Celebrate Our Story
It all began with an idea.
50 years ago, it all began with an idea. In 1971, a group of forward-thinking, courageous leaders and educators broke ground on a new campus in a remote, rural area just south of Calgary, Alberta. Little did they know that this tiny school with big ideas would go on to become the gold standard of independent private education in Canada − and around the world. The STS of today is the result of five decades of vision, hard work, commitment, and love.
Celebrate Our History
It all began with an idea. The Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School you know today is the result of five decades of vision, hard work, commitment, and love. Join us as we explore some of the most pivotal moments in our school’s history.
1970
Construction begins on new School.
1971
STS holds its opening ceremonies on September 18.
1972
The Locke Poetry and Short Story Contest is established.
1973
Mixed gender classes are introduced for the first time.
1977
The Essay Contest is established.
1981
A new wing, Anderson Hall, is added to the School doubling the square footage of the School's academic/resource centres. The new wing cost $2.2 million and expands the library, laboratory space and fine arts department.
1982
"Technology immersion" begins at STS with the purchase of eight Atari and two IBM computers.
1983
W.A. "Sandy" Heard, STS' first Head of School retires. Former teacher, Peter B. Ditchburn takes over the position.
1984
STS launches its Alumni Association on May 28. The first STS Terry Fox run occurs. Since the initial event, STS has raised more than $630,000 for cancer research. The first Marti McKay week is held in memory of an STS student named Marti, who passed away in 1981.
1985
Lord Strathcona pays his first visit to STS on April 4, as part of celebrations commemorating the centennial of the driving of the last spike in the Canadian Pacific Railway.
1987
The first Heritage Polo Match is held and the dedication of Anderson Hall takes place.
1988
In Calgary’s Olympic year, classes were paused in February, to allow students, parents, faculty, and staff an opportunity to see the Games.
1989
The summer uniform is introduced. Designed by the Grade 5 class of 1987-1988, the uniform is worn in May, June, September and October. First Black Watch Ball was held in the spring at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club.
From the Archives
For half a century, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School has continued to set the bar for independent private education in Canada. Enjoy the gallery below and take a walk down memory lane. Click on some of the photos to download archived documents too!
Have a photo you would like to share? Please email it to sts50@sts.ab.ca with a description!
Celebrate Today
Welcome home to STS! In honour of 50 years of excellence, we are inviting our students, alumni, faculty, and staff to celebrate this milestone with us. With an entire year of events planned, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with everyone who has made your STS journey so incredible. Please follow our blog below to discover how we’re working to make our 50th anniversary nothing but the best! Here you will also find an archive of historical stories as well as recent stories from the STS campus that demonstrate our students and alumni finding their passions, giving back to their communities, living a life of purpose, and seeking excellence in all that they do.
Celebrate Our Future
Since 1971, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School has worked towards realizing a strong future for every aspect of independent education in Canada. By inspiring compassionate, curious, and creative global citizens who lead with courage, we are planting the seeds that will carry STS through the next fifty years - and beyond.
