Announcement from the Head of School

Announcement from the Head of School

Dear Students, Parents, Alumni, and Friends,

There is a unique rhythm to life within our halls – a steady pulse of curiosity, growth, and the shared joy of discovery. It has been the greatest honour of my professional life to walk these grounds alongside you. There is a profound, quiet beauty in the seasons of a school – the annual renewal of spirit, the steady growth of our students, and the enduring strength of the bonds we weave. For eight years, I have been graced with the privilege of witnessing this transformation from the heart of our community. It is with a soul full of memories and a heart tempered by both joy and nostalgia that I share my intention to retire as Head of School at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year. My husband, Sandy, and I are grateful that this community has been so welcoming to both of us.

I have chosen to share this news now, not out of haste, but out of a deep reverence for this institution. This timeline provides the Board of Governors the necessary space to seek a successor who will cherish our traditions as dearly as I do, while ensuring we continue to look toward the future with purpose. Furthermore, it allows our community eighteen months to continue our collective work. On a personal note, this runway affords me the time to thank the many individuals who have worked tirelessly alongside me to drive our evolution.

When I was given the honour of assuming this role in 2018, I thought I was embarking on a five-year commitment. Little did I realize that this school and the community would grab my heart and make it feel impossible to leave. I have written in the past how, on my very first Terry Fox Run, in a snow blizzard, after climbing the ravine steps six times, I knew I had fallen in love. It has been a remarkable experience, and you have taught me that community is what we build together. You have given me far more than I could ever hope to return.

Retirement is a bittersweet threshold. While I look forward to a new chapter of personal and professional reflection, my heart remains firmly rooted here. I am excited to consider new opportunities, having learned so much at STS. Any success credited to my tenure is, in truth, a reflection of our collective spirit and the amazing colleagues I work with. I am proud of our expanded and integrated student services team, the AI Governance Framework, the creation of a robust third semester (summer programming), expanded opportunities in the Outdoor Education program and co-curricular offerings, and, of course, our focus on academic excellence. Thank you for always putting our students first. I have cherished being a part of our orchestra, filled with virtuosos – our dedicated faculty and staff, our tireless parents, and, most importantly, our students, whose brilliance and kindness are the true legacy of this school. 

Thank you to the Directors of the Foundation Board and the Governors of the School Board. Your support and courage, past and present, are the hallmark of good governance. Under your leadership, our school is flourishing, meeting challenges with innovation, vision, and unparalleled commitment. This community is fortunate for your leadership, care, and courage. The Head and Board Chair relationship is essential, and I have been fortunate to work with and learn from exceptional Board Chairs during my tenure at STS. In particular, I am forever grateful for the mentorship and leadership of our current Board Chair, Mr. Mike Rose. Thank you for always taking my call.

I am so proud of our shared work on a daily basis and in leading a bridge strategy, followed by our visionary Flourish 2031 Strategic Plan that was collaboratively created by our community. Its values, goals, and priorities have set the school on an innovative journey, building on its strong foundation of tradition, excellence, trailblazing, and family. While we cannot know what the future holds, I know that the shared commitment of the STS community has the strength, resilience, and courage to embrace the future and dwell in possibility. I am forever grateful for the trust you have placed in me.

Over the next many months, I promise you my unwavering focus and energy. I will continue to lead with energy and purpose as I work with the Board and the Leadership Team to ensure a smooth transition. The school is in good hands, and I am confident in the strength of our team and in the strength of our priorities and values that define who we are.

We have much to accomplish together before August 2027, and I intend to savour every morning greeting, performance, and milestone along the way. I will carry the relationships built here with me always. Thank you for trusting me to lead this remarkable school — it is a true honour. To our students: please know you are the reason I love this work, and I look forward to celebrating your future successes. Though I serve as your Head of School, I remain a teacher at heart. I am profoundly grateful for the path we have walked together and the miles we have yet to go. As Ursula K. Le Guin noted, “It is the journey that matters, in the end.” Thank you for sharing yours with me.

With deepest gratitude and respect,

Dr. Carol Grant-Watt

Head of School