Announcing the next Head of School

Announcing the next Head of School

Dear Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School Community,

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Head of School Search Committee, we are excited to share an important moment in the history of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS). Following an extensive global search that included input from our students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. John M. Switzer as the next Head of School of STS. Dr. Switzer will officially assume the position in August 2027.

Introducing Dr. John M. Switzer

Dr. John Switzer brings over 30 years of secondary educational leadership across top-tier international and Canadian independent environments. He currently serves as the Upper School (Grades 6 to 12) Principal at Frankfurt International School, where he leads over 950 students and 125 faculty members, and previously served as Upper School Principal at Zurich International School.

His background strongly aligns with STS’s strategic vision, core values, and educational priorities. Highlights include: 

• Deep IB expertise: Dr. Switzer served in senior leadership with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Singapore, managing program development across 27 countries. His structural knowledge across the PYP, MYP, and DP frameworks will ensure STS remains the premier IB continuum school in Western Canada.
• Campus stewardship and complex operations: Experienced in managing large budgets and capital projects (including leading a $50M campus master plan in Zurich), Dr. Switzer understands the operational leadership required for an expansive 202-acre campus like STS.
• Experiential and outdoor education: Raised in Northwestern Ontario on the edge of Quetico Provincial Park, Dr. Switzer shares a deep personal connection to the outdoors. His leadership aligns closely with Kurt Hahn’s philosophy that outdoor adventure and experiential learning build resilient character, self-discovery, and a commitment to serving others.
• Research on belonging: Holding an Ed.D. from the University of Bath (awarded Outstanding Doctoral Thesis), his academic research centers on alumni identity and belonging, a passion that aligns directly with honouring STS’s multi-generational heritage while fostering an inclusive, welcoming culture.
• Ethical innovation: A forward-thinking leader, Dr. Switzer recently led international initiatives on the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence in education.

Dr. Switzer is delighted to become part of the STS community and offers this personal message:

Dear STS Community,

I am deeply honoured and thrilled to join Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School as your next Head of School. STS is a community with a rich legacy, vibrant traditions, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. I step into this role with both gratitude and humility.

What excites me most about this next chapter is the opportunity to learn alongside all of you. A truly great school is built on strong relationships, and my absolute priority will be to listen to your stories, understand the deep-rooted traditions that make STS so special, and learn what you cherish most about this remarkable place. Whether in the classrooms, outside on the idyllic STS campus, or at school events, I look forward to getting to know the students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni who give this school its unique heart and spirit.

My wife Trish and I are eager to immerse ourselves in the STS family and become active members of the local community. Together, we will honour the school’s storied history, uphold our shared values, and walk forward into the future with purpose and optimism.

I look forward to meeting you all in the coming months and embarking on this exciting journey together.

— Dr. John M. Switzer

Honouring Dr. Carol Grant-Watt

This appointment comes as we prepare to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Carol Grant-Watt, who will retire as Head of School in August 2027 after nine years of visionary leadership. Her steady, compassionate stewardship guided our community through a global pandemic, economic challenges, and a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Dr. Grant-Watt’s dedication to educational excellence, community well-being, and forward strategic thinking has fundamentally strengthened our school’s fabric. As she leads us through the coming year, we look forward to supporting her ambitious goals and creating many opportunities to honour her remarkable contributions to STS.

Looking Ahead

We extend our sincere gratitude to every member of the Search Committee, the Board of Governors, and our community members whose honesty, dedication, and participation guided this global search.

Dr. Switzer and Dr. Grant-Watt will work closely alongside the Board and STS Leadership Team to ensure a seamless leadership handoff over the next year. In the months ahead, we will share details regarding opportunities for parents, students, employees, and alumni to meet Dr. Switzer and his wife, Trish, and welcome them into the STS family.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement, trust, and commitment to STS.

Mike Rose
Chair, Board of Governors

Allison Taylor
STS Board Member and Chair of the Search Committee