A Tale of Two Students: Discovering Home at STS

A Tale of Two Students: Discovering Home at STS

Two different kids and two very distinct impressions at the start of their student journeys. As recent arrivals to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS), both have found meaning in their days, and our family has discovered a new sense of harmony – but how we all came to be at STS is the real story!

My son's aspirations for Grade 10 were to attend a fine arts high school where he could explore his interests, prepare for university, and meet a myriad of new people. We sourced a public fine arts school, but our plans fell apart at the last minute due to overcrowding. 

STS came highly recommended. While he initially hesitated about private schools in general: too restrictive, not diverse enough, and purely academics-focused, we found STS to have an outstanding reputation, excellent postsecondary statistics, and a beautiful campus near our community. I made the call.

With only a few spots left in his grade and less than a week remaining to complete his registration, it was a whirlwind. I stood back as he met with the admissions team. They got to know each other and determined, amongst themselves, that this was a good match and a great opportunity for students and school. This commitment to ensuring a child’s enrollment will be equally beneficial for both sides is one of the many reasons I’ve come to appreciate the team at STS.

A year into his STS career, we’ve seen that, for those kids willing to participate, there are no limits to finding a purpose for their passion. Kicking off Grade 10 with an interest in the arts – all of them – my son tried band for the first time, created visual art, composed music, sang, performed, travelled, volunteered, and pursued anything else fine arts-related. He continues to be met with generous support and enthusiasm at every turn.

During this time, I noticed my daughter starting to withdraw into herself. She struggled in a community school environment, holding back from exploring her social and academic passions. Entirely to her credit, she identified STS as her dream school. And why wouldn’t it be? Where my son was hesitant, she was brimming with excitement. STS provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow her passions and the confidence-building and ongoing support to discover her purpose.

While the admissions team was equally excited to meet my daughter, they needed us to understand that Grade 6 is not an optimal year for switching schools. As it is the final year of elementary school at STS, most students have been together for many years. Grade 6 also carries a confident expectation of leadership, beginning with away school camp in early September. Would enrolling in Grade 7 make more sense if she could engage with other new students like herself?

Despite these ponderings, we took the plunge and felt it was indeed in our daughter’s best interest to attend STS in Elementary School. As we approach the tail end of her first year, we’ve seen her confidence soar. She has selected her Middle School arts major, based on her passions, of course, and hugs me fiercely on random school days, whispering in my ear, “Thank you for getting me into this school!”. Little does she know it was all her…but that’s our secret. Besides, I really like those hugs!

For parents, the key to determining whether STS is the right choice for your child is this: take a step back and observe. You’ve done your homework and made the connection, and now it’s time to let your child and the skilled admissions team take over. You are doing no one any favours (your child included) by dictating their essay topic, guiding their interview, or writing parts of their application yourself. If it’s a good match, your child and the school will establish a relationship based on personal advocacy and mutual respect, the foundations for a lifetime of learning and connection.

Driven by passion, finding their purpose, and enjoying every step of their journey, our kids thrive in an environment of “Yes.” Yes, you can try that. Yes, you can sign up. Yes, we’ll help you make it all work. They are connoisseurs of the fine arts in the local community and abroad, engaged in their niche interests outside of school and building their self-confidence as they bring joy to themselves, our family, and others. 

Our journey has taught us that not all schools are created equal. As parents, asking what kind of learning culture you’d like to see your kids immersed in is just as important. This means an environment where they are encouraged to try their best, celebrate diversity, be kind, and become globally aware—all while finding their joy.

For us, that environment is here, and we are so glad we said Yes to STS.