OUR STS COMMUNITY

ADVANCEMENT IN TIMES OF CRISIS IT BOILS DOWN TO RELATIONSHIPS

BY CAROLINE BANADAR, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

When a global crisis changed our lives dramatically this school year, so many of us acknowledged that one of the most important ingredients to sustain our emotional and mental health is the relationships we have with family and friends. Connecting with each other, near and far, over Zoom or two meters apart, has been a critical factor in helping us navigate unique circumstances.

I am often asked what ‘advancement’ means, and ultimately, it boils down to relationships. It is about building genuine connections among parents, alumni, employees and friends of STS to advance the mission and vision of the School by raising funds to enrich the school experience. A community that cares deeply about each other believes they can contribute to the collective good – and that is why the STS family generously supports the exceptional educational experience of our students. It is a trademark of our community, to take care of each other. And that compassion shone brightly during the pandemic this difficult year. This magazine shares stories of generosity, leadership, and of the STS community caring in so many ways for those in and outside of our school. Many of these heart-felt actions happen every year and were not set aside even when the world was in crisis. It was nothing short of incredible, and is such a testament to what we are about.

Building and sustaining authentic relationships with our parents, alumni, and employees is the ethos of STS and has kept our community working together and remaining strong in good times and bad. What matters most is our sense of community, and caring for one another with a laser focus on providing our students the best education while looking after their overall well-being. We all have a stake to play in sustaining these relationships if we believe in the mission and vision of the School. We owe it to our community to stay engaged by whatever means possible whether it be to share advice, volunteer or to provide a service or skill set to support peers and students. In a sense, we are all part of Advancement if we want our community to thrive and provide the best opportunities to our students – now and in the future.

When the call went out in May to STS community members to raise emergency financial aid, many of you stepped up to ensure students whose families were impacted by the pandemic and economic downturn were able to continue their education at STS. Leaving STS would have been heartbreaking for many of these students. As one of our parents who supported the financial aid relief fund said, “We have always believed that education is a right and we realize that our kids are very privileged to be able to attend a school like STS. Life is full of surprises and twists and turns and together we are always stronger.” Yes, indeed, together we are stronger.

It is the strength of our relationships that inspire parents and students of each graduating class to establish class bursary funds to help fellow students with financial aid and pay it forward for future talented students. Since the inception of the class bursary funds in 2006, the graduating class students have raised funds for need-based financial assistance.

Through the genuine connections we have with our alumni, our Advancement team actively reached out to our elderly founding schools’ alumni and alumni in global COVID-19 hot spots to see how they were doing and tell them we were thinking about them during these uncertain times. We do not forget nor take our responsibility of

sustaining these relationships lightly and we know our alumni are appreciative and thankful for these gestures, knowing that their alma mater is thinking of them.

It is true that raising money is part of the Advancement team’s responsibility and we are privileged and honoured when those relationships and connections result in investments from our community. Relationships over time have resulted in a legacy gift that seed funded the campus, supported scholarships and bursaries for those in need, allowed for extraordinary professional development opportunities for faculty, and provided program and campus enhancements for the benefit of our students and faculty. STS donors give because of their passion for a cause. They give because of the bond they have with the School, its community, and the impact STS has had on their lives as students. They value the trusting, reciprocal relationships and the lasting memories made.

Our Head of School, Mrs. Carol GrantWatt, said it best, “despite a global crisis, our community has come together, as is the STS way, and we are solutions-focused, supportive, positive, and making well informed, measured decisions – all because we believe in education and giving kids the very best. We put our community first, above all else. We will emerge stronger than ever. Our ethos and our commitment is to people and to being good for the world remains true.”

This past year has emphasized that relationships and connections matter more than ever and we are committed to being vigilant in sustaining and building a strong community together to benefit students now and many years into the future.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RELIEF FUND – THANK YOU!

When STS families were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn, we didn't think twice about pivoting our fundraising focus to keep our STS community together. Thanks to our community, we established an Emergency Financial Assistance Relief Fund and in one month, we raised $85,000 to support students with much-needed short term partial tuition to continue their education at STS for the 2020-2021 school year.

On behalf of our students and families that were impacted by your generosity, thank you!

The need for financial assistance increases year after year. We are committed to keeping our families together.

For more information, visit sts.ab.ca/donate

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

BY CAROLINE BANADAR, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Tim and Maria hosted fellow Grade 6 parents.

Last fall, our community came together to welcome new families and reacquaint with returning ones at the 6th annual parent grade socials. Once again, they were a huge success, with more than 400 parents attending 11 socials – some grades combined – hosted between September and November.

Parent volunteer hosts graciously opened their homes and partnered with

Advancement and Community Relations to help build a strong sense of community for parents by getting to know those in their children’s peer groups. Expertly catered by

STS alumna Marnie Fudge ’87 and her company Cuisine et Château, parents socialized and enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new ones.

It was most inspiring to hear parents talk about why they chose STS and to see their children’s passion to learn at the School. Tim Garforth-Bles, the Grade 6 Parent Social

Host, shared why they are part of the STS community. “Maria and I feel that STS is such a good school for our daughter, Sofia – always supportive and teaching her great values. The School inspires confidence and nurtures a strong interest in learning, they are always looking to challenge an active mind. Sofia is our third child to attend STS. Why the large investment? Important in this modern age is the concept of leadership. We firmly believe that when leaving school, our kids need to have the life skills that are required to be successful – and these are learned

and ingrained at STS. As an 18-year old, I attended Officer Training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Academy's aim is to be the 'national centre of excellence for leadership’. There I learned the importance of my teammates, of hard work and discipline, staying organized and keeping a clear mind to make quick and effective decisions, and to step up and think on my feet. After leaving the army, I realized I was grossly underqualified for civilian life and that my degree in peacekeeping was not going to get me very far! However, what I learned during those nine years has proven valuable in important areas – determination to raise the bar, connecting others to a common goal, and inspiring leadership by taking risks and following through.

These are practiced every day at STS and the proof is demonstrated in our now grown up children, Sam ’08 and Emma, ’11 who have gone on to be successful professionals in their legal and teaching careers. Maria and I believe that in this country, STS is the best-kept secret. Thank you STS!”

– Tim Garforth-Bles, STS Parent

WELCOME FROM POSTS

BY AMY MEYER, POSTS PRESIDENT

I am so proud to take on my new role as POSTS (Parents’ Organization of Strathcona Tweedsmuir School) President and I look forward to getting back on to the beautiful STS campus again and seeing all the amazing students, staff, and parents/guardians. With the known and unknown changes due to COVID-19, I assure you that the STS community will strive to stay together more than ever before. As President, it’s my goal to help all students, parents and guardians feel the STS love, and for new families to feel welcomed as they begin their journey with the school. STS has an amazing sense of community and I believe we can all do our part to wrap our arms around each other (even virtually) for support.

This upcoming school year, I encourage you to get involved at the School. There are many volunteer opportunities that are key to our childrens’ day-to-day activities. You can volunteer at a sporting or drama event; help with daily operations of our school store ‘Tweeds and More’ where 100 percent of profits go back to STS; assist students and parents locate lost items; participate in employee appreciation events these are just a few of the ways to get involved. You can learn more by checking out our Volunteer Handbook or you can reach out to myself and our Volunteer Chair, Tracy Maybaum at: volunteer@sts.ab.ca.

As the mission statement of POSTS says, we are to provide opportunities for parents and guardians to have an active role in the STS community and school life. We do this through the promotion and facilitation of volunteer activities, building community spirit, and fundraising initiatives. POSTS strives to be innovative and responsive to the needs of the School.

In closing, I look forward to being a parent with you at STS. I’m excited to engage and volunteer with you at school. Please feel free to stop me and introduce yourself, and email me at postspresident@sts.ab.ca if you have any questions or concerns. Please remember to thank the amazing teachers and staff at STS for all the outstanding things they do for our children. We are Spartans!

It’s my goal to help all students, parents and guardians feel the STS love, and for new families to feel welcomed as they begin their journey with the school.

SPARTANS WALKING THE TALK

BY SCOTT BENNETT, DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

STS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Are you a Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School alumni or family who has started your own business? Do you have a key role in an existing business? Submit your information to be featured in a new STS Business Directory coming soon.

Raise awareness about your business amongst our community so we can support each other!

Submit your information here: surveymonkey.com/r/STSBusiness

For more information contact Brenda Thompson, Alumni Relations Manager at alumni@sts.ab.ca. During a time of immense change, uncertainty, and strain this year, community, relationships, and connections were more important than ever to our STS family.

In hopes of providing current students and alumni some inspiration, and to help students benefit from lessons learned from their peers who have walked in their shoes, the School organized weekly ‘Spartan Talk’ webinars in May and June. Also, to build support for businesses who are connected to our STS families and alumni, we initiated a STS Business Directory, celebrating amazing entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The virtual opportunities to connect attracted an average of 35 students, alumni and parents each week, with a wide variety of alumni speakers sharing their journeys from STS into their current roles and answering questions.

The first webinar focused on entrepreneurship and business featured:

Jer emy Ho ’05, co-founder and owner of Calgary-based Monogram Coffee which has grown to several retail cafes, a roastery and wholesale coffee for outlets across Canada.

Jon Zwiers ’02 is a University of Calgary Haskayne Executive EMBA alumnus, leads family-owned business Honey Meadows Farm, and has been involved in the bee industry for many years.

Andr ew Ferguson ’96 purchased Kensington Wine Market and helped put them on the international map as one of the world’s top whisky shops.

Jeff Kahane ’89 founded Kahane Law Office in 2004, recognized as a Best Place to Work in Calgary in 2006.

A number of alumni tuned in to reconnect with their classmates and current students gained invaluable insight into the various business avenues. The power of community was evident when, Jeff Kahane ’89 explained how he became friends with Jon Zwiers ’02 at a recent STS Homecoming, despite being from different grad classes and industries. Being Spartans and all that that means was their bond.

The second Spartan Talk focused on health sciences, with alumni:

Dr . Jan Jaffer ’97 who developed the TREC Dental Partnership and operates 20 clinics in the Calgary area.

Dr . Eve Purdy ’08, a 5th year resident, Emergency Medicine program at Queen's University in her final year of training to be a specialist emergency physician.

Dr. Jaspreet Khangura ’03 who received her MD from the University of British Columbia, holds an MSc in Evidence Based Health Care and MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Oxford, and serves as an ER physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Northeast Community Health Centre in Edmonton.

Stacy Finnbogason ’90 who is a Pediatric Physiotherapist and has worked in acute care, rehabilitation, private practice, and in school systems.

Current STS students, parents and several prospective families gained insight into the panel’s stories and careers. Two common themes emerged – the journey of life is not linear, and the importance of pursuing your passion. The alumni shared how STS set them up for a successful transition, regularly referencing their Outdoor Education and IB inquiry-based learning experiences. Health Sciences Spartan Talk

The next session was led by Jamie Clarke ’86, a Canadian adventurer and public speaker who summited Mount Everest twice. He crossed the Mongolian desert with his son Khobe and spoke of the power of connection that emerged from this experience. Jamie talked about not fearing failure, to see it as feedback, to do an ‘autopsy without blame’, and to learn from the experience of not reaching the literal mountain top. Students and parents truly appreciated the message of resiliency and a number of prospective families got a sense of the STS community.

Louie Pearlman ’98, an improviser, pop culture writer, and song-writer living in New York City spoke during the final Spartan Talk, about embracing creativity. A number of faculty tuned in who taught him in the past, and enjoyed the chance to ask him questions.

The Spartan Talks were so well received, an additional webinar with a panel of young alumni

was organized for the Grade 12s. Reaching the end of their STS adventure and heading into a new adventure can be intimidating, and the transition during the pandemic has proven to be even more complex. The guests spoke about university life, course selection, different campus experiences, and co-curricular programs to the fresh graduates. This was another excellent touch point to build mentors and help the STS community to stay connected during a time when meeting in person was not possible.

As with many initiatives developed during COVID-19, the Spartan Talks had many benefits, and we look forward to continuing this series next year to celebrate our diverse and talented alumni while giving students tangible examples of ‘why’ we do what we do at STS. In the end, it’s all about connections – connecting with possibilities, connecting with mentors and friends, and connecting the dots. Connections build strong communities.

SPARTANS CONNECT AT OUR STS HOMECOMING CELEBRATION AND FAMILY FALL FAIR 2019

BY BRENDA THOMPSON, ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER

Our STS community came together on Saturday, September 21, 2019 for our annual Homecoming Celebration and Family Fall Fair which took place outside in our beautiful new campus courtyard. This STS tradition, put on in partnership with the STS Alumni Association and POSTS, brought together alumni, alumni parents, and alumni staff and their families, along with STS families. We had beautiful weather for this event and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the festivities.

We were treated to merchandise kiosks, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, games, campus tours, Alumni Pit Stop, and the Zorb Ball Collision course. We celebrated the 90th Anniversary for Strathcona School for Boys and 60th Anniversary for Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls, with cake for all. Our notable alumni, Shaun O’Brien ’90 and Matthew Bromwich ’93, were recognized for their contribution to the STS community and for their impressive career successes.

In conjunction with the Homecoming and Family Fall Fair, class parties were held throughout Calgary – giving friends from graduating years ending in 4s and 9s a chance to reconnect.

Thank you to everyone who participated! The success of our Homecoming 2019 represents the strength of our ever-growing and vibrant community. We look forward to Homecoming 2020, slated to take place on September 19, 2020.

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Welcome to our 2019 Homecoming Celebration and Family Fall Fair (L to R) Karen Robinson ’92, Emeline Lamond ’93, Brittany Girling ’09,

Nataya Stevens ’09, Katlyn Hunley, Meika Radler ’09, Amy Pilling ’92

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Metal Art Reflections vendor

Mack enzie Roth ‘17 Fine Arts & Crafts

Alumni Pit Stop tent

Enjo ying the petting zoo

Food Trucks

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15. Recognizing our 2019 Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumni Carol Grant-Watt, STS Head of School, Mark Le Dain ’08, President of the Alumni Association and 2019 NNO Notable Alumni Recipients, Shaun O’Brien ’90 and Matthew Bromwich ’93.

Celebrating 90th Anniversary of Strathcona School for Boys

Celebrating 60th Anniversary of Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls

Alumni Rugby Team vs. STS Senior Varsity Boys Team

Class of 1989 – 30-year reunion

Class of 1999 – 20-year reunion

Class of 2009 – 10-year reunion

Class of 2009 – 10-year reunion

Class of 2014 – 5-year reunion