Optimum Magazine 2025 | A Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School Publication
OPENING REFLECTIONS
markers
Our Flourish 2031 strategic plan is at the heart of everything we do, and the articles you are about to read in this year’s edition of Optimum are shining examples of our framework coming to life. Look for the Flourish markers, tied to our four goal pillars, listed below, throughout the magazine.
Head of School
In
deep learning and engagement enduring sense of community and belonging global hub in a natural setting
A living curriculum where students engage with curiosity, and are inspired and empowered by their thoughts and actions, to realize their full potential beyond the walls of their classroom.
A strong sense of community is foundational to STS’s past, present, and future. Our community will grow stronger through our diversity and a genuine sense of belonging.
In a connected world, our roots matter, as does our ability to learn beyond borders. STS will provide a seamless learning environment on our campus, and far beyond, to curate experiences vital to developing skills and competencies for a brighter future.
GREEN RED YELLOW BLUE
Year in Review Enduring Connections
HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
It’s been a remarkable year for music at STS! We’re fortunate to have a wealth of talented student musicians who elevate nearly every event, from assemblies and alumni dinners to convocation and more, with their performances. From Winter and Spring concerts to pit bands in school plays, music is always in the air. Our ensembles shone at festivals and competitions, earning golds and silver at Con Brio in Whistler and the Alberta International Band Festival. Behind each note is incredible dedication, practice, and perseverance, especially from our IB Music students, who compose, perform, and create at an exceptional level in a truly rare program.
Senior School students lit up the stage in The Prom, delivering a show that was equal parts dazzling and deeply moving. From powerhouse vocals and compelling acting to masterful lighting, seamless stage management, vibrant costumes, and a live band that brought it all to life—every moment was student-driven magic. Tackling meaningful themes with heart and humour, our insanely talented teens proved that great theatre entertains, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impact.
HONOURING LEGACIES THROUGH STORIES OF STRENGTH AND HOPE
Each year, the STS community gathers as one—alumni, students, staff, and families—to honour and celebrate the lives of Ben, Daniel, Scott, Alexander, Michael, Marissa, and Jeffrey. This day offers a space for reflection and connection, where we remember with care and look ahead with purpose. It is a time to embrace life fully, to try new things, and to continue building a legacy of kindness, strength, and possibility.
This year, we welcomed Jon Montgomery, Olympic gold medalist and host of The Amazing Race Canada, whose message blended humour, heart, and bold encouragement. He reminded us that “the first step is the hardest and most courageous part of the journey,” and challenged us to ask, “Why not me?” Through stories of perseverance and joy, he inspired students to believe in themselves, celebrate small wins, and approach each day with curiosity, confidence, and a growth mindset.
We also recognized our Forever Woods Scholars, students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 who embody excellence in academics, leadership, and character—and who carry forward a legacy that continues to inspire.
07 Launching Lifelong Learners: The Class of 2037
A big shout-out to our youngest Spartans—and some of our biggest fans! The Class of 2037 brought energy and spirit to campus, proudly parading through the halls and cheering at events like the Spartathlon, and providing sage advice for our Grade 12 graduates, like “drink water” and “call your Mom”. With caring teachers, they made friends, asked big questions, and learned to lead with kindness. Through House activities, Quest Day, and other events, they built connections with older students—including our STAND design team, who created a custom water table that sparked creativity and early STEAM learning as they explored how water flows. These joyful Kindies remind us that big hearts come in small packages.
EXPLORING VIETNAM: WHERE PAST MEETS PRESENT
Over spring break, a group of Senior School students journeyed through Vietnam, exploring a remarkable blend of history, culture, and landscapes. Highlights included the Cu Chi Tunnels, lantern-making in Hoi An, the Imperial Citadel of Hué, and the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. Students biked through rice villages, tried their hand at cooking and bamboo art, and cruised overnight on Halong Bay. Guided by dedicated leaders, the trip fostered global perspectives, curiosity, and lifelong memories.
They built a school. You are going to build a world.
Our campus has always been planned with the student in front of us and the one arriving ten years from now in mind.
When enrollment grew, we built the Academic Wing with its light-filled Atrium that still gathers us. When science education evolved, the Hewitt and Nelson labs opened their doors. When the arts needed a new home, the C.A. Smith Arts Centre brought theatre, music, and fine arts into the daily rhythm of school life.
The pattern was always the same: identify a need, engage the community, and build something that would serve generations.
“My father, Dennis—whose lifelong passion for athletics included winning gold medals in decathlon at the Canadian Senior Games and Pan-Am Masters Championships—was a big believer in the importance of education and sport. He inspired his community with many accomplishments in both, and his legacy is the reason we believe the Athletic Park is such an important addition to STS, and one we are proud to support so that families may enjoy it for generations to come.”
– Robin Furlong, STS parent, speaking about why he and his wife Dawn were inspired to be the first major donors to the STS Athletic Park
Our Head of School describes the STS connection as an “invisible yet tangible network” that sustains and strengthens us. It’s there when younger students look up to Middle and Senior School leaders, when an Elementary musical brings the entire Kindergarten to Grade 6 community together, and when a Grade 12 student pauses to help a classmate on a trail.
Like the hidden roots of a thriving forest, our relationships share strength, wisdom, and care. We grow best when we grow together.
That’s why our whole-child philosophy—mind, character, leadership, curiosity, and well-being—has never been a slogan. It’s a way of being. And it’s why so many of the thoughtful, resilient, empathic leaders you meet in Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond—industry builders, community voices, global citizens—trace their beginnings to STS, SSB, or Tweedsmuir.
It isn’t a coincidence. It’s a tradition of investment meeting a culture of purpose.
New Athletic Park, opening Fall 2025
Education is changing quickly. The world our students will inherit is complex, connected, and urgently in need of courageous, ethical leadership.
Our strategic vision, Flourish 2031, is our collective answer, shaped by our visionary Board of Governors and Foundation Board, students, alumni, parents, faculty, and partners. It recommits us to what matters most and invites us to imagine, together, what’s next.
Demand for STS is rising. Our educators are exceptional. Our models—hybrid learning, interdisciplinary teaching, and
outdoor experiential education—are leading the way. To match our aspirations, our facilities must evolve.
We need spaces that spark collaboration and quiet focus alike. Spaces that support interdisciplinary projects, thoughtful debate, and hands-on experimentation. Spaces that renew our capacity for learning in, with, and through nature, from canoeing and first aid to back-country leadership.
This is more than renovation. It’s a renewal of mission, of possibility, and of the promise we make to every student who walks our trails.
When a few thoughtful, committed people take the first step, others follow. That has always been the STS story vision paired with generosity, courage paired with care. The invisible thread becomes visible in what we build together.
We are not just adding buildings. We are shaping a campus that mirrors our hopes for the future—a place rooted in nature, sparked by curiosity, and connected by community a place where every student belongs and flourishes.
Philanthropy has always been the engine behind STS’s growth and excellence. From our founding vision in 1971 to today, generous, forward-looking donors have made the difference between a good school and a great one. The Cross family’s original gift of land. The Parent Participation Campaign that built Anderson Hall. The Quarter Century Campaign created our science facilities. The Inspiring Possibilities Campaign built our beautiful Rose Elementary School and Arts and Innovation Centre. Each generation has stepped forward when the moment is called.
The past brought us here. The future needs us now. For those who feel the pull of that invisible thread—who understand that investing in education means investing in the leaders our world urgently needs—this is your moment. The next chapter is waiting to be written, and its authors will walk these trails for generations to come.
Comprised of faculty leaders from across the school, the PLT is one of two cross-divisional teams that meet regularly throughout the year to advance the School’s educational strategy as outlined in Flourish 2031. Guided by the standards and frameworks of Alberta Education, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), the PLT helps ensure coherence in instructional approaches and assessment practices across three IB programmes, Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), and three school divisions (Elementary, Middle, and Senior Schools).
At its core, the PLT fosters an academically rigorous, community-oriented culture
grounded in inquiry and student-centred learning. It bridges daily classroom practice with the School’s long-term goals for academic excellence, innovation, and student well-being.
Importantly, the PLT is not simply a meeting—it is an active, working group focused on contemporary challenges that directly affect the learning and achievement of students at STS. Teachers on the PLT identify and analyze ‘problems of practice,’
drawing on their subject-matter expertise and diverse experiences across divisions. This inquiry-driven process promotes cross-divisional collaboration and yields practical, research-informed strategies to enhance teaching and learning throughout the School.
PLT members also serve as instructional leaders. They facilitate peer feedback, encourage professional dialogue, and work collaboratively to address instructional questions. In doing so, they foster a culture of professional trust, curiosity, and continuous growth. Their commitment to strong relationships—not only with students but also with each other and their faculty colleagues—creates the conditions for authentic dialogue and mutual support. These connections, in turn, help nurture the kinds of teacher-student relationships that foster agency, inquiry, and confidence in learners.
A key element of the PLT’s work is the thoughtful use of data—both quantitative and qualitative—to inform professional decision-making. While standardized assessments such as Alberta’s Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs), Diploma Exams, and IB assessments offer valuable insights, they represent only part of the picture. Teachers also examine student-created artifacts, review and iterate unit plans, and evaluate how resources support inquiry. These ongoing cycles of reflection and action lead to more responsive, cohesive, and effective teaching practices.
The PLT also leads the School’s commitment to professional learning and continuous improvement. In addition to targeted development through the Alberta Assessment Consortium (AAC), IB workshops, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Instructional Leadership Certificate (ILC), many PLT members are engaged in graduate-level study. From master’s programs in pedagogy, curriculum, and leadership to doctoral research, these academic pursuits deepen teacher expertise and affirm the belief that adult learning is essential to meaningful school improvement.
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students Centre for Excellence & Teaching
Over the past two years, STS has partnered with internationally recognized Canadian educator and author, Trevor MacKenzie, to further evolve our inquiry-based teaching practices. Trevor designed a bespoke professional development framework that honoured the School’s existing strengths while encouraging meaningful reflection and growth. Working closely with individual teachers, departments, professional learning communities (PLCs), and leadership teams, he helped shape innovative strategies that improved student engagement and learning outcomes. His co-teaching of learning labs with faculty deepened our collective commitment to inquiry-driven, student-centred learning.
Partnerships with educational researchers and thought leaders, such as MacKenzie, help STS remain reflective and current in its practice. Equally valuable, however, is the professional development that occurs organically—when colleagues share resources, observe each other’s classes, co-plan lessons, and engage in rich, professional dialogue. These everyday exchanges are foundational to a dynamic professional culture rooted in inquiry and shared purpose.
This year, the PLT has also taken a leading role in integrating emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in collaboration with the School’s Genius Team. The goal is to explore how AI can support student thinking, independence, and creativity. In one senior English course, for example, students used AI tools to refine and iterate their thesis statements, progressing from general, surface-level ideas to nuanced, textually grounded arguments. This evolution, carefully guided and documented in a teachercurated learning experience, demonstrates how AI can facilitate meaningful reflection and promote deeper learning.
In an educational landscape increasingly shaped—and at times disrupted—by rapid technological change, the PLT remains grounded in what matters most: cultivating professional relationships that foster authentic connection, thoughtful inquiry, and a deep sense of purpose in both teachers and students. These human connections are the heartbeat of the STS experience, and they are what make this a truly remarkable place to work, collaborate, and learn.
Did you know
Established in 2014 by Head of School Dr. William Jones the Centre for Excellence reflects his vision that outstanding teaching drives student success. Dedicated in his honour, the Centre continues to shape STS today by fostering professional growth, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring teachers remain inspired and students thrive.
Members of the Pedagogical Leadership Team (PLT)
GROWTH THROUGH CHALLENGE AND COMMUNITY
By Jennifer Conway, Deputy Head of School: Operations & Student Experience,
and Scott Bennett, Head of Strategic Innovation & Partnerships
best when they have genuine agency in shaping their educational journey. Rather than assigning identical experiences, we provide diverse opportunities that align with different interests and learning styles.
When students follow their interests and explore what matters to them, they lean in. Some fall in love with science while knee-deep in a stream collecting samples. Others find their voice on stage or discover passion through international trips. Many return with a wider view of the world—and their place in it.
When students actively select experiences that resonate with them, learning becomes personally transformative. They're not passive recipients—they become active architects of their own educational journey.
STS is about more than knowledge—it's about growth. And growth often comes through challenge. Whether it's finishing the Spartan Race, organizing a community project, or finally nailing a tricky musical piece, these milestones aren't about perfection. They're about the deep, lasting confidence that comes from knowing we can do hard things.
Most of these moments happen together. Whether it's a backcountry trip, a House event, or a service project, students learn alongside one another, building friendships and discovering what it means to be part of something bigger. You can feel it during the cheers of a House competition, the laughter on a hike, or the quiet determination of a student helping a friend. These are the things that build belonging.
House activities create cross-grade bonds while developing leadership through healthy competition. Our natural campus
builds environmental stewardship through direct connection with nature. Mentorship opportunities span all grade levels, while partnerships with universities and local leaders help students see what's possible beyond STS.
CREATING MOMENTS THAT MATTER
Our alumni tell us the same thing. Years later, the stories they share are about the times they stepped out of the ordinary. Travelling to New York for Model UN. Snorkelling in Galapagos. Performing in cathedrals in Europe.
And just as often, it's memories closer to home: the rogaine challenge in Grade 10, a late-night game in a backcountry hut, paddling hard to win a kayak race across the campus pond. These weren't just fun—they helped shape who they became.
Exceptional experiences gain their power precisely because they're built upon solid academic foundations. Without strong content knowledge, activities remain engaging but shallow. The true magic happens at the intersection—where excellent instruction
meets exceptional experience, creating learning that is both intellectually demanding and personally meaningful.
What ties it all together is intention. At STS, we design learning that's both demanding and real. The hikes, performances, group projects, and service trips—they're part of a larger journey that helps students grow into who they're meant to be.
The most powerful educational environments don't choose between classroom learning and hands-on experience. They masterfully weave both together, recognizing that when students can choose their own path through a rich menu of exceptional opportunities, learning becomes genuinely transformative.
We see the results not just in test scores or university acceptances, but in the confidence and clarity our students carry with them. We hear it in alumni stories. And we feel it, every day, on this remarkable campus.
This is learning that lasts.
with contributions from Gabe Kemp, Executive Director of Information & Educational Technology
By Alanna Wellwood, Head of Learning Research and Educational Innovation
Finding Yourself in the Wild
I remember getting off a train in Germany once, only to realize my friend hadn’t. The doors closed, and was left on the platform, watching the train—and my friend—disappear. This was before cellphones. No map. No plan. panicked—briefly. Then regrouped, redirected, and figured it out. Eventually, we found each other again. Like any traveller, I turned to what I had: my tools, instincts, preparation. Our students will need to do the same—especially when life doesn’t go according to plan.
They might lose their way, but with self-awareness as their compass, they can find direction. Through advisory programming, personal reflections, and conversations with teachers, counsellors, and learning strategists, they start to recognize their own patterns: how they study, how they procrastinate, what fuels
their stress, and what calms it. They learn to ask themselves, “What’s working? What’s not? What do I need to change?” That selfawareness becomes a compass they will return to again and again when navigating difficult terrain.
And when the trail of life gets too steep, they may need a walking stick to get them up the harder parts of the mountain. For many students, asking for help feels like admitting weakness—like using a walking stick for support. But we strive to reframe it as strength. From the early grades through to graduation, students are encouraged to advocate for themselves: to ask for clarification, to request deadline extensions when overwhelmed, to communicate their needs to teachers, and to recognize when they need a break. This includes speaking with counsellors—not as a last resort, but as a proactive investment in their well-being.
A walking stick doesn’t mean you can’t walk—it helps you go farther, steadier, and with more confidence.
WE NORMALIZE PHRASES LIKE:
“I don’t understand this—can you explain it differently?”
“I’m feeling overwhelmed. What are myoptions?”
“Can we come up with a plan together?”
The 2025 Lifer Dinner
Gabe ’28 takes the stage as a 'Class Historian'
For a small group of Senior School students, one such experience that started as a bold pilot program quickly evolved into something extraordinary. They were challenged not just to build a miniature race car, but to operate a full-fledged startup—balancing engineering precision, creative branding, financial strategy, and project management to compete on the national stage. “We entered the program because it brings learning to life,” Mark Schweitzer, Design and Innovation teacher, explains. “Students aren’t just completing assignments, they’re managing real projects, solving real problems, and presenting to industry professionals.”
By Andrea Hahn, Communications Specialist with contributions by Alanna Wellwood, Head of Learning Research and Educational Innovation
Outcomes That Matter
Whether they move on to university, launch a business, or compete on a national stage, STAND learners gain more than academic credits. They are equipped with confidence, agency, and experience—ready not just to succeed, but to contribute.
They’ve practiced professional collaboration, managed real deadlines, solved open-ended problems, and found their voice. STAND helps them understand what they’re capable of—and how to use that insight to shape their future.
STAND offers something rare: a learning experience that adapts to the lives of pre-teens and teens, without lowering expectations or sacrificing quality.
It’s rigorous and flexible. Demanding and supportive. Personalized and connected.
It’s school, redefined
Wherever they are—on campus, on a stage, on the road, or online—STAND students are engaged in authentic learning that prepares them not just for the next test, but for the next chapter of their lives.
STAND School was created to provide the ability for students who dream big and need to learn on their terms. Students are drawn to STAND for its:
Flexibility: Students move at their own pace and learn when and where it works for them.
Innovation: Project-based, real-world challenges that build meaningful skills.
Support: Approachable teachers, small cohorts, and
IB Diploma Graduates
By Alexandra Owens, Parents’ Organization of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (POSTS) President
As the President of POSTS, my goal is simple:
CONNECTION OVER PERFECTION.
I want every parent to feel welcome, every volunteer to feel supported, and every event to reflect the heart of our school community.
Co-Chairs, Ciara Glendon ’98 and Larissa Flach ’99
Join us at an upcoming event. Connect with fellow grads through our new LinkedIn groups.
Reach out if you’d like to mentor students or offer internship opportunities.
Or simply update your contact info so we can keep in touch.
strathconatweedsmuir Say hello to our STS Alumni Association President, Karen Robinson ’92
James Chouinard ’94 & Jennifer Mundy ’95 Inspiring Alumni
determined, make-it-happen approach I saw in my parents.”
Their partnership extends beyond business to their roles as STS parents. When Mundy was considering sending her own children to STS, a campus visit left her amazed at how much the school had evolved. Today, as a co-chair and treasurer of the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS), she has experienced firsthand the deep community connections that define STS.
From Reflection to Reconnection
Their advice to current students emphasizes embracing possibility while staying true to values. “Don’t strive for perfection right off the bat,” she advises. “Take your time and enjoy the journey. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find your way, no matter what.”
Chouinard emphasizes perspective: “Keep an open mind—never say never. As you grow and evolve in life, you gain different perspectives. Keep aiming upwards and always try to learn from every experience.”
From siblings and schoolmates to business partners stewarding a legacy spanning
agriculture, faith, and community service, they demonstrate how our connections—with family, school, and community reveal their true worth in the most unexpected ways. Their story reminds us that sometimes the path forward leads us exactly where we’re meant to be, even if it’s the last place we expected to call home.
“As you grow and evolve in life, you gain different perspectives.”
Keep an open mind—never say never.
James Chouinard ’94 & Jennifer Mundy ’95 Inspiring Alumni
"A big part of forming your career is just trying different things, especially while you' re young!"
As he continues to build an international career while mentoring others, he exemplifies how a strong foundation can launch us toward unimagined heights. His journey—from a “happy accident” arrival at STS to the global stage—reminds us that the most rewarding paths are often the ones we never planned to take, and that with curiosity and courage, every new chapter holds the promise of inspiration.
with her daughter Erika
“You never really know what’s next — and that’s okay.”
When something resonates with you, you’re probably onto something.
"Questions don't care how powerful you are." Trust is hard to win and broken in an instant.
Kahane’s journey toward a career in law began with an unexpected moment of clarity as a teenager. “I was driving down Elbow Drive when I was 16 or 17 and got a ticket for making an illegal left-hand turn,” he recalls. “I went to court and argued that the sign permitted me to go straight but didn’t prohibit me from turning. I won, and I just liked the mental game—the puzzle of it all.”
From Canvas to Global Recognition
also enrolled. “Being at the same school as my siblings was a lot of fun,” she says simply, but this foundation of family connection would prove to be one of the most enduring aspects of her journey.
Anna Weyant 13 has quickly become one of the most recognized young painters in the contemporary art world. But, the 30-year-old artist’s extraordinary journey began much more quietly—as a student at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS), where she never imagined she would one day make a living as a painter.
Weyant is now one of the youngest artists represented by the prestigious Gagosian Gallery. Growing up in Calgary and attending STS from 2004 to 2013, art was something she loved, but hadn’t yet considered it as a potential career path.
The Spark That Changed Everything
“I loved art and was beginning to feel more confident in the field, but I never really imagined I could have a career as a painter,” Weyant reflects on her mindset upon graduating from STS. “It didn’t feel like a real possibility until I got to college. Still, I always knew wanted to do something creative.” That creative spark was first recognized when she was around 13 at a summer camp. “Painting was one of the elective activities. After camp was over, my mom got a complimentary letter from the instructor,” she recalls. “I had been struggling academically, so that letter meant a lot to me.” It was a pivotal moment that would
eventually lead her from those scenic drives to and from the STS campus to the galleries of New York City.
Finding Her Voice Through Family
The decision to attend STS was influenced by her older brother, who had paved the way; eventually, Weyant and her younger brother
My school friends are like family. Some live in New York now, so I get to see them more often.” Her family remains her anchor: “They are my rocks. We talk every day, and I couldn’t imagine my life without them.”
The Power of Enduring Connections
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned on her journey from STS to international recognition, her response is both simple and profound: “Love is everything!”
During her early years at STS, she participated in the school’s art programs, which she remembers as “a lot of fun.” As she grew older, her artistic pursuits expanded beyond the campus, with her attending evening art classes twice a week at another school. The beautiful STS campus became part of her formative memories.
The Path to Success
After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017, Weyant moved to New York City. Her breakthrough came with the solo exhibition “Welcome to the Dollhouse” in 2019, followed by shows at Blum & Poe in Los Angeles and Gagosian in New York.
Despite her international success, Weyant maintains deep ties to Calgary and the friends she made at STS. “I love Calgary and visit periodically throughout the year for a few weeks at a time. I like to see my family, friends, and the snow,” she says with characteristic warmth.
The connections she forged at STS remain among her most treasured relationships. “The friendships I made at STS remain some of the most meaningful in my life.
This philosophy guides not only her relationships but also her approach to her craft. Her paintings, while often exploring themes of isolation or melancholy, are created from a place of genuine care and attention—love for the medium, love for the process, and love for the work.
From Calgary to New York, from struggling student to celebrated artist, her journey reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
NilNisiOptimum(NNO) Alumni demonstrate notable accomplishments in leadership, service, and dedication to their profession and community and have brought honour and pride to their alma mater.
Weyant, Anna. Feted. 2020, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 in.
Anna Weyant ’13 NNO Alumni Awards
STS Alumna paints her own success story
yA Journey Reignited
For Aimee-Jo (Giesbrecht) Benoit '97, the path back to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) began with a peaceful, nostalgic drive to campus for a simple meeting. What started as a single visit soon grew into more than a decade of heartfelt service to the school community—a journey she could never have predicted.
As STS’s Archives Coordinator, member of the Alumni Executive Committee, and former President of the Alumni Association and member of the Alumni Events Committee, Benoit has poured her time, energy, and heart into strengthening alumni ties for many years. Her steadfast volunteerism is a reminder that lasting connections can grow well beyond graduation, binding generations together through shared purpose and pride.
The people she met along the way inspired her to continue her involvement. “I just kept saying yes, not sure what the role required necessarily, but knowing wanted to do work alongside these people,” she reflects. It's the spirit of collaboration and humility that has defined her enduring contribution, quietly stepping in wherever needed to support and strengthen the connections that make STS so special.
More Than Memories: A Living Legacy
Her deep connection to STS is rooted in family and memory—her own school days, her siblings’ and friends’ experiences, and now watching her daughter's STS path unfold. She believes the “magic formula” for community lies in bringing people together through unfamiliar or challenging experiences—spaces where bonds are formed through shared growth. For her, the Outdoor Education program captures this spirit perfectly: those muddy, exhilarating, sometimes nerve-wracking adventures become cherished common ground.
Benoit’s service is also about preserving what makes STS distinct: a place where students connect with nature, discover independence, and share the small, real moments that shape them. She fondly recalls the gift of unstructured time—“being bored together at lunch, smelling farm smells, observing wildlife.” In these unscripted moments, she believes, authentic relationships are forged.
Connection That Endures
The pandemic introduced a new layer to her work, highlighting both the reach and the limitations of digital connection. The Alumni Association adapted quickly, expanding its reach across Canada and beyond. The executive board now includes alumni from outside Calgary, keeping the STS spirit alive across time zones. Still, she acknowledges that nothing replaces face-to-face connection. She applauds the school’s approach to phone restrictions, which help protect the magic of unplanned togetherness. “Nothing is more
important than witnessing one another’s humanity,” she says.
Benoit’s approach is shaped by her own experience of being truly seen and supported at STS—a gift she now pays forward through her continued service. Whether volunteering for the school, supporting the arts, or raising her family, she leads by example: "I try to remember that I don't have to show up perfectly for it to be meaningful."
Her words remind us that lasting contributions don’t require perfection—only heart, presence, and a willingness to say yes.
Stories worth telling again (and again).
Shirley Storwick, Kathy Johansson, Cameron Ruff, Dana Lougheed
JUNE 16, 2025
By Brenda Thompson, Director of Community Engagement
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) campus came alive with the energy and enthusiasm of our extended community during the annual Homecoming Celebration and Family Fall Fair. Held in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of our courtyard, this much anticipated event—co-hosted by the STS Alumni Association and Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS)—welcomed alumni, alumni parents, former faculty and staff, and current STS families for a for a meaningful day of celebration, connection, and school spirit.
With sunshine and blue skies setting the stage, guests of all ages enjoyed a wide range of attractions including local merchandise vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, carnival games, live entertainment, guided campus tours, and the Alumni Pit Stop.
We are deeply thankful to the dedicated team of parent, alumni, student, and staff volunteers who made the day possible with their time and enthusiasm.
Beyond the festivities on campus, reunion gatherings took place across Calgary, bringing together alumni from classes ending in 4s and 9s to reminisce, reconnect, and make new memories.
The 2024 Homecoming and Fall Fair was a beautiful reflection of the enduring STS spirit—filled with joy, pride, and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Our 2025 celebration takes place on September 20th along side our Enrollment Open House.
NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI PRESENTATION
NNO recipient Andrea Wettstein ’02, Karen Robinson ’92, President of the Alumni Association, NNO recipient, Arliss Szysky ’94, Dr. Carol Grant-Watt, Head of School.
STS HOMECOMING CELEBRATION AND FALL FAIR 2024 A JOYFUL SHOWCASE OF COMMUNITY AND
A key moment in the day was the celebration of our 2024 Nil Nisi Optimum Alumni honourees: Arliss Szysky and Andrea Wettstein ’02. We also proudly recognized the recipients of the Alumni Community Citizenship Award: Jan Waterous (former parent), Bill Lorfing (former faculty), and Peter Stewart ’90. These individuals were celebrated for their meaningful impact on the STS community and their inspiring achievements beyond our campus.
Dr. Carol Grant-Watt, Community Citizenship Award recipients
Bill Lorfing, Peter Stewart ’90, Jan Waterous, and President of the Alumni Association, Karen Robinson ’92.
Sonne
PETTING ZOO
JEFF AND HIS DAUGHTERS AND GRANDCHILD
Sarah Kahane, Jeff Kahane ’89, Shepherd McLaren, Rachel McLaren
Sandra Engstrom '98 recently presented a paper at the 5th Annual Ecological Justice and Social Work Symposium, hosted by Adelphi University’s School of Social Work, and at the 1st Conference on Re/Awakening Dignity, hosted by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies in Sri Lanka. She also appeared on the 100 Cups of Coffee podcast to share her experiences navigating grief, trauma, and building trust and community.
software firm
at the National Sports School this fall after four years as an STS Senior School Science Teacher. A valued leader, advocate, coach, and mentor, Kim will be greatly missed!
Borich family
Kara Chad ’13 and her mare
Corinna Z clinched the win in the ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix during Spruce Meadows’ Super Sunday—on June 15, 2025.
and her husband Geoff on the arrival of their teaching in the Primary at Prairie Waters School STS is
thrilled to welcome back Hannah Lederer ’12 a new Kindergarten teacher this fall.
Daniel Passingham ‘13 has been promoted to Project Manager at Gulf Operators Ltd., a heavy civil construction company based in New Brunswick
Victoria Clark ’13 is joining Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) as a Strategy & Transformation Associate in Offshore Wind and Battery Energy Storage Systems, while completing her MBA internship through London Business School.
Anna Weyant ’13 portrait of Kaia Gerber for December 2024 issue. Anna will Nil Nisi Optimum (NNO) at the Homecoming
Congratulations to Madison Milne-Ives ’13 on beginning her new role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at King’s College London. Earlier this year, Madison successfully defended her PhD thesis in an oral examination (viva voce) at Newcastle University with no corrections—a rare achievement—and officially graduated in July.
Nicole Herback ’13 has joined global communications firm Edelman as an Account Director on the healthcare team in Toronto.
Jeremy Rose ’14 started a new position as Consultant, Innovation Ventures at Tourmaline Oil Corp.
Everett Yasinski ’15 has stepped into a new role at EY as Senior in Tax Technology Transformation,
Congratulations to and Ly-Anh Reid ’15
We’re thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone with these two STS alumni.
Congratulations to James Newhouse ’14 on his recent promotion to Senior Manager at Ryan, a global tax services and software firm headquartered in Dallas.
Gillian Ceyhan ’14 started a new role as Product Marketing Manager at Aritzia.
Nico Belanger ’18 earned his master’s in music from Leeds Conservatoire in 2024. Based in Leeds, he performs as Nico Paul, releasing What is Lifted, and also produces and plays guitar with the alt jazz/funk band Glass Frogs.
MATT KERR
Senior School Social Studies Teacher
For 11 years, Matt inspired global thinking in his Social Studies classes and led Model UN, fostering curiosity and diplomacy in countless students. His passion for learning brought lessons to life. We wish Matt and his family well as they begin their new journey in Guangzhou, China.
DR. TARA LABERGE
English and Music Teacher
In her four years at STS, Tara taught Musical Theatre, Drama, and English, directed both Middle and Senior Choirs, and contributed to school productions. As she steps into a new role in the opera world, we thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in this exciting chapter.
GORAN MARKOVIC
School Psychologist
Through a provincial pilot program, Goran quickly became a trusted member of STS, supporting students with empathy and insight. His dedication to student well-being and strong connections with families and staff leave a lasting impact. We thank him for his care and wish him all the best.
SHANNON MERCER-LEE ’81
Elementary School Teacher
Returning from retirement, Shannon brought grace, experience, and joy to Grade 3—stepping in part-time and later full-time when needed. Her love for teaching and deep STS connection shone through. We wish her all the best in her well-earned “retirement 2.0” and happy times with her grandchild.
Sweet Farewells Tributes
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