An Era of Possibility
From: Optimum Magazine Volume 21, Fall 2021
By: Carol Grant-Watt, Head of School
Extraordinary is a word that inspires. While countless other words may accurately reflect STS students, faculty, alumni, parents, and staff, extraordinary stands alone in capturing the spirit and soul of our school.
It’s a word that transcends its own meaning. It doesn’t necessarily mean more, or better, or bigger, although it has been widely used to describe all of these things.
Extraordinary means the act of stepping beyond what is known and expected in order to show what is possible.
To be extraordinary is to lead the way, and 2020-2021 is living proof that extraordinary students emerge in an extraordinary environment. As we find ourselves at the threshold of a ‘new normal’, STS will continue to look beyond what is simply expected in order to deliver an exceptional educational experience for all students.
We are entering an era of possibility, and this commitment to growth, whether academic, emotional, or spiritual, needs to be constant — it can never rest on its laurels or follow the status quo. It’s a concept that embodies every aspect of the STS journey.
KINDNESS is at the heart of everything we do. Our students are not only motivated learners, but upstanding citizens who inspire the best in everyone they meet.
CURIOSITY is something we instill in each of our students; cultivating a lifelong love of learning by urging them to explore the world around them.
We are supported by an extraordinary COMMUNITY of parents, faculty, alumni, staff, and everyone who shares and believes in our mission and vision.
Finally, throughout our school’s history, and especially in a year of unprecedented and unexpected change, time and time again, the extraordinary COURAGE shown by our community embodies our school spirit most of all.
It is for these reasons, and countless others, that extraordinary is the theme for this year’s edition of OPTIMUM magazine.
There is no denying that each of us has been down a new and at times, arduous road for the past year and a half, with many personal highs and lows along the way. But collectively, we rose to the challenge, we connected and supported each other, and we found ways to say yes and be extraordinary.
As you read the following pages, our hope is that you are lifted up by the stories of optimism, resilience, innovation, creativity, and strength, and that you feel a great sense of pride for being part of such an incredible community. Above all else, we have much to be grateful for and much to look forward to.
In the words of A.E. Milne: “Promise me you’ll always remember − you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I think we all learned that this past year and I am forever grateful for each of you. The STS community inspires, creates, and is good for the world.
NIL NISI OPTIMUM.