Dear STS community,
Today is the official 50th anniversary of when Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) first opened its doors to students. As we celebrate half a century on our beautiful campus, it is important to acknowledge the land where we are located, in honour of those who were here before us.
We would like to acknowledge that where we are today is within the boundaries of Treaty 7 territory – the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nation. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on, learn on or are visiting.
50 years ago, it all began with an idea. In 1971, a group of forward-thinking, courageous leaders and educators broke ground on a new campus in a remote, rural area just south of Calgary, Alberta. Little did they know that this tiny school with big ideas would go on to become the gold standard of independent private education in Canada − and around the world. The STS of today is the result of five decades of vision, hard work, commitment, and love.
As the current Head of School of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, I have the privilege of being the custodian of many incredible STS leaders’ legacies of generosity, courage, fortitude and insight which helped to create the incredible school we enjoy now. I am humbled by that notion and take that role seriously.
Today, we officially launched a year-long party on our campus, with students and employees being surprised with birthday cake, and receiving commemorative 50th anniversary pins.
We also shared this incredible 50th anniversary tribute video – which I encourage you to enjoy as well. When watching this video, I was filled with pride and emotion. Collectively we all have such an amazing story and shared history, being a part of the STS community.
Not only will we learn about and celebrate our past through the next ten months, but we will ensure we leave a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy, and launch into our future with a new strategic plan.
Looking to what is to come, in partnership with our Board of Governors, Foundation Board, school and alumni leadership, and many parents, students and employees, we have spent the past year plotting our course to set STS up for success for the next 50 years.
I couldn’t be more excited to share our new strategic plan with you in the coming months and to having conversations about how we can build our future together. I truly believe that we have found the perfect balance of nurturing our core, while having the courage to break new ground, push boundaries, and strive for excellence in all that we do. That is the STS way.
We are entering an era of possibility, and this commitment to growth, whether academic, emotional, or spiritual, needs to be constant —can never rest on its laurels or follow the status quo. It’s a concept that embodies every aspect of the STS journey.
There are many exciting celebrations for our whole STS community to enjoy in the coming months. There is truly something for everyone. To find out more about upcoming events and our history, please visit our 50th anniversary events page here: https://www.sts50.ca/50th-events.
Also, we have launched our 50th anniversary online store so you can gear up in style for the year. All 50th online store proceeds will go towards STS 50th anniversary celebrations.
Thank you in advance for your support and engagement during what promises to be an incredible year. You only turn 50 once and we couldn’t do it without you!
Let the celebration begin!
With gratitude,
Carol Grant-Watt
Head of School