Student Services
My years at STS formed a foundation that has enabled me to achieve much more than I could have imagined, both in my career and on a personal level. Thank you for the years of mentoring, learning and guidance that have shaped me into the person I am today. - Shannon Bowen-Smed '82, President and CEO, Bowen Workplace Solutions
Well-being, academic success, and discovering your personal best is our priority at STS. Student Services supports learning, social and emotional needs, and educational planning.
Personalized learning
It starts in the classroom with teachers committed to supporting diverse learning styles to ensure students reach their full academic potential. Personal attention is the norm; because there are small class sizes at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir.
Beginning in Middle School, students meet with their dedicated advisor every week in addition to a five minute advisor period every morning. Together, they set goals and work on self-management skills. This continues in Grade 10 with a dedicated period for student/advisor interaction. And, all Senior School students have devoted time to seek help in any subject.
Collaborative support
Beyond the classroom, student support is highly collaborative. Teachers meet weekly with our learning strategists to track the progress of students. They identify targeted support where needed, which could include:
- Weekly meetings between a student and a learning strategist.
- Involvement of parents for added support.
Our learning strategists work with the entire school community to provide the right support at the right time.
Specialized attention
When needed, our learning strategists develop a program that could include:
- An academic profile for consistency for the entire team;
- Counselling;
- Essential learning skill development including organization, study habits, planning, and time management;
- Communication coordination with parents and faculty.
Together, we make sure every student achieves their personal best.
View the Model of Learning Support Process for more information.
University preparation
What should I do after high school?
Choosing a path to university studies can be a bit overwhelming. Students at STS work with our university counsellors to plan post-secondary studies. In Grades 11 and 12, University Planning is a regular course.
Uncovering each student’s motivations and priorities mark the beginning of the journey to university. We use the Strong Interest Inventory assessment and student reflection to help students determine possible future career paths, and in turn, choose their high school courses. They’ll learn about different careers from invited guests, and attend our large university fair. Two university tours round out their introduction to post-secondary options.
To foster academic excellence, leadership and character is our mission at STS. We strive to continue that development into the future.
The Student Services Team
Ms. Lori Gonzalez
Director of Student Services
Ms. Gonzalez’s primary role is to provide social-emotional support to students across the three divisions of the school, Grades 5-12. She provides one-on-one counseling and her open-door policy allows students to walk through her door whenever they need support. Additionally, she coordinates referrals to the team and acts as a liaison between parents and teachers.
Ms. Kelly Ames
Elementary School Learning Strategist
Ms. Ames collaborates with students, teachers and parents to provide support, resources and strategies for our Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. She coordinates ongoing benchmark assessments and facilitates accommodations.
Ms. Annabel Dias
Learning Strategist
Ms. Annabel Dias brings invaluable experience to the Student Services department as a learning strategist. Her deep knowledge of learning supports and work with teachers helps support a variety of learners.
Mrs. Lisa Roth
Middle School Learning Strategist (Grades 7 to 9)
Mrs. Roth works with students in Grades 7 to 9 and helps teachers plan in-class learning, coordinate accommodations for assessments, and provide resources and strategies for all members of a student’s learning team. Mrs. Roth provides a holistic level of support for our Middle School students.
Mr. Lawrence Thenu
Middle School Guidance Counsellor/ Certified Counselling Therapist
Mr. Thenu is a provincially and federally-certified counselling therapist as well as an IB-certified teacher. His focus is adolescent development, family counselling, trauma, and behavioural/learning disorders. Mr. Thenu's addition to the school allows students to receive single-session and on-going counselling, as well as mental health support. He also develops and implements strategies alongside our Learning Strategists to enhance student learning.
Ms. Lindsey Doland
Lead Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Lindsey Doland has joined the Student Services team as the lead Post-Secondary Counsellor for STS. She comes to us with a wealth of experience from Shawnigan Lake School, St. Michaels University School and has international experience as well as local Calgary experience. She will be an asset to our well-developed program for student support with post-secondary opportunities.
Ms. Kirsten Ziegler
Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Kirsten Ziegler will join Lindsey in the Post-Secondary Counselling team as a part-time counsellor to support students. Kirsten comes to us with experience in BC schools including Glenlyon Norfolk as well as with community organizations in B.C. and Alberta.
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