten.

K

indergarten is a special place. Not because it is the beginning of one’s school experience but because it is where children have the greatest sense of adventure, gratitude, wonder, and perseverance. In Kindergarten, students don’t stop asking questions, literally and figuratively.Through playful inquiry, STS Kindergarten students explore the transdisciplinary themes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), and early literacy and numeracy skills. Kindergarten is an environment rich with quality literature, hands-on math manipulatives, and provocative artifacts to engage young minds.

A culture of curiosity and observation cultivates the learning process, meeting children where they are, so their development may be taken further.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

28

“Playful inquiry invites children to learn and make sense of the things they encounter with the kind of curiosity and joy we remember from our happiest moments in childhood.”

– Susan Harris MacKay, Opal School, Portland

KINDERGARTEN

Key to thinking, learning, and the establishment of a community model, the environment plays an essential role in helping students feel safe, comfortable, and continually intrigued by the sensory experiences carefully crafted for them. Play and design with open-ended materials and integration of the arts allow children to document their learning and understanding in a unique and meaningful way.

These are some highlights from our Kindergarten learning adventures: • We imagined and built story characters who acted in the stories we wrote.

• We learned to express, identify, and wonder about our emotions. Story, art, and the 3D carver helped to reveal our learning.

• We found math everywhere. Literally everywhere! We designed one inquiry where number, pattern, and geometry came alive through our experiences.

• As scientists and artists, we uncovered the processes and changes that occur when foods are brought to our tables.

Kindergarten has brought so much laughter, imagination, wonder, and intrinsic kindness to our community.To the Class of 2030: Thank-you for paving the way for all future STS Kindergarten students.You are full of optimism, ideas, and inspiration. Nil Nisi Optimum, our friends.

29

"Kindergarten has brought so much laughter, imagination, wonder, and intrinsic kindness to our community."

FALL 2018

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME

ADVOCACY STARTS HERE

BY KRISTAL GALLO, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

“We understand that the future of humanity is about community, and the future of community is about service. Your work today becomes a part of how you think about your life going forward.”

– Mayor Naheed Nenshi

E

very year the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme Exhibition (PYPx) inspires students in Grade 6 to engage in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves identifying, investigating, and offering solutions to real life issues.The PYPx has been a featured milestone of the Grade 6 curriculum for several years. What started as the central idea in the 20152016 PYPx to focus on helping vulnerable populations, has now evolved into a much more meaningful and impactful mission for the STS community.

traditional lands on which STS sits, the importance of service to the community, and the meaning and power of philanthropy. Nenshi praised the students, teachers, parents, and the STS community for their efforts in stating, “We understand that the future of humanity is about community and the future of community is about service”. Leaving the students with the notion that, “Your work today becomes a part of how you think about your life going forward.”

Darbie Ouimet, from the Calgary Foundation, also spoke at the assembly, thanking the Grade 6 students for their deep understanding of the important work of their community partners, and for the amazing quality of their presentations. Ouimet also expressed that the STS PYPx has inspired the Calgary Foundation to expand their youth philanthropy programs to include six additional schools in the Calgary area next year that will focus on Grade 9 students. Also, two STS students have been invited to sit on the Calgary Foundation Youth Council, a new committee focused on informing and empowering youth.

This year’s PYPx centralized around the idea that, “Through the use of voice and power, human’s actions reflect their values and beliefs.” Inspired by this, Grade 6 students were required to identify a local community service provider, research the work that they are doing and how it impacts vulnerable groups within the community, and then prepare a Dragon’s Den-style advocacy pitch to members of the Calgary Foundation Board for funding.

At the PYPx Assembly, students directly experienced how their voices and power served their community through the work they completed for the PYPx. Mayor Nenshi spoke to the students and talked passionately about the recognition of the OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

STS students continue to be catalysts in learning about societal issues, helping youth realize the impact they can make through education and philanthropy.

30

THE YOUTH COUNCIL

IT STARTS WITH TODAY’S YOUTH

BY AYDIN BHOJANI ’20 After the PYPx, the Calgary Foundation realized that they had a unique opportunity to reach a new generation: youth.They hope not only to teach us about social issues and philanthropy but also to incorporate our perspective into grant-making at the Calgary Foundation.The Calgary Foundation saw the power and potential that we, the youth in our community, have.

The Youth Council is an effort to tap into this power and to further empower youth in our community. The Youth Council intends to connect youth with the current issues facing our community and to incorporate youth voices and ideas into the grant-making decision process for all grants at the Calgary Foundation, especially those grants that target youth.

“This is a unique and empowering opportunity for Lauren and I to use our voice and power to affect change.”

Aydin Bhojani ’20 and Lauren Weissenborn ’21 were chosen from STS to participate in the Calgary Foundation’s Youth Council.

T

he Youth Council is a new committee of the Calgary Foundation that hopes to inform and empower youth.The idea for the Youth Council emerged from the success of the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Primary Years Programme Exhibition (PYPx). Having just completed its third year, the PYPx has been very successful in teaching youth about vulnerable people in our community and empowering them to advocate on behalf of those groups.The project has had a profound impact not only on the community and the school, but also on the Calgary Foundation itself.

The Calgary Foundation gives grants to community organizations totalling about $50-million every year. In making decisions concerning these grants, the Calgary Foundation takes into account the views and wants of many people.These people include donors, non-profits, and community leaders, as well as many others. Of all the voices that inform grant decisions at the Calgary Foundation, every single one of these voices is an adult voice.

31

This will be the first year of the Youth Council. Participants were chosen from schools across Calgary. From STS, Lauren Weissenborn ’21 and I were chosen to participate along with 12 other youth from other schools.

The youth range in age from 13 to18 years old and come from all different backgrounds.This first Youth Council is focussing on “The Environment: Pursuing a Sustainable Future.” As participants, we will learn what it means to “pursue a sustainable future.” We will discuss how, as humans, we can live in a way today that allows us to live in the same way forever. We will then visit and learn about non-profit organizations that work in the environmental sector. Finally, we will share our views as to our perspective on how best to pursue a sustainable future, and these views will help to inform grant-making at the Calgary Foundation.

This is a unique and empowering opportunity for Lauren and I to use our voice and power to affect change. Organizations like the Calgary Foundation are trying to build a better world for the future.That is OUR future and our children’s future and we have been given an opportunity to have our voices heard to shape what that future might look like.

FALL 2018

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

IT STARTS IN SENIOR SCHOOL AND GOES BEYOND

BY JENNIFER CONWAY, MIDDLE YEARS PROGR AMME COORDINATOR

T

hroughout Grade 10, students work on a personal project as the capstone for their International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). Students are encouraged to develop their personal project focused on a passion that revolves around a challenge that is both motivating and interesting to the individual student.

Each year, students produce unique projects which are completed during a six-month self-directed inquiry.The ultimate goal being that students appreciate the process of learning, create a project that meets their learning style, and produce a product or outcome they can take pride in.

The MYP Personal Project allows students to further enhance STS’ belief in developing students to be independent, lifelong learners. In the following examples, students are using their Personal Project experience and ideas as a starting point, and finding opportunities beyond the classroom.

“The Personal Project allowed me to produce a product that fits my lifestyle, but also create something that helps the fisherman’s budget as it reduces the amount of lures one must buy. The Personal Project helped me understand the process of creating a product and the amount of time and effort it takes to create something that serves a purpose.”

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

A LURING START IN SENIOR SCHOOL Emil Lindvall ’20 used his passion for fishing in Florida, to create an innovative fishing lure that changes colour with the temperature of the water. Through his personal experience of fishing in Florida, Emil found that depending on the time of year, there would be different species of fish in the water due to the temperature of the water. Each species requires a different lure that can be costly for fishermen. Emil shared his lures with fellow fishermen while fishing in Florida over the spring break.This created so much interest in his lures, that he has since created a website to sell them. Using the global context of scientific and technological innovation, Emil was able to research, ideate and create a functional product based on fish migration patterns, material composition and consumer needs.

32

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

“The Personal Project allows students to make opportunities for themselves beyond the classroom and expose themselves to real life situations.”

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Allison Simpson ’17, is currently attending UBC in the engineering program with the goal of entering the Biomedical Engineering Program. In her first year of university she was accepted as a member of the Biomedical Engineering Student Team (BEST) which is a mentorship opportunity for students to shadow full team members and learn how to approach medical problems using the design cycle and brainstorm innovative solutions.

In Grade 10, Allison, a ski racer at the time, witnessed many of her team members struggle with ACL knee injuries.Through her Personal Project, she set out to design a knee brace for downhill skiers that would have a unique clip at the bottom which would attach to the ski boot.

When applying for BEST, she was able to share her personal project to demonstrate her ability to use the design cycle to create an innovative solution for

downhill skiers struggling with ACL injuries.Today she is working with BEST to design rehabilitation products for stroke patients. Her team at UBC has created an innovative music-to-movement device to help stroke patients work on their fine motor skills as well as electronic devices to help patients turn door knobs and hold cylindrical objects.

33

“When coming out of high school, students often do not have enough experience to get into the Biomedical Engineering Student Team (BEST), but my Personal Project allowed me to provide evidence of my ability to recognize a problem, design a solution, and create a product.”

FALL 2018

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

EXTR AORDINARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS START HERE

BY CHRIS RUSK AY, DIPLOMA PROGR AMME COORDINATOR

T

he STS graduating class of 2018 saw 56 students registered in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). Within that group were the Diploma Candidates: a group of eight students who earned their full IB Diploma. Each of the Diploma Candidates completed the requirements of the two year IB Diploma Programme, which is a significant academic accomplishment. All of the Diploma Candidates completed seven IB DP courses, culminating in the

Elizabeth Barron ’18, English: How is the American experience portrayed by Walt Whitman in, “I hear America singing" and by Langston Hughes in "I, too”?

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

writing of 12 – 15 final exams and the submission of a major project in each course. In addition, each student submitted a Theory of Knowledge Essay, an extended essay on a topic of their choosing, and each completed the IB “CAS” component, which promotes personal growth in creativity, activity, and service.The candidates’ 4,000-word extended essay topics reflect the depth of the students’ academic achievement and is a measure of their excellence in scholarship at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School.

Emma Cross ’18, Biology: The effect of nitrogen-fixing legumes on the growth of non-legumes.

34

Arzina Jaffer ’18, Biology: A neuro-educational study: The effect of question formatting on electrical brain activity in adolescent test takers.

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Yasmin McQuire ’18,World Studies: To what extent can the smartphone bridge the digital divide?

Charlotte Pittman ’18, History: Remoulding the life and experiences of the Scottish Queen: An analysis of the impact of fictionalized interpretations of the life of Mary Queen of Scots upon historiographic debate.

Brynne Stewart ’18, Biology: The use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine evolutionary relationships amongst identified and unidentified organisms.

Ganiyat Sadiq ’18,World Studies: An investigation into the effect of poverty on inequality in first world countries vs the effect of poverty on inequality in third world countries.

Tayo Toriola ’18, Chemistry: The quantitative protective effects of fluoride treatment on the hydroxyapatite of tooth enamel in the sus scrofa domesticus.

35

FALL 2018

INNOVATION AND DESIGN

INNOVATION STARTS HERE

BY KRISTAL GALLO, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

T

echnologyintegrated learning at STS prioritizes the 5 Cs: collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking, and computational thinking.

STS recognizes that proper technology Students exploring the design of Vex Robotics for MYP design. integration and education is about the design of the learning experiences that not only help students systemically refine their digital competencies, but also requires them to think critically about what tool best enables their learning in different situations.

The STS curriculum teaches students to be digitally literate through the introduction of the fifth ‘C’. Computational thinking. A concept based on logic, computational thinking begins as a fundamental skill where students view the completed product and work backwards to thoroughly understand the process leading to the finished product. Computational thinking equips STS students with the ability to shift their point of view of technology from consumption-based to resource-based.

Beginning at the Elementary School level, students are exposed to higher levels of engagement and involvement by becoming digitally literate in the organization of their education.This sets the foundation for digital literacy, a critical skill for students as they transition into Middle and Senior School and the content and programming becomes more challenging. In understanding the capabilities of algorithms and logic statements, STS students are the leading generation of computational thinkers and innovators in Alberta.

Computational thinking isn’t about building a generation of computer programmers.

More importantly, it is constructing an awareness of what digital programming can do and recognizing that it is universally applicable to all industries.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

36

“As Calgary recognizes the need to support entrepreneurialism and technology start-ups, we are trying to ensure that our educational programming is also leading in these areas,” said Alanna Wellwood, Director of Educational Technology and Programming at STS. Design and technology-integrated education is only one example of achieving STS’ mission of developing students with a life of purpose.Through technologyintegrated learning, STS is redefining the concept of project-based learning. In traditional project-based learning, students study a subject for long durations and are then tasked to create or recognize the subject upon completion of the study. STS faculty are fostering learning environments that allow students to work as they go by presenting students with the end goal and then finding the resources to achieve it.Through this approach, students become independently invested in their learning experience by finding opportunities within their own lives in which to integrate design.

Take Will Carpenter ’23 for example, who designed a boxing game that measures the physical impact of the user’s punch every time they punch the dummy prototype. Will’s final project exemplifies the culmination of self-determination and hard work.The process of coding a game such as Will’s is detail-oriented and requires a meticulous mind to produce an experience that is user-focused.

What seems like a simple action to the everyday user requires much thought and

INNOVATION AND DESIGN

consideration from the students who design it, creating a satisfying and gratifying experience for students every time.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY

By Kelsey Lovell, Contributing Writer

Additional notable student examples include Dieter Frehlich ’20 who explored how technology can influence a person’s identity by creating a virtual reality simulation that encourages people to Student example of a laser cut train designed to overcome their fear of heights; Ethan combat overcrowding in a developing country.

Klinkenborg ’20 who explored the ways that innovation can enhance athletic performance by designing and 3D printing his own basketball shoe; and the Elementary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) team comprised of Georgia German ’26, Callie Wong ’25, Armaan Ali ’25 and Trace Cannon ’24 who designed and built a 100 centimeter long arm extender to lift a three pound load.

STS alumnus Will Clark ’15 is at the forefront of technology.

Currently studying Mechatronics at Waterloo University in Ontario, Will is involved with remarkable technologies such as robotics, wearable smart technology, and augmented reality.

“I’ve always been interested in the mechanics of how things are constructed. Choosing this program was a way to avoid choosing between these fields,” Will said. Along with unviersity co-op placements, where Will has been able to work handson at technology companies, he is also able to be a member of Waterloo’s Student Robotics Design Team. With this group, Will is involved in creating a prototype Mars Rover that will be put through competition trials in Utah.

Will was able to share the experience and knowledge he’s gained at Waterloo with current design students at STS. He shared his perspective with students on how the content they are learning in their design class can be used in university, co-op placements and, eventually, everyday life. “I love what STS is doing with the design program. Students try all sorts of new things,” Will explained.

Will graduated from STS in 2015 after attending for Grades 7 through 12. While at the School, Will was busy taking part in the many programs offered, which included Speech Day, rock-climbing club, acting as a Prefect in his Grade 12 year, completing the extended IB essay, and was Valedictorian of his graduating class.

“STS made it much easier to frame day-to-day actions or technology I encounter in scope to the larger world. I can see the effect technology will have on people and what the outcomes are. I can see the bigger picture,” said Will.

Students repurpose and customize Ikea clocks and lamps.

These examples highlight the technology-integrated programming that illustrates STS’ commitment to the design of learning experiences that help students empathize with others to help them solve problems using technology. As professional environments transition to become less corporate-structured and more entrepreneurial, STS students are able to identify opportunities within their individual lives to apply their design literacy and computational thinking to benefit their communities as a whole.

Employing students with an array of skill sets allows for critical thinking beyond the classroom, truly building young innovators who will make significant contributions in the future.

37

FALL 2018

SPEECH AND DEBTATE

CONFIDENCE AND POISE STARTS HERE

BY LENNARD FINK, ENGLISH TEACHER

"One of the reasons STS students are confident public speakers is that their preparation and practice starts early on and sets them up for success."

S

trathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is unique in many ways; certainly one aspect setting us apart is the culture of public speaking that exists within our community, with its onset in Elementary School. It is commonly known that many people fear public speaking more than death, but you will not hear STS students sharing this sentiment, due to the culture of public speaking that has evolved over our long history. In context with STS, culture refers to the institutional norm that public speaking is an expectation ranging from students engaging in oral presentations in classes, to students being the master of ceremonies at Senior School Prizegiving. STS provides many opportunities for students to speak, in a variety of formats, allowing them to develop confidence and poise with their public speaking.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

38

One of the reasons STS students are confident public speakers is that their preparation and practice starts early on and sets them up for success.

For example, the Grade 6 class present their Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition projects to a panel of judges who are leaders in the external community. Students speak on behalf of a variety of non-profit organizations supporting vulnerable groups in the Calgary region.The purpose of the Exhibition is to convince the panel of judges that the organization the students are supporting is deserving of a donation of five thousand dollars from the Calgary Foundation.Thus, at a young age, STS students understand the power of words and, more importantly, they have learned how to deliver those words to create a voice for those whose voices are too often not heard.

SPEECH AND DEBTATE

Speech and debate are original pillars of the STS founding schools, and are deeply rooted in our history and culture.

STS strongly believes in the importance of preparing students to be confident speakers, empowering them with skills that will go beyond the classroom.

"At a young age, STS students understand the power of words and, more importantly, they have learned how to deliver those words to create a voice for those whose voices are too often not heard."

Another component of STS that sets us apart is the size of our speech and debate club in Middle and Senior School, which is the second largest club in Alberta (only Western Canada High School, with a population of over 2,200 students tops us in numbers). Each year, we have a large number of excited Grade 7 students eager to join speech and debate, due to a large extent to their exposure to public speaking in The Ultimate Speaking Club (TUSC) in Elementary School.The speech and debate programs continue to grow because of the success our students experience at local, provincial, national, and international tournaments.

Our students excel on the public stage. At the last provincial tournament, a coach from another school commented on how “the calibre of public speaking has improved across Calgary schools and this was in part due to the competitive level that STS students bring to the tournaments raising the bar for all students.” Our strong showing at prestigious events across Canada, and the world, has gained STS recognition as a top school in speech and debate.

For Zaki Lakhani ’20 this year, speech and debate has given him the platform to demonstrate his continuous success and growth.

Zaki placed fourth overall out of 160 competitors in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC), representing Canada out of 12 participating countries in Cape Town, South Africa. Zaki was also awarded with the title of “World Champion” in Interpretive Reading.

STS is fortunate to have The C.A. Smith Arts Centre, a theater that can house our entire school body, something that is rare across the world for a school our size.This allows us to come together as a community to celebrate our achievements from Kindergarten to Grade 12. At our recognition assemblies, held in the late fall and spring, it is students who speak to the entire school body displaying their achievements throughout the term. Each year our Elementary School students are inspired when they hear Middle and Senior School students speaking, and look to have the same opportunities when they move into those divisions. Likewise, our Middle and Senior School students are inspired by the poise and confidence of their younger peers. It is truly a symbiotic relationship.

Without a doubt, it is clear that public speaking in all formats continues to distinguish our school and students. Many of our graduates are aware that their successes come from the opportunities STS provided for them in terms of debate and public speaking, and they will no doubt agree that it all started here.

39

FALL 2018

FINE ARTS

ART MAKING STARTS WITH CHALLENGING THE BR AIN FIRST

BY DEB CARLSON, MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS SPECIALIST

I

n a 1979 conversation with art students, Robert Motherwell remarked, “A painting has as much to say as you have.” Unchanged is the wealth of knowledge art makers bring to their discipline; observations from the world around us, personal travel and experience, knowledge about specific subjects, and knowledge about media and techniques, to name a few.

While in recent years, interest in design has captivated the attention of many, design process has always been central to the idea development and production of practising artists.Today, art making serves to develop the skills of the future by challenging the brain first.

The Oxford Dictionary cites, “Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; it is inventiveness and innovation.”

“Skills of the future require the ability to draw from a wide body of knowledge, make connections between silos of information, and create changes or improvements through nuanced thinking. New ideas and ways of doing things emerge because our art students must find a way to solve any particular challenge.”

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

40

FINE ARTS

“While Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School art students create aesthetically pleasing work, their brains have undergone a complex process of problem solving in search of innovative and surprising solutions.�

Skills of the future require the ability to draw from a wide body of knowledge, make connections between silos of information, and create changes or improvements through nuanced thinking. New ideas and ways of doing things emerge because our art students must find a way to solve any particular challenge.

This year,  Art 20 students were asked to create a headdress, a 3D form that represented a single term - synapse, fusion, turbulence, or permeable. Students researched their specific term to develop strong background knowledge, then, brainstormed ideas by producing a wide variety of drawings. Ideas and drawings are gradually revised and refined to create the strongest interpretation; this is the word-image relationship. Underlying the process is purposeful thinking and decision-making. Materials are chosen for their rightness of fit with the idea; and everything must work together.

There is no predetermined outcome for this project except to create a relevant cohesive solution. Students must figure out how to do this, which builds resourcefulness, persistence, and ingenuity.

The future requires knowledgeable, innovative, curious creators to improve or solve the challenges that lie ahead.

While Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School art students create aesthetically pleasing work, their brains have undergone a complex process of problem solving in search of innovative and surprising solutions.These solutions truly have much to say.

41

FALL 2018

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

IT STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP

BY BRUCE HENDRICKS, DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION

"The ‘single step’ may start here, but the journey continues far into the distance, through a rich landscape students not only travel, but also help create."

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

T

he oft-quoted adage, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” (Lao Tzu) is nowhere more accurate than in the outdoors. As anyone who has hiked pathways with young children will attest, children, with their boundless curiosity, see much that their older companions miss.They can spend an entire day on a journey that travels deep rather than far. Watching bugs on the ground, picking and devouring wild strawberries, wondering how birds fly… their questions know no end. So many wonders and so much to learn.

Ideally, school stokes that fire of curiosity, wonder, and love of learning. Unfortunately, we know that is not always the case. It

42

was Mark Twain who quipped that he never let schooling get in the way of his education. Becoming ‘educated’ is a journey fostered best by a community of people who encourage exploration not just explanation, who take interest in students not just content, and who know from experience that learning is a dynamic mix of discovery, engagement, challenge, difficulty, reflection, and action.The pathway trod by young children eventually develops and stretches into the trail traveled by older students; their longer journeys probe more complex terrain and include greater freedom but also entail greater consequence. It is here that mentors can be so important. For students in this phase of their educational journey the ‘thousand miles’ ahead can

OUTDOOR EDUCATION Many alumni look back on outdoor experiences as highlights of their time at STS. They cite the cohesion they experienced with others (some of it gained through difficult experiences), personal development/maturation, and new-found outdoor skills/passions as reasons for this.

be alluring, or overwhelming, or both.The emerging landscape and sky overhead are unknown realms; changeable, alternating between green meadows beneath cloud dappled, sunny skies (opportunity, freedom, and promise) and craggy heights ravaged by violent winds and dark storm clouds (competition, restrictions, and failure).Traveling companions as well as mentors help guide students in this beautiful, tumultuous world. Empathetic peers who value learning, have high standards for themselves and others and who have a sense of value-driven purpose are invaluable. Bite size ‘side trips’ have the potential to help students develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that will stand them in good stead on the larger journey.

At STS outdoor education is one way students can gain these experiences and learn to walk more adeptly on their educational path.The direction and support of a learning community, including parents, mentors (coaches, teachers, trip leaders), alumni, and peers is there to help guide students as they develop and apply learning to other parts of their life, both now and into the future.The ‘single step’ may start here, but the journey continues far into the distance, through a rich landscape students not only travel, but also help to create.

43

FALL 2018

ATHLETICS

CHAR ACTER AND LEADERSHIP START ON THE PLAYING FIELD

BY KEN ZELEZ, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

"Leadership happens in a specific role such as captain of the team, however, it is just as important that all athletes develop and lead through character and sportsmanship."

T

he wide variety of co-curricular clubs and activities offered at STS allows students to discover their passions.This can definitely be said for athletics. Many students who choose athletics may do so to explore their abilities, compete, and challenge themselves, but joining a sports team also fosters growth and development in character and leadership.

In Middle and Senior School, there is a high percentage of student participation in athletics.Through the full range of athletic teams offered, it is common for students to participate in sports every year from Grades 7 to12, with many athletes participating in more than one sport per year. In fact, most of our athletes compete on more than one team and in some cases participate on all teams offered. When athletes do participate on multiple teams, those same students are also given the opportunity to take part in other co-curricular activities to discover and pursue their interests.This is what our dedication to well-rounded programming is all about – and is something that makes STS unique – ensuring students have the opportunity to nourish their mind, body and soul.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

44

ATHLETICS

In Grade 10, Heidi Frehlich ’17 joined the cross-country running team and it was then she became hooked on distance running. After setting a goal to one day run a marathon, that dream came true on April 16, 2018 when the STS alumna qualified qualified and ran the Boston Marathon in 3:05:30. Heidi credits her cross-country and track coaches at STS for inspiring her to run long distances and for building her confidence to believe she could.

Getting involved with a team sport helps students maintain good physical health, in addition to practicing time management and self-discipline which are skills that we see athletes applying on and off the court/field. Leadership happens in a specific role such as captain of the team, however, it is just as important that all athletes develop and lead through character and sportsmanship.The STS Athletics coaches hold our student athletes to a very high standard and they, in turn, appreciate being held to that high standard. When we travel from STS for tournaments and competitions, it is common to have restaurant servers, hotel managers, and tournament supervisors comment that our athletes are extremely polite and respectful. STS athletes make us proud by demonstrating leadership and character on an ongoing basis.These are valuable skills they will use throughout their lives, in addition to being able to play a mean pickup basketball game.

45

FALL 2018

GLOBAL SCHOLARS

IT STARTS WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

BY CHRIS SCHNEIDER, ASSISTANT SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

W

hat kind of world do I want to live in? What can I do to make that world a reality?

These are the types of heady questions that occupy the thoughts of our students.

They lie at the core of our school’s guiding principles around an appreciation of diversity and an emphasis on academic rigour, leadership, character development, selfexpression, physical fitness, service, and a global perspective.These questions are also at the center of what it means to be a global citizen. But how do our students go about answering these questions? Well…it starts here…with their involvement in the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Global Scholar Diploma (GSD) Program.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

46

Students are introduced to the Global Scholar Diploma (GSD) Program in Grade 11 and are paired with an advisor. Any work, activities, team participation, trips, programs, service, and leadership experiences undertaken throughout their time in Senior School are important elements in their development as global citizens and count as contributions towards their GSD. Students spend time working individually with their advisors, and as a cohort, discussing the nature of global citizenship as well as their own learning and growth. At the end of May in Grade 12, candidates submit a portfolio of personal experiences with learning reflections to demonstrate their long-term engagement and commitment to service, leadership, active living, relationship building, and environmental stewardship with global perspective being the ‘unifying’ sixth dimension.

Students must also achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and complete studies in a second language to the 30-level.

GLOBAL SCHOLARS

2018 Global Scholars (Back) Emily Black, Annabelle Hicks, Tayo Toriola, Alexander Chase, Henry McArdle, Paulina Har t, Kate Klotz, Brynne Stewar t (Front) Maya Lakhu, Elizabeth Barron, Ganiyat Sadiq, Holly Kletke, Maryn Franks, Zoë Johnson, Paige Hallman, Arzina Jaffer, Hannah Kerman-Milne Missing: Jyoti Ruparell

The GSD Program provides STS students with a framework to reflect on the interconnectedness of their experiences and how their every day work can make a difference globally. While STS provides students with opportunities to develop their global perspective, the GSD Program is an important opportunity to link wisdom gained on a service trip or student exchange, for example, to the learning taking place in the classroom, on the court, on the trail, on the stage, at a debate, or in the community.

In short, it supports the formulation of their view of the world and their place within it.

scholar, actor, leader, and athlete, joined the program because he felt “the best way to learn about yourself is by being creative and reflecting on your experiences without boundaries.” Arzina Jaffer ’18, who earned the Chancellor’s Scholarship to the University of Calgary, better understands the confidence she has gained “in being challenged by failure” and that “collaboration, as opposed to competition, is the key to success.”

Both of these global scholars credit their GSD experience with a more fulsome appreciation of their personal values, and that they clearly see how each of their experiences are connected and applicable to their futures. As importantly, they are well on their way to figuring out how they are going to put their stamp on the world.

Through their participation, GSD graduates come to understand their strengths and the ways in which they can direct their talents to becoming agents of positive change. Henry McArdle ’18, a 47

FALL 2018

CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

THE DIALOGUE STARTS HERE

BY ZUBAIR K ASSAM, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

EXPERTS IN EDUCATION We welcome STS community members to join us for the 4th annual Experts in Education Speaker Series event featuring:

D

7:00 pm, Thursday, April 26, 2018

We welcome STS community members to join us for the 5th annual Experts in Education Speakers Series event featuring author, speaker, and registered psychotherapist:

C.A. Smith Arts Centre, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Dr. Karyn Gordon

A sought-after educator, author, and speaker on bullying, parenting, ethical leadership, and the use of social media, Wiseman’s presentations transcend cultural and economic boundaries in her appeal to ensure children and teenagers’ well-being.

Wiseman’s talk will focus on creating cultures of dignity for young people, pulling back the curtain on what's really going on in children and teens' lives.

From young people's friendships, social media use, gossip, drama, bullying, and the constant pressure to "keep up," she will share how children and teens develop their sense of self and guide their decision making in everything from their academic choices, friends, and how they manage conflict. In addition, she'll give concrete advice to parents and educators.

Wiseman is the author of the New York Times’ bestsellers, Queen Bees & Wannabes, which was turned into the movie Mean Girls, and Masterminds & Wingmen.

Raising Healthy Kids and Teens in an Age of Overindulgence

2 018

2 017

EXPERTS IN EDUCATION

$15 ADMISSION For more information and to purchase tickets visit strathconatweedsmuir.com/speaker-series

Learn three strategies to raise healthy, balanced kids/teens. For parents and educators (K-12)

A passionate motivational speaker, best-selling author and TV personality, Dr. Karyn specializes

In this keynote, parents will learn: •

a comprehensive understanding of ‘over-

in coaching emotional intelligence skills and has a

indulgence’ and how it’s different from

unique ability to communicate complex research

‘spoiling’

in a simple and passionate way to all age groups, from students to Fortune 500 CEOs. Dr. Karyn’s presentation will focus on raising healthy kids and teens in an age of overindulgence.

Many young people live in a ‘buy now, pay later’ culture which is impacting their decision making, priorities, spending, self-discipline, and overall emotional and physical health.

7:00 pm, Tuesday, September 26, 2017

NOTE: STS students in Grades 5-12 will have special youth-focused sessions with Dr. Karyn Gordon on April 26 during the day.

Dr. Karyn Gordon has a doctorate in Marriage and Family. She is the author of Dr. Karyn's Guide To

•

common obstacles preventing families from achieving balance in their life

•

three practical strategies for raising healthy kids and teens with balanced decisionmaking skills

The STS Experts in Education Speaker Series brings world class speakers to share their ideas on current education related issues. Through this series, STS hopes to inspire and foster best practice in the teaching and learning community.

The Teen Years, a TV personality for Good Morning America and Cityline, as well as a TV producer for SUCCESS Stories (Rogers).

C.A. Smith Arts Centre, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

$15 ADMISSION For more information and to purchase tickets: strathconatweedsmuir.com/speaker-series/

NOTE: STS students in Grades 4 – 12 will have special youth-

The STS Experts in Education Speaker Series brings worldr. Linda Lambert, Professor Emeritus from California community focused sessions with Rosalind to learn from and converse with leading researchers class speakers to share their ideas on current educationrelated issues. Through this series, STS hopes to inspire and Wiseman on September 26 and State University, is attributed as having said, “one good and authorities across a range of disciplines within the field foster best practice in the teaching and learning community.

27, during the day. conversation can shift the direction of change forever.” of education. Each public presentation provides a wonderful The power of meaningful dialogue, what Lambert refers to as opportunity for audience members to engage with the “one good conversation,” together with research and professional presenters, both formally, during the presentation, and informally, development, are what Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School’s (STS’) following the presentation, when speakers make themselves Centre for Excellence in Teaching strives to capitalize on in its available for book signings and one-on-one conversations. ongoing efforts to create and share exceptional practices and Additionally, through the generosity of our donors, the Centre for programs for innovative teaching and learning.

Excellence is able to support the professional development of STS faculty by providing them with complimentary copies of the Our annual Experts in Education Speaker Series, having books written by the various Experts in Education Speakers. completed its fifth iteration in April of 2018, brings together STS faculty, educators from neighbouring school districts and During the 2017-2018 academic year, STS was fortunate to be other independent schools, parents, and members of the local able to host two outstanding speakers, Rosalind Wiseman and Dr.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

48

CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Karyn Gordon, both of whom, prior to their public presentations, engaged with STS students across the three divisions. Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannabes and Masterminds & Wingmen, focused on the central role children and teenagers’ sense of self plays in all aspects of their lives. Complementing Wiseman’s presentation, Dr. Karyn Gordon, author of Dr. Karyn’s Guide to the Teen Years, shared thoughtful parenting strategies aimed at developing the character of their children.

The desire not only to start, but also to further “good conversations” in order to promote innovative teaching and learning extends beyond the Experts in Education Speaker Series. Each year, the Centre for Excellence awards grants to STS faculty to pursue extraordinary professional development. Since 2014, eighteen STS faculty have benefitted from this grant and have used the funds to pursue diverse learning opportunities such as the Global Online Academy’s Summer Blended Learning Institute, the American Association of Physics Teachers Conference, and the Opal School Summer Symposium. Following their participation in these unique professional development experiences, grant recipients share their learnings, both in terms of their own professional growth and the positive impact on the student learning experience, with faculty during annual professional development days and division meetings to provide catalysts for further dialogue and learning.

Dr. Karyn Gordon book signing on campus.

Rosalind Wiseman meeting with STS students over lunch.

"Through the generosity of donors, $0.8 million raised from the Inspiring Possibilities campaign will continue to be invested in attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional faculty, and positioning STS as a Centre for Excellence in Teaching with the larger goal of enhancing student learning and engagement."

49

FALL 2018

ENROLLMENT

CHILDREN’S INCREDIBLE EDUCATION JOURNEYS START HERE

BY L AR A ( HAMNETT ) UNSWORTH ’95, DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

place – students are happy, confident, kind, and enjoy unique and meaningful experiences each and every day.

On tours I constantly hear comments like, “it just feels so good here”, “the children look so interested and genuinely like being here”, “the teachers seem to love what they do”, and “we’ve never seen a school like this before”.Those observations capture the intangible aspects that make STS so special, and that we as alumni, current students and parents, and employees know to be true. I love witnessing a family who knows nothing about our school feel and see those things for themselves.

“I do truly feel like we see students at a pinnacle moment in their lives, as they embark on a new and inspiring education adventure.”

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

I

have the best job in the world – showing off “my school”.

As an STS alumna, it has been my absolute privilege to work with families on their important journey to choose the right school for their children.

This year the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) Enrollment office has been in full swing with more than 200 prospective families visiting the school on personal tours. On these tours, I am continually buoyed by people’s positive reactions – to our beautiful campus, incredible facilities, warm and welcoming community, passionate teachers, and most importantly, the genuinely happy and confident children they see at every turn.

We, the “already converted”, truly believe that STS students find their passions, give back to their communities, make friends for life, seek out a life of purpose, and strive for excellence in all that they do.Visiting families see first-hand that STS is a unique 50

While families are impressed with STS, I have also been so impressed with the prospective students we’ve met recently – confident, articulate, and kind young people with a wide array of interests. While visiting STS they seemed genuinely excited about the opportunities our school can offer in support of them pursuing their passions and being successful, well-balanced individuals. With these young people at the helm our future as a society is indeed bright, and I am thrilled that most of them decide to join our school community.

Whether interviewing prospective students on the other side of the globe via Facetime, or hosting Shadow Mornings for all of our newly enrolled students to help them feel comfortable with their new school, every interaction we have with our prospective and new families is important and meaningful. I do truly feel like we see students at a pinnacle moment in their lives, as they embark on a new and inspiring education adventure. Like I said – best job in the world!

I am looking forward to a new school year and enrollment cycle starting this fall where we can continue to work with families on their journey to make our STS, their STS.

ENROLLMENT

CALLING ALL STS ALUMNI! Your school can be your children’s school too Did you know that we have more than 83 alumni children enrolled at STS next year? We encourage all alumni to bring your children for a tour. You will be amazed with what has changed and evolved with the times, and what special aspects of the school have stayed the same. Book your enrollment tour this fall and please let us know that you are alumni so we can personalize your tour.

Book your family tour today! Visit www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/admissions/book-a-campus-tour

The family tradition continues. Alumni siblings Joel Bond ’94 and Rachael Bond ’97 with their children Bobby ’30, Reina ’28, and Zoe ’31 who will be new STS students in fall 2018.

DID YOU KNOW?

STS provided more than $345,000 in financial awards through scholarships and bursaries this year, ensuring that all amazing students who want to attend STS can, without financial barriers.

51

FALL 2018

MENTORING

THE ROOTS THAT START AT STS

BY TINA KENNEDY, SENIOR SCHOOL LEARNING STR ATEGIST

"When our alumni come back to the school to share their lives, they are acknowledging and reciprocating all that teachers gave of themselves during the students’ formative years and, as teachers, it is not lost on us how special this connection is."

Faculty catching up with visiting alumni.

A

fter twenty years of teaching in six different schools, I have worked with thousands of students, of various ages, in various settings, and have always hoped that I’m making a positive impact in these young peoples’ lives.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is the first school where I regularly see tangible evidence of this positive impact because it is the first place I’ve taught where it is the norm for studentteacher relationships to extend beyond the student’s Grade 12 year, and where it is the norm for teachers and students to share life experiences.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

52

Our graduates come back to STS during their university breaks to visit teachers, to participate in alumni panels, and to offer their new-found expertise to specific programs like our Design classes or the Outdoor Education program. After university, many of our alumni participate in special days such as Speech Day and Homecoming, reconnecting with teachers and fellow students.

When our alumni come back to the school to share their lives, they are acknowledging and reciprocating all that teachers gave of themselves during the students’ formative years and, as teachers, it is not lost on us how special this connection is. When

MENTORING

our graduates return, they are greeted with hugs and genuinely interested, How have you been’s? and What are your next plans?.

As we’ve always done, we encourage them to keep moving towards extraordinary futures.

Students are in the beginnings of their learning journey when attending STS, and it is an honour to continue as their cheerleaders after they leave our walls.

At STS, teachers travel all over the world with their students, coach them in various sports, OE adventures, speech and academic endeavours, and advise them through many long-term projects. If you ask any teacher here, they will comment on how these experiences with students outside the classroom have helped develop life-long relationships with students and their parents, and have left them with memories they’ll always treasure. We make intentional choices to participate in co-curricular activities with our students because we know the value experience adds

to learning, that every child needs a mentor, and that success cannot be defined simply by marks.

In everything we do with and for our students, we are contributing to a foundation which allows students to go boldly into this world to make positive impacts; we are giving them the tools they need to carry themselves successfully forward; we are creating relationships which enrich all of our lives. Every year

53

our teachers, and these relationships with students, add to a community which is the “home place” for so many alumni, parents of alumni, and former faculty who can blossom because of the roots which started at STS.

FALL 2018

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

IT STARTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BY TASHA BELIX, CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST, AND L ARRY CL ARK, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

Consulting Psychologists, Brent Macdonald and Tasha Belix, facilitating one of four Coffee Talk meetings offered to parents and faculty on campus.

B

eing a teenager today is harder than it was in the past.This generation is dealing with different external stressors than those affecting prior generations.

These external factors add to the already full plate of today’s high-achieving youth: how many likes you get on Instagram; exceptionally high grades required for university entrance; overscheduled lives; perfectionist tendencies; and a societal message about the future based on a scarcity model. These and other stressors can add to a perfect storm. Although our bodies are biologically wired to handle stress, what we see happening today is that the average baseline of stress is higher than was

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

reported in the past. Stress is a part of life and it can be a good thing, but when it moves from stress that you feel you have the skill to handle, to where your skills to cope fall short, you have a problem. When stress becomes chronic, it is called anxiety and this can be harmful.

Psychological well-being is one of the cornerstones of academic success. Regardless of your age and grade, there will likely be times when things get stressful and you will feel overwhelmed.

It is important to learn and practice healthy coping strategies at a young age, so you don’t numb your feelings or find unhealthy ways to escape life when things get tough.

54

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

At STS, we are actively exploring new ways to support our students and dispel the stigma surrounding mental health issues.The following initiatives were put in place this year: • Hosted annual events such as Diversity Week, Bullying Awareness Week, and this year’s first annual Open Arms Mental Health Week; • Took a group of Middle and Senior School students to the Head Strong Mental Health Summit where students were encouraged to be mental health leaders in their school communities. Students at the workshop created and shared ideas and events to host at their schools to promote the importance of mental health; • Invited psychologists, Dr. Brent Macdonald and Ms.Tasha Belix, to lead professional development sessions for all faculty; • Offered a unique opportunity for Dr. Brent Macdonald and Ms.Tasha Belix to share their expertise and knowledge with parents and answer questions during a series of casual ‘coffee talks’ covering topics such as sleep, anxiety, technology, and preparing for the end of the school year; • Provided group sessions, led by Ms.Tasha Belix, to all Grades 4 to 6 students to promote positive relationships; • Offered mindfulness workshops for our Grade 11 students in the Theory of Knowledge classes; • Delivered sessions to our Grades 6 and 9 to 12 students on stress management and study strategies to help them learn more efficiently; • Initiated the Popcorn Club as a place for Middle School students to get help with schoolwork and to provide a fun place for students to hang out at lunch; and • Dr. Jones formed a committee to be proactive about mental health within our school.

IT STARTS WITH STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING

By Emily Fraser, Middle School Band Teacher Schools have a responsibility to create safe and caring environments that contribute positively to students’ well-being. One way that students can get involved in promoting and protecting human rights is by joining the Gender and Sexuality Awareness Club (GSA).The GSA is open to Middle and Senior School students and helps destigmatize sensitive aspects related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression through a variety of initiatives.

Some of our most popular events this year were rainbow and “genderbread” cookie decorating activities, which helped raise awareness in a fun and engaging way. During Bullying Awareness Week, students were encouraged to write down something they are proud of on rainbow themed sticky notes, which are on display near the Peter B. Ditchburn Library. A group of students were fortunate to attend the Alberta GSA Conference at Central Memorial High School where they met with hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth and allies from all over Alberta and participated in workshops. For Valentine’s Day, the GSA showed a powerful video during assemblies from the “Love Has No Labels” campaign and created a beautiful art display.

The highlight of the year was the alumni panel which the GSA organized for Diversity Week. Senior School students heard from Justine Stevens ’10, Brendan MacArthur Stevens ’07, Mark Storwick ’13, John Storwick ’10, and Shiv Ruparell ’15. It was inspiring and eye-opening to hear STS alumni who are members of the LGBTQ+ community share their stories and give advice. STS wrapped up the year by hosting an AntiDiscrimination Roundtable for students and teachers in the Foothills region.Through these events, the GSA continues to have a meaningful impact on our community.

Using the results of an in-depth student survey, more preventative and support programs will be offered on an ongoing basis, to students, teachers, and parents as STS continues to take the necessary steps to set the gold standard for providing a safe school and caring environment.

We continue to see positive impacts from these initiatives, and know that our caring community, and the provision of safe spaces for students to talk about how they feel is making a difference.This will remain a focus at STS, because we know that our students’ health and happiness are keys to their success.

55

FALL 2018

OUR STS COMMUNITY

IT STARTS WITH A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER TODD WORSLEY ’88, ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR

L

ast year was a transformative year for Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) as we celebrated the successful completion of our Inspiring Possibilities campaign. With support from our community of parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and employees, we raised an amazing $27.3 million for new and inspiring facilities, scholarships and bursaries, and funds for our ongoing commitment to teaching excellence.

Our community’s support resulted in 67 percent parent participation in our campaign, 100 percent participation from our first-ever Kindergarten families, and 90 percent from employees. Our campaign was successful because of a strong, engaged community making STS a philanthropic priority. Through philanthropy we enrich our beloved school, uphold the school’s values and traditions, and teach our students what it means to be part of a vibrant community.

"I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and employees, be they past, present or future. Our community never ceases to inspire."

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

As Chair of the Advancement Committee, a current parent, and an alumnus, it was a proud moment for me to see the school transformed by a community of diverse people working together to leave a legacy for our next generation of leaders. When I look back at all the improvements that the school has undertaken since my family joined the STS community in 1980, it is overwhelming and inspiring to catalogue all of the capital improvements – Anderson Hall, the Black Watch Bistro, the C.A. Smith Arts Centre, the Sandy Heard Sports Centre, the acquisition of an adjacent 62 acres of land, an expanded Middle and Senior School wing, Aspen Lodge, and many, many other projects.

None of these improvements, nor any future capital 56

improvements, are possible without the support of philanthropy. And what support we have seen.

Tuition covers the school’s basic operating expenses, but ALL capital assets (land, buildings, equipment, fixtures, landscaping, etc.) as well as student financial assistance, and commitment to our teachers through professional development rely on the generosity of our community and that community’s commitment to pay it forward that which has been so graciously provided by past supporters. I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and employees, be they past, present or future. Our community never ceases to inspire.

With the Inspiring Possibilities campaign over, our focus in the year ahead is to celebrate our 700 plus donors; to show them the impact of their generosity, and to express our ongoing gratitude for their support. While we have much to celebrate, as evidenced most vividly by our transformative new Elementary School and Fine Arts facility, we are also aware that we need to continually nurture the culture of philanthropy that we have worked hard to create and sustain within the STS community. In the fall, our attention also turns to the annual appeal when we’ll ask our community to participate in funding a less ambitious, but nonetheless important, list of priorities identified by students and employees.

On behalf of our students and employees, thank you for your generosity and commitment to STS — Nil Nisi Optimum.

OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY

IT STARTS WITH A STRONG ALUMNI COMMUNITY

BY DANA (MENDHAM ) LOUGHEED ’90, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

S

ince joining the STS Alumni Executive, I've been in awe of our vibrant alumni community and the strength of connection that we enjoy, stemming from our shared experiences at STS. It is truly a special community.

I am also proud of how much our Association has accomplished over the past decade, building even stronger bonds upon which we can rely on within the STS family.

It is important to note that significant funds from alumni donations, raised during the Inspiring Possibilities campaign, will support scholarships and bursaries, which means that deserving students with financial need will have access to the same opportunities that we enjoyed. I would like to give a special thanks to the Mills family; Ray ’81,Trevor ’85, and Monique ’87, for spearheading alumni donations through the Mills Alumni Matching Challenge. In the words of one of our bursary recipients, “STS is an amazing community that has given me skills, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime and there are no words to express how much this means to me. As I graduate, please know that your donations have been a gift not just of education, but one of friendship, experience, and community. I can’t possibly thank you enough.” It is not only their involvement, but also this culture of philanthropy that makes our alumni community the strongest amongst the many independent schools in the province.

I have been so grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of the Alumni Association. As I transition to the role of Past President, I congratulate and look forward to serving our new incoming President, Mark LeDain ’08. I know he will continue to strengthen our Association to make our best even better.

This year, specifically, was an amazing year for the STS Alumni Association, impressing upon me the commitment of our alumni to the future of our Association and our alma mater.

I hope you can attend our 2018 Homecoming and Family Fall Fair on September 22, 2018. It will be a fantastic day on campus for the whole family to celebrate our alma mater, to enjoy a tour of our new facilities, to meet our wonderful new Head of School, Carol Grant-Watt and, most of all, to see old friends.

An increased number of alumni participated in many aspects of school life, including Speech Day, mentorship programs, guest speaking, and networking events. Alumni also has a strong presence on the Board and several subcommittees. Our Association hit new high watermarks, including the highest attendance ever at this year’s annual alumni dinner. For the first time, our alumni and parent community collaborated on the fundraising gala, Momentum, raising $160,000 for our new and inspiring facilities. We had a record number of alumni donating in support of the Mills Alumni Challenge and the Inspiring Possibilities campaign, reaching five percent alumni participation.

In closing, I thank you for your continued support and involvement in our alumni and greater STS community. By continuing to volunteer, to take part in alumni events, and through your philanthropy, we will continue to build and strengthen the impact of our inspiring STS community.

57

FALL 2018

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

CELEBR ATING THE 2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA: PAM HEARD ’73

BY L AR A ( HAMNETT ) UNSWORTH ’95, DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Pam Heard ’73 at the 11th Annual Alumni Dinner with daughters (L) Pippa Ruddy ’05 and (R) Katie Ruddy ’07.

C

ommitment, dedication and service describe Pam Heard ’73 in all aspects of her life. Pam attended Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls from 1967 – 1971, and graduated from STS in 1973, receiving the Governor General’s Award.

this fall, making Pam’s family a rare four generation family to be connected to the School.

Pam has demonstrated her commitment and contribution to her alma mater since graduation, serving as the Class of 1973 Representative to keep her peers engaged with each other and with the School. Her leadership increased over the last decade as Pam served on the STS Board of Governors from 2012 to 2014, coinciding with her term as the President of the Alumni Association. In addition, she served as the Alumni Annual Events Committee Chair, and as a member of the PreCampaign Steering Committee. In all of these capacities Pam has

Pam’s father, Sandy Heard, was STS’ founding Head of School, 1967 – 1983. During that time, Pam attended STS, alongside her siblings, and lived in the Head of School residence on campus.

Continuing the family tradition, Pam’s two daughters and nieces all attended STS, and now her niece, who is also a teacher at STS, has a son who is starting his own STS journey in Kindergarten OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

58

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

PREVIOUS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS 2004 Steven Johnson ’74 2005 Donald Cross ’47 2006 Sandy Heard ’46 2007 Marmie Hess ’34 2008 David Dover ’48

Pam receives her award (L to R) Bill Jones, Pam Heard ’73, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Mark Le Dain ’08.

Pam during her time as a student at STS (back row, third from left).

modeled the School’s motto “Nil Nisi Optimum,” and has contributed “nothing but her best” to the growth of STS through her leadership, generosity, time, and energy.

Education, family, community, and going above and beyond.These are Pam’s priorities and they are beautifully aligned with the values we hold dear at STS.

Professionally, Pam has established a solid reputation as a leader in Calgary’s corporate and non-profit sectors, and is currently the Executive Director of the Prostate Cancer Centre. She is a tireless volunteer in the Calgary community, and is regularly featured in the Calgary Herald society pages supporting a wide variety of important causes in our city.

Pam’s commitment and service to her alma mater is exceptional. She continually demonstrates her dedication to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, as well as its successful future. We are so proud to have her as a member of our alumni family and to name her the 2018 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient. Congratulations Pam!

2009 David McDermid ’57 2010 Fred Mannix ’56 and Ron Mannix ’62 2011 Janice Heard ’75 2012 John Francis ’47 2013 Gretchen (Cross) Thompson ’78

Established in 2003, the Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honour bestowed upon an alumnus of STS and our founding schools: Strathcona School for Boys, Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls and St. Hilda’s School.

The recipients of this award embody the importance of the partnership between the School, cur rent parents, and alumni for the School’s enduring success and sustainabilit y. These dedicated individuals give in a multitude of ways – with time, talent and financial resources – all for the betterment of STS.

59

2014 Richard Lindseth ’73 2015 Chris Shopperly ’80 2016 Vinay Ruparell ’80

FALL 2018

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: AIMEE-JO BENOIT ’97

GETTING INVOLVED STARTS A WAVE OF NOSTALGIA EACH TIME

BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

t’s the feeling STS alumna Aimee-Jo Benoit ’97 has every time she comes to the School that has kept her coming back. And it’s the memories of her experiences and the nostalgia it creates that spurred Aimee-Jo to take on the role of Chair of the Alumni Events Committee.

“When I first started helping, I wasn’t sure what I would be able to do or where my skill of just “knowing people” would make a difference. It was this idea, of creating a network of people that have a shared experience, and desire to maintain that experience for future alumni.The nostalgia and comforting feelings that come back when you get involved are worth it,” said Aimee-Jo. As a result, Aimee-Jo has been making connections and building relationships with STS alumni in order to promote the community she cares so much about.

“There’s a willingness to just help each other, as soon as you find out someone is from STS, and they ask for help, you always help them.There’s this instant desire to bend over backwards to do something for them,” Aimee-Jo explained.

She’s noticed a change in the School since getting involved years ago, describing it as a “rollercoaster of energy and excitement.” Aimee-Jo plays a role in organizing alumni events, such as the Annual Alumni Dinner, Alumni Stampede Party, and Homecoming celebrations and co-chaired last year’s Momentum gala.

Beyond that, Aimee-Jo sits on the Alumni Executive Committee. “It’s been really cool to see how advanced OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

and physically different the school is, but at the core, it’s really the same,” she said.

Aimee-Jo attended STS for Grades 4 through 12.

During that time, she got her first taste of singing while taking part in music classes, choir and musical productions every year. It was this first taste that started Aimee-Jo on a life-long journey with singing and music. “I really enjoyed musical theatre,” said Aimee-Jo. “I felt at home there.”

Once graduating from STS in 1997, Aimee-Jo spent six months in Switzerland at Neuchâtel Junior College, taking courses that interested her, including philosophy and western civilization. It was in Switzerland that Aimee-Jo discovered a subject area that truly interested her:The Philosophy of Religion. “Not only was I interested in it, I was good at it,” she said. When Aimee-Jo returned home to Calgary, she attended Mount Royal University, majoring in Religious Studies and after two years there, went on to the University of Calgary to complete her Bachelor of Arts in the same area of study.

It was then that Aimee-Jo decided to change things up a bit, and headed to Vancouver to further her career in jazz singing. She soon returned to Calgary to join a band while also attending the University of Calgary, and chose to do her Master’s in Religious Studies.

Aimee-Jo is now a mother to three young daughters, the youngest being nine-months-old. In fact, Aimee60

"The nostalgia and comforting feelings that come back when you get involved are worth it."

Jo defended her Master’s thesis while nine-months pregnant with her first daughter. When she isn’t busy between raising her family and taking part in STS events, Aimee-Jo still performs as a jazz singer around the city.

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: MYLES CHASE ’15 AND SCOTT WILSON ’15

IT STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION

BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S

TS alumni Myles Chase ’15 and Scott Wilson ’15 want to start a conversation.The two university students have begun a non-profit organization, Open Arms, as a way to educate high school and post-secondary students on the importance of mental health and supporting friends through difficult times.

“We want to have conversations about the issues we see in high school and university. Issues get worse when students feel isolated, which can come from the difficult transition to university. People start to isolate themselves and may not have friends they are comfortable with to have those conversations,” said Scott. We want to educate people on how to have those conversations. Our hope is that students will ask, ‘How are you?’, and mean it,” he continued.

Myles and Scott met while attending STS.They were both involved in the many different programs at STS and credit the close-knit community of the school as the catalyst of their friendship.

“The best part about STS is that it’s a diverse community.There are so many different people and different experiences. We took learning from other people and made it about how we can better ourselves,” said Scott.

The key to Open Arms is something called “Sign the Pledge.” Students are encouraged to sign their names to a public pledge as a signal to their peers that they are open for conversations and, if they need, to reach out to them for help. After signing, students receive an email from Open Arms that outlines how to start a conversation with your friends and peers about mental health.

“When you talk to your friend and have heart to hearts, you remember those for years.

They mean a lot more,” said Myles.

This year, STS took part in its first Open Arms week by sharing the five “STS has so many supports in place and steps to a conversation over five days. In people you can talk to. It’s a great environment fact, the organizing for that – it’s very inclusive.” committee was led

by Myles and Scott’s and is currently on a semester-long exchange to siblings, Alex Chase ’18 and Julia Wilson ’18, along with Sweden. Scott is a student at Western University 14 other students. The school hosted a number of majoring in finance. It was their shared experience and speakers, students were able to sign their own pledge, observations in university that spurred them to begin and took part in a variety of activities – including a Open Arms in 2017. balloon stomp to ‘stomp out the stigma.’

“In high school, people would share the difficult things “STS has so many supports in place and people you they were going through. It’s hard to hear those stories can talk to. It’s a great environment for that – it’s very and know what to say. We want every student at inclusive,” said Scott. “When someone has difficulties STS and beyond to know how to have these hard and they go to a friend, it can cause a chain reaction. conversations, because a conversation, can save a life.”

A friend is usually the first person you go to,” he said Myles. continued.

To learn more about Open Arms, visit their website at Both alumni are in their third year of university. Myles www.open-arms.ca. is attending Queen’s University studying business, 61

FALL 2018

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: PETER HOANG ’90

IT STARTS WITH THE FIRST STEP

BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S you.

TS alumnus Peter Hoang ’90 has come full-circle in his life. But if you had told him 25 years ago where he’d be today, he wouldn’t have believed

It was a few chance moments that led Peter to where he is. “I took a really strange route in life. It is so wildly improbable that those stars would align,” said Peter.

“This whole story all started at STS.” Peter and his family are first-generation immigrants to Canada. He was born in Vietnam during the Vietnam war, but he and his family fled to a refugee camp in Guam when he was three-years-old. After spending a year there, Peter and his family immigrated to Canada, where his father set up a medical practice in the small town of Oyen, Alberta.

As Peter grew older, his father decided that he needed a more fulfilling education and made the decision to move Peter to Calgary so he could attend STS in Grade 8.

“STS was the first step. A lot of what STS meant to me was figuring out my place in the world. I was figuring out who I was and what I could be,” said Peter.

Peter’s father was a doctor and he believed that he too, would grow up to be a doctor. After graduating from STS in 1990, he headed to Yale University with the intent to move on to medical school.

“In my mind, there were two jobs in the world. I could be a doctor or be a lawyer,” Peter joked.

One summer during his time at Yale, Peter’s roommate suggested he check out an internship with the investment banking firm, Goldman Sachs.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

“I was probably terrible at it but it stuck. It turned into a 16 year career,” Peter explained.

After those 16 years on Wall Street, Peter knew it was time to move on. “It was a great professional experience – what I learned in investment banking made everything possible that I’ve done since. I took up a very eclectic niche within the profession, focusing on contested situations and hostile transaction defense, but I got some really cool deals done,” said Peter.

He went into venture capital focusing on cancer therapy, and ended up working in the same area as his wife, who is a cancer research scientist.

Eventually, the couple ended up working together at MD Anderson Cancer Center before moving together to Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, a company Peter helped take public through an IPO. “It turns out that we make a pretty good team,” laughs Peter.

During this time, Peter became a subject expert in cancer care, which helped him prepare for his current role as CEO of a publicly traded company,TapImmune.

TapImmune focuses on developing cancer treatments using immunotherapy, and recently acquired a new cell therapy technology that he believes may be the next great leap beyond CAR-T therapy.

“CAR-T therapy has amazing results. It has transformed cancer care for patients, generating an amazing rate of complete remissions for patients who have failed every other option,” said Peter. “However, it’s extremely toxic and mind-bogglingly expensive, and we see too many patients who initially respond to the therapy later 62

“STS was the first step. A lot of what STS meant to me was figuring out my place in the world. I was figuring out who I was and what I could be.” relapse. With our new therapy, we are seeing early clinical results in patients that make us think we may be able to fix each of those challenges with CAR-T therapies.”

TapImmune, which will be changing its name to Marker Therapeutics after the closing of its acquisition in the fall, now has the backing of some of the most respected investors in the field, including New Enterprise Associates, Aisling Capital and Perceptive Advisors and has enlisted the scientific support of many of the leading scientists in the field. Most importantly to Peter, it has set the stage to re-unite with his wife, professionally speaking – she is set to join the company as its new head of research and development.

“I believe our therapy could really change patients' lives. We still have a ton of work left to do in cancer care, but I think the results we’re seeing in patients are nothing short of transformational,” said Peter.

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: MIRIAM PAUL THACKER ’94

IT STARTS WITH CULTIVATING INTERESTS

BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

O

ne may not normally think of tax law as a global community-minded profession, but STS alumna Miriam (“Ria”) Paul Thacker ’94 has made her role at Google just that.

Ria is currently the Director and Senior Counsel of International Tax at Google in San Francisco.

Here, among other things, she is involved in bringing internet and cellphone access to people around the world, including remote areas of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Last year, her main focus was on Google’s Next Billion Users division, where, for example, an investment helped to create more than 1,600 kilometres of fiber networks in five cities across Uganda and Ghana.

For Ria, this role is suiting, as she credits her travels around Africa after university as having a huge impact on her life. “I wanted to explore other cultures and experience something outside my

“Because of the experience at STS, you’re not afraid of trying different things. Those different experiences shape you. The School fosters a passion to explore the unknown and aim high in achieving your goals.”

“I feel that because I went to this amazing school and was fortunate to have this opportunity, I should be doing great things that have an impact in society.”

norm. It was life-changing and I came back with a new outlook,” said Ria. “STS pushed us to experience new things and challenge ourselves,” she continued.

Ria, a mother of two, graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce before attending law school at Howard University in Washington, DC. She then went on to Georgetown University to obtain her masters in tax law.

“I always wanted to work in international law and international tax touched all the practice areas,” said Ria, who, prior to her role at Google, worked with The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta where she focused on projects in Eurasia by working with teams to make investments for the Company and guide some of their philanthropic work related to women, clean water and community well-being.

“It starts at STS, even if you didn’t know what you wanted to do. STS is amazing at cultivating interests.

Because of the experience at STS, you’re not afraid of trying different things.Those different experiences shape you.The School fosters a passion to explore the unknown and aim high in achieving your goals,” explained Ria, who attended STS from Grades 1 through 12. “I made decisions in life thanks to things 63

I learned at STS. I apply this at work every day in terms of how I conduct myself both personally and professionally.”

While at STS, Ria took part in the wide variety of programs the School offers, including the Agency Program. “It made you grateful for your own circumstances and taught you about serving others - it was a unique lesson in compassion. I still think about my Agency and working with the disabled adults at that center.”

But, what perhaps stood out to Ria the most, was the relationships she formed while at STS. By Grade 12, Ria explained, you and your classmates are very much a family. “You grow up together and you experience things together,” said Ria. “It’s a different kind of bond you have as STS alumni and I’m humbled by the achievements of our alumni.”

“I feel that because I went to this amazing school and was fortunate to have this opportunity, I should be doing great things that have an impact in society,” said Ria. FALL 2018

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: CONNOR WATEROUS ’10

IT STARTS WITH CORE VALUES

BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S

TS alumnus Connor Waterous ’10 remembers arriving at STS before the sun rose. A friend and he, both in the full IB Programme, would make the drive to school in the early morning to study together and meet with their teachers. Connor credits these memories – those of friendship and hard work – as among his favourites at STS. Connor attended STS from Grades 4 to12 and looks back on his time fondly. He took part in Model UN, the golf team, and was a Prefect in Grade 12. However, likely the biggest influence on him was Speech Day because, as Connor explained, it gave him the skills to succeed in the business world.

“I’ve always had a stutter, and Speech Day was a great opportunity to force me out of my comfort zone,” said

“The heart of every great leader, whether in business or elsewhere, is integrity, creativity, and hard work. They can lead by example.

I think about how fortunate I am to have those values instilled in me, thanks to STS.”

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

Connor. “Convincing people of the merit of your ideas is so important in business, and preparing and delivering persuasive speeches for Speech Day all those years was great practice.”

After graduating high school, Connor attended Harvard University in Boston. “People from all over the world come to Harvard. It became clear to me pretty quickly that because of the incredible education I had at STS, I was starting on first base,” said Connor.

During his time at Harvard, Connor spent his summers working in finance in Calgary and New York City. “I got my first real job through the father of a fellow STS classmate and also got to work with (STS alumnus) Mark Le Dain ’08. STS really helped me get my start. I still see a lot of people from STS in my daily life and in the business community,” said Connor.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2014 with a B.A. majoring in economics, Connor moved to New York to begin his career. He joined the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and spent three years there.

64

However, Calgary was calling Connor back and he returned to help his father in his new firm, Waterous Energy Fund, in 2017.There, Connor is able to combine his interests in business, finance, and oil and gas by investing in oil and gas companies on behalf of pension funds, endowments, and family offices.

As Connor has continued in his career, lessons learned at STS continue to ring true. “The heart of every great leader, whether in business or elsewhere, is integrity, creativity, and hard work.They can lead by example. I think about how fortunate I am to have those values instilled in me, thanks to STS,” Connor said.

HOMECOMING 2018 AND FAMILY FALL FAIR

Saturday, September 22, 2018 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

STS Country Campus The entire STS community is invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of activities for the whole family including a farmers’ market, a petting zoo, face painting, school tours, OE activity, delicious food, alumni rugby and field hockey, an alumni lounge, and tours of our new inspiring facility.

Alumni classes celebrating their reunions this year include: 1905-1970, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013. Class reunion parties will be held the evening of September 22, 2018 and are organized by class representatives.

For event details visit: strathconatweedsmuir.com/homecomingandfallfair

We can’t wait to see you!

65

FALL 2018

2018 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI

Nil Nisi Optimum (NNO) Alumni are selected from a multitude of decades and professions, and have brought great honour and pride to their alma mater. This year, two more alumni who have demonstrated notable accomplishments in leadership, service and dedication to their profession and community joined this prestigious group.

JAN JAFFER ’97, DENTIST Jan’s interest in dentistry was piqued at an early age when he accompanied his father to care for patients with dental emergencies on weekends.

After graduating from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) in 1997, Jan completed the fiveyear dental program at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he graduated with his doctorate in 2002 at the age of 22.

Upon graduation he was admitted into the OKU (Omega Kappa Upsilon) Fraternity in the top ten percent of the graduating class.

Upon graduating from dental school, Jan joined his father’s family dental practice and was mentored on how to build and nurture caring relationships. It is this ethos of hard work, integrity and giving back to his patients, staff and the community, both local and global, that led Jan to develop the TREC Dental Partnership that operates 15 dental clinics in the Calgary area.

All of Jan’s partners at these clinics share his passion for social consciousness, and they are all actively involved in giving back to the community.

In 2018,TREC Dental partnered with CUPS to operate a free dental clinic in Calgary providing care to some of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens.

Jan regularly volunteers with Kindness in Action, Dentistry For All, and the Alex Bus. He has been on 11 overseas dental missions to perform dentistry in remote communities in Guatemala, OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

Peru,Tibet, Morocco, and Ecuador. Jan is also very active in his local community. He is currently the Vice Chair of the World Partnership Walk Calgary. He is passionate about health and fitness, absolutely loves Crossfit, and is the co-owner of TREC Fit Lab, a gym in Calgary’s North West that helps others get fit and healthy.

Jan has been invited to speak at national meetings on practice management and team empowerment and is currently a lecturer with Straumann Dental in the field of restorative implant dentistry.

66

STS was so much more to me than just a school. It was the community that I grew up with and that taught me so many valuable lessons. My peers and the faculty challenged me to grow academically and to appreciate the great outdoors. However, a much more valuable skill I developed was how to be an empathetic and caring leader. This humility, respect and the desire to help others succeed has made me the man I am today and for which I will always be grateful to STS and the many mentors in my life.

2018 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI

MAYA GOHILL ’92, ARTIST Maya Gohill is a formally trained artist and illustrator who divides her practice between fine art, painting, and interior design. Born in Calgary, Gohill graduated from STS in 1992 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the University of Calgary before moving to San Francisco, CA, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Academy of Art University, in 2001. After a period as a tenured Instructor of Fine Arts at the Antelope Valley College in Southern California, she returned to Calgary where she worked as a sessional instructor at the Alberta College of Art and Design and continued her art practice. Most recently, she has been credited with the creation of the 1000+ square foot painted public art piece/mural housed in the Simons retail store in downtown Calgary. Even more recently, she executed the interior design of Calgary’s Calcutta Cricket Club restaurant, and was credited with the Award for Best Restaurant Interior Design in all of Canada by Canada’s 100 Best Magazine for 2018.

Maya has earned awards from the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators, and was short listed by George Lucas to produce a piece for the well-known “Star Wars Art: Visions” anthology.

Public art pieces also include the design of a large mural housed in the Los Angeles County Micheal D Antonovich Courthouse in the Antelope Valley. Additionally, her works are on display in private and public collections throughout North America and in the UK. Gohill’s reviews and acknowledgements have appeared in Canada’s 100 Best Magazine, Globe and Mail, Western Living, Flare Magazine, Dote Magazine, Four Magazine, Branded Magazine, Avenue Magazine, and has been featured on both the Marilyn Denis Show and CBC arts.

One of the biggest advantages of attending STS as a young adult was that it developed my understanding of the value of community and relationship. The close-knit nature of our class, including our teachers, had a magical, inclusive quality to it, which I still value to this day. I also appreciated the quality of the instruction, and the values of respect for people and education that were instilled in us by attending STS. Smaller details that made STS unique, like standing when a teacher entered the classroom, wearing our uniform according to a standard, and the high degree of discipline we adhered to are all things which have informed the way I have approached life since graduating from STS.

Formally trained in classical and figurative oil painting, Maya uses her extensive knowledge of design and fine art to inform the stylistic choices which are found in her interior design, illustration and fine art work. Maya currently lives and works in Calgary.

67

FALL 2018

ALUMNI EVENTS

ALUMNI EVENT HIGHLIGHTS JULY 2017 – JUNE 2018

T

he STS Alumni Association fosters a lifelong relationship with alumni, keeping our school’s deep-rooted traditions alive, while providing opportunities to be engaged with the STS community.

Our ever-growing alumni community consists of more than 6,000 former students, parents, retired teachers and staff – and this family loves to get together and reconnect with each other and the School.

We hold many alumni events on the STS campus and around the globe each year.These events give our alumni the chance to reconnect, reminisce and

celebrate.They also bring our current students and successful alumni together to share stories of their experiences, paths taken and lessons learned.These invaluable mentorship opportunities add to the STS student experience, giving them a supportive and nurturing network, far beyond their grade school years.

Check out highlights of the alumni events held this past year on the following pages. We hope to see you at these events next year!

1

3

2

4

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

None of these events would be possible without the immense effort of our numerous alumni volunteers. We sincerely thank you for all that you do to build and support our special STS community !

5 68

ALUMNI EVENTS

6 14 10

7 11

15 8 12

1.

16

13

9 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Monique Mills ’87, Micah Libin ’91, Cheryl Dooley ’87, Peter Yates ’91, Shelley Beattie ’87, Terry Blumes ’91

6. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Bill Jones, Head of School, Larry Clark, Faculty, Michelle Melton, Faculty, Lochlyn Clark ’17, Jane Abboud, Faculty, Sloan Pipella-Clark ‘81

2. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Geoff Evamy Hill ’10, Katherine Wynne ’10, Chris Edwards ’09, Marshall Palmer ’10, Kate Koplovich ’10. Caleb Wall

7. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Vanessa Parker ’17, Marianne Brett ’16, Cali Barnstead ‘16

3. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Erin (McFarlane) Rathwell ’00, Kelly Bruce ’98, Ciara Glendon ’98, Keelin Glendon ‘00

8. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Sean Gunton ’93, Joanna Card ’93, Shauna Spear, Kevin Spear ‘92

4. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 (Back) David Pierce ’90, Helen Harper, Former Faculty, Jacqui Stone ’05, Emily Way ’10, Leanne Young ‘10 (Front) Jenna Lakhani ’10, Jahan Lakhani ’08, Zach Miller ’11, Daniel Livergant ‘14

9. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Helen Harper, Former Faculty, Dale Greene ‘96

5. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Asha Ruparell ’15, Kelsey Lussier ’15, Leah Lussier ’17, Trevor Julian, Assistant Head of School and Senior School Principal

10. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Heather Friesen ’06, Adam Le Dain ’10, Tom Jacobs ’10, Hanna Schaef

69

11. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Jack Schneider ’90, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Brigid Stewart, Former Faculty, David Pierce ’90, Baruch Laskin ‘90 12. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Alec Clark, Alumni Parent, Maclean Clark ’14, Andrew Stone ‘14 13. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Samuel Liesker, Patrick Liesker, Alumni Parent, Willem Liesker ’15, Claartje van Stokkum 14. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Luke Colborne ’96 and his band “Lucky Sonne” 15. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Luke Colborne ‘96 16. 9th Annual Alumni Stampede Party, July 10, 2017 Andrew Donohoe, Ashley (Skiber) Donohoe ’92, Brandy James ‘93

FALL 2018

ALUMNI EVENTS

25

17

20

26

18 27 21

19 22 17. Class of 1987 – 30-year reunion, September 2017 18. Class of 1992 – 25-year reunion, September 2017

28

19. Class of 1997 – 20-year reunion, September 2017 20. Class of 2002 – 15-year reunion, September 2017 21. Class of 2007 – 10-year reunion, September 2017

23

22. Class of 2012 – 5-year reunion, July 2017 23. London, UK Alumni Reunion, October 6, 2017 Bill Jones, Head of School, Caroline (Wuensche) Haas ’88, Michael Haas 24. London, UK Alumni Reunion, October 6, 2017 Sandra Engstrom ’98, Jenna Amlani ’12, Shiv Ruparell ’15, Robert Hares ‘06 25. London, UK Alumni Reunion, October 6, 2017 (Back) Will Hares ’03, Bill Jones, Head of School, Rosalyn (Rahme) Dwan ’79, Caroline (Wuensche) Haas ’88, Michael Haas, Scott McDermid ’88, Stefan Romocki ’94, Robert Hares ‘06 (Front) Jenna Amlani ’12, Sandra Engstrom ’98, Shiv Ruparell ’15, Molly Calkins ’16, Brenda Thompson, Alumni Engagement and Events

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

24 26. Senior School Students and Alumni Speed Mentoring, November 3, 2017 (Back) Rick Weissenborn ’88, Andrew Ferguson ’96, Eric Peters ’02, Margot McNeil ’09, Rachel Bond ’97, Adam Hoffman ’00, Trevor Julian, Assistant Head of School and Senior School Principal (Front) Bill Jones, Head of School, Ian Graham ’93, Halley Carcasole ’04, Jason Fong ’03, Kristen Monzingo ’03, Bo Jiango ’00 Missing: Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Faye (Sidorsky) Steinberg ‘89 27. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 28. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 29. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 30. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action

70

29 31. Young Alumni Networking Event, November 23, 2017 (Back) Brenda Thompson, Alumni Engagement and Events, Katie Ruddy ’07, Taylor Kitchen ’09, Mark Le Dain ’08, Evan Ferguson ’10, Beth McFarlane ’08, Virginia Cooke ’12, Adam Le Dain ’10, Will Kennedy ’11 (Front) Mary Hansen ’10, Rachel Roskey ’09, Brittany Girling ’09 Missing: Geoff Evamy-Hill ’10 32. Alumni Employee Christmas Luncheon, December 5, 2017 (Back) Bruce Wilson, Lynda Weicker, Peter Ditchburn, Sharon Gibson, Bill Lorfing, Alice Wyatt, Brigid Stewart, Ev Neighbour, Frances (Stuart) MacLean ’70, Anne Thompson, Layne Clark, Pat Wrinch, Henk Koning, Jim Walls, Bill Jones, Head of School (Front) John Tottenham, Tina Ierakidis, Pat Sullivan, Chris Thompson, Wendy Rodney, Mary Laughren 33. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 (Back) Sam Grootelaar ’17, Mackenzie Roth ’17, Bronwyn Turnquist ’17, Randi Thorbjornsen ’13, Andrea Weber, Faculty, Nola Adam, Faculty (Front) Charlee Witschi ’15, Maris Schneider ’15, Claire Fioretti ’17

ALUMNI EVENTS

30

35

43

39

31

36 40

44 32 41

33

34

37

38

42

45

34. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 38. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 (Back) Michael Spyker ’17, Mitch Sherar ’17, Jack Button ’17, Emily Neil ’17, Evan Kousinioris ’17, Mitch Sherar ’17, Maddie Powell ’17, Azeeza Randhawa ’17, Allison Simpson ’17, Tony Yacoub ’17, Hadley Rawling ’17 Emily Neil ’17 (Front) Rijel Hunley ’17, Glen McArthur ’17, 39. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Daniel Reid ’17, Ben Tilden ’17, Steve Johnston ’17 Sophie D’Aguiar ’15, Maris Schneider ’15, Kelsey Lussier ’15, 35. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Asha Ruparell ’15, Leigh McNeil-Taboika ’15, Charlee Witschi Reid Demosky ’17, Liam McLean ’17, Zak Khan ’17, ’15, Julia Tops ’15, Avery Brown ’15, Imaan Amlani ’15 Ryan Verburg ’17, Sam Grootelaar ’17, Evan Vadnai ’17 40. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 36. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Carl Lindvall ’13, Darcy Foo ’13, Tynan Stack ’13, Catherine Eksteen ’17, Beatrice Valmana Crocker ’17, Isaac Niles ’13 Dhananjay Gupta ’17, Abbey Norris ’17 41. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 37. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Maclean Clark ’14, Andrew Stone ’14, Brian Uzick, Faculty, Samantha McLean ’17, Emily Ford, Faculty, Sarah Clark ’17, Myles Chase ’15, Tom Farran ’15, Robbie McLean ’14 Lochlyn Clark ’17

71

42. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Maria Golubev ’14, Zach Miller ’14, Graham Gammell ’15 43. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Andrea Weber, Faculty, Mark Storwick ’13, Emily McNeill ’13, Nicole Herback ’13 44. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Bronwyn Turnquist ’17, Mackenzie Roth ’17, Madeleine el Baroudi ’17 45. Young Alumni Pub Night, December 21, 2017 Kristy Lee ’17, Alexis Moerman ’17, Leah Lussier ’17, Asha Ruparell ’15, Kelsey Lussier ’15, Maris Schneider ’15, Charlee Witschi ’15, Sahar Khan ’15, Chris Schneider, Assistant Principal of Senior School

FALL 2018

ALUMNI EVENTS

46

50

51

47

52

53

54

55

48

49 46. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 19, 2018 Thomas Hansen ’08, Jack Hansen ’06 47. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 19, 2018 Mitchell Beacom ’13, Bill Beacom ’10, Naheed Jivraj ’08, Ashley Vogeli ’09 48. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 19, 2018 Fatimah Gilani ’03, Jocelyn Reikie ’03, Greg McClary ’02 49. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 19, 2018 Mitchell Beacom ’13, Patrick Moumdjian ’13 50. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 19, 2018 Jignesh Patel ’00, Christian Steinbock ’93, David Shutiak ’80, Fatimah Gilani ’03

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

51. Tales from Undergrad Years, February 22, 2018 (Back) Glen McArthur ’17, Beatrice Valmana Crocker ’17, Hadley Rawling ’17, Abbey Norris ’17, Michael Spyker ’17, Tom Melvin-Smith ’17 (Front) Allison Simpson ’17, Mackenzie Roth ’17, Sarah Clark ’17, Kennedy Whitfield ’17, Catherine Eksteen ’17, Zak Khan ’17

53. Alumni Diversity Panel, April 19, 2018 Justine Stevens ’10, John Storwick ’10, Emily Fraser, Faculty, Mark Storwick ’13, Jane Abboud, Faculty, Brendan Stevens ’07 54. Grade 11 Panel Discussion with Alumni, May 9, 2018 Jeff Albert ’03 speaking with our Grade 11 students

55. Grade 11 Panel Discussion with Alumni, May 9, 2018 52. Alumni Speech Day Judges, March 21, 2018 Jeremy Ho ’05, Devon Antony ’08, Ian Graham ’93, (Back) Vanessa Olson-Hope ’04, Claire (Hoyer) Plett ’04, William Liam Dinning ’00, Halley Carcasole ’04 Whitehead ’12, Marshall Palmer ’10, Susan James, Former Parent, Zachary Carson ’12, Beth Aspinall ’88, Kate Alexander ’83 56. Grade 11 Panel Discussion with Alumni, May 9, 2018 (Front) Nadia Allibhai ’04, Sonya Hope ’02, Jason Fong ’03 speaking with our Grade 11 students Faye (Sidorsky) Steinberg ’89, Pat Sullivan, Former Faculty, Jason Fong ’03, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Katie Ruddy ’07 Missing: Hussein Bhojani ’10, Margot McNeil ’09

72

ALUMNI EVENTS

57. Class of 2018 Graduation Breakfast, May 31, 2018 Henry McArdle’18, Allyson Dutton ’18, Emma Edwardson ’18, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, President of the Alumni Association, Alex Chase ’18, Carl Chunta ’18, Paige Hallman ’18, Sheena Pujara ’18 58. Class of 2018 Graduation Breakfast, May 31, 2018 Brynne Stewart ’18, Maryn Franks ’18, Paulina Hart ’18, Victoria Maybaum ’18, Zoe Johnson ’18, Julia Wilson ’18 59. Class of 2018 Graduation Breakfast, May 31, 2018 Monika Molnos ’18, Annabelle Hicks ’18, Jacob Dowdall ’18, Holly Kletke ’18, Cameron Kletke ’18, Grace McLean ’18 60. Class of 2018 Graduation Breakfast, May 31, 2018 Lizzy Barron’18, Tomi Rabiu ’18, Ganiyat Sadiq ’18, Jyoti Ruparell ’18

58

56

57

59

60

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS Founding Schools Luncheon September 20, 2018 Location: Calgary Golf and Country Club

Senior School Students and Alumni Speed Mentoring Friday, November 2, 2018 – 1:30 p.m.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Homecoming 2018 and Family Fall Fair Saturday, September 22, 2018 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Activities for the whole family on the STS campus Tours of our new inspiring facilities will be available.

Young Alumni Networking Event November 2018 Location: TBD

Class Reunion Parties for graduating years ending in 3s and 8s The evening of Saturday, September 22, 2018

Vancouver Alumni Reunion January 2019 Location: TBD Victoria Alumni Reunion January 2019 Location: TBD Tales from Undergrad Years Thursday, February 21, 2019 1:30 p.m.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

STS Musical: Mamma Mia November 28, 29, 30, December 1, 2018 – 7:00 p.m.

C. A. Smith Arts Centre

Alumni Dinner Thursday, May 9, 2019 6:00 p.m.

Gasoline Alley, Heritage Park, Calgary Alumni Stampede Party Monday, July 8, 2019 5:00 p.m.

Sunterra Market, Downtown Calgary

Speech Day Wednesday, March 20, 2019 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Young Alumni Pub Night Thursday, December 20, 2018 7:30 p.m.

Joyce on 4th Irish Pub, Calgary

73

FALL 2018

ALUMNI DINNER

ALUMNI DINNER 2018

BY BRENDA THOMPSON, ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS

O

n Thursday, May 10, 2018 we held our 11th Annual Alumni Dinner at Gasoline Alley in Heritage Park. Over 235 members of the STS community came together to honour our 2018 Distinguished Alumna, Ms. Pam Heard ’73, retiring Head of School, Dr. William Jones, and 2017 Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumni recipients, Ms. Mercedes Stephenson ’99 and Mr. Micah Libin ’91.

Following dinner, tributes were given to Ms. Heard and Dr. Jones, and videos produced for each of them beautifully captured the sentiments of many who know them. In addition to these wonderful tributes, we had a fabulous dinner, great raffles, and entertainment by the STS Jazz Combo.

1

2 OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

3

4 74

ALUMNI DINNER

5

8

6

9

11

7

10

12

1.

7. Bill Brooks, Richard Lindseth ’73, Pippa Ruddy ’05, Pam Heard ’73, Lois Haskayne, Richard Haskayne, Katie Ruddy ’07, Craig Fisher

Pam Heard ’73, 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Bill Jones, Pam Heard ’73, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Mark Le Dain ’08

2. Retiring Head of School, Bill Jones Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Bill Jones, Brigid Stewart, Ingrid Harrison

8. Sharon Gibson, Jim Gibson, Frances (Stuart) MacLean ’70, Brent MacLean, David Milne-Ives, Holly Milne-Ives, Brigid Stewart, Helen Hoff

3. Recognizing our 2017 Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumni Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, NNO Notable Alumni recipients: Micah Libin ’91 and Mercedes Stephenson’99

9. (Back) Anne Evamy, Dinnie Baker, Mike Jackson, Eric Le Dain, Ian Beddis (Front) Catherine Evamy, Diana Rozsa, Ted Rozsa, Christie Wiltshire

4.

10. Bern Dayment ’75, Nicole Heard, Rod Heard ’82, Sloan Pipella-Clark ’81, Beth McFarlane ’08, Cynthia Heard ’77, Bob Swan, Mark Heard ’78, Susan Heard

Recognizing Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90 for her leadership of the STS Alumni Association Bill Jones, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Mark Le Dain ’08

5. Brigid Stewart, Barb Jones, Ingrid Harrison

11. Halle Shopperly ’16, Sarah Cooper ’16, Imaan Kherani ’16, Shellina Kherani, Danielle Spilak, Patrizia Mazzolani-Kemp ’79, Kristine Buffel

6. Shan Cross, Peter Ditchburn, Sue Ditchburn, Bill Jones, Barb Jones, Jana Wager, Gretchen (Cross) Thompson ’78

12. Joan Sveen, Warren Moore, Mary Laughren, Henk Koning, Carrie Duncan-Moore, Sandy Orsten, Wendy Rodney

75

FALL 2018

ALUMNI DINNER

13 16

14

17 15 13. (Front) Ian Graham ’93, Tyler (Gamey) Gunton ’93, Sean Gunton ’93 (Back) Emeline Lamond ’93, Brandy James ’93, Connie (Papas) Young ’93

19. Bhavini Ruparell, Tara Black, Cory Royal, Deb Marshall-Shopperly 20. Alisha Whitehead ’09, Rebecca Van Helden ’12, Alexa Burgess ’10

14. Stacey Holbrook ’06, Jacqui Stone ’05, Mark Le Dain ’08, Meredith Conrod

21. David Dover ’48 being interviewed by Ben Spilak ’19

15. Stephanie Thompson ’11, Danielle McArthur ’11, Bryce Albery ’11, Ashley (Itzcovitch) Libin ’11, Charles Rozsa ’12

22. Ian Shaw ’96, David Beddis ’96, Dale Greene ’96, Steve Mannix ’96, Andrew Ferguson ’96, Jeff Horan ’96, David Howard ’96, Chris Milne ’96

16. Angus Rawling ’15, Brad Itzcovitch ’13, Alistair Morton ’13, Liam Ostlund ’16, Ethan Kemp ’16, Daniel Molyneaux ’16, Braeden MacDougall ’16, Spencer McMaster ’16, Sean Michael Taylor ’16

23. Dion Ullrich, Peter Stewart ’90, Denise O’Donoghue ’85, Jack Schneider ’90, Stephanie (Smith) Jackman ’90, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Jessica (Peters) Schneider ’89, Tara Pipella ’85

17. (Front) Lois Haskayne, Pam Heard ’73, Richard Haskayne (Back) Craig Fisher, Katie Ruddy ’07, Beth McFarlane ’08, Cynthia Heard ’77, Bob Swan, Susan Heard, Mark Heard ’78, Rod Heard ’82, Nicole Heard, Pippa Ruddy ’05

24. Linnea Turnquist ’87, Pam Heard ’73, Bill Brooks 25. Alumni Dinner attendees

18. Alistair Morton ’13, Brad Itzcovitch ’13, Louise McArdle, Charlotte McArdle ’13, Riley Waterous ’13

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

76

ALUMNI DINNER

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25 77

FALL 2018

RETIRING EMPLOYEES

SWEET FAREWELLS… The following staff and faculty members retired from STS last year.

We are grateful for each of their important contributions in making STS an incredible school.

Mr. Art Thomson Mr.Thompson retired this year after 15 years of service to the STS community.

Art began his teaching at STS as a Middle School math and science teacher.

As the Spanish program in Middle School developed, Art soon transitioned to full-time Spanish teacher. Among classroom responsibilities, Art led language trips to Europe, Cuba and Mexico, and coordinated the annual Terry Fox Run. Art has fond memories of his time at STS and often said that he had wished he had started here earlier in his career.

Mr. Rob Lederer Rob Lederer has made a lasting impact on STS over the past ten years, and the community will certainly miss this beloved science instructor and running coach. As a member of the chemistry department, Rob has been known for his engaging lessons and unabashed enthusiasm, making his class a favourite for many students. Compassionate and caring, Mr. Lederer has also served as a confidant, advisor, and mentor. It is no surprise that alumni have so often made the time to come back to STS to visit their high school chemistry teacher.

Rob’s contributions to STS Athletics have also been significant over the last decade. As a cross-country running coach, he has helped the team establish its remarkable current streak of eight consecutive provincial championships. Also under his guidance, the track and field team has won the zone banner for the last five years, and the school’s first provincial title in 2015.

With heartfelt gratitude, we offer our thanks to him for the dedication, passion and leadership he has provided in his time at STS.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

78

RETIRING EMPLOYEES

Mr. Brian Uzick

Mr. Jim Yurchevich

Brian is retiring after 12 years at STS, as a faculty member and Band Director. He began teaching instrumental music for Grades 7 – 12. All the classes were housed in the theatre’s back stage “green room” which soon outgrew the space as he increased the size and quality of the band program.The Senior School band that started with 16 students has since grown to 69.

Jim Yurchevich retired after eight years of service as the Director of Facilities. STS has recognized how fortunate the school has been to have Jim lead an incredibly talented facilities team throughout his tenure. He played an integral role in the construction of our new inspiring school facilities that opened in January, 2018.

Jim offered the following words; “STS as an employer is at the top of my list and the staff relationships that have developed around me will always remain in my memories as being professional and driven, yet heartfelt and fun. I couldn’t have asked for any place better to end my career on such a high note. As my family and friends have supported me throughout my career, my retirement dream is pretty simple – spend time with and support my wife, children, grandchildren and friends. I also hope to volunteer some free time in support of some of the charities and groups I’ve been associated with over the years.”

Brian was fortunate to tour the world with his bands – visiting Russia, Austria, Italy, and several states in America. At local festivals, his bands have become accustomed to receiving outstanding awards. He was instrumental in building the STS jazz program, establishing a Senior Jazz Band, and the popular Senior Jazz Combo.

Brian also established himself as a sought after guest conductor and adjudicator outside STS. In addition to sharing his expertise within the band program, Brian was also the musical director for ten STS Senior School musicals.

We congratulate Jim on his retirement, and thank him for his hard work, dedication and positive attitude. May all the years ahead bring great joy, purpose and relaxation, as Jim settles into retired life.

The school will miss his quick wit and wicked sense of humour and we wish him all the best as he searches for his next adventure.

Don’t be surprized to run into him at the front desk of a hotel in Maui.

79

FALL 2018

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES 2018 1990s 1980s 1970s

Congratulations to Vinay Ruparell ’80 and his Kramer Mazda team for receiving the 2016 Grand Performer, and the 2017 Dealer of Distinction awards.

Cheryl Cohen ’71 keeps herself busy managing the Harry & Martha Cohen Foundation and continues with her passion of the arts, outdoors and the equestrian sport of Dressage.

Congratulations to Pam Heard ’73, recipient of the 2018 STS Distinguished Alumni Award which was presented to her at the 11th annual Calgary Alumni Dinner in May. Jamie Clarke ’86 launched a direct-to-consumer online retail company this past year called, “Live Out There.” If you are looking for cold weather gear, check it out.

Banff conservationist and wildlife advocate and STS alumnus, Harvey Locke ’75, received an Honorary Degree and Order of the University of Calgary in June. Locke was named as one of Canada's leaders for the 21st Century by Time Magazine, and he has been recognized by the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the World Parks Congress for his conservation work. In addition, Harvey received the prestigious Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Leadership Award in May. Congratulations Harvey!

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

Annemarie Pedersen ’87 started a new job this year, she is the Executive Director at Alberta Farm Animal Care.

Jeff Kahane ’89 was featured as the real estate law expert in Calgary-based fall and winter’s Home & Lifestyles TV program on CTV (and CTV2). Jeff ’s selection for the show was made in part for his fourth consecutive win of the Top Choice Award for Top Real Estate Law Firm in Calgary.

80

Peter Hoang ’90 was appointed President & CEO and a member of the Board of Directors at TapImmune (Nasdaq:TPIV) in September.TapImmune is a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing novel immunotherapies, and there are six ongoing clinical trials at the Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in breast and ovarian cancers. Peter also sits on the board of two other clinical stage immuno-oncology companies, Kiromic BioPharma and Esperence Pharmaceuticals, and the board of an investment banking boutique, Sympheron Partners.

Shaun O’Brien ’90 works extensively in public law and human rights and has been counsel on leading decisions challenging government law and action as contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Shaun also has been active in advocating for the rights of women who experience violence and for other vulnerable groups. Shaun was interviewed by Global National in March following her presentation to the Supreme Court on the right of expat Canadians to vote in elections.

David Pierce ’90, an Emmy Award-winning composer, producer and orchestrator received an Honorary Degree and Order of the University of Calgary this past June. David has worked with legendary entertainment producers to develop numerous successful projects, including the Calgary Stampede’s Evening Grandstand Show, Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, and NBC’s Macy’s Parade. He has also contributed to many television awards shows, such as the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Gemini Awards.

Congratulations David!

CLASS NOTES

Calgary Women’s spokesperson Ashley Bristowe ’91 was interviewed by Global Calgary providing details on the worldwide initiative promoting equality one day after the U.S. Presidential inauguration.

Congratulations to Micah Libin ’91 who received the Nil Nisi Optimum notable alumni award at the 11th annual Calgary Alumni Dinner this spring.

Radha Ruparell ’97 recently published a piece, originally posted by Harvard Business School, and now on Medium – an online publishing platform. It’s called “Building A World Where All Children Can Fulfill Their Potential.” The article is available online at: www.hbs.edu/socialenterprise/blog/post/building-a-worldwhere-children-can-fulfill-their-potential.

Congratulations to Maya Gohill ’92 for receiving the Best Restaurant Design for Calcutta Cricket Club

by Canada’s 100 Best! Maya is a freelance artist and instructor at the Alberta College of Art & Design.

Congratulations to Mercedes Stephenson ’99 who received the Nil Nisi Optimum notable alumni award at the 11th annual Calgary Alumni Dinner in May. In June, Mercedes joined Global News as Ottawa Bureau Chief and permanent host on “The West Block."

2000s Congratulations to Liam Dinning ’00 and Stephanie (Malo) Dinning ’02 on the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, Everytt Leigh Dinning weighing 6lbs 11oz., born on October 29, 2017.

Jeremy Blumes ’94 has been hired as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Golden Rockets, part of the Kootenay International Hockey League.

Congratulations Jeremy!

Jonathan Koo ’95 and wife Stephanie, welcomed to the world June Louise Koo, October 19, 2017.

Robin Kovitz ’98 was recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in the entrepreneur’s category. She is the youngest entrepreneur to be recognized in the history of the awards. Robin is the President and Owner of Baskits Inc. which she acquired in 2014.

Mike Gettis ’01 and CEO of Endy Sleep was showcased on Dragons Den in November, securing a deal for $1 million. Congratulations!

Fred Mannix ’01 is Canada’s Highest Ranked Polo Player and Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) Global Brand Ambassador!

Congratulations to Margie (Leitch) Malone ’99 and husband Michael on the arrival of their daughter, Isa, born on December 28, 2017.

Congratulations to Aimee-Jo (Giesbrecht) Benoit ’97 and husband Kris on the arrival of their third daughter, Simone Josephine, on August 31, 2017.

State University. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles on popular cinema, and is also active as a museum curator, film programmer, and media commentator.

Alexandra McFarlane ’04 and husband Jan are thrilled to announce the arrival of their first child, a girl, Ajooni Catherine McFarlane Deol, born April 16, 2018.

Claire (Hoyer) Plett ’04 is a family lawyer with Ellis Legal Group in Calgary and is teaching legal workshops around Calgary and area. Claire attended Cardiff University, Wales graduating in 2013.

Margaux Ullett ’04 and boyfriend Josh spent vacation time sailing off the coast of Victoria this spring. While there, they met up with former faculty, Pat Adams and Wayne Colborne to play a round of golf at the Victoria Golf and Country Club. Pat Adams was Margaux’s golf Coach in high school.

Thomas Hewitt ’00 married Angie Molter on October 21, 2017.Their wedding was held at Marsh House on Avery Island, Louisiana.

Andrew Nelson ’00 is Associate Professor of Film History and Film Option Coordinator at Montana 81

FALL 2018

CLASS NOTES

Morgan Setka ’05 and husband Andrew Snow are pleased to announce the arrival of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Snow, born on December 12, 2017 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Congratulations to Benjamin Fairbanks ’06 and Taylor Anderson on your engagement.

Kezia (Morrison) Grams ’06 and husband Brett welcomed their first child, a son, Gavyn Gord Grams, born on March 26, 2018 weighing 9 lbs 1 oz.

Congratulations to Chris Harker ’06 and his wife Blair on the arrival of their first child, Cohen Scott Harker.

Samantha (Allen) Lyttle ’06 and husband Alex are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Huxley Adrian Ryan Lyttle, born January 24, 2018.

Kevin Robertson ’06 finished his Paediatric Maxillofacial Surgery fellowship in Australia, and is excited to have finally moved back to Calgary (for good) and started to practice Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a downtown practice.

Anshul Ruparell ’06 recently founded “Properly,” a real estate technology company that buys homes directly from sellers at fair-market value, which eliminates selling delays and removes a lot of the associated frictional costs (like repairs, staging and endless showings). If you're thinking of selling your home, get a free offer at: www.goproperly.com.

Kevin Guichon ’07 opened High River Brewing Company in High River this year.

Hours of operation and tours can be found on his website HRBrewCo.com.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

Congratulations to Mark Le Dain ’08 and Meredith Conrod on their marriage July 22, 2017 which took place in Canmore. Mark is the incoming President of the STS Alumni Association this fall.

82

Congratulations to Paul Hladyshevsky ’08 and Chelsea Gough on your engagement.

CLASS NOTES

Shelby Thompson ’09 visited STS in April to speak to Ms. Weber’s Biology 30 and IB Biology 30 classes about university and medical school. Shelby, after graduating from McGill, is currently completing her residency in Pediatric medicine at Sick Kids in Toronto. Ms. Weber’s students benefitted from her passion, enthusiasm, and honesty; they asked lots of questions and were excited that Shelby is willing to continue to mentor them.

Christina Sisson ’08 married James Anderson ’06 in Scotland in June, 2017.

Eve Purdy ’08 is pursuing a masters in anthropology concurrently while completing her fourth year residence in Emergency Medicine which she will complete in Australia.

Lauren Joe ’09 is engaged to Nick Duermeier, wedding to take place in Calgary, June 2019.

2010s Oje Hart ’10 presented Canadian Music icon, Sarah McLachlan, with his drawing of Jesse, a character from Toy Story 2 to commemorate her song “When She Loved Me” from the movie’s soundtrack, at The Owen Hart Foundation’s 18th annual event.

Marshall Palmer ’10 is completing his PhD in International Relations at Carleton University.

Congratulations to Lauren VanSickle ’10 and Jordan Fennema on your wedding, which took place on November 11, 2017.

Connor Waterous ’10 is back in Calgary working as an associate at Waterous Energy Fund. Prior to this he was an associate on the energy team for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in New York, where he was involved in a variety of corporate and asset-level oil and gas transactions from 2014 to 2017. Connor holds a B.A. with a concentration in Economics from Harvard College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and was elected Phi Beta Kappa.

Will Kennedy ’11 is in his second year of medicine at University of Calgary.

Adam Le Dain ’10 has started a non profit company called “Game to Give.” Game to Give partners with local charities to plan and host low cost, unique fundraising events on their behalf.The fundraisers are structured as a 'tournament' of teams of two competing in uncommon and accessible games that require skills that anybody, or more likely, nobody has.The company’s goal is to give participants an incredibly fun evening of friendly competition, while efficiently raising money for high impact local causes. For more information please visit their website: www.gametogive.ca 83

FALL 2018

CLASS NOTES

Grace Walker ’12 was the moderator at a panel discussion with women in design on May 17 at Fort Calgary. The diverse panel of designers shared their thoughts on process, problem solving, gender, and the different roles that are possible in a design career.

Congratulations to Cole Pernitsky ’15 and Heidi Frehlich ’17 for being two of 150 youth from across the country who received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award this past fall.This Gold Award Ceremony was extra special with His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales making a Royal appearance!

Congratulate Cody Fullerton ’13 for starting a new position as Accountant - Contract Administration at Black Diamond Group.

Eric Ritchie ’15 plays Professional League of Legends for Cloud9 in the North American League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS). In his first split (season) Eric was voted "Rookie of the Split." Eric lives in Los Angeles, CA and during the off-season he divides his time between Los Angeles, Calgary and training in South Korea.

Patrick Moumdjian ’13 graduated from Queen’s with his BComm degree and is now working at Ebury in Toronto, a fintech and finance company.

Meghan Senger ’13 graduated from U of A with a BA Science & Agriculture, Animal Science major this spring. Meghan is taking one year off to work, then plans to go to Veterinary School.

Anna Weyant ’13 participated this year in a 6 month painting residency at the China Academy of Art and is now back in New York City.

Gillian Ceyhan ’14 competed in the USports National indoor track meet in March running the women’s 600m, 1000m and 4x800m relay. She ran the lead relay leg in 2:13 to help the University of Toronto team win gold. Congratulations Gillian!

John Dick ’14 graduated from Queen’s University this spring with his Mechanical Engineering degree.

Congratulations to Angus Rawling ’15 on representing Canada at the World University Cross Country Championships in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

In March, Angus competed in the USports indoor track national championship in the 3000 m, winning this event at a time of 8:18:11.

Will Clark ’15 visited STS this spring to speak to our design students about some interesting design projects he has been involved in while studying Mechatronics at Waterloo University. Will is currently working with a team of 20 other students on a competition for a Mars-type robot that will drill for rock samples.

Everett Yasinski ’15 will be playing college hockey at Iowa State University for 2018/19.

This past spring, Michael Course ’16 was given the opportunity from the UTM musical theatre club to direct the show “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

Blaise Evelyn ’17 was sworn into the House of Commons Page Program last fall. Along with his duties as a Page, Blaise gets to take a special Political Science class at the University of Ottawa that is only for the 40 students accepted into the House of Commons program. Also, congratulations to Blaise for receiving the 2017 Governor General’s Academic Medal.

Myles Chase ’15 and Scott Wilson ’15, two undergraduate students attending universities in Ontario, are the Co-Founders of Open Arms; a national non-profit organization focused on the de-stigmatization of youth mental illness.This year, students at STS formed an Open Arms committee to run themed events and share the message.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

84

Congratulations to Heidi Frehlich ’17 who has chosen to follow her dad's (Mr. Craig Frehlich, teacher at STS) footsteps and race in the Boston Marathon, April 16, 2018.

CLASS NOTES

SWEET FAREWELLS

We would also like to recognize the following employees who have left STS to pursue new challenges and adventures: Mrs. Dinnie Baker – Dinnie served as our Executive Director of Advancement and Community Relations for nine years, leading our successful $27 million Inspiring Possibilities campaign and overseeing marketing, communications and enrollment.

Mr. Craig Frehlich – Mr. Frehlich devoted a combined total of thirteen years to teaching Middle School MYP design and science classes and has been instrumental in building the widely-liked design program into what it is today.

Former Employees Mrs. Sharon Gibson – This is Sharon’s second time leaving STS. She officially retired in 2007, but then returned when the school was in need of a new Elementary School Principal. In total, Sharon devoted 33 years to serving the School and its students and families as both a teacher and most recently our beloved Principal, and played an integral role in developing the new Elementary School wing which opened in January, 2018.

Peter Marchuk hosted his annual “end of exam/ Christmas party” for STS alumni attending UVic just prior to their Christmas break.Thank you Peter for looking after our alumni while attending university.

Mr. Daniel Hall – Daniel has been with STS for 12 years as a faculty member, Director of Fine Arts, and producer of extraordinary Senior School musicals. He officially retired in 2012, but kindly returned to support the school again for the past two years.

Mr. Andrew MacDonald – Mr. MacDonald devoted six years as a mathematics teacher in the Middle and Senior Schools and coordinated Middle School Round Square, from yearly exchanges with Hackley School to the Jasper IDEALS trip to maintaining the relationship with Bridgeland Manor.

Sandy Orsten and his wife Margaret went on a Baltic cruise through Europe in the fall in celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Bill Taylor has published a book about grammar!

Bill’s text, “Eliminating Y’KNOWversity Grammar” is serious but fun – aimed at teenage plus, especially sportscasters and athletes! It is available on Amazon; author’s name is W. Pentelow Taylor.

85

FALL 2018

PASSINGS

PASSINGS Grace Ballem Former parent and long-time sponsor of the STS Middle School Trophy for Diligence. Grace passed away October 7, 2017.

W. Merritt Ellis Merritt attended St. Hilda’s School for Girls. She passed away on April 9, 2018.

Susan (Murray) Evans ’86 Susan attended STS for three years graduating in 1986. She was an outdoor enthusiast, tireless volunteer, donor, and loving mother to her beautiful daughters Megan ’19 and Sydney ’21. She volunteered with POSTS and Co-Chaired the 2014 Black Watch gala.

She was also the Class Representative for her graduating Class of 1986.

She’ll be missed by the STS community. Susan passed away on April 1, 2018.

Norman L. Reid Former parent, STS Governor of Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, and the recipient of the Gold Spike Award in recognition for his service as Governor and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Norman passed away on April 25, 2018.

H. Terrance D. Tanner ’50 Former parent and first President of the STS Alumni Association. His Family created the citizenship award – The Tanner Cup. Terry attended Strathcona School for Boys. Terrance passed away on July 18, 2017.

William (Bill) J. A. Toole ’42 Bill attended Strathcona School for Boys. He passed away on August 13, 2017.

Elliot E. M. Wilkinson ’14 Elliot attended Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School from Grades 4 to 11. The sparkle in his eyes and his boundless energy will be missed by the STS community. He passed away April 8, 2018.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

86

THE LEGACY OF NORMAN REID

THE LEGACY OF NORMAN REID

BY GORDON FREIGHT, ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

T

he STS family was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Mr. Norman Reid at his retirement home on Canada’s west coast. Mr. Reid had played a leading role in the physical development of the school’s campus and its maintenance over a period of thirty years. He served as a Governor of Tweedsmuir School for Girls from 1960 to 1970 and subsequently as a Governor of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir from 1970 to 1990. Mr. Reid was presented with the Alumni Association’s Gold Spike Award at Prizegiving in 1991 in recognition for his service as Governor and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Norman Reid will be remembered as a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Air Force as a navigator aboard Wellington bombers. He was tasked with locating railway bridges and destroying them in an effort to break enemy communication links: twice he was shot down over enemy territory but later rescued.

He graduated from the University of Alberta in civil engineering and subsequently worked for the Alberta Department of Highways before moving to Calgary to join Haddon, Davis and Brown Engineers which later merged to become Reid Crowther Engineers.This company established offices across Canada to become one of the biggest in the country. Its impact on Calgary 87

extended to multiple projects including the design of Crowchild and Deerfoot Trails, the 14 Street Bridge, the Glenmore Causeway and the Bonnybrook Sewage Treatment Plant.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School was so fortunate to receive the interest and dedication of this very talented man for so many years. His direction and focus on campus development over such a long period of time helped maintain the School for the benefit of all. We are so thankful for Norman’s resourcefulness and energy.

FALL 2018

ATKINSON SOCIETY

Over the years, STS has benefited from the foresight and generosity of STS community members who have left a planned gift to our School. In fact, our current campus was seed funded through a $250,000 bequest from W.H. Atkinson in 1968. In tribute to this monumental gift in our School’s history (which today would be worth $16 million), we have named our planned giving program the Atkinson Society.

STS is thankful for the following donors who have supported the School through a planned gift (future and realized). The vision these donors bring to our School will benefit future generations of STS students.

Anonymous (2) JC Anderson* William Atkinson* Gregory Borm ’81 Courtland “Tubby” Chapman* Donald ’47 and Shirley Ann Cross Brock Dundas* Anne Evamy M. Patricia Fischer Jason ’03 and Vivien Fong Graham Gilley ’82 Pam Heard ’73 Taylor Henschel ’08 Bonnie Hewson Joni Hughes Stephanie Jackman ’90 Mike and Sally Jackson

Darrel Kemp and Patrizia Mazzolani-Kemp ’79 Matthew Klinkenborg and Rosanne Yaskowich Richard Lindseth ’73 Dana Lougheed ’90 Bruce McFarlane and Janice Heard ’75 Frank McKay* Joe Morrison ’80 Cheryl Pirie-Jacobs Alexander Purdy ’02 Jonathan and Val Robins Jack Schneider ’90 Llewellyn Turnquist ’86 Mark and Gabrielle Wood Reg Worsley

*Indicates donors who are deceased and whose gifts have been realized.

We are grateful to the families who have planned for a legacy gift to STS. If you have included STS in your estate planning please let us know as we wish to steward your giving and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

Contact Caroline Banadar, Director of Advancement at 403-938-8344 or caroline.banadar@sts.ab.ca.

OPTIMUM VOLUME XVIII

88

T H IS Y E A R WE ’V E MA D E G IV ING E A S Y A ND FUN! An essential part of preparing for the new school year is to determine what your family’s annual giving contribution will be. STS depends on the generosity of every member of our community, every year, to ensure we continue to offer the best experience for our students! Please choose which of the following initiatives you will support:

Outdoor Education Learning Campsite Provide students with an on-campus resource to prepare for their backcountry experiences, complete with areas to pitch a tent, and properly store food away from bears.

Artist-in-Residence Enrich the learning experience of students in the fine and performing arts with first-hand expertise of guest artists, conductors and coaches.

Outdoor Learning Stations Enhance students’ learning experience on our expansive natural campus with the addition of informative signs highlighting several disciplines, i.e. biology, athletics, and history, placed along trails.

Scholarships and Bursaries Enable deserving students from a wide range of backgrounds to experience an STS education and contribute to our school community, classroom discussion, and leadership.

Athletic Bleachers and Outdoor Scoreboard Build community spirit and support our athletes’ biggest fans and cheering squads so they can rest comfortably on the side line at events and keep score during games.

Teaching Excellence Help attract, develop, and retain the most engaging and innovative subject matter experts.

Look for more information on these priorities at strathconatweedsmuir.com/giving/

RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2 403-938-4431 strathconatweedsmuir.com