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MARCH 24, 2017 STS Express Weekly Newsletter
MARCH 24, 2017
STS Express Weekly Newsletter
CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL........................................................................................... 3
ENJOY THE BREAK ....................................................................................................................................... 3
IMPORTANT DATES ........................................................................................................................... 4 MARCH ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
APRIL ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
SCHOOL CALENDARS ................................................................................................................................... 4
UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR! .............................................................................. 5 MOMENTUM: CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – APRIL 29, 2017.................................... 5
FULL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS .................................................................................................... 6 FINAL DAY TO PURCHASE EARLY BIRD MOMENTUM TICKETS ................................................................... 6
TWEEDS AND MORE CHANGES / CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 17, 2017 ............................................................... 8
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION ........................................................................................................................ 8
DIVERSITY WEEK 2017 ................................................................................................................................ 8
ETHNICALLY DIVERSE BUFFET LUNCH ....................................................................................................... 10
SPRING CHORAL CONCERT ........................................................................................................................ 10
NUT ALLERGY POLICY ................................................................................................................................ 10
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS .................................................................................... 12 IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT UPCOMING ELEMENTARY ASSEMBLY DATES ............................................ 12
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR .............................. 12
ONE WORLD DRUM COMPANY ................................................................................................................ 13
PYP CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS LAUNCH PAD ...................................................................................... 14
MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS ........................................................................ 15 SENIOR BAND TO TOUR TO ITALY FOR SPRING BREAK ............................................................................. 15
PARENTS OF GRADE 8 STUDENTS – CANOE TRIP PARENT BRIEFING ........................................................ 15
OE15 ROGAINE PARENT BRIEFING ............................................................................................................ 15
BASKETBALL CAMP AT STS ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
SENIOR SCHOOL WORKSHOPS .................................................................................................................. 16
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ..................................................................................................................... 16 GRADE 5 SPARTATHLON (FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017) ..................................................................................... 16
GRADE 10 TRIATHALON - TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017 .................................................................................. 16
MOMENTUM SILENT AUCTION ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................ 16
MOMENTUM TICKET SALES ...................................................................................................................... 17
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THE POSTS EXECUTIVE NEEDS YOU! ......................................................................................................... 17
RECENT EVENTS .............................................................................................................................. 18 ONE WORLD DRUM COMPANY ................................................................................................................ 18
SPEECH DAY 2017 ..................................................................................................................................... 18
SPEECH DAY .............................................................................................................................................. 20
JUNIOR DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP .................................................................................................... 22
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP ........................................................................................ 22
SENIOR DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP TOURNAMENT ........................................................................... 23
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
ENJOY THE BREAK
I would like to congratulate our teachers and students for the preparation that they devoted to their speeches and presentations this week. Once again, we witnessed confidence, poise and excellent oratory across a range of speaking and dramatic categories. Those students who wrote persuasive or delivered impromptu speeches also demonstrated their ability to construct a strong argument, sometimes with only minutes to prepare. Overall, the work was both entertaining and impressive and it upheld the rich tradition of public speaking at STS. As the winter term comes to a close, I know that everyone is looking forward to a rejuvenating pause so that we can all muster the energy to ensure a strong final stretch. Once spring break passes, it seems as though the rest of the year evaporates quickly so it is important to return in April refreshed, organized and in the right mindset to learn. To that end, I hope that you all have a refreshing break and I wish safe travel to those who are on the move. Dr. William Jones Head of School
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IMPORTANT DATES Be sure to check for new events throughout the year online.
MARCH
March 27-April 7 Spring Break – No School
APRIL
April 10 First Day of School after break April 10-13 Formal Uniform April 14 Good Friday – School Closed April 17 Non-formal uniform wear begins April 17-21 Diversity Week April 29 Momentum – Telus Spark (7:00 pm)
SCHOOL CALENDARS For more important dates and upcoming events, the following school calendars can be found on the STS website: 2016 – 2017 School Calendar Upcoming Events Calendar
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UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
MOMENTUM: CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – APRIL 29, 2017
In light of this being such a unique and momentous year in our school’s history, the decision has been made to hold a one-time event for all STS community members – past, present and future. This special event is called Momentum, and will be hosted in partnership by the Parents’ Organization of STS (POSTS) and the STS Alumni Association. Momentum is defined as the force that allows something to grow stronger as time passes. The force that has always made our school stronger is our incredible community. Momentum will be held in lieu of the annual Alumni Dinner, and the bi-annual Black Watch Gala, and will bring alumni, and current and former parents and employees together for one special night. Together, we will celebrate where we have come from, and where we are going. As we enter the final phase of our $27 million Inspiring Possibilities campaign and watch our new inspiring facilities rise from the ground, this seemed like the perfect time to bring everyone together to acknowledge the incredible progress that has been made due to the immense generosity of parents and alumni, and to help bring the school to the finish line with this campaign. It is time to bring our “strongest force”, our community, together – in other words – it’s time to party! We invite you to join us at Momentum, Saturday, April 29, 2017, at TELUS Spark. To purchase tickets visit www.sts.ab.ca/momentum. Please contact our Momentum co-chairs if you have any questions: Shelley Woloski el Baroudi ([email protected]), Faye Sidorsky Steinberg ’89 ([email protected]) and Aimee Jo Benoit ’97 ([email protected]).
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FULL SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
FINAL DAY TO PURCHASE EARLY BIRD MOMENTUM TICKETS
The Early Bird deadline is today, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to purchase your ticket for $150 each here or call 403-938-8340. A portion of each ticket is tax receiptable. Everyone is welcome to this fun, one-time event. Get a group together to celebrate this ‘momentous’ time in our School’s history and reconnect with old and new friends. You don’t want to miss this party! Momentum event highlights include: * NYC entertainer and event emcee, Louie Pearlman ’98 * complimentary welcome drink * scotch tasting bar hosted by Kensington Wine Market, voted “second best whisky store” in the world * wine provided by Lake Breeze Vineyards * market-style dining catered by charbar * fresh oysters provided by Eric Giesbrecht ’92, META4FOODS * the hugely popular wine and spirits draw sponsored by Willow Park Wines & Spirits, every cork wins a bottle * raffles, and a live and silent auction * décor by Krista Hermanson Design * lots of time for socializing Auction and raffle prize highlights: * $5,000 STS tuition raffle * tickets to the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon and Evening Show in Ranahans * valuable designer piece of jewelry – only 50 raffle tickets available ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 6
* Phil & Sebastian private group roasterie tour * Game package including tickets for Calgary Stampeders, Calgary Roughneck, Calgary Hitmen, and Calgary Flames * “Get outside” package including a climbing package for six from Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, and a tent and backpacking gear * “Dorm life” package – perfect for Grade 12 families – including Aeroplan points to bring your new university student home, all items needed for a dorm room, STS grad mementos, and a cookbook and handy college tips from Grade 12 STS parents * “Amazing Alberta” package including accommodations for six in Canmore, and locally sourced gifts, food, beverages, and experiences * And much more!!! Momentum Event Sponsorship Opportunities are still available, and will significantly contribute to the success of Momentum. Email Shelley Woloski el Baroudi or call her at 647-588-3335 to review these unique opportunities. We are pleased to announce Group 2 as another Platinum sponsor. There are also a few volunteer opportunities calling your name, including helping with ticket sales, packaging auction items, décor and entertainment. Support Momentum and volunteer, if you can!
GRADE CONTRIBUTIONS – SIGN UP, TODAY
The Grade contributions being coordinated and supported by parents in every grade at STS are going to be hot items! Keep up the momentum by signing up to help, below. NOTE: If you have items that suit a theme in ANY grade, consider donating to that grade; donate whatever best suits your family. Grade 1 Art Attack (Art supplies etc.) - https://www.volunteersignup.org/RDJEK Grade 2 Foodie Basket (restaurant gift certificates, babysitter, cooking supplies, home delivery)-https://www.volunteersignup.org/AJFAW Grade 3 Lego (unopened lego sets, party etc.) -https://www.volunteersignup.org/YTEA4 Grade 4 Alberta Escape (local family venues, Alberta produced items)- https://www.volunteersignup.org/BQFLF Grade 5 Health and Wellness (massage, yoga, teas, crystals) -https://www.volunteersignup.org/EET3M Grade 6 Memories … Where does the time go? (camera, scrapbooks, family photo session) https://www.volunteersignup.org/8HPQP Grade 7 Get Outside (hiking and camping gear) www.volunteersignup.org/YT3BC Grade 8 Soulful Child (games, books, meditation etc.) https://www.volunteersignup.org/9F3CF Grade 9 Ultimate Middle School Survival Kit (Uniform, school supplies, gift cards) https://www.volunteersignup.org/YXE39 Grade 10 Sweet Tooth (desserts, chocolates, ice cream certificates, fondue set) https://www.volunteersignup.org/HHKJR ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 7
Grade 11 Canada 150 (Canadian Wines, picnic and wine accessories) https://www.volunteersignup.org/4M83L Grade 12 Dorm Life (bedding, aeroplan miles, household items) https://www.volunteersignup.org/DW798
TWEEDS AND MORE CHANGES / CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 17, 2017
Tweeds and more is preparing its move to room 80, and so please note that Tweeds will be closed from March 24-April 14, 2017. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected]. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another. -Erma Bombeck National Volunteer Week is April 24-28, 2017 and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers. We appreciate your hard work, ongoing support and generous time commitment which greatly enriches our STS community and the learning experience of our students. All STS volunteers are invited to attend a Volunteer Appreciation here at STS on Thursday, April 27 from 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. in the Peter B. Ditchburn Library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Jana Wager ([email protected] or 403-938-8301) no later than April 25 at 12:00 noon.
DIVERSITY WEEK 2017
The Diversity Week committee has been hard at work planning an informative speaker series and an interesting list of activities for the week of April 17-21. T-Shirts have been for sale all week in the Black Watch Bistro and the parents of the students who have expressed interest can expect an electronic consent asking permission to charge the t-shirt cost to their school account. The t-shirts are $15 with some profits offsetting the minimal costs of the activities and speakers and all further profit being donated to charity. So far we have sold about 100 shirts! Monday, April 17 Elementary School students will be reading books throughout the week that explore the theme of diversity and acceptance. Derrick Shirley, a psychologist will speak to select classes. Mr. Shirley has gone from close to 500 pounds to running triathlons, has personally been the victim of racial prejudices
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and deals with mental illness as a part of his career. This experience has given him a profound understanding of our differences and their influence on society. During lunch there will be a custom button maker available for use in the Student Success Center where students can make personalized diversity themed buttons. Tuesday, April 18 9:00 – 10:00 am we will have Stephen Deng address our Grades 6 – 12 students In 1985, when Stephen Deng was 11 years old, he was sent alone from his village in Sudan to escape being kidnapped or killed by rebel forces. He crossed the border from war torn Sudan into Ethiopia, becoming one of tens of thousands of Lost Boys, children displaced or left orphaned by civil war. Eventually he emigrated to Canada. He now works with the Calgary Police Auxiliary Cadet Program and works primarily with local Sudanese youth trying to keep them from becoming lost boys within Canadian society. 12:00 – 12:35 pm there will be a buffet lunch available for Senior School students featuring a variety of cultural dishes. Students will be required to pay $10 for unlimited access to the buffet. Profits from the buffet will go to charities supporting immigrant services. Thanks to POSTS for their amazing support! Wednesday, April 19 Mr. Tom Melvin will be speaking about religious and sexual diversity to select classes. Mr. Melvin is a minister at Deer Run United Church. His church is an inclusive church that accepts everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. He will speak about how sexual diversity and religious diversity can coexist peacefully and the value of acceptance. During lunch, Middle school students will have an opportunity to make bracelets in the colors of their countries of origin to express the wide cultural backgrounds represented in the STS community. After school a free movie and popcorn night will be available for Middle and Senior School students featuring a diversity themed film. Thursday, April 20 Ms. Shirley Hill, a recognized Fancy Shawl Dancer from the aboriginal community will be presenting to select classes including elementary and middle school students. Ms. Hill will share stories of her experience as an aboriginal person and traditional aboriginal stories as well as performing a dance for the audience. Friday, April 21 Rainbow themed casual dress day for ALL grades. Students are encouraged to wear their Diversity ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 9
Week t-shirts, traditional cultural dress, or rainbow colors. We will host a panel of individuals discussing aboriginal treatment and legislation. On this panel, will be Rick Frasier (provincial MLA), representatives from the U of C aboriginal centre and others! Bracelet making for Senior School students will be offered at the beginning of BLT. The week is packed with lots of informative activities focused around celebrating and accepting the uniqueness’s that make everyone special. Parents interested in helping can sign up to prepare dishes for the cultural buffet by signing up within POSTS. Questions or comments about the week can be directed to Maddy el Baroudi ([email protected]) or Thomas Melvin-Smith ([email protected]).
ETHNICALLY DIVERSE BUFFET LUNCH
POSTS will be supporting the Diversity Week committee by helping coordinate the Ethically Diverse lunch buffet on Wednesday, April 19. If you are interested in contributing, please sign up -https://www.volunteersignup.org/3T9XC) to indicate what you will be bringing, and how many your dish will serve. Your favourite dishes will be served over the Senior School lunch period in the Black Watch Bistro at 11:58 am. The lunch will cost $10/per person and funds raised will support costs for 2017 Diversity Week activities in addition to benefitting a charity to be determined. Please refer to the sign up sheet for drop off details.
SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
Our STS choral program winds down in April with the annual Spring Choral Concert. Please join us at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 19 in the C.A. Smith Arts Centre to hear choristers from Grades 1 through 12 perform. This 75-minute concert is open to everyone and is certain to make you smile. Annual choir lifer awards will also be presented.
NUT ALLERGY POLICY
Although we do our best to ensure that STS remains a nut-free school, we cannot guarantee this. We continue to educate our students and communicate with parents regarding the serious threat posed by nuts to a significant number of our students.
We ask students to not bring nuts or products containing nuts to school. It is also important that your child not transport or consume nuts or products containing nuts on the bus to and from STS. Please make the necessary dietary adjustments and changes
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to your lunch packing habits to reflect this important policy. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT UPCOMING ELEMENTARY ASSEMBLY DATES
Please note the following dates for our upcoming Elementary School Assemblies. As always, families and friends are welcome to attend to help us celebrate the learning and achievements of our students in the Primary Years Programme.
Friday, April 14 Good Friday. Statutory Holiday for all.
Friday, April 21 Elementary School assembly at 2:50 pm.
Friday, April 28 Elementary School assembly at 2:50 pm.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
In preparation for our current Grade 6 students to have a smooth transition into the STS Middle School next year, we have a number of key events parents should be aware of.
1. Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:45 am: Grade 6 faculty will be bringing their students to the band structure for presentations from our Middle School faculty about the nature of the Grade 7 Modern Language and Fine Arts Programs.
2. Tuesday, March 21, 2017: parents/guardians of current Grade 6 students will
receive course descriptions and instructions on how to make course selections for next year via the electronic consent process. These forms will be due on Friday, May 26, 2017. After that date, Ms. Willmon will be contacting families with sons/daughters who have chosen Instrumental Music 7 (i.e. Band) regarding instrument selections.
3. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 (afternoon): Mr. Carlson (Middle School Principal) and
Mr. Clark (Guidance Counselor) will visit homerooms 6A, 6B, and 6C to do Q&A sessions with the students and take them on guided tours of key Middle School areas.
4. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm: “New to Middle School” Parent Information
Presentation will take place in the theatre with Mr. Carlson and various members of the Middle School faculty who will speak about the structure of the Middle
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School and specific curricular areas. This presentation is for parents. Students are also welcome; though much of this information will be a repeat for them. This is to be followed immediately by the Band Instrument Selection at 7:00 pm. Staff from STS’s Band program and St. John’s Music will be on hand with instruments for students to try. The band instrument decisions will be due after this point.
ONE WORLD DRUM COMPANY
Thanks to a generous donor, the Elementary School students have been drumming with the One World Drum Company this week. Students have been learning information about the West African djembe and basic drumming patterns. Students have been excited for this unique opportunity and it has been wonderful to see their engagement and growth over the week. Thank you to our donor who made this enriching experience possible.
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PYP CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS LAUNCH PAD
Welcome to the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School PYP Curriculum Connections Launch Pad. What is happening in our PYP? Please click on the links below to access information about the inquiries taking place within many different aspects of our Primary Years Programme.
Primary Years Programme
A whole school approach to curriculum design
Click here for our Programme of
Inquiry: an overview of our
Units of Inquiry from Grades 1 to 6
Grade 1 Unit of Inquiry
Grade 2 Unit of Inquiry
Grade 3 Unit of Inquiry
Grade 4 Unit of Inquiry
Grade 5 Unit of Inquiry
Grade 6 Unit of Inquiry
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MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SENIOR BAND TO TOUR TO ITALY FOR SPRING BREAK
The STS Senior Band will be touring to Italy this Spring Break. They will be travelling to Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome and Pompei. The band will perform four concerts at churches and schools and attend a workshop with an Italian conductor. As well, they will be attending concerts that include The Four Seasons and La Traviata. The trip will include touring Italy, participating in gladiator school and in culinary school. The students and staff are very excited for this educational adventure.
PARENTS OF GRADE 8 STUDENTS – CANOE TRIP PARENT BRIEFING
We will be holding our Grade 8 Canoe trip parent briefing on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:00 pm in the Peter B. Ditchburn Library’s breakout room. Come join us to get an overview of this outdoor trip that is delivered as part of the Physical Education curriculum. We will go through trip location, preparation tips, risk management strategies, food, accommodation etc. We’ll have lots of photos that give you a visual idea of what the location and the activities looks like. The briefing is a great place to ask questions or get needed clarification. I hope to see you there.
OE15 ROGAINE PARENT BRIEFING
Our final trip of the year is a culminating trip that is intended to bring together and further develop the various skills, knowledge and attitudes we have been studying and applying during the year. The parent briefing takes place on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 pm in the Peter B. Ditchburn Library’s breakout room. Our time together should give you a clear picture of the trip’s intended outcomes, the supervision set-up of this trip (which is quite different than our other OE15 trips), the location and safety management strategies as well as preparation tips for success. I hope to see you there.
BASKETBALL CAMP AT STS
STS is hosting a basketball camp on May 19 and 20, 2017. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 10-16. Players will be split by age and skill level. Please register ASAP as spots will fill fast. Dates: Friday, May 19 5:00 - 8:00 pm Saturday, May 20 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Feel free to forward along to any other players, coaches, teammates or neighbours who might also be looking to improve over the summer months. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 15
Click here for more information about this unique basketball opportunity.
SENIOR SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
With the goal of helping students improve and refine their general learning skills, Ms. Kennedy will be offering the following after school workshops to Senior School students: Tuesday, April 11- Study Skills and Strategies Monday, April 17 - Homework Efficiency Tools and Strategies All sessions will be after school, 3:45-4:45, and will be in the Student Success Centre. Snacks will be provided.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED POSTS welcomes all new and returning volunteers. Just a friendly reminder that all volunteers (new and old) must fill in the volunteer registration form prior to any volunteer duties.
GRADE 5 SPARTATHLON (FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017)
If you have a Grade 5 student, or love active, outdoor events, your help is needed with the Grade 5 triathlon to be held at the Okotoks Recreation Center (99 Okotoks Drive, Okotoks, AB). The fun will commence around 10:00 a.m. and wrap up by 2:30 p.m. A parent briefing will be held in the CA Smith Arts Centre on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.
GRADE 10 TRIATHALON - TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017
The Grade 10 Triathalon will need 40-50 parents to help with marshaling, pool officials, finish line support, record keeping, set up and take down. Please sign-up online at https://www.volunteersignup.org/737KJ
MOMENTUM SILENT AUCTION ASSISTANCE
A wonderful evening is being planned for the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School community. Creative volunteers required to help package and display Silent Auction items for Momentum. Our first meeting will take place on Wednesday March 22, 2017 from 6:30 – 8:30 at Glenmore Landing Starbucks.
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MOMENTUM TICKET SALES
Volunteers are needed to sell Momentum tickets at various school events, such as the choral concert, Parent-Teacher Interviews etc. Volunteers will assist parents with purchasing tickets online as this is a ticketless event. More details including dates and signup sheets can be found here at http://signup.com/go/fP3HCL. Please arrive 15 minutes before your shift where you will receive a school iPad and be shown how to purchase tickets and apply payments online.
THE POSTS EXECUTIVE NEEDS YOU!
Would you like to share your skills and learn new ones, make a difference in the School community and meet some new friends? Then please consider joining the Parents' Organization of STS (POSTS) executive. POSTS is coordinated by an executive of parent volunteers, who organize many activities for the School. They meet monthly throughout the year to plan and promote volunteer efforts at STS.
The POSTS Nominating Committee is now accepting names of interested STS parents for available positions on the POSTS executive for the 2017-2018 year. If you are interested in a committee leadership position or would like to know more about them, please submit your name to Deb Marshall Shopperly, the POSTS Nominating Committee chair, at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! The new executive will be announced at the POSTS Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2017. Please fill in and return this year's volunteer registration form prior to any volunteer duties. Details about all volunteer opportunities are available in the Volunteer Handbook.
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RECENT EVENTS
ONE WORLD DRUM COMPANY
Thanks to a generous donor, the Elementary School students have been drumming with the One World Drum Company this week. Students have been learning information about the West African djembe and basic drumming patterns. Students have been excited for this unique opportunity and it has been wonderful to see their engagement and growth over the week. Thank you to our donor who made this enriching experience possible.
SPEECH DAY 2017
Here is the complete list of winners. Thank you for all your help judging, and for all your support over the days leading up to Speech Day. Speech Day 2017 Winners: Grade 7 Interpretive Reading Prose Kailee Meckelborg Grade 7 Interpretive Reading Poetry Inji Hafiz ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 18
Grade 7 Impromptu Taylor Lougheed Grade 7 Solo Acting Emma Mason Grade 7 Persuasive Trinity Jekill Grade 8 Interpretive Reading Prose Shannon Maisonneuve Grade 8 Interpretive Reading Poetry Lorelei Adam Grade 8 Impromptu Austin Petryk Grade 8 Solo Acting Sarah Adam Grade 8 Persuasive Sophia Shepherd Grade 8 Radio Newscast Robbie Simpson Grade 9 Radio Newscast Cooper Perron Grade 9 Interpretive Reading Prose Arman Lakhu Grade 9 Interpretive Reading Poetry Louisa Pittman Grade 9 Impromptu Noa Nguyen Grade 9 Solo Acting Zaki Lakhani Grade 9 Persuasive Kirk Steinberg Grade 10 Impromptu Ben Oke Grade 10 Duo Acting Aiden Wolfson & Sam Dayo Grade 10 Persuasive Ben Spilak Grade 11 Duo Acting Humorous Alex Chase & Henry McArdle Grade 11 Impromptu Brynne Stewart Grade 11 Persuasive Emma Cross Senior Solo Acting Olivia Hotchkiss Senior Duo Acting Serious Davina Obi & Tiffany Toward Senior School After Dinner Emily Black Senior Musical Theatre Solo Zasha Rabie Senior Musical Theatre Solo Jacob Dowdall Senior Musical Theatre Duo Paige Hallman & Sheena Pujara Senior Original Spoken Word Brock Jekill Grade 12 Duo Acting Humorous Sammy McLean & Sarah Clark Grade 12 Impromptu Michael Spyker Grade 12 Persuasive Gayathri Peringod People’s Choice Zasha Rabie
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SPEECH DAY
On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff participated in one of the school’s most cherished traditions at STS - Speech Day. Public speaking skills are a strong predictor of success in all aspects of life and it is uplifting to see the high value that our entire community places on public speaking and performance. This year, as always, we had many alumni return to judge various events. We would like to thank Jason Fong '03, Susan James, Alumni Parent, Jeff Kahane ’89, Paige Layden’05, Sloan Pipella-Clark '81, Jon Roberton ’02, Kathryn Shaw ’07, Faye Steinberg ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 20
’89, Peter Stewart '90, Pat Sullivan, Alumni Faculty, and Bill Taylor, Alumni Faculty for being here to share this wonderful event with us.
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JUNIOR DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP
Sofia Valoria ’21 & Sarah Adam ‘21 What must you do to be the best? You must Reach for the Top! This season in Reach for the Top, the Junior Division (Grades 7-8) performed wonderfully. Practices have been held each Wednesday at lunch since October. The practices were always well attended and everyone enjoyed the weekly trivia challenges. STS registered one Grade 7 team and two Grade 8 teams for competition. The teams participated in four tournaments this season. The tournaments were held at Westmount School in Okotoks, Webber Academy, Renert School and the Calgary French and International School. We usually won three out of our four games at each tournament, which was a great improvement from last year. Two of our three teams qualified for provincials, but due to the Grade 8 language trips, only the Grade 7 team will be competing at the Provincial tournament on April 22 at Webber Academy. We wish them the best of luck!
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP
Our Intermediate Reach for the Top teams had a very successful 2016-2017 season. The number of schools participating at this level continues to grow each season and creates an ever-increasingly competitive environment where both speed and knowledge are of the essence. Our players were up to the challenge and played many a nail-biting game at various schools, including Webber Academy, Westmount Junior ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ STS EXPRESS – Weekly Newsletter Page | 22
High and the Renert School. Thanks to their impressive record, they have qualified for the provincial tournament which will take place on April 22 at Webber Academy. The players are extremely excited and are looking forward to the challenge that this tournament will undoubtedly provide.
SENIOR DIVISION REACH FOR THE TOP TOURNAMENT
Michael Spyker ‘17 On February 28, 2017, 11 Senior School students travelled to St. Mary’s Senior High School to compete in the final Reach for the Top tournament, the competition that would determine the fate of the team’s future – provincials or no provincials. With 50 hours of practice, and three tournaments under their belts, the students fought long and hard, beating every opponent they faced, answering questions like “What is the highest mountain in Argentina?”, or “Which important revolutionary was born in Omaha in 1965?” (the answers are Aconcagua and Malcom X, respectively). As it neared 7:30 pm (well past their bedtimes), the two STS teams (STS 1 and STS 2) found themselves in the same room, across from each other, tasked with out-witting the other group. Answering over 70% of the questions, both teams performed spectacularly, with STS 2 (the Grade 11 team) edging out the Grade 12 team (likely equipped with faulty buzzers). Going 5-0 for the night, and 14-3 over the entire season, the STS 2 team qualified for the Provincial Reach for the Top tournament in Calgary. As the regular season comes to a close, the team of 6 students intend to use their vast knowledge of
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historical musical instruments and international subway systems to hopefully qualify for Nationals in Toronto in late 2017.
Interested in more photos, stories and celebrations? Click here!
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