Both Grade 7 and 8 Social Studies classes recently participated in peer assessment activities in class. Peer assessment helps students to evaluate other students’ work in accordance with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) rubrics. Students were asked to locate evidence in student work that reflects the various strands in the MYP Rubrics.

Last week Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School students and employees took part in numerous activities for the 37th annual celebration of Marti McKay Week. Founded in 1984, Marti McKay Week promotes the creative arts, honouring the memory of Marti McKay, an STS student and gifted poet who passed away in 1981.

As I approached the path towards the observatory, I could smell the beautiful fall night with crisp leaves crunching under my feet and see soft lit candles (fake) leading everyone towards the fun evening ahead. As I walked down the path, I was greeted by Mrs. Grant-Watt, Head of School,  saying hello to all of those arriving.

On October 8, 12 STS teachers across all three grade divisions attended a workshop at Dodginghorse Ranch on Tsuut’ina Nation. Facilitated by Sonya Dodginghorse, teachers engaged in meaningful learning, collaborating, and sharing that focused on Indigenous culture and diversity awareness.

The 2021 Spartan cross country season has come to an end, and what an exceptional season it was! Both the Middle and Senior School teams demonstrated determination, commitment, enthusiasm, and leadership throughout the season. This season provided opportunities for the Middle School students to train with the Senior School students, allowing them to improve and put themselves against tougher competition.  

What better way to catch up with both old and new friends alike than the excuse of a birthday party? On October 2, 48 STS community members attended the STS 50th anniversary event at McMahon Stadium. Fifty years is a good reason to sit front and center at a football home game on the Telus Patio.

STS is actively and empathetically exploring, designing, and developing different pedagogical approaches to learning about the legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. STS faculty have been helping students make sense of Canada’s history and are pursuing opportunities to engage in practices that facilitate reconciliation within the school community.

While Canada observes its first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, STS strives to create meaningful engagements to promote the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation. However, the question arises for Elementary Educators and parents of young students alike: How do we approach this important but painful legacy in an age-appropriate way? During conversations this week, I discovered that Elementary Teachers at STS kept this important question in mind while staying true to the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. 

‘Adapt and adjust (and stay healthy while doing so)’, that has become my mantra for the past 19 months. Amidst the many challenges have been many opportunities and some blessings in disguise.

Thank you to the STS student and staff community for your participation in our class runs during the week of September 20 – 24, 2021.  It was an amazing demonstration of caring, encouragement and fun! The STS Terry Fox Run is a part of one of Canada’s biggest displays of solidarity against cancer while setting an example of compassion, fostering school spirit, and encouraging physical activity! Our participation over the past 37 years exemplifies our dedication to supporting Terry Fox. 

The annual Zone golf tournament took place in Turner Valley with the STS girls team placing first and bringing home the banner.

The Grade 2s have been hard at work this month learning all about PATTERNS! 

Grade 3 student, Izmir K. '31, ran a half marathon this weekend to raise money for Afgan girls to gain access to education. He ran a total of 21.1 km in 2 hours and 49 minutes!

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.

One of the words that I believe most describes STS is community. The close-ties and overarching feeling of community at STS can be described as nothing short of extraordinary. Although there are many amazing things from my time at STS so far, the things I will remember the most are the people I have met.

Navigating the backcountry, much like finding our way through life, school and social interactions, can be full of challenge, discovery, and wonder. The wayfinding process can also be filled with anxiety, dread, and exhaustion. Sometimes a single day, or even a single hour, can elicit all of these emotions and states.

This year, our annual Elementary Speech Day Celebration was presented in the C.A. Smith Arts Theatre. Despite restrictions regarding the size and cohorting of audience members, we were able to invite the Grade 5 and 6 students to view their respective grades’ performances live in the theatre.  

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, we celebrated and recognized our volunteers whose selfless dedication makes a world of a difference in our STS community.

Sophia Shepherd '21 created an e-book for her Aboriginal Studies course through the ADLC that is now being used by the Pembina Hills School Division to better inform their learning about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.