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.

Nevada Maier '24 recognized as CTV Calgary Inspired Albertan using his daily Peloton bike rides to raise funds for the Heart Beats Children's Society of Calgary.

Are you a kid who has always wanted to fly a drone across 220-acres of open space just to explore the landscape from 300-metres in the air? Or maybe you’re a student who’s watched the Royals playing the complex sport of polo on TV and wondered what it’s like to ride a pony while trying to hit a ball with a mallet. Or a parent thinking that if your child loves those darned video games so much maybe they should try to program one.

Our Grade 5 Spartans have developed quite the reputation; a cohort with grit and perseverance! Despite -30 weather landing right on top of our outdoor school, students bundled up and took experiential learning to a whole new level.

Monday, March 8 is International Women’s Day and I want to thank all the strong women who have made a difference in my life.

On Thursday, February 25, Senior School students participated in a friendly in-house Speech Tournament in the category of Interpretive Reading of Prose.

Last week, Emma M. ’22 participated in the Canadian National Public Speaking Championships held virtually from St. John’s Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg, Manitoba representing Alberta and STS.