Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School View Book

OUr sts can b e you r s t s

Our mission is to develop well-balanced students for a life of purpose by inspiring excellence in scholarship, leadership and character.

OUR STS c a n b e YO U R STS Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is more than a great school – STS inspires journeys that lead our students beyond anything they could have imagined.

Those journeys are different for everyone, which makes it difficult to define what the STS community loves most about their school in one sentence.

So we asked those who know us best.

STS students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni answered the question – “what is your STS?” – and the response was overwhelming.

Throughout this view book you will see their answers, which capture the true essence of our incredible community.

We invite you to make our STS your STS…

COMMUNITY SERVICE

BOLD

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

ENGLISH

MENTORSHIP ENTO

EXPERIENTAL LEARNING

STUDENT EXCHANGES

SPARTANS

SAFETY JOURNEYS

SCHOLARSHIP

DESIGN

POTENTIAL ROUND SQUARE

JAZZ COMBO

FINE ARTS

INTEGRATED PROGRAMMING

LANGUAGES

ALUMNI

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP LAUGHTER

FAMILY TRACK & FIELD FRIENDSHIP

CONFIDENCE

HISTORY

COUNTRY CAMPUS TEACHING EXCELLENCE

BALANCE

VOLLEYBALL

WELL-ROUNDED

BASKETBALL

ATHLETICS

CANOEING

FIELD HOCKEY SPEECH AND DEBATE

INNOVATIVE

FINE ARTS ADVENTURE

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

TRADITION

PERSONAL BEST

BAND ND

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

SCIENCE IEN

MUSIC

MUSICAL AL L THE TH THEATRE T E

EXPLORATION

SOCIAL JUSTICE

IMAGINATION

CURIOSITY

COMMUNITY SELF-EXPRESSION

PUBLIC SPEAKING

CHOIR CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING NG

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

BADMINTON

FUN

MATH

COMMUNICATORS

DIVERSITY

MODEL UN

CHARACTER

RUGBY

INSPIRING

TRAVEL

HIKING

INQUIRY

— M Y S T S is helping out the community —

CHALLENGING

JOY

GOLF

21ST CENTURY LEARNERS

LEADERSHIP

CAMPING

POSSIBILITY

— M Y S T S is the best school I’ve ever been to —

CREATIVE

FACT #1

Hands-on outdoor learning has been shown to benefit students through increased student engagement, increased motivation, and higher levels of enthusiasm.

FACT #2

Links have been made to the time that children spend outdoors to their healthy development and overall well-being.

STS offers enriched learning opportunities on our 200 acre country campus, where students enjoy hands-on learning, physical activity, fresh air, and natural beauty.

Our students use our campus as an outdoor classroom everyday:

• canoeing on the pond • running, hiking, biking or crosscountry skiing on more than 10 km’s of trails • testing pond water, soil samples and vegetation as part of science curriculum • sketching wildlife and plants in art class • launching hand-made rockets built in design class • studying motion sensor camera footage to see local animals in our shared habitat • studying the changing seasons • journalling the geography of our landscape • exploring insects in their habitats

FACT #3

Students who participate in outdoor education programs achieve higher test scores.

• composting to study how worms break down organic material • acting out Shakespeare scenes • holding town council meetings

Unparalleled learning opportunities in the great outdoors — M Y S T S is caring —

FACT #4

No other school in our region can offer students these unique opportunities – all without having to step foot off campus.

Childhood experiences in the outdoors are strong predictors of adult use and attitudes toward the outdoors.

— M Y S T S is my community —

The Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School campus houses three school divisions: Elementary, Middle and Senior School. All students benefit from continuity, a strong sense of community, and mentorship opportunities amongst different age groups. Academic offerings in all grade levels include Alberta Education curriculum supplemented by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

2+2=4

MY STS is creating lifetime memories

elementary

senior

where it all begins: Grades 1-6

reaching new heights: Grades 10-12

STS Elementary School students develop a love of learning in a safe, nurturing, inquiry-centered, and technology-rich environment. Grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme, (PYP) students learn to challenge themselves and apply critical thinking strategies to enable them to meet their potential in all areas. Discovering their skills and knowledge in art, French, music, physical education, and a wide-variety of clubs promotes a well-rounded education.

STS Senior School students benefit from choice. They can choose to study a combination of IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses and STS courses, or they can pursue the full IB DP. Regardless of their choice, they will engage in an academic program of excellence which promotes inquiry, challenges students to do their best, optimizes technology, and prepares them for success in university and beyond.

Students have the opportunity to explore our beautiful rural campus, learning in the fresh, open air. These activities develop curiosity, independence, and an appreciation for our natural environment, while building lasting friendships and memories.

Senior School co-curricular programs are also about choice – and students develop a sense of civic duty, global perspective and empowerment through a variety of unique experiences.

We celebrate diversity and inspire students to seek opportunities to connect their learning to a broader global perspective.

middle no middle ground: Grades 7-9 STS Middle School students enjoy a safe haven where they can explore this new chapter in their education and their burgeoning independence. Grounded in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), students experience course content through real-life contexts and state-of-the-art technology. They are encouraged to ask questions, think critically and work collaboratively.

To maintain a well-balanced education, students are encouraged to follow their hearts and try new things outside of the classroom. From studentled clubs, athletics, speech and debate, outdoor education, organizing activities for younger students, fine and performing arts, the annual school musical production, local community service activities, and international service projects – the world is their oyster.

Students graduate from STS driven to be their best and inspired to make a difference. Our School community and the opportunities we provide ensure they are prepared to do so.

Students benefit from highly-qualified, dedicated faculty and a learning environment with a small student-teacher ratio, consistent homeroom groupings, and individual advisors. Students build supportive relationships, while maximizing their full potential.

Middle School students are provided with an excellent foundation in the core academic subject areas of math, science, English and social studies, with equal time dedicated to outdoor education, languages, fine and performing arts, and physical education. Outside of the classroom, students can follow their passions and explore new talents by joining student-led clubs, speech and debate, athletic teams, and community service and leadership activities.

The opportunities provided both in and out of the classroom inspire students to move forward as well-balanced, confident individuals, who go on to lead purposeful lives.

— M Y S T S is caring —

— M Y S T S is my community —

Highlights of my day at school…

STS students are excited to go to school – they enjoy a wide-variety of activities intended to enhance their love of learning, character development, and overall health and well-being.

These are just a few examples of a day in the life of an STS student…

Samantha (Grade 3) ith my w l o o h sc to n i e d ri s Bu best friend Stuart. d to go to se u o h w y d a l e c i n A a story. school here read us n lunch e th d n a e c ti c ra p r i o Had ch alk and w re tu a n a n o t n e We w plants in science class col ected yum! ss a l c h c n re F n i s Tried crepe in Art Club rd a o b te a sk y m d te Pain OOL C ry e V . l o o h sc r te af

Alicia, Grade 8

My Day!!

• At school early for volleyball • Grabbed a smoo thie from Bistro before class • Round Square m eeting for Water Conservatio n Day • Phys Ed class: Canoeing on pon d • Science: made and launched ro ckets!

• Designed a log o in Design clas s.

• Bus ride home with Gillian and Tisha Planned our wee kend.

Hopefully movie on Saturday.

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— M Y S T S CELEBRATES UNIQUE TALENTS —

MY STS is an adventure

educating for the future At STS, we are always thinking about how best to prepare students for the future to ensure that they have the skills they will need to thrive in the 21st Century.

We prepare our students to succeed in a rapidly changing world and increasingly global economy. Students today must understand how to filter, evaluate, synthesize, and interpret immense amounts of information. Also, careers are constantly evolving – young people need to be given the skills and tools to be able to adapt to new opportunities as they emerge.

STS students are 21st Century learners and citizens: • Intrinsically motivated and persevering, analytical and reflective, they seek innovative solutions to challenges.

• Effective communicators and lifelong learners, they are adaptable to change.

• Grounded in their communities, they collaborate as part of their responsibilities as ethical citizens of an interdependent world.

We put technology in the hands of our students at an early age and teach them how to critically evaluate on-line content. We also invest in our teachers so that we enable them to keep abreast of emerging knowledge about teaching and learning within the context of an information-rich society.

— M Y S T S IS LIFE-CHANGING —

— M Y S T S is a celebration of personal bests —

academic excellence

STS students engage in and experience a challenging and dynamic academic and co-curricular learning environment where they acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes that will allow them to achieve personal success, and to make meaningful contributions to a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world.

To that end, STS has become Alberta’s only International Baccalaureate Continuum Independent School offering all three IB Programs (PYP, MYP and DP) in Grades 1 through 12.

At its heart, the mission of the IB is to inspire learners to help create a better and more peaceful world – one where they understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

As a dynamic and forward-thinking school, one that focuses not only on individual development, but also on the collective betterment of the community, locally and globally, the ideals embodied in both the School’s mission, vision and values, and the IB Learner Profile reflect a shared understanding of the attributes learners require to succeed in the 21st Century.

IB Learner profile: knowledgeable thinkers communicators principled open-minded caring courageous balanced reflective

MY STS prepares me for university

DEMOCRACY

— M Y S T S is where I can be myself and Explore my world —

— M Y S T S is a place where you learn to think, not just know —

teaching excellence

effective communicator

analytical

At STS, our talented, caring teachers deliver well-rounded programming, giving all STS students the opportunity to flourish. When it comes to teaching excellence, there are many pieces to the puzzle...

professional

embraces diversity

conceptual

inspiring

inquiring

student centred

innovative

commitTed

supportive

dynamic

motivator

integrity

ethical

seeking opportunities

nurturing

balanced

— M Y S T S is full of positive energy —

creative

experienced

graduate studies

critical thinking

principled

role models

— M Y S T S sparks imaginatioN —

MY STS

my formula for success

STS students are given the opportunity to live a life of purpose through:

Living a life of Purpose STS students, parents, teachers, staff and alumni put the STS mission to “live a life of purpose” into action. Our students have the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, and are inspired by their community every day.

— M Y S T S is helping out the community —

• Round Square • Model United Nations • Athletics (Rugby, Field Hockey, Track and Field, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Climbing, Canoeing, Cross-Country Running, Badmintion, Nordic Skiing) • Outdoor Education • International Service Trips • Community Agencies Program • Elementary Humanitarian Outreach Program (HOP) • Environment Club • School Musical Production • Speech and Debate • Student-Led Clubs • Band and Choir • Science Olympics • Student Exchange Program

— M Y S T S IS CREATING LIFELONG MEMORIES —

sts stu d e n ts d r e a m b i g and make a difference

leadership STS students explore the world and gain an understanding of other cultures and our natural environment. They pursue leadership opportunities, gaining a sense of responsibility and confidence. They challenge themselves to be their best.

They lead healthy lifestyles. They strive to be caring citizens. They endeavour to live with integrity and compassion.

opening horizons

inquirers democracy balance knowledgeable courageous

principled environmental stewardship healthy mind, healthy body

service adventure

internationalism reflective

giving back

caring

thinkers open-minded

communicators making the world a better place

— M Y S T S gives me countless opportunities —

challenging the status quo — M Y S T S inspires determination, courage, hope, purpose, and confidence —

everything is connected

Q: What does canoeing have to do with physics?

A: This is integrated programming in action.

A cornerstone of an STS education is integrated programming – meaning that students benefit from a holistic, balanced education.

Science concepts are reinforced while exploring the outdoors on our country campus; service opportunities and the fostering of global-mindedness are integrated into academic programming; the history and community of the School are woven into student experience and the very culture of STS. Students benefit from this well-rounded approach which reinforces concepts, and removes silos, so that learning can be applied in multiple ways.

A big picture approach to learning that encourages critical thinking and makes connections across subjects

MY STS sparks my imagination — M Y S T S expands my community beyond the classroom walls —

— M Y S T S is a rural wonderland —

a global community

M Y S T S gives me the opportunity to explore the world

STS celebrates a strong and vibrant community of more than 650 students, 6,000 alumni, and 110 faculty and staff, travelling, working, and studying across the globe, while remaining rooted in our more than 100-year history.

5

6

7

1 1 BANFF: OE class Bow Summit ski tour 2 Grade 7 students ski to Elizabeth Parker Hut, LAKE LOUISE 3 Students attend

9

2

16

8

Student Exchange: Denmark

14 15

11 3

Model United Nations Conference, STANFORD UNIVERSITY

10 12

Stude

nt Ex

chang e: Ind ia

22

22 SOUTH KOREA:

Ms. W taught IB physics and chemistry 23 SINGAPORE: Ms. G

13

4 GUATEMALA: Students build school

returns to STS to lead the elementary division after teaching at the Canadian International School

17 18

4 21 23

19 5 Ms. N shares her experiences growing up in the CANADIAN ARCTIC with Grade 2 students 6 Senior students go on Eastern University tour 7 QUEBEC: French language trip 8 Alumni attend

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS 9 Alumni attend ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

18 Carmen G’ 10 attends

Student Exchange: Peru 10 Alumni continue family tradition, HARVARD UNIVERSITY 11 Craig A ‘95 wins Stanley Cup with PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

NYU, ABU DHABI campus 14 ENGLAND: STS Head of School joins alumni in London for a reception 15 FRANCE: Students tour World War II battlefields

12 Alumni attend RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

16 RUSSIA: Mr. U and the

13 CUBA: Spanish student language trip

17 Student from

— M Y S T S is adding value to the world —

Senior School band tour St. Petersburg and Moscow QATAR attends STS

20

19 KENYA: STS Director of Curriculum and Instruction taught here before joining STS

24

24 AUSTRALIA:

20 SOUTH AFRICA: Round Square students attend international conference 21 Kathyrn M’ 15 spends

the summer on exchange, Daly College, Indore, INDIA

— M Y S T S is where I can freely express myself —

25

Ali P. ‘12 finishes 4th, World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, Brisbane 25 NEW ZEALAND:

STS Rugby team plays in New Zealand

M Y S T S is enriching of our current students are the children of sts alumni The 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.

Once a part of the STS family, always a part of the STS family — M Y S T S is A LEGACY OF SUCCESS —

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.

We hold many alumni events on the STS campus and across the globe each year.

These events 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.

— M Y S T S NURTURES GROWTH —

100%

students perform in annual school musical production

90

co-curricular activity opportunities

university acceptance

students

70

facualty holding combined total of 170 degrees

200 ACRE campus

100%

33,327

IB diploma candidates pass

18

650

REPRESENTED BY STUDENT BODY

35 sports teams

— M Y S T S is my home away from home —

70%

of students on athletic teams

1,000

laptops, desktops and tablet computers on campus

19

buses

Alberta’s only Grades 1 – 12 full IB independent school

10km 80% countries 11 150 stops

campus hiking trails

in calgary

and 33 schools participating in student exchange

volumes housed in the school library

INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS

360 students go on outdoor education trips per year

one school...

$300,000

10 students per advisor

typical grad class accepted to 50 universities across the world

in scholarships and bursaries awarded

6,000+ alumni

100% of students participate in community service

average class size: 16 — M Y S T S is being with friends —

campus POND

OUR STS c a n b e YO U R STS We invite you...

No other school can offer the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School experience: •

unparalleled learning in the great outdoors • a focus on academic excellence • talented, experienced and dedicated teachers • students prepared to thrive in the 21st Century • a strong and vibrant global community • meaningful opportunities to live a life of purpose • a holistic and balanced education Experience the vibrant STS community first-hand by visiting our beautiful country campus, only 10 minutes outside of Calgary, Alberta. Tour the campus, observe classes in action and meet STS students and teachers.

For more information or to schedule a personal tour of the STS campus, please contact the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir Enrollment Office.

Email: admissions@sts.ab.ca Phone: 403.938.8326 Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2

www.sts.ab.ca

Email: admissions@sts.ab.ca Phone: 403.938.8326 Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2

www.sts.ab.ca