STS Optimum Magazine 2017 by Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

A S T R AT H C O N A -T W E E D S M U I R S C H O O L P U B L I C AT I O N V O L U M E S E V E N T E E N | F A L L 2 017

MOMENTUM

CREDITS

HEAD OF SCHOOL

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY

DR. WILLIAM JONES

JENNIFER CHIPPERFIELD, MELANIE HAMPSON, BRENDA THOMPSON, LARA UNSWORTH ’95, THE STS ARCHIVES, AND SEVERAL MORE STS FACULTY, STAFF, ALUMNI, PARENTS AND STUDENTS.

CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGING EDITOR LARA UNSWORTH ’95 PRODUCTION SUPPORT AND EDITING DINNIE BAKER, CAROLINE BANADAR, GORDON FREIGHT, BARB JONES, DR. WILLIAM JONES, MELANIE HAMPSON, BRENDA THOMPSON, JANA WAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL BABIN, DINNIE BAKER, MORGAN CHAPMAN, LENNARD FINK, CRAIG FREHLICH, GORDON FREIGHT, DR. WILLIAM JONES, MELANIE HAMPSON, ZUBAIR KASSAM, DANA LOUGHEED ’90, KELSEY LOVELL, CARA MORGAN, HEATHER PROVENCHER, CHRIS RUSKAY, CHRIS SCHNEIDER, BRENDA THOMPSON, LARA UNSWORTH ’95, JAN WATEROUS, AND SEVERAL MORE STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND ALUMNI.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN JOSLIN GREEN PRE-PRESS AND PRINTING OIL CITY PRESS LTD. OPTIMUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY THE ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE. PLEASE ASK PERMISSION BEFORE REPRINTING ANY PART OF THIS PUBLICATION. STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL 2017 STRATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL RR 2, OKOTOKS, AB T1S 1A2, CANADA 403-938-4431

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL.................................... 2

INSPIRING ALUMNI

Q & A WITH DR. WILLIAM JONES ......................................................... 4

Michael McNeil Forbes ’94 .......................................48

THE YEAR IN REVIEW ........................................................................... 6

Shaun O’Brien ’90 ...................................................... 49

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS.................................................................... 12

Nageeb Sumar ’97.........................................................50

FROM THE ARCHIVES .............................................................................. 18

Stephanie Jackman ’90................................................. 51

INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE.........................................20

Tahir Merali ’90.............................................................. 52

MOMENTUM IN ARTS LEARNING ...................................................... 24

GAINING DIGITAL MOMENTUM ........................................................ 53

FOSTERING INNOVATION ................................................................... 26

MOMENTUM IN ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT.........................................54

GRADS GAIN MOMENTUM ..................................................................28

2017 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI ...................................56

2050 PROJECT ............................................................................................30

ALUMNI EVENTS ......................................................................................58

MOMENTUM IN SPEECH AND DEBATE ............................................34

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS .............................................................. 63

FINDING CALM AMIDST CONSTANT MOMENTUM ...................36

CLASS NOTES ............................................................................................64

CREATING MOMENTUM THROUGH COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ..............................................................38

A SOCIAL MOVEMENT............................................................................ 70

MOMENTUM IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT..............................40

THE LEGACY OF JOHN SINCLAIR BURNS Q.C. ’56.......................72

MOMENTUM IN CAMPAIGN................................................................. 41

THE LEGACY OF MARMIE HESS ’34....................................................73

HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR ...................................................... 42

THE LEGACY OF TERRY MCDONOUGH ’54................................... 74

PASSINGS..................................................................................................... 71

MOMENTUM EVENT ...............................................................................46

FALL 2017

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

THE MOMENTUM OF STR ATHCONA-TWEEDSMUIR SCHOOL BY DR. WILLIAM JONES, STS HEAD OF SCHOOL

he theme of this edition of Optimum is momentum. While a physicist might think of momentum as the product of a body’s mass and velocity, in layman’s terms we tend to think of it more as the forward motion of something in a particular direction.This volume of Optimum examines the forward motion of Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, but it also looks at where we have come from in our journey over the past 112 years, beginning with our founding schools. Walking the relatively short distance from the history wall in the Rotunda to the nearly-completed new elementary and fine arts expansion, one experiences the juxtaposition of the rich history of our past against the enterprising future where an impressive new structure foreshadows an epoch of teaching and learning unlike any that we have previously experienced.This is an exciting moment in our history that offers great promise of new approaches to education, as we remain firmly grounded in important values and traditions from our past. This past year has been a rewarding and stimulating one. As a community we have raised over $25 of the $27 million goal of our Inspiring Possibilities campaign and after a decade of planning, a new, world-class facility is coming to fruition. Earlier this year, our

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community came together at the Momentum event; a one-time combination of the Black Watch and annual Alumni Dinner events.The proceeds from that event created a new “high water” mark for STS fundraisers and propelled us closer to our campaign goals. It was a great example of collaboration between POSTS and the STS Alumni Association to create a memorable event that attracted parents, alumni and staff that spanned the decades of our history. It demonstrated the breadth and strength of our community, gave us the chance to reflect on our past and to contemplate our future. It was truly an amazing celebration. This publication offers some great examples of interesting and innovative things that our students, faculty and alumni are currently undertaking. From fostering creativity and innovation using virtual reality technology to developing solutions to global issues through the 2050 Project, it is evident that STS is progressive in its efforts to prepare our students to lead and to thrive as they embrace the future. Design thinking has become an integral part of our academic program and this is providing students with a strong foundation as problem solvers, critical thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Next year promises to be an exciting one as we look forward to the opening of our new facilities.These

carefully designed learning spaces will leverage our teachers’ expertise and empower them to readily employ instructional strategies that reflect the best and most current research on learning. We also look forward to welcoming our very first Kindergarten class, the Class of 2030! The Board of Governors will be working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to create a strategic bridge plan that will provide direction through to the end of the first year of the incoming Head of School. I believe this issue of Optimum foretells of a bright future for STS and its students and I hope that you will be inspired as you take in the stories and images on the pages that lie ahead.

This is an exciting moment in our history that offers great promise of new approaches to education, as we remain firmly grounded in important values and traditions from our past.

FALL 2017

Q & A WITH DR. WILLIAM JONES

Q & A WITH DR. WILLIAM JONES IN HIS FINAL YEAR AS HEAD OF SCHOOL BEFORE RETIREMENT…. During your tenure as Head of School, STS has been through some remarkable progressions. How do you feel the last decade has positioned us for the future? I think that a lot of great work has been done in a variety of areas over the last decade. We have significantly improved our teaching and learning facilities both indoors and outdoors with new construction including our outdoor classroom, Aspen Lodge, and the new Elementary School and Fine Arts wing opening this fall. Significant improvements have also been made to the trail system, the pond area and our athletics fields. We have strengthened our alumni outreach with the creation of a stronger alumni network, mentoring programs, and additional events intended to engage alumni of all ages with each other and current STS students. We have enhanced opportunities to expand our students’ global perspective through a broadening of the Round Square Program, becoming a K-12 IB Continuum School, and the introduction of the Global Scholar Diploma. We have made efforts to enhance teaching and learning through the Centre for Excellence in Teaching, and made strides in strengthening the integration of our curricular and co-curricular programs. I also feel proud that we have developed an exemplary culture of safety in all that we do, both on and off campus. Based on these and many other initiatives, I feel that STS is positioned extremely well for the future.

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What achievements are you most proud of during your time as Head of School? I am very proud of all of the aforementioned achievements. I am especially proud of the fact that these accomplishments have been enabled through the efforts of our broader community including parents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, the Board of Governors, and the school administration. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of such a caring, committed and generous community that can work together so closely and effectively to achieve such impressive outcomes. I am also proud of the fact that while the School has evolved and progressed in many ways, we have never lost sight of our mission, core values and traditions while implementing new ideas and programs. Lastly, I am very proud of the graduates that we are sending into the world because they are critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and ethical, global citizens who I am confident will have a profoundly positive impact on the many things they will touch.

Q & A WITH DR. WILLIAM JONES

In your final year at the helm of STS what do you hope to achieve/focus on? I hope to ensure a smooth transition into the new learning spaces – not just the physical move, but also to make sure that we are leveraging those spaces effectively to optimize learning. I will also work closely with the new Head of School to set him/her up for success and offer support throughout the transition. I will collaborate with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to develop a strategic bridge plan that will map out our initiatives over the next 24 months until the new head has a had a full year to develop a fulsome understanding of our school and community. And I am also going to do everything I can to enjoy my last year with students in my daily life by getting involved in as many student activities as I can. Being a Head of School isn’t always serious – please list a few of your most fun roles as Head of School. One of the most fun things has been some of the questions that the younger children ask me. For example, I remember going down to talk to a Grade 1 class one day about what my role was in the School. After giving the best description that I could in Grade 1 language, the first question I got was, “How many ties do you have?”The second, after my brilliant explanation of my role was, “What do you do here?” It has also been fun to dress up for special days like the Terry Fox Run, have a cameo role in the Elementary School musical, read a silly book to younger students, or to be able to share exciting news about the successes of our students, alumni, employees and parents.

What will you miss most about your current role after you retire? I think that I will miss spending my time around children every day since I have been in a school environment for about 55 years or so. I will also miss the professional engagement that I have and the stimulation that comes from solving problems, planning new initiatives and mentoring others. Although I have spent almost my entire career in education, I can never recall having a boring day, so I will have to work at replacing that daily stimulation with other things. It has been an honour and a privilege to work in a setting where both the adults and the children around you are learning and developing each and every day. I will miss the unique qualities of that kind of setting.

What do you look forward to in retirement? I look forward to spending more time with my wife, Barb, my children, and grandchildren. I hope to do some travelling, some consulting for independent schools and perhaps even a little writing. I hope that I will continue to learn and may take some university courses in fields that I have an interest in outside of my professional work like philosophy, history and so on. I’ll try to stay fit, ride my bike and do more flyfishing and other things that take me outdoors. But mostly, I will look forward to having more say and control over how I spend my time each day in the absence of such a busy schedule.

FALL 2017

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

WALK FOR WILDLIFE This spring, the Elementary Nature Club joined forces to take action with the Humanitarian Outreach Project (HOP) members to show their love for the animals of our world. Inspired by an initiative from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, our students hosted a STS Walk for Wildlife on our beautiful country campus. Over 100 students took part in the walk to show their support for the animals which make our country special. After venturing through the Aspen trees overlooking our pond, we settled back into Aspen Lodge for a picnic lunch with friends. William Wordsworth once said, “Let nature be your teacher.” We are proud of the way our students led the charge to teach others about nature. In addition to the walk, the Nature Club & HOP students inspired our community to raise over $500 in support of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

GUEST CONDUCTOR WORKS WITH BAND STUDENTS This year we were fortunate to have guest conductor Colin Clarke as our artist in residence work with all of our concert bands and the senior jazz combo. A recipient of the Clifford Evans Award for Conducting, Colin Clarke’s credits include collaboration with world-renowned artists and ensembles including the United States Air Force Band of Liberty in Boston, Orchestra London Canada, the New Symphony Orchestra of Sofia, Bulgaria, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Ballet Jörgen, trumpet virtuoso Allan Vizzutti,TorQ Percussion Quartet, the Canadian Brass and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

VIVA L'ITALIA!

students with the nuances, style and passion of the Italian music they were performing. As part of the trip to Italy, the group had a unique opportunity to attend performances of The Four Seasons and the opera La Traviata and tour many historic sites and museums including the Vatican and the site of the Statue of David. For a bit of fun, they also participated in "Gladiator School" and "Pizza School". This was an amazing experience for the students to learn about the history, culture and music of Italy.

A record number of 57 students from the Senior Band travelled to Italy visiting Venice, Pisa, Florence, Assisi, Rome and Pompeii. While on tour, the band performed two school concerts and two concerts in Baroque cathedrals.The performances of the band were enthusiastically received and often ended with standing ovations. Students also participated in a workshop at the Venice Conservatory of Music with faculty conductors who helped the

STUDENTS ADVOCATE FOR VULNERABLE CALGARIANS Grade 6 students spoke out in support of vulnerable people in our local community as part of the Primary Years Programme Exhibition (PYPx). STS collaborated with the Calgary Foundation to establish a forum in which our students could present a “Dragon’s Den” style pitch to advocate on behalf of an organization of their choice and the people they serve. During the research phase of this inquiry, students teamed up with some of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) students who acted as mentors throughout the process. As a group, they learned about the challenges and successes of their chosen organization and shared how they had become so much more knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding about people who face daily challenges. As empathy in our youth is developed, so is the power of their actions as they take a stand for what is right and what is necessary in our world.

FALL 2017

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

STS CELEBRATES FOURTH ANNUAL DIVERSITY WEEK Students were immersed in a wide variety of activities celebrating the diversity within our school community and our society as a whole. Activities and guest speakers included: • Elementary School students read stories about diversity and inclusiveness and made buttons to illustrate diversity; • Grades 4 and 6 students enjoyed Ms. Shirley Hill’s shawl dancing and her First Nations stories; • Derrick Shirley spoke to Grades 7-12 students about the impact of the racism he has experienced in Canada and how he turned these negative experiences into positive change. • Tom Melvin presented to our Senior School students about how religion and sexual diversity can co-exist; and • Stephen Deng, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” spoke to Grades 5 and 6 students and Senior School students about his journey as a refugee from Sudan to Calgary.

Over the course of the conference delegates from Round Square schools around the globe were inspired by motivational keynote speakers, participated in Barraza discussion groups and leadership workshops, and took part in exciting service activities around Güby.

THE JOURNEY THAT MAKES US – RSIC 2017 Last fall, five STS students had an opportunity to participate in the Round-Square International Conference hosted by Stiftung Louisenlund School in Güby, Germany. After a two-day pre-conference adventure of sight-seeing and exploring in Iceland, the students were just as excited to arrive in Germany to begin discussing the conference theme, “The journey that makes us.”

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While on this conference our students made lasting friendships, experienced other peoples’ cultures, learned a great deal about themselves, and had time to reflect on “The journey that makes us.”

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL The Fine Arts department was thrilled to present five performances of the international award-winning, Legally Blonde, The Musical in November. Following three months of intense rehearsal, the cast, crew and band of 74 students took to the stage and created a magical experience for our audiences.The entire production was a great experience and taught students the importance of working as an ensemble and how as a group with a common goal we can reach great heights! Parent volunteers and students also joined forces to construct the set, props and front-of-house display once again highlighting the importance of the STS community.

FALL 2017

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

MARTI MCKAY WEEK 2016 This year marked STSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 32nd annual Marti McKay week, a celebration of the literary and creative arts. Students were fortunate to enjoy presentations this year by three distinguished presenters. Students in Grades 4 to 9 heard from Canadian Metis author, David Bouchard. Mr. Bouchard engaged students with legends and stories, and for the older students, he focused on Truth and Reconciliation. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book illustrator Renata Liwska presented her wonderful drawings to Grades 1 to 3. Our younger students are very familiar with her books, so it was a big treat for them to meet her! We also hosted documentary film maker, Chris Temple. Mr.Temple presented to Grades 7 and 8 and 10 to 12 and students enjoyed a film screening of his newest documentary, Salam Neighbor, as well as a post-screening discussion and question period about the process of creating the film. Marti McKay Week continues to have such a positive impact on our students!

SCREENAGERS Over 400 people attended the public screening of the critically acclaimed documentary SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in The Digital Age hosted at STS this year.The feature documentary explored the issues of gaming and social media use among young people and the challenges that these present for parenting. Following the presentation STS arranged a panel of experts from the fields of education, medicine, and psychology to address questions from the audience. Both the documentary and the panelists underscored the need for parents to play an active role in monitoring and setting boundaries around gaming, social media, and overall time spent online, and to balance its use. OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

WCIS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP A SWEET DELICACY Determination, perseverance, effort, and team work are key ingredients not only to run a successful Western Canadian Independent School Volleyball Championship (WCISVC), but also to create a flourishing team. Last fall, the STS Senior Womens Varsity Spartans hosted this prestigious tournament accommodating teams from across Western Canada and competing in challenging matches against spirited and resilient competitors. More than a volleyball tournament, WCISVC had many highlights.The cheering from our whole school, and the encouragement cards that were written by our Grades 1-9 students were very much appreciated and were commented on by both athletes and coaches alike. In addition, this year we were able to broadcast the event through live streaming supported by our in-house expertise. Serving up delicious snacks and meals, POSTS, many parent volunteers, and our Black Watch Bistro fueled and nourished the teams, coaches, officials, and the many Junior and Senior Varsity volleyball hosts and student helpers. In addition, many families opened up their homes to billet our out of province guests.The generosity of these families and how they lived our school mission “Nil Nisi Optimum - nothing but our best” definitely was the icing on the cake.

RISING STARS All of our student athletes had an incredible year. In particular, the Grade 8 contingent of athletes gained incredible momentum with some notable performances and results that are helping to shape the future of Middle School athletics.This year’s highlights include: • Cross-Country - Contributed greatly to producing so many points on the Cross-Country team that STS almost outscored everyone at the Zone competition and won in our school’s population category; • Junior B Girls Volleyball – Dominated the court and came home silver medalists in their league; • Junior B Boys Volleyball – Athletes put their skills into play at various tournaments and league-play matches and were rewarded with an outstanding record of only 1 loss, 2 gold medals and the title of Grade 8 league champions;

• Junior B Basketball – STS team finished the season in the top five with the Boys basketball team placing fourth in the league and the Girls team bringing home the league championship banner and placing second in Zones; • Track and Field – The Grade 8s ruled the track and dominated the field winning the aggregate and for the first time in many years, the Middle School Track team won the divisional and zone banners in large part due to the Grade 8s performance.

The Grade 8 athletes have created a lot of momentum for what looks like an exciting year in athletics next year. 11

FALL 2017

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

“A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS…” – FREDERICK R. BARNARD

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS Students dazzled us and displayed their multiple talents at the Elementary School Musical.This year, Ms. Dickson wrote and directed the entire musical from scratch, which engaged every student in Elementary!

GIVING TUESDAY A HUGE SUCCESS The STS community donated an incredible $1 million in one day on Giving Tuesday, November 29.These donations and pledges have gone toward the Inspiring Possibilities campaign making our best even better at STS.Thank you for your commitment to STS students and faculty!

FINE ARTS DAY The Grades 8 and 9 Fine Arts students spent a day at The Wildflower Centre exploring areas of the Fine and Performing Arts including a watercolour class, a ceramic class, and a drama class.

ONE WORLD DRUM COMPANY Elementary School students had a unique opportunity to learn about the West African djembe and basic drumming patterns with the One World Drum Company. OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

MOMENTUM EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS A one-time event was planned where current and former parents, employees and alumni all came together for a wonderful celebration of STS – past, present and future.The event raised more than any single event in STS history with a net revenue of $160,000, and had the highest attendance with almost 400 participants. Read more on page 50.

40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS STS hosted our 40th Kerby Centre luncheon and concert as well as our 40th annual Mother’s Day Tea.These annual events were established by retired STS teacher, Mrs. Alice Wyatt and are timehonoured traditions at STS.

CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME Students packed the Sandy Heard Sports Centre at STS before spring break to take in the annual STS Spartans vs. Calgary Stampeders basketball match organized by the Prefects. Spartacus and Ralph the Dog had the crowds cheering their loudest and showing their support for both teams! #GoSpartans #GoStamps

DRAMA STUDENTS MEET THE QUEEN Senior School drama students spent the day with The Queen at Theatre Calgary’s production of ‘The Audience’. The students saw the performance, were part of a talk back discussion with the actors, and had the opportunity to tour backstage to see how the magic of theatre was created. 13

FALL 2017

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

EASTERN UNIVERSITIES TOUR Thirty-one Grade 11 students were chaperoned on the annual eastern universities tour. In eight days of touring, these students experienced 18 university campuses across Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick to learn about choosing a best-fit university. They also had the opportunity to have dinner with several STS alumni in three different cities, and benefited from the mentorship and advice of our graduates.

STS “LIFERS” GRADUATING THIS YEAR Students who have attended STS their entire 12-year school career graduated in June 2017.These long-time members of our STS community have deep educational roots at STS: Harrison Brooke, Victoria Bruhjell, Elliot Chiu, Lochlyn Clark, Blaise Evelyn, Chanel Fu,Troy Hands, Kristy Lee, Glen McArthur, Madeleine Powell, Mackenzie Roth, Nicole Shah, Michael Spyker, Imaan Sunderji, Evan Vadnai, Liam Waterous, Mckenzie Witschi.

TRACK AND FIELD ZONE CHAMPS! The Senior School Track and Field team, consisting of 43 athletes this year, was by far the largest team at the South Central Zone Championships in STS history. With 335 points the team brought home the Zone banner for 2A schools.

SPARTANS DEFEND CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING PROVINCIAL TITLE The Senior School cross-country running team was successful in defending their title as 2A Provincial Champions.This marks the seventh consecutive time that the Spartans have run away with the banner! OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

ETHNICALLY DIVERSE BUFFET LUNCH Parent volunteers provided a fabulous buffet lunch featuring a dizzying array of ethnic foods during Diversity Week! Everyone who participated in this event walked away satisfied and aware of some new delicacies! It was a delicious event!

WILDLIFE ON CAMPUS We share our country campus with many of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful animals and birds.This year elk, deer, fox, marten, geese, goslings, great horned owls and owlets are just a few of the wildlife we have been fortunate to spot around the School and use for curriculum enrichment.

HONOUR DAY 2017 The STS community came together for our annual Honour Day assembly in recognition of the seven students lost in a tragic avalanche on February 1, 2003.This year our assembly featured guest speaker Simon Jackson who rose to fame by starting a movement at the age of 13 that eventually led to the creation of the Spirit Bear Coalition. He was declared a Hero of the Planet by Time Magazine and is also an author and photographer. 15

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COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

BAND FESTIVAL EXCELLENCE Our Grades 8 and 9 bands participated in the Alberta International Band Festival at the University of Calgary.The Grade 8 band received a superior and excellent rating. The Grade 9 band received two superior ratings and was presented a Gold Award.

BYSTANDER SUPERHEROES USE THEIR KINDNESS MUSCLES In recognition of National Bully Awareness and Prevention Week, students organized a week of events focused on bringing this important issue to the forefront, empowering all members of the STS community to play a role in building and reinforcing positive relationships, being kind, and preventing bullying. Grade 12 students dressed as “Bystander Superheroes” and spent the noon hour recesses inspiring our young students to step up if they see bullying.

STS HOSTS HARRY POTTER THEMED DEBATE STS hosted the first Wizarding Debate Cup for students in Grades 7 to 12. We had 11 schools debating issues from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Many students, coaches and parents came in their best wizarding robes to help show their enthusiasm! OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

ALMA MATER DAY Our first annual Alma Mater Day was introduced this year.The Senior School faculty each donned a t-shirt representing a university from which they have earned a degree. Our Senior School faculty attended over 30 universities across three countries, with specializations in a vast array of fields.Teachers shared university experiences with their classes as a means of mentorship and motivation.

OE15 CHALLENGE HIKE GRADE 6 OUTDOOR EDUCATION SCHOOL The Grade 6 students and their teachers spent a few days in Kananaskis Country exploring the area hiking and staying at Kamp Kiwanis.The students made connections with their myths and legends unit and learned about trees and forests in the area. Lots of fun was had hiking, star gazing, and singing at campfires. 17

Nine OE15 students completed the Challenge Hike in the Highwood area of Kananaskis Country.The Challenge Hike is the very first OE15 trip of the year and introduces concepts and skills that will form the foundation for the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remaining five outdoor trips: Backpacking 1 and 2, Safe Winter Travel, Backcountry Skiing and the final, culminating trip, Rogaine, a sixteen-hour navigation adventure race completed in small groups of six students. FALL 2017

FROM THE ARCHIVES

MOMENTUM OF DEVELOPMENT OVER THE YEARS BY GORDON FREIGHT, STS ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

trathcona-Tweedsmuir School, as we know it today, has a storied history reaching back some one hundred and twelve years to the founding of St. Hilda’s School in 1905. Sitting on what is now a busy commercial site at the intersection of 8th Street and 12th Avenue in southwest Calgary, St. Hilda’s was the first independent school on the Canadian Prairies, the vision of a group of interested parents concerned to provide the best education possible for their daughters. Taking the name of a 7th Century saint and great scholar of Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire, England, this small school was to set the roots in place for independent education in the Calgary area. Little could anyone realize at the time that this would be the start of a relentless momentum of development over the years and the commencement of the foundation of traditions and style seen in StrathconaTweedsmuir School as we know it today. The force of independent education would henceforth flourish through the ups and downs of the day, managing to survive in some form in spite of major interruptions caused by forces from world wars and the great depression. And so, the gathering strengths of independent education began to increase and flourish relentlessly over the intervening years toward the scope and essence evidenced by our present day school.

St. Hilda's Prefects, 1934 -1935

St. Hilda’s opened its doors in 1905 with a student enrollment of 44 girls and operated until 1949 when it closed with an enrollment of 135. School fees were $160 for a year’s tuition, the School motto was “Beati Mundo Corde” (Blessed Are the Pure in Heart), the School Song was “Forty Years On” and the girls wore a uniform

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

of tunics, long stockings, white blouse and a blue tie. The Prefects wore a distinctive blazer and played a role as student leaders. Beyond a strong academic program, the School introduced Speech and Debate, Community outreach, Drama productions and Physical Education as mainstays for all students. Meanwhile, in 1929 another group of parents sought to provide a good education for their sons by opening Strathcona School for Boys (SSB), first located in the basement of the Central Park Library and later moving to a large home on Riverdale Avenue. This school opened with eight boys registered and culminated in 1971 with a student population of 160. Again, the students wore a uniform: in this case consisting of grey pants, blue shirt, tie, and originally a cap with blue and white circles. The motto at SSB was “Palma Non Sine Pulvere” (There can be no victory without a struggle). Beyond the academic classes the boys participated in daily physical education, speech day, and outdoor trips on skis or in canoes. Prefects played a role in student leadership. Independent education for girls in Calgary was given a resurgence with the formation in 1959 of Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls. Some of the families responsible for this initiative were related to those who had previously attended St. Hilda’s and they sought a new school for their girls. This school opened with a registration of 27 students and continued until 1971 when the student body numbered 110. The school motto was “Nil Nisi Optimum” (Nothing but the best) and these students wore a uniform comprised of Black Watch tartan tunics, skirts, white blouses and green ties. Similar to the predecessor girls’ school, the program focused on academics but continued an emphasis on the arts and physical education.

First class at Strathcona School for Boys, September 1929 Due to the increasing enrollments and constraints of physical spaces, a decision was taken to amalgamate Tweedsmuir: An Academic School for Girls and SSB in 1971. Thus with the provision of a new rural setting these two schools became one and coeducational classes started up for the first time. Since that date we have seen development in academic program offerings and the School has established itself as a highly reputed educational institution, not only in the province of Alberta but on a national and international scale. At the same time, the traditions established in predecessor schools have also seen expansion and development: Prefects continue to show student leadership, Speech

and Debate flourishes as do Fine Arts programs. Physical Education remains a cornerstone at STS and outdoor pursuits thrive along with a continued emphasis on community outreach programs. It is clear to see that a steady force of development has continued over the years in various and distinct areas of education toward the establishment of the excellent program offered to students currently attending STS. The momentum started over a hundred years ago continues to move all programs to innovate, develop and improve as well as adapt to the needs of present day students.

FALL 2017

INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE

INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE BY CHERYL BABIN, STS IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGR AMME COORDINATOR

AS STS LOOKS FORWARD TO THE OPENING OF OUR BRAND NEW, INNOVATIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES THIS FALL, FACULTY ARE PREPARING TO OPTIMIZE THE NEW SPACES TO ENHANCE LEARNING. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE SHOWCASES THE UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF THE NEW STS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT THESE WILL HAVE ON STUDENTS AND FACULTY.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE NEW REALITY Educating in the 21st Century requires us to look for ways to improve experiences for students to enable and prepare them for a changing future landscape. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, we have always worked together in collaborative teams and have been successful in meeting the needs of the students in our care. With the excitement of our new Elementary facilities set to open this Fall, we now have the opportunity to enhance the ways in which we collaborate by moving toward a learning community model within our school. WHAT IS A LEARNING COMMUNITY? A learning community is much more than the space in which learning occurs. It is the connection between students, teachers, parents and community members that allows for students to learn in different ways, from different people, and in spaces that allow for broadened opportunities.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

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CARE FOR STUDENTS As a faculty, our primary concern is providing care for the students, and high quality learning experiences. Relationships with students and families are essential, and by getting to know students well, and understanding their strengths and areas for growth, we can provide the best opportunities to help them develop and thrive. By working in learning communities, children develop strong relationships with a network of teachers who guide their learning.Together, we enhance the feedback students receive, the support they can access, and the choices they can make suited to their learning styles and needs.

INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE

INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES The environment in which we educate has a significant impact on the learning that can be experienced.Traditional elementary school buildings represent a ‘Cells and Bells’ model, whereby students rotate through a series of classrooms. Content knowledge is compartmentalized despite real-life presenting a cross-disciplinary reality.The design of our improved learning communities enables the disruption of this traditional model of teaching and learning to better allow for the flow of ideas, and the space for students to learn in ways that best suit them as individuals. Learning studios are furnished and equipped in different ways, with the flexibility to adjust to the needs of individual, paired, small and large group experiences. Ergonomics and child development have been prioritized in our furnishing choices, combined with a respect for our children and a nod to their need for comfort, safety and aesthetics in their environment. An emphasis on nature and ‘bringing the outdoors in’ allows us to respect and honour the people in our community, as well as the beautiful landscape of our country campus. Innovative designs have the power to energize and revitalize the environment in which we spend hours each day.The ‘maker movement’ has taken hold of our society, asking us to think differently about how we learn, and how we apply what we learn.

The connection of our hands, hearts and minds will come alive in spaces like our new DaVinci Studios that allow for building, making, testing and most importantly, thinking. This image depicts an example of a DaVinci Studio.

BETTER TOGETHER Educators who collaborate create better learning environments and academic results for children. Isolated practice behind closed classroom doors no longer exists in learning communities that thrive with creativity, teamwork and the collective expertise of dynamic teachers who work to meet individual student needs. Purposeful and significant communication between teachers, including specialists, improves assessment for learning and creates continuity in the day for each student. Professional expertise is enhanced through the collaborative design of learning experiences, shared reflection about student learning and assessment data, and by capitalizing on the strengths each of our teachers possess.

Ergonomics and child development have been prioritized in our furnishing choices, combined with a respect for our children and a nod to their need for comfort, safety and aesthetics in their environment.

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INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE

NOT A CLASSROOM… IT’S A LEARNING STUDIO Learning environments are purposefully designed to facilitate comfortable, developmentally-appropriate and engaging experiences that allow students to be successful in each of the learning modes. Learning studios are combined with the commons and DaVinci studios to provide different learning environments for students, with easy access to the natural environment as an extension of the learning studio.

OUR CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER. THEIR EDUCATION SHOULD BE DIFFERENTIATED TOO. Twenty-first Century learning requires students to demonstrate competencies that will be necessary in a multitude of roles of the future. We understand the need for learning to allow for three essential modes of learning:

COLLABORATIVE

Authentic and Project-based learning

• collaborative, community-based social learning • authentic and project-based learning • student directed and differentiated independent and reflective learning These modes of learning are difficult to achieve in traditional classrooms, but are made exceptional by the design of our new learning community spaces. Break-out rooms, learning studios, and common spaces are designed for these modes to help students move through their experiences with purpose and variety.

ACTIVE

Collaborative Community-based Social learning

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INDIVIUAL

Student-directed and Differentiated Independent and reflective learning

INSPIRING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE

NEW LEARNING SPACES Learning studios connect to form a learning suite which opens to the learning commons. These spaces are shared to create diverse opportunities and experiences for students. Teachers will work together to plan, design and deliver engaging experiences to best suit the needs of students for the curricular outcomes. Specific areas are available for large group experiences, small-group collaboration, and individual quiet work and reflection. Makerspaces/Da Vinci studios are available for multi-day project work, and wet or messy curriculum integration. Break-out spaces are for collaborative or individual work. These spaces may be closed break-out rooms, or simply spaces in the commons used for the purpose of small group or individual work. Landscaping for learning In addition to Aspen Lodge and our current country campus, outdoor learning will be enhanced by the introduction of our rooftop garden and easily accessed outdoor learning gardens.

We use the learning community model with its dynamic spaces, and our team of educators, to provide various benefits to students: • more transdisciplinary and authentic learning projects • increased engagement with more choice and varied approaches to learning • enhanced opportunities to work with others in flexible groups that change with the activity or concept • further support with targeted interventions and response to learning needs • comfort and connection to the environment • opportunity to develop close relationships with a small team of teachers who know all the students well and care for their personal and learning needs

Purposely designed spaces Some of our learning spaces are purposely designed for a particular experience. Examples include our French language studios located on each floor, our Kindergarten studio, and the Elementary art and music studios located within our new Fine Arts wing of the School.

Armed with experience, passion and tremendous excitement for adventures to come, the future for PYP students looks dazzling at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School.

Find out more and watch videos showcasing our new facilities at strathconatweedsmuir.com/explore/facilities/new-facilities 23

FALL 2017

MOMENTUM IN ARTS LEARNING

MOMENTUM IN THE ARTS AT STS BY HEATHER PROVENCHER, STS MUSIC SPECIALIST AND CO -ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CHOR AL PROGR AMMING

As the Fine Arts Faculty prepare to move into the new Fine Arts wing, it is apparent that arts learning in these intentionallydesigned spaces will result in enhanced arts experiences for our students. Seeking to extend creative expression beyond the physical environment, STS Arts faculty collaboratively developed a set of shared values for arts learning. The Fine Arts Cornerstones are a framework designed to provide momentum for professional work in our arts programs.

COLLABORATION

CREATIVITY

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School offers a variety of arts learning opportunities beginning in elementary and culminating with the 30s courses in Grade 12. Student interest and faculty commitment has seen enrollment in all of the arts offerings expand, outgrowing the C.A. Smith Arts Centre, opened in 1996.

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through EXPERIMENTATION, EXPRESSION INNOVATION, TRANSFORMING IDEAS

through COMMON LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION COMMUNITY, SHARING

Collaboration in the ar ts produces a community of enthusiastic, multi-disciplinary ar tists and patrons who appreciate the value of ar ts in the world. Collaboration in the ar ts is expressed through a common language STS FINE ARTS CORNERSTONES

Creative work in the ar ts encourages students to explore, process, and express ideas about themselves and the world.

ENGAGEMENT

through COMMITMENT, MEANINGFUL WORK PASSION Engagement in the ar ts provides meaningful learning experiences that connect student passion with student commitment. Engagement in ar ts learning inspires studentmotivated learning.

MASTERY

through KNOWLEDGE, PERSEVERANCE PROCESS, SKILL DEVELOPMENT Mastery in the ar ts encourages students to become skilled, knowledgeable, and persistent learners. Mastery in the ar ts has a transformative effect on the learner.

MOMENTUM IN ARTS LEARNING

Faculty subject matter experts provide structured and sequential arts learning that is both enriching and experiential. For the first time in the history of the School, STS Arts programs will be housed together in one state-of-the-art facility. Students and teachers will find daily inspiration as collaboration occurs across disciplines and divisions. With support from the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and visionary donors, the STS Fine Arts team committed to a year-long professional learning project. Charged with the goal of advancing arts learning, the Arts teachers, with facilitation support from Fielding and Nair Educational Consultant, Chris Hazleton, established â&#x20AC;&#x153;The STS Fine Arts Cornerstonesâ&#x20AC;?. Creativity, collaboration, engagement and mastery are the foundations of arts teaching and learning and provide a cohesive approach to arts education at STS.These common values guide the development of an ideal student learning philosophy and craft and sustain an optimal professional culture. As advocates for arts education, the Fine Arts faculty use these four values to ensure high quality arts teaching and learning across all arts disciplines. While it may seem obvious that creativity is at the heart of arts learning, all four values are equal in importance. Creative work is the broad purpose of arts learning and a coherent approach increases student achievement and success. Creative work in the arts fosters increased skill development in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. In our new arts spaces the magic of the creative process

will be visible and collaboration across arts disciplines will occur with greater frequency.This increase in opportunity to celebrate arts learning at every step of the process will further showcase the imagination, reflection and risk-taking inherent to arts learning. Engagement in the arts focuses on building the mindset, habits and disposition of a creative mind. Arts learning is integral to developing well-rounded students and engaging arts programs inspire studentmotivated learning. In a teaching and learning environment designed to support student exploration, the rigour necessary to develop accomplished artists and performers can flourish. STS Arts faculty are united in the belief that mastery is a priority in arts learning as it increases student confidence along with the ability to self-direct. In the new STS arts facilities, the opportunities to enhance, integrate and celebrate the Fine Arts Cornerstones are endless.The future is indeed excitingâ&#x20AC;Ś

FALL 2017

FOSTERING INNOVATION

FOSTERING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY BY CR AIG FREHLICH, STS FACULTY, DESIGN

e are preparing our students for a world post-graduation where creative designthinking and experience using technology are rapidly becoming essential to success in the everchanging workforce. Good designers are dreamers who are courageous and willing to take risks to find solutions and make products that are different. Building this type of culture and ethos is never easy.Yet, with the right tools, design students grow comfortable making mistakes, and learn how to build on those mistakes to keep the project moving forward toward excellence.

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One such tool that fosters a sense of resilience, fortitude, and supports a culture of courageous creativity is virtual reality (VR). STS design classrooms are equipped with HTC Vive VR devices which are incredibly immersive, realistic, and engaging. When students don a VR headset, they feel like they are in the real-world. One of the benefits of VR is that the user can interact with the virtual environment.The scope of these environments is as deep as your imagination. Students can paint, sculpt, build and design in a surreal context. Student models can be changed and adapted based on iteration and feedback from others.This added step in the design process gives students more freedom to make mistakes, learn, grow, and be bold as they are creating solutions to complex design challenges.

FOSTERING INNOVATION

This year Grade 9 students designed passenger train cars to hold more people and combat overcrowding. Before they built their wooden prototype, students used VR to conceptualize their models and revise their designs. Many noticed small mistakes in measuring and aesthetic features like the shape and location of their seats.This important VR step in the process minimizes fear of making mistakes along the way before 3D printing. Because of its fully immersive nature,VR has enormous potential in education.Virtual reality is currently used in construction, architecture, house sales, film, health care, marketing, and fashion. At Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, we are privileged to be able to provide our students with cutting edge technology to help foster creativity and push the boundaries of innovation. In the STS design department, we encourage students to be more creative and innovative in their thinking. Design is but one example of delivering on the STS mission of developing the whole child for a life of purpose.

FALL 2017

GRADS GAIN MOMENTUM

GR ADS SET TO GAIN MOMENTUM BY CHRIS RUSK AY, STS IB DIPLOMA PROGR AMME COORDINATOR

raduating from high school is a big deal. Graduating from the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is remarkable.

Hannah Ross History:To what extent was Anne Boleyn’s personal conduct the propelling force behind her downfall and eventual execution?

Max Weidmer Physics: How does increasing the mass of the falling load affect the forward translational acceleration of a gravity car?

This year, 14 STS Class of 2017 graduates received their full IB Diploma. These students completed the requirements of the two year IB Diploma Programme, which is a significant academic achievement. Each of these students completed seven IB DP courses which required the writing of 12 – 15 exams and the submission of a major course project in each course. In addition, each student submitted a Theory of Knowledge extended essay on a topic of their choosing, and each completed the IB “CAS” component, which requires individual development in creativity, activity and service. The candidates’ 4,000-word extended essay topics reflect the depth of the students’ academic achievement and bodes well for the contributions they will make in their next adventures in academia and life.

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Emily Neil Physics: How do the radii along the equatorial and polar axis of an oblate ellipsoid air bubble impact its terminal velocity as it rises through a viscous liquid?

McKenzie Witschi Literature: The Portrayal of America’s social and political decline in the 1950s through themes within Allen Ginsberg’s poetry. 28

Brook Rivard Mathematics: How can one find the equation of a catenary curve, and relate that to the real world?

Leah Lussier Biology:The relationship between the ability to correctly identify the directional location of a sound and its volume.

Yo-Lin Van Kleef History:To what extent did the code of the Bushido contribute to the military strategies of the Japanese during the Second World War?

Liam Waterous Economics:To what extent will taxi fares and taxi revenues be affected by the introduction of Uber to Calgary, and how will this impact different stakeholders?

Nathan Fischer Chemistry: A qualitative kinetic analysis of iron oxidation by solvated ions catalysed by a saline solution.

Friso De Witte Physics: How does the height from which an axial load is dropped on an aluminum can affect its structural deformation?

Chanel Fu World Studies: Can we justify the use of science and technology in modern weapons development?

Missing from photo: Kristy Lee Literature: Satire and biblical creation stories in Green Grass, Running Water: how does Thomas King use satirical depictions of biblical stories to subvert the colonial worldview?

Michael Spyker Business and Management: Investor patience, corporate structure and the operational margins of Tesla: to what extent can Tesla continue to retain investors with their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loss-basedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; earnings practice?

Gayathri Peringod World Studies: Learning from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide: at what point should the United Nations intervene militarily to prevent national conflict?

FALL 2017

PROJECT 2050

STUDENTS SOLVING CHALLENGES OF 2050 BY CHRIS SCHNEIDER, STS ASSISTANT SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

rom April 9-16, 2017, six students from STS, Emma Cross ’18, Arzina Jaffer ’18, Lucas Touw ’18, Konrad Krusche ’19, Cole Shaigec ’19, and Ajitesh Anand ’19 were joined by 15 other students from fellow Round Square Schools, Appleby College, Lower Canada College and Rothesay Netherwood School, to participate in the first annual 2050 Project Conference. Conceived by STS alumnus, Jay Cross ’80, the 2050 Project is a design and innovation experience envisioned to give students an opportunity to develop solutions to the challenges presented by the rising earth’s population slated to reach 9 billion people by 2050. Participation in this program offered students an opportunity to drive

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their own learning experiences and problem solve in a positive and authentic way. In the months prior to the conference, teams of students from each school worked collaboratively on their design projects which ranged from developing detailed architectural plans for a ‘zero net energy’ research camp and an app to support households in reducing peak electricity consumption, to a computer controlled greenhouse, a feed system to grow cattle more efficiently and an invention to harness kinetic energy and turn it into stored electricity. After spending Sunday evening on the STS campus

2050 PROJECT

Jay Cross ’80, STS Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumnus who conceived the 2050 Project.

The leaders of the world by the year 2050 are in school today.

getting to know each other through team-building activities and problemsolving challenges, the students spent Monday being inspired by a wide variety of design innovators and learned about their challenges, processes, research and goals.The group was fortunate to be hosted by DIRTT at their design and production facilities and saw first-hand how they employed hi-tech solutions to reduce waste in their fabrication and installation processes and how their commitment to more sustainable ways of acting underpin not only their business model, but how DIRTT employees work, eat and play together. Several of the 2050 cohort were particularly interested in the summer student intern program offered by the company, setting

their sights on future design careers.The afternoon at the University of Calgary further piqued the group’s interest in possibilities as they were hosted by the Faculty of Environmental Design. They enjoyed presentations on home design to support the independence of the elderly, the impact of human settlement patterns on bee populations, reducing construction waste through design and material choice and learned about opportunities to turn building into energy generators.To cap off the day, the cohort got to see what an innovative university experience could be like as Dr. Cross ran the students through a classroom experience similar to the one he provides for his undergraduate students in the new challenge course that

In June 2013, the media reported a story projecting the global population to surpass 9 billion by 2050, another 2 billion people on the planet in the next 37 years. It struck me because the people who would be middle aged and running the world by the year 2050 were not only born already, they were in school. What messages were we sending to them when the media was communicating fear, pessimism and division based on concerns about energy, climate, food, environment and conflict in the world? The equally important question was, were we educating our children to think creatively, positively and collaboratively about the world? These questions nagged me but then more creative ones followed. If the kids in our classrooms were going to be running the world by 2050, why not let them loose now? Why not take advantage of the creativity of our youth, rather than asking them to wait for us to fill their brains with knowledge? This was the birth of The 2050 Project. The value of having students learn by doing, and not just listening in classrooms, is supported by years of education research. Having students work on a completely authentic experience - dealing with real-world issues and developing innovations of their own choosing, and working with mentors from the business, science and arts when they needed to develop their ideas – created an appetite for learning. Bringing students together from different schools across Canada made them ravenous. And that’s what happened in The 2050 Project. It wasn’t about competition, it was about ideas being added to and the excitement in seeing the participants shift and become even more confident in the process of innovation - students, teachers and mentors alike. Creativity and desire to collaborate are inherent in our human DNA and so we as parents and teachers must cultivate them and not allow them to wither. Seeing what the 2050 Project students accomplished in the program showed me that our children aren’t just the future. If we let them, they are a critical part of the present too.

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2050 PROJECT

he offers. Working in collaborative teams, the group explored the multi-faceted problem of food security and were tasked with developing solutions to the issue of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feeding 9 billion people.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; All of that took place on day two! The focus then shifted to individual innovation projects as the group transferred to the Banff Centre to be further inspired by the setting of the Canadian Rockies. Students had the opportunity to pitch their projects to a dozen mentors with backgrounds in architecture, agriculture, energy systems, product development, marketing, computer programming and knowledge integration in the hopes of garnering their support in

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further developing their innovations; picture Dragonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den meets supportive educational environment. For the next three days, project teams worked independently, collaborated in interschool teams and were challenged and supported by their mentors as they advanced their designs. The refinement of their ideas and approaches was evident and highlighted for the students, the complexity of the iterative process and the rewards for such demanding work. It also highlighted the importance of face-to-face connections and the capacity generated by so many individuals coming together, holding different experiences and perspectives.

2050 PROJECT

From the participating STS students’ perspectives…. The 2050 Project has sparked the thoughts of the young and the brave to make a positive change for our world in 2050.These inspiring minds have learned about the steps to initiate a project, how and whom to pitch their projects, and the protocol necessary to follow up for an international project. Our next steps are to take what our mentors have taught us this year and implement them next year. We hope to make more improvements with each project so that we can show progress and pitch our new ideas again next year. "The 2050 Project was certainly beneficial as it shows the power of engagement and open minds, while helping our resumes. This conference helped make me see that we are actually trying to solve real issues for 30 years from now and that’s really cool,” said Konrad Krusche ’19. A SUMMARY OF THE STS STUDENTS’ PROJECTS: Food Computer, Cole Shaigec ’19, Ajitesh Anand ’19, Konrad Krusche ’19 and Lucas Touw ’18 Our own school community is built on a similar foundation and the participation of our STS alumni, Lara Unsworth ’95, Rick Weissenborn ’88, Geoff Evamy-Hill ’10, and Harvey Locke ’75 as mentors highlighted the strength of such connections. The final two days of the conference were spent enjoying the company while appreciating the natural environment in Banff. What was evident in the casual debrief conversations over those days was that goals were accomplished. Students spoke of the importance of nexus of science, culture and art as being the foundation of creative design and they felt empowered to take their varied passions and skillsets and direct them towards solutions to complex, interrelated challenges, driving the innovation

process. Moreover, they were motivated by, and thankful for, being given a voice in determining their futures as in 2050 they will be the leaders of families and communities. The positive impact was evident and one school reported only recently getting over their 2050 Project ‘hangover’. Plans are already in progress for the second iteration of the 2050 Project Conference with broader participation, more schools and mentors, and creating the important connections which will support the innovative solutions required to meet the challenges presented by the year 2050.

“Our goal was to ‘hack’ MIT’s Food Computer from their OpenAg program and build it for a cheaper price. The Food Computer is designed to make growing crops more efficient through a number of components.” Greener Cows, Emma Cross ’18 “My project was initially related to reducing the carbon footprint of the scapegoated agricultural industry. However, I realized the importance of educating people about agriculture in the first place, and thus I am now pursuing a learning program for Grade 4 students to kick start this idea.” You are a Powerhouse, Arzina Jaffer ’18 “The project I was involved in examined various ways energy can be harnessed through everyday activities. The initial idea incorporates harnessing the mechanical energy from writing using electromagnetic induction; however, the current solution involving piezoelectric sensors allows for a greater amount of energy to be generated.”

FALL 2017

MOMENTUM IN SPEECH AND DEBATE

SPEECH AND DEBATE AN INTEGR AL COMPONENT OF THE STS FABRIC BY LENNARD FINK, STS DIRECTOR OF SPEECH AND DEBATE

S Did you know? When STS alumni are surveyed one of the “top skills” they say they gained from attending STS is the ability to speak publicly with confidence. Also, one of their top “favourite memories” is the time-honoured annual Speech Day.

peech and debate is one of the longest standing traditions at STS, dating back to our founding schools.The program gains momentum every year, and is stronger today than ever before.

Over the past five years an average of 100 students joined STS speech and debate teams.The students enjoy the competition aspect, however, what students gain most from participation in the program is not necessarily winning at tournaments, but rather the confidence to speak in front of audiences through a range of public speaking opportunities.This is an invaluable skill that sets STS graduates apart for life. When Elliot Chiu ’17 was asked what was his most valuable experience at STS, he said, “The speech program not only gave me confidence in public speaking, but allows me to converse more readily with poise with my friends and family.” Both speech and debate allow for students to develop their critical thinking skills. Also, the program aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profiles which are tied into all STS programming, allowing our students to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, principled, open-minded, caring, courageous, balanced, reflective and of course, communicators. STS is a long-standing member of Alberta Debate and Speech and has the second largest number of members in the province. Students are able to participate in tournaments throughout the year. In the speech program, students have an opportunity to compete in impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking, interpretation of prose or poetry, and solo and duet acting. In the debate tournaments students participate in the Canadian national style, allowing one team to represent the government while the other team functions as the opposition party. Throughout the year, students must participate in at least two tournaments to be eligible to compete in the Regional Tournament, where the top half of the students advance to the Provincial Tournaments.The Provincial Tournaments standings determine the winners who will represent Alberta at the National Tournaments. Consistently, our school is well represented showcasing our hardworking, confident students. Again this year, STS speech and debate students excelled on the world stage, winning many awards and setting records.

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MOMENTUM IN SPEECH AND DEBATE

Middle and Senior School award winners at the Provincial and National Tournaments, 2017

STS is recognized as a leading independent school, partly because our students are such wonderful ambassadors. Because of our strong showing both at the national and international tournaments, our proud tradition of speech and debate carries on, and our founding schools would no doubt be thrilled.

STS also participates in the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC). When the tournament was first held, five schools participated and to date it has grown to include up to 60 schools from around the world. STS is proud to have hosted this event twice – in 1999 and 2012 – and coaches still remember our organization of the tournament and our wonderful hospitality.This tournament also qualifies students to advance to the World’s Individual Public Speaking Championships held in various countries. Over the past years, STS has had several students win top prizes at Worlds. 35

FALL 2017

FINDING CALMâ&#x20AC;&#x2021; AMIDST CONSTANT MOMENTUM

CULTIVATING A MINDFUL MINDSET DURING A TIME OF MOMENTUM AND CHANGE BY MORGAN CHAPMAN, STS ELEMENTARY FACULTY, LIBR ARIAN

When mindful children one day lead this world, they will do so with more clarity, wisdom, compassion and resilience.

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t STS, we encourage students to be openminded, to wonder and question, and to consider all perspectives. As educators, we know that inquiry is the most meaningful way for students to develop these skills in order to grow into adults capable of solving the problems of our everchanging world. What happens when we take these skills into our inner world? Does our ability to be observant, curious and compassionate towards ourselves have an effect on our sense of well-being? Mindfulness is a way to practice self-inquiry that has been proven to increase focus, academic performance, and the ability to regulate emotions as well as decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. By forging new pathways, mindfulness literally changes our brain with practice.

Over the past three years, I have become passionate about sharing mindfulness with students at STS. In library classes and in Aspen Lodge, we have practiced mindful eating, mindful walking, and mindful breath practices to learn how to bring our full attention to our present moment experiences, thoughts and feelings with greater curiosity and kindness. Students have shared with me that the mindfulness practices have helped them find greater focus, empathy (towards themselves and others) and helped them to effectively manage big emotions like anger and anxiety. One common misconception about mindfulness and meditation is that it is about quieting the mind, achieving a state of no thought.Though this sounds like it might be peaceful, mindfulness practice is actually about being right where we are, and beginning to observe our own thoughts, reactions, and emotions

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with more curiosity and kindness. Jon Kabat-Zinn, who popularized mindfulness with his Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course at the University of Massachusetts says, “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment, non-judgmentally”.This skill can be particularly helpful during times of stress and change, providing clarity on what is really going on inside of us, and guiding us to what we may need to do to take care of ourselves and others. When we begin to venture inward in mindfulness practice, we realize there is a lot bustling about inside our heads. Focused on an item on our to-do list, a disappointment from yesterday, or worry about a conversation gone awry with a friend. We begin to notice that we spend a lot of our day ruminating about the past, planning (and often worrying) about the future, or analyzing the present moment. We talk about this endless thought commentary in our classes, and begin to recognize that our thoughts are just thoughts, and that our brain is designed to fill in the blanks in any given situation to create a story it can understand. The problem is, these stories are not the whole truth, and can cause us a lot of suffering when we believe them. When we are able to take a step back and notice these thoughts and stories for what they are, we can decrease our emotional response and our suffering. One thing that many students observe in their thought commentary is a theme of self-criticism. We are taught to be understanding, kind and compassionate to others, but rarely treat ourselves the same way. Cultivating self-compassion is perhaps the most challenging aspect of mindfulness. Many of us believe that we need harsh self-criticism to motivate ourselves, that without it we would be lazy and self-indulgent. Research tells us the opposite is true. When we are self-critical, our brain sets off the threat response system in our body, causing the release of cortisol, which inhibits our ability to access the important functions in the prefrontal cortex.

When we are kind to ourselves, we release chemicals which bring us into a calm and alert state, the ideal state for us to access the parts of our brain we need to be our best. For a long time, we endeavoured to build a child’s self-esteem.The problem with that is that it waxes and wanes with a person’s vision of themselves. In order to have high self-esteem we have to feel special or above average just to feel ok about ourselves.To get this, we tend to puff ourselves up or put others down.This creates a culture of bullying, prejudice and narcissism. Self-compassion quiets the voice of self-criticism and allows us to appreciate our common humanity. When we are self-compassionate we are able to see

ourselves clearly and have a sense of self-worth that is much more stable. Mindfulness is both a meditative practice that forces us to slow down and reconnect to the present moment, and an attitude – a way of being in the world – that has the potential to change us from the inside out. When mindful children one day lead this world, they will do so with more clarity, wisdom compassion and resilience. Offering our students not only academics but the building blocks of well-being is something that sets STS apart, and I am so grateful to be a part of that by sharing the practice of mindfulness as inner strength training with our students.

FALL 2017

CREATING MOMENTUM THROUGH COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

CREATING MOMENTUM THROUGH COLLABOR ATIVE LEARNING BY ZUBAIR K ASSAM, STS DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

he goal of positioning Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School as a centre for teaching excellence focuses our attention on attracting, developing and retaining exceptional faculty. The development of faculty, just as for our students, is a multi-year journey, on which we as academic leaders amongst faculty are learning, challenging, honing and being intentional in our teaching practice. For the last two years STS academic leaders have been engaged in collaborative, peer-to-peer learning. Initially meant as a means by which to build on the professional development opportunity afforded to faculty through the annual Experts in Education Speaker Series, the monthly collaborative learning sessions afford faculty the unique opportunity not only to share their expertise with, but also learn from, their colleagues.

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Academic leaders centred their discussions around 2016 Experts in Education Speaker, Michael Hornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, Blended. In the months leading up to Hornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work with faculty during a full-day workshop, academic leaders prepared for his visit by reading his book, engaging in a learning session on blended learning, sharing their experiences of utilizing blended learning models in their classrooms and brainstorming opportunities and challenges for the further implementation of blended learning opportunities. During the full day workshop, academic leaders supported colleagues in their various departments to utilize design thinking strategies as they identified potential opportunities for the inclusion of blended learning to enhance and improve teaching and learning in the classroom.

It is in light of these important objectives that academic leaders have decided to focus on STS as an IB Continuum School as the theme for the 2017-2018 academic year. Focusing on the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Teaching and Approaches to Learning, 11 different academic leaders will facilitate seven separate sessions on topics ranging from digital citizenship to mindfulness to teaching and learning in a collaborative community. These timely topics are sure to prove to be engaging and provide opportunities for thoughtful debate, discussion and the sharing of ideas to enhance teaching and learning at STS.

Building on the work done in the first year, we turned our attention to the 2017 Experts in Education Speaker, Paul Tough for the 2016-2017 sessions. Using his book, How Children Succeed, we examined Tough’s message regarding the need for students to develop grit and perseverance and to what extent learning experiences allowed students to develop the attributes that would not only help them succeed whilst attending STS, but also later in life. Academic leaders also examined an alternate viewpoint refuting Tough’s thesis, thus modelling both a spirit of genuine inquiry, critical thinking and questioning, characteristics they would wish students to demonstrate during the teaching and learning process. In addition to discussing and debating the ideas raised by Tough, faculty also formalized a framework to guide their learning in future years. Articulated in the framework are the values academic leaders subscribe to including: valuing the opportunity to advance their own learning through study, discussion, debate and reflection; learning from one another in a respectful manner and setting an example for their colleagues through our engagement and collaboration; being open-minded and seeking opportunities to implement research-based ideas that promote effective teaching and learning in a sustained and thoughtful manner; and understanding that, like lifelong learning, professional development is an ongoing, active process. These values underpin a much broader and aspirational set of objectives including the promotion of effective teaching and learning practices and supporting the realization of STS mission, vision and values.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR UPCOMING 2017-2018 EXPERTS IN EDUCATION SPEAKERS: Rosalind Wiseman, expert in navigating the social challenges of young adulthood and "creating cultures of dignity”: September 26, 2017 Dr. Karyn Gordon, acclaimed teen and relationship expert: April 26, 2018 STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!

FALL 2017

MOMENTUM IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

OUR COMMUNITY IS STS BY CAR A MORGAN, STS PARENT that espouses inclusivity and an environment where our son is able to participate and learn in an atmosphere that is so nurturing, and to be supported by a team so committed to his ongoing education and development. Our family has been personally inspired as we watch the students, even the youngest in Grades 1 and 2, become little leaders, embrace strong values, and become inspired learners.

s parents, we always want the best for our children. We want to teach them the values that we hold dear, we want to inspire them to work hard and be passionate, we want to hold them close, knowing that day by day their world is expanding.The reality is that once we send them off on the bus (or drop them at their classroom) on the first day of school we come to rely on a community. We feel grateful that for us, our community is STS. At STS, we rely on a community of dedicated educators who model and instill values such as kindness and responsibility, we rely on a team of experts who keep our school running and thriving on our beautiful campus, and as parents, we rely on one another. We learned this early on, even before our son’s first day! We were welcomed by another family with a phone call and assured that we could always reach out if any questions came up. We were also matched with a family from the same grade to promote this peer-to-peer community.

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Since our first year at STS in 2014, we have been truly overwhelmed by the abundance of opportunities to be involved, not only in the classroom with our son, but also with the direction of the School.There is very much a partnership that exists between the STS faculty, students and the parent community. Events such as the new parentstudent BBQ at the beginning of the year, the new parent reception, welcome back coffee, the plethora of opportunities for involvement through the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS), grade parent socials, and the numerous volunteer opportunities immediately make you feel part of something amazing. Also the continued engagement made us want to stay involved and keep the momentum going. Since those early days, we have continued to be inspired by the comradery, support and dedication STS provides to parents and our children. We feel tremendously fortunate to be part of a community 40

When we enrolled our son, we did not truly know what becoming a part of the STS community would mean to our whole family. We truly feel that we and the School are giving our child the best, and this experience has brought us so much joy as parents. We are so proud to be members of the STS community. Thank you.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED THIS FALL! WELCOME BACK COFFEE GRADE PARENT SOCIALS NEW FACILITY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS NEW PARENT WALKING GROUP NEW TO CALGARY WALKING GROUP NUMEROUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Check out the "MySTS" web portal for more information.

MOMENTUM IN CAMPAIGN

MOMENTUM IN INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES CAMPAIGN: WE’RE ALMOST THERE ! BY JAN WATEROUS, STS CAMPAIGN CO - CHAIR, BOARD GOVERNOR

his past June, my youngest son, Liam, graduated as a “lifer” from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. His graduation culminated 19 years of Waterous children collectively attending the school making his graduation one for our entire family. As a parent, long-time Governor of the Board and Co-Chair of the Inspiring Possibilities campaign, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience these 19 years through an exceptionally broad lens. It goes without saying that I have been overjoyed with the quality of education my children received and my entire family will be forever grateful to the highly competent, caring and supportive teaching and administrative staff at the School. But perhaps less expected, is the education I received while serving as a Governor and more specifically as Co-Chair of the Inspiring Possibilities campaign. It was through these latter two associations that I came to understand just how private education actually works and more specifically, how they are funded. Like many of you, my husband and I attended public schools and we were totally unfamiliar with the funding model that we essentially adopted when our eldest son began independent school in 1998. At the time, the annual tuition fee represented a significant after-tax cash outlay for my family’s budget so we were both surprised and a tad “put off ” when school annual campaigns repeatedly asked us for additional donations. We resisted giving at first but as the years trickled by, we came to understand that our tuition was only covering the very basics of my son’s education. In fact, we learned that virtually every aspect of his STS experience was being subsidized by STS families who came before us.

As a Governor and Co-Chair of the campaign, I know this to be true, but I also understand how it is hard for many of our community members to wrap their heads around. In a nutshell the math breaks down as follows: our tuition, along with a very small grant from the Alberta government, essentially keeps the lights on and pays teacher and administrative staff salaries. Everything else, i.e. facility and infrastructure maintenance and enhancements, special guest speakers and performances for students, OE equipment, special art supplies, scholarships and bursaries, and teacher professional development, to name just a few, are funded through donations from current families, alumni and past parents of the school. One of the biggest opportunities we have had with the Inspiring Possibilities campaign is to educate all stakeholders about how the funding works and how vital it is for everyone to contribute something.The good news is we have almost reached our fundraising goal of $27 million. But in this last stretch of the campaign, before our incredible new facilities open later this fall, we need those who have not given yet to bring us to the finish line. It is also important to note that when this campaign is over, it does not mean that the fundraising is over. It has only just begun. As I said, giving back annually is an essential piece of the private school puzzle. In many private schools it is an accepted part of the culture that the majority of families and alumni donate every year to ensure that their school remains the best it can be. We understand that the culture of philanthropy at STS is in its very earliest stages. While the campaign has inspired a new high-water mark of parent participation (54%) and alumni 41

giving (5%), you can see that we have a long way to go. It is my hope that we will continue to build upon the momentum of this culture of philanthropy because the students and faculty need this support to realize the very mandate of the School. Annual giving will always be an important source of funding for the School and I hope every family, past and present, will adopt STS as their own philanthropic priority. As an annual and campaign donor, I now understand that I am standing on the shoulders of all the STS families that came before me.Thank you to each and every one of you. And to new and current families at the School, rest assured there is plenty of room on my shoulders for you!

FALL 2017

HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR

STS HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR 2016 – ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS ! BY BRENDA THOMPSON, ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS

ur STS community came together on Saturday, September 17, 2016 for our annual Homecoming Celebration and Family Fall Fair held on our beautiful country campus.

We had a remarkable turnout, with more than 800 members of the STS community in attendance! Everyone enjoyed games, entertainment, a wonderful market and art show, a petting zoo, food trucks and exciting contests. There were campus tours, a Zorb ball collision course, face painting, and our annual alumni vs staff/students rugby and field hockey games. An alumni lounge was set up in the OE building, which allowed alumni and their families a place to congregate and reconnect with former faculty and staff, and fellow classmates. In addition to being a day of family fun, two very significant announcements were made.The first was the presentation of Nil Nisi Optimum awards to two of our outstanding alumni.The first was to Dr. Susan Elliott ’89 and the second was to Dr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette ’95 MP. Both were in attendance at the event and spoke about the influence of STS on their accomplishments. The second announcement was about two matching gift donations that have been made to the Inspiring Possibilities campaign.The first was an anonymous $2 million matching gift whereby every donation made between September 2016 and the end of May 2017 would be matched (doubled) to a maximum of $2

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million.The second was a matching gift from the Mills family who are alumni of STS.They have pledged to match every gift from alumni until the end of May 2018, up to $200,000. In conjunction with the Homecoming and Family Fall Fair, class parties were held throughout the city – giving friends from graduating years ending in 1s and 6s a chance to reconnect. The success of Homecoming 2016 represents the strength of our ever-growing and vibrant community. This STS tradition, put on in partnership by the STS Advancement and Community Relations department, STS Alumni Association and the Parents Organization of STS (POSTS), brought together STS families along with alumni and former faculty/staff in a festive atmosphere. Thank you to everyone for coming out.

Join us for Homecoming and Family Fall Fair 2017, Saturday, September 16, 2017. For more information visit: strathconatweedsmuir.com/homecoming

HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR

9 1.

10 2016 Homecoming Celebration and Family Fall Fair

2. Susan Elliott ’89, Nil Nisi Optimum (NNO) Notable Alumni Award Recipient 3. Robert-Falcon Ouellette ’95, Nil Nisi Optimum (NNO) Notable Alumni Award Recipient 4. Aboriginal blessing ceremony during our Homecoming Celebration by Robert's grandfather 5. Our pie tasting judges

6. STS Mascot Spartacus playing with the animals at the petting zoo

7. Our fabulous food trucks 8. Strath Creshendudes entertain 9. One of our vendors at the Fall Fair 10. Jeremy Ho ’05, Monogram Coffee 11. Jon Zwiers ’02, Honey Meadows 12. Joan Sveen, Former Faculty and Rosanna Marmont ’05 display artwork in Aspen Lodge

FALL 2017

HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR

13. Tweeds and More

18. Having a blast riding the pony hops

14. Our community doing a little shopping

19. Mini golf

15. Announcement of funds for our Inspiring Possibilities campaign

20. Zorb Ball collision course

16. Jan Waterous, Ray Mills â&#x20AC;&#x2122;82, Monique Mills â&#x20AC;&#x2122;87, and Dr. William Jones

22. Alumni vs. STS students basketball game

17. Face painting

21. Alumni vs. STS students basketball game

23. Alumni reminisce in the Alumni Lounge 24. Alumni visit at our Homecoming celebration

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HOMECOMING AND FALL FAIR

32 25. Class of 1991 alumni attendees at Homecoming 26. Class of 1986 alumni attendees at Homecoming 27. Alumnae vs. STS Senior Varsity Girls field hockey match 28. Alumni vs. STS Senior Varsity Boys rugby match

30. Class of 1981 – 35-year reunion 31. Class of 1986 – 30-year reunion 32. Class of 1991 – 25-year reunion 33. Class of 1996 – 20-year reunion 34. Class of 2006 – 10-year reunion 35. Class of 2011 – 5-year reunion

29. What a GREAT DAY!

35 45

FALL 2017

MOMENTUM EVENT

MOMENTUM EVENT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS BY L AR A UNSWORTH ’95, STS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

n April 29, 2017 the STS community came together for a wonderful celebration called, Momentum.

This is a momentous period in the history of our beloved school. As such, the STS Alumni Association, in partnership with the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS), made the bold decision to host a celebratory event for all STS community members – past, present and future.

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The new, one-time event was named Momentum, as “momentum” can be defined as the force that allows something to grow stronger as time passes.The force that has always made STS and its founding schools stronger is our incredible community.

Led by Momentum co-chairs, Aimee-Jo Benoit ’97 (STS alumna), Shelley Woloski el Baroudi (STS parent), and Faye Steinberg ’89 (STS parent and alumna), the planning committee set two goals: to bring our whole community – alumni, current and former parents and employees, and friends of STS – together for one special evening to celebrate our school’s incredible journey, and to raise significant funds. We are so proud to say that we achieved both goals.Total event proceeds raised were $160,000, exceeding the planning committee’s goal, and making the proceeds the most raised at any STS event.Thank you! Also, the event hit a high water mark in terms of attendance with close to 400 people.

Together, we are making the well-rounded STS experience even better by investing in our facilities, our students, and our teachers. In doing so, we are leaving a legacy for future generations, as those before us did for our current community. 4

MOMENTUM EVENT PHOTO CAPTIONS 1.

Event emcee, Louie Pearlman ’98

2. STS parents and event print sponsors, Dave and Kathy Kletke 3. Fresh oyster bar, hosted by Eric Giesbrecht ’92 4.

STS faculty enjoying the night

5. STS parents having a ball 6. STS parents and alumnae, Sloan Pipella-Clark ’81, President of P.O.S.T.S, and Dana Loughheed ’90, President of the Alumni Association 7.

Mark LeDain ’08,Young Alumni Committee Chair, and his wife Meredith Conrod

The funds raised went directly to the Inspiring Possibilities campaign, which combined with generous personal donations, brought our running total to $25 million, taking us that much closer to the final goal of $27 million – we are almost there! Together, we are making the wellrounded STS experience even better by investing in our facilities, our students, and our teachers. In doing so, we are leaving a legacy for future generations, as those before us did for our current community. The event's accomplishment would not have been possible without the combined support of our entire STS community, and many of the contractors who are building our new facilities. Also our community stepped up and gave generously in terms of event sponsorship,

and gifts/services-in-kind, which significantly reduced event expenses. We are inspired by all who attended Momentum and contributed to the event. We also thank our friends in the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS), the STS Alumni Association, and the many students, parents, alumni and employees who gave their time leading up to and the day of the event.They all demonstrated teamwork, passion, and dedication as partners in planning Momentum. Together, we achieved something quite remarkable. It is yet another example of how powerful our STS community is when we join together for a common cause!

FALL 2017

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: MICHAEL MCNEIL FORBES ’94

WHEN FORWARD MOMENTUM IS MOVING BACKWARDS BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hile STS has been using momentum to move forward, Michael McNeil Forbes ’94 has created a different kind of momentum in the scientific community – a negative-mass fluid, where forward momentum can mean moving backwards. To explain his results, Michael suggests imagining throwing a baseball. According to Newton’s second law F=ma, the ball should get faster, accelerating away from you. But if the mass of the ball were somehow made to be negative, then the ball would accelerate in the wrong direction, slowing down as you try to throw it.This counter-intuitive behaviour is exactly what Michael and his collaborators have seen when they subject rubidium atoms to a particular set of lasers. By cooling the particles down to one of the coldest temperatures in the known universe, the particles start behaving as waves. “Then you get a fluid with really cool properties called a superfluid that flows without friction. If you stir it, it can continue rotating forever,” said Michael. By adding an additional set of lasers to this superfluid, they get it to behave as if it has negative mass. Practical applications of this type of research are far-reaching, from cleaner and safer nuclear energy, improved quantum technologies such as high precision atomic clocks, to simulating the early universe and neutron stars.

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Michael, an STS alumnus, is a professor at Washington State University in the department of Physics and Astronomy, and an affiliate professor at the University of Washington. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degree at the University of British Columbia and went on to complete his PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Centre for Theoretical Physics where he studied with Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek. Having attended STS for Grades 1 to 12, Michael recalls being interested in astronomy in Mrs. Owens Grade 3 class, but gravitated towards physics which was more fundamental and less about classification. Michael did consider briefly becoming a pianist but stuck with science. “I figured it was easier to support a piano habit as a physicist than to support a physics habit as a pianist,” Michael joked. During his time at STS, Michael had the opportunity to explore his interest in science by participating in the Physics Olympiad, representing Canada at the Beijing International Olympiad in Grade 12. He was also able to round out his education with the Outdoor Education (OE) program, athletics, and playing piano in school musicals.

“STS made sure I had a broad education, and because of this, I’m able to see different aspects of things,” said Michael, who admits that he would probably have excelled in science anywhere, but that the breadth of programs at STS helped bring him to where he is today, “As a scientist, you have to be able to communicate effectively, but they don’t teach you that in a science program. STS taught me that.”

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: SHAUN O’BRIEN ’90

STANDING UP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

because of that type of gun – one of the primary weapons used against woman in spousal homicide, she explained. Shaun is also currently working on a case appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada involving the voting rights of over a million Canadian citizens currently living abroad. She has been contacted by Canadians around the world sharing how important this issue is to them and how passionately they feel about their country and their right to vote.

t was when her STS Middle School math teacher, Mr. Koning, told her that he envisioned her becoming a judge and fighting for disadvantaged children that Shaun O’Brien ’90 discovered her dream.

as victims of domestic violence, and pursues and advocates for their rights – sometimes against the government or larger corporate bodies.

“I look back on it often and think ‘it’s not that far off actually’,” said Shaun, who is now a lawyer in Toronto focusing on social justice.

Shaun attended STS for Grades 7 to 12, alongside her brother Matthew ’89, and sister Tara ’87. She went on to Queen’s University for her undergraduate degree, and then law school at the University of Toronto, where she graduated in 1998.

“I’ve always been interested in advocating for other people and had a concern for social justice, a concern for vulnerable groups, and a concern for equality,” explained Shaun.

“I felt very supported, and encouraged to feel capable and confident, because of my time at STS. In the work we do you need to be able to push forward on something when there’s a barrier,” Shaun said.

The mother of three children aged 12 and under works on cases that involve human rights violations, often with a workplace and employee-rights focus. Shaun also represents vulnerable populations, such

Shaun recently brought a challenge against the federal government after legislation to minimize gun control and repeal the long-gun registry. She acted on behalf of women who experienced serious domestic violence 49

“Bringing about change, gaining momentum, and creating a movement is not a straight line.There’s going to be ups and downs, there’s going to be steps forward and steps back so I think it’s a lot of persistence and dedication to working hard and working together,” said Shaun. This emphasis on team work was instilled during her time at STS and she credits the Outdoor Education (OE) program and close-knit community as fundamental in that. Her experiences on OE trips taught her that getting through challenging situations is easier when you’re together with like-minded people. Shaun remains an avid and active outdoorswoman and gives her children the same opportunities she had by sending them to outdoor camps. “Those are the stories that go on and on.You really remember them and tell others,” she said.

FALL 2017

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: NAGEEB SUMAR ’97

THINKING BIG TO CREATE CHANGE AROUND THE WORLD BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ageeb Sumar ’97 feels as though he’s won the birth lottery. As a first-generation immigrant and member of the Ismaili Muslim community, the STS alumnus knows that being born in Canada means he has been afforded many opportunities that others around the world have not. “Being a first-generation immigrant and knowing the places where my parents came from and the levels of poverty and need there, I think that’s what kind of drew me to my current work.” Nageeb is the Deputy Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Washington, D.C.The husband and father of three daughters has always considered himself an advocate of certain issues and has embraced the opportunity to fulfill this task while working at the Foundation.

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“We’ve never been at a point in human history where we’ve seen so much progress in terms of peoples’ lives being improved. It’s fantastic to see so much momentum around the world,” he said.

made a lasting impact on him, while the diverse programs and co-curricular activities, such as outdoor education, athletics and drama, provided balance to his life.

Nageeb and his team are tasked with trying to shift the norm in terms of the giving behaviours of donors in the US, China, India and the Middle East. As an example, they are part of an effort to convince the world’s billionaires to voluntarily pledge to give away half their wealth over their lifetime. So far, 168 billionaires from 21 countries around the world have taken this Giving Pledge.

“We were really afforded the opportunity to do so many things and to become well-rounded people that contribute to society,” Nageeb said.

Another facet of Nageeb’s role with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is discovering how to stimulate philanthropy by creating the right policies and incentives while also enabling people to make informed choices when it comes to charitable giving. As part of his work, Nageeb and his team played a role in promoting Giving Tuesday, a movement that sees the Tuesday following Black Friday and American Thanksgiving being a day of charitable giving. “We try to unpack what being an effective giver means and create the tools so that people can be more informed and intentional with their giving,” he said. After attending STS from Grades 4 to 12, Nageeb graduated in 1997. The small class sizes and relationships he formed while at the School

After STS, Nageeb graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he majored in economics and urban studies. He then went on to Queen’s University and completed a Master’s degree in international finance where he completed a thesis on microfinance, or giving small loans to some of the world’s poorest people and business owners who have no collateral and have difficulty obtaining loans from a traditional bank. “Having a global-oriented mindset has been the biggest thing I drew from STS, and that has continued into the work I do,” explained Nageeb. Along with that, the nurturing, supportive community that allowed risk-taking, exposure to global trends, communities and diversity all led Nageeb to where he is today. “Without that, I don’t think I would have had the confidence or ability to embrace change and think really big.”

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: STEPHANIE JACKMAN ’90

THE BUSINESS OF NATURE BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s Founder and President of REAP (Respect for the Earth and All People), a Calgarybased business association focusing on improving communities and the environment, STS alumna Stephanie Jackman ’90 is working to create a greener and brighter economic landscape in Calgary, one business at a time. Stephanie attended STS for Grades 7 to 11 and it was at the School she developed her sense of leadership and responsibility. Stephanie credits the Outdoor Education (OE) program, the Agencies program, and the opportunity to take part in Speech Day as foundational to the work she does today. “These ways of engaging with nature and community were all normal and just the way you operated as a global citizen at STS. But they’re not things that everybody embraces or does on a regular basis.They very much became a part of who I am,” Stephanie explained. Stephanie completed a journalism degree at Carleton University in Ottawa but soon realized that it wasn’t reporting she was drawn to, but telling stories. It was then Stephanie made a switch to business and marketing, attending Thunderbird School of Global Management and earning a Masters of International Marketing. She accepted a job in advertising after graduation and soon transitioned into brand planning where she helped businesses understand their customers better in

order to form deeper connections. She founded a consulting business with this focus, called Blueprint Brand Strategies, and a few years later took on a role with Venture Communications where she assisted in the creation of their brand planning division. When Stephanie had what can only be described as a career epiphany in 2005, REAP was born. “Through my career I’ve had this evolution towards using story and curiosity to create greater connection in our personal and business relationships. At the highest level, REAP shares stories of what is possible to build a new economic model that moves towards greater connections with ourselves, with each other and with the environment.” REAP began, in the early days, as a rally cry to local businesses. Stephanie wanted to find a way to diversify Calgary’s economy by using business as a force for positive change. “REAP is about educating people about better ways of conducting business, and more inclusive ways of building economy and communities. It’s consistent with the values that I internalised during my time at STS and have carried through to the work I’m doing,” said Stephanie. As REAP has solidified itself in Calgary’s business market, Stephanie hopes to keep the momentum going by promoting discussion of what the

responsibilities are of our business leaders, citizens and students in creating a world that works for everyone and lives in harmony with nature. “Momentum is about forward progress. It’s about win-win and making sure we’re all moving in the same direction in a way that isn’t leaving people behind,” explained Stephanie.

FALL 2017

INSPIRING ALUMNI FEATURE: TAHIR MERALI ’03

REACHING FOR THE STARS BY KELSEY LOVELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

or STS alumnus Tahir Merali ’03, the sky isn’t the limit, it’s the goal.Tahir recently joined the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) working in the Engineering Development Program because he, admittedly, “lives and breathes space.” Tahir graduated from STS in 2003 after attending for Grades 7 though 12. He was a member of the first STS class to graduate from the IB Diploma Programme, which played a pivotal role in his time at the School. As part of the IB Programme,Tahir was given the opportunity to complete independent research that allowed him to explore his interests using scientific research methods and optimize teacher support. His completed project, comparing the efficiencies of the model rocket engine, helped set Tahir on the trajectory he is on today.

“Every step of the way I’ve had some involvement with space. I’m happy to work with it and breathe it every day.” This trajectory originally began, however, when Tahir met Roberta Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut to go into space, when he was seven years old.The astronaut gave Tahir one of her mission badges, and his dream was set in motion. “One of my dreams from when I was a young kid was to be an astronaut and the Canadian Space Agency was the place to be and the place to work,” said Tahir. Tahir’s next steps beyond STS included attending the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He then went on to the International Space University and completed a Masters of Science in space management. It was here that Tahir learned not only about space but how the space industry works in Canada and around the world. He has travelled to Spain, France, and The Netherlands – even working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to train astronauts to use the systems found on the International Space Station. After some time working in the oil and gas industry, Tahir recently returned to his original passion and began work at the Canadian Space Agency in Quebec. Tahir’s role at the Canadian Space Agency spans across the Agency and includes a broad spectrum of responsibilities. Based with the Enterprise Project

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Management Office (EPMO), this includes the development of a project execution framework to help manage the design of a satellite, overseeing additions to the Agencies infrastructure, or making sure upgrades to the International Space Station, such as the Canadarm2 or mobile robotics, are done properly. Ideally,Tahir hopes to one day make it into space himself as an astronaut. In the meantime,Tahir is also involved in looking forward into Canada’s future in space. More specifically, into what Canada’s role will be in the next project that goes beyond the International Space Station and past Earth’s moon. “Being part of where Canada goes next in this strategy and to also carry that momentum forward to where we’re going has been an eye-opening experience,” said Tahir.

GAINING DIGITAL MOMENTUM

STS is very excited to announce the launch of our newly designed, mobile-responsive website! The new site is available at strathconatweedsmuir.com. We hope you find the new, fresh website design, user-friendly and easy to navigate! Our goal with the new website is to provide families with an easier way to find information and celebrate the incredible characteristics of our School, our students and our community. Our prospective families will easily navigate through the site and truly experience the School through vivid imagery, compelling stories, and academic highlights.The new website is mobile and tablet responsive and gives access to Admissions, Explore the School, Academics, Student Life, What’s Happening, Alumni, Giving, Centre for Excellence in Teaching, and Contact Us sections. Among the many new features of the site, the What’s Happening blog will be something of interest for everyone. The blog will continuously be updated to highlight students, faculty, alumni, our community, events, stories, articles, announcements and celebrations. Other exciting highlights include: • A comprehensive search function – looking for something specific? You can now search for information on the external pages with ease! • A new, easily accessible calendar featuring special events that take place at the School and are of interest to our entire School community. • Alumni events page – easily find upcoming events to attend and stay connected with your classmates and the STS community. • Centre for Excellence in Teaching section – to position STS as an institution providing advanced, research-based teacher education for STS faculty and other teachers.

For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please email us at communicationsandmarketing@sts.ab.ca. 53

FALL 2017

MOMENTUM IN ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

ALUMNI GIVING IS BUILDING MOMENTUM BY DANA LOUGHEED ’90, PRESIDENT, STS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Alumni giving has increased from 2% to 5% in 2016-2017, reaching a new high water mark!

reetings! No matter our age or what we’ve accomplished in life – close to 6,000 alumni from STS and our founding schools share a very special common bond. We share those transformative school years… the incredible teachers who truly cared…life-long friends…the vibrant parent community….the many adventures…speech day. Now I am thrilled to see our alumni family gain momentum on a new journey of philanthropic support for our alma matter and future fellow alumni. Through the Mills Alumni Challenge which doubles all alumni gifts, last year’s Giving Tuesday blitz, and the peer-to-peer efforts of Class Captains, many alumni have been motivated to give to STS. Because of your generosity, the STS facilities are under construction, more students are welcomed to STS with the help of financial assistance, and faculty engage in meaningful professional development to enhance teaching excellence. OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

This past year, many alumni have given their very first gift to STS. For others, giving to our alma mater is an annual act of generosity, recognizing how STS (or our founding schools) prepared us for success in life, honouring the commitment of dedicated faculty who steered a career choice or became a friend, or acknowledging how STS classmates remain part of an inner circle of supportive friends. Also, several alumni wish to pay it forward now and in the future, leaving a bequest in their will to enhance the School well into the future. Whatever the motivation, the students, faculty and campus will benefit from the visionary generosity of alumni’s collective giving. Your gifts are all valued and appreciated and will have an impact for years to come. In the 2016-2017 school year, we set a goal of quadrupling alumni giving – and I’m proud to say its within our grasp. Alumni giving has increased from 2% to 5% in 2016-2017, reaching a new high water mark! With the help of an extension of the Mills Alumni Challenge, which will match alumni giving dollar-for-dollar through June 2018, we are confident hundreds of proud STS alumni will respond generously with a donation to enhance STS, now and in the future. I sincerely thank you.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION AND DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT All alumni, parents of alumni, and former faculty and staff have an extraordinary opportunity to DOUBLE your donations to STS and DOUBLE your impact on your school. Now more than ever – every gift truly does matter. With an extension of the Mills Alumni Challenge every alumni gift will be matched dollar for dollar through June 2018. Ray ’82,Trevor ’84 and Monique ’87 Mills are challenging all alumni to increase alumni donor participation – and they will double each gift and pledge to STS up to $200,000! Just imagine the possibilities.Your $50 donation will become $100.Your $250 donation will become $500. Your $1,000 donation will become $2,000.Your $5,000 donation will become $10,000! And so on….. Alumni are invited to donate to the funding priority that inspires you most – supporting students, teachers or facilities.The matched donations from the Mills family will support scholarships and bursaries to make the school accessible to promising students, regardless of finances. They want to ensure that many more students can have the same incredible experience you had. Ray,Trevor and Monique will also donate an additional $1,000 for every alumnus who includes STS in their will and advises the School. There is still $71,000 left to be matched and fully realize the $200,000 Mills Alumni Challenge. Double your gift today! Visit us online at: strathconatweedsmuir.com/giving/mills-alumni-challenge

MOMENTUM IN ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

“The Mother's Day Tea, curling in phys. ed., The Agency program and teachers caring about me outside of the classroom. This is why I donated. I teach my own children that its our job to help one another and I want to ensure that many more students share in the STS experience, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Mills Challenge was a great opportunity to maximize my impact and help more students.”

“At our 20-year high school reunion, I realized that STS was the catalyst for these close bonds, friendships and memories with people that I value in my life today. As well, I feel fortunate to have benefited from the exposure to a rigorous academic program while also being encouraged to develop a perspective of the world outside our school.” – Naim Ali ’93

– Miriam (Paul) Thacker ’94

“STS provided me with endless opportunities during my 11 years attending the school, therefore I wanted to donate to the Inspiring Possibilities campaign in order to help STS provide these opportunities for the future generation.”

“I often find myself thinking about my years at STS and the profoundly positive impact those years have had on my life today. I hope that my donation to the school will help to foster the same positive impact on the next generation of STS students.”

– Katie Ruddy ’07

– Hussein Bhojani ’10

“I chose to donate to the STS Mills Challenge because I believe in the value of a great education, and having known Monique while I was at STS I wanted to support this incredible initiative of the Mills family.” – Kim Bozak ’88

2016-2017 ALUMNI GIVING HIGHLIGHTS: $129,000 has been raised so far in response to the Mills Alumni Challenge. Five alumni have included STS in their estate planning as a result of the Mills Challenge that donated an additional $1,000 for every confirmed planned gift. 162 alumni have donated which brings us to 5% alumni participation, an increase from 2% last year. 42 first-time alumni donors highest ever.

CLASS BURSARIES Since the program’s inception in 2006, the Graduating Class Bursary endowments total $222,460 generating close to $8,000 for student financial assistance this past year. The Classes of 1988 and 2009 have the highest alumni participation.

FALL 2017

2017 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI

Nil Nisi Optimum (NNO) Notable Alumni are selected from a multitude of decades and professions and have brought great honour and pride to their alma mater. This year, two more alumni who have demonstrated notable accomplishments in leadership, service and dedication to their profession and community joined this prestigious group. MICAH LIBIN ’91, JD, CFA, ICD.D Micah is an accomplished energy infrastructure executive, community leader, and devoted father.

“Tackle the most interesting challenge. That principle has guided my career. STS was a proving ground. The rigorous academics, the thrills of Speech Day, the highs and lows of athletics, the depth of arts and theatre. Every day was an adventure. I am grateful to the teachers who focused my passion. I am humbled by my classmates who have become lifelong friends. I wish the students of today and tomorrow a spectacular and worthwhile journey.”

Micah is Senior Advisor to Veresen Midstream where he enjoys working with the most active oil and gas companies in western Canada to provide energy infrastructure solutions to their businesses. Micah leads infrastructure transactions from concept and structuring through negotiation and execution to relationship management. Micah started his career as an investment banker and corporate lawyer in New York and Calgary. He then became Chief Financial Officer for Greengate Power Corporation where he helped develop the two largest wind power projects in Alberta, before serving as Vice President, Business Development at AltaGas Ltd. where he was instrumental in negotiating, executing and managing the largest gas processing deal in the company’s 20-year history. Additionally, Micah has been privileged to serve two prestigious judicial clerkships at the Supreme Court of Canada and at the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Micah holds the CFA and ICD.D designations and also earned his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law and his B.A. in Economics from Queen’s University, Micah was named one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2012. Outside of work, Micah has been very active with the Jewish community, serving as Chair of the United Jewish Appeal for three consecutive annual campaigns from 2010 to 2012 helping to raise $9 million for needy people in Calgary and around the world. Micah has volunteered with the Calgary Jewish Federation since 2002 and served on the Board of Directors from 2010 to 2015.

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Micah is a loving father of his two sons, Akiva (age 9) and Adar (age 6). In the winter, you can find them in the mountains skiing. In the summer, they play basketball and soccer. Their house is famous for family music jam nights and a never-ending supply of pie and pickles.

2017 NIL NISI OPTIMUM NOTABLE ALUMNI

MERCEDES STEPHENSON ’99, JOURNALIST Mercedes Stephenson is a parliamentary correspondent for CTV National news and the Friday host of CTV’s daily marquee political program, Power Play. Covering stories of national significance from Parliament Hill and applying her expertise in defence, national security, and veterans’ issues, she has broken numerous stories, and has interviewed former Prime Ministers, heads of state, military commanders, Bay Street power brokers, and Canadians from coast to coast. Upon graduating from StrathconaTweedsmuir School, Mercedes pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Master of Military and Strategic Studies, both from the University of Calgary. Her Master’s thesis analyzed the influence of information operations during the war in Afghanistan. Mercedes has also studied and worked in the United States where she studied political journalism at Georgetown University, interned at the Pentagon, served as a Koch Fellow in Washington DC, and was a visiting student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for International Studies researching nuclear proliferation and counterterrorism. Reporting from Canada, Mercedes has covered party politics, major political and leadership conventions, scandals (including the Senate scandal), and the Supreme Court. Beyond Canada’s borders, she reports internationally on Canadian foreign and defence policy from Africa to Europe to Afghanistan.

In honour of Mercedes’s speech and debate accomplishments while attending STS, her family established the Stephenson Award which is still given out at Prizegiving.

deployment to Europe (Latvia) since the end of the Cold War; traveling with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau covering his inaugural visit to the Trump White House and the commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the battle at Vimy Ridge in France. Mercedes has received a number of awards including The Institute for Political Journalism and Georgetown University’s Frank Shakespeare Award for Broadcast Journalism, the Young Alumni Award from The Fund for American Studies in Washington DC; the Steinhauer Award of Distinction from the Government of Alberta and has served as a Department of National Defence Master of Arts Scholar. She also was featured in Maclean’s Magazine as one of Canada’s Best and Brightest Under Age 30.

Mercedes was a frequent national media commentator on defence and security affairs for nearly a decade. Her recent coverage includes: the first major Canadian troop

“So much of who I am today comes from the experiences I had at StrathconaTweedsmuir School through speech and debate and Model United Nations. These programs exposed me to a global reality that broadened my horizons and instilled a deep passion to reach out, communicate and connect. I am immensely grateful for the confidence, ability to think on my feet, and value of seeing an issue from all sides that I gained from these opportunities.”

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ALUMNI EVENTS

ALUMNI EVENTS JULY 2016 – JUNE 2017

he STS Alumni Association fosters a lifelong relationship with alumni, keeping our school’s deep-rooted traditions alive, while providing opportunities to be engaged with the STS community. Our ever-growing alumni community consists of more than 6,000 former students, parents, retired teachers and staff – and this family loves to get together and reconnect with each other and the School. We hold many alumni events on the STS campus and around the globe each year.

These events give our alumni the chance to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate.They also bring our current students and successful alumni together to share stories of their experiences, paths taken and lessons learned. These invaluable mentorship opportunities add to the STS student experience, giving them a supportive and nurturing network, far beyond their grade school years. Check out highlights of the alumni events held this past year on the following pages. We hope to see you at these events next year!

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None of these events would be possible without the immense effort of our numerous alumni volunteers. We sincerely thank you for all that you do to build and support our special STS community !

ALUMNI EVENTS

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13 Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Mary Hansen ’10, Jack Schneider ’90, Michelle Melton, Faculty, Liam Dinning ’00, Stephanie (Malo) Dinning ’02.

2. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Chris Perry ’02, Elizabeth Allen ’02, Andrea Thurmeier ’02, Stephanie (Malo) Dinning ’02, Mike Woodward ’02, Rob Klein ’00, Brigid Stewart, Former Faculty, Liam Dinning ’00, Anna Columbos ’02, Eric Peters ’02, Nishant Mehrotra’02 3. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Mark Le Dain ’08, Tom Hansen ’08, Meredith Conrod, Joanne Sadler ’08, Kelly Amundrud ’08, Amelia Allen ’08 4.

Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Will Johnson ’05, Kevin Robertson ’06, Emily Johnson ’11, Zach Johnson ’06, Laura Olsen ’07, Rehan Alibhai ’07, Jeff Chan ’07, Amita Mahajan ’06, Kathryn Shaw ’07

12 5. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Shirley Storwick, Paul Storwick ’78 6. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Virginia Cooke ’12, Jane Abboud, Faculty, Michelle Melton, Faculty, Zach Miller ’14, Georgia Vogeli ’13, Andrew Stone ’14 7. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Bruce Leslie ’78, Colleen Ferguson, Geoffrey McMillan ’78, Kat Storwick ’08 8. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Kelly Colborne ’91, Jack Schneider ’90, Sabrina Neumann Bartlett ’91, Dana (Mendham) Lougheed ’90, Pete Stewart ’90, Baruch Laskin ’90 9. Stampede Party, July 11, 2016 Luke Colborne ’96 and his band “Lucky Sonne”

10. Senior School Students and Alumni Speed Mentoring, November 4, 2016 (Back) Rachel Bond ’97, Patrizia Mazzolani-Kemp ’79, Mike Mannix ’00, Mark Le Dain ’08, Andrew Ferguson ’96, Katherine Stewart ’00 (Front) Sarah Black ’00, Aimee-Jo (Giesbrecht) Benoit ’97, Sloan Pipella-Clark ’81, Paul Storwick ’78, Ian Graham ’93, Jason Fong ’03, Tahir Merali ’03 11. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 12. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 13. Alumni Speed Mentoring in action 14. Young Alumni Networking Event held on November 22, 2016 at the Bank & Baron Gabrielle French ’08, Julia Park ’08, Joanne Sadler ’08, Kelly Amundrud ’08, Mark Le Dain ’08, Everett Knight, Mark Frankiw ’08

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ALUMNI EVENTS

15. Young Alumni Networking Event held on November 22, 2016 Carl Walker ’09, Taylor Kitchen ’09, David Edwards ’09, Alex Dudelzak ’10 16. Young Alumni Networking Event held on November 22, 2016 Ryan Burgess’07, Alexa Burgess ’10, Kate Spencer ’10, Rachel Roskey ’09 17. Young Alumni Networking Event held on November 22, 2016 Kirstie Lush ’11, Hannah Lederer ’12, Darby Lush ’12, Zachary Carson ’12, Geoff Evamy Hill ’10

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18. Young Alumni Networking Event held on November 22, 2016 Amar Ruparell ’09, Ashley Vogeli ’09 19. St. Hilda’s Ladies Get-together Joan Simmons, Linda McNally, Helen Jull ’48 20. Alumni Employee Christmas Party - December 13, 2016 (Back) Henk Koning, Bill Taylor, Bill Lorfing, Joan Sveen, Bill Jones, Head of School (Middle) Layne Clarke, Frances (Stuart) MacLean ’70, Bruce Wilson, Brenda Morgan, Anne Thompson, Mary Laughren, Tina Ierakidis (Front) Chris Thompson, Pat Sullivan, Alice Wyatt, Bonnie Hewson, Brigid Stewart

21. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 Cole Pernitsky ’15, Sophie D’Aguiar ’15, Kathryn McClellan ’15, Brynn McClellan ’15, Brian Uzick, Faculty, Myles Chase ’15, Ly-Anh Reid ’15, Michael Bruhjell ’15 22. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 (Back) Jordan Hilderman ’12, William Whitehead ’12, Jennie Evamy Hill ’12, Michelle Fric ’12, Rebecca Van Helden ’12, Kelli McLean ’12, Darby Lush ’12 (Front) Arman Bachmann ’12, Mitchell Park ’12, Zachary Carson ’12 23. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 Rebecca Van Helden ’12, Taylor Chase ’13

ALUMNI EVENTS

24. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 Austin Oginski ’16, Kale Canyon ’16, Evan Gallant ’16 25. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 Chris Schneider, Faculty, Isaac Niles ’13, Darcy Foo ’13, Natasha Adams ’13 26. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 William Anderson ’15, Myles Chase ’15, Darian Wrenshall ’15, Lizzie Tamas ’15 27. Young Alumni Pub Night – December 22, 2016 Sarah Cooper ’16, Melissa Obi ’16

28. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 (Back) Ian Black ’03, Kirby Peters, Nadim Allidina ’01, Stuart Pattillo ’00, Jignesh Patel ’00, Jacqueline Burns ’97, Kit Stanley ’00, Mickey Jackman ’95, Gordon Cassie ’06, Jennifer Peters ’80, Paul Edwards ’06, Bill Jones, Trevor Julian, (Front) Patty Fischer, Former Faculty, David Shutiak ’80, Bailey Dougherty ’99, Astrum Nanji ’97, Nicole Hulme ’05, Lyndsey Kiser ’06, Shelby Thompson ’09, 29. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 Astrum Nanji ’97, Nadim Allidina ’01, Mickey Jackman ’95

30. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 Stuart Pattillo ’00, Jignesh Patel ’00, Kit Stanley ’00 31. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 Lindsey Kiser ’06, Gordon Cassie ’06, Paul Edwards ’06 32. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 Bailey Dougherty ’99, Astrum Nanji ’97 33. Toronto Alumni Reunion, January 25, 2017 Nicole Hulme ’05, Patty Fischer, Former Faculty, David Shutiak ’80

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ALUMNI EVENTS

42 37. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 Alec Clark, Lochlyn Clark ’17, Sloan Pipella-Clark ’81

34. Tales from Undergrad Years – February 23, 2017 (Back) Nicolas Lush ’16, Braeden MacDougall ’16, Spencer McMaster ’16, Jeremy Rose ’14, Ethan Kemp ’16, Paul Crichton ’16, Evan Gallant ’16, Alex Boulianne ’16 (Front) Sarah Stumpf ’16, Sareena Lakhu ’16, Nicole Tailby ’16, Liz Dayo ’16, Halle Shopperly ’16, Imaan Kherani ’16, Grace Walker ’12, Mary Hou ’16

38. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 Paige Demosky ’17, Bart Demosky, Reid Demosky ’17 39. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 Zaher Sunderji, Rosy Sunderji, Imaan Sunderji ’17, Karina Sunderji, Faizel Sunderji

35. Tales from Undergrad Years in action 36. Alumni Speech Day Judges – March 22, 2017 (Back) Faye Steinberg ’89, Jason Fong ’03, Jeff Kahane ’89, Susan James, Former Parent, Jon Roberton ’02 (Front) Paige Layden ’05, Kathryn Shaw ’07, Bill Taylor, Former Faculty, Pat Sullivan, Former Faculty, Sloan Pipella-Clark ‘81 (Missing) Tori D’Avella ’08, Peter Stewart ’90

40. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 Steve Vadnai, Aaron Vadnai, Evan Vadnai ’17, Shelley Anderson, Avery Vadnai ’20 41. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 Rhea Beauchesne ’17, Catherine Eksteen ’17, Beatrice Valmana Crocker ’17, Abbey Norris ’17 42. Class of 2017 Graduation Breakfast – June 1, 2017 James Lochrie ’17, Rijel Hunley ’17, Steven Johnston ’17

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UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

Homecoming 2017 and Family Fall Fair Saturday, September 16, 2017 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Activities for the whole family on the STS campus, hard hat tours of STS' new facilities

Young Alumni Pub Night Thursday, December 21, 2017 7:30 p.m. Joyce on 4th Irish Pub, Calgary

Class Reunion Parties for graduating years ending in 2s and 7s The evening of Saturday, September 16, 2017

Tales from Undergrad Years Thursday, February 22, 2018 1:30 p.m. Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Alumni Reception in London, UK Friday October 6, 2017 7:00 p.m Home of Caroline (Wuensche) â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17 and Michael Haas

Speech Day Wednesday, March 21, 2018 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Senior School Students and Alumni Speed Mentoring Friday, November 3, 2017 1:30 p.m. Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Alumni Dinner Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. Gasoline Alley, Heritage Park, Calgary Alumni Stampede Party Monday, July 9, 2018 5:00 p.m. Sunterra Market, Downtown Calgary

Young Alumni Networking Event November 2017 Location: TBD STS Senior Musical Les Miserables November 29, 30, December 1 and 2, 2017 7:00 p.m. C. A. Smith Arts Centre

FALL 2017

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES 2017 1970s Congratulations to Janice Heard ’75, who was awarded the “Order of the University of Calgary” in November for her exemplary and distinguished service to U of C. Harvey Locke'75 has earned a spot on the national environmental expert panel.The panel will be looking at biodiversity conservation. Alan Alger ’76 has announced his candidacy for MD of Foothills No. 31, Division 5 Councillor. Election to take place October 2017.

1980s Congratulations to Jay Cross ’80 on his appointment as the inaugural Director of the College of Discovery, Creativity and Innovation (CDCI), a new initiative at the University of Calgary. Jay brings a wealth of experience as a creative and well-respected educator, researcher, innovator and leader to his new role in shaping the future of the CDCI. Congratulations Gordon Hamilton ’83 on launching ‘Santorini,’ a competitive city builder board game. Susan Kennard ’85 has been appointed to YWCA Canada’s National Board of Directors. Andrea (Olah) Keenan ’87 was acclaimed as the trustee for Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools MD of Foothills in September 1, 2016

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Monique Mills ’87 an avid sailor and inspiring free spirit, made her dream lifestyle a reality, by creating a revenue generating business with a purpose. As the founder, captain and ocean conservationist at Making Waves Sailing, Monique’s most authentic self can flourish. Kim Bozak '88 is a committed and active campaigner in numerous art and social causes. She is the former co-chair of the Canadian Art Foundation and currently serves as director on the board of the National Arts Centre and a member of Sotheby's Advisory Board. Kim's new book released July 29, 2017, Glorious & Free, the Canadians, is a beautifully designed illustrated book full of intimate and original photography. It features 33 Canadians from all different backgrounds, each sharing a unique story and journey on how they got to be where they are now in achieving their dreams. Each person is a reflection of the audacious, bold and daring spirit this country embodies.The book is available at Indigo, Holt Renfrew and Amazon. Lew Turnquist ’88, President of Opryx, was appointed MindFuel’s new Chair of the Board. Susan Elliott ’89 received the Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumni Award at the STS Homecoming celebration in Fall, 2016.

1990s The 2017 Calgary Stampede Grandstand show, “Together”, was produced by our very own David Pierce ’90, who won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.

Michael McNeil Forbes ’94 and his collaborators, in one of the coolest experiments in the universe (literally!), have used lasers to create and study an ultracold superfluid with negative inertial mass. Unlike most objects, when pushed, this fluid can accelerate towards rather than away from the force, providing a unique environment in which to explore fundamental aspects of our universe. Michael is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Washington State University (WSU) and an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington (UW). Dominique Keller ’94 is a documentary director Dominique Keller ’94 is based in Calgary, who works both locally and a documentary director internationally. With much travel and sport directing based in Calgary, who experience, Dominique is comfortable working in works both locally tough environments. Her films have screened at over and internationally. 100 festivals. Dominque sat as one of the jurors at the With much travel Calgary International Film Festival in Fall, 2016. and sport directing experience, Dominique is comfortable working in tough environments. Her films have screened at over 100 festivals. Dominque sat as one of the jurors at the Calgary International Film Festival in Fall, 2016.

Judged by some of Canada’s creative leaders, this year’s Ad Rodeo Association recognized work from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and received the highest number of entries ever. Congratulations to Leigh Blakely ’95, on her company’s nine awards. Leigh is a partner with C&B Advertising in Calgary.

CLASS NOTES

Rajen Ruparell ’01 and wife, Priya are the proud parents of their first child, a boy, Kairav Rajen Ruparell, born February 3, 2017.

Robert-Falcon Ouellette ’95 along with his family, visited STS and spoke to our Middle and Senior School students about his experience as a student at STS, his humble beginnings and academic grit, and how that evolved into his current political role as MP for Winnipeg Centre. Robert-Falcon received the Nil Nisi Optimum Notable Alumni award at Homecoming in September 2016.

Andrea Thurmeier ’02 now lives in Vancouver and is the Quality Assurance Manager at Saje Natural Wellness.

Al Renner ’95 is the Calgary Chapter Lead for “The Mediocre Golf Association”, a group for those who are not the best golfers in the world but still enjoy the game.

Margie Leitch ’99 married Michael Malone on July 30, 2016 at Shelburne Farms,Vermont.

Dale Greene ’96 has redesigned and rebranded his business “European Delicatessen & Bakery” resulting in a new look and new name “Cured Delicatessen.” Kevin Beddis ’98 married Carrie Stevens on October 1, 2016 in Byron Bay. They now live in Brisbane, Australia Congratulations Kelly Bruce ’98 on her new business Little Blue Canoe, an online store dedicated to unique products created by Canadian artisans, craftspeople and designers.

2000s Sydney Schwartz ’00, Architect with Group 2 Architecture in Calgary has been involved with the five-year renovation of the Education Tower at The Werklund School of Education at U of C which reopened October 2, 2016. Ciara Glendon '98 is the 2017-2018 President of the Calgary Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA). ILEA is the association dedicated to the evolution of the Special Event Industry and the people who work there. It is comprised of over 7,200 event professionals in over 38 countries. Ciara has been a long-time event professional and is currently working at Azuridge Estate Hotel as a Wedding Specialist.

Andrea Wettstein ’02 is a composer, owner and voice director at Six Degrees Music & Sound, a Calgary-based audio house. Her composition credits include FlyOver Canada, Historica Canada’s recent Heritage Minutes, and campaigns for Travel Alberta and Tourism Saskatchewan. Andrea was one of the jurors at the Calgary International Film Festival in Fall, 2016.

Mike Woodward ’02 married Claire Oberhofer, September 10, 2016. 65

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CLASS NOTES

John Paul Smith ’04 and Molly (Buckner) Smith ’04 and son John William are thrilled to announce the arrival of their second child,Thomas Richard Smith on May 23, 2017.

Curtis Wettstein ’04 and Robin Tribble, were married in Olds on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

Jeff Albert ’03 is the Technical Manager, Risk Assessment with Enbridge. Jeff and his wife Shannon now have two boys, aged three and one.

Tahir Merali '03 has joined a management development program at the Canadian Space Agency in Montreal, Quebec. He was also ranked Top 163 of 7793 interested applicants vying to be Canada's next Astronaut in 2017.

Rosalynn (Dodd) Peschl ’03 recently completed an Executive Master’s in Sustainability and Leadership from Arizona State University. Prior to that Rosalynn received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and she also completed the Community Economic Development certificate program through Simon Fraser University. When she’s not busy with these ventures, you will find her in Bragg Creek, riding and training her horses, for show jumping and endurance racing. Rosalynn’s goal is to represent Canada in the World Equestrian Games in 2018 when they will be hosted in Canada for the first time ever.

Laura Carwardine ’04 works as a Product Designer for housewares at Umbra in Toronto.

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Claire Hanna ’04 is a host, reporter and producer with Global News, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Claire is also the choreographer and consultant on a Hollywood movie that comes out Summer, 2017, called Live Like Line.

Megan Adams ’05 visited STS on December 16, 2016 to speak with Art 20 and 30 students about the process of making art come alive.

Rosanna Marmont ’05 spearheaded and founded the non-profit organization Off Limits Arts, dedicated to showcasing contemporary artwork in non-traditional art spaces.Their first exhibition opened in Calgary's new artist hub cSPACE King Edward and Medicine Hat's Medalta Potteries simultaneously, running throughout the months of July, August and September. A number of Rosanna’s latest paintings on wood panel will be on display. Rosanna has also recently showcased her work at a variety of STS events and donates a percentage back to STS

CLASS NOTES

Congratulations to Roshan Sethi ’05, on the new Fox TV series called “The Resident.” Roshan is a radiation oncology resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and has coproduced and co-created this TV drama.

Devin Antony ’08 married Laura Brady on September 24, 2016. Devin is an investment advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns, Calgary.

Michael Sparrow ’08 is a computer studies teacher and technology integrator at Rowntree Montessori School in Brampton. Michael is also a teacher for students with learning disabilities with Teachers on Call.

Meryl Makinson ’06 married Kyle Perrott on August 13, 2016. Kevin Robertson ’06 finished his residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Chicago, and now is doing a pediatric maxillofacial surgery fellowship at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Anshul Ruparell ’06 completed his MBA this spring at Columbia Business School, New York. Also congratulations to Anshul on his engagement to Georgia Brown.

Congratulations to Sam Garforth-Bles ’08 and Rachel Womble on your engagement. Sam is an articling student at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.

Congratulations to Kat Storwick ’08 and Will Moss on their engagement.The wedding will take place Summer 2017 at their family farm outside of Red Deer. Max Flowerday ’09 graduated from Mechanical Engineering at Queen's University, with a goal to eventually design and manufacture skis. Max is now co-founder of 93 North skis located in Canmore and aims to drive innovation in the sport which he holds closest to his heart. Brittany Lloyd ’09 was crowned 2017 Calgary Stampede Princess. Amar Ruparell ’09 is currently working for CBRE in commercial real estate in Calgary

Jake MacDonald ’08 is the key partner relations lead with Fiasco Gelato, Calgary.

Celina Shirazipour '06 holds a PhD in Health Promotion from Queen's University. For her research, she was awarded Queen's University's 2016-2017 Governor General Academic Gold Medal. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow affiliated with Dalhousie University and the Canadian Institute of Military and Veteran Health Research. Her research, funded by Prince Harry's Toronto 2017 Invictus Games, explores the role of adaptive sport in the rehabilitation and recovery of ill and injured service members and Veterans. 67

Shelby Thompson ’09 has been accepted into the residency program for Pediatrics at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

2010s Alexandra Amundson ’10 visited STS in October to shadow Ms. Harrison’s English class. Alexandra graduated from U Vic with a BA in English and is now in her second year at U of C in the Master's of Education program.

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CLASS NOTES

Layne Newhouse ’10 works as Data Scientist at Environics Analytics in Toronto. Layne graduated from Queen's University with a degree in electrical engineering, and he most recently worked as an electrical engineer for DJA Engineering Services.

Congratulations to Sarah Jackson ’11 and Geoff Gross on their engagement. Emilia Lindvall ’11 graduated from the University of CaliforniaDavis with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and a minor in Managerial Economic. Emilia has interned under world renowned scientists and worked on Green Sturgeon, captive elephant, wild bottle nose dolphin, and wild killer whale studies. During her time at University of California-Davis she co-authored the publication of the Green Sturgeon Rheotaxis study. She is currently continuing her work under a Ph.D. candidate looking at wild bottle nose dolphin and shark interactions in Sarasota Bay. Jessie Niles ’11 is playing volleyball professionally with US Villejuif Volley in Paris for the rest of the season.

A group of STS Alumni (Daniel Van Helden ’10, Rebecca Van Helden ’12, Andrew Van Helden ’17, Doug Van Helden (former parent), and Jana Clark ’10) and current and former faculty (Larry Clark, Helen Hoff, Paul Hoff and Chris Thompson) meet up on the trails and enjoyed an impromptu dinner at Skoki Lodge on March 19, 2017. Congratulations to Ashley Itzcovitch ’11 and Louis Libin ’11 on your wedding which took place June 18, 2017.

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Jennie Evamy Hill ’12 received her Bachelor of Management and Bachelor of Science (Recreation) with a major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Dalhousie University this spring. This year, Jennie completed an exchange at the Copenhagen Business School and an Internship at Eldorado Polo Club in California. She is working and traveling this summer and then moving to Toronto in the fall to begin her professional career. 68

Leigh Farran ’12, Michelle Fric ’12, Ali Poonja ’12, and Benson Weyant ’11 were reunited at U of A this past fall, where they each received their lab coat, a ceremony held when you enter Med School.

CLASS NOTES

Georgia Forbes ’12 graduated with a B. Comm, Finance degree from Queen’s University and is currently working as an investment banking analyst at Centerview Partners in New York.

Grace Walker ’12 graduated from OCAD U this spring with a BDes in Graphic Design, and is now working in Calgary at Katherine Stewart’s ’00 communications and branding company Studio Forum.

Michael Molyneaux ’13 graduated from Queen’s with an Applied Economics (major) and Computer Science (minor) degree and is moving to Seattle in September to work for Microsoft as a Program Manager.

Trevor Hunt ’12, graduated this year with a Bachelors’ degree, Honours Management and Organizational Studies (Human Resources) and Psychology from Western University.

Madi Wood ’12 received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Human Geography from UBC this spring. She will be continuing her studies this summer, as she pursues her Master of Management degree from the Sauder School of Business (UBC).

Taryn Plater ’13 is completing a dual major in Voice Performance and Linguistics with a Masters of Management Dual Degree at UBC. A voice recital featuring Taryn took place at Church of the Cross on Saturday, August 19, 2017.

Mitchell Beacom ’13 is completing a work placement/ co-op year in aeronautical structures design with Airbus in England and then will return to U of T in the fall to finish his degree.

Jennifer Stewart ’13 graduated from UBCO this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been hired as a new graduate registered nurse on the orthopaedic and neuro surgery unit at Kelowna General Hospital.

Katie Kirker ’12 graduated from Queen’s in April 2016 and is now pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Administration at the Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Rebecca McCreedy ’12 graduated from Mechanical Engineering this spring. Rebecca will be working for Rokstad Power in Coquitlam BC beginning in August and has been chosen as a Rising Star by the Faculty of Applied Sciences at UBC for her work in STEM outreach.

Calvin Lang ’14 is running his own apparel business out of Calgary and is enrolled in Fine Arts at U Vic this fall. Matthew Corbiell ’15 is going into his third year of Mechanical Engineering at Schulich School of Engineering, U of C.

Brendan Rose ’12 is in his last season playing with the Okotoks Dawgs and graduated this spring with a degree in Chemical Engineering from UBC.

Darcy Foo ’13 finished his Aeronautical Engineering degree this spring and has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Darcy has been posted to Victoria working with the maritime helicopter squadron. Over the next couple of years Darcy will be bouncing around the country finishing his flight training to become a qualified military pilot.

Scott Johnston ’15, attends the Haskayne School of Business at U of C, is a member of the Haskayne Finance Club and President of the Resident Students Association, advocating for all residence students at U of C.

FALL 2017

CLASS NOTES

A SOCIAL MOVEMENT

Cole Plater ’15 is coaching both basketball and volleyball at summer camps this summer alongside Ken Zelez, STS Director of Athletics. Ly-Anh Reid ’15 is entering her third year of studies in Human Kinetics (BSc) with a minor in Health Science at St. Francis Xavier University. Ly-Anh has been hired as the student athletic therapist for the St. FX. varsity women’s rugby team.

/StrathconaTweedsmuirSchool /STSAlumniAssociation

Shiv Ruparell ’15 just finished his second year at Vassar, and will spend next year studying abroad at the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (more commonly known as SciencesPo) in Paris. While in Paris, he will continue studying international relations and economics and will also complete a "stage" (internship) during the first semester.This summer he is working for a Canadian political campaign.

@strathconatweedsmuir

Everett Yasinski ’15 is returning for his second season of junior hockey with the Hampton Roads Whalers organization, after being voted to the league All-Star team.

@STSConnections @STSAthleticdep

Our digital community continues to grow as we celebrate school life, events, and achievements together on our STS Facebook, Instagram,Twitter,Youtube, and LinkedIn social media channels.

Congratulations to Imaan Kherani ’16 who was awarded the Alberta Centennial Award this fall. This award recognizes students who have contributed to their communities through public service and voluntary endeavor. Imaan attends McMaster University and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science Program. OPTIMUM VOLUME XVII

The STS community is one to be very proud of. We have developed a set of rich traditions and common values that strengthen our sense of community and we are pleased to share and celebrate our past, present and future in as many ways that we can. Join the STS social media community - Be sure to follow us throughout the year for exciting updates, inspiring stories, extraordinary student projects, and the many diverse achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni. #ExperienceSTS 70

/STSConnections

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

PASSINGS

PASSINGS John Burns ’56 Former parent, STS Governor and Foundation member, and long-time sponsor of The John S. Burns Family Trophy, passed away on December 3, 2016. John attended Strathcona School for Boys. Harris Dvorkin ’56 Passed away on April 16, 2017. Harris attended Strathcona School for Boys. Ian Farquharson ’81 Passed away on March 6, 2017. Ian attended Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. Margaret (Marmie) Hess ’34 Former President of the STS Alumni Association, STS Governor, and 2007 Distinguished Alumna, passed away on September 2, 2016. Marmie attended St. Hilda’s School for Girls. Calvin McClary ’73 Passed away on November 30, 2016. Calvin attended Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. Terry McDonough ’54 Former parent, former President of the STS Alumni Association and STS Governor, passed away on May 3, 2017. Terry attended Strathcona School for Boys.

ATKINSON SOCIETY We are grateful to the families who have planned for a legacy gift to STS. If you have included STS in your estate planning please let us know as we wish to steward your giving and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

Dinnie Baker Executive Director of Advancement and Community Relations 403-938-8317, bakerd@sts.ab.ca

FALL 2017

PASSINGS

THE LEGACY OF JOHN SINCLAIR BURNS Q.C. ’56 BY GORDON FREIGHT, STS ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

trathcona-Tweedsmuir School lost a strong advocate and supporter in December 2016 with the passing of John S. Burns ’56. John was an accomplished student at Strathcona School for Boys, under Headmaster Alf Howard. He excelled in many areas including athletics becoming the proud recipient of the Woods Trophy as top athlete in 1955 and 1956. John’s two daughters, Jacqueline and Nicole, also attended STS and graduated in 1997 and 2000 respectively. Throughout his career in the legal profession, John continued to serve STS in many and varied capacities. He served initially on the Board of Governors for Strathcona School from 1968 to the point of amalgamation with Tweedsmuir School in 1971. Subsequently, John served as a member of the Board of Directors for STS from 1972 until 2000. He then gave his time as one of the founding members of the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School Foundation Board. Mr. Burns and his family established the Strathcona Cup, an award for diligence presented annually at Prizegiving to a senior high student. This award came to be known as the John S. Burns Family Trophy for Diligence. In 2017, this award was presented for the 47th time. John offered his advice to many families recently transferred to Calgary who were seeking advice regarding their children’s education. He recommended STS to many newcomers in the Calgary community. Additionally, John provided advice to the School in many areas including fundraising, communications, public relations and strategic planning. As an alumnus of Strathcona School for Boys in particular, John encouraged retired Headmaster Alf Howard to record his school memories by providing him with a recorder to support the collection of his memoirs, which remains in the STS Archives. STS shall miss the presence of this notable alumnus whose larger than life personality combined with his colourful wardrobe had become such a strong support.

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PASSINGS

THE LEGACY OF MARMIE HESS ’34 BY GORDON FREIGHT, STS ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

he Strathcona-Tweedsmuir community was saddened to learn of the passing of Marmie Hess ’34 in early September 2016. Dr. Margaret Perkins Hess, known familiarly as Marmie, was a member of the St. Hilda’s School class of 1934 and was celebrated as the STS Distinguished Alumna in 2007. A community leader, internationally recognized art historian and lecturer, businesswoman and rancher, Marmie left a remarkable legacy of contributions to the quality and fabric of life in Calgary, Alberta and Canada. Born in Calgary in 1916, Marmie exhibited a lifelong love for education witnessed through her participation and support of STS Alumni events even into her 100th year. She served a term as President of the STS Alumni Association. She has been described as the quintessential western Canadian who was a proud champion of her heritage and culture. Marmie became a pioneering educator, art historian, community builder, philanthropist, and volunteer for many organizations. Also, in many ways she opened the way for young women to take up leadership positions in society. For her many accomplishments and community service Marmie received numerous awards and honours both nationally and provincially as well as distinguished recognition from major universities in Alberta. Marmie lived her whole life at the highest standards. StrathconaTweedsmuir School is grateful for the years of encouragement and support received from Marmie Hess, truly an inspiration for all.

FALL 2017

PASSINGS

THE LEGACY OF TERRY MCDONOUGH ’54 BY GORDON FREIGHT, STS ARCHIVIST AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL

assionate and proud alumnus, parent of Shannon ’90, and former President of the STS Alumni Association,Terry McDonough ’54 passed away May 3, 2017. Terry had a lifetime connection with Strathcona School for Boys (SSB) and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School beginning at a very early age as the result of an airplane accident in the skies over Calgary. As a five year old boy in 1943,Terry was severely injured by flying debris which hit the ground beside him on 19th Avenue SW. Following a long recuperation process, he was enrolled at Strathcona School for Boys where he stayed until his graduation in 1954.Terry always credited this disastrous incident in his life with the one which caused him to be educated at SSB and, in turn, to meet many lifelong friends. He also credited Headmaster Mr. Alfred Howard as having had a profound influence on his life. Even after his early trauma involving aircraft,Terry joined the Air Force at RCAF station Portage la Prairie, MB. He went on to work for Western Airlines, flying predominantly in the Western Arctic for more than twenty years. Terry remained a very accomplished pilot for the rest of his lifetime, holding a senior commercial pilot license. He continued flying his own plane, a Beech Craft Bonanza A36 TC, or “Air Terry” as his grandchildren liked to call it. Husband, father, granddad, pilot, entrepreneur, friend, volunteer – Terry filled many roles and he did so at full speed. He offered his time selflessly. He was a member of Rotary Club for over forty years, served on the Calgary Stampede Downtown Attractions Committee, and gave his time to many other organizations. During his term as STS Alumni Association President,Terry initiated the Last Spike Award at STS. The Gold Spikes are given to individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the life of the School.Terry himself presented the first Gold Spike to Lord Strathcona in 1985. STS shall remain grateful for Terry’s conscientious support and contributions over many years.

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Inspiring new facilities opening Fall 2017â&#x20AC;Ś

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2 403-938-4431 sts.ab.ca