Announcement from the STS Board of Governors Chair

Announcement from the STS Board of Governors Chair

To the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School Community,

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am writing to share news of a significant transition in the history of our school. After eight years of visionary leadership, Dr. Carol Grant-Watt has shared her intention to retire as Head of School in August 2027.

While we receive this news with a sense of bittersweet reflection, we do so with profound gratitude for a leader who has not only moved Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) forward but has done so amidst some of the most exceptional circumstances in the history of global education.

Leadership through extraordinary times

Dr. Grant-Watt’s tenure will be remembered in many ways for remarkable resilience and team building. Carol wholeheartedly believes in the famous quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This philosophy has buoyed a strong, committed team of leaders, educators, and operations staff who work together with passion, integrity, and collaboration.

Whether navigating the complexities of a global pandemic, steering the School through economic uncertainty, or responding to a rapidly shifting educational landscape in Alberta, Carol and her team remained steady hands at the helm. Under her guidance, STS didn’t just weather the storm – we emerged stronger.

From the development of a plan moving all students, in Kindergarten to Grade 12, to online learning in a few short days after the COVID-19 pandemic literally shut down the world, to the creation of a comprehensive “Campus Re-entry Plan” and “Emergency Financial Assistance Program”, Carol’s leadership ensured our community remained safe, supported, and connected, and most importantly, that our students continued to learn, through unprecedented times.

A vision for sustainability and excellence

Understanding the “price of excellence”, Carol’s impact is visible in every corner of our more than 200+-acre campus and within the very fabric of our operations. Her commitment to sound business practices, systems thinking, and institutional health has set a new benchmark for Canadian independent schools.

Key milestones include:

• Financial and operational strength: Achieving the significant milestone of eliminating school debt, professionalizing our HR department, and implementing a rigorous Risk Registry.
• Strategic growth: Spearheading the development of our ambitious 10-year plan, Flourish 2031, which provides the roadmap for our future.
• Campus transformation: From the redesign of Black Watch Bistro operations and offerings and extensive Middle School learning space refurbishments to the ambitious new STS Athletic Park, Carol has been instrumental in modernizing our physical and cultural environment.
• Innovative programs: The launch of the STAND School and the transition to a semestered model in Senior School all reflect her drive for pedagogical excellence and commitment to helping students succeed in a rapidly changing world.
• Continuing to build and nurture the STS culture: Carol prioritized a whole-person framework of care for students and employees. She strengthened our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Ways of Knowing through the STS Elder-in-Residence program in partnership with Saa’ko’kato. Carol also established strong bonds amongst all arms of the STS family, ensuring that our community’s collective voices are heard and reflected in the school of today, keeping the spirit of Nil nisi optimum alive for generations.

The path ahead

The Board of Governors will shortly begin a comprehensive and intentional international search for our next Head of School. As part of this process, we will engage our community in envisioning the future of STS; your input will be invaluable in shaping our next chapter. We are fortunate that Carol has provided us with a long horizon for this transition, remaining fully at the helm until August 2027. This ensures the continued momentum of our current initiatives and a seamless handoff of leadership.

In addition to continuing to run the school for another year in her always exemplary fashion, we know Carol has a significant “to-do” list to accomplish before her departure. Knowing her trademark determination and passion, we are certain she will not leave any stone unturned. The Board is committed to supporting her in every way possible to ensure she concludes her tenure with a litany of additional, meaningful accomplishments.

In the coming months, there will be many opportunities to celebrate Carol’s extraordinary contributions and to thank her for her tireless dedication to our students. She has fundamentally changed the trajectory of our school, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

On a final but important note on behalf of the Board, thank you to our incredible parents, students, employees, and alumni for your continued engagement, trust, and support. We are confident that the strength of our community, our rich foundational history, and our deeply rooted purpose will ensure that Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School continues to flourish long into the future.

With gratitude,

Mike Rose

Chair, Board of Governors